Reckless and fearless

At this moment, Zhao Zhi looked extremely miserable. His body, face, and even his mouth were filled with small fish about half an inch long, viciously biting into his flesh. Some were even crawling into his body. Zhao Zhi swung his arms frantically, creating splashes of water, but he couldn't do anything about these small strange fish. He watched helplessly as they gnawed and struggled, gradually sinking into the water.

"What... What is happening here?" Qian Tong took two steps back abruptly, feeling a chill down his spine at Zhao Zhi's pitiful state.

"Did Fellow Apprentice Fang really choose death over joining us?" Liusan's face turned pale, his body trembling slightly, a look of shock and fear in his eyes.

Because he remembered that initially Fang Hang was closer to him, but for some reason, he turned and smiled at Qian Tong before running to Zhao Zhi's side. This likely indicated that Fang Hang initially planned to pull him into the water but later changed his mind, thinking that Qian Tong had treated him well enough. Instead, he pulled Zhao Zhi into the water to divert the attention of the strange fish, ensuring his own safety.

This thought made Liusan, even as a cultivator at the Lingdong Triple Realm, shudder in fear.

"No, he didn't die. Look at that water line..." Suddenly, Hou Qing's clear shout interrupted Liusan and Qian Tong's thoughts. They looked up and saw a water line swiftly crossing to the opposite bank. By now, it had traversed more than ten zhang (approximately 30 meters), nearly reaching halfway across the river.

"How is he okay?" Qian Tong exclaimed in disbelief, his face filled with incredulity.

Even Hou Qing couldn't fathom what had happened, staring at Liusan in astonishment.

At this moment, Liusan's face showed confusion and suspicion. He furrowed his brows, pondering deeply, until suddenly, he realized something. His face turned deathly pale as he murmured, "Impressive... Fearless... Ruthless..."

"Liusan, spit it out! How did this brat escape the fish?" Qian Tong cursed angrily.

Liusan forced a smile and said, "There's nothing much to it. It was that swamp. The kid covered himself in mud thickly enough so that the fish couldn't smell him for a while, hence they didn't attack him. But he was also ruthless, afraid that the fish would detect him before he got to the shore, so he deliberately dragged Zhao Zhi into the water, attracting the fish to bite Zhao Zhi instead, which kept him safe."

"A kid like him can think of so much?" Qian Tong was dumbfounded, unable to believe it.

Hou Qing, however, believed Liusan's explanation. With a cold sneer, he said, "There's no other explanation. I found something strange on our way here. This kid seems obedient and sensible, not much different from an ordinary child. This is contrary to what Liu Feng described; after all, this is the person who could take down a grown man in his twenties with just one blow..."

He paused, his eyes turning cold, unable to continue.

In fact, despite being lax all the way, he had remained vigilant.

He had been watching Fang Hang closely, afraid of any sudden moves. However, even with all his precautions, he had been careless after entering the dangerous mountain, and one oversight allowed this kid to escape...

If given another chance, he might not be able to catch this kid.

Everyone saw how terrifying the fish were. Who would dare to smear themselves with mud and jump into the water without hesitation?

Even Liusan, who understood the fish's behavior, wouldn't dare. Let alone others.

The water line swiftly reached the opposite bank, revealing a small head. After cautiously glancing at the shore and seeing no danger, he jumped out of the water, patted the mud off his body, wrung the water from his robe, and then turned around with a sweet smile. The smile was clean and innocent, yet carried an indescribable hint of coldness. Who else could it be but Fang Hang?

Liusan's deductions were indeed correct; Fang Hang used the mud to mask his scent, allowing him to jump into the river safely.

Though bold, he was not foolish.

Liusan had overlooked one thing: the vines had been struck by lightning, containing Yang energy. Rotting in the swamp, the mud there also possessed some Yang energy. On the other hand, the fish in the water were Yin creatures. By covering himself in mud, Fang Hang not only masked his scent but also repelled the fish, making them hesitant to approach.

After all, once in the water, no matter how thick the mud, it could easily be washed away by the current. Without dual assurance, it was easy to lose one's life in the river.

"Senior Brother Hou, I suddenly remembered that I have something to do. I won't accompany you in slaying demons today. Please take care!" Fang Hang sat on the riverbank, smiling mischievously as he wrung out his robe. He waved to Hou Qing.

This spot was the widest part of the river, about ten zhang across. Breaking through with Lingdong Quadruple Realm cultivation using the Leaping Sky technique would allow one to easily fly across. But Hou Qing was only at Lingdong Triple Realm, unable to use the Leaping Sky technique. At most, he could glide seven or eight zhang using his flying sword. Therefore, Fang Hang wasn't worried at all about Hou Qing crossing over, leisurely enjoying his time and provoking them.

Hou Qing's gaze turned icy, his voice chilling. "If you want to leave, that's fine. But why did you drag Zhao Junior Brother into the water? We are fellow apprentices. If you harm Zhao Junior Brother, you'll violate the sect rules. Let's see how Qingyun Sect will deal with you!"

His tone was indifferent, but he immediately accused Fang Hang of killing a fellow apprentice.

Fang Hang became furious, cursing, "Go to hell! How shameless can you be to say that? Do you think I didn't hear your plan? You wanted to use me as bait. Why don't you strip your mother naked and throw her in front of a toad's den as bait? Maybe the toad will be so happy it'll give birth to a sister for you. After all, you look almost like a toad..."

He erupted in a torrent of vulgar language, each word sharper than the last!

Hou Qing's face darkened, his voice cold. "Once you fall into my hands, I'll teach you the meaning of 'misery'!"

Fang Hang jumped in anger, shouting, "Once you're in my hands, I'll teach you the meaning of 'pleasure'! Do you think I've forgotten what happened at the mountain gate? Let me tell you, I remember it clearly. You dared to capture me back then. This grudge I haven't forgotten. We'll settle old and new scores together. If I don't make you cry for mercy, your sister will be my...!"

"So it's the little monkey from outside the mountain gate. No wonder you looked familiar." Hou Qing was stunned for a moment, then his expression turned even colder.