NOVEL WEB Chapter 57: To Lighten Everyone’s Load
As Feng Fan approached the peak, where the densest spiritual qi in the pocket dimension seemed to converge, he noticed something unusual.
'Why are so many people heading in the same direction?'
Since his last fight, Feng Fan had been using his spiritual qi vision to evade both humans and demon beasts. The demon beasts appeared to stay within their territories and wouldn't pursue him as long as he avoided entering their domains.
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However, what he assumed were other humans seemed to be moving toward the same mountain range as him.
'It's as if something extraordinary in this place is drawing everyone to the same destination…'
A chill ran down his spine.
'Could it be some kind of trap? Or maybe a heavenly treasure that unconsciously pulls people toward it?'
Either way, Feng Fan knew trouble likely awaited him if he continued in this direction.
'If everyone in this pocket dimension is heading to the same place, avoiding them will be impossible. I should go for the appetizers before aiming for the main dish.'
With this thought in mind, Feng Fan adjusted his course, veering away from the peak he had initially set his sights on upon entering the pocket dimension. Instead, he turned to his left and ran at a steady pace.
'Something interesting just ahead,' he thought, a sly smirk curling his lips.
Feng Fan traveled another half kilometer before leaping onto a thick branch of a tall tree.
From his elevated position, he assessed the scene below.
Ten individuals were gathered around a small pond, their gazes fixed on its center. At the heart of the pond was a tiny island, no larger than a few meters across, where a small tree, less than two meters tall, stood swaying gently in the breeze.
Its vibrant purple leaves glistened softly under the faint sunlight., drawing attention to its striking appearance.
Activating his spiritual qi vision, Feng Fan observed the tree absorbing qi from the surrounding atmosphere. The gathered energy flowed into three crimson fruits hanging from its branches, exuding a faint, almost mesmerizing glow.
'Those fruits must be extraordinary,' Feng Fan thought, 'noting the tense, expectant expressions of those encircling the pond.'
"Just ten or so more minutes until the vermilion dragon fruits ripen," said a man from the Blue Dragon Sect.
"My Blue Dragon Sect will take one. The rest of you can fight over the other two," he added with a smile that carried an air of superiority, as if granting them a great favor.
"Thank you, Brother Hou Wei! Your generosity is unmatched," chimed in a short man who wasn't even part of the Blue Dragon Sect, his tone sounded almost subservient
Hou Wei laughed heartily. "Not bad, Liao Song. At least you know when to step aside."
The other cultivators around the pond exchanged uneasy glances, their expressions clearly displeased, but none dared to voice their objections.
The Blue Dragon Sect's reputation alone was enough to keep them in line, and Hou Wei's strength only reinforced their silence.
Still, the man's supposed generosity offered some consolation. Since he only claimed one fruit, it meant the others could still fight for the remaining two.
For most of them, 9th Qi Gathering realm cultivators, just one of those fruits could secure a breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment realm.
Feng Fan looked at both Liao Song and Hou Wei as if they were idiots.
"If you can take all the fruits, why not just take them? And why the hell is this guy licking a disciple from another sect's shoes...?"
Feng Fan glanced one last time at the pond and noticed a figure moving around. The pond, although not large, was deep. Feng Fan could only see the figure because of his spiritual qi vision.
'It seems humans aren't the only ones after the fruits. That must be a peak tier 1 demon beast, comparable to a peak Qi Gathering realm cultivator. Since most demon beasts are usually stronger than humans, this big guy will give them some trouble.'
A plan began to form in Feng Fan's mind.
'Since I'm already here, I might as well take care of these treasures for you all, to lighten everyone's load.'
Feng Fan started moving around the place, setting up arrays for his future escape.
Over ten minutes passed. The purple-leaved tree ceased absorbing spiritual qi, and the crimson fruits glowed three times brighter than before.
Gradually, their glow slowly faded away.
"The fruits are ripe!" Hou Wei exclaimed, excitement clear in his voice.
"You," he said, turning to Liao Song, "go get the fruits for me."
Hou Wei might have been arrogant, but he wasn't foolish. With others around to take the risk, why should he endanger himself unnecessarily?
Liao Song froze, panic evident on his face. "What? I-I—"
Hou Wei shot him a sharp, menacing glare that sent a chill down his spine.
Liao Song swallowed hard. "O-Okay. I'm going."
Watching the scene unfold, Feng Fan chuckled to himself.
'This guy's really an idiot. He's getting exactly what he deserves. But these people from the Blue Dragon Sect… they're truly despicable. Not that I'm any better,' he thought, a sly grin spreading across his face.
The other cultivators watched as Liao Song was ordered to take on the danger and couldn't help but smirk in amusement.
'I swear, if I ever get the chance, I'll kill that damn Hou Wei,' Liao Song thought bitterly.
Despite his anger, Liao Song knew deep down that even if the opportunity arose, he likely wouldn't have the courage to act on it.
If the Blue Dragon Sect discovered him killing one of them, their disciples would hunt him to the ends of the earth. It was a price he couldn't afford to pay.
Liao Song approached the edge of the pond cautiously, his eyes scanning its surface. Despite the stillness of the water, he knew better than to assume there was no danger lurking beneath.
Every cultivator understood that great opportunities always come with equally great risks.