novelraw Chapter 661 - 96: Pressing In Step by Step! (Three Updates)
Chapter 661 - 96: Pressing In Step by Step! (Three Updates)
Tiger of Wrath!
Mu Qingge retracted her step and thought to herself, ’The Tiger of Wrath you’re talking about, is it the fierce beast nearly as famous as you?’
’Hah~! I am the Ancestor of Fierce Beasts. The Tiger of Wrath is still a bit lacking compared to me. However, the presence of these two spirits is weak. I suppose they aren’t the true bodies. If they were... heh heh...’ Hou laughed gleefully, "today might be your end."
’Thanks for the warning. Anyway, if I die, you’ll be buried with me. No loss.’ Mu Qingge retorted with a faint sarcasm.
A certain prideful rabbit huffed coldly and fell silent.
With Hou’s warning, Mu Qingge became more cautious. She stepped forward, and as she landed between the two ice sculptures of the Tiger of Wrath, a sudden ice-blue light shot out in a line between them, aiming at her.
Mu Qingge quickly pulled her leg back, retreated to the side, and the others followed suit, avoiding the attack.
The ice-blue light struck a distant ice pillar, ’boom,’ the pillar shattered into debris, falling to the ground.
This scene made all five people’s eyes narrow simultaneously.
Yuanyuan withdrew his gaze, looking intently at the two ice sculptures, the vermillion mark between his brows looked particularly striking. He smiled wickedly, pinching his fingers, and walked toward the ice sculptures.
While walking, he said, "Quite capable, huh! I’ll burn you all and see how you’ll block my boss’s path."
"Yuanyuan." Mu Qingge suddenly stepped in front of him, stopping his action.
Yuanyuan asked confusedly, "Boss, is it not good if I burn these guard dogs for you?"
Mu Qingge slowly shook her head and said plainly, "This is the cave dwelling opened by the ancestors of the Mu Clan, specifically designed to hide the Divine Strategy Middle Volume. They wouldn’t stop the descendants of the Mu Clan from entering."
Her gaze lingered over the two ice sculptures of the Tiger of Wrath, "If I’m not mistaken, some trials are needed to enter, right?"
"Descendants of the Mu Clan, we have been waiting for you for over ten thousand years."
Shortly after she spoke, a voice filled with ancient savagery slowly drifted out.
Immediately, the two ice sculptures of the Tiger of Wrath before her began to change, as if coming to life...
Mu Qingge’s eyes narrowed, full of vigilance deep in them.
Jiang Li moved to help but was stopped by Mu Chen. "This is the trial for the Young Master. We cannot intervene." He gestured the others to step back, so as not to affect Mu Qingge’s performance.
A moment later, the two ice sculptures of the Tiger of Wrath transformed into lifelike creatures with transparent bodies glowing mildly. They stepped down from the pedestals and stood before Mu Qingge.
Mu Qingge’s shoulders tensed, prepared for anything.
’Your Mu Clan ancestors indeed made grand gestures. To guard this place and test you descendants, they actually extracted the Essence of a Tiger of Wrath and divided it in two.’ Hou spoke again.
Mu Qingge felt her heart sink.
If what Hou said was true, then the Essence of this Tiger of Wrath, extracted and trapped here for ten thousand years, must resent the Mu Clan deeply. This trial may not be easy to pass.
"Descendant of the Mu Clan, state your name!" The Tiger of Wrath Essence ordered. Its large eyes, like bronze bells, gazed down coldly and fiercely at Mu Qingge.
"Mu Qingge." Mu Qingge took a deep breath and stated her name.
"Defeat me, and you may enter. Lose, and die." Sure enough, the Tiger of Wrath laid out the simple and brutal rules.
’Little girl, don’t say I didn’t warn you. This Essence is halved, meaning they can sense and support each other. Your difficulty has increased significantly. I suggest you retreat if you’re not sure, and return when you’re stronger.’ Hou advised Mu Qingge.
Retreat and return later?
Mu Qingge shook her head. She didn’t notice the change in Hou’s tone, but responded, "It’s not just me who wants what’s inside. If I retreat now, I may never get it again."
