Could it be that I am the cruel villain?-Chapter 860 - 489: I Just Want to Retreat Safely (2)

After resting for a full two days, ensuring everyone was full of energy and Spiritual Energy, we entered the Old Capital Ruins, and then...

Nothing happened.

No imagined danger, no imagined demon beasts, no imagined peers, nor the imagined perilous situation—everything was very calm.

At first, it was thought that something was brewing, like there was an extremely powerful demon beast nearby that made people dare not approach, making the surroundings unusually quiet, leading Jiang Feng and his party to cautiously search for an entire day.

In the end, nothing happened.

It wasn't until Jiang Feng saw the look in Ao Qing's eyes, as if staring at an idiot, that he understood everything.

Yes, it was because of Ao Qing's presence.

The thing about bloodlines isn't just something you say. Humans can't feel the suppression brought by bloodlines, but for animals, it's an instinct engraved in their DNA, like an ancestor warning you of danger and urging you to flee.

After all, a human's nose can't compare to a dog's nose.

From beginning to end, Ao Qing never emitted his scent or Spiritual Energy, but the problem is that demon beasts aren't stupid either. Demon beasts at the Foundation Establishment stage already have some spiritual intelligence. At the Core Formation stage, they are quite similar to the Human Clan, and those at the Nascent Soul stage and above completely possess Human Clan's intelligence and thoughts.

In layman's terms, they can smell your scent from afar and then immediately turn tail and flee.

Ever since Qingluan wandered nearby with Ao Qing, it was basically this scenario entirely. No matter where they went, the demon beasts entrenched in the area or lurking in corners were scared stiff by this aura.

It's like a pack of wolves smelling a tiger's scent. They don't think about whether the other side is strong, or whether it's mature, or whether it has the power to fight—just two words.

Run fast.

With Ao Qing as the core, there was almost no sign of demon beast activity within three to five miles. Naturally, there were also people who entered the Old Dongyue Ruins, but...

They were almost entirely being chased and bitten by demon beasts.

Hmm, thanks to those people.

Like humans, demon beasts delineate their territories, domains, and occupy their realms, possessing unique ecological chains, especially so within the seven hundred miles of the Old Capital. Previously, Kui Ying was the local emperor in that domain.

So here's the problem.

You drove away the local emperor, forcing them to hide from you everywhere. Where can they go? Only to someone else's territory, only to contend with others. Once the ecological chain is disrupted, it becomes utterly chaotic.

One could say that wherever Jiang Feng's group went, the perimeter around them would be thrown into chaos. Initially, it frightened them, fearing they might get involved, but after discovering Ao Qing as the culprit, they simply sat down and fussed over their business.

The people outside probably haven't figured out why there are ferocious demon beasts everywhere, no, they probably still think the Old Capital Ruins are extremely dangerous.

Boom!!

A blast came from the distance.

Everyone was startled from their immersion, glancing eastward. The small mushroom cloud rising afar was conspicuously visible even from seven or eight miles away, with soaring fire dragons crisscrossing the sky, along with dragon roars and tiger howls; the large-scale battle was remarkably intense.

Such a commotion isn't something an ordinary Nascent Soul stage expert could create.

"This should be the ruckus caused by the group from Fulong Pavilion. Seems they've encountered something outside with others, but they must be at least seven or eight miles away from us. Forget about them."

"Even though I don't like them, I'm too lazy to kick them when they're down. The right way is to quickly scour this place clean and move on. If they dare to provoke us, then..."

"Release Sister Ao Qing."

Mr. Jiang just glanced at Ao Qing lying in Qingluan's arms, constantly nudging her chest with his head, a sliver of envy showing on his expression before quickly suppressing it. But upon hearing these words, Ao Qing lifted her head, baring her teeth at Jiang Feng, and even "ow-owed" twice.

"Young master, Lord Ao Qing says, even if he watches you get beaten to death, he won't lift a finger."

Your translation assistant Qingluan is online.

Though that's what was said, once anything happens, Ao Qing likely wouldn't truly sit by idly. It can be said that they owe their smooth entry into the city, and their extensive plundering within, largely to Ao Qing. While someone was pouting unhappily on the side.

"Hmph, weren't you the one saying not to rely on external help? You seem quite happy now."

It was Cen Yueyue.

Since being gently reminded by Jiang Feng a few days ago, she realized her deviation in the direction of cultivation, not basing it on strengthening her Daoist Skills and Gu Worms, but instead on accommodating more power granted by the Immortals—a case of putting the cart before the horse.

Being reminded, Cen Yueyue has been refreshing her past means these days. After all, she's still young, with plenty of time and space for error, so upon seeing someone's smug expression, she couldn't hold back a jab.

This little couple is always like this.

"Oh, this statement is erroneous."

"We've endured hardships and vicissitudes, chased down like rats to crawl our way into the core of the Old Capital Ruins. Our plight should have ended long ago; now it's time to enjoy the harvest's joy."

"Besides, exploiting power through intimidation or relying on someone stronger, isn't that a skill?"

"In the past, I took Sister's sword, ran to Shuangfeng City to challenge Yu Ying's pavilion, and scared that madwoman stiff—she couldn't even budge. So, we need to relax and work in moderation sometimes..."

With an air of propriety and a veneer of false seriousness.

People tend to have double standards, and Jiang Feng was no exception. Upon hearing this rhetoric, everyone couldn't help but chuckle slightly. However, after livening up the atmosphere a bit, Jiang Feng chose to get straight to the point.

"Alright, everyone, let me make it clear, we should not engage in conflict with anyone right now."

"The circle is shrinking, people are getting more concentrated. Though unclear how long we've been here, roughly half a month seems accurate. Now, any cultivator with some strength should be near this vicinity."

"Battles are becoming more frequent and intense; we've gained a decent harvest and benefits. We've visited at least five major buildings within the Old Capital, all well-preserved and once powerful great families."

"We owe many thanks to Miss Qingluan for leading the way for this."

"I don't want incidents to happen now, resulting in conflicts with others, and end up with others reaping the benefits while we lose all our hard-found things."

"I propose that after scouring this place clean, we proceed west along the moat, slowly exploring, avoiding conflict zones as much as possible. Westwards is rarely visited, as most cultivators come from Dongxing City."

"Though it's a big detour, it ultimately reduces many risks. With Sister Ao Qing here, even with fierce demon beasts on all sides, we won't be affected."

"As for the Soul Jade, I've used it in advance. If any Purple Cloud Palace disciples are nearby, they should come to support us. Elder Ge and others are observing inside Dongxing City, and though they can't intervene, just having them with us should deter others from having designs."

"Therefore... Hiss!"

His words were abruptly interrupted.

A sharp pain came from his palm—a tingling sensation, causing the man to grimace. Unfolding his hand, a Thunder Pattern was starkly visible in his wide palm!

Blood-red.