C21 Archery Skill Two Star Pearl

Jiang Ruoyun's face drained of color as she snapped back to reality.

"Ding!"

The sharp twang of a bowstring was followed by the clang of an arrow striking a shield that Jiang Feng had miraculously produced in his hand.

"Ah, resorting to a sneak attack out of sheer frustration, I see!"

Jiang Feng tried to maintain his composure, his voice dripping with sarcasm, but a sheen of cold sweat betrayed his fear.

Lu Feng's previous shot had been lightning-fast, deadly accurate, and utterly merciless. Jiang Feng was acutely aware that a split-second slower in his reaction would have left his heart fatally pierced.

He stared at Lu Feng, whose face was the picture of serenity, with a mix of fear and disbelief. How could this peer of his, who seemed so young, be so fearless and decisive in the face of death?

Jiang Ruoyun was dumbfounded by Lu Feng's unhesitating shot, worry etched into her brow.

She had never intended to kill Jiang Feng, who was at the Six-soul Stage, nor did she believe she could. Yet, Lu Feng's attack was unmistakably lethal.

She recalled Lu Feng's recent words, "If someone crosses the line, they're done for!" A shiver ran down her spine.

She had assumed Lu Feng was merely speaking in the heat of the moment, but now she saw the true resolve behind his words.

Jiang Feng's attempt on his life had clearly crossed that line. He was enraged!

With Jiang Ruoyun watching in a mix of shock and uncertainty, Lu Feng drew his bow once more.

The second arrow feather was notched and ready!

Lu Feng had anticipated that Jiang Feng would block his first arrow. It would have been surprising if someone at the Six-soul Stage couldn't. But that didn't mean he was done.

"Oh, you're trying again? Do you honestly think your pathetic bow can penetrate my shield?" Jiang Feng taunted, hurling a wine jar at Lu Feng's head.

"Watch out," Jiang Ruoyun cried.

Lu Feng's eyes focused, tracking the wine jar's path. He released the bowstring in an instant, and the arrow sped forward, piercing the jar and altering its course. Unabated, the arrow continued its flight towards Jiang Feng, this time aiming for his shoulder.

The first arrow was a feint; Lu Feng anticipated it would be blocked, serving merely to confuse and intimidate the opponent while gauging the strength of his shield.

With the second arrow, Lu Feng was well aware it would meet the same fate. A single arrow wasn't enough to break through the shield. As he released it, he was already nocking a third arrow, seamlessly firing it in the briefest of moments.

Archery Skill, Double Star Pearl!

This was the technique Lu Feng had mastered in the stone chamber of Carefree Village. Though not yet perfected, his confidence was unshakable at such close range.

"Ding..."

As expected, the shield caught the second arrow, but not without sustaining a fine crack.

"Crack!"

The shield splintered, and the third arrow, finding the fissure, pierced through and struck Jiang Feng's shoulder.

Lu Feng stowed the Nether Bow, a smirk playing on his lips. "Your shield is too fragile."

Enraged, Jiang Feng swiftly yanked out the arrow, pressing a hand to the wound and applying the healing powder Jiang Caiyun handed him. He bellowed at Lu Feng, "You'll pay for this, I'll kill you..."

Unperturbed, Lu Feng's smirk widened. "Better tend to that wound. Once the poison takes hold, nobody can save you."

"What? The arrow is poisoned?"

Jiang Feng's face paled. Forgetting his vendetta, he grabbed Jiang Caiyun and hurried to the nearest apothecary.

"I'll get you for this!" he threatened as they left.

Jiang Ruoyun watched Jiang Feng's retreat, laughter bubbling up. "You're bluffing, right? There's no poison on the arrow, is there?"

"He's too gullible," Lu Feng replied with a chuckle. "We should get out of here before he thinks of coming back for us."

Jiang Ruoyun giggled. "Scared now, are we? What happened to the bravado of those three arrows?"

Lu Feng gave an embarrassed smile. Though he played it down, he knew if Jiang Feng dared to follow, he had myriad ways to ensnare him amidst the chaos of the streets.

On their way back, Jiang Ruoyun repeatedly considered asking Lu Feng about his past, but realizing she too had many secrets, she decided against it.

Once they returned to the courtyard, Lu Feng offered the remaining four hundred-plus Soul Coins to Jiang Ruoyun, but she refused to accept them.

"Let's just leave the coins here. We need to pack up and get out before Jiang Feng realizes he's been duped and comes after us," Jiang Ruoyun suggested.

"I travel light, so there's not much to pack," Lu Feng said with a smile, heading towards an ancient banyan tree. "You go ahead and pack. I'll take a short break here and prepare a little surprise for Jiang Feng and his crew."

Observing Lu Feng retrieve several jade stones, Jiang Ruoyun surmised he was planning to set up a formation. She chuckled and ribbed him, "You know, Jiang Feng has reached the Six-soul Stage. No ordinary formation will harm him."

"No worries. If he tries anything, I can at least give him a bit of trouble," Lu Feng replied with a mischievous grin. Judging from their brief skirmish earlier, Jiang Feng's Six-soul Stage seemed artificially enhanced by potions.

"Then make it quick. Once I'm done packing, we'll head to Azure Ganoderma Mountain to lay low and maybe catch some Spirit Beasts to trade for cash. Otherwise, we won't be able to afford our place in four months."

