Volume 1 Volume 5 Chapter 147

Volume 5 Chapter 147: An Unfortunate Move Becomes Heroic

Compared to the nine-tailed demon fox, Xu Qingfan and his companions seemed as small as ants, both in strength and size.

Logically, a lot of ants can still bite and kill an elephant. Xu Qingfan and these Condensed Core Stage cultivators are elites and pillars of the Righteous Alliance. With over a thousand people forming a formation, their numbers can make up for their lack of strength. They could resist the nine-tailed demon fox, though winning was unlikely, at least they could defend for a while.

The combined power of over a thousand Condensed Core Stage cultivators is something that even a heavenly level demon beast or a Mahayana Stage master would not underestimate, and might even fear. The Demon Ancestor of the past claimed to be the greatest person in the cultivation world, mastering demonic arts to the highest level. After forcefully obtaining many righteous cultivation methods, no one could match his skills. With combined righteous and demonic cultivation methods, along with several rare magical artifacts, his strength was far greater than that of the nine-tailed demon fox. Yet he was still killed at Black Emperor Cliff by three not-so-powerful Mahayana Stage masters with over a thousand Condensed Core Stage cultivators, which is clear evidence.

Xu Qingfan and his companions understood this, and the nine-tailed demon fox understood it too.

If the nine-tailed demon fox had rushed to attack Xu Qingfan and the others right away, then the thousand or more Condensed Core Stage cultivators might have united with fierce determination to drive the nine-tailed demon fox back, even with other demon beasts attacking non-stop.

The nine-tailed demon fox, with its intelligence far surpassing most humans, understood this as well.

That’s why it did not do so.

So, after appearing, the nine-tailed demon fox did not rush to attack. Instead, it calmly stood there. All the demon beasts that were attacking retreated in an orderly manner under the nine-tailed demon fox’s command, leaving only the nine-tailed demon fox in the front. For a moment, it seemed like all the demon beasts’ momentum was focused on the nine-tailed demon fox. Its huge form blocked the sunlight, casting a shadow over the gathered thousand cultivators, with its blood-red eyes coldly watching the tiny beings below, like a legendary evil demon.

Standing there quietly, the nine-tailed demon fox seemed unaware that Mr. Liu could break through the defense of the four heavenly level demon beasts at any moment, merely casting its pressure and fierce aura over Xu Qingfan and the others.

Seeing the beasts retreat, the nine-tailed demon fox appeared but did not attack. Xu Qingfan and the other thousand cultivators couldn’t help but stop their actions, gathering together to hold their ground against the nine-tailed demon fox.

From the noisy battle between humans and beasts to the quiet standstill between the thousand cultivators and the nine-tailed demon fox, this huge change happened in just a moment.

However, calmness does not always bring peace. In fact, at many times, it only brings the opposite effect.

For example, on the battlefield, or when facing the unknown, noise or chaos can drive people mad, but calmness can bring panic, for it is only in calmness that people can feel all their hidden emotions more sharply.

Thus, in the midst of this calm, under the overwhelming pressure and deadly aura of the nine-tailed demon fox, the panic that had been deliberately suppressed by the cultivators since the battle with the beasts began began to spread in the hearts of some cultivators. Unknowingly, these cultivators started thinking about the power of the nine-tailed demon fox, the numbers of the other demon beasts, and the surrounded "Ronghua Mountain," as the despair they had ignored while fighting surged into their hearts.

Many cultivators who had not yet felt fear became anxious when they noticed the pale faces and trembling bodies of those nearby.

In this way, the fear spread from one to another, and the cultivators who had been brave in the battle with countless demon beasts were suddenly enveloped by fear.

Indeed, the nine-tailed demon fox had completely subdued more than a thousand Condensed Core Stage cultivators merely with its aura and cleverness, causing them to lose their composure. Such tactics, if the nine-tailed demon fox were human, would be just as harmful as Zhang Xusheng.

"Awooo…"

"Roar…"

Suddenly, the nine-tailed demon fox tilted its head and let out a roar that echoed across the heavens and the earth, shattering the quiet and heavy atmosphere at the mountain peak. Behind it, countless demon beasts also raised their heads and roared in response. The multitude of roars joined together, changing the colors of the sky, and in that moment, the nine-tailed demon fox’s aura soared to its peak!

