Chapter 43: Fire Mage Slays Demon, Hidden Peril in Mossy Valley

Seeing the ruthlessness in Zhao Cheng's eyes, Xie Jingxing fell silent for a moment before speaking.

"It is not advisable to push this matter too hard. If things escalate, even if I obtain this sword in the future, I won't be able to show it to others easily."

"Rest assured, Senior Brother, I know my limits. At the very least, I won't cause any further complications before the Sangyu demon calamity is resolved."

Zhao Cheng gave a forced, relaxed smile, then cautiously probed, "However, after returning to the sect, I wonder how the Disciplinary Hall will punish me?"

Xie Jingxing maintained a calm expression and said nonchalantly, "Don't worry. I'll give the Disciplinary Hall a heads-up in advance. When they summon you, it will at most be a formality to ask about the circumstances."

Hearing this, Zhao Cheng's tense body finally relaxed, and a genuine smile appeared on his face.

"Then I thank Senior Brother for looking out for me."

"It's only right. After all, you are acting on my behalf; I cannot let my subordinates suffer losses. Once the matter is settled, I will present you with another grand gift."

Leaving Xie Jingxing's courtyard, Zhao Cheng felt refreshed and lighthearted.

What was Jiang Youling?

Nothing more than a mere servant to be summoned or dismissed at will.

Toiling in cultivation for a lifetime, she was only fit to serve him towels, hold his sword, and wield his whisk!

He was a man destined to build a supreme immortal foundation; why should he care about a mere lowly servant?

The next day, after discovering that the mutation of the Stone-Skin Demon Pig was caused by parasitic Corrupt-Poison Leeches within its body, Xie Jingxing ordered the Garrison Commander to light Flame-Heart Ferns outside Sangyu Town.

This herb grew in the crevices of volcanic rocks and had serrated leaves; when burned, it emitted a pungent aroma, which was exactly what the Corrupt-Poison Leeches feared most.

Once the Flame-Heart Ferns were lit, Xie Jingxing led a group of Taixuan disciples, including Jiang Youling, into the forest west of the town to search for traces of the Stone-Skin Demon Pigs.

The Stone-Skin Demon Pigs were massive, leaving clear tracks wherever they walked, sat, or lay down.

Another female disciple in the group, named Su Qingyue, was particularly skilled in tracking arts.

Before long, she identified the direction in which the Stone-Skin Demon Pigs had fled. Following their trail like a shadow in the wind, she led the group to find two Stone-Skin Demon Pigs lurking in a lair.

Having discovered their nest, the two demon pigs let out startled, angry roars. They immediately bypassed Xie Jingxing and charged toward the others, attempting to break through the encirclement.

Seeing this, Jiang Youling and Qian Zefei quickly retreated, keeping a safe distance to watch the battle.

The disciples were well-prepared. Seeing the demon pigs charging, they immediately performed hand seals, sending waves of fire spells toward the beasts.

Although the demon pigs were not particularly afraid of fire, the Corrupt-Poison Leeches parasitizing them could not withstand the burning. The leeches began to writhe frantically inside them, causing the pigs to lose their former control.

The demon pigs let out shrill, miserable screams and retreated in panic. The group seized the opportunity to press their advantage, their fire spells growing increasingly intense.

Constrained by the leeches within them, the demon pigs' movements were hindered, and they soon sustained multiple wounds.

The disciples' morale surged, and just as they were about to finish them off in one final push, Xie Jingxing suddenly barked, "Retreat, quickly!"

The Corrupt-Poison Leech, sensing a life-or-death crisis, actually shot itself out from the demon pig's body, lunging toward the two nearest disciples!

Xie Jingxing flashed forward, his sword light intercepting one of them, but the other had already latched onto Zhao Cheng's neck. Its mouthparts pierced deep into his flesh, and its body writhed, attempting to burrow into the wound.

Overwhelmed by fear and rage, Zhao Cheng tried to grab the leech, but the creature was too slippery to hold.

He screamed in panic, "Ahhh—Help! Senior Brother Xie, save me!"

