I Don’t Want to Get Hurt, So I’ll Max Out My Defense

Chapter 460: Chapter 461 Swallowing in One Bite
“This is very good, the old ancestors have taken a lot of trouble.”

Liuren’s smile curled slightly as he spoke lightly.

“No trouble at all, no trouble at all, what are you saying? We cultivators originate from the same source, and now that the borderlands have suffered a dramatic change, it is only natural that we do our part.”

“Indeed, it’s all within our duties. To be able to do something for the borderlands is also an honor for us.”

“Right, right…”

The ancestors laughed heartily, appearing as if it was all a matter of course, as if they had come here specifically to aid the borderlands. Compared to them, Liuren seemed somewhat out of place.

“Hehe, thank you for the effort.”

Liuren also replied with a beaming smile.

Li Xiaobai watched with his eyes wide and his mouth agape, his understanding of these old ancestors’ shamelessness undergoing yet another updating.

Living longer really does mean getting slicker; their ability to change their tune in a second is truly masterful!

“Cough, cough, it’s just that I intend to take a few Saint Heirs of Fire Qilin Cave away, the Vice Leader won’t mind, right?”

From within the ruins, Ancestor Huorong, with blood at the corners of his mouth, struggled to rise, his eyes flickering with fear. The terrifying strength of Liuren had made him face reality, for it showed him that even among Half-step Human Immortals, the disparity in strength could indeed be as vast as heaven and earth.

At this moment, injured severely, he didn’t dare to act rashly again.

“Of course, I have always held Fire Qilin Cave in high esteem. As long as you don’t stir up trouble, we can all live in harmony,” said Liuren cheerfully, feigning nonchalance.

The ancestors were speechless; ‘high esteem’ yet you beat someone to a pulp? Isn’t that a blatant lie?

However, Ancestor Huorong being severely injured was a good thing for them, as it meant one less powerful competitor for the Immortal Spirit Qi. Their chances of obtaining the Immortal Spirit Qi just increased.

“Thank you, Vice Leader, for your understanding.”

Ancestor Huorong spoke very sincerely, the power of his bloodline sweeping out as he reached into the void and plucked out several figures, including Saint Child Huo Yuan and Saint Child Huo Yun, who had been hiding amongst the ruins.

“Ancestor!”

“Thank you, Ancestor, for saving our lives!”

The eyes of Saint Child Huo Yun and the others were filled with excitement; after such a long wait, they were finally rescued. They swore that those two hours had been the most difficult time of their lives.

The discharges of energy in the void had chilled them to the bone, trembling deep within their souls, especially when Liuren took action. His formidable pressure was simply incomparable to the likes of Mei Changqing.

“Hmm, how are you? Are you all right?” Ancestor Huorong inquired kindly as he nodded.

“Reporting to the Ancestor, both Saint Heirs are safe and sound and have not suffered any injuries. We were concerned about the Ancestor, and we are terrified!” Wang Ba stepped forward and replied respectfully, standing straight as a rod, with the Ancestor present, they felt emboldened to flaunt their arrogance.

“Mhm, very good, you are all meritorious servants of Fire Qilin Cave, and Fire Qilin Cave will remember you.”

Ancestor Huorong replied with a smile, his gaze toward Saint Child Huo Yun and Saint Child Huo Yuan heavy with aggressive intent.

“The Ancestor flatters us; we haven’t done anything to deserve the title of meritorious servants,” replied Saint Child Huo Yun, regaining his arrogant demeanor. With the Ancestor there, who would dare to offend them? Today, he must fully display the might and prestige that Fire Qilin Cave deserved.

“The cultivators within these borderlands are not friendly towards us, and even less so towards Fire Qilin Cave—they harbor no awe or reverence. I believe they must be sternly punished!”

“Hmm, well spoken. Both of you, step forward and let the Ancestor take a closer look.”

With an amiable smile on his face, Ancestor Huorong spoke slowly, the urgency in his eyes intensifying.

The once familiar Ancestor had cast a pitiful look upon the two Saint Heirs of Fire Qilin Cave; none who had lived long enough to lead and establish a sect were of a tender heart or lenient hand. In their hearts, the true goodwill to nurture the younger generation and cultivate talent had long since vanished.

For an Ancestor, the Sect was nothing more than a personal treasury—disciples and resources alike were their private possessions, to be disposed of as they pleased when necessary.

Everything was solely for the sake of becoming more powerful.

This was the case with Ancestor Huorong, who had been gravely injured. To recover, he required the nourishment of equally pure Bloodline Power. Only then could he return to his peak in the shortest time possible; otherwise, he would be completely severed from the Immortal Spirit Qi.

These two little Kylins, they were in grave danger!

“Yes!”

Saint Child Huo Yun and Saint Child Huo Yuan were somewhat excited; this was the first time they had been singled out by the Ancestor. It seemed that their performance had been commendable, and not only would the Ancestor protect them, but they might even receive a reward.

Turning to look at their respective Protectors, Wang Ba and the other wore encouraging expressions. Being personally called upon by the Ancestor was a privilege neither had experienced before. It looked as though the victor of the Fire Qilin power struggle would emerge from these two Saint Heirs.

“The two of you have done well. The Ancestor asks you, when Fire Qilin Cave faces a crisis, are you willing to spare no expense to help it back on the right path, even if it means sacrificing your lives without hesitation?”

Ancestor Huorong gazed at the two, speaking slowly.

Liuren watched the scene with interest, fully aware of Ancestor Huorong’s ways. But these two little Kylins were clearly clueless and were happily awaiting their rewards!

“We are willing!”

“Rest assured, Ancestor, we will surely meet all expectations. The glory of Fire Qilin Cave shall be carried on our backs!”

Saint Child Huo Yun and Saint Child Huo Yuan declared in unison, their eyes ablaze with excitement.

Little did they expect that their survival up to this point would earn them such a fortunate opportunity; it was apparently a blessing that fell from the heavens.

“The Ancestor was indeed not mistaken in you. Now, it is time for you to demonstrate your loyalty!”

Ancestor Huorong’s eyes sparkled with fiery intensity, and before the two could even react, he opened his mouth wide and transformed it into a massive, devouring maw. With Wang Ba and the others looking on in astonishment, he tilted his head back and swallowed both Huo Yuan and Huo Yun whole, leaving no trace.

Chewing contentedly, a faint red glow flickered in his Dantian as the Bloodline Power surged through his deity, quickly repairing his injuries and solidifying his cultivation level.

“Not bad, having raised them for so long, they’ve finally been somewhat useful. It’s just a pity there are only two; if there were four, it would have been better.”

Ancestor Huorong licked his lips, his voice slightly hoarse as he muttered.

“Heh, Huorong, it’s been many years and yet your habit of keeping spare tires hasn’t changed at all—still as shameless as ever, dashing hopes of others,” teased the Ancestor of Qi Sect, who had watched the whole spectacle from beginning to end.

“Average at best, nowhere close to your Three Sects’ Treasured Basin,” Ancestor Huorong replied indifferently.

“Ancestor, what have you…”

Wang Ba and the other had yet to come to terms with what happened, asking somewhat dim-wittedly.

“The Ancestor is the mainstay of Fire Qilin Cave. The prosperity of the Cave is closely linked to the Ancestor’s condition. Now that the Ancestor has suffered a severe injury, continuing to use the Qilin Bloodline for recovery can also be considered a contribution to Fire Qilin Cave; it is their honor!”