novelapdf Chapter 163 is just asking for a beating.
Chapter 163 is just asking for a beating.
Chapter 163 Just Needs a Slap (Second Update)
With a dark expression, Jiang Mu rescued all the female ghosts who wanted to hang themselves.
These female ghosts were in very poor condition.
Perhaps because they had been gone for too long, the Buddha lamps could not provide enough incense and prayers to replenish their spiritual energy. The incense-filled bodies of these female ghosts were already very thin, and their light and shadows were teetering on the verge of collapse.
Especially Yu Xiaoqian.
The girl's body was almost translucent.
Jiang Mu reached out to touch it, and even the front of her clothes twisted and stretched strangely.
It looks like a 3D game character with a bugged model.
"Tell me, what exactly happened?"
Jiang Mu released his grip and glared at the group of female ghosts.
At this moment, Yu Xiaoqian was still immersed in immense shock and elation, her mind clearly not yet fully processed.
Her transparent hands tentatively reached out to touch Jiang Mu's sleeve.
She tilted her tear-streaked face up, her bright, watery eyes filled with disbelief: "You—you really are a bookworm?"
Were you also killed by that bad guy? Did you become a ghost too?
As she spoke, she suddenly burst into laughter through her tears, "Oh right, you were actually dead! You came to see me as a ghost? That's wonderful—"
Jiang Mu stared straight at her expressionlessly: "What's so good about it?"
Yu Xiaoqian's ecstatic expression froze as she realized there was something wrong with her words, and she awkwardly shrank back.
'
I—I—”
"Stop with the 'me' and 'my'."
Jiang Mu flipped his wrist and held the bronze Buddha lamp in his palm.
With a thought, he directly drew out a stream of pure incense power and injected it into Yu Xiaoqian's body.
As the power of her will entered her body, the girl's transparent body quickly solidified.
Her pale face regained some of its radiance.
Then, Jiang Mu raised his hand and flicked her smooth forehead with a crisp sound.
"Ouch!"
Yu Xiaoqian covered her forehead, tears welling up in her eyes from the pain.
"Don't worry, your master is very tough and won't die so easily."
"7
Jiang Mu said irritably, then pointed to the white silk on the roof beam, "But you guys, have you lost your minds?"
Why would you all suddenly hang yourselves? Aren't you all ghosts yourselves?
What's the point of a ghost hanging itself?
Feeling the real pain on her forehead and hearing that familiar tone, Yu Xiaoqian finally realized that the man in front of her was not dead.
He was standing right in front of me, alive and well!
"Waaaaahh ...
Unable to contain her emotions any longer, the girl threw herself into Jiang Mu's arms and burst into loud sobs.
Jiang Mu was knocked back half a step and was somewhat stunned.
Isn't this girl's reaction a little too extreme?
Of course, he didn't know that Yu Xiaoqian was different from these glamorous ghost sisters who spent their lives indulging in pleasure.
She died tragically before she was married, and was adopted by her grandmother after becoming a bewildered and resentful ghost.
Although she was trained to be a seductive ghost who lures men, this was her first real mission.
The first time she met a man outside the home, she encountered Jiang Mu.
A man's handsome appearance and unique charm are inherently very attractive to young girls.
Moreover, in Meiruo Temple and the underground cave, Jiang Mu protected her behind him several times, even risking his life to shield her from the deadly corpse poison.
For a naive young girl with a pure heart, just beginning to experience love, this kind of shock is unparalleled.
Even after she learned that Jiang Mu had lied to her, the fluttering feeling in her heart was still deeply imprinted in her soul and could not be erased.
Jiang Mu hesitated for a moment, gently stroking the girl's hair, and asked the surrounding female ghosts, "Can any of you explain this to me? What are you doing?"
A slightly older-looking, beautiful ghost stepped forward and began to tell her story.
It turned out that after hearing the news of Jiang Mu's death that day, Yu Xiaoqian was devastated by the heavy blows and had the idea of ending her own life.