The seemingly everlasting calm, which felt frozen in panic, was shattered. Yet, the fear in the hearts of the people expanded to its maximum. Faced with the sudden roar, over a thousand cultivators instinctively took several steps back, revealing several flaws in the "Sky Star Array" they had formed.

Seeing the reaction of the thousand "ants" before it, the nine-tailed demon fox couldn’t help but show a hint of a mocking smile that resembled a human’s. After all, they were just ants; though they were numerous, they were far weaker compared to the human Mahayana Stage master who had just fought against it and four companions. It was so easy for it to suppress them.

If it killed all these human cultivators, the formidable human cultivator would undoubtedly be thrown into chaos and even lose his sanity. At that time, it would be much easier to deal with him, possibly leading to an effortless victory. Humans, though clever and creators of many wonderful magical techniques and powerful artifacts, were unfortunately too weak. They often lost their reason over trivial matters regarding companions, which was truly unimaginable.

The nine-tailed demon fox thought secretly.

Just when the nine-tailed demon fox and the horde of beasts roared and the cultivators were thrown into confusion, and as the "Sky Star Array" revealed flaws, the moment the nine-tailed demon fox was ready to launch a sudden attack, an unexpected change occurred!

A human cultivator suddenly broke away from the protection of the "Sky Star Array" and charged toward the nine-tailed demon fox, as if seeking to end his own life.

This human cultivator was none other than Xu Qingfan!

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The time was turned back to just a moment ago.

Maybe because he had experienced many life-and-death moments, or because Xu Qingfan always had faith in the victory of the Righteous Alliance against the Southern Wasteland demon beasts, he remained calm when the nine-tailed demon fox appeared, even though its terrifying presence made his body stiff. He did not panic like the others.

However, Xu Qingfan quickly noticed the changes in the other cultivators. He knew that if this continued, the "Sky Star Array" would fall apart. At that point, even without the nine-tailed demon fox attacking, the endless ordinary demon beasts could cause the death of the thousand cultivators. Even if Mr. Liu arrived in time, the cultivators’ formation would have already fallen apart, and in the chaotic battle with countless demon beasts, Mr. Liu would only be able to watch helplessly as everyone was slaughtered.

"This can’t go on!"

Feeling the nine-tailed demon fox’s increasingly powerful aura, Xu Qingfan made a silent decision in his heart.

Just when Xu Qingfan saw through the nine-tailed demon fox’s tactics and was ready to take action, the nine-tailed demon fox suddenly let out a deafening fox howl, which was echoed by the beasts around. The cultivators near Xu Qingfan fell into chaos. Xu Qingfan knew that the nine-tailed demon fox would definitely launch a surprise attack in the next moment, and what awaited everyone would be a slaughter, leaving Xu Qingfan no time to calm their hearts.

"Let’s fight!"

The Spirit Qi shook at the foot of the mountain, indicating that Mr. Liu was not harmed by the nine-tailed demon fox. Those four ordinary heavenly-level demon beasts were no match for him, and he could break through to the top of the mountain at any moment. While he blocked the nine-tailed demon fox, the other cultivators could regain their senses and have time to regroup.

Although Xu Qingfan’s strength is far from that of the nine-tailed demon fox, if he can block the first wave of its attack, and if Mr. Liu arrives in time or other cultivators come to help, there may still be a glimmer of hope.

With so many thoughts in his mind, he made a decision in an instant.

Seeing the nine-tailed demon fox bend its legs to pounce, Xu Qingfan gritted his teeth and decided that at the moment the nine-tailed demon fox lunged, he would charge at it first!

Rather than being slaughtered, it is better to take the initiative and fight for a chance to survive!

In fact, Xu Qingfan had considered commanding two of his clones to attack the nine-tailed demon fox, but unfortunately, Xu Ying and Xu Zhiyuan, lacking consciousness, could not create any intimidation despite their great power. Even if they charged at the nine-tailed demon fox, they would fail to attract anyone’s attention, let alone inspire other cultivators to resist.

Compared to the towering body of the nine-tailed demon fox, Xu Qingfan seemed as small as an ant, and in terms of strength, he was even weaker than an ant. Yet, despite the shadow that cloaked him from the sunlight, Xu Qingfan bravely charged at the nine-tailed demon fox, appearing resolute and heroic from a distance.

At this moment, whether it was the cultivators planning to escape or the countless demon beasts preparing to attack, all were momentarily stunned.

