Jun Wu Xie pondered over the facts. The treasure map leading to the Dark Emperor’s tomb comprised a total of eight separate pieces. The existence of one of the pieces was not known to the Twelve Palaces as it was hidden from them and currently in Fan Zhuo’s hands. The remaining seven pieces were separately held by seven of the Twelve Palaces in unspoken defiance of the revered might of the Dark Emperor and the overpowering dominance held by the Dark Regiment.
The Twelve Palaces were afraid of carrying the unpardonable crime of disturbing the eternal rest of the Dark Emperor and hence had sent their men to liaise with the various powers of the Lower Realm, handing the precious maps over to men within the powers they were grooming, to secretly assist them in locating the Dark Emperor’s tomb.
Up to that moment, Jun Wu Xie knew of three of the maps. Besides the hidden one held by Fan Zhuo, one was in the hands of the largest clan, the Qing Yun Clan. The other was within the top three academies throughout the lands, the famed Zephyr Academy. With a quick analysis of the two previous examples, it was not difficult to conclude that all the scapegoats the Twelve Palaces had picked were some of the strongest and most influential powers in the Lower Realm. Weaker powers would not have adequate resources to challenge the trials at the Heaven’s End Cliff anyway.
The palaces involved in it, totaled seven in number. Jun Wu Xie did not know what kind of actions the other five palaces had taken, but she only knew that every individual palace who were involved in this all had vested interests in the various powers they had roped in.
And the Yan Country could very well be one of the powers one of the seven palaces had chosen.
“The Yan Country’s Crown Prince.” Jun Wu Xie glanced at the archer prostrated limply upon the ground before her and she knew that he had divulged everything he knew.
There would not be anymore more information that she would want to get out from the man.
“Will….. will you…… re….. release us now……” The archer pleaded, snivelling on the ground, his body trembling.
Jun Wu Xie stared at the bow in the archer’s hand that his ring spirit had morphed into.
“Give.”
The archer was baffled a moment before he realised Jun Wu Xie was staring at his ring spirit. He did not hesitate in the slightest and quickly handed hours bow over.
Jun Wu Xie studied the bow a moment before she said to the little black cat upon her shoulder: “Try it.”
The little black cat immediately gave out an obedient meow.
The archer looked blankly at Jun Wu Xie, completely not understanding what Jun Wu Xie was doing.
However, in the very next moment, he was stunned into stupefied silence by what he saw right before his eyes!
The tiny little black cat raised its paws and held one end of the bow, slowly pushing it into its tiny little mouth.
The seemingly sturdy bow was suddenly bitten off by a chunk and with the little black cat’s sharp teeth and quickly swallowed up!
Before the archer could recover from the shocking sight, the agony of having one’s ring spirit forcibly torn out struck him heavily and he suddenly found himself sprawled upon the ground twitching violently!
The torment assaulted his body relentlessly, making his face turn green and he was soon foaming at the mouth.
“Meow?”
[It is….. edible afterall, but the texture is rather different from a beast spirit]
The chunk that was bitten off turned into a shapeless spirit form in the little black cat’s mouth. It did not need to chew and the little black cat just swallowed it down into its belly.
The little black cat had previously swallowed up Mo Xuan Fei’s Golden Lion and this was the first time it was devouring a weapon ring spirit. Jun Wu Xie had only wanted to test it out and had not thought that it would be successful!
The little black cat devoured the weapon spirit bit by bit and the archer was by then already slumped in a heap, his body twitching incessantly on the ground, his eyes rolled over showing only the whites, and his breath was coming in short sharp gasps.
Huddled together in a bunch, the archer’s other companions could do nothing but watch with their eyes wide at all that was happening, their hearts gripped in overwhelming and paralysing fear!
Volume 7
Chapter 655: “Paying the Price (2)”
That little black cat…..
is actually….. capable of devouring ring spirits!
How is that possible!?
Something so shocking and completely unheard of was happening right before their eyes! Not even in their worst nightmares would they ever dream that such a horrifying thing could happen!
