Chapter 168 Wang Jian’s Discussion With His Friends
Amidst the relentless advance of the Crown Prince’s and Second Princess’s factions, engaged in fierce combat against formidable demons, their resolute march carried them ever deeper into the foreboding depths of the ancient forest.
In a stark contrast of challenges, Wang Jian’s faction found themselves ensnared in a harrowing clash against none other than the Third Prince Wang Chen’s forces, while also contending with a horde of savage beasts.
Fortuitously, Wang Chen’s forces had no intention of decimating the members of Wang Jian’s faction. Instead, their primary objective lay in aiding the Butterfly Spirit Queen’s swift departure from the chaotic theater of battle.
Accompanied by a loyal retinue of beasts, who shared an unbreakable bond with their sovereign, they forged a determined path towards the western horizon, driven by a mysterious purpose that lay concealed within their collective hearts.
However, before relinquishing the field, the Butterfly Spirit Queen unleashed a potent illusionary technique, shrouding the entire battlefield in a captivating veil of deception.
Within this illusory realm, the ethereal semblance of the revered queen persisted, locked in fierce combat against her perceived adversaries. Even the stalwart Wang Jian himself fell victim to the beguiling mirage, ensnared within its enchanting grasp.
Yet, amidst the labyrinth of illusory threads, two figures remained unaffected, their innate heritage from the illustrious Silver-Tailed Fox Race proving to be a beacon of clarity amidst the swirling mists of deception.
Lady Zhuoran, endowed with wisdom honed by countless generations, stood resolute alongside her daughter, the intrepid Bixi Shuyan.
Possessing an innate proficiency in the art of illusionary techniques, they effortlessly pierced through the veils of illusion, discerning the true nature of the Butterfly Spirit Queen’s deceptive ploy.
However, rather than exposing the truth to Wang Jian, Lady Zhuoran and Bixi Shuyan clandestinely concealed their knowledge.
Their motive lay in providing the Butterfly Spirit Queen with an opportunity to elude Wang Jian’s clutches, their hearts harboring a secret desire to ensure her freedom from his relentless pursuit.
As the Butterfly Spirit Queen and her loyal companions successfully made their escape, Wang Chen’s forces commenced a measured retreat, gradually receding from the battlefield.
A faint inkling of unease crept into the depths of Wang Jian’s consciousness, stirring a tempest of determination within him.
Channeling his formidable Spiritual Energy, he ignited a radiant blaze of power that surged through his being, shattering the illusory fa?ade that had ensnared his senses. 𝑏𝑒𝘥𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝑙.𝘰𝑟𝑔
With a jolt of realization, the truth unfurled before him like an unveiled tapestry.
With a surge of realization, the truth unraveled before him, revealing its intricate threads like an exquisite tapestry unfurled by a master weaver.
Gradually, the battle drew to a close, and members of Wang Jian’s faction shifted their focus towards recuperation and healing. The esteemed practitioners of the Dao of Alchemy Society diligently distributed potent recovery pellets to each individual within the faction, ensuring their swift restoration.
Meanwhile, Wang Jian engaged in a contemplative discussion with Xie Zhiwei, Liu Yu, and Luo Ying, their expressions filled with curiosity and concern.
Eager for clarity, Xie Zhiwei’s inquisitive voice broke the silence, “Was the third prince’s accusation true? Did you truly set ablaze the forest that served as the abode of the butterfly queen?”
Wang Jian sighed deeply, recognizing the futility of concealing the truth, particularly in light of his third brother’s compelling evidence. His voice, laced with a composed tone, resonated with honesty, “Yes, I cannot deny it.”
Liu Yu’s words cut through the air, laden with a serious tone that mirrored the weight of the situation. “You should have sought my aid. By employing my talismans in that inferno, the third prince would have been utterly incapable of tracing the source,” he declared, his expression grave.
Wang Jian’s eyes widened, a flicker of realization illuminating his features. The truth in Liu Yu’s words struck him with force, the gravity of his oversight settling upon him like a shroud.
Indeed, had he enlisted the assistance of Liu Yu’s talismans, the Mystic Qi Tracing Compass would have been rendered futile, its attempts to trace the blaze thwarted by the intricate blend of mystical energies infused within the ink.
Luo Ying, eager to steer the conversation towards a more constructive path, interjected with a somber tone. “But dwelling on what could have been will serve no purpose. Instead, let us focus on what lies ahead.”
Curiosity tinged Wang Jian’s voice as he inquired, “And what course of action do you propose?”
Liu Yu’s gaze sharpened, determination gleaming in his eyes. “We must press onward, Jian,” he declared firmly. “Our goal is to defeat the demons and rescue the butterfly queen’s captive comrades. It is through our actions that we can quell her animosity towards us.”
