Chapter 5 also features villains among the demons
"Alas, you have fallen into his trap." As she watched the eagle-faced demon race towards her, Bai Binglan felt a complex mix of emotions
In just about ten rounds, the Black Hawk Demon seemingly carelessly revealed a flaw, as if it had kicked a stone with its foot, causing it to stagger and lean to the side; without a second thought, Zhang Kuangyun lunged forward, attacking with ease.
However, this Black Hawk old demon is indeed fierce, enduring several strikes of purple lightning, being scorched by several bursts of red fire, and pierced by several ice spikes, yet it continues to roar incessantly. Seizing an opportunity, it charges out of the magical formation, and before its momentum has dissipated, it has already rushed to the rocks where Bai Binglan is lying in ambush
Both sides in the conflict are at the end of their strength, their movements relatively slow, and their lethality not significant. Nevertheless, the danger of the battle is by no means diminished, for in such life-and-death struggles, victory means survival, while defeat equates to death
Noticing this, she felt a certain admiration for Zhang Kuangyun in her heart
In the brief encounter just now, he had already realized that although the young Taoist appeared to be uninjured, he was not in a much better condition secretly. Thus, he brandished an iron staff with sharp barbs and regrouped to engage in battle with Zhang Kuangyun.
"It is what I witnessed with my own eyes." Zhang Kuangyun gazed ahead, as if recalling past events. "I have heard the lamentations of those who have lost their children, which weighed heavily on my heart. I lay in wait day and night, and finally saw this scoundrel luring children away from their homes, then extending his sharp claws to seize them, spreading his wings and taking flight."
As he spoke, he took out several talismans from his bosom and began to arrange them on this hillside.
Oh. Bai Binglan said no more, watching the young man busily coming and going, seemingly lost in thought
The eagle-like creature was clad in black leather armor. Earlier, when it was still some distance away, it had two large eagle wings trailing behind it, occasionally flapping to gain momentum, with blood dripping from the roots of the wings. However, as it ran further down the mountain, the path became narrower and the vegetation denser. Dragging its two tails became increasingly inconvenient, so it retracted its wings and stumbled towards Bai Binglan.
While looking up, I suddenly saw an object descending from the mountaintop, resembling a dark cloud, rapidly drifting this way
All the while gazing at the warm and clear-eyed youth, yet at this moment, his face was filled with a murderous intent
Bai Binglan did not speak up to ask, for she could guess that the black eagle old demon mentioned by the youth had likely returned to this Mufu Mountain
Seeing this situation, Bai Binglan sighed inwardly, knowing that ultimately it was her own clan's skills that were inferior to others, leading to her injury and retreat.
Zhang Kuangyun barely arrived in time to block the deadly claw of the Black Eagle Monster; however, he was also violently knocked back several steps by the overwhelming force of the creature.
"Is that true?" Although Bai Binglan appeared to be obedient, she still felt somewhat unconvinced and pretended not to know as she asked, "How did you know that those missing children were taken by this Black Hawk demon?"
Quickly, Zhang Kuangyun, holding a precious sword, stealthily crept towards the mountain peak with utmost caution
I believe that only then can there be ghosts! What if you are a demon? Today, anyone who gets involved with that little scoundrel will surely die! Amidst the fierce roar, the Black Hawk Monster has already leaped into the air, extending its sharp claws, and pounced towards Bai Binglan!
Ah, really? Then I need to be careful. Bai Binglan secretly rolled her eyes but responded with an innocent and carefree expression.
Today is a sunny day, with bright sunshine
Seeing him like this, the usually composed Bai Binglan was slightly moved
The claws of the Black Hawk Monster, accompanied by the howling wind, are approaching in an instant; Bai Binglan has already prepared to close her eyes and accept this tragic yet absurd ending
Princess Tianhu did not wait long before she heard a commotion at the mountain top, the clear and bright shouts of a young man, along with a sharp and unfamiliar roar, distinctly reaching Bai Binglan's ears
Hmm. Zhang Kuangyun was clearly much more serious than Bai Binglan. Noticing the girl's casual tone, he said earnestly, "Take the Black Eagle Old Demon of Mufushan as an example; it is extremely ferocious and cunning. In the nearby villages and towns, there are often reports of children going missing, and from my inquiries, it should be the doing of this Black Eagle monster."
It is hard to believe that such a young individual not only managed to defeat the Black Hawk Old Demon but also demonstrated a combination of intelligence and bravery, inflicting injuries on the winged Eagle Clan, which could only escape by flying and fleeing down the mountain.
Zhang Kuangyun taught her the essentials of using the talismans, and then said to her: "Soon, I will go to the eagle monster's lair at the mountain top to engage in battle, and I will surely lure him into the Five Thunder Eight Trigrams Formation; at that time, you must remain vigilant at all times. As soon as that eagle monster charges out, you must throw these three talismans at him in quick succession, as I just taught you, and you will surely be able to eliminate the demon and achieve victory"
This thought flashed through Bai Binglan's mind, and amidst her sorrow and fear, she felt that this matter was simply a mockery from the heavens towards her
Bai Binglan stood beneath the magic circle, hidden behind a cluster of white stones, watching Zhang Kuangyun's figure recede into the distance
In an instant, it was as if fish had collided with a silk net, and the talismans from eight directions intertwined and activated. On what appeared to be an ordinary clearing along the mountain path, countless purple electric lights suddenly shone, interspersed with darting flames, chaotic ice shards, and vines that twisted like snakes, all rushing towards the black eagle monster from all sides.
