Book 5: Chapter 56: Disadvantage

Book 5: Chapter 56: Disadvantage

With the sound of splitting air, the bloodwood sword descended!

Yet this time it didnt just slice across. Instead, it stabbed downwards, nailing the fiendish vine firmly to the floor. The fiendish vine immediately stiffened in pain. It became like a wooden rod and made creaking noises. Someone merely listening would assume the noise was coming from an old door being opened.

However, despite Ruan Zhan sparing no effort in throwing out the bloodwood sword, he had still moved after Guan Zheng. One end of the fiendish vine had already wrapped around Xiao Xias waist. It didnt immediately stop after being nailed to the floor. Instead, it constricted tightly around her, pressing her against the tattered banner. She was practically hugging the tattered banner, as if trying to become one with it.

So this was her idea to protect herself.

She was of average height with a slender waist. If she tucked herself in, it was completely possible to hide behind the metal banner which was half as tall as a person. She figured it would be a piece of cake for the fiendish vine to wrap her up, and even pull her apart. Yet the tattered banner was made of an unknown metal and possessed incredible spirit power. The bloodwood sword and the annihilation seal were also treasures of the Daoist world. They definitely couldnt be damaged by a Gu-controlled plant. Besides, even if it was used to capture spirits, it still deterred fiendish objects. Even if the fiendish vine wasnt a spirit, it was definitely still wary of the tattered banner.

Therefore, she just needed to stick close to the banner. Getting hurt was inevitable, but at least she wouldnt be strangled to death!

Things turned out as she expected. The fiendish vine wrapped around her waist a step before Ruan Zhan could act. She felt her body being swiftly constricted and there was a painful pressure against her lower back. Not only did it not release her after being pierced by the bloodwood sword, it constricted even tighter as if in pain. The final bit of air was squeezed out from her lungs. The tattered banner dug into her ribs painfully.

At this moment, she sensed the cold metal banners surface heating up a little. It also started vibrating slightly, as if unhappy about being tied up like this. The fiendish vine around her loosened. Then, Ruan Zhans bloodwood sword arrived. The fiendish vine struggled a few seconds more before falling to the floor. It squirmed in place before swiftly withering, becoming a dried husk!

Xiao Xia finally made it through this attack!

However, before she could catch her breath and rejoice at her plans success, Guan Zheng once again directed his attention towards Wan Li.

The fireball suddenly pushed towards Wan Li. Luckily, Wan Li and Ruan Zhan had been prepared. With the cross-shaped talisman and the whirlpool talisman on Wan Lis chest, the fireball was unable to swallow him up. Despite this, it still drew closer towards him. It had almost made contact. Although the fire was being repelled outwards, the sparks still occasionally blew back against his skin. Even some of his hair was being singed.

Catch! Ruan Zhan cried out while taking out two talismans.

Wan Li grunted in acknowledgement. He suddenly raised his arms, not worrying that the fireball might crash into him.

Two black objects streaked through the air and stuck to Wan Lis arms. Then, he swiftly put his arms back in front of his chest, forcing back the fireball that was about to strike him just in time.

Extremely effective. Its no longer hot! He smiled smugly, not noticing that Xiao Xias heart had almost leapt out of her throat.

Those talismans were unusual, with white words drawn on black paper. They were extremely striking. After they stuck onto Wan Lis arms, he became completely unafraid of the fires heat. He pushed out towards the fireball. Even when the flames licked at his hands, he didnt show the slightest bit of pain. The paper talismans also didnt catch fire.

Flameward talismans! Guan Zheng cursed in vexation.

Im not that powerful. Ruan Zhan was unexpectedly frank. I was the one who conjured that fire, so my talismans can naturally ward it off. Therefore, if youre able to cast your own fire spell, he would be done for. Unfortunately, someone immersed in darkness for so long cannot cast fire, unless you can conjure hellfire!

Well, hed have to go to hell first! Seeing his situation improve, Wan Li lost no time in provoking Guan Zheng again. Lets send him on his way!

Guan Zheng glared angrily at Wan Li. However, he also understood that if he couldnt come up with something, his situation would become more and more difficult. The vine in his left hand was nailed in place by the bloodwood. This treasure was truly impressive. He had secretly tried several times to withdraw the vine, or even break it in two, but wasnt able to. Although his right hand seemed to be attacking Wan Li, it was actually being held fast by him. His biggest threat was Ruan Zhan, who had drawn a protective barrier, preventing him from using telekinesis to attack again.

