readsfreenovel Chapter 185 Bewitched by Beauty
Chapter 185 Bewitched by Beauty
After escaping from the palace, Jiang Jingzhi and the others did not rush back. Instead, relying on their initial perception of the Star Stone, they ventured deeper into the Spirit Abyss Secret Realm to search for the whereabouts of the Sky-Mending Stone.
As soon as they stepped into a forest, they felt a rich and mixed spiritual energy rushing towards them. The surroundings were quiet and deep, with the occasional low growl of an unknown beast that made them wary.
Jiang Jingzhi took out the Star Stone, which trembled slightly in his hand. The light it emitted resonated with the surrounding spiritual energy, seemingly guiding them in the right direction.
"Everyone be careful. This Spirit Abyss Secret Realm is fraught with danger. Let's stay close and follow the guidance of the Star Stones," Jiang Jingzhi said in a low voice.
The group followed closely as they ventured deeper into the secret realm. Before they had gone far, a gigantic monster suddenly appeared ahead, its body covered in sharp spikes and spewing flames from its mouth, blocking their path.
Xu Xiaoxiao drew her sword and was about to attack when Jiang Jingzhi stopped her, saying, "Don't rush, let's test the power of the Star Stone."
Jiang Jingzhi raised the Star Stone high, and the Star Stone shone brightly, sending a soft yet powerful beam of light towards the monster.
The beast's originally fierce eyes revealed a hint of fear. Under the light, its movements became sluggish, and its flames gradually died out. Finally, the beast roared unwillingly and turned to flee.
"This star stone is truly amazing!" Lan Ji exclaimed.
As they continued onward, they discovered that the spiritual plants around them were becoming increasingly peculiar. Some of these plants shimmered with multicolored light, while others emitted a strange fragrance that was intoxicating.
However, these seemingly beautiful spiritual plants harbor hidden dangers. When they approached a giant flower, the flower suddenly opened, revealing a stamen full of sharp teeth, and a sticky liquid spurted out.
Mu Zhusheng quickly formed hand seals, and a defensive barrier instantly unfolded, blocking the liquid's attack. Jiang Jingzhi swung the Star Stone again, and wherever the light reached, the strange flower seemed to be frozen in place, no longer moving.
As they ventured deeper, they encountered all sorts of demons. These demons varied in appearance; some had ferocious faces, while others were nearly indistinguishable from humans. But without exception, they were all filled with vigilance and hostility towards them.
Once, in a narrow valley, they were surrounded by a pack of wolf demons. The wolf demons bared their teeth and howled, ready to attack at any moment. Jiang Jingzhi and the others stood back to back, ready for battle.
"Looks like another fierce battle is about to begin," Xu Xiaoxiao thought, gripping her sword tightly.
At this moment, the star stone suddenly flashed with light, and an invisible pressure emanated from it. The wolf demons felt this pressure, and a hint of hesitation appeared in their originally fierce eyes.
Upon seeing this, Jiang Jingzhi had an idea. He focused his mind and used the Star Stone to send a peaceful message to the wolf demons.
A miracle occurred: the wolf demons' hostility gradually dissipated, they slowly retreated, and finally turned and left.
"So the Star Stone can communicate with these creatures and convey their thoughts," Mu Zhusheng said with delight.
With the help of the Star Stone, they continued their exploration in the Spirit Abyss Secret Realm. Along the way, they encountered many difficulties and dangers, including hidden traps, powerful demonic beasts, and sneak attacks from treacherous demons. But each time, the Star Stone played a crucial role.
Once, they came to a mysterious cave. The cave was filled with a mysterious aura, and the light of the star stone flickered intensely at the entrance. Jiang Jingzhi and the others exchanged glances and knew that the whereabouts of the Sky-Mending Stone might be in this cave.
As soon as they stepped into the cave, a chill swept over them. The cave was filled with glistening ice pillars, and the ground was very slippery. They moved forward cautiously. Suddenly, a group of ice demons surged out from all directions. These ice demons were transparent and could blend into the surrounding environment, making them impossible to guard against.
The ice demons wielded ice blades and attacked them. Jiang Jingzhi and the others immediately used spells to defend themselves, but there were too many ice demons, and their attacks were extremely fierce. The group gradually fell into a predicament.
At the critical moment, Jiang Jingzhi took out the Star Stone and unleashed its full power. The Star Stone's light instantly illuminated the entire cave. Wherever the light reached, the ice demons' movements became sluggish, and cracks began to appear on their bodies.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, Xu Xiaoxiao unleashed her strongest swordsmanship, slashing towards the ice demons with sword energy. Lan Ji also concentrated her spiritual power and unleashed a powerful water control technique, which, in conjunction with the light of the star stone, repelled the ice demons one by one with everyone's concerted efforts.
