Chapter 8, Greasing the Soles

Shi Jiulang's entire skeleton cracked, and suddenly his skin turned gray, transforming him into a hard stone figure. The scorpion tail's stinger struck him but was rebounded away. Shi Jiulang let out a sinister laugh: "I told you before, your scorpion tail is of no use to me."

A golden shield burst forth from the palm of the Sea Princess, continuously expanding. As she wielded the golden shield, it was as if a tempest was unleashed, leaving the Earth Eight Lang gasping for breath. Once she engaged in battle, the Sea Princess displayed an extreme ferocity, far from the image of a delicate beauty. The Chief Valkyrie is truly formidable.

Tu Qilao's expression darkened: "Have you been to Ouyang Yuan's place? Is Shi Jiulang there as well?"

After a long while, Ouyang Yuan said: "I have heard that the Charm Dance Jade Mirror is a spiritual object. Once the martial arts hidden within are deciphered, the charm will automatically disappear from the jade mirror. It seems that the three of you have already grasped the secrets of the Charm Dance."

Jiu Danmei hurriedly asked: "Is he dead?"

Before I could finish speaking, Ouyang Yuan smiled and said, "When sharing with everyone."

I asked in confusion, "What’s wrong?"

Jiu Danmei had a serious expression: "You have witnessed Shijiu Lang's strength. Even someone as arrogant as him has become a servant of the Demon Lord, which makes me feel uneasy just thinking about it"

I was filled with dread; this unassuming little man had actually killed so many people

As we reached the city gate, the three beautiful women suddenly halted in their tracks. Hai Ji pulled me behind her, her gaze intense, fixated on the ground ahead.

Ouyang Yuanzan remarked: "The Three Thousand Weak Waters Sword of Gan Xianzi has already reached a realm of extraordinary mastery"

The Sea Princess proudly declared: "What demon lord, merely a jumping clown."

The allure of the jade mirror has completely vanished. The enchanting dance of the jade mirror has transformed it into a smooth, ordinary piece of jade. Even the emerald green has faded into a pale milky white.

Jiu Danmei deliberately asked, "What exactly are you doing here? Why is it that others are not allowed to leave the city? This is quite tyrannical."

Ouyang Yuan gave a bitter smile: "If even the three of them cannot do it, then I need not mention myself."

Blood gushed forth from the ground, and faint cries of anguish could be heard. Gan Ning slowly drew the scabbard from the ground, and bright red blood dripped continuously from the scabbard.

He then brought out a basin of water, threw the Jade Mirror of Enchantment into the basin, took out paper and pen, and said to Jiu Danmei: "Once I have sketched the dance posture of Enchantment, I will immediately present the Jade Mirror."

A basin of clear water gradually turned green

"Strange." The Sea Princess suddenly frowned: "Although the Charm Dance is marvelous, it is purely a dance. I cannot see any martial skills hidden within it."

I lazily said: "Who she looks for is none of your business! Although I may seem strong on the outside but weak on the inside, I still like Jiu Danmei."

Tuhachiro angrily said: "Jiu Danmei, what is wrong with your companion?"

I initially wanted to share my discovery, but given the qualifications of the four of them, they would not be able to perceive the intricacies of the charm dance. If I were to express it, I fear I would be ridiculed by them

Jiu Danmei gave me a wink, and I chuckled, "Lord Ouyang, now that all six guests are dead, these three treasures have become ownerless. In my opinion ... ... "

With a sharp "crack," a scorpion tail struck Shi Jiulang, causing him and the book to let out a muffled groan. He staggered, and the remaining eight scorpion tails immediately ensnared his limbs, their needle-like tips poised to pierce him.

Jiu Danmei was unconcerned: "What can you do to me? However, I am leaving the city now and do not have time to waste with you."

Jiu Danmei sighed and said, "Just now, the earth dwarf mentioned that there is another accomplice named Mu Qilang. I wonder where he is now"

Jiu Danmei's expression changed continuously. After a long while, she suddenly smiled and said, "I do not believe in such deceptive legends." With a swift movement, like a flash of lightning, she reached out a claw and pounced towards Shi Jiulang

The mist on the water surface swirls, strands of green smoke drift out from the jade mirror, transforming in mid-air into countless enchanting shapes, dancing gracefully. Ouyang, with her round face, shows a look of joy, swiftly wielding her brush to capture various dance poses.

