Chapter 954: The Duo
When the people of the Li Tianwang lineage emerged from the forest, they did not encounter anyone from the Zhao Tianwang lineage; it seemed that Zhao Yan truly did not wish to initiate a decisive battle with them at this time.
The overall strength of both sides was quite similar, and without the intervention of a powerful external force, it would not be easy to determine a victor; the most likely outcome would be both sides retreating after paying a heavy price.
And at such a time, if an external enemy were secretly watching, it is possible that both sides' journey in the "Spirit Resonance Cave Heaven" would come to an early end.
Therefore, even though Zhao Yan’s heart was filled with raging fire at this moment and he wished he could tear Li Luo into a thousand pieces, he could only lead his people away.
As for the Flame Demon Hall, as soon as Zhao Yan gave the signal to retreat, Tian Miao decisively led his people away; one can imagine that at that time, he was also cursing Zhao Yan to his face in his heart.
However, although they did not see any traces of the Zhao Tianwang lineage, the teams of the Five Heavenly Dragon lineages still kept moving forward together to avoid being caught in a surprise counterattack by the Zhao Tianwang lineage.
The group began to head deeper toward the direction of the "Golden Dew Terrace," also entering the deeper regions of the Spirit Resonance Cave Heaven.
But this situation only lasted for half a day before the leaders of each lineage gathered together to discuss the next steps.
"Everyone, at this point, I am afraid we cannot continue to travel together like this." The first to speak was Li Wuyuan, who wore a look of helplessness, because after half a day, they had found some "Spirit Resonance Golden Dew," but the harvest was truly far worse compared to the mountain forests earlier.
Each time they could only find one or two drops, but the five-lineage team added up to nearly a hundred people; these pitiful few drops of "Spirit Resonance Golden Dew" not only failed to make people happy, but every time they were found, the teams of each lineage would have minor disputes over the distribution. Although they were all kept in check, the frequency of these incidents truly dragged down efficiency and was frustrating.
"The Zhao Tianwang lineage should have also withdrawn; they cannot follow for this long, so this collective mode can indeed be changed." Li Luo also expressed his agreement with this, because according to past practice, it is best to advance in scattered pairs at this time, each searching for "Spirit Resonance Golden Dew"; only in this way can more people possess sufficient authorization before arriving at the "Golden Dew Terrace."
The leaders of the other lineages nodded in agreement upon hearing this.
"Since that is the case, let each lineage distribute and form teams themselves. Let us disperse here and meet again later at the 'Golden Dew Terrace'," said Li Wuyuan.
Everyone nodded, and Li Luo and Li Fujing walked back to the Longyawei team.
Li Luo explained to everyone, saying: "Now, acting separately is the most efficient way, so from now on, we will form teams of two, pairing high with low to look out for one another."
The so-called pairing of high and low refers to one high-star Heavenly Pearl stage cultivator taking one person with lower strength; this can ensure the high-level combat power of the duo and also effectively distribute suitable small teams.
"I will be in a team with Cousin Li Luo; after all, my mission this time is to protect him."
Li Lingjing spoke first upon hearing this, and then she glanced at Li Fujing and smiled, "Fujing, you won't fight me for him, will you?"
Li Fujing curled her lips and said, "It's not like he's some precious treasure, what's there to fight over? I'll be in a team with Fengyi."
Afterward, the others also quickly formed their teams; in fact, this was already set from the beginning. Deng Fengxian and Lu Ze were a team, while Li Jingtao formed a team with the Great Banner Leader of the previous Purple Qi Banner.
Seeing that everyone had assigned their duos, Li Luo smiled and said, "Since that is the case, I wish everyone success in collecting enough 'Spirit Resonance Golden Dew,' and we will meet at the 'Golden Dew Terrace'."
"Little Brother, take care of yourself," Li Fengyi urged.
Li Luo smiled and nodded, saying, "If you encounter danger, you can fire our Longyawei signal. If I sense it, I will definitely come to your rescue at full speed."
"You too. This time, the Zhao Tianwang lineage hates you to the bone. If there is an opportunity, they will definitely take revenge on you," Li Jingtao reminded him.
Li Luo agreed.
Thus, the Five Heavenly Dragon lineages made their assignments and said their goodbyes, and one could see numerous two-person teams scattering and flying out.
Li Luo and Li Lingjing also chose a direction to advance; he flapped his energy dragon wings at a steady pace, while beside him, Li Lingjing flew through the air, her body surrounded by thick resonant power.
The two passed over mountains and rivers, and from time to time, they would land to investigate when they discovered places with dense heaven and earth energy.
