The Return of Stars to the Jianghu

Chapter 230 The Fierce Battle in the Wilderness After the Abyss Crashes

As they passed through the teleportation array, violent shaking and crashing sounds followed. After the light faded, Luo Yifei was unsteady on his feet inside the Abyss spacecraft. After several collisions, he fell onto the front display screen, which gradually cracked.

His forehead slammed against the edge of the monitor, sending a sharp pain through him. Blood streamed down his forehead, blurring his vision. Ignoring the pain, he struggled to lift his head and, through the blood, saw chaos all around him.

The equipment inside the submarine was askew, and the lights flickered weakly like dying fireflies. The alarm sounded intermittently due to energy overload, but still echoed shrilly.

Sun Li's face was deathly pale, her spiritual energy barrier shattered, and she slumped to the side, panting heavily. Her body was weak due to excessive consumption of spiritual energy.

Jingyun gripped the control lever tightly with both hands, his knuckles turning white, his body swaying with the movement of the submarine.

Ye Xuehan ran around the control panel, her fingers rapidly tapping the keyboard, trying to restart the critical system and restore some functions.

The body possessed by Ma Jierui stopped convulsing and lay quietly on the ground, like a lifeless doll. Luo Yifei struggled to his feet and staggered toward the summoning bell.

The summoning bell emitted a faint but tenacious light, as if recounting the battle that had just taken place. He trembled as he reached out and grasped the bell; a chill instantly spread through his body, making him shiver. Taking a deep breath to calm himself, he began to examine the bell's condition. Although the light had dimmed, the overall damage was not severe.

Luo Yifei looked around, filled with worry. Although they had escaped the dark area, the dangers ahead were unpredictable, and Ma Jierui was in critical condition and urgently needed medical attention. "Captain Jing, what should we do now?" Luo Yifei asked loudly, his voice weak amidst the blaring alarm.

Jingyun stopped swaying, turned around, and said with a firm look in his eyes, "First, stabilize the submarine and restore its functions before looking for clues. We can't blindly continue forward."

Ye Xuehan stopped what she was doing, wiped her sweat, and said, "Some systems have been restarted, but the energy core is severely damaged, and many functions are unusable."

"Little Star, Little Star, perform a system self-check and detect the external environment," Jing Yun instructed.

Sun Li also stood up weakly and said, "The spiritual energy fluctuations are very strange. There is interference from other forces. Everyone should be careful."

The other astronauts gradually regained consciousness and began repair work.

……

Outside the spacecraft, the monks gathered together.

“This flying magical artifact has a unique design; I’ve never seen anything like it before,” a cultivator said slowly.

“Flying is prohibited within the jurisdiction of Wanghe City. It’s probably because they angered the city lord’s mansion and were shot down,” another cultivator chimed in.

"That shouldn't be the case. Being so far from the city center, the first time is usually a warning, it's more likely that they're being chased by enemies," someone else commented.

The cultivators speculated, their eyes filled with curiosity and inquiry. They surrounded the wreckage, touching the materials and sensing the strange energy fluctuations.

At this moment, the leading cultivator, dressed in a magnificent Taoist robe, frowned and raised his hand to signal everyone to be quiet: "Stop arguing, everyone. This thing has an unusual origin. Let's see if we can find any clues to figure out where it came from and why it fell."

The cultivators nodded in agreement and began searching through the wreckage. Some felt around on the surface, looking for patterns and markings; others used spells to probe the secrets within.

Inside the spacecraft, after emergency repairs, some systems were restored to operation. The alarms stopped, and the lights stabilized somewhat.

"Team Leader Jing, system self-check complete. External environment detection indicates we are located in an unknown wilderness with complex spiritual energy fluctuations, suggesting the presence of restrictions or formations. Preliminary assessment indicates we are within Qingzhou of the Illusionary Continent, under the jurisdiction of Wanghe City," the AI ​​Xiaoxing's voice announced.

"We must leave the spacecraft and investigate, but everyone be careful. The situation here is unclear, and there could be danger at any time. Xiaoxing, Xiaoxing, assign temporary identities based on the location." Jingyun issued the command to the intelligent AI Xiaoxing again.

The AI ​​assistant, Xiaoxing, quickly responded: "Based on your current location, we have arranged temporary visitor status for you in Wanghe City, and the relevant verification information has been transmitted to your communication devices. However, this status only guarantees that you will not be immediately deported during the initial investigation due to the lack of identification. Whether the investigation will proceed smoothly depends on the actual situation."

Luo Yifei rubbed his still-aching forehead and said, "Now that the identity issue is temporarily resolved, let's go out and take a look. Ma Jierui's condition can't be delayed any longer; we need to find a treatment as soon as possible."

Jing Yun nodded and said, "Our identities clearly state that we are from the Humen Escort Agency."

After a brief regrouping, the group headed towards the spacecraft's exit. Luo Yifei carefully supported the still unconscious Ma Jierui, while Jing Yun led the way, followed closely by Ye Xuehan and Sun Li. The other astronauts also remained vigilant about their surroundings.

The onlookers had not yet dispersed, and many were hoping to make a windfall.

