Chapter Fifty-Seven: Chilling Shadows

The sequence of events was clear to Xianyu, but he patiently listened to the other party's account.

Though some details were exaggerated, the disparity wasn't significant.

"However... two days ago, Lubei went out, and he hasn't returned since. It's a bit strange."

Xianyu, initially indifferent, understood that going out is a normal thing; people can't stay home all the time. Still, he casually asked, "So, this person named Lubei, did you notice any changes in him before he left? Like a sudden drop in temperature around him or a drastic change in his demeanor?"

The man didn't immediately respond, taking a moment to ponder.

"Now that you mention it, that night did feel unusually cold. I even mentioned it to others the next day, and they experienced the same thing."

"However, it shouldn't be a big issue, right?"

Xianyu's expression changed, "Do you know which direction Lubei went when he left?"

"I do. I even called out to him, but he didn't respond, as if he didn't hear me."

"He headed in the direction we returned from after being rescued."

Xianyu promptly stood up without a word and dashed towards the direction of the base, not bothering to bid farewell.

"Should've been more ruthless! Should've just given that relic a good smack, obliterate it completely!"

As the man revealed Lubei's direction, Xianyu knew exactly where he was headed.

Little did he expect that those cultists of the dark gods, who seemed thoroughly dealt with, were still harboring secrets!

"Hope I'm not too late. Otherwise, it's another disaster."

With this thought, Xianyu's footsteps quickened.

Wumang Slope, perpetually shrouded in dark clouds, seemingly eternally unchanged.

However, as Xianyu stepped into this dim place once more, an unusual chill hung in the air.

At that moment, a sense of impending doom crept into his heart.

"Did I arrive too late after all?"

Late discoveries happen; it's normal not to prevent everything.

"Ah, forget it. I shouldn't risk it. Let Adeptus handle this mess. If they haven't descended yet, I'd be ready to help. But now, I've just stepped in, and that eerie cold is already creeping in. Most likely, the descent is complete."

Even though it's just a sliver of consciousness, there's no need to take unnecessary risks. Besides, Xianyu isn't sure if the Cryo crystal butterfly can absorb conscious divine power and doesn't want to risk it.

While Zhang Yujiao's case was just a mark with minimal difficulty, Lubei's situation is different – it's a "mature form."

"After exposing this at the Wangshu Inn..."

"Huh! Something's not right! Although this demon god is emitting vibes, it hasn't extended far. That's a bit fishy, and if the guy really descended, it wouldn't be this calm."

"... There's an issue! A big one!"

Considering his abilities, Xianyu headed towards the direction of the relic, intending to investigate further before making a decision.

"Hmm? What's this... a barrier?"

"And this aura... not simple either."

He glanced around.

Xianyu did find some traces, remnants of a battle.

"Even though this place looks intact, no matter how well concealed, there will always be loopholes."

Like the ground beneath his feet – hard to spot differences unless you pay attention.

But with careful sensing, he noticed the land had been manipulated with force.

"No wonder! I was wondering why it's so quiet here, and the demon god's power is emanating but not spreading. Turns out someone stopped it."

As for who had the ability to hinder the adversary, Xianyu could only speculate.

Since it was resolved, he could head back, albeit feeling a bit cheated for the unnecessary trip.

As for attacking the barrier?

Xianyu did entertain the thought for a moment, but it wasn't a wise move.

Once he attacks, there's a high chance the person who set up the barrier will notice, and they likely arranged it to prevent the demon god's power from leaking out. If the barrier breaks, Wumang Slope could turn into a real "ghost zone"!

"I guess they want these powers to naturally dissipate."

Looking at the invisible barrier for ordinary folks, Xianyu walked down the slope.

But just a few steps into the move, he sensed something off.

His body started getting sluggish, stiff.

"Oh no!"

Sensing his abnormality, Xianyu immediately mobilized his power to expel the oddity.

"Not careful enough! Thought the demon god was dealt with, but it's not completely dead!"

While Xianyu expelled the anomaly from his body, a light exclamation suddenly rang out.

"Huh~, interesting little fellow! Didn't expect an ordinary person to resist my power. Even though this power is not even one-thousandth of my true self, ordinary people shouldn't be able to withstand it."

"Little one, your situation is intriguing. Although you've hidden the flow of elements in your body well, you can't fool me. What's curious is that I haven't found the so-called divine eye on you. So, how do you wield elemental power?"

"Interesting, interesting. Let me see..."

As the voice fell, an illusory figure began to condense in the void.

Xianyu didn't recognize this figure; if it were the middle-aged man he had questioned earlier, he would have identified the shadow as Lubei, who had been missing for two days.

Although unfamiliar, Xianyu believed this figure represented the original form of the demon god. Their appearances tend to shift – Moraksh and Tathagata Dragon King were like that, so why not this demon god?

Lubei, looking at himself, seemed somewhat dissatisfied.

"Is this the best I can do? Oh well, just descended, got dispersed again by that spear-wielding 'youth,' and most of my power got sealed by him. Managing to condense at all is not bad."

As this figure appeared, the surrounding cold air kept gathering toward it until all the chills vanished.

At this point, Xianyu understood – the adversary wasn't "killed." It was likely a premeditated move.

But before he could think further, the figure floated directly toward him. Judging by the approach, was it planning to use him as a "vessel"?

Panicking won't solve anything, especially since Xianyu isn't entirely powerless.

Just that bit of frosty power restricting him? He drained it away using his spiritual energy.

Unless he gets careless, Xianyu won't fall for such tricks.

In other words, he can move freely now.

However, Xianyu didn't immediately take action. Instead, he pretended to struggle, causing his elemental power to surge dramatically, giving the appearance of resistance.

The elemental power masking his spiritual energy was simply perfect!

"Little one, no need to resist. Even though you're a bit peculiar, your strength isn't enough to break free. Unless you have a divine item or a possession charm, but alas, I didn't sense any on you."

"So, become a part of me! That will be your supreme honor!"