The calls of the mountain demon leader caused the ghost mountain demons that had been hiding in the trees to reveal their ugly heads. Then, one by one, they leaped from the branches like Tarzan, landing with thuds.
These ghost mountain demons were a head taller than the guards around the leader. Their faces were a mix of red and blue, and with their red fur, illuminated by the pale moonlight, they resembled hungry specters returning from hell.
Squeak—
Upon landing, these ghost mountain demons bared their sharp teeth at the two of us. Instantly, a stench akin to decay wafted over, nearly making me stumble.
"Damn it, what do these ghastly things eat to grow like this? How can they—"
As soon as I finished speaking, I felt a slight tremor in Zhang Dabiao's body behind me. After a moment of hesitation, he said in a deep voice, "What did you say? Say it again?"
"I said you are a burden now. If you don't leave, I won't be able to escape," I repeated, enunciating each word.
"Fine, I'll go."
Roar, roar—
As the mountain demon leader's cries grew closer, I knew time was running out. If we continued talking, it would be too late once the leader arrived.
Seeing Zhang Dabiao agree, I quickly formed a Tian Qiao seal, first casting it on Zhang Dabiao, and then on myself.
At the same time, I took out the Soul Guiding Incense, broken into pieces in my backpack. This item was not only effective against ghosts but also against mountain demons. Although these creatures were living beings, their nature leaned towards the yin, making the Soul Guiding Incense a great temptation for them.
With everything prepared, I whispered, "I'll count to three, and then we run."
"Okay!"
"Three, two, one, run!"
Our movement startled the dozen or so ghost mountain demons surrounding us. Some even leaped in place.
As the word "run" left my lips, Zhang Dabiao exerted force with his feet. Empowered by the Tian Qiao seal, a faint golden light emanated from him, resembling a rainbow as he broke through the encirclement.
Squeak—
The ghost mountain demons, furious that their surrounded prey had escaped, shrieked in anger. Those in the treetops lunged at Zhang Dabiao, attempting to drag him back.
But how could I let them have their way?
I first took out the Soul Guiding Incense, then bit my middle finger, dripping pure yang blood onto it, and quickly lit the incense.
The originally pale green smoke instantly turned a swirling red due to the addition of pure yang blood, appearing exceptionally piercing under the hazy moonlight.
As a wisp of smoke rose, all the ghost mountain demons surrounding me involuntarily moved closer. The ones still in the trees also leaped down, gazing greedily at the incense in my hand.
As the smoke spread, I heard the ghost mountain demons chasing Zhang Dabiao also emitting squeaking sounds, as if asking the ones near me what was happening.
Watching the surrounding ghost mountain demons bare their teeth, ready to pounce at any moment, my palms grew sweaty. It would be a lie to say I wasn't nervous, but I had to hold on. Zhang Dabiao hadn't gotten far yet. If I threw the incense now, it might not achieve the goal of luring all the ghost mountain demons.
One ghost mountain demon closest to me, after sniffing twice, reached out to grab my left hand holding the incense. Seeing this, I took a step back, narrowly dodging its attack, and casually tossed the incense towards another ghost mountain demon.
The ghost mountain demon that suddenly received the incense, before it could even warm it in its grasp, was instantly engulfed by other ghost mountain demons trying to get away from the incense. Fur flew everywhere, and blood splattered. Those who were moments ago coexisting peacefully immediately descended into a brawl.
Gazing in the direction Zhang Dabiao was fleeing, I silently wished him a safe journey home, while I myself headed towards the cliff.