Chapter 10: After the Ten Thousand Demons (1)

The overall layout indoors is simple and clear, with delicate and elegant decorative items. The spaces between the side rooms are adorned with beaded curtains, enhancing the refined and graceful atmosphere. Yaoyang and Yixian rely on each other to explore and determine their mutual existence, then look around at their surroundings and begin to search for their respective targets.

Leaning against the strings, I barely blocked the dazzling sun in front of me. At this moment, upon hearing the sound, I couldn't help but turn my head, and precisely, without a fraction of a second's delay, I saw in front of me a wooden tub filled with delicate flower petals—inside, a stunningly beautiful woman, completely naked, was crouching in the water. She tightly covered her chest with her hands, her flower-like complexion already changed with shock, her delicate body trembling lightly, and her helpless eyes gazed at the two unfamiliar intruders before her.

Princess Youyun finally let out a sigh of relief upon hearing this, her previously anxious heart began to settle down slightly. However, recalling the extremely awkward situation she had just faced, she instinctively remained crouched in the sandalwood bath tub, hesitating to rise for a long time.

Her long, jet-black hair, slightly damp, gently clung to her flawlessly smooth cheeks, accentuating her extraordinarily beautiful contours. A few strands of hair fell along her snow-white neck, ... The skin, bathed in warm steam, glowed with a tempting flush, and beneath the gently rippling surface of the water, the alluring figure of a woman emerged, her mature body subtly visible, outlining an enchanting curve that stirred the imagination.

Chibo nodded in satisfaction and said: "Let me make the final preparations for you! Close your eyes and concentrate—"

A powerful sound of wind broke through the air, and a massive black tiger appeared in the night rain, galloping closer with three people on its back. This tiger was none other than Chi Bo's steed, "Tian Wu," and the three individuals on its back were Shen Gongbao and the two brothers, Yao Yang and Yi Xian.

Shen Gongbao took the Xuantian Bagua Mirror, which shone with a strange and enchanting light under the lightning on a rainy night. Facing the wind and rain on the isolated giant rock, he held the mirror with both hands, forming a circular seal. His ten fingers repeatedly twisted and turned, and between his palms, a surge of magical and extraordinary energy emerged. The Xuantian Bagua Mirror, following this energy, repelled the wind and rain three inches away, suspended in the void

At the moment when Yaoyang and Yixian were locked in a standoff before the screen, they suddenly felt an involuntary tremor in their lower abdomen. The mysterious energy of their physical veins vanished without a trace in an instant. The Hidden Spirit Talisman, having lost its attachment to the power of the original body, immediately dissipated completely, revealing the true forms of the two brothers without any preparation.

After a moment, Chi Bo's complexion gradually returned to normal, and he opened his eyes, standing up to conclude his practice. Shen Gongbao remained respectfully standing guard nearby, his expression cautious and silent.

Before the two could react, a terrified and helpless scream of "Ah..." came from behind the screen

For the first time in their lives, the two individuals felt both excitement and emotion as they shouldered this heavy responsibility. With full confidence, they replied in unison: "Please rest assured, esteemed one, we will definitely complete the task!"

Yixuan stopped speaking, as he and Yaoyang had completely fallen into the heavy encirclement of hundreds of palace guards. Facing the gleaming swords and halberds just a few feet away, their rain-soaked bodies felt even colder, and the words that were clearly on the tip of their tongues were involuntarily swallowed back.

Chi Bo took out an ancient bronze mirror from his bosom and handed it to Shen Gongbao, saying in a deep voice: "Everything will proceed as planned!" After finishing his words, he waved his large sleeves, and astonishingly, he vanished mysteriously into the wind and rain.

Is this the dwelling place of the infamous seductress Daji, as rumored by outsiders? The two brothers initially imagined her palace would be extravagant and luxurious, but upon seeing it for the first time, they couldn't help but feel somewhat disappointed, despite their desire to broaden their horizons.

Everything was exceptionally clear as it reflected in the Xuantian Bagua Mirror on Shangling Mountain. Standing alone in the wind and rain, Shen Gongbao revealed an extremely wicked grin at the corner of his mouth, and with a cold snort, he said: "I never expected that these two youngsters could still enjoy such fortune before their deaths! However, since the time has come, let me help you one last time, so that she can remember you forever!"

At that moment, Princess Youyun in the bathtub heard her maid Xiaojiao calling from outside and finally came to her senses from her extreme panic, shyly responding: "Xiaojiao, I am fine... Those two lewd... shameless little thieves ran away through the back window..."

