Chapter 24: The Escape

As these words left Li Miao's lips, the group felt a surge of relief. The dangers they had encountered during this descent into the tomb had far exceeded their expectations. Had it not been for Lao Qifeng and Li Miao, it is unlikely that a single person present would have survived.

Of course, Lao Qifeng was not the only one who harbored suspicions toward Li Miao. Many in the group had their own conjectures, though they lacked evidence from Taian City to reach a firm conclusion. Nevertheless, after what they had witnessed, they did not doubt Li Miao’s mastery over the insect swarm.

Just as the group began to relax, believing they were finally safe, they heard Li Miao continue, "However, I do not trust everyone among you."

This statement caused the crowd to react with immediate anxiety.

"Great Hero Li, what do you mean by this!?"

"Indeed! We are facing life and death. If there were any misunderstandings in the past, we shall certainly beg for your forgiveness once we are out. Please, do not jest at a time like this!"

"Quite right, Great Hero Li, pray do not joke!"

In their sudden panic, the group’s formations faltered, leaving openings through which a wave of insects surged toward them. Scrambling to push back the swarm, they turned their eyes toward Li Miao.

Li Miao spoke with measured composure, "Do not forget, although those scoundrels from the Qingcheng Sect have met their end, there is still…"

"The person who left that sword wound on the disciple who stepped on the trigger plate within the tomb—that person is still among you."

"The method I am using requires my full concentration to maintain. If I keep those with ulterior motives by my side, and they decide to strike at me, I will set myself aside, but all of you will surely be buried in the bellies of these insects."

"It is not that I wish to make things difficult for you; I am truly considering your lives."

Once he said this, the group fell silent. How to put it… it was as if they had a fishbone stuck in their throats.

Lao Qifeng, having already spoken candidly with Li Miao and knowing this was likely a calculated move on his part, took the initiative to cooperate: "Great Hero Li, the situation is critical, and I fear there is no time for discernment."

"If you have a plan, speak it plainly!"

Li Miao paused, appearing somewhat troubled. "It is difficult to distinguish the culprit in such haste."

"Very well. Let everyone keep this matter in mind and remain vigilant toward one another."

"Wait a moment, I am coming over."

Li Miao grabbed Yin Minjun’s wrist and began to pace forward slowly. Like a reef parting the waves, the insects retreated wherever he stepped, carving out a clear path. The group hurriedly gathered together, trailing closely behind him.

The mother-insect that the "Little Four" had entrusted to Li Miao was being driven by his inner energy, which was far inferior to the specialized techniques of witchcraft, thus limiting the effective range of his control.

They had entered as a party of thirty-one. Five had died from the Qingcheng Sect, and three more had fallen when they failed to dodge in time. With some twenty survivors now huddling near Li Miao, the space felt somewhat crowded. Fortunately, out of fear that they might disrupt Li Miao’s concentration, they intentionally maintained a small distance around him.

Yin Minjun looked at her surroundings, intending to follow the crowd and keep her distance from Li Miao. Noticing her intent, Li Miao turned his head, caught her gaze, and smiled at her.

At that smile, Yin Minjun suddenly felt that she no longer wished to leave his side.

The Hengshan Sect had many female disciples, and it was common for them to read romantic tales and scripts. Yin Minjun had always scoffed at such things. How had she become so moved? What did it mean to have one's heart race like a trapped fawn, or to feel as if one were losing their mind? As the saying goes, one can easily talk big when the situation has not befallen them.

Just how striking was Li Miao’s appearance? After he had tidied himself up, even someone as stoic as Mei Qinghe would blush upon seeing him. He possessed a naturally heroic countenance, and after his martial arts reached a high level, his eyes held a profound, inner brilliance that was captivating upon closer inspection. This was paired with an air of nobility cultivated through his time in the Imperial Guard, along with a casual, languid temperament.

It could be said that if Li Miao ever grew tired of his work and wanted to be kept by a wealthy young lady, he could afford to be quite picky. Adding to this his martial prowess and his deeds in Taian City—where he saved the entire populace and personally slew most of the Ming Cult’s leadership—it is unnecessary to describe the devastating effect he had on the women of the martial arts world.

Surrounded by lethal danger, with the most famous experts of the Jianghu seeking shelter under his protection, Li Miao had smiled at her—a gesture that seemed both comforting and nonchalant. Yin Minjun finally understood what it meant to have a restless heart.

She fell silent, bowing her head as she followed closely behind him, her hand unconsciously tightening around her sword hilt. Her heart pounded, and a dry lump formed in her throat, leaving her unable to speak. Even the accidental brushing of their sleeves caused her to press her lips together. She longed to draw closer, yet she dared not.

The group huddled together in this manner until they finally emerged from the cave.

After walking along the path for a while, the insects finally vanished. Only then did the group let out long breaths of relief. As they dispersed, they exchanged awkward smiles. Having just been at each other's throats, they implicitly chose not to mention it further; after all, they still had lives to lead. One by one, they thanked Li Miao, who merely smiled and waved off their gratitude.

Following a small stream, the group walked for a while longer until they heard the wind and saw the exit.

The leader of the Kongtong Sect exhaled in relief, "Ha—I have traveled the Jianghu for many years, but this is truly the first time I have encountered such peril."

"If not for Great Hero Li, I truly do not know if we would have survived."

Lao Qifeng, however, was not as optimistic. He spoke coolly, "Everyone, do not be in such a hurry to relax."

"If my guess is correct, there is likely another battle awaiting us outside this exit."

The Emei elder nodded in agreement, "Indeed. We have fallen into a scheme laid by the Miao people. The Qingcheng scoundrels are dead, but judging by the circumstances, he was merely a discarded pawn being used."

"The mastermind behind this affair likely will not let us leave so easily."

With that, he glanced at Yongjie, "Tu Qingcang, we shall settle our accounts once we are out."

Yongjie nodded in agreement.

The group first took time to regulate their breathing and restore their internal energy, then cautiously stepped out of the cave entrance. It was already dusk, and beyond the cave lay a forest.

There was complete silence, save for the occasional rustling of leaves. Lao Qifeng nodded to the group, signaling that his suspicions were correct—an ambush indeed awaited them. The mountain forest was usually full of beasts and birds, yet now, not a single sound could be heard—a clear sign that an ambush lay in wait.

All those present were experts; without a word, they tacitly formed a defensive formation, watching out for one another as they slowly approached the woods.

When they were still twenty paces from the forest, a deafening roar erupted.

A black and yellow shadow leaped violently from the woods. The group focused their eyes, and to their horror, it was a massive tiger, a full ten feet long, with its blood-red maw wide open!