Chapter 103: Plan to Capture the Sacred Beast

"What did you say?" Wang Xuanwu's sharp gaze locked onto Li Taixing as her words hung in the air, prompting him to shift uneasily.

He hesitated before replying, "Master, you can't seriously mean that sacred beast. Are you trying to send me to my death?"

Wang Xuanwu's glare grew more piercing. "You underestimate yourself. Besides, I didn't ask you to tame it immediately. There's a strategy to everything. We'll discuss it when we're back."

Li Taixing forced a bitter smile, murmuring to himself, 'Master really doesn't care if I live or die, huh?'

Before he could voice further protests, the sacred beast's roar reverberated through the abyss.

"Roar!"

The oppressive sound shook the very air around them. Wang Xuanwu's expression turned serious as she swiftly summoned a shimmering protective artifact, enveloping everyone in its glow.

"Not good. The sacred beast is releasing another spiritual power shockwave!" she shouted. "Stay close and don't stray!"

Without delay, Wang Xuanwu took the lead, guiding Li Taixing, Zhu Qing, and the others toward the exit of the restricted area. With the artifact shielding them, the immense spiritual pressure couldn't reach them. Even so, the tension in the air was palpable.

After an arduous flight, they finally emerged from the abyss, leaving the deafening roars behind.

"That was way too close," Lu Xueruo said, her face pale. She still clutched her spiritual herb pouch tightly, unwilling to let her earlier efforts go to waste.

Li Taixing glanced at her and then back at the abyss. 'Even with all my preparations, I can't face that beast head-on... not yet.'

At the entrance, Zhao Wentian and a group of elders were waiting. Seeing Wang Xuanwu and her group emerge unharmed, Zhao Wentian let out a visible sigh of relief.

"You've returned safely, Fifth Elder," he greeted. His gaze landed on Li Taixing and Lu Xueruo, and the tension in his shoulders eased further.

"Yes," Wang Xuanwu replied curtly, brushing past him.

However, Zhao Wentian raised a hand to stop her. "About the competition... with the situation in the trial grounds, we'll have to cancel it."

"What?!" Wang Xuanwu's expression darkened instantly.

"The trial grounds have been compromised by the sudden activity of the sacred beast and the influx of ferocious beasts," Zhao Wentian explained, his tone calm but firm. "Under these circumstances, it's impossible to conduct a fair evaluation."

Wang Xuanwu narrowed her eyes but didn't argue further. Instead, she muttered under her breath, "Fine. No competition rewards, but I've got something better in mind."

Her sly smile didn't go unnoticed by Li Taixing, who immediately grew wary. 'Why does Master's expression always spell trouble for me?'

As they prepared to leave, Zhao Wentian felt a sudden chill down his spine. He glanced around warily but saw nothing amiss. Shaking his head, he attributed it to lingering stress from the day's events.

Once everyone exited the restricted area, Zhao Wentian issued swift orders. "Third Elder, Fourth Elder, you'll remain here to monitor the area. The rest of us will return to the Sect."

"Understood, Sect Master," the two elders replied in unison.

The group dispersed, and Wang Xuanwu led Li Taixing back to Chifeng Mountain. Once there, Li Taixing handed over the spiritual herbs he had collected.

"Master, here are the herbs," he said, presenting the storage ring.

Wang Xuanwu inspected its contents briefly before nodding. "Not bad. Though a bit lacking, it'll suffice."

Li Taixing raised an eyebrow. "Master, do you actually need these herbs?"

"No," Wang Xuanwu admitted bluntly.

"Then why ask for them?"

"Because appearances matter. If anyone questions me about the state of Chifeng Mountain, I can use this as an excuse."

Li Taixing blinked, realizing her reasoning. 'Master's scheming never ceases to amaze me.'

"By the way," he began hesitantly, "can you tell me more about the sacred beast?"

Wang Xuanwu's eyes lit up at his question. She gestured for him to sit at the stone table in the yard. Pouring herself a drink from a gourd, she began her explanation.

"The sacred beast in the abyss isn't just any ordinary creature. It's a descendant of a divine beast—a dragon, to be exact."

Li Taixing's eyes widened. "A dragon?"

"Yes. Its power is immense, as you've already experienced from the spiritual shockwaves. But its true strength lies in its bloodline. If you can tame it, it will become an invaluable asset."

Li Taixing frowned, considering the implications. "Master, are you saying it's possible for me to tame such a creature?"

Wang Xuanwu smirked. "Your soul sea is vast and abnormal. Most creatures, even sacred beasts, are drawn to such a unique quality. If it recognizes your strength, it might willingly submit to you."

"That's a big if, though," Li Taixing muttered.

"True," Wang Xuanwu admitted. "And there's another problem—the evil envoys. They've been targeting the sacred beast for years, likely aiming to corrupt its bloodline or harness its power for dark purposes."

Her expression turned grim as she continued, "Those envoys are cunning and ruthless. They won't hesitate to eliminate anyone who gets in their way."

Li Taixing leaned back, digesting the information. 'So not only do I have to deal with a sacred beast, but I also have to fend off these envoys? Master really loves throwing me into impossible situations.'

Sensing his reluctance, Wang Xuanwu chuckled. "Don't look so glum. I wouldn't send you in unprepared. We'll need a solid plan and some key resources before making a move."

"Like what?" Li Taixing asked cautiously.

Wang Xuanwu tapped her chin thoughtfully. "First, we need the Sect Master's Xuantian Order to lift the seals in the abyss. Without it, we won't even reach the sacred beast's lair."

Li Taixing's eyes narrowed. "And how do you plan to obtain the Xuantian Order?"

Her sly smile returned. "Leave that to me. You just focus on preparing yourself."

Li Taixing sighed. 'Why do I feel like I'm about to get dragged into another of Master's schemes?'

As night fell over Chifeng Mountain, Wang Xuanwu leaned back in her chair, sipping her wine leisurely. Meanwhile, Li Taixing sat nearby, lost in thought.

The task ahead seemed daunting, but a spark of determination flickered within him. If he could succeed in taming the sacred beast, it would mark a significant milestone in his journey. And perhaps, just perhaps, it would finally prove to the doubters that he wasn't as useless as they thought.