Xie Zhiwei shook his head, skepticism etched upon his features. “I understand the importance of our mission, but we must not underestimate the demons,” he warned. “The butterfly queen’s comrades we encountered during our skirmish displayed formidable strength. Moreover, the demons have established their dominance at the heart of the forest, overpowering a significant number of them. We must proceed with caution.”
Luo Ying nodded in agreement, his expression grave as he voiced his concerns. “Indeed, we must also consider the presence of the Crown Prince’s and Second Princess’s factions,” he said. “Engaging in battle against the demons might inadvertently provide them with an opportunity to swoop in and claim the spoils of our struggle.”
Wang Jian mulled over their words, weighing the risks and possibilities. After a moment of contemplation, he spoke with determination. “I propose that we approach the heart of the forest, but refrain from entering immediately,” he suggested.
“Instead, we shall bide our time and observe from a safe distance. Let us wait for the First Princess’s and Second Princess’s factions to engage the demons in battle. Once they have weakened each other, we can seize the opportune moment to enter and lend our aid.”
Liu Yu’s eyes gleamed with approval, recognizing the prudence in Wang Jian’s plan. “A strategic move, Jian,” he remarked, a faint smile playing on his lips. “By allowing the factions to exhaust themselves, we increase our chances of success and minimize potential losses.”
Xie Zhiwei nodded, his skepticism giving way to cautious optimism. “It is a calculated approach,” he conceded. “If we time it right, we can tip the scales in our favor and ensure the best outcome.”
Luo Ying placed a hand on Wang Jian’s shoulder, offering his support. “As your friends, Jian, we stand with you,” he affirmed.
With their plan in place and a renewed sense of purpose, the group of friends set their sights on the heart of the forest, their determination unwavering.
…
As Ye Chen ventured deeper into the dense outer edges of the forest, his keen eyes surveyed the surroundings, searching for any signs of Wang Ying’s faction.
Unexpectedly, a scene unfolded before him—an intense clash between a group of valiant beasts and a small contingent of demons, likely tasked with patrolling the area.
Amongst the majestic gathering of beasts, a singular ethereal presence emanated a captivating aura. At the forefront, commanding their undivided attention, stood the resplendent figure of the Butterfly Spirit Queen, Stella.
Having encountered her before, Ye Chen’s recognition of her was immediate, his curiosity piqued.
Driven by an innate sense of justice, Ye Chen swiftly advanced, drawing his Heavy Sword from its sheath with a fluid motion.
With a remarkable display of swiftness and precision, he engaged the demons in combat, leaving the awe-struck beasts astounded by his prowess. They exchanged bewildered glances, intrigued by the mysterious identity of this powerful human who fought alongside them.
Meanwhile, in order to confront the King Realm demon engaged in combat with the Butterfly Spirit Queen, Ye Chen deftly employed assault talismans, such as the Celestial Sword Talisman and Death-Dealing Sword Talisman.
The combined effects of these potent artifacts inflicted significant damage upon the formidable foe, ultimately allowing the Butterfly Spirit Queen to deliver the decisive blow.
With the battle’s conclusion, Ye Chen approached the group of beasts, his steps measured and respectful. “Greetings, esteemed Butterfly Queen,” he addressed Stella, his voice infused with reverence. “I am Ye Chen, and I am deeply intrigued to learn the purpose that has led your group into this perilous forest.”
His words resonated with sincerity and genuine interest, conveying his earnest desire to understand the intentions of Stella and her companions.
Instantly on high alert, Stella and her comrades cast wary gazes upon Ye Chen, their encounter with Wang Jian fueling their caution and suspicion towards humans.
In an attempt to maintain a semblance of civility, another beast stepped forward, its tone tinged with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. “Human, what brings you here?”
Stella, quick to quell any potential rudeness, interjected with a gentle yet authoritative voice. “Please refrain from impoliteness. It is essential to acknowledge that this human’s presence was pivotal in defeating those demons.”
Turning her attention towards Ye Chen, she continued, “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Stella, the Butterfly Spirit Queen. Explaining the circumstances behind our presence here would be quite an elaborate tale.”
Ye Chen, appreciating the gravity of the situation and the need for trust, responded with a respectful nod.
“Stella, it is an honor to meet you. I assure you that my intentions are genuine, and my actions were driven by a desire to assist. If it is not too much to ask, I would be grateful to hear the story behind your presence in this perilous forest.”
His words conveyed sincerity and an earnest willingness to understand the situation at hand, establishing a foundation of trust between the human and the beasts.