"Hmph, stubborn." Hou grumbled, "I’m telling you, this is a test set by your Mu Clan ancestors for you seekers. No one can intervene. Once someone helps, the trial fails. You need to think it through; losing means death."
"Young Master!"
"Boss!"
"Qingge!"
Mu Qingge’s ears were filled with worried voices from several people.
Mu Qingge’s peripheral vision scanned over the four companions, telling them, "None of you intervene. I’ll handle this myself."
"Be careful."
"Boss, be careful!"
"Young Master, be careful."
This was a battle where no one could help, relying solely on Mu Qingge.
Mu Qingge’s right hand flashed with silver light, the Linglong Spear gripped firmly in her hand. She said to Hou, "Since you can’t help in the fight, you must at least know their weaknesses, right?"
Hou paused in silence, then spoke in a stuffy voice, "They are merely Essence, trapped here for thousands of years, their power not even a tenth of before. Think carefully about the rules they just stated."
Rules!
Mu Qingge’s eyes glinted, ’Defeat it and enter, lose and die?’
Defeat to enter!
Mu Qingge realized the meaning. With a slight smile, she addressed the Tiger of Wrath Essence, "Mu Qingge seeks instruction!" With that, she took the initiative, and with a clear whistle, the Linglong Spear pierced toward one of the Tigers of Wrath.
Boom—!
The two Tigers of Wrath entwined around Mu Qingge, completely surrounding her.
In the blink of an eye, countless moves had already been exchanged.
"These Gate Guardian Divine Beasts are impeccable in both attack and defense, supporting each other flawlessly. The Young Master alone finds it hard to break through their encirclement!" Mu Peng said tensely.
Mu Chen nodded, his eyebrows furrowed in seriousness, "It’s up to the Young Master’s fate now."
"Believe in Qingge." Jiang Li said with a deep voice.
Yuanyuan nodded as well, "I believe the boss will definitely win!"
Every time Mu Qingge’s spear tip cut through the air, it brought forth waves of silver light, constantly clashing with the Tigers of Wrath in fierce combat. Soon, their forms became indistinguishable amidst the fight.
Suddenly, Mu Qingge was knocked flying, landing on the ground, making the hearts of the four watching tighten sharply.
But Mu Qingge wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth, eyes sparkling with excitement, and declared, "Again!"
Mu Qingge executed the Star Beginning Step, weaving between the fangs. Her figure shifted quickly, leaving shadows behind. She struck out with a palm, only to find it was just a phantom.
Mu Qingge instantly teleported behind one of them, reversing her grip and thrusting the Linglong Spear, its tip piercing directly into the back of the head. However, the targeted fang merely transformed into blue smoke, drifting to the side and re-forming, roaring furiously at Mu Qingge.
Mu Qingge grasped the tail of her spear, fiercely swinging the Linglong Spear to ward off the approaching fang.
The fang couldn’t get close to Mu Qingge, suddenly merging into one before her and letting out a roar.
That roar sent waves of sound crashing towards Mu Qingge, shaking the entire Crystal Palace to its foundation. Mu Qingge was struck head-on, forced to retreat three steps back, swallowing back a surge of blood that filled her mouth.
Her face slightly pale, lips pressed into a thin line, her clear eyes watched the fang coldly.
The fang roared again, Mu Qingge widened her eyes, tapping the ground with her spear, flipping mid-air to dodge the incoming sound waves.
She unleashed her Spiritual Power to the fullest, charging towards the fang.
The fang split into two, its front claw striking towards Mu Qingge’s back.
Mu Qingge sidestepped one blow but couldn’t avoid the other. The fang’s paw landed on her back shoulder, a silver flash appeared on her shoulder, a suit of Divine Level Armor manifesting on her.
Seizing the moment, Mu Qingge slipped through the middle of the fang, placing a foot on the step outside the mansion’s gate.
The fang still attempted to pursue, but Mu Qingge swiftly placed her other foot on the step, raised the Linglong Spear to block before her, and calmly spoke: "I won."
The fang halted, its fierce eyes staring at Mu Qingge, the murderous aura unabated.
"Who said you won!" the fang growled, its tone brimming with endless resentment and dissatisfaction.
