Chapter Forty-Seven: Assault by the Masses

Watching the onslaught from the crowd, the Dutuo Phantom Crocodile Beast snorted disdainfully, then let out a thunderous roar at them. Everyone hurriedly channeled their energy to resist the sonic attack. As the two sides remained locked in stalemate, Crimson Eye had already flown beneath the platform where the Earth Lotus rested.

“This is bad! Crimson Eye is about to seize the Heart Lotus!” Peng Lei struggled to stand and rush forward, but Demon Night grabbed him firmly. “Senior Brother! According to what I know about the Dutuo Phantom Crocodile Beast, it hasn’t yet unleashed its spiritual attack. Since it’s a guardian beast, it won’t just sit by and watch Crimson Eye take the Heart Lotus without reacting!”

“Yes! Peng, let’s observe for a bit first,” Li Qin couldn’t help but remind him. Peng Lei nodded and crouched even lower.

Crimson Eye, now beneath the platform, strode confidently toward the Heart Lotus. At that moment, the Dutuo Phantom Crocodile Beast was tangled by the demon clan crowd. Their attacks barely fazed it, but as it glanced at the Earth Lotus, it noticed Crimson Eye was nearly within reach. The guardian beast grew anxious, yet it couldn’t break free from its encirclement.

Suddenly, the Dutuo Phantom Crocodile Beast raised its head and howled to the heavens. A surge of energy swept over everyone present. Instantly, they all froze, immobilized—Crimson Eye included, who halted and began to retreat, his face twisted in agony as if enduring unimaginable torment.

“Senior Brother! Now is the moment—the Dutuo Phantom Crocodile Beast is unleashing its most powerful attack, a soul shock! It’s now in the midst of casting and cannot move, or the attack will be interrupted. Seize the Earth Lotus quickly!”

At Demon Night’s reminder, Peng Lei shot forward towards the Earth Lotus at once. Li Qin and the others, unwilling to be outdone, also charged towards the Heart Lotus.

As Peng Lei reached the platform, Li Qin, sword in hand, thrust at Peng Lei’s back. Sensing it keenly, Peng Lei spun and unleashed his martial technique, “Feathers Across the Sky!” Blocking Li Qin’s attack, he used the force to propel himself toward the Heart Lotus.

“Sun Kaide! Stop Peng Lei from getting the Heart Lotus. Zhang Wei, help me seize it!” Li Qin called out anxiously to his companions.

Seeing this, Demon Night brandished the Sky Trace and shouted, “Such a despicable, ungrateful wretch! Senior Brother and I have saved you countless times, yet you turn against us for a bit of gain. Fine! Today I’ll kill you myself, you vile scoundrel! Prepare yourself!”

Li Qin, seeing Demon Night charge at him, knew he wasn’t a match, but was unwilling to let Peng Lei take the Earth Lotus. Biting his lip with malice, he turned and attacked the casting Dutuo Phantom Crocodile Beast.

Struck by Li Qin’s attack, the guardian beast’s spell was disrupted. Its spirit waned, and those trapped in illusion—including Crimson Eye and the Fire Dance Academy crowd—awoke simultaneously. Seeing Peng Lei about to touch the Heart Lotus, they all launched attacks at him.

“Senior Brother! Go ahead and pick the Heart Lotus. Leave these people to me!” Demon Night stood beneath the platform, Sky Trace in hand, robed in a spirit-infused battle attire, exuding an aura of indomitable resolve. “Yes, Senior Brother, hurry and take the Heart Lotus. With us here, you needn’t worry!” Zhao Mu Xiaoxiao and the others joined in.

Peng Lei glanced at everyone, nodded, and pressed on toward the Heart Lotus. Just as his hand brushed it, he immediately froze, motionless.

“Do you think the Heart Lotus can be plucked so easily? Hahaha! How naive you all are! To harvest the Heart Lotus, you must use your spiritual consciousness to assimilate it and absorb it into your sea of consciousness. Touching it with your hand triggers an illusion attack—unless you can withstand the assault, only then will it accept you. Otherwise—heh heh heh!” Crimson Eye laughed with delight.

“Hmph! Even if Senior Brother is beset by the illusion, as long as I am here, none of you will ever lay a finger on the Heart Lotus. I believe Senior Brother can endure the illusion’s assault!”

Li Qin and his group approached. Sheathing his sword, Li Qin proposed, “Demon Night, if you relinquish the Heart Lotus, how about we join forces against the demon clan?”

At these words, Demon Night grew even more furious. “You ungrateful, despicable wretch! I’ll kill you first!” With sword drawn, Demon Night lunged at Li Qin.

Seeing Demon Night attack, Li Qin panicked and called out, “Crimson Eye, how about we work together? Let’s wipe out the Divine Wind Academy group first, then fight for the Heart Lotus among ourselves?”

Crimson Eye’s eyes flickered, pondering silently. “This Demon Night is truly formidable, and his cultivation technique has an innate advantage over mine. Alone, we would struggle to prevail.”

Having thought it over, Crimson Eye replied to the beleaguered Li Qin, “Very well, I agree to your proposal. Everyone, obey my command—help Li Qin eliminate the Divine Wind Academy group first!”