After a fierce battle, they finally broke through the ice demon's obstruction and arrived at the depths of the cave. At the end of the cave, a stone radiating multicolored light quietly floated in the air. It was the Sky-Mending Stone they had been searching for.
As they approached the Sky-Mending Stone, the Sky-Mending Stone and the Star Stone resonated with each other, their radiance intertwining to create a magnificent scene.
When Jiang Jingzhi and the others finally found the Sky-Mending Stone they had been dreaming of, a feeling of relief instantly spread through their hearts.
Seeing the Sky-Mending Stone and the Star Stone reflecting each other and emitting a dreamlike light, they knew that the primary task of their trip to the Spirit Abyss Secret Realm had been successfully completed.
However, there was still some time before the secret realm opened and everyone was allowed to leave. During this rare gap, they decided to continue exploring the secret realm, hoping to find other precious treasures.
The four continued along the winding path, surrounded by a quiet and secluded atmosphere, occasionally punctuated by the low growls of unknown beasts, which made them wary. As they walked, they passed a hidden cave.
Just then, a faint cry for help came from the cave. Xu Xiaoxiao's ears twitched slightly, and she quickly turned around to look at the source of the sound: "Did you hear that? It sounds like someone is calling for help."
The other three also immediately stopped and listened carefully.
Jiang Jingzhi frowned slightly and said cautiously, "Everyone be careful. There are hidden dangers everywhere in this Lingyuan Secret Realm. Don't let your guard down." Despite this, everyone was still attracted by the cries for help and walked towards the cave involuntarily.
As soon as you step into the cave, a damp smell hits you. The cave is dimly lit and filled with a light mist, which greatly obstructs your vision.
They proceeded cautiously, each step taken with utmost care, lest they trigger the danger lurking in the shadows. As they ventured deeper, the cries for help grew ever clearer.
"Please save me..." The voice, filled with despair and helplessness, echoed in the cave.
Xu Xiaoxiao quickened her pace, her eyes searching anxiously in the darkness. Finally, in a corner of the cave, they found a trapped deer demon.
This deer demon was neither male nor female. A pair of small, adorable antlers protruded from the top of its head, adorned with glistening dewdrops that shimmered with a warm luster in the dim light. Its brownish-yellow hair was carefully braided and flowed smoothly down its back. Its eyes were like a clear spring, watery and full of expectation and pleading as it looked at the crowd.
Xu Xiaoxiao's eyes lit up, and she blurted out, "Wow, you're so beautiful!"
When the deer demon saw people coming, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, and he said excitedly, "Please save me! I'm willing to be your slave to repay you!" His body was bound tightly with thick vines, and he couldn't move. He could only struggle desperately, trying to attract more attention from the crowd.
Jiang Jingzhi's face darkened instantly as he watched Xu Xiaoxiao staring at the deer demon with a lovesick expression, praising it. A hint of displeasure flashed in his eyes as he coldly stared at the deer demon, who was tightly bound by vines, and a strange sense of vigilance welled up in his heart.
The sudden appearance of such a pitiful deer demon in this perilous Spirit Abyss Secret Realm is truly bizarre.
Lan Ji also noticed Jiang Jingzhi's unusual behavior. She gently tugged at Xu Xiaoxiao's sleeve and whispered, "Xiaoxiao, don't just stare. Something's not right here."
Mu Zhusheng stepped forward, carefully observing the surrounding environment and the vines wrapped around the deer demon. He squatted down and gently touched the vines, feeling a cold, sticky sensation from his fingertips.
He frowned, stood up, and slowly said, "These vines are not ordinary vines. They seem to contain some kind of peculiar power. Moreover, this cave is too quiet. Apart from us and this deer demon, there is not a trace of any other living beings. It's really strange."
Hearing the crowd's discussion, the deer demon's eyes showed a hint of panic. He quickly explained, "Kind people, I am really just an ordinary deer demon. I accidentally wandered into this place and got trapped by these evil vines. Please have mercy and save me. If I can get out, I will be eternally grateful to you."
As he spoke, tears welled up in his eyes, and his pitiful appearance would make anyone feel sorry for him.
Xu Xiaoxiao felt a pang of pity. She looked at Jiang Jingzhi and said, "Senior Brother, he looks really pitiful. Let's help him. Maybe he really is just an innocent victim."