Seeing that the people inside the spacecraft were about to emerge, the cultivators all stopped what they were doing and stared intently at the exit. The leader, a cultivator in a magnificent Daoist robe, narrowed his eyes slightly and made subtle hand gestures, as if preparing for any possible situation.

As soon as Luo Yifei and the others stepped out of the spacecraft, they felt the scrutinizing gazes of many cultivators around them. Jing Yun stepped forward, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "Fellow Daoists, we are from the Humen Escort Agency. We encountered an accident and crashed here. We hope you can be kind to us."

A short, stout cultivator said in a sarcastic tone, "Tiger Gate Escort Agency? Never heard of it. Your flying magic weapon is quite novel. Did you steal it from somewhere else?" As soon as he said this, some of the surrounding cultivators burst into laughter.

Jing Yun's face darkened, but he still suppressed his anger and said, "Fellow Daoist, your words are somewhat inappropriate. We have acted with integrity. This magic weapon is a treasure of our escort agency. It was just an accident that caused the problem."

At this moment, the leading Taoist priest in a magnificent robe stepped forward, looked Jing Yun up and down, and said, "You don't seem like evil people, but this wilderness is full of dangers. Your sudden appearance is bound to arouse suspicion. How about this, explain your purpose. If it is reasonable, we will not make things difficult for you."

Seeing this, Luo Yifei quickly said, "We are indeed in trouble. This brother is seriously injured and urgently needs treatment. We are looking for some medicinal herbs or a way to save him in this area." As he spoke, he pointed to Ma Jierui, whom he was supporting.

Upon hearing this, the cultivators began to whisper among themselves. After a while, the cultivator in the ornate Daoist robe said, "Since that's the case, there must be a reason for it. However, there are many dangers in this wilderness. Since you are newcomers, why don't you come with us? We can help you out."

Jing Yun's heart stirred; he knew this might be an opportunity. He could avoid conflict with these cultivators and use their strength to find a way to save Ma Jierui. So, he nodded and said, "Then thank you very much, fellow Daoist. We are willing to follow."

The cultivator in the ornate Daoist robe smiled slightly and said, "Alright, then come with us. However, some places in this wilderness are quite treacherous, so everyone must be careful." After speaking, he turned to the cultivators behind him and said, "Everyone, pass on the message that these fellow Daoists will be coming with us to search for spiritual herbs, so please take good care of them."

The cultivators echoed their agreement, and the group then headed deeper into the wilderness. Along the way, Luo Yifei and the others remained vigilant, also keeping an eye out for any usable spiritual herbs. The ornately dressed Daoist cultivator occasionally exchanged a few words with Jing Yun, asking where they came from and why they were piloting such a unique flying artifact. Jing Yun answered each question, but omitted some crucial details.

As they walked, a dense forest appeared ahead. The forest was filled with spiritual energy, seemingly concealing many treasures, but also exuding a dangerous aura. The ornately dressed Daoist cultivator stopped and said, "This forest is rather peculiar; there might be powerful demonic beasts or traps within. We must proceed with caution."

Luo Yifei looked at the unconscious Ma Jierui with great anxiety. He knew time was of the essence; every moment of delay increased Ma Jierui's danger. So, he mustered his courage and said, "Fellow Daoist, time is of the essence. This brother's condition is worsening. Could you perhaps find a way to quickly cross this forest, or see if there are any other places nearby where we can find spiritual herbs?"

The ornately dressed Daoist cultivator pondered for a moment and said, "This forest is the only way to a place where there might be spiritual herbs. If we take a detour, it will probably waste more time, and we may not even find suitable spiritual herbs. How about this, we send a few people ahead to scout, and the rest of us will follow behind. If any danger is detected, we will immediately send out a signal."

Everyone nodded in agreement. Then, several cultivators with higher cultivation levels volunteered to scout into the woods. Luo Yifei and the others followed closely behind the cultivator in the ornate Daoist robes, cautiously entering the forest. The woods were dimly lit, with dense foliage, and strange noises could be heard from time to time, making them feel uneasy.

Suddenly, a scream rang out from ahead. Everyone's hearts tightened, and they immediately stopped. One of the scouts rushed back, his face filled with terror, and said, "It's terrible! There's a powerful demonic beast ahead; we're no match for it!"

"Oh no, we've fallen into their trap." Jingyun was the first to realize it.

The ornately dressed Taoist cultivator laughed loudly, "Now you understand? Too late." Then, he threw out a talisman and vanished without a trace.

Seeing their leader disappear, the other cultivators scattered and fled, leaving only Luo Yifei and the others looking at each other in bewilderment. Meanwhile, the demonic beasts in the distance roared.

Among the fleeing cultivators, one had fired an arrow at the demonic beast, which was now embedded in its flesh. The beast roared furiously, its massive body writhing wildly, sending surrounding trees tumbling about. Its blood-red eyes were fixed on Luo Yifei and the others, as if it wanted to devour them alive. Luo Yifei felt a sense of foreboding; this demonic beast seemed extremely powerful, and in their current state, they feared they would be no match for it.

