Chapter 191: Borrowing an Axe to Meet the Enemy
On the surface, the demons besieged Chu Xiu, but their true intention was to weaken the human race. They aimed to demonstrate that even human geniuses were vulnerable under their collective might, instilling a psychological blow more devastating than any physical attack.
In the secret realm within the Void Giant Tree, tension brewed as the human race forces kept their distance from the entrance to the second trial space, daunted by the unity displayed by the demons in contrast to their own disarray.
"Master Qing Jiao, do you think Chu Xiu got the news and is too scared to come out?" A chicken demon speculated eagerly as it approached Qing Jiao, who stood silently, his face expressionless.
Qing Jiao was indeed concerned. If Chu Xiu stayed hidden within the trial space until the automatic teleportation kicked in, he would escape under the protection of the Great Sage, making any further attempts on his life exceedingly difficult.
"I think he's just too afraid to come out," one demon remarked, only to have another add, "Surely he's scared. We've set a perfect trap. Who wouldn't fear death in his place?"
Their conversation was tinged with mockery, aiming to demean Chu Xiu as much as possible. One suggested, "If he doesn't dare to come out, we should start calling him 'Taisu Turtle' instead of Taisu Saint Son!"
Their taunts continued unabated, echoing around as they waited, hoping to provoke Chu Xiu into leaving the safety of the trial space.
Meanwhile, the humans observed anxiously, torn between hope and despair. Some wished Chu Xiu would emerge victorious and dispel the threat, while others preferred he stay hidden to avoid the risk of capture or death.
Amidst these tensions, rumors and sneers circulated, questioning Chu Xiu's courage and provoking him further.
Inside the second trial space, the scene was different. Chu Xiu seemed undisturbed by the external commotion, his focus undivided as he prepared himself. When he finally opened his eyes and stood up, all attention snapped to him, everyone eager to see his next move.
Would he confront his enemies, or wait to be teleported to safety?
Unexpectedly, Chu Xiu walked towards the demons' area, his demeanor calm, his deep eyes glancing at them briefly. This simple look was enough to send chills down their spines, his presence commanding respect and fear.
Reaching the Butterfly Empress, Chu Xiu's request was straightforward: "Miss Butterfly, may I borrow two things from you?"
With characteristic generosity, she responded, "Tell me what you need, and it's yours."
Pointing to the giant axes she wielded, Chu Xiu explained, "I'm about to enter a fight and lack a weapon. Could I borrow those axes?"
Without hesitation, the Butterfly Empress handed over the weapons, much to the dismay of her companions who understood all too well what Chu Xiu intended to use them for—a brutal confrontation with the demon barbarians.
Despite their internal complaints, they dared not voice them, recognizing the influence of the Butterfly Empress's mother, a pivotal figure among the demon barbarians.
Expressing his thanks, Chu Xiu promised, "Thank you, Miss Butterfly. I owe you a meal."
As he left with the axes, the Saint of Yao Chi, still engaged in her trial, communicated telepathically, "Wait for me. Let's leave together."
Chu Xiu merely nodded, his figure disappearing into the light as he exited the trial space, his excitement barely contained. A smile played across his lips, the thrill of the impending battle igniting a fierce joy within him.
Emerging from the trial, Chu Xiu was ready. His eyes gleamed with anticipation, and as he stepped forward, the battle flags in his storage ring unfurled around him like a river, signaling the beginning of his hunt. The demons' provocations had only sharpened his resolve, and now, armed with the axes, Chu Xiu was not just a participant in this conflict but a formidable challenger.
The stage was set for a showdown that would determine much more than the fate of one man—it was a test of wills between the demonic forces and a defiant human spirit.