Chapter 65: Rescue! Escape!

Chapter 65: Rescue! Escape!

The last of the mist faded away. Hui found himself in the branch familys complex again. He looked around, searching. Narrow streets wound through small houses, themselves well-kept, though a bit worn and tired, as if no one had lived in them for a time.

This isnt the center square. Where am I? Where are the others?

With no answers, Hui took off running.

Around his neck, Zhubi sat up. Turning his upturned nose to the wind, he sniffed left, right, then leaned to the left.

Over there? Thanks, Zhubi! Hui leaped, grabbed the roof of a house, and hauled himself on top of it. From there, he peered in the direction Zhubi indicated. Through the houses, around a stand of bamboo and past a tall pavilion, he caught sight of the center square. Traces of mist lingered in the air, but otherwise, the center square appeared unharmed.

Eh? Dont tell me, an illusion? How long has Bai Fenfeng been planning this?

Hui leaped from roof to roof. He stepped onto the buildings circling the center square, and the illusion faded. The ruined square appeared once more, along with two misty boxes. One, a deep red, shuddered slightly. The other, a paler mid-pink, laid quiet. Hui glanced between the two, then ran for the paler one. This one isnt as far along! Whether its Li Xiang or Bai Xue, whoevers in this one needs more help!

Im coming! Hui shouted.

Oh? You broke free, Erlan commented.

Startled, Hui froze, mid-leaping off a roof. He lost his balance, pinwheeled his arms, and crashed to the ground.

I have to say, of the three of you, I expected you to fail the trial, Erlan said, tipping his head. He giggled and put a hand over his mouth. Oh dear! I suppose His Eminence did take an interest in you, after all! Id have had to ask for forgiveness if you died mmm, though he might be happy with your corpse as well.

Hui pushed up from the ground. You

He made eye contact with Gu Tian, still dangling from Erlans hand. Gu Tian stared back, dead inside.

Ah, someone else that knows the pain of getting dragged places by their Masters friend. Hui smiled.

Gu Tian scowled at him.

Mmm, well, as promised, Ill retreat. Though I suppose I should warn you: we demonic cultivators were never much for teamwork and coordination, yes?

Huh? Hui asked, tipping his head.

Erlan smiled. He tossed Gu Tian up and slung him over his shoulder, then flew away, the head of the brush streaming away under his foot.

Climbing to his feet, Hui brushed himself off and shook his head at Erlans back. That ones an odd duck and I know enough about ducks to say that.

He turned to the two misty cages once more. The dark one trembled harder, walls darkening. The pale one darkened as well, but remained much paler than the dark one. He hesitated one second more, then ran for the pale one.

He slammed into the mist and bounced off. Hui staggered backward and only just kept his footing. Annoyed, he rubbed his nose. I guess it is a trial realm. It wouldnt make much sense if I could barge in.

Mmm, I guess theres no use! Ill just have to sit outside and rest!

Hui shook his head and clapped his cheeks. Around his neck, Zhubi startled and sat up with a hiss. Not! I cant leave my friends to face the trial realm alone. I have to figure out a way to help! Besides, theres no way I can beat Bai Fenfeng and destroy that lotus without help!

He cast a glance at the hole in the ground. On second thought, no ones come out yet. Well, to be fair, I did just see Bai Fenfeng in the main familys complex. Its not as though shes sitting down there all day, puppy-guarding it.

So then can this small cultivator, perhaps, destroy it all on his own?

This small disciple thanks elder for the high praise, Hui said, bowing stiffly.

Bai Xue laughed and reached for his hair. Out of the corner of his eye, Hui saw the grab coming and danced out of reach.

Before Bai Xue could go in for a second grab, the trial array burst open behind them. Li Xiang cried out, startled, falling from above. Hui turned in time to barely catch her. Her weight slammed into him, and he toppled over backward. Two round and soft somethings pressed against his face. Hui struggled blindly. Cantbreathe!

He broke free and gasped. Li Xiang stared down at him, her cheeks red. Bai Xue stood over them, an appreciative smile on his face. He shot Hui a thumbs up.

Li Xiang jumped off him and clutched her robes shut. She gave Hui a dirty look, whole face bright red.

Betrayed, Hui gave her a hurt look back. Elder sister, dont look at me like that! I didnt do anything! You jumped on me, okay?

That realm was nonsense, Li Xiang announced angrily.

You couldnt beat the trial? You dont seem the type to fight underhandedly, Bai Xue said, cutting his eyes at Hui.

Hui gave him an aggrieved look back. Why do my elders think so poorly of me?

Li Xiang brushed down her robes and straightened her hems, then shook her head at them. That trial realm was broken! It said Id face enemies I had struck down, but it threw experts Id never seen before at me! Experts high above my realm, too!

Huh? It worked for me, Bai Xue said.

Hui shrugged. Me as well.

Eh? Xiao Hui, you faced your past enemies and lived? Bai Xue asked.

Of course. Im a righteous and forthright cultivator. Why would I have trouble facing those Ive defeated by pure and honest means? Hui replied. He crossed his arms and shook his head at Bai Xue, giving her a disappointed look.

You didnt break out of the array by manipulating the spells like you did with Li Xiangs trial? Bai Xue prodded.

No, Hui said honestly. I didnt manipulate the array itself, anyways.

Hes telling the truth? Li Xiang said, startled.

Bai Xue frowned at Hui. Are you really Weiheng Hui?

Is it really that surprising? Hui asked indignantly.

Li Xiang jumped up. The bud!

Theres a barrier, Hui warned her, even as Li Xiang bolted for it. She sliced at the hole in the ground, but just like Hui, her sword bounced off harmlessly.

Bai Xue glanced around him. Wheres Jingwen?

Hui and Li Xiang looked around as well. The square stood empty aside from them.

I ended up a long way from the square. Maybe the trial realm threw her away, as well? Hui suggested.

Bai Xue shook his head. I dont sense her. She isnt nearby. Or he glanced down. Shes behind a barrier.