His powers were more profound than Ruan Zhans, but Ruan Zhan was rather tenacious. Every time he increased his strength, it would force out some of Ruan Zhans potential. He remained unable to suppress him. Now with his hands tied up, he would definitely be at a disadvantage if Ruan Zhan attacked.

He had just thought this when he saw Ruan Zhan walking over. He approached step by step, the same way he did several minutes ago. However, Ruan Zhans manner seemed more imposing, a bottomless depth within his eyes. This made Guan Zheng involuntarily feel a little flustered. This was the first time in so many years he started to doubt whether he could win, and even whether he could retreat in one piece!

What should he do?

Then why dont we let him wait. Wan Li ran to the altar and pulled out a wooden bat they had prepared in advance. He stuck the talismans from his arms onto the bat, which was already covered with talismans.

If he becomes impatient, he will lead his army upstairs. We wont have as much space to maneuver. Ruan Zhan looked at Xiao Xia. Although her face was pale, her attitude was firm. Things will become even more difficult downstairs. Prepare yourselves and well head down!

He picked up the bloodwood sword with his right hand and grabbed Xiao Xias hand with his left. He walked downstairs without looking back, leaving the enlarged tattered banner for Wan Li to carry.

How come you get to hold the girls hand while Im left to carry this metal thing? You think its a hassle to shrink and grow this broken flag, but dont think its a hassle for me to carry it around?! Wan Li grumbled and followed Ruan Zhan downstairs.

The moment they walked out the building, they felt something was wrong.

Although the mountains were breezy and carried scents far, it still shouldnt be possible for them to only smell an indescribably fishy scent while hearing abnormal rustling all around. This made them feel as if they were being watched by frightening things in the darkness.

This feeling made ones scalp turn numb. It was rather unsettling!

However, Ruan Zhans expression remained the same. He merely put Xiao Xia behind him protectively and continued to walk calmly into the trees, completely ignoring the strange atmosphere around them. He walked until he reached a clearing surrounded by large clumps of vines before coming to a stop.

What are you playing at? Come out! He said coldly.

Impressive. You stepped inside despite clearly knowing its a trap. Guan Zheng walked out from behind a tree. Perhaps because they were in the woods he was most familiar with, but his face no longer looked bedraggled. Instead, it held some disdain and cruel intent.

If I hadnt come, you would have ushered your things into the bamboo building. Its best to leave Witch Doctor Ah Bais spirit undisturbed. Ruan Zhan once again mentioned Witch Doctor Ah Bai. Even in the darkness, he saw Guan Zhengs expression change.

You wont fool me twice! Guan Zheng was extremely furious.

Is that so? Ruan Zhan retorted. He raised his hand and flung something towards Guan Zhengs face.

Guan Zheng instinctively caught it. After taking a glance, he cried out lightly and flung the object to the floor. It was an embroidered pouch, the same one that acted as one of the formations sides!

You! Guan Zheng thought he had been fooled once again and was humiliated and angry. You dont have any of my masters belongings. Dont play such pointless games!

Ruan Zhan didnt speak, throwing over two more objects instead.

Guan Zheng wasnt able to react properly, dodging left and then right. Yet when he finally realized Ruan Zhan was playing psychological games, he no longer moved, allowing a small embroidered pouch to land on him.

There wasnt anything here that his master left behind. Apart from the wedding dress, she hadnt left anything, and that wedding dress was currently on Xiao Xia. He had lived in the octagonal building for many years, and combed through everything with his masters husband. He had never found anything. Ruan Zhan was using his guilty conscience towards his master to humiliate him.

Where did you get so many pouches? Did you buy them from the village? He tried to act a little more carefree.

Arent you afraid? Dont you have a guilty conscience? Ruan Zhan said mockingly. Those with a clear conscience arent afraid when theres a knock on the door at night. Ive done nothing unconscionable, so theres no use in arranging so many wandering ghosts!

Youll only know whether its useless after you experience it! Guan Zheng said in a very slow tone.

This voice made Xiao Xia feel indescribably threatened. Then, she heard whispers coming from all around them. She felt her hairs stand on end. Turning around, her heart almost stopped.

She knew from this moment on, they were at a disadvantage.