After My Favorability Level Is Up to the Top

Chapter 187 - Determination and Human-faced Moonwolf

A thunderous roar echoed, followed by a gust of wind that rustled the leaves, causing them to cascade down.

Dong Yuan and his companions, still engrossed in studying the white stone tablet, exchanged glances as they turned.

“Isn't that the direction Guo Fan's group and the two fox spirits went? What's happening?”

Dong Yuan caught a fallen leaf, his expression puzzled.

Pann Xiaoying relished the situation, arms folded as she remarked, “Could they have encountered a demon on this island? With their limited cultivation, they're practically defenseless.”

Earlier cries for help had heightened caution in this mystical realm. Leading others into peril was a risky endeavor; one couldn't fault them if tragedy befell.

Those two fox spirits had placed their trust in the wrong person. Such a shame, given their beauty.

A voice from behind suggested, “Perhaps they've become scouts for us inadvertently. Let's circumvent that area and explore elsewhere.”

The group nodded in agreement. A member from Peach Blossom Temple spoke gravely, “This realm is perilous indeed. Judging by the ferocity of that roar, it likely emanated from a powerful demon. Only through Spiritual Energy suppression could one achieve such effects. We shouldn't risk it. If we draw more demons… given our current state, we'd stand no chance.”

Among the group, he was one of the few spellcasters, now rendered powerless in this realm, akin to a mortal. He had no intention of being fodder for demons.

Caution was warranted; better to steer clear of danger.

Dong Yuan deliberated briefly before shaking his head, “No, we'll head over and aid them.”

Pann Xiaoying widened her eyes incredulously, “You, a priest, are succumbing to the ‘hero complex' as well?”

“Absolutely not,” Dong Yuan refuted firmly. “But even if we dodge this immediate peril, the entrance we came through is sealed shut. To leave, we must explore the entire island. And do you believe the exit of this realm isn't guarded by monsters?”

Pann Xiaoying paused, then grasped the implication. “You mean they might have encountered monsters and stumbled upon clues?”

Dong Yuan affirmed, “Precisely.”

“Furthermore, if they've caused such a commotion, we can't simply ignore it. It's unjustifiable.”

He turned to the others, stating, “We must proceed cautiously. We're not obligated to assist them immediately. Let's observe from afar and assess their strength. If there are other leads, we can act and seize the initiative. What say you all?”

Dissent arose, “But what if they outmatch us? Allowing them to lead, what if they breach the realm directly? We'd be left with nothing. The Soul Haunt Ship's mission would fail, yet we'd still face consequences.”

The Soul Haunt Ship's funds were merely a fa?ade. The real value lay in the Qingfu Gu. The executor would carry the funds and document the execution process, possessing the sole ability to open and close the door as evidence. At a crucial juncture… there was also a teleportation function, enabling a return to the primal mother money, revered by the Soul Haunt Ship.

However, within this tomb, all items imbued with Spiritual Energy were suppressed. Thus, even if they had funds, they were ensnared within, unable to escape.

Dong Yuan remarked casually, “But isn't that to be expected? If they're willing to risk their lives to save an unrelated person, naturally they'd do the same for their comrade in peril during our cooperation.”

He directed his gaze towards the duo from Peach Blossom Temple.

The latter paused, realizing Dong Yuan's inclination to employ them as bait when necessary.

Yet, it wasn't to lure foes but to have them, lacking even basic combat skills, draw out the enemy's demise.

Pann Xiaoying, momentarily stunned, chuckled. “You, a Daoist of Blistook Pavilion, more ruthless than me from Nether Cliff?”

Pann Xiaoying, renowned for her curse craft, hailed from the Central Plains' east.

Dong Yuan, leading the group temporarily, surprisingly hailed from Blistook Pavilion, one of the two major Daoist sects.

Dong Yuan feigned a smile. “She's a mere outer sect member. Why else would she serve aboard the Soul Haunt Ship?”

His tone implied dismissal. Pann Xiaoying, aware of Dong Yuan's rank as an outer sect disciple, understood the slight.

Pann Xiaoying scoffed, “Who doesn't? Let's move forward; there's no point dwelling on it. Since we've reached an accord, let's proceed and observe.”

Amidst distant clamor and clashes, the battle raged fervently.

Following the noise, they approached cautiously, waiting until the skirmish quietened before advancing.

Their attention was drawn to ruins of a white jade palace, exuding an ancient mystique hinting at concealed secrets.

Nearby, a substantial portion of the palace lay in ruin, blood staining the ground amid signs of combat, a grim spectacle.

More striking was a pitch-black, decaying entity writhing and wailing on the ground.

Dong Yuan surmised it resembled a massive wolf, its features typical of the species despite its twisted form.

Yet, atop its wolfish head sat a human visage!

Covered in fur, resembling a savage, its eyes vacant, its complexion pallid, it appeared unconscious yet undeniably human.

The wolf's putrid state revealed exposed bones and pulsating organs, its head a grotesque fusion of human and lupine features.

“Moonhowl Wolf!” Pann Xiaoying identified the creature, perplexed by its decayed state and the human countenance. “It seems occult… some form of sorcery…”

Such practices were deemed malevolent in the Central Plains' east, yet in the Martial Monarch's tomb's confines, the presence of such dark arts defied logic.

What transpired previously? The Mechanical Marionette once appeared ghastly but lifeless; now, it had transformed into a living demonic entity.

The Moonhowl Wolf, typically a lesser demon of the Central Plains' east, rarely assumed human form except under a full moon to lure and prey on unsuspecting victims.

However, this aberration, with its dual-headed form, hinted at tampering by another.

Their astonishment grew as they noticed an ornate sword amidst the wolf's remains. The girl in white stepped forward, withdrawing the sword, unstained by blood.

Not due to swift action, but from the start, the wolf's corpse lacked any trace of blood.