Unexpectedly, at that moment, another shadow suddenly arrived like the wind, instantly blocking in front of Bai Binglan
"Huh?" Upon hearing this, Black Hawk was momentarily taken aback, then he scrutinized Bai Binglan a few times, his expression becoming contemplative.
"You are standing behind me." Zhang Kuangyun took a deep breath, steadying the turbulent energy within him that had been stirred by the fierce claws of the demon, and spoke calmly.
The technique of Bai Binglan is no longer present, yet her gaze remains; upon seeing the black eagle monster like this, she immediately called out to him: "Hurry and leave! You cannot possibly defeat him."
Oh! So this young lady is the mistress of the little scoundrel!" The Black Hawk squatted down, also making an effort to steady his mind, and in between gasps, he did not forget to cackle at the two, "No wonder this young lady tried to scheme against me just now; a venomous woman is well matched with a thief, you two are truly a perfect pair.
However, if that young man were to be killed, I would feel somewhat reluctant, after all, he did help me pay the rent
It must be said that although Zhang Kuangyun possesses considerable talent, his combat experience, acquired over the years, is far inferior to that of the seasoned old demon.
The spring sunlight, although bright, is not intense, and feels warm when it shines on the body
"Eh?" Seeing her like this, the Black Hawk Monster was somewhat puzzled. It took a couple of steps closer and said, "You just used a talisman to attack me, clearly in cahoots with that little scoundrel. Why are you speaking up for me now?"
Upon seeing him approach, the Black Hawk remained unafraid
At that time, unable to bear it any longer, I secretly released those children. Unexpectedly, this action alarmed the cunning eagle monster, arousing its suspicion. Not only did it heighten its vigilance, but it also moved the other stolen children away, becoming extremely cautious in its own comings and goings.
As the fierce battle unfolded, Bai Binglan pondered: "Who will ultimately emerge victorious? Whose skills are superior?"
Ah, it's hard to explain all at once. Well, let me tell you, I am also a demon!" Bai Binglan said to the Black Hawk Monster in a low voice, feeling helpless.
Yet, to Bai Binglan, this sound felt like the most exquisite sound she had ever heard in her life.
The Black Hawk monster has just been severely injured; struck by these two bursts of talismanic fire, it immediately staggered and fell to the ground
In contrast to Zhang Kuangyun's full vigilance, Bai Binglan seemed completely unconcerned, as if she regarded this as a trip
The talisman array set up by the young man is not profound; even a demon clan member like Bai Binglan can see that what he has arranged is merely a basic Bagua array
"Where do you think you're going?" In the sinister gaze of the black hawk, a cold light flashed. "Today, Eagle Master does not wish to leave; that foul Taoist refuses to depart, blocking my way home. Today, it will either be his death or mine; there must be a resolution!"
I once tracked him down to his lair, where I saw seven or eight young boys and girls imprisoned in a small cave, the cave was filthy and in an extremely tragic state
He has returned. After a long silence, Zhang Kuangyun suddenly spoke, "Eliminate this evil tyrant, today!"
"Do not speak nonsense!" Zhang Kuangyun shouted sternly, "You wicked fiend who has committed heinous acts, today I, Zhang Kuangyun, will risk my life to make you pay in blood for your crimes! Monster, prepare to die!"
"How is it? Do you believe me now?" Bai Binglan said anxiously yet joyfully
The treasured sword of the Xuanling Sect clashed violently with the sharp claws of the Black Hawk Monster, producing a jarring sound that made one's teeth ache.
Bai Binglan focused intently, observing his flurry of activity
If it were an ordinary demon, it would have been thrown into a panic and met with obstacles everywhere after being attacked by the meticulously arranged Five Thunder Eight Trigrams Formation set by Zhang Kuangyun, ultimately leading to its demise
Behind him was Bai Binglan; in such a critical moment, when Zhang Kuangyun was being struck and staggered backward, he still made an effort to control his steps, trying his best not to knock Bai Binglan down, but instead pushing her relatively slowly toward the back.
Just as she was thinking, she heard a piercing scream coming from the mountain top
At this moment, the precision of Zhang Kuangyun's calculations became evident; with just two bursts of talismanic fire, although the eagle monster fell to the ground, after a brief pause, it surprisingly managed to stand up again, swaying unsteadily, having exerted all its strength.
"Why are you not listening to advice?" Bai Binglan exclaimed anxiously
Hmm. Bai Binglan lowered her head in acknowledgment, yet she felt somewhat displeased by the last words of the young man.
According to the arrangement, Bai Binglan should consecutively play those three talismans.