However, because Si Rumeng had placed a barrier around the backyard, they were unable to leave.
So he simply hanged himself.
Jiang Mu asked curiously, "Can ghosts commit suicide by hanging themselves?"
"My lord, you are unaware of this..."
The old, beautiful ghost explained, "Although we are ghosts, hanging ourselves will not allow us to die again."
However, if one hangs a Soul-Binding Ribbon soaked in the water of extreme yin around the neck, it can forcibly suppress the obsession and resentment within the soul.
This is like pulling the plug to release water; it can accelerate the disintegration of the soul's essence, causing the soul to vanish even faster.
Little Qian was determined to die. We sisters were very close and couldn't persuade her to stay, so we simply hung ourselves on the beam with her, hoping that this would make her realize the preciousness of life and change her mind.
Jiang Mu's lips twitched slightly after hearing this.
The thought processes of these female ghosts are truly bizarre.
Accompanying someone who is about to hang themselves to persuade them not to die?
really do.
He patted Yu Xiaoqian on the back, gently pushed her away from his embrace, and asked, "Where's Si Rumeng?"
The older female ghost replied in a low voice, "Lady Siru went out half a day ago. She said that since you, my lord, are no longer here and the power of the Buddhist lamp has been cut off, she is going outside to find a way to continue our lineage."
Even if we can't continue, we should find some spiritual objects to lock our souls in place, ensuring that our souls don't easily dissipate.
Jiang Mu nodded secretly.
This woman was full of scheming and ambition.
However, he was quite diligent in taking care of and protecting his subordinates, and wasn't as cold-blooded as some might think.
Jiang Mu patiently comforted Yu Xiaoqian for a few moments, and then used the Buddhist lamp to infuse the incense and prayer power into each of the female ghosts in the room.
They re-solidified and stabilized their crumbling incense offerings.
About half an hour later, a slight fluctuation came from the array outside the small world.
Si Rumeng is finally back.
The moment she stepped across the spatial rift and into this small, secret world, she keenly sensed Jiang Mu's familiar aura.
The woman's face did not show any obvious surprise.
-
Clearly, she must have heard the news that Jiang Mu was still alive on her way back.
But when she saw that tall figure standing right in front of her, looking at her with a half-smile, Si Rumeng's heart was still filled with a storm of emotions.
"Greetings, Master."
Si Rumeng quickly composed herself, took light steps, and stopped three steps in front of Jiang Mu.
She clasped her hands at her sides, squatted slightly, and bowed.
Her movements were elegant and graceful, and the wide Taoist robe outlined her voluptuous and alluring curves with each step, exuding a natural and captivating charm amidst her cool and aloof demeanor.
Jiang Mu didn't speak, letting Yu Xiaoqian and the others stabilize their souls first. Then, he went to the front of the temple, looking up at the plaque: "The name is quite nice, Si Ru Temple, hmm?"
Si Rumeng's back was covered in a layer of cold sweat.
She forced a charming smile, trying to cover it up with a relaxed tone: "You're joking, Master. This—the plaque from last time, the one that reads 'Chaomu Temple,' the wood was a bit rotten, and a corner was accidentally blown off by the wind."
"I thought it would be beneath your dignity, so I had it removed and repaired. This piece is just a temporary replacement."
"Oh, I see."
Jiang Mu smiled noncommittally, then turned and stepped into the main hall.
Inside the hall, the candle dolls and the forbidden spellbook that were originally on the ground had disappeared.
It was obvious that Si Rumeng had sensed something was wrong with her divine sense and put it away in advance.
This woman is quite fast.
Seeing that Jiang Mu remained silent, Si Rumeng became increasingly uneasy.
She took two steps forward, softened her posture, and said in a tone that was both flattering and coquettish: "This servant knew that you, my master, are blessed with great fortune and have great supernatural powers. How could you be so easily plotted against by villains? This servant does not believe a single word of those rumors outside!"
Congratulations, Master, on your safe return after turning misfortune into good fortune! I have been worried about you day and night these past few days.
