Capturing Nangong Wan

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The disciples of the Yanyue Sect were thrown into chaos.

Weren't they here to slay the Black-Scaled Python? How did it suddenly become a Black Dragon?

With a powerful sweep of its tail, the creature sent waves of filthy swamp water flying through the air before unleashing a torrent of dark venom.

Nangong Wan's expression darkened. She couldn't afford to let her disciples perish. Without hesitation, she activated the Vermillion Bird Ring, transforming it into a blazing wall of fire to intercept the deadly black water.

At her command, the disciples quickly regained their composure and began retreating.

The Black Dragon's emerald eyes gleamed as it watched its prey slip away. Enraged, it let out a deafening roar, writhing its massive body as it spewed black mist to block their escape.

"Seal! Bind! Restrain! Imprison! Lock!"

Nangong Wan's hands moved rapidly, forming a series of intricate seals. Her expression was solemn as she chanted a five-word incantation.

In response, the Vermillion Bird Ring expanded and shot toward the Black Dragon's head, coiling around its vital points. The magical weapon constricted, causing the beast to thrash wildly in agony.

Just as Nangong Wan began to relax, the dragon let out an earsplitting wail. Its scales shimmered ominously before it surged in size, shattering the Vermillion Bird Ring with sheer force.

"No… This beast is too powerful. My cultivation is only at the Qi Refining stage—I can't defeat it!"

A sense of urgency gripped Nangong Wan. No treasure was worth dying for. She turned and rushed toward the exit.

Before she could escape, the Vermillion Bird Ring flew back into her grasp. Looking closely, she realized the Black Dragon had broken free.

"Damn it!" she cursed under her breath. In her slender hand appeared a golden-thread talisman—an intermediate-grade sealing charm. If she could just immobilize the creature for a moment, she would have time to flee.

Golden threads shot out in all directions, wrapping around the Black Dragon and binding it in place.

It worked.

A hint of satisfaction flickered across Nangong Wan's face. It was just a second-tier beast—if not for the disparity in cultivation, she would have slain it with ease.

Then, something strange happened.

The stone walls near the passageway began shifting, bricks sliding into place as if coming alive. In mere moments, the exit was sealed shut.

Her heart sank.

"The Small Five Elements Xumi Forbidden Technique…" she murmured, her voice heavy with disbelief.

A sudden realization struck her—she was trapped. And with her current strength, she stood no chance against the Mo Jiao.

A thunderous roar echoed from the depths of the chamber. The Black Dragon had broken free from the golden threads and charged at her with terrifying force. No ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator could withstand such a brutal onslaught.

But Nangong Wan wasn't ordinary. Though still young, she carried the foundation of a future Nascent Soul cultivator. The Vermillion Bird Ring danced through the air, clashing fiercely with the dragon in a heated battle.

Even so, a growing unease gnawed at her. Her spiritual power was running low, and the Mo Jiao's relentless attacks left her no time to take a restorative elixir. Sweat soaked through her robes, accentuating her graceful figure.

Hidden in the shadows, Qi Yuan remained motionless. He needed her to be utterly exhausted before making his move. Desperation left a lasting mark on the heart—one that would be difficult to erase.

His talismans were ready. His magical weapons, primed.

Nangong Wan's anxious expression deepened, but Qi Yuan knew the time wasn't right yet. She needed to be pushed further.

Despair… and beauty.

At that moment, a series of bright streaks cut through the darkness, striking the Black Dragon and momentarily halting its assault.

Nangong Wan gasped for breath, her flushed face filled with newfound hope.

"Someone else is trapped here with me?"

Her gaze lifted, falling upon a young man with a strong, well-defined build. Even among the Yanyue Sect's elite, he would have been considered quite the catch. At the thirteenth level of Qi Refining, he wasn't weak. But did he have what it took to defeat the Mo Jiao?

Qi Yuan emerged from the shadows, locking eyes with Nangong Wan before launching a series of mid-to-high-grade talismans at the beast.

Seizing the opportunity, Nangong Wan swiftly took an elixir, replenishing her depleted spiritual power. Her eyes remained fixed on Qi Yuan, astonished by his seemingly endless supply of talismans.

When had Huangfeng Valley produced such a wealthy disciple?

Had they uncovered a new forbidden zone filled with untold treasures?

The thought stirred her curiosity.

Although the seven sects of Yue State stood united against external threats, they secretly guarded their own interests, wary of any shift in power.

"My lady, I have a talisman that can slay the Black Dragon, but I need time to prepare it. Can you hold it off for a while?"

Qi Yuan's voice carried across the chamber.

Nangong Wan's eyes gleamed. She had a similar talisman, but lacked the strength and time to use it. This young man—despite his unknown background—possessed both wealth and resources.

Then she would cooperate.

She took to the air, her voice carrying a rare trace of warmth. "No problem, just do what you need to do."

The Vermillion Bird Ring soared once more, binding the Black Dragon in place.

Qi Yuan retreated a few feet, summoning a golden-brick talisman from his storage pouch. Pouring his magic into it, the talisman expanded into a massive golden brick, hovering menacingly above the beast.

Nangong Wan clenched her teeth, glancing at Qi Yuan from time to time. The golden brick remained suspended.

She called out, urgency in her voice, "I can't hold on much longer!"

Sensing the imminent danger, the Black Dragon thrashed violently, its strength surging. The Vermillion Bird Ring's hold weakened.

The ring flickered and abruptly shot away, retreating into Nangong Wan's hand.

Her face paled.

At that critical moment, Qi Yuan's voice rang out.

"Fall!"

The colossal golden brick came crashing down, shaking the entire chamber as though a dragon had awakened.

To ensure the Mo Jiao's demise, Qi Yuan followed up with three high-grade condensed bead talismans, piercing its skull.

A whirlwind of emotions flickered across Nangong Wan's face.

She had thought all hope was lost.

This boy… was reliable.

Qi Yuan approached the fallen dragon, confirming its death before turning to Nangong Wan.

"How should we divide the spoils?"

"I only want that golden box. You can take everything else—herbs, materials, treasures," she replied, pointing at the ornate chest.

Qi Yuan nodded, unsheathing a dagger to begin dismantling the beast.

As she watched him work, a flicker of warmth stirred in Nangong Wan's heart.

After all, in her moment of despair, it was he who had saved her life.

Her gaze drifted toward a peculiar object in Qi Yuan's hands—a large, smooth, pink sphere extracted from the dragon's corpse.

"Little guy, what's that?" she asked, stepping closer.

Qi Yuan hesitated. This could be a key factor in her transformation. Should he crush it?

Nangong Wan frowned at his hesitation, snatching the orb from his hand.

The moment it shattered, a thick pink mist erupted, enveloping them both.

"Oh no… something's wrong with this fog!"

—

Outside the chamber, the Yanyue Sect disciples anxiously searched for a way to rescue their Grandmaster.

Suddenly, a shadow darted into their midst, instantly putting them on guard.

"Who's there?"

The figure paused before speaking in a calm voice.

"I am Han Li of Huangfeng Valley. A pleasure to meet you, fellow cultivators."

(End of chapter)