Chapter 689: Launching a Trap

Chapter 689: Launching a Trap

The Southern Sect Conference arrived at the barrier closing in Eight Tiers Palace. Hui flew over, standing at the barriers edge from inside. He placed his hand on the inside surface of the barrier and sent a powerful pulse of death qi into the barrier.

It doesnt matter if Tseng Caihong knows Im breaking the barrier. Now is not the time to worry about subtlety.

A black wave rippled through the barrier, and the barrier fell to pieces.

On the inside of the barrier, the combatants froze mid-battle. The most powerful ones turned, looking at the shattered barrier, and the lone figure standing there, whod broken it with no visible effort. Jizhi Zhimei stared, jaw beautifully dropped. The sword cultivator openly gaped. Wan Lu twisted his lip, nodding slowly to himself.

Shuhang Han, the body cultivator, sweated. I wasnt too sure about fighting Tseng Caihong, but I think Ill go all in on this team. Where could I hide from that man? How could I defend myself? If he can shatter the sects Grand Barrier that easily, is there any way my defenses could stand up to him?

Haha, and I put him in a death trap. Fuck. I hope hes forgotten about that

He beat it! It was just an ordinary trial. Right? Surely someone of his strength would have found it nothing but an ordinary trial realm.

Thats the last time I underestimate a random hostage.

The Southern Sect Conference surged through the shattering barrier. Li Xiang stood at their head, appearing like an Immortal with her white robes and black hair. She looked down at Hui and gave him a single nod.

Hui nodded back. A smile touched his lips. Its been too long.

In her gaze, he could see the same sentiment reflected back. She turned her head, and her gaze turned deadly.

A familiar arm wrapped around his neck. Bai Xue hugged Hui close, pulling him into her soft, warm bodice. Hui! There you are. Same as ever, huh?

AhElder Sister Hui struggled free, coming up for air. He took a step back.

Bai Xue looked at him, and he at her. She wore black and white in the style of the Bai Clan, her hair in a crown hairstyle, secured with an enameled crown as red as blood. Grinning, she ruffled his hair. Already such a high stage? Xiao Hui, I cant see through your cultivation anymore.

Ah, thats its somewhat temporary, Hui said, scratching the back of his head.

Im sure youll secure it soon. You wont be long for this realm, will you? Bai Xue asked, looking him up and down.

Hui coughed. Er thats, its

Her eyes softened. She ran her fingertips through the end of his ponytail. I understand. Ill be right behind you. Li Xiangs already ahead of me. Shell be chasing you up.

Hui nodded. I have a plan. Do you trust me?

The healers looked around at one another. Some strode forward, determined, but quite a few backed away, uncertain.

Even so, we must see this concert to the end, a melodic voice cried out. Sitting on the air, delicately strumming a ghuzheng with claw-tipped fingers, a beautiful woman with long bangs, flowing long hair, and shut eyes played the notes to an elusive melody. With masterful skill, she wound the music into the sound of battle. All those who heard her song snapped upright. Their eyes went blank, and they attacked wildly, no more thoughts in their head.

Hui pursed his lips. Annoying. If she can mind-control them with music, theres no way for me to break in and sow doubt. Ahh, its too bad. If only I could counter her music

Gui Hui! Lend me your strength!

Hui turned. Behind him, Meimei lifted her hands over her own guzheng. I know the counter-melody, but I dont have the cultivation to power my music to fight hers. Lend me your strength!

Grunning, Hui nodded. Exactly what I need! He swooped to Meimeis side and put his hand on her guzheng. Power flowed through him into the instrument. Meimei took a deep breath, settling herself, then set her fingers to the instrument.

A melody flowed forth, empowered by Huis eighth stage cultivation. It smashed into the Tier Masters melody, clumsy in comparison, and yet, just enough off-tune to corrupt the clear notes of the Tier Masters song. Although her playing was clearly inferior, it was that exact inferiority that Meimei drew forth to counter the Tier Masters skill. Her clashing, off-tune notes sounded at just the right time to make the Tier Masters notes sound off.

She looked at Hui. This technique makes me think of you, for some reason. Gui Hui, that is, in any case.

Ah I wonder why, Hui said, putting a hand on his chin. Indeed, using inferior skill to corrupt a higher-level cultivator ah! I ought to praise Meimei. For learning so well, she deserves to be a true disciple!

Except for the killing-her-masters thing yes, I think Ill remain an informal teacher.

Across the battlefield, the enraptured cultivators eyes brightened. They looked around, frowning at their surroundings, then looked at the music tiers Tier Master.

Her calm expression flickered. A vein throbbed in her forehead. You dare?

Meimei laughed. She looked at Hui. I wasnt suited to be a music cultivator. Im simply not suited to rote learning and tradition.

Ah, yes, Hui said, nodding. Nothing about your bloodlust or killing your master? No? Okay.

Opposite them, the Tier Masters fingers blurred as she sped up the melody. Scowling, Meimei played faster to match. I dont need to play well. I just need to play loudly!

It seems like Meimei has this handled. Ah I guess she really was a genius when it came to music. Pity about her killing her former master. Hui pushed qi into the instrument, then stepped away. That should last you for some time, Meimei. Call me if you need more.

Yes! Playing furiously, sweat dripping down her brow, Meimei focused her all on the strings.

Hui turned away. As for me my goal is loftier. His eyes locked onto Tseng Caihong.

Not yet. Not yet!