I stood tall with pride, just as Tu Balu was about to erupt, when Hai Ji suddenly interjected, "Is that companion of yours named Shi Jiulang?"

Jiu Danmei smiled gently: "What he said is exactly what I want to say"

I thump my chest: "I am not afraid, I have confidence in you all!"

Ouyang Yuan smiled ambiguously and said: "Young Master Lin, you may choose a few of the maids from my residence to take with you."

Jiu Danmei's expression was grave: "If this is true, the Northern Region will be thrown into chaos."

Gan Ning said lightly: "He is unworthy."

Jiu Danmei forced a smile, and I felt a stir in my heart: "What exactly is the matter with the iron tree blooming and the demon lord descending?"

I said: "What a cunning fat pig! Many people know that we have been to Ouyang Yuan's house. Now that his house has been burned down, others might think it was us who did it. This time, the whereabouts of the three treasures will lead the Demon Lord to us, and Ouyang Yuan will be able to distance himself from it."

Ouyang Yuan took the jade mirror out of the basin and handed it to Jiu Danmei, leaving everyone stunned

"Let's take the water route!" I exclaimed. In all my years, I have yet to see the sea!

Jiu Danmei said: "Fortunately, they acted separately; otherwise, it would not be easy to deal with the three monsters if they gathered together. Let us hurry and leave."

Tuhachiro said arrogantly: "For those who do not obey, there is certainly only one path to death. As for some who are more sensible, they have been detained by my companions for the time being. Jiu Danmei, considering that we all came from the Demon Chasm Heaven, I advise you to stay here. Once my brothers have completed their tasks, I will release you from the city"

Jiu Danmei's entire body trembled

Jiu Danmei, you are quite bold! You dare to defy even the Demon Lord!" Shi Jiulang roared as he charged forward

The sea princess looked at him coldly: "As for Mu Qilang, we are not sure. However, I do know about Shi Jiulang."

The sea princess scoffed, "I would like to see who dares to touch us"

Jiu Danmei said in a low voice: "It must be Ouyang Yuan who burned down his own house; he must have run away!"

Thus, the four of us returned home fully laden, having left Ouyang Yuan's residence

Gan Ningzhen finally took the map, and the distribution of spoils came to an end. The three beautiful women seemed relatively satisfied, and Ouyang Yuan had completely grasped their preferences.

Jiu Danmei smiled and said, "She is your mother." She circled behind Tu Balang, her fingers subtly moving, clearly preparing to strike

Before long, Ouyang Yuan had someone bring a heavy and solid bundle. As soon as I squeezed it, I knew it contained gold, silver, and jewels. Ouyang Yuan, you truly are a flower that understands words. As a gentleman, it seems I am not destined to enjoy such fortune.

The three beautiful women exchanged glances, and Jiu Danmei, maintaining her composure, said: "So it is the earth dwarf from the Demon Slaughter Heaven. Long time no see. What a coincidence, you also came to Ru Yi City to shop?"

Shi Jiulang suddenly said in a stern voice: "Jiu Danmei, do you know that just one month ago, the Sarala iron tree of the Demon Abyss opened its flowers"

The golden net surged like tumultuous waves, enveloping Tuba Lang from all directions. The latter twisted for a moment, and his lower body had already burrowed into the ground

In the time it takes to have a meal, the green smoke gradually dissipated, and the enchanting dance at the bottom of the basin also vanished. I calculated that I had roughly memorized over ninety postures of the enchanting dance

I curiously stared at the enchanting jade mirror as it sank to the bottom of the basin and then slowly floated back up. The rippling water made the enchanting image on the jade mirror seem to come to life.

The golden net ensnared half of Tu Baluo's body, the silk threads sharp as blades, cutting through the thick mud on Tu Baluo's body. He let out a muffled groan, his entire body shuddering and shaking, as the mud violently shot out, causing the golden net to spring outward by half an inch, and in an instant, his body sank into the ground.

I shouted: "We have stolen the three main treasures of the Demon Lord and killed Shi Jiulang; have we not unnecessarily made a formidable enemy?"

