Chapter 271

A married couple appeared, both around fifty years old, their experience in the Wanshan clearly extensive; upon seeing from afar the lone tree that dominated two mu of the forest, they halted.

"Is this a Ghost Struck Banyan?" the wife asked.

"At least three thousand years old," the husband murmured.

The wife said: "Ghost Struck Banyan resembles a Struck Banyan but isn't one—it's not a tree, but a demonic vine."

The husband smiled and replied: "Yes, my wife is right. Then let's call it vine-age—at least three thousand years of vine age."

The wife gave him a look: "Ugly. Fine, fine, just say tree-age. Look, someone's trapped inside, still crying."

The husband shook his head: "Once trapped by a Ghost Struck Banyan, even if still alive, you can't escape. Ghost Banyans possess spirit; some ancient ones even keep livestock."

The wife grew even more curious: "Really? Where do Ghost Banyans keep livestock?"

The husband stroked his beard and chuckled: "Just legends—true or false, who knows? Hehe…"

The couple stepped forward a few paces and called out from afar: "Are you still alive?"

Liu Liu Xiaolou finally stopped sobbing, calmed his racing heart, and rushed to the edge of the canopy: "Elders, please save me!"

The wife asked: "How did you end up here, young man?"

Liu Liu Xiaolou said: "I encountered a spiritual beast and fled in panic, accidentally becoming trapped beneath this tree, unable to escape. If you elders can help me out, I swear I'll repay you with my life!"

The couple studied Liu Liu Xiaolou; seeing his tattered clothes and filthy hair, they felt no fondness.

This ragged appearance—hardly worth rescuing, and even if rescued, what benefit could they gain? He didn't look like he'd fetch a good price.

"Young man, fend for yourself. Perhaps a Jin Dan cultivator might save you—we're merely Foundation Establishment, no such ability," the husband sighed.

"Young man, daring to walk the Wanshan alone means you're a cultivator—but what's your realm? Cultivate earnestly; if you reach Jin Dan, you might escape," the wife smiled reassuringly.

"Wanshan? Not the Three Thousand Mountains?" Liu Liu Xiaolou asked.

"You dare enter the mountains without knowing anything? Reckless indeed… From north to south, from one thousand to ten thousand—all are the Wanshan. Enough joking, young man. If you have any treasures, show them. If one's worth your life, we might consider helping."

The couple stood at a distance, smiling, waiting calmly.

Liu Liu Xiaolou from Wulong Mountain knew well the tactics of this couple—if he handed over anything valuable, they'd turn and leave; if he claimed to have nothing, they'd leave just as quickly.

They claimed to be Foundation Establishment, hard to verify—but even if not, they were likely very close. He must also guard against them pretending to help him, then seizing his treasure and killing him.

These thoughts flashed through his mind; Liu Liu Xiaolou pulled out his Lin Yuan Xuan Stone Array Disc and showed it to them: "Elders, this is my array disc—excellent quality, crafted with many rare spirit materials. Though it appears a simple illusion array, it holds hidden depths. Once you take it and enter, you'll see. If sold, it's worth at least sixty to seventy spirit stones."

"Throw the disc out for us to see."

"Elders, you jest. An array disc cannot be judged unless activated. Why not come closer? I'll activate it, and you'll see its wonders…"

"Hehe, my wife, this young man likes to joke—but his jokes are dull. Let's keep moving."

"Husband's right. Who knows what trick he's playing? Hearts are hard to fathom. Let's go. When he's turned to a dried corpse, we can return and take it."

"If you elders won't save me, I have no words. I'll only dig my own grave beneath this tree before I die, burying this array disc with me—it'll be my eternal companion…"

"Then may you live long, young man. Wife, let's go." With that, the couple turned and walked away.

Liu Liu Xiaolou could only watch helplessly as they vanished, silently chanting: "Come back, come back, come back…"

At this moment, it was a test of who could endure longest!

He held on, watching as the couple entered the forest, their footsteps fading until they disappeared entirely.

The feeling was truly agonizing—a voice kept whispering in his ear: Trust them. What else can you do now? Trade one array disc for a chance—it's worth it!

Yet each time he opened his mouth to surrender, he forcibly suppressed it—he knew well from their manner and speech that they were no good people, and if he handed over the disc before escaping, they'd take it and leave without lifting a finger to help him.

He stood there, waiting helplessly for a long time; when silence settled around him, he slumped to the ground, gazing at the direction where the couple had vanished, his mind empty.

It's fine—someone passed once, so someone will pass again, he told himself. But the more he repeated it, the more despondent he felt: the first passerby came after nearly two years—would the next take another two?

As he wallowed in self-pity, his ears twitched—he spun around sharply—and saw the couple returning!

"Young man, my wife has a kind heart and couldn't bear to see you in such despair—she kept urging me to save you. I couldn't refuse."

"Thank you, Madam! Thank you, Elder!"

"But freeing you won't be easy—we must plan carefully. Young man, what's your cultivation level? Tell the truth, so we can find a way."

"I'm Foundation Establishment—I entered two years ago."

"Oh… impressive young man…" The couple exchanged glances, then asked: "Do you have any ideas?"

Liu Liu Xiaolou said: "Could you elders capture as many birds, rats, rabbits, sheep, deer, and other wild creatures as possible? This tree demon—ah, the Ghost Struck Banyan—has a particular interest in spiritual beasts. If you can include a few spiritually attuned ones among them and bring them in, I might escape when it's distracted. Oh, by the way, may I ask your names? When I'm free, I'll repay you generously!"

"I'm Wan, Wan Wan Shangu. Have you heard of me?"

"And you, young man?"

"I'm Li Mu."

"Brother Li Mu, your plan might work. But spiritual beasts aren't easy to find… Alright, wait here. We'll go catch some now."

"Yes, yes! Thank you, Elder Wan! Thank you, Madam Wan!"

Liu Liu Xiaolou waited at the canopy's edge, watching as the couple split left and right, entering the forest. Soon, commotion erupted within.

Around the Ghost Struck Banyan, countless birds and beasts gathered—weak creatures seeking refuge under its protection, the very ones Liu Liu Xiaolou often drew with his music. They built their nests along the tree's edge, using its power to avoid predation by fiercer beasts.

Today, Wan Wan Shangu and his wife captured dozens in one sweep.

Even they hadn't expected so many; Madam Wan laughed merrily as she snatched them, her silver-bell giggles ringing out, while a net flew from her hand to scoop up fleeing rats, rabbits, deer, and sheep.

The net occasionally brushed the treetops, its flight graceful and precise—clearly the work of a flying sword. Liu Liu Xiaolou confirmed: this couple were truly Foundation Establishment.

Absolutely no match for them—what should he do? He grew frantic with dread.