They watched their companion writhing in agony upon the ground, and watched as his ring spirit was being slowly devoured. Their strength seeped completely out from their legs and they began to shake uncontrollably.
The appearance of the Guardian Grade Spirit Beast had already driven them into utter despair and the youth’s merciless actions coupled with the little black cat’s strange abilities almost drove them into madness. They prayed fervently to the Heavens in their hearts, that they would not share the same fate.
Having their ring spirits torn forcibly from them, just thinking about it sent chills up their spine!
After devouring the weapon spirit, the little black cat was still not satisfied and it squinted its eyes as it stared at the several ring spirits gripped in Lord Meh Meh’s tail before smacking its tongue against its lips.
“You can still go on?” Jun Wu Xie noticed the little black cat’s gaze before she asked calmly.
“Meow!”
[Even if I stuff myself to death, I will swallow the whole bunch of scoundrels!]
[Didn’t they enjoy chasing me down so much earlier? The wheels of fortune has reversed and now it’s revenge!]
Jun Wu Xie nodded, indicating to Lord Meh Meh to release one more beast spirit.
The beast ring spirit had already been severely thrashed up by Lord Meh Meh and was very weak. When Lord Meh Meh threw it onto the ground, it lay there motionless, in an unmoving heap, not showing even a single bit of the previous ferocity it had displayed when it pursued the black beast and Mu Qian Fan earlier.
The little black cat jumped down from Jun Wu Xie’s shoulder and morphed into the massive black beast. It strode slowly over to stand neediest the beast spirit and lowered its head with its jaws wide open, before it took one big bite out of the beast spirit as if in vent!
A loud scream erupted together with the snap of the black beast’s jaws from the group of men huddled together!
The beast spirit’s contracted human owner grasped and clutched at the clothes at his chest, suddenly toppling over onto the ground, his legs kicking out in agony.
Jun Wu Xie watched him with a cold gaze, and there wasn’t an ounce of pity in those eyes.
If she had come just a moment later, the one who would have ended up dead now would be Mu Qian Fan!
After the little black cat devoured another two beast spirits, it couldn’t swallow another bite. It walked back fully satisfied to stand behind Jun Wu Xie, indicating it had had its fill.
“Kill them.” Jun Wu Xie ordered in a chilling tone as the terrified men stared at her in disbelief.
Whoever dared to mess with her patient, must be prepared to pay the price!
With the threat of death looming heavily over them, the men managed to summon up enough strength to scramble and crawl, futile screams of despair escaping from their throats, despite knowing deep in their hearts, their feeble attempt to escape certain death would eventually prove fruitless!
Several of Lord Meh Meh’s huge tails flicked down, as if swatting at flies, smashing onto the “insects” scrambling in all directions crushing them into the ground. It wasn’t so “gentle” this time round, having received Jun Wu Xie’s order to squash them, Lord Meh Meh did not hold back its strength.
‘Squelch Squelch Squelch ’
Sounds of squishy smacks resounded
in the woods. The men were all smashed into the ground by Lord Meh Meh and all their bones were completely crushed. Under the crushing force, their bodies were all mashed up, reduced into unidentifiable red splatters scattered across the ground, making good fertiliser for that patch of the woods.
“Meh?” Lord Meh Meh looked at the several patches of deep red blood stains on the ground before turning to Jun Wu Xie and gave out a short bleat, as if asking for Jun Wu Xie’s approval.
Jun Wu Xie nodded.
Lord Meh Meh heaved a sigh of relief and it turned back into its tiny fluffy form of a wooly sheep, happily prancing to come beside Jun Wu Xie and its hooves tapped a circle around her, shamelessly asking for praise.
However, Jun Wu Xie stretched out her hand and shook the blood covered map before Lord Meh Meh’s eyes and Lord Meh Meh who was just a moment before smirking proudly quickly stopped moving its excitedly bobbing tail and hung its head sheepishly.