Jing Yun quickly stepped in front of the group, his eyes firm and resolute, and said in a low voice, "Don't panic, everyone. First, check the beast's weaknesses. Don't attack rashly."

The monstrous beast approached slowly with heavy steps, each step causing the ground to tremble slightly. Luo Yifei, supporting the unconscious Ma Jierui, his forehead covered in sweat, anxiously looked around for cover. Suddenly, he spotted a large rock nearby, which might provide temporary shelter.

"Everyone, retreat behind that rock!" Luo Yifei shouted. Hearing this, everyone immediately ran towards the rock. Just as they were about to reach it, the monster suddenly accelerated and pounced.

Jingyun reacted swiftly, drawing his gun and hitting the monster. But this action thoroughly enraged the monster.

The demonic beast let out a deafening roar, and its wounds shimmered with an eerie light, as if gathering some kind of powerful energy. Its massive body leaped high into the air, like a moving mountain, and crashed down with overwhelming force. Jing Yun's expression changed drastically, and he shouted, "Scatter!" Everyone hurriedly dodged in all directions. The demonic beast landed heavily where they had been, creating a huge crater, sending dirt and rocks flying everywhere.

Luo Yifei, carrying Ma Jierui, was unable to dodge in time and was grazed on the arm by flying stones, causing blood to flow freely. Ignoring the pain, he tightly protected Ma Jierui, his eyes filled with vigilance. Ye Xuehan and Sun Li also found places to hide, gripping their weapons tightly, ready to face any further attacks from the monsters.

After landing, the monster did not immediately attack again. Instead, it stood still, its blood-red eyes scanning the crowd, letting out a low roar as if to assert its dominance. Jing Yun, panting heavily, got up from the ground, gripped his pistol tightly, and said to the others, "This monster is too strong. Fighting it head-on is not the way to go. We need to find its weakness and concentrate our attacks."

Luo Yifei gritted his teeth and said, "Captain Jing, its wound was flashing with light after it was hit. Could that be its weak point?" Jing Yun nodded and said, "Possibly, but that monster is very alert right now, and it's difficult for us to get close. Let's think of a way to lure it away or distract it."

At this moment, Ma Jierui, who had been unconscious, suddenly let out a weak groan. Luo Yifei was overjoyed and quickly looked down to check on him. He saw Ma Jierui slowly open his eyes; although still weak, he seemed more conscious. Luo Yifei hurriedly said, "Ma Jierui, you're awake! How are you feeling?" Ma Jierui moved his lips slightly and said, "I...I'm fine. Be careful of that monster..."

At this moment, the monster seemed to sense Ma Jierui's movement, roared again, and charged towards them. Jing Yun shouted, "Everyone be careful!" and quickly raised his gun to fire again. The others also drew their weapons, preparing to fight the monster. In this critical moment, an even fiercer battle was about to begin.

The group of cultivators who had been there earlier did not leave, but instead closely watched the movements of Luo Yifei and his group. Clearly, killing and robbing treasures was their true purpose for this trip.

"Fellow Daoist Han, the people left over there just sent word that their flying artifacts cannot be opened without damage..." a cultivator said to the leader of the group, looking at the communication talisman.

The cultivator in ornate clothing, addressed as Fellow Daoist Han, frowned slightly and snorted coldly, "It's alright. We'll make our move after that demonic beast has exhausted them. By then, no matter what secrets that flying artifact holds, it won't escape our grasp. That demonic beast is quite powerful; it'll be perfect for getting rid of these troublesome creatures."

A tall, thin cultivator standing nearby said with some concern, "Fellow Daoist Han, if that demonic beast kills them all, won't we end up with nothing?"

Fellow Daoist Han glanced at him and said disdainfully, "What do you know? Although that demonic beast is strong, those people are not easy to deal with either. When they are both exhausted, we will reap the benefits. Besides, the contents of that flying magic artifact must be priceless. Why would we let them destroy it so easily?"

The other cultivators nodded in agreement, their eyes gleaming with greed. They continued to hide in the shadows, closely watching Luo Yifei and the others' battle with the demonic beasts, waiting for the best opportunity to strike.

At this moment, Luo Yifei and the others were engaged in a fierce battle with the demonic beast. While Jing Yun's pistol had some deterrent effect on the beast, it couldn't inflict fatal damage. Ye Xuehan and Sun Li also unleashed their respective spells to attack the beast. However, the beast's hide was thick and tough, and ordinary attacks were largely ineffective.

While protecting Ma Jierui, Luo Yifei searched for an opportunity to attack the monster's weak point. He suddenly noticed that the monster's abdomen was relatively vulnerable when it attacked. So he shouted, "Captain Jing, attack its abdomen!"

Upon hearing this, Jing Yun immediately adjusted his firing direction and fired at the monster's abdomen. The others also turned their attacks towards the monster's belly. The monster seemed to sense the danger and began attacking the group even more frantically, trying to stop them from attacking its abdomen.

In the fierce battle, everyone gradually became exhausted. Although the demonic beast was somewhat injured, it remained aggressive. At this moment, Han Daoyou and the others, who were hiding in the shadows, felt that the time was right and prepared to seize the flying magic weapon and the treasures on everyone's bodies.