However…
There was no reason to let prey that delivered itself escape.
Sizzle—sizzle—
That was the sound of spider legs tearing through flesh.
Even after escaping, the Shadow Spider swarm relentlessly pursued them.
"Big brother! They're still chasing us!"
"Don't turn back!" Canbao roared.
"Split up! Run! We'll regroup ahead!"
He was at his limit. If this continued, they would all die.
Only by scattering could anyone survive.
At his order, Sato and the others hesitated for only a moment. Following the fastest man meant being used as bait.
After exchanging glances, they fled in different directions.
Ye Qiu carried Zhu Yeqing through the jungle. All she could see were trees flashing past.
With Ghostly Shadow Step combined with the Sharingan, Ye Qiu moved effortlessly through the dense forest, never once colliding with a tree.
"So fast…"
A strange light appeared in Zhu Yeqing's eyes.
She realized this boy was even faster than her—an agility-type Soul Master.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and quietly observed him: messy black hair, sharp features, bloodshot red eyes…
She shouldn't have looked.
Yet when she met his gaze, it felt as though she was staring into the most beautiful scenery of her life. Her heart calmed, warmth spreading through her chest.
Instinctively, she hugged him tighter, pressing her face against his chest—savoring the fleeting sense of safety.
"We're here. Let's rest for a bit," Ye Qiu said after a long silence, looking down at her strangely.
He shook her slightly.
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine…"
She quickly pulled away, cheeks flushed.
"Just… a little sleepy."
"Good. As long as you're alright."
He set her down and leaned her against a large tree.
"Rest here."
"Mmm." She nodded softly.
Turning his back to her, Ye Qiu activated his Sharingan and searched the area. He spotted rabbits but ignored them.
After a short while, he found suitable prey—a hundred-year Great Horned Bull.
Perfect for roasting.
"Wait here."
Before she could respond, Ye Qiu vanished.
In his vision, a large bat was already eyeing the same prey.
Too slow, and lunch is gone.
Not long after Ye Qiu left, Canbao and the others arrived nearby.
Driven by fear, their escape speed far exceeded normal limits.
"Big brother… I didn't expect… only four of us would survive," Sato said hoarsely.
The men who once drank and ate together were gone.
"It's all that bitch's fault!"
"Exactly! If we catch her, we'll make her pay!"
The Xiong brothers, Xiong Ge and Xiong Di, were equally furious.
This time, Canbao didn't stop them.
Thirty men had entered the forest. Only four remained.
Coldly, he said, "Then… so be it."
Clang.
A soft metallic sound rang from his waist.
He stared at the bell in his hand as the bees inside buzzed wildly.
"Heh… that bitch has appeared."
"Great!" Xiong Ge laughed excitedly.
"I'll enjoy this!"
"Follow me."
Canbao took the lead.
The others exchanged looks—desire, hatred, and excitement gleaming in their eyes.
Those bees only fed on their specially prepared honey. For this mission, they had even poisoned her bathwater through her maid.
Zhu Yeqing, resting against the tree, sensed nothing—
Until a voice sounded behind her.
"Big brother, this stupid bee keeps buzzing. Where's that bitch?"
Her blood ran cold.
They caught up…
She tried to stand—
"Ugh!"
Pain exploded from her left leg. She cried out despite herself and froze.
"Heh… I think I know where she is."
Canbao's voice was mocking.
"Isn't that right… Second Young Lady?"
Before the words fully fell—
Whoosh!
A dark figure rushed out from behind the tree.
Zhu Yeqing activated her martial soul, but—
A weakened, one-ring Great Soul Master was no match for a Soul Master.
"Ugh!"
Canbao seized her by the throat and lifted her off the ground.
"Haha! Big brother really is the best!"
The others closed in, the Xiong brothers' eyes gleaming wickedly.
"Second Miss," Canbao sneered,
"we've been searching for you for a long time."
"Pah! You… running dogs!"
Choked, unable to breathe, she clawed at his hand in vain.
Canbao raised his other hand.
Smack!
Thud!
She slammed into the ground. Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth, a bright red handprint on her face.
"Ah!"
Canbao stomped hard on her injured leg, grinding down mercilessly as blood seeped out.
"Running dogs?" he roared.
"Do dogs not deserve to live?! Do you know how many brothers died because of you?!"
Zhu Yeqing bit down hard. She screamed once—then fell silent.
She would not show weakness.
Sweat soaked her forehead as she forced out trembling words.
"They… deserved it."
"Deserved it?"
Canbao laughed coldly.
"Very well. Very well!"
Each word was followed by a heavier kick.
Xiong Di licked his lips.
"Brother… let me have some fun first."
Canbao glanced at him, then nodded.
"Be careful. Don't kill her. Others are waiting."
"Haha! Big brother understands us!"
As Xiong Di approached—
"No… no…"
Zhu Yeqing desperately backed away, palms scraping the ground.
Seeing her fear at last, Canbao sneered in satisfaction.
"Hmph. Still pretending?"
"Ah!"
Xiong Di grabbed her hair and yanked her up.
"Your Excellency, Second Miss… my brother and I will serve you well!" He deliberately emphasized the words Your Excellency.
Rip!
Her sleeve was torn apart.
Tears welled in her eyes as she pressed her tongue tightly against her teeth.
"Hahahaha! I'll enjoy you in place of your fiancé—the prince!"
The laughter of several men echoed through the forest.
When she finally heard the word fiancé, only disappointment and complete despair filled her heart.
Why… why had he left her to face all of this alone?
"I'll say it!"
Suddenly, a voice rang out.
A flicker of hope flashed in Zhu Zhuqing's eyes, but it quickly faded.
How could Ye Qiu possibly be their match?
"Who dares interrupt your Grandpa Xiong's fun?"
Xiong Di grabbed her with one hand and scanned the surroundings.
Canbao and the others also looked around cautiously.
"You grown men bullying a little girl—don't you think that's going too far?"
Ye Qiu stepped out from behind a tree. Although he didn't know their grudges or hatred, he still chose to intervene.
He only wanted peace of mind.
He couldn't stand by and watch someone being abused.
----------
Read 20+ chapters advance at
patreon.com/iloveNingRongrong
Hi guys if you like this fanfic please add it to you library and please give me some stones.