Jiang Jingzhi hesitated for a moment, but finally nodded: "Okay, but everyone should be careful and be prepared to deal with any emergencies."
With Jiang Jingzhi's permission, Xu Xiaoxiao immediately drew her longsword and cautiously approached the deer demon. When she reached the deer demon's side, she raised her longsword and was about to cut the vines when suddenly, the seemingly weak vines began to move violently, like a group of agile venomous snakes, lunging towards Xu Xiaoxiao.
Xu Xiaoxiao reacted quickly, leaping backward to avoid the vines' attack. Her expression changed slightly as she exclaimed, "These vines are very strong!"
Upon seeing this, Jiang Jingzhi immediately waved the Star Stone, which shone brightly, and a powerful beam of light shot towards the vines.
Under the light, the vines moved noticeably slower, but they still stubbornly twisted and turned, trying to break free from the starstone's restraints.
Lan Ji and Mu Zhusheng quickly joined the battle, forming hand seals and casting defensive spells to prevent the vines from taking the opportunity to attack others.
As the deer demon watched the group fight against the vines, a strange smile appeared on his face. Suddenly, he opened his mouth and let out a sharp cry. With this cry, even more vines suddenly surged from the cave walls and rushed towards the group.
"Oh no, we've fallen into a trap!" Jiang Jingzhi's expression changed drastically. He shouted, "Everyone be careful! These vines are all controlled by this deer demon!"
Xu Xiaoxiao felt a pang of annoyance. She hadn't expected to be fooled by the deer demon's appearance. She gritted her teeth and unleashed her strongest sword technique. Her sword flashed, severing the vines that approached.
Jiang Jingzhi concentrated his mind and fully activated the power of the Star Stone. The Star Stone's light grew brighter and brighter, forming a powerful shield that protected everyone inside. The vines kept hitting the shield, making "bang bang" sounds, but they could not break through it.
Seeing that his plan had been exposed, the deer demon revealed a vicious glint in his eyes. He suddenly broke free from the remaining vines on his body, transformed into a black shadow, and pounced towards Jiang Jingzhi. A sharp dagger had appeared in his hand at some point, its cold light flashing, and he thrust it straight at Jiang Jingzhi's chest.
Jiang Jingzhi's eyes narrowed. He dodged the deer demon's attack by sidestepping, and at the same time swung his longsword. A sharp sword aura slashed towards the deer demon. The deer demon was agile and easily dodged the sword aura. He flipped in the air and attacked Jiang Jingzhi again.
The two engaged in a fierce battle, exchanging blows. The deer demon's strength was not to be underestimated; his attacks were sharp and swift. However, Jiang Jingzhi was equally formidable, using his superb swordsmanship and the power of the Star Stone to fight the deer demon to a standstill.
Xu Xiaoxiao, Lan Ji, and Mu Zhusheng were also fighting back against the vines' attacks. They cooperated with each other, using a combination of magic and swordsmanship to suppress the vines.
As the battle continued, the deer demon gradually showed signs of fatigue. His attacks became slower and slower, and his openings became more and more numerous. Jiang Jingzhi seized an opportunity and unleashed a powerful sword move, his longsword piercing directly through the deer demon's shoulder.
The deer demon let out a miserable cry, his body swayed a few times, and finally collapsed to the ground. As the deer demon fell, the frenzied vines also instantly lost their vitality and collapsed to the ground.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Looking at the deer demon lying on the ground, they were filled with emotion. This experience made them realize even more that in this dangerous Spirit Abyss Secret Realm, any seemingly weak and innocent being could be hiding great danger.
"Hmph, I almost fell for your trick, you cunning fellow," Xu Xiaoxiao said irritably as she stepped forward, pointing her sword at the deer demon.
The deer demon's face was pale. He looked at the crowd with resentment in his eyes: "You guys are good. I admit defeat. But don't even think about finding any more treasures in this Spirit Abyss Secret Realm. Every treasure here is protected by powerful forces. You can't get them easily."
Jiang Jingzhi looked at him coldly: "You don't need to worry about that. We will handle it carefully."
After saying that, he turned to the crowd and said, "Let's go, let's continue searching for other treasures."
"I never thought that the more beautiful something is, the more dangerous it is." Xu Xiaoxiao thought about how she had been bewitched by beauty just now and scolded herself for being so spineless.
When Jiang Jingzhi saw that Xu Xiaoxiao realized her mistake, his mood instantly brightened. But when he thought that his junior sister might be attracted to other males at any time, he wished he could tie her to his side and keep her under his watchful eye.