Chapter 66: I Have My Own Ways, I Don't Need You

“You people from the righteous sects surely wouldn’t stand by and watch this weakling die before your eyes, would you?” Li Chengfeng tightened his grip around Ou Xinlai’s abdomen, leaving her miserable. Wasn’t her neck already suffering enough today?

Li Chengfeng glared fiercely at Ou Xinlai, his tone chilling. “Hurry up and beg them for help, or else you won’t keep your life!” At this point, Li Chengfeng wasn’t confident he could escape safely. Luckily, some fool had appeared out of nowhere and hadn’t immediately sided with Ji Liefeng; otherwise, he wouldn’t have been able to catch this simpleton.

He quickly scanned Ou Xinlai’s face—a fair, jade-like visage marred by a large scarlet birthmark that spoiled its beauty. Li Chengfeng swiftly concluded that she was a pitiful child abandoned by her family. Otherwise, why would she venture into the perilous Chiyou Ancient Cave alone?

She was frail, as if a strong wind could blow her away, her eyes vacant and filled with terror.

Seeing such a useless novice, Li Chengfeng even began to regret using this pitiful child as a shield. Who was so heartless as to let such rubbish in? Did they truly intend for her to never return?

After hearing Li Chengfeng’s words, Ou Xinlai cooperated earnestly, looking toward the group opposite. “Help!” Her sharp cry, seemingly from the depths of her soul, shook the cave, sending dust falling from its ceiling.

Ji Lihuo gritted his teeth, hatred flashing in his eyes. He could not allow his plans to be ruined by this ignorant brat. For some nobody from a corner of the world—thank you, sweetheart—did they think he was a fool?

Without giving anyone time to react, Ji Lihuo shouted, “Child, the one holding you is a major demon, his hands stained with blood. If we let the tiger return to the mountain, there will be untold suffering. You and I are children of passion and valor; I trust you won’t allow him to escape, will you?”

“Tell us your name. If you are martyred today, we will inform your family, so they may be proud of you!” In truth, Ji Lihuo was ready to sacrifice Ou Xinlai.

The others, hearing Ji Lihuo’s words, covertly fixed their eyes on Li Chengfeng’s treasure, tacitly agreeing with his intentions.

“Do you take me for an idiot?” Hearing Ji Lihuo, Ou Xinlai nearly cursed aloud. “I don’t want to die.” In the end, she just looked pitifully at Ji Lihuo, seeking help.

Ji Lihuo nearly spat blood. This trick had always worked for him—young people loved to compete for honor. In such circumstances, with his words as inspiration, shouldn’t this child be stirred to sacrifice herself?

“Everyone, hesitate no longer. This child will understand that what we do is for the sake of all living things.” Ou Xinlai refused to play along, and Ji Lihuo, unwilling to waste more words, had his men prepare to act, regardless of Ou Xinlai’s fate.

Upon hearing this, the crowd prepared to attack—first, seize the treasure from Li Chengfeng’s grasp!

Seeing their intent, Ou Xinlai pursed her lips. With a twist of her left hand, the Purple Lightning Array flared to life. Suddenly, a fierce wind howled, dust swirling, purple lightning crackling. Electric currents surged through Ou Xinlai’s left hand, a tingling sensation accompanying the rapid drain of her own power.

So, even though the Purple Lightning Array was hers, activating it required her own energy.

The raging sandstorm blinded everyone, even Li Chengfeng, who still held Ou Xinlai, couldn’t keep his eyes open. At that moment, Li Chengfeng felt a gust lift him off his feet.

Quick-witted, Li Chengfeng let himself drift with the wind, avoiding obstacles and escaping Ji Lihuo’s pursuit.

When Li Chengfeng reached a quiet cave, he laughed arrogantly. “Ji Lihuo, I’ll remember this grudge!” If he swallowed a Golden Spirit Seed, it would help him break through, allowing him to reach the ninth tier of ability cultivation. Then, even a hundred Ji Lihuo would be no match for him.

But when he patted his chest, he realized the Golden Spirit Seed he’d stepped on was gone! There had been five seeds on that Golden Spirit Grass.

Damn, that ugly freak!

Indeed, Li Chengfeng and Ji Lihuo had been deadlocked for ages, fighting over a rare plant called the Golden Spirit Grass. The seeds grant cultivators above the sixth tier the chance to break through another level. Five seeds could be worth untold millions in gold, and would need to be exchanged for white crystal stones.

At this moment, the precious plant was nestled in Ou Xinlai’s arms.

Her neck hadn’t been strangled for nothing!

“Where’s Li Chengfeng? He actually escaped!” As the wind died down, Ji Lihuo saw only the ugly child standing opposite him. Furious, he shot Ou Xinlai a glare. If not for her, they would have already surrounded and captured Li Chengfeng, and he would have at least gotten one Golden Spirit Seed.

“Thank you, hero, for your righteous exhortation earlier. Though I failed this time, I will reflect deeply and relay your wise words to my father. So you needn’t be annoyed; if I’ve done wrong today, my father will surely discipline me.” Ou Xinlai cupped her hands to Ji Lihuo in gratitude.

Ji Lihuo had intended to chastise Ou Xinlai, but after those words, it seemed inappropriate.

She had a father, after all—why should he meddle? But...

“Who... who is your father?”