As the Black Hawk Old Demon drew closer, Bai Binglan could see his features clearly. Indeed, he had a fierce appearance; although he had a human face like other demons, his cheekbones were prominent, his nose curved like a hook, his complexion was dark, and his eyes were sharp and cold, resembling a transformed black hawk.
A fight has broken out! Bai Binglan looked up, filled with excitement, as she tried to discern the two figures darting about on the distant mountain peak.
In a daze, she did not clearly hear whether it was Zhang Kuangyun's voice, and hurriedly glanced towards the mountain top
At that moment, she thought to herself: "If he leaves and never returns, I shall find someone else."
Indeed, my current expedition to the Wu and Yue regions to capture demons is precisely to temporarily evade detection, allowing these monsters to let down their guard
Indeed. Bai Binglan said little, taking the three talismans and examining them repeatedly in her hands
As she was evaluating the situation, suddenly, Zhang Kuangyun approached and handed her three golden talismans, saying: "Miss Binglan, although I have used the Five Thunder Righteous Method talismans and arranged them according to the Eight Trigrams, the eagle monster will surely break through. At that time, you should stand beneath the formation, between Qian and Kan, and throw these three talismans at him, which will surely be able to severely injure and subdue him."
Especially in the midst of the great mountains, the lush greenery is abundant, and the fragrance of the vegetation enhances the quality of the air, making one feel refreshed and at ease while walking through it
The Black Hawk Witch rushed forward, and with a wave of her delicate hand, two talismans flew out effortlessly. As soon as they were released, they ignited into a trail of flames. By the time they approached the body of the hawk monster, they had transformed into two massive fireballs, which struck heavily against the Black Hawk Monster with two resounding "bangs".
As one walks deeper into the mountains, the forest becomes denser, sunlight diminishes, and the mountain path grows increasingly dark
The basics of the magic circle, however, were arranged with considerable ingenuity by the young practitioner. Many of the hidden talismans were placed in locations such as crevices in the stones or among the branches, making it seem as though they were invisible at first glance.
His expression was solemn, with a flicker of divine light in his eyes, exuding an air of composure and dignity that was surprisingly mature for his age
As she watched the Black Hawk Monster charge at her with a fierce expression, its gleaming claws raised, Bai Binglan initially felt confused, then angry, but ultimately, her entire being was overtaken by a profound sense of fear
As they walked to a secluded mountainside, the trees had become sparse.
Ah, our clan possesses extraordinary talents and abilities, with agility and strength that naturally surpass others.
Occasionally, when Bai Binglan raised her eyes to look at the young man, she noticed that the expression on his face was becoming increasingly serious
Therefore, I have come to Mount Fushan today, not merely to take a shortcut, but to investigate the rumors surrounding the Black Hawk Monster. If he lets down his guard and returns to the mountains and forests, it is possible that I will have to slay him
The Black Hawk let out a hoarse roar, and to everyone's astonishment, its eyes glowed with a blood-red light. Its entire body was enveloped in a layer of crimson radiance, as if it had employed some unique and sinister technique. In such a severely injured state, it seemed to have restored seven or eight parts of its strength, ready to confront the arrogant Yun in a battle for supremacy.
"Quick, walk!" Bai Binglan whispered.
The Princess of the Celestial Fox is torn within, yet the scales in her heart ultimately lean towards her own kin—she still does not believe the words spoken by the young man just now
Could it be that I, the esteemed princess of the Tushan Kingdom, will today die at the hands of my own kin, under the guise of a mere human Daoist attendant, without any clarity or understanding?
Interesting... Bai Binglan secretly nodded, thinking to herself, "Although this young Taoist has a detestable opinion of my clan, he is after all a disciple of the third Taoist sect in the world. Even a simple formation he sets up reveals considerable ingenuity in its details."
Before reaching the concealed boulder in front of Bai Binglan, the Black Hawk Monster crashed headlong into the Five Thunder Eight Trigrams formation set up in advance by the young man
The Black Hawk Monster did not even glance at Bai Binglan; after standing up, it looked towards the mountain peak and saw the young man rushing over like a shooting star chasing the moon
Amidst the falling gravel and scattered foliage, Bai Binglan deftly dodged left and right, her gaze unwavering, moving with an ease that resembled a leisurely stroll in a tranquil garden
The Black Hawk Monster suddenly erupted in chaos, and Bai Binglan, due to her self-assured status and her mistaken belief of being among her own kind, let her guard down and had little protection. In fact, her current power was merely a remnant, and even if she had taken precautions from the beginning, it would have been in vain.
Zhang Kuangyun stopped in his tracks, lifting his head in a shaded area to gaze towards the summit of the mountain
This action is not difficult, especially for Bai Binglan
Hearing her call out like that, the Black Hawk Monster was taken aback, turning its face to look at her with great curiosity
Amidst the roar, the situation for Zhang Kuangyun, who was no better off than the Black Hawk Monster, once again gathered his remaining strength and lunged forward with his sword towards the Black Hawk Monster