ASER - Chapter 116
Chapter 116: The Frame-Up
While A'Diao was racing against time to deal with the large spirit gate, a massive, indistinct shadow appeared underwater in the sea region near this Level 5 cavern, but it quickly vanished.
It sank.
60%, 70%, 80%…
A'Diao's current speed in absorbing the large spirit gate was much faster than at the Sea Martial Falcon's previous lair because she had learned to use Mental Threads to accelerate the process. However, the sharks also arrived much more quickly.
90%!
"Only one exit left…"
Boom! Over three thousand sharks charged in. Just as they were about to launch a concentrated energy attack on A'Diao… dense clusters of light appeared.
The spirit gate vanished. A'Diao activated her Xun Spirit Pupil and darted into the last exit at her fastest speed.
Boom!!
All those light clusters struck the cavern wall.
The water churned; they had missed. The sharks howled and pursued her relentlessly from behind.
Moreover, their numbers were increasing, as if they had gathered to hunt her down.
Sparrow reported, "The group below is focused on pursuit, while the group above has gathered to block the exit. There are about five thousand of them. They intend to trap you here to die, Master. You won't be able to get out."
This was its judgment based on intelligent, professional analysis.
A'Diao remained silent, solely focused on flying upwards against the current… Her speed was immense; even though it was reduced underwater, she still maintained her distance from the shark pack below.
Flying straight ahead at full speed, she soon saw the exit above. In fact, the exit was almost invisible, completely blocked by a dense, dark mass of sharks.
They saw her too but didn't move. Evidently, they had a plan to seal off the exit.
However, just as these sharks believed their blockade was foolproof, they didn't expect… Swoosh! The prey suddenly vanished in an instant.
She had completely disappeared.
The shark pack was dumbfounded. They grew agitated and scattered in a panic, searching everywhere.
If the Level 6 Shark King had been present, it would have told them that she was still there. The dimensional space she used for hiding was immobile; if they just waited patiently, they would eventually catch her when she emerged.
But the king was dead. The other sharks were only Level 5 and couldn't comprehend abilities of that level, nor did they possess enough authority to command. Thus, they panicked. Once panicked, they scattered, and once scattered…
A'Diao abruptly reappeared from Skill 303. Her left fingertips ignited several Level 5 energy talismans that produced a blinding white light, while her left hand held several speed-enhancing talismans…
In an instant of white brilliance, she shot forward like a sharp arrow.
Attack!
She's there!!!!
She's trying to get out! Attack!! Quickly!
The once solid blockade now had a weak point. It was too late to seal it again; they could only attack frantically amidst the white glare.
A'Diao had no choice but to activate her full-body defensive armor to endure this wave of chaotic attacks, and then, finally…
By the time the shark pack reacted, her body was nowhere to be found in the current.
She had escaped!
Swoosh!
Beneath the torrential rain, at the whirlpool exit, A'Diao, piloting her aircraft, emerged drenched in blood. Heavily injured, she shot straight into the sky. Hundreds of Three-headed Sharks burst out behind her in frenzied pursuit, firing beams of energy into the air…
Amidst the bombardment, she still managed to get away.
Leaving behind only the clan's bone-deep hatred for her.
But would they just let it go like that?
Sharks were known for holding grudges.
One of the sharks was significantly larger, estimated to be second only to the Shark King, and it was predicted that it would become the new Shark King in the future. It stared intently in the direction A'Diao had fled, emitting some sort of vibrational sound to communicate with the other sharks.
I've memorized her blood aura.
Pursue!
The large spirit gate beneath the cavern was gone, so there was no longer any need to defend it. It vowed to make its clan even stronger and turn all humans into food!
A'Diao didn't dare linger in this area. The rain washed the blood from her body. She wanted to fly towards the nearest way station to procure some supplies and replenish her energy. Moreover, her injuries were not light; she needed to find a place to recuperate as soon as possible.
The rain grew heavier. Her armor was already flashing a red warning light; its energy was nearly depleted. Meanwhile, A'Diao could sense that the shark pack was still pursuing her.
"Damn it, they must have memorized the scent of my blood."
A'Diao was pondering how to shake off these sharks. After all, sharks were characterized by their bloodlust and vengefulness. If she couldn't eliminate them, there would be endless trouble in the future. No matter where she went in the sea region, they would be after her, which was far from ideal.
She suddenly recalled that there seemed to be a Level 6 demonic cavern to the north. That area had many experts, including numerous Forbidden Masters, who wouldn't fear these Level 5 Three-headed Sharks. Perhaps they would even be grateful to her for luring the monsters over.
