Chapter 111: Captured One (Late Night)

Amidst the dense forest, bursts of bird calls and beast howls echoed intermittently. After dispatching two of them, Ye Feng once again slipped stealthily toward another direction.

Hiding within a thicket of thorns, Ye Feng watched the unguarded youth not far off and shook his head with disdain. Such a wretch dared to attempt an attack on him—truly courting death.

Just as Ye Feng was about to strike, a sharp gleam flashed nearby, only to vanish in an instant.

Startled, Ye Feng’s instincts told him it was the reflection of a blade or some other sharp weapon.

He carefully concealed his presence and cautiously advanced, eager to see what lay ahead.

Drawing near, Ye Feng distinctly sensed the aura of several formidable experts in the forest—three in total. Their breathing was steady and their internal energy powerful; all were masters at the Spirit Emperor level.

Growing even more vigilant, Ye Feng concealed himself behind a towering tree, suppressing his energy completely, remaining motionless.

The three within the forest remained silent, yet their subtle killing intent was palpable, like crouching leopards stalking prey, patiently awaiting their victim to step into the trap.

A chill ran down Ye Feng’s spine. The unease grew heavier; he had a bad feeling that these men were indeed waiting for someone to fall into their snare.

“Any sign from the other directions? Still nothing? That brat stealthily killed two of us, thinking we hadn’t noticed. Next, he’ll target An Li and the others. We must stay alert—there’s no way we’ll let him escape again.”

Hearing the distant voices, a cold gleam flashed in Ye Feng’s eyes, his pupils constricted sharply. Just a step away—if not for his vigilance—he would have plunged into an abyss of no return.

Yet he did not act rashly, instead continuing to observe the three men quietly from the shadows.

The trio seemed remarkably patient—indeed, highly “professional,” like expert hunters. Half an hour passed, and they had yet to move.

Another hour slipped by in silence; the three remained perfectly still, without a single sound.

Gradually, Ye Feng grew restless. Just as he prepared to make his move, someone finally spoke.

“He only ambushed Spirit King cultivators before. An Li and the others have reached Spirit Emperor level. Maybe that brat already fled?”

“Hmm, that’s possible.”

After a moment, a man who seemed to be their leader said, “Alright, you two go notify the other two groups. Expand their patrol areas, try to expose as many weaknesses as possible.”

The forest fell silent once more.

Ye Feng’s heart pounded with apprehension. Had he not discovered these men, today might have been his final day.

“Since you want to set a trap, I’ll just dive right into it. I’ll take your bait and slip away unharmed—just to spite you!”

Once the two departed, Ye Feng’s form became ghostlike, moving with silent grace as he circled behind the youth serving as bait.

A blade infused with spiritual energy descended like a phantom’s whisper. The youth did not utter a sound before his head thudded onto the ground.

“Who’s there?” The sound of the falling head instantly alerted those nearby.

In the next moment, a streak of light swept in rapidly.

At that instant, Ye Feng had already dashed off toward another direction.

The commotion had spread to the other two directions as well. The hidden figures there abandoned those they were guarding and raced toward this spot at once.

“Good, fools!” Ye Feng murmured, concealed behind a massive tree. Once those men rushed past, he moved swiftly.

Like a shadow, Ye Feng appeared behind the youth who had let down his guard.

A palm strike landed, and the youth collapsed unconscious.

Immediately after striking, Ye Feng hoisted the youth onto his shoulder without looking back, quickening his pace.

Sure enough, mere moments later, enraged shouts rose up behind him.

Ye Feng broke into a sprint. After several miles, the Dragon Serpent Demon King swiftly intervened, cloaking both Ye Feng and the youth’s auras completely.

Changing course, relying solely on his physical strength, Ye Feng carried the youth to a place he deemed safer.

All these men bore blue hair and green eyes—undoubtedly from the Sanctuary. Ye Feng only sought to uncover how many had ambushed him here.

He roused the youth, but just as the latter was about to shout, Ye Feng slapped him and plunged a dagger deep into his abdomen.

A muffled whimper escaped.

Before the man could scream from the searing pain, Ye Feng pressed a hand over his mouth.

“Your dantian is destroyed. You must be utterly despairing. But listen well—you’re less than a mere mortal now. I’ll make sure your life becomes a living hell.”

The man refused to submit, whining weakly. Ye Feng said no more, producing a spirit fruit from his ring, then struck the youth unconscious once again.

The dagger remained embedded in the youth’s belly. Ye Feng drew another dagger, slicing shallow wounds across the man’s arm.

Then, crushing the spirit fruit in one hand, he let its juice drip onto the fresh cuts.

Having done this, Ye Feng fell silent, sitting quietly beside the youth.

Sure enough, within an hour, swarms of ants and strange little insects Ye Feng could not identify congregated nearby.

Watching this, Ye Feng once again slashed the youth’s body with his dagger, letting more spirit fruit juice flow over the wounds.

Less than half an hour later, the youth, now crawling with thousands of ants, finally awoke.

He glanced at the swarming insects and snorted coldly, as though feeling no pain.

“This isn’t to cause you pain or disgust,” Ye Feng said with a smile. “I just want you to watch slowly as your flesh and blood are eaten away, bit by bit. Hmm, I’d wager in less than half an hour, more ant swarms will arrive. Then I’ll cut you deeper. Within a day, your arm and stomach will be nothing but bone.”

“You… you devil! What do you want from me?” The youth was utterly terrified by Ye Feng’s eerie composure. He had encountered ruthless men before, but never one so indifferent to cruelty.

“How many entered this forest from the Sanctuary? And how many have gathered?” Ye Feng’s expression darkened, his eyes narrowing with cold precision.

Before the youth could answer, Ye Feng extended a finger.

“One chance. Only one chance.”