Could it be that I am the cruel villain?-Chapter 806 - 461_2

Amidst the channel, a few people were still engaged in a magic battle, but upon closer inspection, one would find that the disciples of Divine Thunder Valley were somewhat hesitant. Instinct kept them contending with the thorny Water Ape Clan Leader, yet their spirits and strength were severely waned.

If things go on this way, it would inevitably turn into a defeat.

"Lao Shi, wake up! Jin An, Jin An! Protect your Divine Soul, the rest of you hold your sanity first, don't rush to aid!"

The explosive shout steadied the swaying bodies of the other five, who bit down on their tongues to forcibly regain clarity, but the speed at which they gathered spiritual energy at hand became increasingly sluggish. It wasn't due to a depletion of the body or anything, after all, they were Inner Sect Disciples of Divine Thunder Valley with no shortage of elixirs.

They were already unable to distinguish between reality and illusion; clearly a deadly Water Arrow was coming head-on, yet there was no reaction. Conversely, completely harmless falling branches warranted a defensive stance, searching futilely for a target or direction.

Lei Chuyu was considered the one among the five with the most resolute will and strength, even amidst such dire straits, he managed to persevere bitterly, maintaining a back and forth with the Water Ape Clan Leader. However, in the end, the young underestimated the means of the predecessors.

The Water Ape Clan Leader before him was merely a wisp of a residual soul, a thread of obsession, with spiritual energy that naturally formed in this channel mixed with some remnants of the past. It seemed to possess power above the Nascent Soul Stage, but in reality, the residual forces in the Spirit Communication Stone were not even as powerful as Lei Chuyu's current realm.

"No way!"

Extending vines had already entangled one of the Divine Thunder Valley disciple's limbs, pulling forcefully, threatening to tear the opponent's arm off directly.

Crack—

Two fingers raised; Thunder Light flickered at the fingertips, mercilessly severing the vines. From behind, another Water Arrow attacked, swiftly casting one of the exhausted disciples aside. Guarding simultaneously on both sides, the Thunder Pearls in hand aimed at the obvious indentation in the Water Ape Clan Leader's chest like cannonballs.

Boom!

"Damned beast, even in death you won't let people rest in peace. Wake up, wake up!"

With a lift of the hand, a slap landed.

The Divine Thunder Valley disciple's head tilted, as if just startled awake from a dream. The means, albeit somewhat rough, were exceptionally effective, as the pain was the best way to break illusions.

"Young Master, you... "

Seeing Lei Chuyu's appearance, almost exhausted, looking anxious, yet Lei Chuyu waved his hand indicating not to speak yet, as the Water Monkey in his injured chest was still lively.

The difference between the dead and the living was indeed beyond belief; the dead knew no pain, let alone the Water Ape Clan Leader who became braver with each fight during their life. Eyes filled with confusion and hatred showed no fear, but rather, a fighting spirit.

Steadying themselves with a sharp screech, it contrasted starkly with the slightly trembling voice of Lei Chuyu.

Breath labored.

The five's battle was exceedingly arduous, prolonged battle only worsening their injured states—body, energy, divine soul, spiritual energy, all nearly drained to the limit. This Divine Thunder Valley's heir apparent was undoubtedly considered top-notch in talent, able to endure such an existentially dire situation for so long.

"Go, find a way to retreat backward, I'll cover the rear."

A tug on the sleeve.

"Young Master, you... "

"Go!"

Almost crushed into pulp by an incoming boulder.

Illusions continuously affected their minds and nature. Without injuries, the five might have indeed seized this wisp of the residual soul, but reality was grim.

"Cough, cough, cough!"

Nose bleeding incessantly.

It was Jin An who gathered the last of his spiritual energy into Lei Chuyu, other members had similar actions. This all-for-one combat style was a hallmark of Divine Thunder Valley, where the strongest cultivator became the blade of the entire team.

The others willingly became supportive roles, focusing on maneuvering, attracting attention, supplying spiritual energy, setting up arrays. The ideology instilled by the sect was clear that they could sacrifice for this pre-successor to ensure survival during extreme circumstances.

In the Cultivation World, hierarchies existed by default, as throughout history, but Lei Chuyu was evidently not a spoiled heir by character, being proud, stubborn, irrational, reckless; yet, he would never betray his comrades.

Another bout forced the Water Ape Clan Leader back. He already unleashed all potential within him, his calf muscles twisted like rope, kicking heavy stones away, carrying one with each hand, and then clutching two more brothers under his arms.

This scene looked a bit comical, like someone rushing home for the holidays stacked with bags and racing to catch a train. Done without a word, carrying nearly six hundred pounds of weight akin to a pack mule, no lesser than a pampered young master could bear.

"Young Master, why concern with us!"

Expression pained, yet they still struggled to wriggle free, but this young master, shedding earlier elegance, directly cursed.

"Damn it, why so much nonsense! Stop wiggling!"

Half the body submerged in water.

Running speed wasn't slow, this pre-successor's physical attributes were indeed outstanding. Even pitted in the Nine Peaks Martial Arts Competition of Purple Cloud Palace, he would likely rank high, at the very least contesting for top three, with only Gu Miyun possibly beating him.

Yet the surging waves behind continued, the Water Ape Clan Leader still pursued arduously. Lei Chuyu was forced to endure bitterly, letting the Thunder Pearl string on his wrist float mid-air, manipulating it with his fingers while gripping four individuals, devising Thunder Techniques to fend off assaults from behind.

Breathing became harder, complexion grave, because while running back, he noticed the rocks subtly trembling, realizing the entire mountain shook, meaning the beast outside hadn't left, still hunting for their trail.

Trailing behind was another beast pursuing, not glancing back, clenching teeth and sprinting forward, holding no hope in heart, feeling desolate and contrite.

Regret primarily stemmed from his boastful claim before the elders, not merely "inviting" Jiang Feng back to the sect but also not treating this trip to Dongyue too seriously, since terrain-wise, not many matched his realm, even in strength, he had the edge.

Yet his decent prowess and slightly inflated mindset led to this calamity.

Being a potential future successor, many competitors naturally surrounded Lei Chuyu. With comparable strength, it boiled down to who had greater abilities, bringing more contributions to the sect, and with this mindset, he came to Dongyue.

However.

Unexpectedly, before even seeing Jiang Feng, his team faced near obliteration.

The mind already flashing a kaleidoscope of visions, the Soul Jade on his chest constantly flickering as if recording a last will, for sect elders to retrieve his corpse later, tailwind closing in, especially with not just one!

"That damned monkey..."

A stumble.

Lei Chuyu gritted and tossed the four companions onto shore.

"Damn it, I'll fight you to the end!"

Unexpectedly, before even seeing Jiang Feng, his team faced near obliteration.

The mind already flashing a kaleidoscope of visions, the Soul Jade on his chest constantly flickering as if recording a last will, for sect elders to retrieve his corpse later, tailwind closing in, especially with not just one!

"That damned monkey..."

A stumble.

Lei Chuyu gritted and tossed the four companions onto shore.

"Damn it, I'll fight you to the end!"