Could it be that I am the cruel villain?-Chapter 784 - 448_2

"Hmph... We'll have to capture him first for a thorough interrogation. As for that demon beast, we can come back for it once this matter is resolved. Jin An, continue leading the way."

Clack—

The folded fan was closed, and at the same time, in a seemingly unremarkable mountain gorge nearby, a meditating young man suddenly opened his eyes, a hint of puzzlement difficult to conceal in them.

"What's happening?"

From the moment he set foot in this region, he felt a strange force trailing behind them. For some reason, he felt it was closely related to the Daoist skills he cultivated, especially when they confronted that enraged demon beast earlier, resonating from afar.

However, he hadn't realized that it was because he was activating his Thunder Technique.

The blood-red lingzhi before him was still emitting an eerie glow, but the blood evil qi on it had been significantly suppressed compared to earlier. Among those present, only Jiang Feng was likely capable of assimilating the blood evil qi without having his divine soul corroded.

After several hours passed—I mean, Cen Yueyue initially estimated there were only about four hours, but after sneaking into the crevice between the gorges, they found the area was relatively less affected by blood evil qi. Conservatively, it seemed the silver crown could conceal their aura for at least another six hours.

This was naturally good news for them.

Sigh—

Sigh—

Turning his head, Qingluan, who was unwell, was still asleep. It was clear that the Earth Summoning Technique earlier had been too taxing for her, but thanks to her assistance, the group had escaped danger. Although, with their combined strength, facing that Kui Ying wouldn't have been impossible.

But the problem was that the old ruins, abandoned for a hundred years, housed not just one demon beast.

They harbored countless descendants of ancient beasts.

Furthermore, with the blood ganoderma in their hands, engaging in combat would cause blood evil qi to spread at least ten miles, and at that point, attracting other filth would likely make it impossible for the four of them to escape even if they sprouted wings.

He kept glancing at the nearby, sleeping Qingluan, not knowing if it was a habit or not—she often curled into a ball when asleep, quite the opposite of her poised and elegant persona. It was a sign of insecurity, her legs bent, like an infant sleeping soundly, and even in slumber, her profile was exceptionally perfect.

In all honesty, Jiang Feng did not have the worldly kind of possessive desire for Qingluan. Instead, he appreciated her appearance and harmonious features from an aesthetic standpoint. Indeed, her beauty was not the kind that transcended worldliness, incomparable to Cen Yueyue's exquisite features.

Indeed Qingluan's facial features were quite delicate when considered individually, yet not to the point of leaving one spellbound. It was more her attire, style, and a dash of light makeup that perfectly combined her exquisite features into a harmonious look.

If it were in the previous life, this girl would undoubtedly make a great designer or makeup artist.

"Hmm?"

His eyes flickered slightly.

Although it was dim in the gorge gap, he could still see the snow-white of her bosom when asleep, and her fragrant shoulders partly exposed to the air. Staring directly at her shoulder, it wasn't out of lust—he could look at Cen Yueyue every day if he wished—but he noticed something on Qingluan seemed to be slowly squirming.

"Is that... a tattoo?"

He was stunned, his eyes filled with disbelief. At that moment, the green snake tattoo actually turned its head to look at him, and it startled Jiang Feng, making him shiver; a pair of scarlet eyes looked without joy or sorrow, as though the otherwise static tattoo had been bestowed with life, moving slowly, giving a spine-chilling sight.

With wide eyes wanting to investigate further, it was the first time he'd seen something so bizarre, but in the next second—

"Ouch!"

Suddenly, a sharp pain came from his waist.

Looking closely, it was the indifferent Miss Cen who had already slipped her hand into his clothes and twisted his soft waist flesh 360 degrees, making the spirited youth instantly straighten his back.

"If you like her so much, why not bring her back to Swordmaster Peak, hmm?"

The tonality sarcastically teasing.

The dashing face filled with cold smiles, it frightened Jiang Feng considerably, prompting him to hurriedly explain.

"Don't talk nonsense; I was looking at her tattoo. See, it's still squirming now, even with scales on it. Really, look for yourself; I'm not lying!"

He lowered his voice.

The two people in the corner were practically out of sorts by now; Qingluan's case needn't be elaborated—she was almost torn apart by the Earth Summoning Technique, and if not for her decent physique, she might not have been around now. As for Xiao Yu, it was simply a lack of realm, especially as Kui Ying relentlessly chased them, storms and lightning abound, even Jiang Feng struggled under it; what more could be expected of her at Foundation Establishment Peak?

The exhaustion was written all over, and the rate of spiritual energy recovery in this environment was very limited. However, Cen Yueyue was relentless, as she had been a bit angry from women outside watching her man—how could this be? Plus, this cunning woman had no shortage of schemes, and yet there was no clear mention she could make.

Judging from Jiang Feng's expression, he probably guessed the reason already; saying more wouldn't have mattered much.

So she coldly glanced.

"Eh?"

Clearly, she too got entranced.

The East Sea Clan could be said to be among the most mysterious clans in the world at present. They were descendants of the Extreme Island of East Sea, ranking unparalleled among today's clans, having undergone numerous evolutions. The form and source of their power remain a mystery, as does their uncanny method of inheritance.

The tattoo still squirmed, those snake-like eyes seeming to possess sentience, constantly observing the two of them, giving the illusion they might attack at any moment, making it nerve-wracking. Jiang Feng also lowered his voice to start whispering softly.

"Miss Cen, rest assured, I can tell she certainly seeks something from us. Her deliberate approach is likely with some intent, and the chances are high that it's related to the consort crisis Elder Ge mentioned last time."

"She perhaps intends to use our identities, and the power behind us, to accomplish certain things. This I can completely understand; when desperate, people will do whatever it takes to save themselves."

"But you know my disposition—I don't abandon unprovoked. Even if the contact was with intent, as long as she demonstrates her value, providing what we need and sufficient help, I will repay generosity with generosity."

"No matter how absurd it sounds, if there's competence without hindrance to me, I will find a way to aid her escape—have faith, it's not lust-driven."

"Take a look; with this array of tattoos, if my parents knew I brought back a girl with a full-arm tattoo, they'd break my leg. Back home, this girl wouldn't even qualify for a government position..."

He spewed a lot of flippant remarks, yet Cen Yueyue's face showed visible improvement, indicating this lad wasn't entirely enchanted. However, the Snake Woman, who had been guarding her lady in the corner, suddenly spoke up.

"This is the bloodline bestowed upon our clan by the ancestors of the East Sea clan. My lady's bloodline is noble and superior; these tattoos are not tattoos. They are the strength gifted by the ancestors to every tribe member, present among all dragons, snakes, and flood dragons."

"Especially in weakness, this power will manifest actively. But the two of you can be assured that, unless hostility is shown or inappropriate actions are taken, it will remain dormant."

"May I inquire, Young Master Jiang, whether the blood ganoderma has been refined?"

Almost spoke her mind accidentally.

Her expression grew a bit awkward, yet in the night, they could see the vibrant green in Xiao Yu's eyes, resembling cat's eye stones. The man responded quickly, nodding.

"It's almost entirely refined; should be able to stash it in the Qiankun Bag soon. Thanks for the trouble along the way for both of you."

"That's good then."

She breathed a sigh of relief.

Even if could be unruly, knowing this was the hope her lady had fought for, Xiao Yu said no more. But right then, Jiang Feng suddenly spoke, inquiring openly.

"Miss Xiao Yu, your lady possesses such beauty that even I, Jiang Feng, am moved. May I ask if your lady... is engaged? Or has someone she loves?"