Chapter 822: 运杖如枪

Ji Yuan's attention was also drawn to Yan Fei, Lu Chengfeng, and Zuo Wuji. Observing them closely, he noticed a subtle and peculiar aura surrounding all three, particularly Zuo Wuji. This aura was distinct from human vitality, demonic energy, or lifeblood. It was akin to an auspicious energy, like the Huang family's 'purple qi,' a manifestation of destiny, yet it was unlike anything he had ever seen.

This made Ji Yuan even more eager to witness the future transformations of Zuo Wuji and his companions. Emotionally and logically, he could not allow these three martial arts prodigies to perish within this demonic cave-heaven.

While Ji Yuan and the old ox were aware of Yan Fei and the others' presence, the three disciples remained completely oblivious. They simply sensed the arrival of more formidable demons and clearly understood that they, master and disciples, were unequivocally being targeted.

The demons' gazes were almost unrestrained. Having embarked on the martial path, Yan Fei and his two companions possessed a spiritual awareness even more acute than some immortal cultivators. The terrifying pressure and palpable killing intent from the demons were unmistakable, which only deepened their sense of dread, making them believe their death was inevitable.

The food carts at the city gate had ceased entering, and the crowd began to stir, anticipating they would soon be able to receive food.

"Clang, clang, clang, clang..."

The two individuals, who had been continuously beating their gongs, slowly moved aside while still striking them. They then stopped one after another, and the slightly grating sound of the gongs abruptly ceased.

It was unclear who rushed forward first, but then everyone surged in a chaotic scramble.

"Ah!" "I'm so hungry!"

"Don't push me! Don't push me!"

The people who had previously appeared numb now descended into a state of agitated frenzy, seemingly forgetting their predicament for a moment. Even many of the martial artists near Zuo Wuji and his companions rushed forward.

These martial artists, however, dared not overtly display their skills. Instead, they used their superhuman strength to push to the front, fearing they might attract the attention of the demons.

"Hey, hurry and get your food! If anyone starves too much, they'll be the first to be dragged out and eaten! Bled, flayed, heart gouged, marrow sucked!"

The Horse Demon beside the old ox suddenly uttered this warning, its voice laced with a terrifying aura that clearly reached everyone's ears.

"Ah..." "I don't want to die!"

"It's mine, this is mine!" "Get away!"

"I want some too, I want some too..."

The Horse Demon's roar instantly plunged the crowd into chaos. Frightened people shoved each other, becoming increasingly hostile and irritable.

At this critical moment, only the bearded man and the two martial artists beside him forcibly restrained their impulses, remaining with Yan Fei and his companions instead of joining the scramble.

"Aren't you going to get some?"

Yan Fei glanced at them. The three men, lacking the protective martial aura, were clearly affected by the recent terrifying sound, their faces showing obvious fear. Yet, they managed to remain still. Hearing Yan Fei's question, all three shook their heads.

"We're hungry, but we can hold on..."

As the bearded man spoke, people at the front were already fighting over food. Two strong men pushed away those nearby, continuously stuffing muddy food and corn into their pockets. Those who had been pushed aside angrily joined others in attacking them, scattering food everywhere, which then prompted still more people to crouch down and snatch it.

"Hahahahaha... hahahaha..."

The Horse Demon beside the old ox burst into loud laughter, as did the other demons nearby.

"Brother Ox, don't you think they resemble livestock fighting over food?"

The old ox sneered but remained silent, which the nearby demons interpreted as him mocking the scrambling mortals.

Not far away, Yan Fei, Lu Chengfeng, and Zuo Wuji all glanced towards the Horse Demon's direction. Although they couldn't clearly discern the figures, the source of the pressure and sound was quite apparent to them.

The chaotic state of the crowd inevitably led to accidental injuries. Some people were knocked down and potentially trampled. However, not everyone who fell was able to get back up. For instance, in Zuo Wuji's sight, by a distant cart, two children were bumped to the ground by others and immediately trampled by several people.

"Ah..." "It hurts, Mama..."

"Mama, quick..."

Seeing everyone else's attention fixed on the front, scrambling for food, Zuo Wuji, young and spirited, and knowing his life was short, could no longer tolerate it. Grabbing his flat staff, he leaped out of the crowd, "pat pat pat pat" stepping on people's shoulders until he reached the two children. He then landed and braced his staff horizontally.

