113. Rescuing the Junior Sister from the Wildman's Jaws

If it were just a footprint, it wouldn’t be particularly strange—after all, there were quite a few disciples in this forest. But this was an enormous footprint, easily the size of four grown men’s feet.

Nearby, there were traces of blood, apparently human. Xie Wuji leaned in to sniff and detected the faint scent of rouge in the air.

Could it be that a female disciple had fallen into trouble?

Xie Wuji’s heart tightened with worry. He knew that Baili Yan’er had disguised herself as her brother and had been sent out alone. If she were truly in danger, that would be disastrous.

As the saying goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Xie Wuji decided to follow the footprints.

Deeper and deeper he went, until he came upon a tree hollow. Faint sobbing drifted from within. Curious, Xie Wuji instructed the Flame Demon Rooster, “Keep watch outside; I’ll take a look inside.”

“Cluck, cluck,” came the low murmurs of the Flame Demon Rooster.

The hollow was carved into a massive cloud pine, one of the largest trees in this world, comparable in size to the redwoods of North America. Around it, thick underbrush thrived. At the hollow’s entrance stood a fire rack, still holding some unfinished wild boar meat. The cooking was poor—large swaths of the meat were burnt to a crisp.

“Heh heh heh, beauties, you’re just unlucky to have run into me! Don’t worry, I won’t kill you—I’ll take good care of you,” a coarse, hoarse voice called from within.

Xie Wuji peered inside and saw a spacious hollow. There, a towering three-meter-tall giant stood, clad only in a tattered bear-like pelt covering his lower body. His hair was matted and filthy, and a foul stench emanated from him.

Within the hollow, three young women lay tied up, tears streaming down their faces. Their appearances were moderate, but their figures were strikingly alluring. Their clothes remained intact, indicating they had yet to be harmed.

Xie Wuji immediately recognized the giant’s cultivation level—Nascent Soul stage. His hands were shackled with iron chains, marking him as a condemned prisoner.

Fortune had favored Xie Wuji; less than half an hour in, and he’d already found a death-row convict, albeit a filthy and unhygienic one.

His scalp tingled as he realized that confronting such a man would be arduous. The upcoming sect ranking tournament was critical, and since this convict’s intentions weren’t directed at him, Xie Wuji considered feigning ignorance and slipping away.

But just as he turned, he halted. Those three girls were innocent—why should they suffer this fate? The giant’s immense strength meant the girls stood no chance if he attacked.

Clenching his teeth, Xie Wuji disregarded caution and donned his arm and shoulder guards.

His breathing grew rapid. Facing a Nascent Soul powerhouse while he himself was only at the Golden Core stage left little hope of victory. He had to devise a plan.

Glancing around, an idea struck him. He prepared a bowl of instant noodles and placed it just outside the hollow’s entrance. The seasoning was pungent, and as hot water soaked in, an enticing aroma wafted about.

Sure enough, the giant lifted his head, sniffing. “What’s that smell? Wonderful!”

Xie Wuji set the noodles on the Flame Demon Rooster’s claw. “Fly quietly, lure him away, then drop the noodles and regroup with me.”

The Flame Demon Rooster, already attuned to Xie Wuji’s cues, nodded silently.

Drawn by the scent, the giant emerged, wiping drool from his mouth and quickening his pace.

Seizing the opportunity, Xie Wuji slipped into the hollow. The three girls, seeing him, became even more nervous.

He gestured for silence; they nodded immediately. Even a fool could tell Xie Wuji had come to rescue them.

Removing the straw gag from one girl’s mouth, Xie Wuji said, “I am Xie Wuji of the Danxia Sect. I found you in distress and have come to help. That man is a death-row prisoner at the Nascent Soul stage. I am no match for him. I will free you all—please find a way to escape quickly!”

As he untied the ropes, the tallest girl bowed respectfully. “Thank you, Senior Brother. I am Xue Fen of the Red Dust Valley.”

“I am Du Dan,” said another.

“And I am Haitang,” said the third. “Greetings, Senior Brother Xie.”

“No need for formalities—let’s get out of here,” Xie Wuji urged, finishing the last knots.

He had no desire to play the hero; all he wanted was to leave as swiftly as possible.

But just as they prepared to depart, the giant suddenly reappeared, clutching the Flame Demon Rooster in his grasp.

Xie Wuji’s heart sank.

“Heh heh, what luck today—three beauties and now a demon beast! I’m in for a feast and some fun!” The giant whistled low as he advanced.

Xie Wuji clenched his fists, unable to move. Xue Fen asked, “Senior Brother Xie, is that demon beast your familiar?”

Demon familiars were common in this world—tamed beasts that cultivated disciples partnered with in battle, integral to their strength.

Xie Wuji nodded. “That’s my matter. You should leave; this man is no ordinary foe.”

“Senior Brother Xie saved our lives. Without you, we would have suffered a terrible fate. If we don’t help rescue your familiar, we would be ungrateful!” The three women brandished weapons.

Surprisingly, all their weapons were folding fans—actually iron fans. Xue Fen wielded the largest, nearly as tall as herself. The other two held pairs of fans, reminiscent of dancers, the ends adorned with tassels.

Xie Wuji glanced around. “Then I’ll rely on you three. This man is a ruthless death-row prisoner—someone not to be underestimated. We must be cautious. If we survive this, I will personally thank each of you.”

“Agreed. We must all live to see another day!” Xue Fen said firmly. “The ranking tournament is a grinder for core disciples; the death toll is high.”

Xie Wuji understood that well but couldn’t fathom why, despite the danger, everyone remained so fearless. Was it solely for the sect’s glory?

Before he could ponder further, the giant noticed them.

He threw the bound Flame Demon Rooster aside and snarled, “You ran off! I didn’t harm you—I was good to you! Now you make me angry!”

He wielded his chains like whips and charged.

“Here it comes!” Xie Wuji flexed his arms, and twin flames of undying fire erupted with a roar, blazing wildly as he launched a fiery punch at the giant.

The giant’s eyes blazed with fury. Suddenly, his chains lashed out like twin iron whips.

His speed surpassed Xie Wuji’s, forcing him to abandon his attack. But the whip’s force struck his arm, sending him reeling several steps back, his arms numb.

So this was Nascent Soul power.

Sweat beaded on Xie Wuji’s brow. He’d never truly faced such a foe before. Even the last time, it was only with the help of the Swordmaster of the East Gate that they managed.

His combat experience was lacking.

“Senior Brother, be careful!” The two disciples flanking him raised their iron fans, generating shimmering light shields. The giant’s whips slammed down hard, but the sisters’ defense blocked the blows.

Xie Wuji shuddered with relief. Without their aid, he might already have been defeated.

At that moment, Xue Fen leapt high, iron fan poised. “Die, you savage!”

A massive wind blade surged from her fan, slicing toward the giant.