Chibo sat cross-legged on a giant rock, his hands raised level with his body, fingers interlaced to form a unique magical seal of the sect. His dark robe began to rhythmically swell and contract from the inside out. Despite the thousands of raindrops splattering and flying in the wind, they could never approach within three feet of him.

Why did the mysterious power suddenly fail? Yi Xian looked at her outstretched hands in disappointment, still unable to believe that the mystical energy she had been able to control so effortlessly in recent days would lose its effectiveness at such a critical moment

Amidst the words spoken, Shen Gongbao chanted incantations, his right hand conjuring two golden light talismans. With his pale hands, he drew arcs in the air, the thumb, middle, and ring fingers of both palms trembling in rhythm. This action traced out six eerie green rays that enveloped the talisman, activating the foremost of the nine magical spirit talismans of the Demon Gate—the "Golden Puppet Talisman"—through the "Phantom Following Talisman Invocation".

At this moment, the two were in the imperial garden located in the center of the palace city. Despite the fierce wind and heavy rain of the night, the guards of the imperial palace remained on high alert, each equipped with raincoats and hats, not daring to be negligent, patrolling in formation. At this time, a group of soldiers was passing by the two, and Yaoyang patted his chest, exclaiming in his heart: "That was close!"

It is said that Yaoyang and Yixian decisively jumped out of the window, and before they could steady themselves, they were discovered by the palace guards. The two of them dared not delay for a moment and immediately ran into the wind and rain, following the path to escape into the back garden.

Yao Yang and Yi Xian closed their eyes for a while, seemingly completely unaware of what had happened, and did not feel any abnormalities in their bodies at all. They only heard Chi Bo's voice coming from behind: "Go ahead, act according to plan"

For some reason, when Yixian thought of this, he immediately quickened his pace and moved towards the screen. Sure enough, he touched Yaoyang's body beside the screen chair. Before that young man could take any action, Yixian had already pulled Yaoyang to a halt in time

The brothers were so immersed in the mysterious sensations of their bodies that they completely forgot the danger of being at a high altitude

Leaning against the strings, he attempted to summon the mysterious energy within him. However, no matter how much he tried to calm his mind and focus, he was utterly unable to trace even the slightest sign of the energy that had been expended. His heart was filled with urgency and confusion, and he replied irritably: "After enduring so many years of your trials, overstepping should be considered your forte; I have long since become accustomed to it"

The two individuals stealthily made their way through layers of guards and arrived at the secluded palace indicated by Chi Bo. This courtyard, although slightly smaller compared to other deep palace annexes, was complete with flowers, gardens, and scenic hills. Its arrangement, though devoid of any grandeur, was simple yet appropriate, exuding an elegant and understated charm.

Leaning on the strings, fearing that he would become even more unruly, she hurriedly tugged at Yaoyang's sleeve. Only then did the two of them approach Shen Gongbao from behind, respectfully bowing to Chi Bo to pay their respects.

Yixian was also taken aback, and the two brothers, feeling guilty about their theft, hurriedly attempted the "Concealment Talisman" several times. Perhaps due to their excessive nervousness, they were unable to summon their mystical energy, which left them in a state of panic.

Faced with the palace guards surging in from all directions like a tidal wave, the two were in a state of panic, looking around anxiously, and could only wait with all their hearts for Chi Bo and Shen Gongbao to come to their rescue. Yaoyang patted Yixian's shoulder and bitterly mocked himself, saying: "Isn't this trial a bit too extreme?"

Yaoyang was forcibly dragged aside, and his previously excited mood was now greatly diminished. Just as he was about to reason with Yixian, he suddenly heard a flurry of hurried footsteps outside the house. It was clear that the princess's earlier scream had attracted the patrolling palace guards. In that moment, he could no longer afford to entertain those absurd thoughts and became tense, looking around anxiously.

Little did they know that the furnishings in the outer hall were sparse. The two searched high and low for half a day, yet they found nothing. Just as they were about to pass through the beaded curtain into the inner chamber, a sudden sound of rushing water came from behind the screen on the side of the room.

Fortunately, Yao Yang remained calm in a crisis. He first steadied his mind and held onto the flustered Yi Xian, patting his hand to signal him to stay still for the time being. It was only then that Yi Xian realized he had been rendered invisible by the "Hidden Spirit Talisman." If he acted hastily, it would only make it easier to expose their whereabouts. Thinking of the dangers involved, he couldn't help but let out a quiet sigh of relief upon Yao Yang's awareness.