Usually, it was Li Luo doing the searching, while Li Lingjing followed him leisurely, picking a tree branch and waving it casually. At the same time, she used a leaf to make a simple leaf whistle, blowing a clear and pleasant sound near her small mouth.
It looked like she had an indescribable, leisurely elegance.
Sometimes when they encountered "Guardian Spirits," it was mostly Li Luo who took action, and at this time, Li Lingjing would stand by, smiling and blowing her whistle to cheer him on.
Occasionally, they would also encounter groups of unruly rogue cultivators. These rogue cultivators were like jackals, greedy and fierce. The ones with low strength were only at the Fiend Body stage, while the high ones were at the multi-star Heavenly Pearl stage. If it were just Li Luo alone, it might not be easy to escape these people; after all, no one here cares about your status or background. If they really moved to rob or kill you, no one would know.
Fortunately, Li Luo had such a reliable guard as Li Lingjing. Her strength, comparable to an eight-star Heavenly Pearl stage, was enough to deter these greedy rogue cultivators from harboring any ulterior motives.
Thus, two days passed quietly under the tacit cooperation of the two.
Over the two days, they harvested eight drops of "Spirit Resonance Golden Dew," and added to the distribution from the valley earlier, both now had about fifteen drops each, which could be considered halfway to the target.
However, no one would complain about having too much "Spirit Resonance Golden Dew," because even if one gathered thirty drops to open the Golden Dew Terrace authorization, the excess could still be used to temper one's own resonance. In a sense, this "Spirit Resonance Golden Dew" is equivalent to a type of "Spirit Water and Strange Light" produced by heaven and earth itself.
If this item were placed in the outside world, it would certainly attract much pursuit, but unfortunately, once Spirit Resonance Golden Dew leaves the Spirit Resonance Cave Heaven, it only has a short shelf life.
However, neither Li Luo nor Li Lingjing were in a hurry. There was still time, and gathering thirty drops of "Spirit Resonance Golden Dew" should not be a difficult task for them.
On the vast wilderness, a campfire rose.
Li Luo took out prepared dried meat from his space ball and roasted it over the campfire. Golden grease dripped down, sparking in the fire, and a thick fragrance permeated the air.
Li Lingjing sat obediently to the side, her bright eyes fixed on the meat, looking eager.
Li Luo fiddled with the roasted meat and smiled at Li Lingjing, "Cousin Lingjing seems much more relaxed these past few days."
Li Lingjing’s fair nose lightly sniffed the fragrance of the roasted meat, and she said, "Without others around, it is indeed more relaxed."
Li Luo paused and said, "Cousin Lingjing seems to dislike interacting with people now?"
Li Lingjing lowered her eyes and said, "Perhaps it is the aftereffects of the past few years."
Li Luo used a bamboo skewer to pick up a piece of crispy roasted meat, handed it to Li Lingjing, and said softly, "Cousin Lingjing, do not worry. The nightmares of the past are already over. With your talent, you will surely be an unparalleled genius of my Longyawei in the future, and becoming a Marquis or a King is just around the corner."
Li Lingjing covered her red lips with her fair hand, her pearly white teeth gently tearing off a strand of meat. Her red lips appeared even more alluring under the stain of the grease. A hint of a smile seemed to be in her eyes as she said, "Cousin Li Luo speaks very nicely."
"When we parted earlier, Cousin Li Fengyi privately entrusted me to take good care of you. You have many enemies; besides the Zhao Tianwang lineage, there is also that 'Water Fairy' from the Qin Tianwang lineage whose beauty is renowned throughout the Tianyuan Divine Continent. So rest assured, even without these nice words, I will diligently protect you."
Immediately, she gave a strange smile and said, "Of course, that 'Water Fairy' is a stunning woman. If Cousin Li Luo does not want me to intervene, you can also solve it yourself."
Li Luo rolled his eyes, finished the roasted meat in a few bites, and began to practice.
Li Lingjing sat by the campfire, holding a stick and poking the firewood. Suddenly, her fair hand paused, her willow brows furrowed slightly, and at the same time, her gaze looked toward the darkness in the distance.
Ever since entering the Spirit Resonance Cave Heaven this time, she had had a strange feeling, as if something was watching her.
That feeling was cold and eerie, faintly giving her a familiar sensation.
Li Lingjing’s beautiful eyes narrowed slightly, and a terrifying, grim emotion flowed deep within her pupils. Her slender fingers slowly exerted force, crushing the wooden stick into powder.
"Do not force me..."
As the campfire crackled and burned, it seemed as if an inaudible whisper was sounding.
End of Chapter