Having made up her mind, A'Diao immediately flew north intentionally, leading the shark pack in that direction.
As she flew, whether by coincidence or because this region truly had a high concentration of powerful individuals, a figure suddenly appeared ahead.
The person was treading on the water's surface, wreathed in an aura of blood and fire, currently slaughtering a scattered group of Level 5 demonic spirit fish. Seemingly sensing A'Diao's approach, they turned their head to look.
Good heavens! Even A'Diao, who was accustomed to seeing beautiful women, was taken aback for a moment. She muttered to herself: A woman disguised as a man? This person is incredibly androgynously beautiful, with features as if painted, possessing both a cold and striking allure. Their looks surpassed even those of Song Ling and Yue Xingxi. But covered in blood… they looked extremely difficult to provoke.
This person was at least at the Forbidden Master level, and their combat prowess within the Transcendent realm was considerable.
Where did this monster pop out from?
A'Diao, knowing she was heavily injured and weak, had no desire to provoke a formidable enemy. Just as she was about to offer an explanation and a warning before changing direction to leave, the other person spoke first.
The person's thin lips parted slightly, their eyes cool and indifferent. "To ambush and kill me, you actually stooped to using yourself as bait, luring this pack of Three-headed Sharks to surround and attack me. Very well, then I shall ensure you never leave this place alive!"
With that, they pointed their blood-red staff.
A crackling bolt of blood-colored lightning instantly shot towards A'Diao.
A'Diao: "???"
No, I'm not! I didn't! What the hell!
This person's ability to jump to conclusions is truly impressive.
A'Diao hastily maneuvered her aircraft to dodge, but after the blood lightning exploded in the empty space behind her, it released a ring of blood-poison gas that rapidly dispersed.
Previously, with A'Diao's natural resistance and her armor's defensive capabilities, she would not have feared it. But now, heavily injured and with her Spiritual Power depleted, she was poisoned instantly.
But she also knew it was impossible to explain things to this person. Besides, who knew if they were deliberately trying to kill her and just looking for an excuse?
In the sea regions, did one even need a reason for killing and plundering treasures?
No need!
Since she couldn't win at the moment, further explanations would be a waste of time. A'Diao turned to flee, planning to seek revenge later. Unexpectedly, when this person saw her run, they became even more convinced of her malicious intent, hopped onto their own aircraft, and gave chase.
A'Diao's temper was never particularly good, but knowing she couldn't win at this moment, she suppressed her anger and shouted at the pursuer, "Your Excellency is mistaken! I'm fleeing for my life! I didn't expect to encounter you; I don't even know who you are!"
The androgynous man remained silent, pursuing her relentlessly.
Damn it! Once I recover, I'll beat this pretty boy to death!
A'Diao had no choice but to frantically consume elixirs to replenish her Spiritual Energy and push her speed to the maximum. However, the blood poison within her body suddenly flared up.
??? Not good, can this blood poison be remotely controlled?
Retch! A'Diao truly vomited blood this time, a large mouthful gushing out. Then, her body was ensnared by a chain and yanked backward.
She saw the androgynous man who had teleported before her, blood-red flames burning in his hand. In the instant she was about to be slain, she yelled at the top of her lungs, "You dare kill me? I am a direct scion of the Zhao family of Mount Taihang in Kyoto! My elder brother is hailed as a top-ten contender on any list of prodigies since the resurgence of Spiritual Energy! My sister-in-law is also ranked among them, even stronger than my brother, with a more esteemed status, and she dotes on me the most! If you dare kill me, my natal spirit flame will be extinguished, and a mark of retribution will be placed upon you! Just you wait for death!!!"
Seeing that this pretty boy likely also came from an extraordinary background, she had to fabricate an even more formidable family history to intimidate him.
Consider that even someone as insidious as herself was wary of the Baili family; if this androgynous man had any sense, he would surely hesitate.
Indeed!
The androgynous man frowned slightly, and his attacking motion paused for a moment.
A'Diao recalled that the ancient texts given to her by the old Daoist mentioned that some families descended from the most powerful first-generation Forbidden Masters possessed secret retribution arts. If one of their members was killed, it was highly probable that the true culprit would be marked, or the family would be directly alerted. It turned out to be true.
This androgynous man indeed came from a distinguished background and knew of this secret. Therefore… it allowed her to pull off this outrageous frame-up!