It is said that every hero, before achieving those epic feats, thinks, "What have I not accomplished? For the glory of someone, I must succeed." However, compared to this, Xu Qingfan’s mindset was very different. His seemingly suicidal act was merely an effort to save himself, to grasp the only chance of survival in a desperate situation. If someone else had thought of this and charged at the nine-tailed demon fox before him, Xu Qingfan would not have followed; he had no noble intentions.

However, the effect was similar. Watching Xu Qingfan’s actions, all the cultivators were greatly surprised and momentarily forgot their fear. As fear faded and reason returned, many realized the danger of that moment and the purpose of Xu Qingfan’s desperate action. They began to feel shame for their own cowardice, and under the organization of a few cultivators who regained their senses first, the "Sky Star Array" was formed again, giving them resistance against the demon beasts.

The other demon beasts looked on in surprise as Xu Qingfan charged toward the nine-tailed demon fox. For a moment, they did not take advantage of the chaos to attack the group of cultivators, resembling the villains in legends who were frightened by heroes.

It is not heroes who create history, but history that unintentionally creates heroes, as many people become heroes out of necessity.

Without considering the unintended impact Xu Qingfan had on the cultivators, he was truly on the edge of life and death. Facing the incredibly angry nine-tailed demon fox, whose plan was ruined, Xu Qingfan felt like a lone boat in a raging sea, ready to capsize at any moment.

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In the instant Xu Qingfan charged, the nine-tailed demon fox was taken aback. It had never expected that among these tiny creatures, there was such a character.

When it regained its senses, it realized that the shadows and fear it had painstakingly created in the hearts of the human cultivators were now shattered by Xu Qingfan’s reckless act. This made it furious, for it understood that killing these cultivators would not be so simple anymore, especially with Mr. Liu ready to break through the defenses and reach the mountaintop at any moment.

After the plan was destroyed, the nine-tailed demon fox naturally unleashed all its anger on Xu Qingfan.

The difference in strength between the nine-tailed demon fox and Xu Qingfan was vast; it was far too easy to kill Xu Qingfan.

With a gentle fox cry, countless demon beasts charged once more at the Righteous Alliance cultivators, who had just reformed the "Sky Star Array." Another battle began, where neither side could gain the upper hand.

The eyes of the nine-tailed demon fox were locked onto Xu Qingfan, who was rushing towards it.

To ensure his safety as much as possible, when Xu Qingfan charged at the nine-tailed demon fox, he had already used his two most powerful spells he learned during his cultivation—"Unity of the Three Bodies" and "Cycle of Life and Death."

In an instant, as Xu Qingfan’s figure burst forth, the two doppelgangers beside him, Xu Ying and Xu Zhiyuan, gradually became shadowy and merged into Xu Qingfan, doubling the Spirit Qi inside him.

At the same time, Xu Qingfan gathered the energies of life and death within him, forming a black-and-white Tai Chi symbol that protected him.

Unfortunately, even though Xu Qingfan used every means at his disposal, the huge difference in strength left him as helpless as a baby.

The nine tails of the nine-tailed demon fox swayed slightly, causing Xu Qingfan’s body to suddenly halt mid-charge, trapped in the air and unable to move, due to the "Nine Spirits Binding Technique." Despite the surge of Spirit Qi within him, Xu Qingfan could not budge an inch and remained suspended a few meters in front of the nine-tailed demon fox.

Then, the nine-tailed demon fox gazed deeply at Xu Qingfan, its eyes a mix of anger and admiration, before it opened its mouth slightly, unleashing a powerful "Karma Blaze" that rushed straight towards Xu Qingfan.

Fortunately, Xu Qingfan had activated the "Cycle of Life and Death" technique in advance. Seeing the Karma Blaze approaching, he quickly controlled the Tai Chi symbol formed by the Cycle of Life and Death to shield himself, and indeed, the technique was clever; through the swirling energies, it barely blocked the furious strike of the nine-tailed demon fox.

However, after this strike, the "Cycle of Life and Death" technique that Xu Qingfan used completely collapsed. Xu Qingfan had no strength left to defend himself.

At the same time, Little Black quietly flew behind the nine-tailed demon fox and then suddenly sped up, aiming to peck at the back of its head.

However, this surprise attack did not go as smoothly as before. The nine-tailed demon fox seemed to have noticed it already. With a gentle flick of its tail, as if shooing away a fly, it struck Little Black away, sending it crashing to the ground. After Little Black hit the earth, the earth shattered, and Little Black immediately lost consciousness.