I also noticed that the vendors in Ruyicheng have all disappeared. The streets are desolate, with hardly any pedestrians passing by

"That's not right!" Gan Ning said suddenly, looking straight ahead.

I coughed and said: "Lord of the City, it seems I am empty-handed."

Nonsense! You better know your place and step aside, or you will end up in pieces. The power of the Demon Lord is not something you can provoke.

A hazy mist shot out, resembling a flowing silk ribbon, arriving ahead of its source and catching up with Shi Jiulang, who was instantly shattered, turning into splintered stone fragments

The stone pillar shook slightly, and the golden shield circled back, crashing into the stone pillar once again

Jiu Danmei pondered, "It is likely that one needs to delve deeply into research in order to uncover the intricacies within."

Tu Bahuang nodded and said, "The entire Demon Abyss Heaven is in an uproar. You haven't returned to Demon Abyss Heaven for many years, yet you seem to be well-informed about the news." After glancing at me, he continued, "What, have you found yourself a pretty boy? Such a type is merely pleasing to the eye but of no real use."

The sea princess took a deep breath, struck down with her palm, and a golden shield flew out of her hand, hitting the stone pillar

Jiu Danmei's dual claws transformed into a flurry of red shadows, as both sides engaged in a fierce battle, darting and striking at each other. In the midst of the intense combat, Jiu Danmei let out a delicate laugh, her hips twisting as she extended nine long scorpion tails, swishing them to unleash brilliant red light.

Jiu Danmei chuckled softly: "It seems she wants to kill you. Shorty, just obediently die under the peony flower and become a charming ghost."

Shijiu Lang's expression changed suddenly as he opened his mouth and took a deep breath. The stone pillar flew rapidly towards him, and Hai Ji let out a cold snort, swiftly chasing after the stone pillar. Her palms shimmered with golden light, sharp as a blade, and she struck down in quick succession.

He occasionally burrows underground and then suddenly emerges, making him difficult to defend against. Even if the Golden Shield of the Sea Princess strikes him, it can only dislodge some dirt without causing any harm. Walls of earth rise from the ground, rapidly advancing towards the Sea Princess in conjunction with the offensive of the Earth Eight郎.

"Shijiu Lang is waiting for you, waiting for you in the Yellow Springs." The Sea Princess leaped forward, her right palm shining with golden light, and she slashed down with a fierce howl

In an instant, hundreds of blade strikes hit the stone pillar. Cracks began to emerge from the pillar, and with a loud "boom," the pillar shattered into pieces. Shi Jiulang's body trembled, his petrified form restored to flesh and blood, and the appearance of three heads and six arms also vanished. Seizing the opportunity, the scorpion tail needle pierced into Shi Jiulang's body, causing his skin to swell immediately, turning a purplish-black color. Shi Jiulang let out a miserable scream, struggled violently, broke free from the scorpion tail's entanglement, and charged outward like a frenzied beast

Gan Ning lightly tapped the sword sheath

Jiu Danmei said uneasily: "If he is not dead, we will have trouble in the future. Alas, if your Three Thousand Weak Waters Sword is willing to be unsheathed, he will undoubtedly die"

Jiu Danmei smiled and said: "No wonder there are no people in Ruyi City; it turns out you have killed them all. It has been so long since we last met, yet you are still as cruel and bloodthirsty as before"

Jiu Danmei waved her hand at me and with a playful laugh said, "Come out, are you hiding underground, wanting to nibble on our feet?"

Jiu Danmei shouted: "Don't let him escape!"

Tu Bahlang puffed out his cheeks and glared: "I detest being called a shorty by others. Jiu Danmei, if you call me that again, I won't hold back."

The strange figure, Tuhachiro, said with a mocking tone: "I am sorry, but today, no one can leave the city. Otherwise, you will end up like them." With both palms pressed against the ground, corpses began to emerge from beneath the earth, blood and flesh in a state of disarray

I said, "Women are no longer needed; I cannot afford them. A gentleman has always been one who is free of worldly concerns."

I exclaimed: "Now that the iron tree has bloomed, does that not mean the Demon Lord has appeared? That Shi Jiulang must surely be a servant of the Demon Lord?"