Jiang Ruoyun pondered their situation. Given her abilities and Lu Feng's archery skills, they could confidently take on lower-ranked Spirit Beasts, and a Beast Core from a Rank One Spirit Beast could fetch them nearly a thousand Copper Soul Coins.

Azure Ganoderma Mountain, situated to the west of Azure Dragon Town, was in the opposite direction from Carefree Village, where Lu Feng had arrived from. The mountain was home to a wealth of rare medicinal herbs and lower-level Spirit Beasts.

"Time for dinner," Xiaorou announced, bringing out the meal she had prepared.

The street fight had left Jiang Ruoyun feeling quite hungry.

Having finished setting up the last formation, Lu Feng rose to his feet and entered the house.

A simple meal, infused with the comfort of home cooking, was laid out before them. Lu Feng observed Xiaorou thoughtfully. Could this maid be as cunning as Jiang Ruoyun had suggested? What could she possibly want from Jiang Ruoyun?

Jiang Ruoyun turned to Xiaorou and suggested, "We'll be heading to Azure Ganoderma Mountain later with Lu Feng. If you're free, why not visit the town and enjoy a stroll? There's no need to stay here. You can return tomorrow if you like."

"Mm, I'll head home then," Xiaorou replied with a smile, nodding in agreement. She lived in West City, where her elderly father awaited her care.

Having finished their modest meal, Lu Feng and Jiang Ruoyun embarked on their journey to Azure Ganoderma Mountain. The trek from Jiang Mansion to the mountain would take roughly an hour. Along the way, they conversed extensively, with Lu Feng subtly probing for information about the various aspects of Azure Dragon Town.

Lu Feng's primary concern was the location of the Dragon Saliva. Despite his inquiries, Jiang Ruoyun seemed unfamiliar with it. Nevertheless, through their discussions, Lu Feng gained further insight into the affairs of Azure Dragon Town.

Long ago, Azure Dragon Town was nothing but a desolate wasteland. At its heart lay a nondescript, dragon-shaped stone that went unnoticed until an adept sculptor happened upon it and, driven by a sudden itch to create, transformed it into the Azure Dragon Statue.

This statue was eventually discovered by nomadic traders and, as word of its existence spread, it began to draw crowds. The influx of people eventually led to the establishment of businesses, and over the course of a millennium, Azure Dragon Town flourished into the bustling hub it is today.

For a thousand years, the Azure Dragon Statue has stood in the town's central square. At the close of each year, the townspeople gather to offer incense and prayers, solidifying the statue as a symbol of their collective faith and hope.

A poignant legend circulates among the locals: should Azure Dragon Town face calamity, the Azure Dragon Statue would come to life to safeguard its people.

However, Lu Feng had already laid eyes on the statue that morning. Despite its realistic craftsmanship, it appeared unremarkable, just an ordinary stone carving to any observer.

In their conversation, Lu Feng learned about the power dynamics within Azure Dragon Town. The town was essentially governed by one official and eight prominent families. The official in question was the Prison Official, dispatched by the Spirit Prison to oversee the town. The eight families included Jiang Mansion where Jiang Ruoyun resided, Qiao Mansion where Qiao Xueer lived, Tang Mansion where Tang Yuan was based, Yan Mansion under Yan Hee, and the remaining families were Chung Mansion, Ma Mansion, Sheh Mansion, and Qu Mansion.

Each of the Eight Mansions in Azure Dragon Town specialized in different sectors and had their own revenue streams. Although competition existed, it was minimal, and they generally coexisted peacefully.

...

Throughout their journey, filled with laughter and conversation, Lu Feng and Jiang Ruoyun had unwittingly reached the base of Azure Ganoderma Mountain.

Azure Ganoderma Mountain fell outside the jurisdiction of Azure Dragon Town. Whatever occurred within the mountain was beyond the control of the town's Prison Official, making it a lawless area between neighboring towns.

"We shouldn't venture too deep, just hunt around the outskirts," Jiang Ruoyun advised cautiously. The true dangers in the depths of the mountain weren't the high-level Spirit Beasts, but rather the ruthless humans willing to do anything for gain.

With a knowing smile, Lu Feng retrieved the Nether Bow from the Qilin Ring, stocking his quiver with arrow feathers, ready for any unforeseen dangers.

"We should move on. It'll get dangerous after dark," Jiang Ruoyun suggested.

They proceeded, one in front of the other, enhancing their senses to their sharpest, vigilantly scanning their surroundings.

Jiang Ruoyun led the way, her whip lashing out to clear a path through the thorny underbrush, which burst apart at her command. Lu Feng, bow drawn and arrow nocked, kept a watchful eye on their surroundings, ensuring their safety.

...

At Jiang Mansion's side courtyard, within Jiang Ruoyun's dwelling.

"Damn it! He actually dared to deceive me!" Jiang Feng stood at the doorway, seething with anger. Although his shoulder wound had been bandaged and was healing, his inner rage was far from subsiding.

Jiang Caiyun stood next to Jiang Feng, seething with anger. In a soft, indignant voice, she echoed, "That Lu Feng, the Contract Slave, is utterly contemptible. How dare he harm Mr. Feng?"

While speaking, Jiang Caiyun peered into Jiang Ruoyun's courtyard, her expression flickering with surprise. "It looks like they're not around?"