The Journey of Immortal Cultivation-Chapter 865 - 476: Breaking the Shackles (Part 2)
The prisoners trapped in this cave were all shackled. In the eyes of the Mingshui Sect and Qing Ji’s subordinates, they could not exhibit their demonic power, so their bodies were no different from ordinary humans, at most having slightly better physiques and greater strength. It was impossible for them to avoid the perception of the Cicada Bells, so two bells were planted here merely to alert against the prisoners causing trouble inside. Little did they know, Ning Xiaoxian had consumed the Dragon Elephant Fruit and coincidentally had the Demon Skull, such a defiant treasure, allowing her to save herself and then others.
Among the prisoners, there were severely injured individuals who could not possibly lower their body temperatures below the alert line, leaving only one option. She shrugged her shoulders and took two Ice Talismans from her bosom, handing one to Qi Zai. For such tasks, she still trusted her own people more. Besides, White Bird had been adventuring with her for a long time and had quite a tacit understanding in combat.
The two placed the Ice Talismans on themselves, suppressing their divine power (demonic power) to not resist, letting the bone-chilling cold spread from the surface of their bodies inward. This was Ning Xiaoxian’s strength; she spent increasingly long periods in the extreme cold of the Demon Transformation Spring every day. Now, even standing for two hours, she only found it very cold, but her actions weren’t hindered. How could an Ice Talisman compare? However, it was Qi Zai’s first time suffering this, making him a bit uncomfortable. But with his strong physique, lowering his body temperature a few degrees below zero did not affect normal activities.
Others watched, including the two Hidden Guards who were resetting, showing admiration. Cultivators’ so-called ’unafraid of cold and heat’ was merely blocking the chill and heat outside their skin; their bodies had to maintain constant temperature. After all, humans were warm-blooded animals, and low body temperature could lead to many adverse effects, like stiff fingers, confusion, slow actions, weakened heart muscles, and even sudden heart stoppage. Ice Talismans were for warding off enemies. To endure their cold while flexibly synchronizing to cut off the Cicada Bells, solely their astonishing willpower was commendable. Moreover, to hide from these two enhanced Cicada Bells, even the temperature of internal organs must become as cold as a dead thing, an unimaginable ordeal.
Ning Xiaoxian naturally had no time to notice their expressions. Seeing Qi Zai try to flex his fingers and nod to her, she then strode towards the stone wall hiding the Cicada Bells and indeed did not trigger any mechanism. Then she wielded a magic artifact to scrape, powder from the wall softly falling and revealing the ancient bronze-colored bell hidden within. Qi Zai, after transforming into human form, had two short blades as his life-bound magical artifact, reminiscent of the Village Demon Saber she had seen on Earth, but much shorter. The sword body naturally curved, narrow with a thin edge, and wavy patterns on both sides of the blade. These were weapons transformed from his upper and lower beaked parts, excellent at slicing, spinning, and chopping.
Ning Xiaoxian also uncovered the Cicada Bell hidden on the stone wall, and she sent a transmission to Qi Zai, counting down: "Three, two, one!" They both made their move simultaneously, easily shredding the Cicada Bell to pieces.
Silence fell around, indicating the success of this action. The group slipped out one after another, soon seeing a faint light ahead, knowing they were close to the cave entrance.
Ning Xiaoxian left them in the cave, silently moving forward by herself, indeed sighting the three guards standing outside. Two stood still, while one paced back and forth.
Qi Zai transmitted: "Need help?"
"No need." She had already calculated. It wasn’t arrogance but the cave’s narrowness, only allowing one human at a time. Her petite figure was more manageable, while Qi Zai following would hinder his speed.
She placed something on the ground. The item, blackish, began swaying and growing once landed, its front end sprouting bifurcations as thick as arms, growing longer and longer, stealthily winding towards the entrance, resembling a snake crawling at first glance. This was none other than Mr. Devouring Demon Vine Meat Ball, awakened from slumber after successfully advancing stages.
Ning Xiaoxian, meanwhile, used both hands and feet to climb to the cave ceiling stealthily, head downwards, moving forward, not slower than running on the ground. It was nighttime, with outside light illuminating the ground, while the ceiling was shrouded in darkness, perfectly hiding her.
Two soldiers outside stood somewhat carelessly, idly chatting when suddenly behind them, two snake-like things sprang out, extremely fast. Before they could react, they wound around their necks several times, tightly sealing their windpipes, preventing any sound.
One guard was sufficiently alert, instinctively reaching for his warning device at his waist to alert the master rather than struggling with what bound his neck. But the vine coiled and extended like a giant python, wrapping his entire body, holding his arms immobile at his sides. The magic artifact glowing dimly remained two inches away from his fingers, unreachable.
Next, the vines raised their sharp ends excitedly, flaunting them before the terrified eyes of the two guards as if searching for a place to bite. Without hesitation, they pierced through their eyes into their brains, slurping the brains with eerie noises. The Meat Ball, notorious for being a demon hunting vine, originally loved devouring living prey.
Ning Xiaoxian had no time to mind it, focusing on the one pacing back and forth. (To be continued. If you enjoyed this work, you’re welcome to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast recommendation votes, monthly tickets. Your support is my biggest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com for reading.)
