From a loser to an immortal sage

Chapter 81 Malice Encircles, Perilous Path

The black powder silently seeped into the soil, and an ominous premonition rose in my heart. This powder was definitely not benevolent; Mu Feng wanted to stop me from getting close to this ancient tree, or even… harm me! I gripped my sword tightly, my fingertips turning white. What exactly did he want to do? What secrets did this ancient tree hold?

I dared not reveal myself rashly and could only continue to observe from the shadows. Mu Feng's men dispersed, each hiding in the dense forest surrounding the ancient tree, forming an encirclement. Mu Feng himself circled the ancient tree, seemingly checking if his arrangements were appropriate. The sinister smile on his face grew deeper, as if he could already foresee my embarrassing predicament as I fell into a trap.

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to calm down. Since Mu Feng was so deliberately targeting me, I couldn't let him succeed. I had to find a way to bypass these traps and reach that ancient tree.

I quietly retreated, avoiding the sight of Mu Feng's men, and began searching for other paths. In the dense jungle, the light was dim, and the shadows of the trees swayed. I carefully discerned my direction and moved towards the direction of that strange light.

I hadn't walked far when I sensed something was off about the air around me; a dangerous aura permeated the air. A chill ran down my spine, and I immediately became more alert. Mu Feng's methods were definitely not limited to those black powders; he must have set traps elsewhere as well.

I slowed my pace, carefully observing my surroundings. Suddenly, my footing gave way, and I plummeted to the ground. Oh no! It's a trap!

I quickly circulated my spiritual energy to protect my entire body, but I was still struck by a powerful force, and a sharp pain shot through my legs. I gritted my teeth, endured the pain, and tried my best to control my body to prevent myself from falling further.

The trap wasn't deep, and I quickly reached the bottom. I struggled to my feet and checked my injuries. My leg had been cut by a sharp wooden stake, and blood was gushing out, staining my robes red.

I tore off a piece of my shirt and hastily bandaged my wound, inwardly cursing Mu Feng's despicable shamelessness. He had no spiritual roots, yet he had reached this point, relying not only on hard work and luck, but more importantly on his unwavering will. If I fell here, wouldn't Mu Feng's triumph be in vain?

I can't stop here! I must get to that ancient tree as soon as possible and complete the trial!

I took a deep breath, gritting my teeth against the pain in my legs, and limped forward. The traps around me were becoming increasingly dense, and I had to be extra careful with every step I took.

I know Mu Feng is secretly watching me, waiting to see me fail. I can't let him have his way! I must persevere, complete the trial, and prove myself!

As I struggled forward, I suddenly heard a faint sound not far away, like someone talking. I quickly hid behind a big tree, held my breath, and listened carefully.

"...Elder Xing's arrangement of this trial is far too biased towards Xiao Yao. The spiritual energy near that glowing ancient tree is the most concentrated. Just by getting close, one can absorb a lot of spiritual energy, which would be of great benefit to the trial. Senior Brother Mu Feng went to great lengths to set up obstacles, just to prevent her from getting any benefits easily..."

My heart skipped a beat. So Mu Feng's target was the dense spiritual energy near that glowing ancient tree! He set up so many traps not only to target me, but also to prevent me from getting close to the ancient tree and absorbing its spiritual energy!

"Shh! Keep your voice down! It'll be troublesome if Elder Xing hears us!" another voice warned nervously.

I cautiously peeked out and looked in the direction of the sound. I saw two disciples dressed in celestial palace robes talking furtively, one of them holding a jade tablet that was shimmering with a faint light...

That jade pendant… My heart skipped a beat. The shimmering light was remarkably similar to the glow emanating from the ancient tree! Could there be some connection between the jade pendant and the ancient tree?

As I was pondering this, one of the disciples suddenly said, "Senior Brother Mu Feng said that anyone who can stop Xiao Yao from getting close to the ancient tree during this trial will be richly rewarded!"

Another disciple quickly nodded in agreement: "Of course! Senior Brother Mu Feng is the chief disciple of the Star River Sword Sect, his future is limitless! Following him, we will definitely rise to prominence in the future!"