Volume 7
Chapter 656: “Paying the Price (3)”
After dealing with the band of men, Jun Wu Xie made the black beast carry the still unconscious Mu Qian Fan and they made their way back to the campsite. Lord Meh Meh kept a distance following behind Jun Wu Xie. Its hooves would tap a few quick steps before stopping to carefully observe Jun Wu Xie’s back. When it eventually realised that it would not be getting a response from Jun Wu Xie, it hung its head sadly and followed behind quietly, feeling down and dejected every step of the way.
Lord Meh Meh felt that the first man it had smashed up wasn’t its fault. How was it expected to know that humans were so weak and so easily squished? It had just gently, very gently and softly touched him and the man had suddenly died!
At the campsite, beside the campfire, Rong Ruo and Fei Yan had already returned and the five companions were seated around the fire chatting among themselves.
When they heard footsteps, they turned with a smile on their faces but suddenly saw that Jun Wu Xie had not returned alone, but with Mu Qian Fan!
What puzzled them further was when they saw that Mu Qian Fan was completely covered in blood!
“What exactly happened! ?” Qiao Chu immediately stood up.
Jun Wu Xie told the gang about Mu Qian Fan having accidentally stumbled upon the band of men and was attacked. She explained it with the scantest of details necessary and shoved the blood covered map to Hua Yao.
Hua Yao compared the incomplete map with the others for a long while and then he said said: “If I am not wrong, this map should be one of the eight pieces that form up the map to the Dark Emperor’s tomb. A pity it got so badly stained with blood or we would have another piece of it in our hands.”
At the end of his statement, Hua Yao could not help but give out a sigh.
Every single piece of the map would not be easy to attain, and letting this perfect opportunity slip away this time would most definitely require a long time and tireless efforts from them to make up for it.
Jun Wu Xie did not say a word but turned her gaze to stare at Lord Meh Meh beside her. Lord Meh Meh looked up and saw Jun Wu Xie’s incredibly frosty eyes and its round wooly body could not help but shiver.
“Meh meh meh! !”
[I didn’t mean it! It was really unintentional!]
Lord Meh Meh ran charging in a straight line into the woods at the side abs hid among the trees.
“ Wha….. what happened to Lord Meh Meh?” Rong Ruo asked when she saw Lord Meh Meh ruining away looking distraught, but the sight of the ball of white wool dashing off made her feel like laughing.
[It looked so adorable.]
“Don’t bother yourselves with it.” Jun Wu Xie said softly.
“Although the map can’t be used, at least we got some great information didn’t we? It seems that the fourth piece of the maps is currently in the hands on the Crown Prince of the Yan Country. Once we get our hands on the one in the Zephyr Academy, we can set forth towards the Yan Country next.” Hua Yao said optimistically with a laugh. It’s an ill wind that blows no one any good. Having gained information on the next piece of the map had saved them quite a bit of time instead.
“The Yan Country, it is a rather long journey from the Zephyr Academy though.” Fei Yan was thoughtful as the already all too familiar image of a map of the Lower Realm appeared in his mind.
Between the Yan Country and the Zephyr Academy, there were several small countries. Judging based on the distance, they would need more than a month, to reach the faraway Yan Country. And that over a month’s journey would require them to drive their horses hard and fast.
“There’s no need to rush. Shortly after this trip when we get back, we will be able to gain entry into the Zephyr Academy’s main division, in a week’s time at most. We are sure to be able to locate that map at that time.” Hua Yao reasoned calmly.
“Who in the Zephyr Academy do you suspect is most likely to be holding the map?” Fei Yan asked inquisitively.
“Ning Rui.” Jun Wu Xie answered suddenly.
Jun Wu Xie continue to say: “When the Twelve Palaces were looking for scapegoats in the Lower Realm, they will not approach those who does not hold power. If it’s not the Headmaster, it could be the Vice Headmaster.”
Volume 7
Chapter 657: “Arriving at Heaven’s End Cliff (1)”
“If it is really in his hands, we don’t have to wait till December. We can make our move once we return.” Fan Zhuo said smilingly. Qiao Chu and all his companions had all enrolled into the Zephyr Academy to investigate who was holding the map. If they could ascertain their target, it would save them a lot of time.