Listening to the tense situation outside, the two exchanged a glance and simultaneously ran to the back window of the inner room. They pressed their ears against the window and listened for a while without hearing any movement, feeling a surge of joy in their hearts. Without a second thought, they pulled open the window and jumped out one after another

The two brothers stealthily approached the main house of the palace. Yaoyang first peered through the window gap for a moment, then took out a delicate small file from his pocket and inserted it into the door crack. After a series of manipulations, he gently opened the door latch and cautiously stepped inside. Leaning against the door, Xian glanced around nervously for a moment before also securing the door and slipping into the room.

Leaning on the strings, I pondered for a moment and asked, "May I ask, Chibo, what does the Returning Origin Sacred Mirror look like?" Yaoyang had the same question in mind and, upon hearing this, turned to Chibo, unable to suppress his curiosity and eager to know the answer

Chi Bo paused for a moment, contemplating that the five-colored divine stone sealing the Sacred Mirror is a legendary object, and who has truly witnessed it? He could only rely on the Sacred Mirror to sense the magical extreme power emitted by the celestial phenomena and calamities to determine its location, so how could he provide a definitive answer? Fortunately, he had prepared in advance, thus he spoke in a calm and unhurried manner:

Shen Gongbao immediately recited the incantation, channeling all his magical energy to invoke the "Phantom Following Talisman Invocation Technique." His palms and fingers continuously flexed and extended in a pulling motion, exhibiting an extraordinary agility. Before long, two ethereal spirit talismans, controlled by the invisible magical force, responded to his gestures, twisting and contorting like exuberant puppets in accordance with his指势.

On Shangling Mountain

At this moment, on the stormy and thunderous Shangling Mountain, a figure in a black robe, Chi Bo, stood alone on a massive rock, blending into the vast night. He gazed down at the Yin Shang imperial palace, which was almost within reach, and a strange, inexplicable smile tugged at the corners of his mouth

It was also said, if it were not for you ... ...

Yao Yang couldn't help but continuously gaze towards Shangling Mountain, murmuring to himself, "... Why haven't Chi Bo and Elder Shen come to rescue us yet?"

Yao Yang smiled sheepishly and said with a hint of meaning, "This time, you certainly did not suffer any loss..."

Almost simultaneously, they felt the "Hidden Spirit Talisman" on their backs begin to take effect after being struck by Chi Bo. The power of the talisman immediately manifested, permeating their bodies without any gaps, following the guidance of the talisman script to traverse throughout their entire beings. The mysterious energy activated by the talisman generated the water elemental energy that the two had gradually adapted to, enveloping their physical forms and concealing all traces.

Accompanied by the urgent and rapid sound of knocking, a woman timidly asked: "Princess... Princess, what is wrong with you..."

The sky was overcast as the horse gently trotted on the ground, its four hooves lowered as three people dismounted in succession. Yaoyang, taking the opportunity while dismounting, affectionately stroked its mane, noticing its half-closed eyes that appeared exceptionally docile, and could not help but playfully pinch its whiskers, feeling even more exhilarated.

Of course, I am willing! The two brothers have long expressed their intentions, so at this moment, how could they be untrustworthy? Moreover, with the protection of the "Hidden Spirit Escape Technique" at present, they have even less reason to fear, but rather, it adds a fresh thrill to the experience

Chibo nodded in satisfaction and then pointed towards a corner of the palace complex located to the south, solemnly advising: "That is the lair of the demon fox, and at this moment, the demon fox is indulging in debauchery with the lecherous monarch. I will first send you there, and once the demon fox becomes aware, Elder Shen and I will devise ways to distract her. Therefore, whether or not we can retrieve the sacred treasure for our sect ultimately depends on you."

The lute was paused for a moment, yet there was no sign of Yaoyang's actions. Just as he felt puzzled, his sharp gaze swept around the inner chamber, finally focusing on that plain white dress. A familiar feeling flashed through his mind, and he was secretly shocked by his current speculation, pondering: Could it be that she is the one bathing? If Yaoyang also recognized this dress, given his obsession with her, what is the most likely action he would take now?

Although the palace garden is brightly lit, there are very few palace maids coming and going, and even the guards rarely patrol this area. Compared to the current stormy weather, the entire palace courtyard appears particularly quiet and lacks vitality

Before the words had even finished echoing, a sudden shout of reprimand was heard, and all the soldiers rushed towards the back garden of the palace upon hearing the sound. Little Jiao immediately exclaimed, "Your Highness, do not worry, they have already been surrounded by the palace guards!"

However, Yi Xian could never have imagined that at this moment, Yao Yang not only had no intention of figuring out how to escape from danger, but also mustered up the courage to walk straight towards the screen. This was solely because his eyes had been fixed on an object, which was a plain white dress placed on the side table next to the screen.

