The vortex released by the array stone thrown by the first mate grew larger, eventually swallowing all the fear leeches.
Combined with the leeches killed by the other warriors, the massive leech army was completely wiped out.
“Was that an array stone just now?” Ling Xiao couldn’t help but ask.
“Oh? You’re quite knowledgeable to recognise an array stone. That’s right, it’s specially used against fear leeches. We travel this route often. Without something like this for protection, those monsters would’ve killed us long ago,” the first mate explained with a smile. “But don’t worry, everyone. Past the fear leeches, there’s no other danger. Next, we’ll reach the interior of Pixiu Island. Whether you can get Tianyuan crystals depends on your own abilities.”
The group had been disheartened, morale low, as the recent battle had cost nearly a hundred lives.
These were all Celestial Realm warriors.
In Tianlong Continent, Celestial Realm warriors were inner sect elders.
Even if Celestial Realm warriors weren’t as valued in Shenhuang Continent, losing so many at once was painful.
And quite frightening.
But the first mate’s words reignited their excitement.
After enduring great hardships, it was finally time for rewards.
“Master, something feels off,” Leng Mei said quietly to Ling Xiao as they resumed.
“Hm. By logic, the first mate didn’t need to use the array stone. With his strength, he could’ve escaped. These people dying here would’ve completed their task. There’s no need to ensure everyone’s safety, as deaths are normal in smuggling,” Ling Xiao nodded. “I suspect something’s fishy. They separated warriors above Five Elements Heaven from us to weaken our strength.”
“What do we do? Keep following?” Leng Mei asked.
“Follow. Even if it’s a mountain of blades or a sea of fire, we have to press on. It’s just a hunch, not proof of a trap. Stay close to me. If something happens, I’ll figure out a way,” Ling Xiao replied.
Though Ling Xiao’s cultivation was lower than Leng Mei’s, she found his words oddly reliable, feeling safe by his side.
“Understood, Master!” Leng Mei nodded.
“And that Ximen Bo, he’s no good. I might kill him. You won’t object, will you?” Ling Xiao asked suddenly.
He’d held back when Ximen Bo tried to sabotage him earlier, out of respect for Leng Mei.
“Ximen Bo helped me once, but I’ve repaid that debt. If he threatens you, Master, I’ll kill him myself. If you want to do it, I won’t object,” Leng Mei said solemnly.
“That’s all I needed to hear. I’ll let him off this time. If he doesn’t wise up next time, he’s done,” Ling Xiao said, not wanting to put Leng Mei in a tough spot.
Moments later, the group stopped.
“We’ve reached the destination,” the first mate said cheerfully.
Ahead, they could clearly see man-made canals. Passing through should lead to a building, though whether it was Pixiu Island was unclear.
“Stay close, don’t get separated,” the first mate said, leading the way into the canal.
The others hesitated but, having come this far and faced fear leeches, turning back seemed unlikely.
They resigned themselves and followed.
Some, more cunning, hung back, fearing trouble, like Ling Xiao and a sleazy old man.
The moment he entered the canal, Ling Xiao knew his suspicions were correct. This was a trap, a massive one.
The canal’s entrance was the gateway to a large array. Once inside, returning the same way was impossible.
Moreover, the ancient building was filled with countless terrifying formations and arrays even Ling Xiao couldn’t decipher.
Escaping such a place would be incredibly difficult.
This wasn’t Pixiu Island. They’d been deceived.
“Leng Mei, be careful. Something’s very wrong here,” Ling Xiao said, grabbing her hand, ready to flee at the slightest sign of trouble. Staying alive was paramount.
Leng Mei blushed slightly, nodded silently, and stayed close.
Ximen Bo’s veins bulged, teeth grinding in anger.
“Hahaha, well done. Here’s your commission,” a warrior in metal armour appeared after a short walk. His strength, at Four Symbols Heaven peak, wasn’t exceptional but was top-tier among the group.
He spoke to the first mate and two others, transferring spirit stones from a storage ring.
“Pixiu Island folks are generous. We’ll keep sending warriors over. Farewell!” the first mate and his companions sneered mockingly at the group behind them.
“What’s going on?” some asked, still confused by the scene.
“Haven’t figured it out? We’ve been sold, like slaves,” Ling Xiao said coldly.
What!
Ling Xiao’s words woke them up. No wonder it felt off. They’d been sold as labour.
Warriors above Five Elements Heaven were too strong to control, so they’d singled out those below.
What smuggling route? They’d been sold.
“Hahaha, you’re right. From now on, you’re Pixiu Island’s slaves. Work hard, and you might live. Otherwise, don’t dream of leaving alive,” the armoured warrior laughed.
“Farewell, idiots!” the first mate smirked, turning to leave.
“Not so fast. Leave your life behind!” the sleazy old man, though unsightly, was strong among the group. Furious, he lunged to stop the first mate.
If nothing else, he’d take someone down with him.
Bang!
But as he charged, the armoured warrior knocked him down with a single punch.
Despite equal cultivation, he was badly beaten.
“That armour’s strange. It’s not modern. It has ancient divine runes, likely boosting combat power,” Ling Xiao, an array master, noted, familiar with formations.
“Damn it, I don’t believe this! Let’s all take him down!” the other warriors roared. Though weaker than the old man, they had numbers. They couldn’t let a mere Four Symbols Heaven peak warrior intimidate them.
