Its move couldn't really be called a complete spell. The area around it had already been enclosed by its urine and toxins, creating a hunting ground. It seemed to have used some method to accelerate the toxin's effects, creating an almost instantaneous illusion that instantly knocked Chen Yulou down.
Seeing that Chen Yulou was about to be disemboweled if they continued watching, Lu Xuan finally spoke.
"Go and save him!" Just as Partridge Whistle's junior brothers and sisters, Old Yangren and Hua Ling, were about to object, they saw Partridge Whistle had already dashed off. Worried about their senior brother, the two could only glare at Lu Xuan before rushing out after him.
Without its magical abilities, the fox spirit was virtually powerless against the three prepared Mountain-Moving Taoists. Sensing danger, the fox spirit turned and ran. In an instant, it darted dozens of meters before abruptly stopping. It tumbled and scrambled to the ground, collapsing completely. Just like the wildcat, this time the fox spirit was limp and unable to move.
Although Lu Xuan had only just embarked on the path of cultivation, barely even reaching the first hurdle of Qi Refining, his strength was still overwhelming compared to this fox spirit who could only rely on instinct to mobilize a meager amount of spiritual energy. He could easily disrupt the fox spirit's weak spiritual energy and suppress its movements.
A flicker of human-like fear flashed in the fox spirit's eyes. Around Bottle Mountain, there was some kind of natural feng shui formation. The vital energy of heaven and earth was exceptionally concentrated there. Having lived there for many years, it had accidentally developed a trace of sentience. Relying on instinct, it absorbed a little vital energy as a means of hunting. Now, encountering Lu Xuan, a legitimate Qi cultivator, it was immediately and utterly defeated.
Unfortunately, the feng shui of Ping Mountain had been disrupted by generations of alchemists, tombs, and the passage of time, resulting in an imbalance of yin and yang. The further one went into Ping Mountain, the heavier the yin energy became. The fox spirit instinctively sensed danger in the mountains and dared not venture deeper, only managing to eke out a living by clinging to the edge and gathering a little spiritual energy. Unexpectedly, even without entering the mountains, it still encountered the Great Demon King.
Lu Xuan squatted down in front of the fox spirit. Since the country hadn't been established yet, this creature was considered to have become a spirit. Its intelligence far surpassed that of ordinary wild beasts.
"There are countless wild beasts and poisonous insects around here, yet you alone have obtained that sliver of opportunity, awakening a little bit of intelligence. For you, this can be considered a great opportunity. Considering how difficult your cultivation has been, I will give you a chance. Come with me from now on. I can help you with your cultivation."
As Lu Xuan spoke, he reached out and gently stroked the raccoon spirit's back. At the same time, he mobilized the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, channeling it into the raccoon spirit's body. The raccoon spirit, which could only absorb a trace of energy by instinct, had never experienced the pleasure of having spiritual energy surge into its body. Instantly, it transformed into an orange cat, even managing to move slightly and gently rub against Lu Xuan's arm.
"Hehe, it seems you agree." Lu Xuan said, releasing the suppression of the raccoon spirit. This time, the big wildcat didn't run away. Instead, it tentatively approached Lu Xuan, and seeing that Lu Xuan didn't object, it immediately ran happily to Lu Xuan's legs and rubbed against them.
This scene left Partridge Whistle and his two companions completely dumbfounded. They couldn't understand why this dangerous wildcat had turned into a domestic cat the moment it saw Lu Xuan.
Lu Xuan didn't explain and simply got up.
"Let's go check on that kid."
At this moment, Chen Yulou felt like he wanted to die. He was about to die when three people suddenly appeared and repelled the wildcat, filling him with immense joy. But the next second, he felt incredibly embarrassed and wanted to disappear. Because those three people didn't even glance at him. They went straight to talk to the man surnamed Lu and the wildcat.
It's said that this dignified leader of the Unloading Ridge faction was not only taken down by a wild cat, but also rescued. The person who rescued him didn't seem to care at all. If his brothers found out, they'd be executed on the spot.
At this moment, Lu Xuan arrived in front of Chen Yulou, who was still lying on the ground.
He took out a medicine pouch, waved it near Chen Yulou's nose, and said casually.
"Chief Chen, your performance tonight was truly... tsk tsk!" That expression made Chen Yulou want to kill him on the spot. Unfortunately, his body was too weak, and he could barely manage to speak.
"Brother Lu, please keep tonight's events a secret. In return, I, Chen Yulou, can grant you one request."
"Really? You'll have to promise me one thing? Then I won't hold back."
Chen Yulou suddenly felt a pang of guilt; he seemed to have underestimated the shamelessness of the man surnamed Lu!
