Chapter 248: Reaction, Response, Speculation

Uncle Xinran.

What is this?

Elder Xinran saw Ming Jianzi's despondent demeanor, as if he had suffered a major blow.

No need to look; this Wild Dragon Snake Cave Realm expedition definitely ran into trouble.

In this opening of the cave realm, many died; of those who entered, only a handful seemed to emerge alive.

Elder Xinran was naturally concerned; regarding the Wild Dragon Snake, she would not intervene, as too many things are entangled, and meddling would bring great trouble.

But she was not indifferent; she kept track of how many went in and how many came out.

Ming Jianzi emerged three days ago, hiding to heal his wounds; today he regained a bit of strength. Zhuge Ruolan and Jing Yuheng, who left with him, departed early, especially Holy Maiden Zhuge Ruolan, who fled at once; that woman did not want to stay in Longshe Cheng—it was too dangerous.

Jing Yuheng left Longshe Cheng immediately, his destination unknown; news of the Demon‑Subduing General's death spread, and the soldiers surrounding the city withdrew.

It seemed many were watching this battle, and they all… fell.

The arrival of the Fifth Heavy Mountain made those forces realize that this Wild Dragon Snake Cave Realm opening was a trap; everyone was duped. They predicted no one could emerge alive. The Fifth Heavy Mountain was not an insider but an outsider, ruthless— even if he slaughtered everyone, no one would dare offend him.

However, unexpectedly, the Fifth Heavy Mountain died, never emerging alive; the Wild Dragon Snake Cave Realm vanished, taken away by someone with great divine power. Only three survived, and they were all protected— for example, Ming Jianzi, who had been watched and guarded by Elder Xinran, with no one else allowed near.

The factions that wanted to inquire about what happened inside disappeared en masse; no one dared to provoke Elder Xinran, the Killing Deity.

"Ah, don't bring it up. This time, I almost died. You were right, Elder."

"I shouldn't have come to the Wild Dragon Snake Cave Realm, sigh."

Ming Jianzi regretted it, but it was useless to regret now.

What happened has already occurred; no matter what you say, it's over.

Being alive is enough; at least he didn't die.

He sat down, took a drink, and Ming Jianzi asked, "Uncle, do you know Chen Chuyang of Dragon Snake Mountain?"

Elder Xinran looked intently at Ming Jianzi and said, "Did you encounter him?"

Ming Jianzi shook his head quickly; at a time like this he couldn't speak— he had taken an oath and was bound by a seal, unable to reveal Chen Chuyang's existence.

Everything that happened inside the Wild Dragon Snake Cave Realm could be spoken of, except Chen Chuyang.

Elder Xinran stared at him for a while, understood his reservation, and did not press further.

She gazed into the distance; if Chen Chuyang of Dragon Snake Mountain meddled in the Wild Dragon Snake Cave Realm, then could the Fifth Heavy Mountain's death be linked to him?

If so, wouldn't that mean—

This matter could turn terrible.

If that kid really did this, the consequences would be unimaginable.

"Who killed the Fifth Heavy Mountain?"

Ming Jianzi looked up, astonished at Elder Xinran, not expecting her to know about the Fifth Heavy Mountain.

"Uncle, you also know the Fifth Heavy Mountain?"

Elder Xinran replied irritably, "Nonsense, even though I didn't go in, I could know who went out; I thought you'd die inside. The Fifth Heavy Mountain isn't the type to be easy‑going; once he sees you, he won't spare you."

"Is he dead?"

Confirming again, the Fifth Heavy Mountain didn't emerge, so he must be dead; however, without seeing it with her own eyes, Elder Xinran couldn't be 100% certain.

Ming Jianzi nodded, "Uncle, he's dead."

"Who killed him?"

Ming Jianzi fell silent.

Elder Xinran understood and whispered, "Is it related to you?"

Ming Jianzi nodded.

He said nothing further.

Elder Xinran exhaled deeply, "Return to the Spirit Sword Sect. Don't linger here. After you get back, go straight to your master and explain the situation; perhaps it can save your life."

"Go back, Ming Jianzi."

Ming Jianzi clasped his hands, "Yes, Uncle."

He bowed and left, hurrying back to the Spirit Sword Sect.

Elder Xinran watched his departure, pupils narrowing.

"Chen Chuyang?"

"The Fifth Heavy Mountain's death appears to be closely tied to you; this time you might… end up very badly."

"Fine, fine, who made me owe you a favor?"

"Sigh."

Dragon Snake Mountain— I have to go.

She can only go to Dragon Snake Mountain herself to warn Chen Chuyang.

Elsewhere.

Within the mountain‑peak Formation.

Zhuge Ruolan finally caught her breath; her cultivation had recovered a little.

She opened her eyes, glanced at Li Shenghong, and said, "This time, we fell."

Li Shenghong worried, "Holy Maiden, who gravely injured you? My men will avenge you at once."

Zhuge Ruolan raised her hand, "No need, that person is dead."

Li Shenghong asked, "Holy Maiden, where is Holy Maiden Feng Feifei?"

The only one who returned this time was the Holy Maiden herself.

The Holy Maiden Feng Feifei who went with them did not return, which suggests she is already dead?

Li Shenghong dared not speculate wildly, so he deliberately asked.

Zhuge Ruolan said with a sorrowful and indignant expression: "She's dead, she's dead, killed by the Blood Demon."

"Blood Demon? Isn't he already dead?"

Zhuge Ruolan thought for a moment, then briefly explained what happened.

After listening, Li Shenghong stared dumbfounded.

Standing there, dazed for a long time, he never imagined that this journey into the cave-heaven would be so dangerous, even the Holy Maiden almost died.

This is too absurd.

The appearance of the Fifth Heavy Mountain plunged them all into despair.

"Holy Maiden, that person is dead; should we leave this place? Those people outside won't let it rest; they'll definitely send people over, and then we might also."

What Li Shenghong worried about most wasn't others, but the outsiders.

Outsiders, their strength is too great; compared to them, we are like ants.

Even as strong as the Great Qi Dynasty, upon seeing the outsiders, they must show respect and dare not be the slightest bit lax.

If their faction knew the Holy Maiden had offended the outsiders and even participated in killing the Fifth Heavy Mountain, it's likely the Holy Maiden would be sacrificed to appease the outsiders' wrath.

Other factions might not do such a thing, but if it were... the Yin Gui Sect, they would definitely do it.

That selfish lot would do anything.

Holy Maiden, isn't that very dangerous?

Returning to the faction is no option; staying here is very dangerous.

Li Shenghong was somewhat undecided, unable to go anywhere.

"Don't leave; stay here. I might not be able to give you what I promised; later I'll make it up to you."

"Cough cough cough."

Li Shenghong quickly said: "Holy Maiden, don't worry; as long as you're alive, that's enough. We lost this time, but there'll be another chance."

"The Fifth Heavy Mountain is dead; they'll surely retaliate. How should we respond?"

Zhuge Ruolan gazed toward the direction of Longshe Shan, her eyes narrowing again.

"Don't rush; wait for him to make a move, and the outsiders will surely target him first."

"Go prepare a batch of spirit stones for me."

Li Shenghong didn't dare ask, obediently went out to prepare.

Zhuge Ruolan lowered her head and murmured: "Chen Chuyang, this time it's up to you; outsiders, kill him once more, and basically we can guarantee safety."

"You won't let me down, will you?"

Whether she can live depends on the strength of that person from Longshe Shan.