Chapter Ninety-Three: The Crisis of the Yu Family

Ning Yixuan walked at the rear with Yu Youwei. Witnessing the sudden disaster ahead, he reached out to pull her back into the rainforest, but before he could, she had already leapt forward, vaulting past the Ning family disciples and brandishing her sword straight at the giant rock lizard.

The rock lizard raised its head and let out a long, piercing wail, the soundwaves tangible and pulsing like tides. The dark river surged a hundred meters high, and stones rained down from the sheer cliffs above. The Ning family disciples staggered and clutched their heads, screaming in agony. Yu Youwei, too, felt as if she had fallen into a quagmire—barely three meters from the creature’s head, she could advance no further.

With other Ning family members present, she could not summon the little white bear for help. The Crimson Flame Sword Spirit was dormant; disturbing it was unwise. Gripping the Greenshade Sword with one hand, Yu Youwei continuously channeled her power, locked in a stalemate with the beast. With her other hand, she retrieved thunder talismans from her storage ring and hurled them like she had an endless supply.

One after another, the thunder talismans struck the lizard’s massive head. Its pale gray pupils contracted sharply; its maw gaped wide, spitting out a pomegranate-sized, gray-white demon core. An overwhelming beastly aura radiated in all directions—the dark river instantly calmed. Only a few, such as Ning Jinchun, remained standing; the rest of the Ning disciples toppled over in a disgraceful heap.

The beast's aura was the least of her worries. The instant the soundwave ceased, Yu Youwei released the Greenshade Sword. A stunning streak of azure light split the void, piercing the demon core in a single thrust.

A chilling, anguished howl burst forth as the rock lizard’s colossal body reared up. The demon core exploded, sending waves of gray-white energy crashing outward.

How cunning—it had feigned a demon core to deceive! Yu Youwei was startled; before she could react, her body was flung backward, seized by the rock lizard’s sweeping tail.

“Sister-in-law!” Ning Yixuan cried out, trying to rush forward but was deliberately blocked by Ning Jinchun.

The crushing force threatened to shatter every bone in her body; her chest felt on the verge of bursting, suffocation nearly overwhelming her. Yu Youwei struggled with all her might but could not break free. The lizard’s tail coiled tighter, then slammed her viciously into the ground.

A thunderous crash—the damp earth caved in, forming a deep pit. The lizard’s tail yanked Yu Youwei from the crater, flinging her toward its gaping maw. Its fetid breath washed over her as the slavering jaws drew near. She jerked her head aside. In a flash of blue, the Greenshade Sword materialized in her hand. With a deft motion, she thrust the blade seven inches below the creature’s throat, twisted, and dislodged a walnut-sized demon core.

Catching the gleaming orb, Yu Youwei breathed a sigh of relief. The rock lizard, which had bound her, quickly dissolved into mist and vanished.

“Sister-in-law, thank goodness you’re safe!” Ning Yixuan rushed over in excitement, expressing his joy and admiration for Yu Youwei, words tumbling out in a frenzy. The other Ning disciples also crowded around her, praising the family head’s foresight in having Ning Zhongwu bring her.

Ning Jinwen, who considered himself second only to Ning Baixia, was consumed with envy and hatred at the sight. With his own brother dead, he seemed possessed, charging at Yu Youwei and shouting, “You watched Jinwen die on purpose!”

“How can you blame Sister-in-law for Jinwen’s death? We were at the back; it was too late to save him!” someone retorted.

“The family head made her leader—she’s responsible for everyone in the team. Failing to save him means she neglected her duty!” Ning Jinchun snarled, eyes blazing with fury, his close allies joining him in a circle.

“Don’t twist the facts!” Ning Yixuan shouted indignantly.

“Enough,” Yu Youwei said coldly as she swept Ning Jinchun with an icy glance. “There’s no need to argue with mad dogs. Anyone who wishes to continue with me must obey my commands. Otherwise, your fate is none of my concern.” With that, she strode off ahead.

The others hurried after her. Those surrounding Ning Jinchun exchanged looks, then dragged him along in pursuit.

The spinning Greenshade Sword traced arcs of azure light, weaving through flowers and leaves, its sharp whistle cleaving the air. One by one, golden-tailed bees exploded in bursts of light, scattering bean-sized demon cores across the ground. Soon, the earth was carpeted with them. At last, the golden-tailed bee king emerged from its nest in the rocks. The instant its head appeared, Yu Youwei struck with a swift sword thrust.

The bee king recoiled sharply, and the sword light pierced the rock wall instead, sending shards flying as the fissure widened rapidly. Ning Jinchun seized the opportunity, sending a lotus of flame into the crack. The bee king and the remaining bees swarmed out in a frenzied cloud. Deep within the fissure came a muffled explosion.

“Not good, fall back!” Yu Youwei’s expression changed; she called for everyone to retreat. But Ning Jinchun and his close allies concentrated on besieging the bee king, while others scrambled to collect the demon cores. Only Ning Yixuan and a few others followed her to safety.

A wave of magma burst forth from the widening fissure, scorching heat rolling out. Though Ning Jinchun’s group summoned their powers for protection, their exposed skin cracked and blistered instantly. They tried to flee, but the magma poured over the area, transforming it into a lake of molten rock. From within, flaming birds and beasts sprang forth.

The illusions of birds and beasts conjured by the magma surrounded Ning Jinchun’s group, who could barely hold their ground.

“It’s over. How did we break through the Fire Extreme Barrier?” Ning Yixuan stamped his foot in anxiety.

Within the Illusion Demon Realm, five elemental barriers divided the land: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. These were the most perilous regions in the realm. Great risk brought great reward—within each barrier, the quality and concentration of Illusion Demon Insects were far greater than outside.

Now that the Fire Extreme Barrier was broken, even those who had not moved were already within the fire domain. Crossing the fire space to the exit would bring them close to the teleportation array.

“Groups of three, divide the tasks,” Yu Youwei ordered decisively. After soaking three days in the Dragon Blood Pool, her body had been thoroughly transformed; her advantage in the Fire Illusion Space was clear. The burning air flickered between light and shadow; everyone else felt as though they were being roasted alive, but she moved in perfect comfort. With three fallen disciples and herself, the remainder formed eleven groups, arranging themselves in a wedge formation behind her.

Endless waves of white-cored blue flames surged like a mighty river, unfurling like a vast scroll. Birds and beasts danced across its surface, yet there was not a sound to be heard. Yu Youwei walked leisurely, as if strolling through a garden, not bothering to shield herself with power, but allowing the flames to embrace her. The discerning would realize she was in a state of cultivation.

Her power flowed according to the Flame Evolution Technique; the essence of the fire seeped into her body, purifying all impurities from blood and bone. Her body was further tempered, her power circulating ever faster, surging within her core, hinting at a breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment stage.

Just as her power verged on overflowing, a suction force came from the Crimson Flame Sword at her wrist. Her energy, beyond her control, poured into the sword. “So much for being dormant and not to be disturbed—when it comes to devouring power, you’re quick enough. Always hungry,” Yu Youwei muttered in irritation.

The Crimson Flame Sword Spirit remained utterly silent.