C46 Schemes Against Each Other

[Ding! Host detected in potential danger, initiating new mission: Escape for Your Life!]

[Escape for Your Life: Successfully escaping the Phoenix Nest Mountain Range will be considered mission completion.]

Mission Reward: Random

Chen Wu used to be thrilled whenever the system issued a new mission. But now, not a trace of a smile crossed his face. He was dead serious, doubting his own chances of making it out alive.

In fact, the moment he set foot in the Phoenix Nest Mountain Range, he knew he was walking a tightrope over an abyss, uncertain when a massive wave might sweep him away.

"There's definitely something tailing me. It's not human; it must be a Demonic Pet. This Demonic Pet is incredibly powerful, certainly more so than Blood Rain, and it excels at stealth. Otherwise, Blood Rain wouldn't have failed to detect it..."

The more Chen Wu pondered, the heavier his heart felt. The capabilities of this Demonic Pet meant he could be killed by an unforeseen attack at any moment. It was undoubtedly Hu Liang's Demonic Pet. The other Demonic Pet Master from the Hu Family, who was nowhere near Chen Wu's level, couldn't possibly possess such a creature.

"Hu Liang is definitely here. He might have sent a Demonic Pet to shadow me while he and the Lang Family track me from a distance. They're waiting for me to venture deeper into the Phoenix Nest Mountain Range because the further in I go, the easier I am to ambush!"

Attacking on the outskirts would raise suspicions. Given the Iron-feather Eagle's capabilities, encountering significant danger on the periphery was nearly impossible. And even if there was danger, escaping wouldn't be an issue. But an attack deeper within the mountain range would be unquestioned. The Demonic Beasts here were formidable, with many on par with the Iron-feather Eagle and others capable of easily dispatching it. Vanishing in this region, even under suspicious circumstances, could be easily dismissed as an accident, especially with the excuse that Chen Wu had overestimated his own abilities.

Hu Liang had likely done his homework on Chen Wu, well aware of the behemoth backing him – the Nuo Family from Flame City.

The Nuo Family was a force that Hu Liang couldn't afford to provoke. He must have been torn when he received the news, eventually devising a plan. It was convenient that Chen Wu had ventured into Phoenix Nest Mountain for training. If they fed Chen Wu's body to a Demonic Beast, no one could trace the deed back to the Hu Family.

Despite being aware of the constant "tail" following him, Chen Wu grew increasingly composed. Having faced the despair of life-and-death situations, he learned the value of perseverance and that even in dire circumstances, there's often a chance for a turnaround.

What did he have to fear, anyway? He still had the Sacrificial Lamb and Fairy-monster from the System Reward. If necessary, he could fake his own death, sacrificing a puppet to dodge disaster and leave the Hu Family believing they'd triumphed to no avail.

Yet, resorting to such measures was a last resort. The Sacrificial Lamb was of utmost importance, and all the system rewards from the new student bonus period were incredibly valuable. Chen Wu wasn't even sure if he'd have another opportunity to obtain them, so conservation was key.

His resentment towards the Hu Family, who had kept a relentless watch over him, was reaching a boiling point. Chen Wu had grown to despise the clan thoroughly and would show no mercy in eradicating them if given the chance!

For now, though, he needed to find a solution that would work to everyone's advantage.

Elsewhere, Hu Liang, clad in white with a grim expression, walked through the woods alongside another Demonic Pet Master from the Hu Family, followed by seven robust yet visibly shaken Hu Family men.

Hu Liang's eyes gleamed as he scoffed, "To think you'd dare to come near that place. It looks like you're doomed without my intervention!"

The Demonic Pet Master beside him cast a curious glance at his legendary kinsman. Lang Lei was the son of the Elder Clan Master's least favored concubine. In wealthy families, it was common to have multiple spouses, but because of his mother's low standing, Lang Lei's own status suffered. He wasn't as favored as his half-brothers, Hu Wang and Hu Liang, which made Hu Wang's position and power within the Hu Family superior to his own.

After Hu Wang's death, the Hu Family, a small clan, found itself without a qualified leader. It was then that he was able to step up and take charge.

Hu Liang spoke with ease, "Ahead lies the Thousand Wood Forest. It's teeming with Grade 5 Demonic Beasts, and there's even a Bronze Grade 7 Purple Flame Lion King living there!"

Lang Lei chimed in, "That's definitely a death wish. Even you, cousin, might not be fully confident in taking on a Bronze Grade 7 Demonic Beast, right?"

Hu Liang shook his head, "That's not the case. My Nine-eyed Mink is nearly at Bronze Grade 8 in strength, and let's not forget my Shadow Bat, which has reached Grade 6. You probably can't guess why it's called the Thousand Wood Forest. The most formidable creature there isn't the Purple Flame Lion King. If I encountered that thing, I'd have to turn tail and run for my life..."

Lang Lei was instantly alarmed and asserted with certainty, "That kid is as good as dead!"

"Don't speak in absolutes. I'll have the Shadow Bat follow him as we get closer. With the Shadow Bat's abilities, it's highly unlikely to be detected. And even if it is, it's no big deal—it can escape. My goal is to deliver a fatal blow before the kid dies!"

"If he perishes in the Thousand Wood Forest, no one will suspect our involvement. He'll only have himself to blame for his foolishness, daring to venture deep without understanding the lay of the land. All we need to do is wait here."

...

Chen Wu was fully aware of his actions. He employed the Earth Listening Art to keep vigilant as he traveled, detecting the group trailing him. When he sensed they were no longer following, he understood that he had entered a region they feared to tread.

"Blood Rain has detected numerous High-grade Demonic Beasts in the forest ahead, but the strongest presence seems to be emanating from a cave. It's likely the lair of a Demonic Beast above Grade 7. No wonder Hu Liang didn't dare to come; his Shadow Bat might not be a match for this beast."

Chen Wu was unaware of Hu Liang's Demonic Pet Lineup, but he was able to scan the Shadow Bat tailing him using his system. The Shadow Bat was masterfully concealed, yet Hu Liang could never have imagined that Chen Wu possessed such a system. He had long ago detected the Shadow Bat with it and knew it was following him.

[Creature]: Shadow Bat

[Attributes]: Beast

[Type]: Evolvable

[Skills]: Shadow Concealment, Vampirism, Shadow Clone

[Potential]: High-Grade Bronze

[Bloodline]: None

[Level]: Bronze Grade 6

[Status]: Healthy

Chen Wu was absolutely no match for a Grade 6 Shadow Bat. Even with the Blood Rain's enhancement from a Treasure Weapon, Grade 4 was still Grade 4. Despite having the strength to contend with a Grade 5, facing this Shadow Bat would inevitably lead to defeat.

And the Little Flame Firefox? A Grade 2 Little Flame Firefox entering the fray would undoubtedly be annihilated in an instant! The gap between Grade 4 and Grade 2 was as vast as that between a giant and a child—utterly indisputable.

No matter the talent, it remained too immature to be of any help against such formidable foes.

"At this point, our only option is to press on. But don't get cocky!" Chen Wu might not be able to slay the Shadow Bat, but he could leverage the power of a Grade 7 Demonic Beast. With careful planning, he might just make Hu Liang suffer a significant loss. He was determined to teach Hu Liang a lesson for underestimating him.

With his strategy in place, Chen Wu pressed deeper into the forest. Seemingly by accident, he left behind a bloodied, tattered garment among the bushes before disappearing into the distance.