Chapter Thirty-Three: The Foiled Scheme

In just three days, Han Tianyue and his companions reached the lair of the Black Mountain Demon, their plan executed with flawless precision and remarkable speed.

“I don’t think it’ll be too dangerous!” The group stood at the entrance to the Black Mountain Demon’s cave, gazing into the chasm below. This was the very same route they had taken the last time they entered the demon’s domain.

A gust of wind echoed through the darkness as they once again leaped into the abyss.

The secret of their descent lay in the seemingly insubstantial mist that coiled around the chasm’s walls. Though it appeared ethereal, this fog harbored the soul of the Black Mountain range itself. As Han Tianyue and the others fell, the mountain soul slowed their descent. To the naked eye, it seemed as though they were plummeting freely, but in truth, their fall was gentle and controlled.

They landed smoothly at the bottom, where the ground was now devoid of lesser monsters and the furnishings appeared disordered.

“Nothing’s really changed since we left,” Han Tianyue observed, glancing around.

“That means the Black Mountain Demon hasn’t returned,” Fang Zhe replied. “Let’s hurry and look for that lower half of the root!”

A thunderous laugh echoed from deep within the cave. “Who said I haven’t returned?” Black clouds gathered, lightning flashed, and the Black Mountain Demon soared before them, riding the mist.

“How can this be?” The group stared in disbelief at the demon’s sudden appearance.

The Black Mountain Demon sneered, “Did you take me for a fool? Qingfeng knows me well enough to realize my life depends on that lower root. If you want to destroy me, you must first destroy it!”

His anger intensified, “The elves once treated me this way, and now you little wretches dare to do the same? If I don’t kill you today, I swear I am no demon!”

With a roar, the Black Mountain Demon surged forward, overwhelming them.

Mao Xuanzi stepped up, thrusting out his palm. “Blazing Fire Palm!”

A burning handprint shot toward the demon, turning the thunderclouds into a sea of fire.

The demon spat a plume of black smoke, snuffing out the flames. “You’ve gotten better at your little fire tricks, haven’t you, boy?”

Seizing the moment while the demon was distracted, Feng Shang unleashed his own signature move. “Whirlwind Storm!”

A fierce gale whipped up, sweeping the demon away in an instant.

“Everyone, run!” Their scheme exposed, they had no choice but to flee.

From the distance, the demon’s furious bellow rang out, “You brat, not only did you steal my Princess Qingfeng, but you’ve blown me away time and again! I’ll tear you limb from limb!”

Hearing the demon’s wrath, Feng Shang broke out in a cold sweat. He was all too familiar with this place and the way out, so without a word, he bolted.

Watching Feng Shang flee, Qingfeng couldn’t help but smile, her eyes lighting up. “Even running away, he looks so dashing!”

The others raced after him.

“This demon is truly cunning—he saw straight through our plan. If we want to defeat him, we’ll have to find another way,” Han Tianyue said as they ran.

“Let’s worry about escaping first!” For at that moment, the Black Mountain Demon was barreling toward them with all his might. Mao Xuanzi halted, once again unleashing the “Blazing Fire Palm!”

Flames engulfed the thunderclouds, forcing the demon to pause.

They soon reached the place where the Thumb-Sized Scarecrow had sacrificed himself. The atmosphere was hauntingly pure, as if the little scarecrow’s spirit still lingered. “I am the singing scarecrow, oh scarecrow; I am the dancing scarecrow, oh scarecrow!” The tune still seemed to echo through the air.

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