------------
Chapter 188 This is a Dangerous World (First Update, Please Subscribe)
The group returned to camp, and with Chen Yulou's introduction, joining the group was naturally not a problem. Although Commander Luo was not very happy that Chen Yulou had recruited people without permission, he didn't say much.
The soldiers and members of the Unloading Ridge faction were exhausted, and Commander Luo and Chen Yulou subsequently announced a rest. The official start would begin tomorrow.
The soldiers set up camp, while Lu Xuan and his group occupied several rooms in the burial quarters. Despite the rooms being full of coffins, the group was daring and no one cared.
General Luo was initially quite interested in Lu Xuan's cat. However, he was quickly frightened away by the ferocious appearance of the raccoon spirit. The large wildcat bared its teeth and claws, giving off a "keep away" vibe. This thing had seen blood. No one but Lu Xuan could touch it. Well, that was the raccoon spirit's own opinion.
After Lu Xuan gave it a bath and cleaned it up, this wild and untamed killer instantly transformed into a magnificent and intelligent tabby cat.
After all, they are sentient beings, having undergone a certain degree of evolution. Their appearance is naturally quite remarkable. Since ancient times, the mounts and spirit pets of immortals have been described as exceptionally magnificent.
Everyone in the room was dumbfounded. Lu Xuan had brought a rooster before, and now he had a cat. Moreover, both animals were incredibly intelligent. Everyone wondered if Lu Xuan possessed some special method of controlling beasts.
"My goodness, Brother Lu. The more I look at these two beasts, the more extraordinary they seem. Could it be that there's some explanation?" Commander Luo could no longer contain his curiosity and asked. At this question, everyone in the room pricked up their ears; they were all curious.
Lu Xuan didn't explain himself, but instead turned his gaze to Partridge Whistle.
"You are the current leader of the Mountain Moving Clan, do you recognize me?"
Partridge Whistle immediately stepped forward and examined the rooster by candlelight. After a moment, a look of surprise appeared on his face.
"The Angry Rooster. This is a phoenix among men."
"What the heck? Is this rooster a phoenix?"
"It's just a folk name. This kind of chicken is more intelligent. It can identify and eat all kinds of rare herbs. Therefore, it is much stronger and larger than ordinary chickens. Judging from this one's size, even a wild dog probably couldn't get close to it. In addition, the eyelids of this chicken are the opposite of those of ordinary chickens, they turn upwards. All these special characteristics have led this angry-eyed chicken to be called the phoenix on the ground."
Most importantly, the Angry-Eyed Chicken is the nemesis of the five poisonous creatures. There is no poisonous insect in the world that it won't eat. This mountain forest of western Hunan is rife with miasma. It must be teeming with poisonous insects. But with this Angry-Eyed Chicken, the five poisonous creatures will naturally retreat. Senior Lu has truly come prepared. This time, his chances of success in the mountains have increased even more.”
Commander Luo was also amazed by Partridge Whistle's explanation.
"Wow, I really didn't expect that. This rooster is so fierce. Luckily I didn't stew it. It needs to be taken good care of. Quick, someone come and take good care of it. Make sure it doesn't get hurt or bumped. And what about the cat?"
"This cat is a spirit pet that you tamed. I dare not speak presumptuously."
"Hey, Brother Lu. I've discovered you're actually quite capable. This cat must be even more formidable than this rooster."
“Hmm, this wild cat is more intelligent. However, it is untamed and needs to be trained.” As soon as these words were spoken, the fox spirit seemed to understand. It immediately ran to Lu Xuan’s feet and rubbed against him, clearly trying to be affectionate.
Everyone: "Is this what you mean by untamed? Even domestic cats aren't this obedient!"
"Alright, I know you're obedient. Go, go to the beauty." Lu Xuan said, and the fox spirit immediately dashed off and pounced into Hong Gu's arms.
"Don't be afraid, it won't hurt you." Lu Xuan naturally wouldn't really relax like that. His vital energy was locked onto the fox spirit at all times, and that guy's every move was under his control.
At first, Hong was startled by the meter-long cat. But seeing it nestled obediently in her arms, she was delighted and couldn't resist giving it a stroke. The raccoon spirit purred contentedly, making Hong's lips curl into a slight smile. She hugged the cat and stroked it comfortably.
Lu Xuan watched, a slight smile playing on his lips. The Red Maiden had a tragic past, and he himself was part of the Unloading Ridge Gang. To protect himself, she had sworn never to marry. She always appeared cold and aloof to everyone. But those who are truly lonely are most susceptible to the allure of a spirit pet.
"This little one just came to me today and doesn't have a name yet. Miss Hong, why don't you help her choose one?" After saying that, without waiting for Miss Hong to refuse, he lay down on his bed and fell asleep.