Chapter 283 - Reversal (1/2)

A hundred man team was strolling through a dark and gloomy forest. They talked and laughed as if the deadly Beast King Mountain was a mere side show.

The youth in the lead looked thoroughly bored, making sure to point it out every other step with a long drawn yawn.

He was the fear of all Six Dragons and One Phoenix, the one and only Soaring Demonic Dragon, Zhuo Fan.

Ever since he rescued this lot, he was made leader on the spot and was now taking point as they trekked through the woods.

These guys were also weak as hell, being from third and second rate clans, hardly fast enough to keep up with him. And so, he had no choice but to put a break on things and slow down.

The start of the trek was filled with a sombre mood, in fear of what was to come. But after a few encounters with 4-5th level spiritual beasts, each punctuated by Zhuo Fan’s dirty look, it all changed.

They were enraptured by Zhuo Fan’s power, bringing not just a little sense of security in this hellhole. It got so bad they were treating the final battle as a sightseeing trip. As long as Zhuo Fan was around, their safety was guaranteed. Relaxation was given at this point.

Zhuo Fan wished nothing more than to dump their sorry asses, but with Luo Yunhai having received Dugu Zhantian’s righteous education, he was forced to bear with these dead weights in their painfully slow search for keys and exits.

Honestly, Zhuo Fan wasn’t looking for Brimming Sacred Pills but for a way out.

His dearest wish right now was for an exit and keys to get rid of those pests behind him and be home free!

Bummer he was still stuck in this forest and wasting five days on top of that. Not only he didn’t find a single key, the exits as well seemed bent on eluding him.

Zhuo Fan sighed for the umpteenth time, twisted his head back at the laughing bunch, and snapped, “Cut the chatter. We’re not on a tour here. Be more serious and keep a close eye out for any exits or keys. Leave no bush unturned. The faster we find them, the faster we leave this place! You’ll be safe then and I’ll be free, got it?”

“Yes!” A shivering response welcomed Zhuo Fan’s prestigious order. But gone three minutes and they were at it again. Without danger breathing down their necks every minute of the hour, anyone would chill out and relax knowing their lives were in safe hands.

Zhuo Fan’s mood sank even lower, wishing nothing more than to throw these useless guys to the wolves, or any spiritual beasts for that matter.

He couldn’t though, not with the genial and kind Xue Ningxiang around.

[Mercy me, since when was I such a softie?]

Zhuo Fan’s anger was flaring again.

Xue Ningxiang’s charming and sweet smile came just in time and she placed a bright flowery wreath on him, “Big brother Zhuo, for you. Please don’t be angry.”

“How could I possibly be angry?” Forcing a smile, Zhuo Fan felt like crying.

Luo Yunhai almost laughed. He was glad Ning’er was here to curb big brother Zhuo’s mean streak, or the man’d be sorting this chilled and disorganized rabble into shape by now.

And if one took his cruel methods into account, any shape these guys got into, well that would’ve been closer to hell than anything. But the real question was, how many would’ve gotten out with their lives?

Luo Yunhai felt a shiver the moment he recalled the survival rate of Luo clan’s guards’ training regime.

His ten guards were nothing short of freaks, but they all escaped death by the skin of their teeth. At one point in Zhuo Fan’s classic disappearing act, Captain Pang divulged the secret of this cruel and inhumane ‘training’.

When one out of a hundred elite youths to survive was a genuine cause for celebration.

He was scared witless back then. They weren’t shaping up guards, but killing machines at Luo clan’s beck and call.

He was in Dugu Zhantian’s army for three years by then. Although these young guards had uncanny powers now, stauncher than even a general with decades of wars behind him, the cruelty of their training left him devastated. After careful deliberations with his sister, they put a stop to it.

Luo clan was no longer welcoming youths to train.

He hadn’t met with a good opportunity to break this news to Zhuo Fan either. More like he didn’t have it in him. He was scared for his life that Zhuo Fan would flip out and would start cursing him to high heaven.

It got so bad that he decided there and then to keep this buried for all eternity…

Rustle~

The sudden movement from a bush earned Zhuo Fan’s interest, “Who’s there? Come out now or stay dead forever!”

“Uh, big brother Zhuo, i-t’s me!”

A shy voice followed the appearance of Dong Xiaowan’s red face followed by a sighing Dong Tianba. Every single time his sister saw Zhuo Fan, she’d swoon and turn bashful, despite the guy never giving her second looks.

And sure enough, Zhuo Fan turned to Dong Tianba. It was only Xue Ningxiang who rushed over and grabbed the girl’s hands in joy, “Sister Wan’er, you’re alright!”

Dong Xiaowan smiled and sneaked a peek at Zhuo Fan.

“What’s wrong, did you not find any other allies? Then join us, the weak, women and the children team!” Zhuo Fan pointed back at the casual rabble.