Jun Wu Xie nodded, locating the Dark Emperor’s tomb as quickly as possible held great importance for her. Besides giving her the power to resist against the Twelve Palaces, it was also for her father, Jun Gu.
The Soul Calming Jade preserved Jun Gu’s body in perfect condition and would keep his soul’s spirit intact.
The horde of treasures in the Dark Emperor’s tomb was filled with the rarest and most powerful magic items, and from among them, Jun Wu Xie was sure she would find something that would be able to bring Jun Gu back to life!
If Jun Gu could be resurrected, she believed it would make her Uncle and her Grandfather very happy.
The little black cat might have devoured a ring spirit too many and had already fallen into a deep slumber. Jun Wu Xie discussed a little bit more about their plans regarding their trip into the Heaven’s End Cliff with Qiao Chu and the others before they all called it a night.
Mu Qian Fan regained consciousness three days later. As his injuries were rather severe, the coachman’s job was handed over to Fei Yan. Sitting at the front of such a large sized horse carriage, was a pretty young “girl”, with a horse whip in hand, humming a lovely tune. As the carriage trundled along, the occasional adventurers they came across could not help but stare wide eyed at Fei Yan’s pretty face, resisting the urge to stop the fast rolling horse carriage.
Fei Yan would also occasionally throw out a few bashful winks and flutter his eyelashes at them, drawing several raucous cheers.
It was deemed, among the group of companions, the most feminine looking one among them wasn’t Jun Wu Xie nor Rong Ruo, who were the real girls among them, but it was the crossdressing Fei Yan instead.
On that point, Fei Yan did not mind it in the least. He was only too glad to tease and taunt the simple minds of those fools.
Two days later, they finally arrived at the Heaven’s End Cliff.
The land was completely bare. The sheer cliff looked like it was cleanly sliced off by the Heavens and when you peered down off the broken cliff, an endless sea of white met the eyes. The formless and insubstantial fog stretched all the way beyond the horizon, seemingly endless.
Heaven’s End Cliff. Where the lands end in a sheer cliff, and where the Heavens begin!
Qiao Chu walked to the edge of the cliff and stretched out his head to peer over. He could only see a whole ocean of pure white, obscuring the bottom, hiding
the ends.
“This really….. does look a little scary.” Qiao Chu gulped. In a place so heavily covered in mist like this, your sight would be heavily obscured. Forced to transverse a strange place like this blind, greatly unnerved people. Moreover, they already know, under that blinding mist, the place was filled with endless dangers.
Mu Qian Fan had not fully recovered from his injuries and he had wanted to go down with them. But was flatly rejected by Jun Wu Xie and no matter how hard he pleaded, she did not relent.
Qiao Chu and the others had already gathered and packed everything, slinging them all upon their backs. Their hands gripped large coils of thick ropes as they made preparations by themselves near the edge of the cliff.
The two hidden shadowy bodyguards, Ye Mei and Ye Sha, suddenly appeared, standing between Jun Wu Xie and the cliff’s edge.
“Young Miss, why are you going down there?” Ye Sha asked, looking at Jun Wu Xie. Both he and Ye Mei could feel that there was something rather terrible hidden under that impenetrable fog.
“The Dark Emperor’s tomb.” Jun Wu Xie replied.
Ye Sha and Ye Mei were suddenly dumbstruck. They both exchanged an incredulous look and they both saw the utter disbelief in each other’s widely opened eyes.
“Young….. Young….. Young Miss, what did you just say?” Ye Mei deeply believed his ears were playing tricks on him.
Dark Emperor’s tomb?
DARK EMPEROR’S TOMB!!!
When did his Lord get a tomb…..
His esteemed Lord is still very much alive!!
Jun Wu Xie repeated it another time.
Ye Sha and Ye Mei looked even more horrified!
Utter blasphemy!
Who dared commit such an atrocious blasphemy!? His esteemed Lord was still very much alive and kicking! Who in the damned Heavens erected such a god damned tomb!?
Volume 7
Chapter 658: “Arriving at Heaven’s End Cliff (2)”
Genius Doctor: Black Belly Miss Volume 7 Page 15