However, her heartfelt flattery was not yet over.
My whole body suddenly tensed up.
Her limbs were bound tightly by pitch-black soul-locking chains that appeared out of nowhere, leaving her suspended in mid-air in a "T" shape.
"master-
—
Si Rumeng's pretty face changed drastically, and she exclaimed in surprise.
But she had no time to resist. In the void, countless Soul-Striking Whips, shimmering with eerie light, condensed and swirled, mixed with dripping Soul-Burning Wax, and fell toward the woman.
Jiang Mu is always very gentle with women.
But in his eyes, some rebellious female demons must be dealt with decisively when necessary.
Half an hour later.
Si Rumeng collapsed to the ground, panting heavily.
The once dignified Taoist robe was now disheveled and soaked with sweat.
Her hair clung tightly to her cheeks and neck.
A few strands of wet hair meandered into the delicate collar.
She looked up at Jiang Mu, her eyes misty with tears.
Beneath the shimmering surface lay a fear that, though desperately concealed, still seeped from the depths of one's being.
Although the invisible punishment just now left no trace, it seemed to have drained all her strength and pride, leaving only this disheveled, yet all the more pitiful, body.
Jiang Mu placed the bronze Buddha lamp on the table next to him.
Then, he flipped his wrist and took out three fifth-tier demon cores.
Jiang Mu casually tossed the three fifth-tier demon cores into the pure white flames of the burning Buddha lamp.
"boom-
""
The flames of the Buddha lamp surged, instantly enveloping and refining the demon core.
Bound by the power of incense offerings and vows, the Buddha lamp is closely connected to Si Rumeng's natal soul core.
As the three demon cores dissolved in the Buddha lamp, the damaged demon core within Si Rumeng's body also began to slowly heal, bringing a warm and comfortable sensation.
Si Rumeng, who was slumped on the ground, shuddered.
She raised her face, looking at the cold-faced man with a complicated expression.
A slap followed by a sweet treat?
Jiang Mu said in a calm tone: "You told me before that if you want to repair your demon core and help you return to your peak, you need a large number of fifth-order and above demon cores to nourish it."
I, Jiang Mu, never go back on my word.
He leaned down slightly, his icy gaze piercing Si Rumeng's eyes: "Similarly, I hope you remember this lesson today."
Don't let me down again.
Si Rumeng's heart skipped a beat.
She slowly gathered her disheveled clothes and laid her delicate body on the ground.
"Yes, Master. This servant knows her mistake."
Jiang Mu rubbed his chin, his gaze sweeping over Si Rumeng: "With your current strength, can you even force yourself to reach at least the eighth rank?"
Upon hearing this, Si Rumeng shook her head helplessly, a few strands of snow-white hair swaying gently: "I can't do it anymore. Last time, in order to withstand the enormous hand of Black Mountain, the consumption was too severe, and my essence suffered considerable damage."
Even with the nourishment from the demon core you gave me, I can only barely maintain my cultivation at the fifth or sixth rank at best. If I were to forcibly raise it any higher, the demon core within me would likely shatter into dust.
"Sixth rank, huh?!"
Jiang Mu stroked his chin, secretly calculating in his mind.
Sixth-order is indeed not enough.
Let alone forcibly storming the demon army's main camp, even just raiding those mid-level camps would be extremely dangerous.
Those mid-level camps were all guarded by fierce demons of the seventh or eighth rank, like Tiger Vanguard.
These kinds of monsters are not only physically powerful, but also have rich and ruthless combat experience. It is extremely difficult to crush them by crossing realms.
Of course, that's not the most fatal thing.
Most importantly, a camp of this caliber would inevitably be under the constant surveillance of the divine sense of a higher-level demon.
It was to guard against their Demon Slayer Division's decapitation strikes and sneak attacks.
Once you get entangled, it's truly like throwing a meat bun to a dog—gone and never to return.
That's why the two chief officers, Shui Miaozheng and Tian Wenjing, were so firmly opposed to his proposal to take the initiative.