I rubbed my sore neck, lowered my head in despair, and it seemed that I was not going to learn anything. At that moment, I suddenly caught a glimpse from the corner of my eye; a captivating shadow was reflected at the bottom of the basin.

The sun shines brightly, and the tips of the grass by the roadside gleam dazzlingly white. I count the gold and silver in my bundle, my hands trembling uncontrollably. So much money, it would take several lifetimes to spend it all. If I return to Luoyang, I will surely become a wealthy magnate, and who knows, I might even be able to marry Miss Wang.

Tuhachiro exclaimed, "Who are you?"

Jiu Danmei gazed at the sky, remaining silent for a moment, and said: "At the highest peak of the Demon Abyss, Kunpeng Mountain, there grows a gigantic Sal tree. It is said that the Sal tree was formed from the blood of one hundred thousand demons. For millions of years, the Sal tree has never bloomed, but once it does, it will give birth to the most powerful demon in history. He will unify the Demon Abyss and become the overlord of the Northern Territory. " For millions of years, the Sal tree has never bloomed, but once it does, it will give birth to the most powerful demon in history. He will unify the Demon Abyss and become the overlord of the Northern Territory.

Gan Ning truly shook his head: "I also did not notice."

Tuba Lang let out a thunderous roar, pressing his palms against the ground, as a thick earthen wall suddenly erupted from the earth, blocking the Golden Shield. The Sea Princess leaped and delivered a series of kicks, shattering the earthen wall. Tuba Lang's body sank, burrowing underground, and disappeared.

Ouyang Yuan carefully took out a small silver knife, gently cutting open the Snow Spirit Brain, dividing it into two halves. One half was placed in a white jade box and tucked into his own bosom, while the other half was handed to Hai Ji, who respectfully said: "With the Snow Spirit Brain, the armor protection technique of the Sea Martial God will surely advance to another level"

Tuhachiro was taken aback: "Have you seen him? And what about Mukiichiro, have you seen him as well?"

Gan Ning glanced at me, and Hai Ji said in a daze: "I just fear that we might drag down the little rascal"

Throughout the journey, Jiu Danmei remained silent. I looked at her curiously and asked, "What’s wrong with you?"

The short man scolded, "You little brat, who do you think you are to speak to me like that?"

Stepping out of the city gate, Jiu Danmei looked around and said, "Little wolf, where do you want to go now? To the west, there are lively towns all along the way; to the east lies the sea, and beyond it, one can reach the bustling Daqian City in the mortal realm. Alas, unless we return to the cave of the Dragon Butterfly and live in seclusion, wherever we go in the future will be fraught with peril."

Shijiu Lang Senran Dao: "The iron tree blooms, the Demon Lord descends. The legend of the Demon Realm spans countless years; you haven't forgotten about Jiu Dan Mei, have you? To tell you the truth, the Demon Lord has already arrived and is about to unify the Demon Realm. These three items are specifically requested by the Demon Lord."

Jiu Danmei chuckled, "Ouyang Yuan, you wouldn't have figured it out, would you?"

The sea princess suddenly put away the golden shield, and from her ear, she took out a golden conch. Raising the conch and placing it to her lips, the sea princess gently blew into it. From the mouth of the conch, strands of golden silk were released, crisscrossing like a fishing net, shimmering with light

Tuhachiro let out a strange cry, his body twisting like a noodle, evading the blade strikes of the sea princess. The sea princess unleashed several hundred palm strikes in succession, all of which were deftly dodged by the opponent

Before long, the streets were piled high with corpses

The mist is thick, and it passes by in a flash. Gan Ning has truly made his move

With a loud "bang," he burst forth from behind the Sea Princess, his palms shooting out a multitude of mud balls, each as large as an egg. The Sea Princess suddenly turned around, her shield sweeping across, sending all the mud balls flying. Without a hint of panic, Tubaichiro struck the ground with a single fist, and suddenly a large crack opened up right where the Sea Princess stood, as if it intended to swallow her whole. The Sea Princess revealed a faint cold smile, her feet lightly stepping as if there were an invisible wave of air beneath her, supporting her.

