Chapter 111: Wu Tian Sinks Deep into the Abyssal Mire

"Damn, I was just about to jump in for some fun, but it looks like Old Li can handle it all by himself," Niu Wuji said helplessly, shaking his head beside him.

Wu Tian sheathed the Black Dragon Blade and waved his hand. "Forget it, I’m too lazy to move now. Let Old Li take care of it alone."

"I wanted to help my brother, but since he’s already handled them, I’ll pass," Li Qingqing said playfully.

Xiao Hui smiled gently, but at that moment, a voice sounded behind her.

"Damn it! There’s a weak one here!" An unknown mercenary suddenly appeared behind Xiao Hui, preparing to seize her.

Wu Tian was about to intervene, but Xiao Hui reacted instantly, dodging sideways and leaping onto the swampy ground.

The mercenary rushed forward in a single bound, but after just one step, he sensed something was wrong. His feet seemed to be sucked in.

"Ah… help… help me!" He looked down at his feet in terror, already sinking into the abyssal swamp. His feet were trapped in the muck, unable to exert any force, and even with strong inner energy, it was useless. "Boss, save me, save me!"

His body sank rapidly; the more he struggled, the faster he sank.

His comrades saw him plunge into the abyss and did nothing, knowing that trying to save him would only doom themselves.

"Amida Buddha, one reaps what one sows," Wu Tian murmured, clasping his hands. This guy tried to grab Xiao Hui, thinking she was easy prey. Now, sinking into the swamp, he deserved his fate.

"Help… help me…" In a blink, the man was swallowed whole, vanishing without a trace.

"This is the consequence of greed," Niu Wuji shook his head.

"Boss! Look there! It’s a Black Lotus! The Black Lotus! We finally found it!" A mercenary from the group suddenly pointed excitedly at the ground beneath a large tree.

Immediately, those fighting Old Li stopped and all eyes turned toward the inconspicuous yet oddly strange Black Lotus.

"What the hell, there’s actually a black lotus in this world? What’s going on?" Wu Tian was astonished upon seeing the Black Lotus.

"Really, it’s my first time seeing a black lotus too," Niu Wuji said, equally amazed.

Li Tiedan, still battling the mercenaries, paused and said thoughtfully, "I heard a rumor while roaming towns that a certain lotus in this world is black. Unlike medicinal herbs, the Black Lotus doesn’t need to be refined into pills to be consumed. Its effects rival those of heavenly-grade elixirs, instantly boosting one’s level by several ranks. I never thought the Black Lotus actually exists."

"Quick, pick that Black Lotus for me—hurry!" The Silver Mercenary Group’s leader shouted excitedly, pointing at the lotus.

At once, the entire mercenary group abandoned their fight with Wu Tian and charged toward the Black Lotus.

But within a few steps, one by one began sinking into the abyssal swamp: first one, then a second, third, and fourth. In a matter of blinks, they were all swallowed by the swamp.

"These people are reckless, risking their lives just for a single Black Lotus," Wu Tian shook his head.

"Looks like the Black Lotus is surrounded by swamp. Ordinary people can’t get close unless they can fly," Niu Wuji lamented.

"Have you forgotten about Sister Hui? Others can’t walk on the swamp, but Sister Hui can!" Li Qingqing smiled.

"Right, we have someone amazing in our team," Niu Wuji suddenly realized.

"Young Master, since the Black Lotus is so valuable, let Sister Hui pick it for you," Xiao Hui said, eager to help. Her heart was set on the Young Master, hoping he would grow even stronger. With that, she stepped onto the swamp.

"Be careful, watch out for other dangers," Wu Tian warned anxiously. Such a rare treasure suddenly appearing here felt suspicious.

Xiao Hui moved across the swamp as if walking on solid ground. The Silver Mercenary Group members lacked this ability; one by one, they sank into the swamp, their greed leading them to their doom.

"The Black Lotus, the Black Lotus is mine, mine…" The Silver Mercenary leader still thought of the lotus as he was swallowed, but sadly, he would never enjoy it.

Xiao Hui safely reached the Black Lotus and studied it carefully. It resembled an ordinary lotus, except its petals were completely black, yet surprisingly beautiful. After admiring it for a moment, she plucked the flower. Upon touching it, she felt a faint chill.

"Young Master, look! I got it for you, hehe!" Xiao Hui raised the Black Lotus and called out to Wu Tian.

"Great, come back quickly before you run into da—"

"Ah!" Before Wu Tian could finish, Xiao Hui suddenly screamed. Her body was rapidly sinking as a swirling vortex formed around her in the swamp. The whirlpool spun faster and faster, dragging her deeper.

"Xiao Hui!" Wu Tian shouted in panic, his heart gripped by fear.

"This is a deep abyss vortex! Even with those special shoes, Xiao Hui will be sucked in!" Old Li said alarmed.

Seeing Xiao Hui sink, Wu Tian didn’t hesitate. He leapt with all his might, channeling his inner energy to glide through the air and swiftly reach above her. He grabbed a nearby tree trunk with one hand while stretching out the other toward her.

"Xiao Hui, grab my hand, quickly!" Wu Tian shouted, extending his arm as far as possible.

Xiao Hui grasped his hand tightly. Wu Tian gritted his teeth and pulled with all his strength, but the whirlpool spun faster, exerting a tremendous pull on Xiao Hui’s body. Despite his utmost effort, Wu Tian couldn’t budge her an inch. To make matters worse, the tree trunk he held was sinking too.

"This is bad! The tree the boss is holding onto is sinking as well. What do we do? Old Li, think of something!" Niu Wuji stomped anxiously.

"No matter what, we must go together with Young Master through thick and thin!" Old Li said firmly, frowning deeply. He took a few steps back, readying to charge forward.

"No… don’t! Stay back! That’s an order! If anyone comes near, I’ll cut them down in a heartbeat!" Wu Tian bellowed fiercely.

Boom! A loud explosion! A massive whirlpool eye appeared at the center of the swamp, swallowing both Wu Tian and Xiao Hui at once.

"Boss!"

"Young Master!"