I sneered inwardly. Mu Feng was truly going to any lengths to stop me. It seemed he had not only set a trap in the trial grounds but had also bribed the disciples of the Immortal Palace!

Just as I was about to continue listening, I suddenly heard footsteps approaching from not far away. Startled, I quickly shrank back and hid even more deeply.

"What's going on? How come there's a trap here?" A dignified voice rang out; it was Hall Master Zhao!

"Master Zhao, we don't know either. Maybe one of the trial participants accidentally did it," the two disciples who had spoken earlier quickly explained.

"An accident?" Hall Master Zhao sneered. "This trap is so ingeniously set up, how could it be set up by accident? I think someone deliberately broke the trial rules!"

The two disciples' expressions changed, and they stammered, unable to speak.

"Hmph! I will definitely investigate this matter thoroughly!" Hall Master Zhao left in a huff.

I sighed inwardly. It seemed that although Hall Master Zhao had noticed that someone was maliciously breaking the rules, he did not have conclusive evidence and could not punish Mu Feng and the others.

As I was thinking, I suddenly sensed someone approaching. I looked up warily and saw Fairy Yun standing in front of me, holding a clean gauze and a bottle of ointment.

"Miss Xiao Yao, how are your injuries?" Fairy Yun asked with concern.

I quickly thanked her, saying, "Thank you for your concern, Fairy Yun. My injuries are not serious."

While tending to my wounds, Fairy Yun said softly, "This trial is fraught with danger. Miss Xiao Yao, you must be extra careful, especially... those around you."

Her tone was meaningful, and I immediately understood what she meant. She was reminding me to be careful of Mu Feng and other competitors!

I glanced gratefully at Fairy Yun and nodded: "Thank you for the reminder, Fairy Yun. I will be careful."

After Fairy Yun bandaged my wound, she handed me a bottle of healing pills: "These pills can help you recover quickly from your injuries. Please accept them."

I thanked her again and accepted the pill. After Fairy Yun left, I immediately took the pill, sat cross-legged, and began to circulate my internal energy to heal my injuries.

The medicine was very potent, and my injuries were quickly brought under control. I opened my eyes, a resolute glint in them. Mu Feng, do you think this will stop me? I won't let you succeed!

I stood up and continued towards the ancient tree. I knew the road ahead would be even more difficult, but I wouldn't give up!

Suddenly, I felt the air around me become heavy again, and a murderous aura surged from all directions. My heart skipped a beat, and I drew my longsword sharply, cautiously looking around.

"Xiao Yao, you really are here!" A cold voice rang out, and Mu Feng led a group of people out of the dense forest. They surrounded me, their eyes gleaming with greed. "Hand over what you have!"

I gripped the longsword tightly, its blade reflecting a chilling light that illuminated Mu Feng's distorted face. Behind him followed a dozen or so trial participants, each with an unfriendly expression and greedy glint in their eyes, as if I were some lamb to the slaughter, carrying some priceless treasure.

"Mu Feng, what do you mean by this?" I asked coldly, trying to remain calm, even though my heart was already racing.

"What do you mean? Xiao Yao, stop pretending!" Mu Feng sneered. "We know all your secrets! If you know what's good for you, hand over what you got from the ancient tree, and maybe we'll spare your life!"

I sneered inwardly. They really were here for the ancient tree! It seems my earlier guess was right; there must be some connection between this jade tablet and the ancient tree. Unfortunately, I still don't know what that connection is.

"I don't know what you're talking about." My tone was icy, my gaze sweeping over the menacing crowd around me. "If you want what's mine, let's see if you have the ability!"

Before I could finish speaking, I launched the first attack. My movements were as swift as lightning, my sword flashing, and I went straight for Mu Feng. Knowing that I was not weak, he dared not take the attack head-on and quickly dodged.

Seeing this, the others swarmed forward, surrounding me. I brandished my longsword, its blade flashing, forcing back several approaching enemies. However, one cannot fight against so many; the enemies were simply too numerous, and I gradually felt overwhelmed.

While fending off the attacks, I searched for an opportunity to break through. This area was densely wooded and had complex terrain; perhaps I could use the terrain to escape them. I fought and retreated, intentionally leading the battlefield to an area filled with scattered rocks.

