The Lazy Sovereign

Chapter 9: Flight, Fights, and Fiery Allies



Xu Tian's mind raced as the bird screeched overhead and the cultivators advanced, their leader's glowing staff crackling with energy.

"So, what's the plan?" he whispered to the stranger.

The stranger's grin widened. "Plan? I was hoping you'd have one."

Xu Tian groaned. "Of course. I team up with a lunatic."

The cultivators spread out, forming a semi-circle to block Xu Tian's escape. The leader pointed his staff at him, his voice booming.

"You, boy! Hand over the beast or face our wrath!"

Xu Tian sighed, gripping his hoe like it was an ancient artifact of war. "Why does everyone think I'm some kind of beast wrangler?"

"Because you seem to attract trouble wherever you go," the stranger said, casually tossing a small pouch into the air and catching it. "Lucky for you, I thrive in chaos."

The cultivators weren't in the mood for banter. One of them stepped forward, summoning a shimmering blade of spiritual energy. "Enough talk. Surrender, or—"

Before he could finish, the stranger flicked his wrist, sending a streak of fire straight at the man's feet.

The cultivator yelped, jumping back.

"Oops," the stranger said, not looking remotely apologetic. "My hand slipped."

As tensions mounted, the massive bird let out a deafening cry and dove straight at the leader of the cultivators. Its talons gleamed like polished steel as it swiped at him, forcing him to dodge.

The village erupted into chaos. The cultivators shouted commands, trying to contain the enraged beast, while Xu Tian seized the opportunity to edge away.

"Where do you think you're going?" the stranger asked, grabbing his arm.

"Away from all of this!" Xu Tian hissed. "What part of 'not dying today' do you not understand?"

The stranger laughed. "Relax. Stick with me, and you might even survive."

"That's not comforting!"

The bird's wild attacks kept the cultivators occupied, but the leader wasn't going down easily. With a shout, he slammed his staff into the ground, creating a shockwave that forced the bird back.

"Enough of this nonsense!" the leader roared. "Subdue them all!"

Xu Tian's eyes widened as several cultivators turned their attention back to him and the stranger.

"Time to go!" Xu Tian shouted.

The stranger grinned, pulling out another talisman. "Agreed. Hold on tight."

"Hold on to wha—"

Before Xu Tian could finish, the talisman burst into flames, enveloping them both in a swirl of fire.

When the flames cleared, Xu Tian found himself standing at the edge of the forest, far from the village.

He stumbled, clutching his knees. "What… what just happened?"

"Fire escape talisman," the stranger said, dusting off his robes. "Expensive, but worth it."

Xu Tian glared at him. "You could've warned me!"

"Where's the fun in that?"

Before Xu Tian could retort, the bird's cry echoed in the distance. The stranger's smile faded slightly.

"Looks like they're still busy with our feathered friend," he said. "But they'll figure out we're gone soon enough."

Xu Tian groaned. "Why does this keep happening to me?"

The stranger extended a hand, his expression suddenly serious. "By the way, I never introduced myself. Name's Shen Feng. And you, my friend, are far more interesting than you look."

Xu Tian hesitated, staring at the outstretched hand. "What do you mean?"

Shen Feng's grin returned. "The Heavenly Seal. I know what it is, and I know what it can do. Stick with me, and I'll teach you how to use it. Properly, I mean."

Xu Tian frowned. "And what's in it for you?"

"Oh, nothing much," Shen Feng said, his tone light. "Just a chance to stir up some trouble and maybe make a fortune along the way."

Xu Tian sighed. "Why do I get the feeling I'm going to regret this?"

As the two prepared to move deeper into the forest, a faint rustling sound caught their attention. Xu Tian tensed, clutching his hoe.

From the shadows emerged a figure, cloaked and hooded, with a faint aura of menace.

"You've caused quite the commotion," the figure said, their voice cold and sharp. "And now, you'll pay the price."

Xu Tian groaned. "Of course. Why wouldn't there be a mysterious assassin?"

Shen Feng chuckled, stepping forward. "Oh, this is going to be fun."


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