At this moment, a bolt of lightning streaked across the rainy night sky, the dazzling light flashing and vanishing in an instant, illuminating the panting expression of Chi Bo as he continuously adjusted his breathing. His pale face was strikingly evident beneath the black robe, and the cold sweat beading on his forehead mixed with the rainwater as it trickled down, clearly depicting a state of extreme exhaustion

Yixian and Yaoyang first wiped the mud off their shoes in a concealed area where the palace lights could not reach, and then they stepped onto the corridor between the courtyards, heading towards the main hall of the palace.

When they fled from Princess Youyun's "Jiyue Palace" in a desperate manner, believing that they could escape as long as they hid and concealed themselves, they ultimately lost all confidence in the face of the intricate and convoluted paths of the palace grounds

The hazy mirror gradually became clear, revealing the blurred images of Yi Xian and Yao Yang hidden behind it

Faced with the breathtaking scene before him, one that could leave an indelible mark on his memory, his heart raced with anxiety, and his breath caught in his throat. In a fluster, he turned his head away, unable to look any longer. He gripped Yao Yang's body tightly, trying to pull him back from peering inside, and mumbled a vague defense: "Your Highness, we never... intended to offend, it was just... just..."

The two brothers had never encountered such a life-and-death terrifying scene before, and they were so frightened that they stood back to back, the fear in their hearts was unimaginable

Although Yi Xian could not see the invisible Yaoyang, he was well acquainted with his temperament and had already skillfully covered his big mouth, whispering, "Shh! Be careful!" Upon Yi Xian's reminder, Yaoyang looked around and was immediately frightened into a cold sweat.

Chibo nodded kindly, his expression solemn as he asked: "Through the recent days of intensive training, I believe you have basically grasped the essentials of the Hidden Spirit Escape Technique. I anticipate that those ordinary guards will be unable to deal with you! However, being in a perilous situation inevitably brings about uncertainties, so I will ask you once more: Are you truly willing to assist our sect in retrieving the Sacred Jade?"

As the sound faded, both individuals felt a powerful strike from Chi Bo on their backs, a surge of force propelling them uncontrollably into the air and straight down the mountain. The two brothers could only see the wind and rain howling towards them, the scenery rushing past their ears, and in an instant, they were so frightened that they tightly grasped each other's hands, closing their eyes and daring not to look down any further

The royal palace of the Shang Dynasty is located in the southeast of Chaoge City, at the intersection of East Qinglong Avenue and South Zhuque Avenue, built against the backdrop of Shangling Mountain. It is surrounded by water on both sides. The century-old palace was originally grand and simple, but since King Zhou ascended the throne, extensive construction has led to the establishment of numerous extravagant and indulgent places, causing the palace to lose its solemn and majestic demeanor.

After a while, the two felt their bodies suddenly pause, and the speed of their descent abruptly slowed down. With two thuds, the two brothers actually landed steadily on solid ground. Yaoyang stomped his feet vigorously, opened his eyes, and indeed found that they had reached the ground, feeling extremely delighted, almost bursting into cheers.

The Sacred Bi is an ancient divine artifact, adorned with a dazzling array of colors, its divine light can be seen. Although it is easy to recognize, the fox spirit will surely keep it hidden in a very secret place, making it difficult to find for the time being... You should do your utmost, as success or failure is determined by fate, and there is no need to be overly concerned about it. Remember, do not put yourself in danger unless absolutely necessary. Remember this!

At this moment, on Shangling Mountain, Shen Gongbao, seeing the perilous situation of the two brothers through the "Xuantian Bagua Mirror," finally squeezed out a few traces of a vulture-like smile on his face and could not help but sneer sharply: "... Save you? Of course I will save you; otherwise, with the trivial and superficial skills you have learned these days, you might as well end up harming yourselves, yet you dare to foolishly think you can escape from this situation, utterly deluded!"

Yao Yang approached the screen step by step, gazing at the increasingly clear and captivating figure. He was well aware of what the person behind the screen was doing at that moment, causing his breathing to suddenly quicken and his mood to become even more anxious and unsettled

The two individuals gazed at the rising heat waves on the emerald green screen, and saw the graceful figures illuminated by the lights on either side of the screen. At the same time, they wondered if the enchanting fox spirit, Daji, was currently bathing in her palace. Instantly, they were so startled that their souls seemed to leave their bodies, and they hurriedly reached out to each other, pulling their legs to flee outside.

As he spoke, Chi Bo's dark robe inexplicably expanded, appearing particularly eerie in the rainy night. He crossed his arms over his chest, and two black halos shot out from his palms in a strange, undulating trajectory, instantly striking the lower abdomen of the two brothers. It seemed to be a fierce attack, yet the moment it touched their bodies, it vanished without a trace.