The jagged rocks and craggy stones provided me with some cover. I used the terrain to my advantage, sometimes hiding behind boulders and sometimes leaping to higher ground, using my agile movements to maneuver around my enemies.

However, Mu Feng and his group were clearly prepared. They cooperated seamlessly, pressing forward relentlessly, giving me no chance to catch my breath. I already had several wounds on my body, and my clothes were stained red with blood.

"Xiao Yao, you can't escape!" Mu Feng's voice was full of smugness. "Just surrender obediently!"

I gritted my teeth, a resolute glint in my eyes. I couldn't give up; I had to reach the ancient tree and unravel its secrets!

In the midst of the fierce battle, I suddenly noticed that the southeastern part of the enemy encirclement seemed to be less heavily defended. There was only a small, thin trial participant guarding it, making it appear relatively easy to break through.

A thought flashed through my mind, and I made a decision immediately. I took a deep breath, mobilized the little spiritual power I had left, concentrated my power on one point, and charged towards the thin, small trial participant.

With a flash of sword light, the trial participant let out a scream and was blasted away by my sword energy. Taking advantage of the opportunity, I broke through the encirclement and rushed towards the direction of that strange light.

"Chase her! Don't let her get away!" Mu Feng's angry roar rang out behind me. I didn't turn around and ran forward with all my might.

The wind whistled past my ears, and the shadows of the trees rushed by. I felt my spiritual energy was almost depleted, but I knew I couldn't stop!

Ahead, the light grew closer and brighter...

Suddenly, I felt my feet sink into the ground...

I felt like I was falling into an abyss; the whooshing wind in my ears turned into a sharp shriek, and my stomach churned violently. The intense feeling of weightlessness made it almost impossible for me to breathe. I desperately tried to grab onto something, but there was only empty air around me.

"Ah!" I couldn't help but exclaim in surprise, this sudden turn of events caught me completely off guard.

After falling for an unknown amount of time, I crashed heavily to the ground. A sharp pain shot through my entire body; I felt as if my bones were about to shatter. I struggled to get up, but found my limbs too weak to move, and could only barely lift my head.

I found myself in a dark cave with a very high ceiling that seemed to stretch endlessly. The cave walls were covered with strangely shaped plants that emitted a faint glow, casting an eerie green hue over the cave.

"Cough cough..." I coughed violently, my mouth filled with the taste of dirt. I tried to circulate the remaining spiritual energy in my body to repair my injuries, but I found that my spiritual energy was severely depleted and almost impossible to mobilize.

"Xiao Yao! Where are you?" Mu Feng's voice came from the cave entrance, carrying a hint of anxiety and anger.

My heart tightened; I knew they would find this place soon. I endured the pain, struggled to my feet, and staggered deeper into the cave.

The cave wound its way through the mountains, and I lost track of how long I walked, only noticing the light growing brighter before me. A glimmer of hope ignited within me—could this be the strange light I had been waiting for?

Finally, I reached the end of the cave. Suddenly, a vast space opened up before me.

This place appears to be an ancient ruin, with mysterious runes carved into the surrounding walls, emitting a faint golden light. In the center of the space stands a massive altar, above which floats a bead that shines with an eerie glow.

This bead emanated a powerful energy fluctuation, sending a chill down my spine. Instinctively, I felt that this bead was what I had been searching for!

"Haha! Xiao Yao, you really are here!" Mu Feng's voice rang out again. He led a group of people and rushed in from the cave entrance, a ferocious smile on his face.

"It seems this treasure is destined to be mine!" Mu Feng stared greedily at the bead, his eyes gleaming with fanaticism. He walked step by step toward the altar, reaching out to grab the bead.

I was anxious and wanted to stop him, but I found myself completely powerless to move. I watched helplessly as Mu Feng's hand was about to touch the bead...

Suddenly, the runes on the altar lit up, and a dazzling light shot out from the bead, enveloping Mu Feng.

"Ah—" Mu Feng let out a shrill scream... The light on the altar grew brighter and brighter, and I instinctively shielded my eyes with my hand... Then, I heard a deep voice, as if from ancient times, yet so close... "You, are you willing to bear this..."