Toilet: "…"
No wonder this rascal had been researching the influential and aristocratic families of Kyoto some time ago; she had been preparing for this.
The Zhao family of Mount Taihang was even more formidable than the Baili family, having produced several empresses and grand tutors.
Impressive, truly impressive.
As long as she could save her life, what was the point of saving face?
A'Diao was also afraid of overdoing it, lest extreme fear drive the other party to kill her to silence her. So, she continued, "Brother, it seems you also come from a distinguished background. In that case, you should know that minor scuffles are usually no big deal. We're out here to gain experience; who runs to their family after every little setback? Honestly, if you and I were in a fair fight, winning or losing would depend on our skills. If one still dared to call for family help, how would that be different from a schoolchild? When one ventures out, isn't it all about maintaining face? But today, this is truly a misunderstanding. Look how weak I am; it's clearly from fleeing for my life. How could I possibly be trying to harm you? However, it seems you've been schemed against as well. Judging by your 'once bitten, twice shy' demeanor, don't waste your time on me. It would be terrible if your real pursuers caught up."
The androgynous man narrowed his eyes. Suddenly, with a flick of his fingertip, a chain shot out, binding A'Diao like a rice dumpling. He then dragged her and tossed her onto a nearby island.
Witnessing this, the shark pack lurked at the edge of the island, unwilling to depart.
On the island, A'Diao, covered in sand, hadn't even had time to react when—Vwoom!!! A long spear plunged into the ground right beside her hand, scaring her so much she didn't dare move.
Afterwards, the androgynous man reached out and unceremoniously pulled the storage ring from her finger.
So pleasing to the eye, yet so proficient at the business of robbing and killing.
Could this be a ruthless bandit?
However, seeing the other party act this way, A'Diao felt a flicker of relief: He wants money?
The androgynous man examined the storage ring, his face expressionless as he demanded of A'Diao, "Open it, or I'll cripple your other hand as well."
Life truly is a cycle. She had been so arrogant before, and now she was so aggrieved. Nevertheless, A'Diao obediently opened it.
The androgynous man inspected the contents, finding some Level 5 Spirit Cores and various other miscellaneous items. To be honest, it was a considerable amount of wealth, but…
"The second scion of the Zhao family, and this is all your wealth?"
He looked at her, as if trying to determine the truth of her words.
Clearly, he was wary of the Zhao family, but he also genuinely wanted to kill her to ensure her silence.
A dark glint flashed in A'Diao's eyes, and her expression was peculiar as she said, "It's precisely because they don't give us good things that we're forced to go out and fight for them. Brother, aren't you robbing me because you're poor?"
"You were the one who first lured danger to harm me."
Are you the emperor or something? Who would want to harm you!
"Forget it, let's not argue. Aren't you just afraid that I'm not from the Zhao family, and also afraid that I am from the Zhao family and will retaliate behind your back after you let me go? How about this: we both make an oath, establish an agreement. Today, I can't defeat you, so I'll willingly hand over my possessions to avert disaster. I will absolutely not cause you any trouble, nor will I tell my family. As for you, don't take advantage of my heavy injuries to kill me today. Just take the benefits and leave. This way, neither of us loses out, and there will be no future repercussions."
A'Diao put on an appearance of thoughtfully considering both their interests. The androgynous man narrowed his eyes and said, "Your possessions amount to more than this. This isn't enough. What else do you have?"
Even 500 Level 5 Spirit Cores aren't enough for him.
Damn it!
A'Diao said with a straight face, "Brother, if I were capable of killing several thousand Level 5 Demonic Spirits and possessed several thousand Level 5 Spirit Cores, do you think you'd even be able to touch me today? It would be me robbing you instead! I want to save my life, and you want money. There's no conflict here. Wouldn't it be better for you to make a decision quickly?"
The androgynous man's expression was inscrutable. He suddenly pressed his finger to the spot between her eyebrows and said softly, "I will naturally make a decision—but only if you can speak the truth."
Before A'Diao could react, his pupils strangely began to glow with an eerie blue light.
A mental secret art!
Hypnosis? Or an ability to see through falsehoods?
But it was terrifying, more than a hundred times stronger than Song Ling's mental secret art.
In any case, in that instant… A'Diao's pupils lost focus.
The androgynous man spoke in a low voice, like a demon luring an innocent maiden to reveal her innermost secrets, "Tell me, who are you really? Are you from the Zhao family?"
"I…" A'Diao was dazed, blankly uttering, "I… am… Ri… Ni… Tian… Zhao Ritian."
Really from the Zhao family?
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