Chapter 274 - 164: Xu Jun’s Trio Targeted?

Chapter 274: Chapter 164: Xu Jun’s Trio Targeted?

Even with his rapid recovery, the replenishment couldn’t keep pace with the consumption.

If his Spiritual Power ran out, he wouldn’t be able to sustain the Jade Bracelet. Not only would the barrier vanish, but he’d also be severely weakened. He’d be in real trouble then.

’I have to leave as soon as possible.’

Although he hadn’t gained much from this trip into the cavern, he had at least gotten a clear look at the Bloodthirsty Vine King’s true form and assessed the Stone Claw Eagle’s current condition.

He’d also gathered basic intelligence on two Extraordinary Creatures.

He had come in a hurry this time, without assembling his full strength or devising a proper plan. A direct confrontation with them was out of the question.

’Once I’ve planned everything out and grown a little stronger, I can try coming down here again to hunt them...’

However, just as Chen Chong, holding the Tiger Striped Dog, was about to retrace his steps and leave the Bloodthirsty Vine King’s lair, the Vine King’s main body suddenly stirred.

All its tentacle-like vines began to shake wildly, as if they had sensed something.

Chen Chong’s expression changed in an instant. He immediately checked the Jade Bracelet on his wrist and the barrier enveloping him.

’I haven’t been exposed, have I?’

’Then why is it reacting like this?’

Watching more than a dozen vines—each thicker than the one that had ambushed him earlier—rapidly snaking toward the cave exit, Chen Chong suddenly recalled that one of the Bloodthirsty Vine King’s abilities was "Power Perception."

’Could it have sensed some unknown threat approaching? Is that why it’s reacting this way?’

’But this place is the ass-end of the abyss. What could possibly be approaching...’

’Wait, no!’

Chen Chong suddenly realized—Xu Jun and the others were still up above.

’But if the Bloodthirsty Vine King wanted to make a move, it should have done so when they were still waiting at the top of the abyss. Why would it have such a strong reaction only now?’

’Besides, it already did make a move. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have come down here in the first place...’

’Don’t tell me... Xu Jun and the others are posing an even greater threat to the Bloodthirsty Vine King?’

’Or... did they follow me down to the bottom of the abyss?’

Animals are territorial. Wandering around the perimeter might be fine, but entering their personal space would certainly trigger an attack.

The Bloodthirsty Vine King might be a plant, but with its fearsome intelligence and power, it surely had the same instinct.

Chen Chong’s heart sank. ’This is bad,’ he thought.

If Xu Jun and the other two had really felt their way down in the darkness and were targeted by the Bloodthirsty Vine King, they’d be lambs to the slaughter without the barrier’s protection.

Worse, this was the Bloodthirsty Vine King’s lair. In this pitch-black environment, the three of them would be severely hampered.

’No, I can’t let the Bloodthirsty Vine King get near them!’

Chen Chong quickly scooped up the Tiger Striped Dog and sprinted toward the exit, hoping to get Xu Jun and the others inside his barrier and retreat together before the vines found them.

But the vines were incredibly fast. And while the Lighting Stone could illuminate his immediate surroundings, its range was limited.

Chen Chong only had a vague memory of the route back and didn’t dare to run too fast, afraid of taking a wrong turn.

’At this rate, forget about outrunning the vines. By the time I get there, they’ll probably all be dead.’

’Considering their respective strengths,’ he thought, ’Qi Zhen might be able to protect himself, but if Wang Biao and Xu Jun were ambushed by the vines, they’d be gravely wounded, if not killed.’

Chen Chong decided to take a gamble.

He put down the Tiger Striped Dog and, at the same moment, dispelled his barrier.

"Hu Zi, find Xu Jun and the others! Quick!"

BARK—

The Tiger Striped Dog let out a low growl and shot forward, quickly disappearing into the darkness.

Chen Chong, in turn, tightened his grip on the Blood Eye Blade and braced himself for a fight.

At almost the same instant, the vines sensed Chen Chong’s presence.

The sudden appearance of a human presence made them hesitate for a moment. Half of the dozen or so vines that had been racing forward instantly broke off and whipped toward Chen Chong...

...