While dealing with the first leech, Xie Jingxing took a moment to pull a talisman from his storage bag and hurled it toward Zhao Cheng.

The talisman exploded in front of Zhao Cheng, and a massive burst of flame instantly engulfed him.

The leech let out a miserable cry and abandoned its meal, fleeing frantically.

Zhao Cheng, however, was left with scorched, blackened robes and swollen, red flesh. A hideous, dark-blue wound remained on his neck, leaving him in a wretched and pathetic state.

Yet, he didn't dare utter a single word of complaint. Instead, with a face full of relief at having survived, he scrambled through his storage bag to swallow various medicinal pills.

When the sword was sheathed and the flames died down, the two Stone-Skin Demon Pigs lay dead in pools of blood, their charred bodies still seeping fluorescent green demon blood from the sword wounds.

The Corrupt-Poison Leech that had fought Xie Jingxing had been singed by the fire, turning into a foul-smelling slime that seeped into the earth.

Though they had won the battle, there was no joy on the faces of the group; instead, their brows were furrowed.

The Corrupt-Poison Leech that had attacked Zhao Cheng had escaped amidst the chaos.

After a careful search, Su Qingyue shook her head helplessly.

"The battle caused too much commotion, and combined with the leech's ability to hide its form, I fear we won't be able to find it anytime soon."

"Very well. This battle was quite taxing. We shall rest for a while, and it won't be too late to search for that insect later."

After a moment of thought, Xie Jingxing instructed, "Corrupt-Poison Leeches thrive in shade. Junior Sister Jiang, return to the town and ask the Garrison Commander and Captain Wei if there are any damp, shaded areas nearby. Junior Brother Qian, I'll leave the task of cleaning up the battlefield to you."

"Yes."

The two accepted their orders. Jiang Youling immediately rode her crane back to the town to seek information from the Garrison Commander and Captain Wei.

"What? The two Stone-Skin Demon Pigs are already dead?"

Jiang Youling nodded. "However, only one of the Corrupt-Poison Leeches inside them died; one escaped. Since the leeches love the shade, Senior Brother sent me to ask if there are any damp, sunless places near Sangyu Town."

Upon hearing this, the Garrison Commander and Captain Wei exchanged a glance, and a location immediately came to mind: the Rotting Moss Marsh!

Could it be that the Corrupt-Poison Leech had flown out from the Rotting Moss Marsh?

The Garrison Commander spoke up, "About sixty li southwest of Sangyu Town, there is indeed a place called the Rotting Moss Marsh. Ancient trees there block out the sun, making it damp and cold year-round, with slippery green moss covering everything."

Captain Wei added, "The Rotting Moss Marsh is crawling with insects, and the miasma rising from the swamp is enough to make one dizzy. If you intend to go there, you must be careful."

Jiang Youling noted everything they said. "Thank you both. I will pass this information accurately to Senior Brother Xie."

After gathering the information, Jiang Youling returned the way she came and informed the group about the Rotting Moss Marsh.

Ying Chao looked excited. "Swamps are breeding grounds for evil insects. In my opinion, that escaped Corrupt-Poison Leech is most likely in the Rotting Moss Marsh!"

Xie Jingxing nodded. "We will rest for another half an hour, then we set out to investigate the Rotting Moss Marsh."

However, due to the recent incident, Zhao Cheng had developed a fear of the Corrupt-Poison Leeches and had no desire to go to a place that sounded as unpleasant as the Rotting Moss Marsh.

With a bitter expression, he said, "Senior Brother, I was injured by the leech and lost much essence and blood. The toxins in my body haven't been fully cleared, and I was also injured by the Exploding Flame Talisman. I fear that if I go, I will only be a burden to you all."

Xie Jingxing glanced at Zhao Cheng. Seeing his haggard appearance and fearful expression, he indeed did not look fit for duty.

Thus, he nodded. "Fine. Since there is only one leech left anyway, you may return to the town to recover."

Zhao Cheng was overjoyed. After thanking Xie Jingxing, he departed alone.

(End of Chapter)