Jiang Mu's eyes flickered slightly, and she changed the subject: "When you were scouting outside just now, did you discover any large numbers of demonic creatures lurking nearby?"
"have."
Si Rumeng immediately replied, her long, narrow phoenix eyes slightly narrowed, "When I came over just now, I found that there were about a thousand demon soldiers gathered in the dense forest directly in front of us, outside your defense zone."
Leading the pack is a seventh-tier Roc demon, its aura is overwhelming, and it seems to be approaching your defensive zone.
Jiang Mu's heart skipped a beat.
He immediately recalled the intelligence that Yan Wu had mentioned earlier in the council hall.
Three main demonic forces are entrenched outside Yan City:
One is Tiger Vanguard, another is Golden Roc Demon, and the third is Thousand-Eyed Spider Mother.
The hundreds of demons that attacked earlier were clearly the vanguard of Tiger Vanguard. It seems that the one leading thousands of demon soldiers to provide support now is none other than the Great Golden Roc King.
Jiang Mu's lips curled into a smile: "If I were to send you to deal with that Great Golden Roc Demon, you wouldn't need to win, and it wouldn't take long; you'd just need to keep it occupied for a short while. Could you handle that?"
Si Rumeng frowned, carefully weighing her options in her mind, and cautiously replied, "Seventh-tier flying beasts are extremely fast; if it's a fight to the death, I will undoubtedly lose. But if I just try to delay them..."
Entangling it for a moment should work. However, it absolutely cannot be done for too long.
"rest assured."
Jiang Mu smiled faintly, "You are now my right-hand man, I can't bear to let you go to your death."
Under the gloomy sky, dark clouds hung low.
Large numbers of demon soldiers, like a black tide, snaked their way along the narrow mountain path.
This team is large and diverse.
It has everything: jackals, tigers, leopards, mountain spirits, and wild monsters.
A billowing aura of demonic energy rose above the procession, almost turning the already gloomy sky completely black.
Above this vast horde of demon soldiers, a gigantic golden roc spread its wings and slowly circled below the clouds.
This was indeed the Great Golden Roc Demon.
At this moment, the Golden Roc Demon was flying while cursing in his heart.
The damage and requests for assistance from Tiger Vanguard were completely unexpected.
We're all old acquaintances who know each other inside and out.
Although that tiger was a bit stubborn and reckless, it was definitely a veteran who had been through many battles.
Logically speaking, leading a few hundred elite troops to attack a human defense zone, even if they couldn't capture it, shouldn't have resulted in such rapid losses, or even the humiliation of having to beg for reinforcements.
It wasn't until it received concrete intelligence that it finally realized what was going on.
It turns out that the ruthless Jiang Mu has returned.
Upon hearing this name, the Golden Roc Demon felt a surge of evil fire coursing through his chest, and he almost ground his back teeth to powder.
Back in the demon camp in Red Forest Valley, its two most capable fifth-tier perfect boar demon generals were tragically killed by Jiang Mu's blade.
Not only that, but hundreds of elite demons in the camp were also slaughtered.
"That persistent little bastard!"
The Golden Roc Demon let out a low hiss in mid-air, its dark red bird eyes brimming with murderous intent.
If I don't tear this beast surnamed Jiang to pieces and devour him alive, I won't be able to sleep peacefully in the future.
Just as murderous intent surged within it.
Suddenly, they noticed a slight disturbance coming from below.
The Golden Roc demon immediately lowered its head to look down.
Suddenly, the ground in the valley below rose up.
Immediately afterwards, vines as thick as buckets, like giant pythons awakening, burst forth from the ground and spread wildly.
In the blink of an eye, a huge net was woven, enveloping the demon soldiers.
"This is... a tree spirit?"
The Golden Roc Demon King's expression changed drastically while he was in mid-air.
After a brief moment of surprise, the murderous intent in its eyes surged, and it suddenly spread its wings, letting out an angry roar: "Where did this mountain spirit and tree monster come from, daring to touch my army? How dare you!"