Jiu Danmei said in a low voice: "Hai Ji, quickly, break that stone pillar; it is transformed from his inner elixir"

The shadow is faint, yet it dances, but everyone is captivated by the green smoke in mid-air, and no one notices. I feel a surge of energy; the dance at the bottom of the basin is slow, with clear movements that are easy to remember. I immediately focus intently on the basin, memorizing the dance postures. Although it cannot compare to the fantastical dance in the air, having something is better than having nothing. As the saying goes, while others feast on meat, I can only sip the soup. I immediately focus intently on the basin, memorizing the dance postures. Although it cannot compare to the fantastical dance in the air, having something is better than having nothing. As the saying goes, while others feast on meat, I can only sip the soup.

Look! I pointed towards the Ouyang Yuan residence, from which thick black smoke was rising

The three beautiful women all raised their heads, intently gazing at the enchanting dance. I knew this was something extraordinary and wanted to memorize the dancer's movements, but the green smoke transformed in myriad ways, gracefully soaring. My eyes were dazzled, let alone remembering it.

Gan Ning shook his head and said, "I am not sure."

The sea princess chuckled softly, while Gan Ning replied with indifference, "The situation is not quite right; we should leave this place of disputes first"

Tuhachiro's Color Change Technique: "Jiu Danmei, do you dare to lay a hand on me? Do you know the consequences?"

I nodded in satisfaction, and the fat man was quite perceptive. It seems he is very skilled at this whole scheme of dividing the spoils.

Jiu Danmei's beautiful eyes sparkled as she stared at Gan Ningzhen: "Fairy Gan, how is it that you are more formidable than us, having discovered the hidden martial arts within the enchanting dance?"

Ten meters ahead, the ground suddenly began to undulate slowly. Then, like a worm, it heaved up. Soil splattered as a short, dark figure sprang out of the ground, greedily eyeing the voluptuous form of Jiu Danmei, and exclaimed: "I am Tu Balang, huh? You must be Jiu Danmei, right?"

Tuhachang suddenly shouted: "Pulse Network! You are the Sea Princess!"

The bustling Ruyi City suddenly became lifeless

"If you let me touch it, I will tell you. Anyway, my skin is tough and my flesh is thick, so I am not afraid of your tender flesh pricking my hand. Hmm, your two companions are also so tender that they could be squeezed for juice."

Under the fierce assault of the three beautiful women, the formidable Shi Jiulang met with a tragic end. It is only now that I truly realize how formidable these three bodyguards that Long Die found for me are

The earthworm-like creature, known as the Tuba Hachiro, emitted a deadly glare. Its limbs suddenly retracted into its body, and layers of thick, sticky mud burst forth from its skin, enveloping its entire form. In no time, it transformed into a mud worm, with a yellow fleshy tumor sprouting from its head. From this tumor, numerous soil columns were secreted, shooting towards the sea princess.

Jiu Danmei was skeptical but said no more, carefully putting away the jade mirror. Finally, Ouyang Yuan unfolded the map of Zizaitian and studied it for a long time before handing it to Gan Ningzhen. The latter hesitated for a moment, and Haiji said: "We dealt with Shi Jiulang for him; this is the reward we deserve"

Jiu Danmei suddenly asked: "Has the Demon Lord really appeared, Tu Balarong?"

The Sea Princess disdainfully said: "The Demon Lord's descent is merely a ruse by the monsters of the Demon Abyss. I do not believe that this Demon Lord can do anything to us. Jiu Danmei, you have always been bold and ruthless; how is it that you are afraid this time?"

Jiu Danmei changed the subject: "I heard that the Saraca asoca tree has bloomed?"

A chill ran through my heart; could this Tuba Lang be in cahoots with that Shijiu Lang?

"Dong—dong—" With each punch, Shijiu Lang's speed was astonishing, his six fists creating a dazzling flurry, producing a deafening sound akin to countless drums, rising and falling in succession. The ground and walls were marked by numerous indentations.

Jiu Danmei said: "Not only the Demon Lord, but soon the entire Northern Region will probably know that three treasures have fallen into our hands. Ouyang Yuan is cunning and shrewd; it is possible that he will deliberately leak this information to find a way out of his predicament"

I wholeheartedly agree, the first thing to gain benefits is to slip away quietly. I have long understood this principle.