Watching all of this, Xu Qingfan despairingly closed his eyes.

However, the nine-tailed demon fox did not immediately kill Xu Qingfan, who had lost all strength to resist. Instead, it began to study Xu Qingfan, a hint of hesitation flashing in its eyes.

The nine-tailed demon fox realized that Xu Qingfan’s earlier use of "Cycle of Life and Death" was something it could not imitate. This situation had never happened before, and the nine-tailed demon fox couldn’t help but think, "I want this human to use that magic again."

But this hesitation lasted only a moment. In the next instant, it was replaced by cold determination because it saw that Mr. Liu was about to break through the barrier of the four heavenly level demon beasts, and Xu Qingfan’s interference meant he had to die. This was important for its reputation among the demon beasts. Although it was very curious about Xu Qingfan’s magic, it could not let curiosity delay its purpose.

The nine-tailed demon fox showed a hint of regret in its eyes, then slightly opened its mouth again, unleashing a "Karma Blaze" that was more than twice as powerful as before, charging straight at Xu Qingfan.

"Not good!"

"Damn it!"

At that moment, Mr. Liu finally broke through the four heavenly-level demon beasts’ barrier, rushed to the top of the mountain, and saw Xu Qingfan about to be burned to death by "Karma Blaze." He was shocked and quickly raised his hands, sending a beam of purple light toward the "Karma Blaze" that was charging at Xu Qingfan.

At the same time, some cultivators from the Righteous Alliance joined their strength to help. After the "Sky Star Array" was reformed, some cultivators nervously watched the situation with Xu Qingfan. After all, Xu Qingfan’s risky actions were to save everyone’s life. When they saw that Xu Qingfan was about to be killed by the nine-tailed demon fox, they immediately used all their strength to unleash various spells and gathered together to block the powerful "Karma Blaze."

"Boom…"

"Boom…"

Mr. Liu’s purple light and the various spells of the cultivators collided with the "Karma Blaze" rushing toward Xu Qingfan twice, creating two loud booming sounds that echoed through the heavens and the earth, sending sparks flying.

However, Mr. Liu acted in haste and was unprepared, and the other cultivators were much weaker than the nine-tailed demon fox. Although both sides’ spells struck the "Karma Blaze" approaching Xu Qingfan, the "Karma Blaze" still continued toward Xu Qingfan, just with much less fire.

In the next moment, under the shocked and desperate gazes of Mr. Liu and the other cultivators, Xu Qingfan was engulfed in a sea of "Karma Blaze."

Xu Qingfan’s breath also quickly faded away.

Did Xu Qingfan just die like that?

Watching Xu Qingfan disappear into a sea of flames, Mr. Liu first looked stunned, then his eyes quickly turned cold. His body slowly turned towards the nine-tailed demon fox, and a slight but sharp killing intent began to appear around him, spreading rapidly through the air.

The nine-tailed demon fox sensed Mr. Liu’s killing intent and its fox-like face revealed a human-like smile. As it expected, Mr. Liu had indeed lost his reason. Although it had only killed one person, that person was clearly very important to Mr. Liu.

At the same time, four wounded heavenly-level demon beasts returned to the nine-tailed demon fox’s side.

Just as the nine-tailed demon fox prepared for a final battle with Mr. Liu, it suddenly froze, realizing that over ten powerful presences had suddenly appeared in the distance, quickly flying toward the location of "Wolf Howling Mountain." These were the presences of human cultivators, and among them, two were as powerful as Mr. Liu.

The other eleven masters from the Righteous Alliance had finally arrived.

Together with Mr. Liu, there were twelve human Mahayana Stage masters, enough to handle any strong opponent in the Shenzhou Continent.

The nine-tailed demon fox’s eyes narrowed slightly, and it immediately understood its predicament. Without hesitation, it ignored the countless demon beasts still fighting at the mountaintop and ran toward "Ronghua Mountain" with the four heavenly-level demon beasts, clearly intending to reunite with the main force of the demon beasts.

However, Mr. Liu seemed to have anticipated this and was already blocking their path, holding the knife-shaped magical artifact that had severely injured it before. He pointed the tip of the knife at the nine-tailed demon fox and slowly said, "After fighting for so long, we should have a conclusion."