Mu Qingge’s lips curled into a cold smile, "You guard outside the mansion gate, so your duty is to prevent anyone from approaching here. Once the line is crossed, it’s your dereliction of duty. Now, both my feet are on the steps leading into the mansion. You’ve failed in your duties—isn’t that defeat?"
As her words fell, a deep sound suddenly emanated from the mansion gate behind her, slowly revealing a crack.
’Descendant of the Mu Clan, come in.’ An elderly voice echoed from inside the gate.
As this voice emerged, the fang confronting Mu Qingge’s expression changed immediately, its fierce eyes revealing a hint of fear. They no longer dared to speak, transforming into two streams of cyan smoke, becoming inert ice sculptures again.
Mu Qingge turned around, surprised, looking at the opened mansion gate without speaking.
Who was speaking inside—human or ghost?
"What are you waiting for? Hurry and come in." The voice behind the door urged again.
Mu Qingge frowned. Now at the doorstep, she hesitated a bit. She didn’t know the intent of the speaker. If she entered and the door closed, would she be trapped with no way out, left with no one to cry for help?
"Young Master!"
On the other side, Mu Chen and the others looked at her with concern.
It could be said that this abrupt voice not only made Mu Qingge hesitate but also filled them with unease.
’Girl, go in, it’s fine.’ Xuxu suddenly spoke.
Mu Qingge’s eyes flashed, she bit her lip, stepped forward up the steps, and entered the mansion.
"Young Master!"
"Qingge!"
"Boss!"
Mu Chen and the four others charged forward.
However, the voice sounded again, "Only descendants of the Mu Clan are allowed in here. Others who intrude will be killed without mercy!"
Mu Qingge stood at the door, turning to the four and said: "Wait for me here." Finished, she closed her eyes briefly, then opened them to add, "They have found the entrance but have not opened it. If they come here, ensure your safety first. Don’t worry about me."
After speaking, the gate that had automatically opened closed again, blocking the anxious view of others.
"Is the boss safe alone inside? Will there be another test?" Yuanyuan expressed concern.
Mu Chen thought for a moment and shook his head, saying: "This is the testing ground set by the ancestors of the Mu Clan, not intended to harm the descendants. The Young Master should be fine inside."
"Let’s wait here, also staying alert to any other movements. Who knows if those above have the skills to open this passage. Hopefully, they will be slow and give Qingge more time." Jiang Li frowned slightly and said.
The four outside the mansion gate exchanged glances, all understanding.
The original hope was to find the Divine Strategy and quietly leave, avoiding confrontation with the people of the Divine Demon Continent and preventing a battle. But now, the other side has found the location, an encounter is only a matter of time.
Now, their hope lies in Mu Qingge obtaining the Divine Strategy before those from the Divine Demon Continent arrive!
...
On the snowfield, Mu Tianyin’s mood was bleak.
He was sure the Divine Strategy was hidden here, but he had yet to find the entrance.
Much time had passed, yet his efforts were unsuccessful—not only failing to find the Divine Strategy but also losing a person.
"Young Master, we’ve searched thoroughly many times around here but still haven’t discovered anything." His subordinate reported progress again.
However, there was nothing gratifying in the report.
"Useless bunch!" Mu Tianyin harshly replied.
He walked alone to the glacial cliff, stubbornly searching again.
His three subordinates behind him exchanged glances. They indeed found nothing and were useless—just like their Young Master, who also hadn’t found anything.
"No! Why not!" Mu Tianyin punched the cliff in frustration, channeling his inner rage.
At that moment, some snowflakes gently fell from the top of the cliff, landing on him.
The snow melted into cold water, calming him down.
Lifting his gaze, he looked towards the cliff’s top, slowly retreating, eyes filled with drifting snowflakes.
He spread his arms, catching the snowflakes. At first, he felt nothing, but a sudden discovery made him widen his eyes abruptly, with an intense gleam in his eyes.
He saw the snowflakes caught in his left hand disappeared, while those falling elsewhere melted into water.
This discovery made his eyes narrow gradually, coldly smiling in his heart.
He withdrew his right hand, keeping his left hand extended, constantly catching snowflakes. Slowly, he seemed to be moving along an invisible path...