"Thud..." "Ouch..."

"Ah..."

All those rushing forward were blocked by Zuo Wuji with his flat staff. With his singular strength, he held back the charge of at least a dozen people, his feet remaining utterly unmoving.

"Stop! All of you, stop—"

Zuo Wuji roared in anger, his voice like thunder, causing the crowd's ears to buzz and quelling the chaotic scramble. Everyone instinctively looked at him, as Zuo Wuji then helped up the two children, who were covered in dirt from being trampled.

"Get up, are you alright?"

The two children, overcome with fright, whimpered and were unable to speak.

At this point, Zuo Wuji no longer cared whether he attracted the demons' attention. He truly feared becoming like this himself in the future. He simply looked at the surrounding crowd and roared with anger.

"What's wrong with you? Everyone is hungry, everyone is scared! But look at yourselves, look at them!"

Zuo Wuji pointed to the two children beside him.

"Indeed, this is a desperate situation, but we are still human, not mere beasts! There's enough food here for everyone, perhaps not enough for everyone to be full, but there's no need to let those true beasts mock us. Especially those who once prided themselves on their unwavering integrity—don't break your backbone—"

The targets of Zuo Wuji's angry words were subtly understood by those he was addressing. Many men also unconsciously felt his condemnation applied to them, believing that a true man should stand firm and upright.

While the fear of the demons had not vanished, people still possessed a sense of shame, and the commotion noticeably subsided.

As the crowd's agitation subsided, Yan Fei and Lu Chengfeng remained secretly vigilant. Should Zuo Wuji encounter trouble, they would covertly intervene to support him. Regardless of whether they survived the aftermath, as masters, they were absolutely committed to standing by their disciple until the end today.

The old ox watched Zuo Wuji from a distance, inwardly praising him:

'A good man, perhaps a bit reckless, but a true hero!'

Ji Yuan and the old beggar, beyond their admiration for Zuo Wuji, also perceived something more profound. In their view, Zuo Wuji's vital energy, mixed with that unique aura, subtly radiated light.

The change in the crowd and Zuo Wuji's bold intervention not only displeased the demons but also drew the attention of all the people who had pulled the carts. This unique display of anger, openly expressed towards the demons, was something they had rarely witnessed in their lives, and it made them clearly aware of the profound difference between these people and themselves.

Beside the old ox, the Horse Demon sneered, then suddenly chuckled again.

"How interesting, how interesting. You human-beast are quite amusing. You must be a martial artist, aren't you?"

This time, the voice's direction was clear, causing people nearby to instinctively move away from the old ox and his group upon hearing it.

Zuo Wuji clutched his flat staff tightly, fear lingering in his heart, yet his imposing aura remained undiminished as he looked directly towards the Horse Demon and declared.

"I am a martial artist, but I am no livestock!"

These demons were simply not on the same level as those encountered before. The intensity of their demonic energy was terrifying, a fact Zuo Wuji, Yan Fei, and Lu Chengfeng could all sense. While the surrounding people didn't perceive it as directly, they could certainly infer that these were formidable demons.

"So, you're quite confident in your martial arts, are you?"

The Horse Demon asked mockingly, and Zuo Wuji replied in the very next instant.

"Whether I'm confident or not, you are welcome to try!"

The Horse Demon narrowed its eyes slightly, then smiled and addressed Niu Batian beside him.

"Brother Ox, today I shall provide some entertainment for you. I'll show you how these newly arrived human-beasts immediately become docile when they witness someone having their chest publicly torn open and their heart consumed."

As he spoke, he looked towards the flat carts. Immediately, a demon who had been amusedly watching the spectacle stepped into the center. Those who had been scrambling for food now scrambled to retreat, realizing a demon had arrived.

"Heh heh heh, kid, your heart and liver are mine. I hope you can keep me entertained for a little while. I'll let you make the first move..."

The demon, in its human form, spoke lazily. Yet, before its words were complete, a sharp glint erupted in Zuo Wuji's eyes. He kicked his flat staff with his left foot, simultaneously thrusting it with his right hand. His martial aura was drawn but held back, as true qi surged into the staff. In a flash, he delivered the staff directly before the demon's eyes.

A spear technique: "Swallow Piercing Clouds, Rainbow Piercing the Sun."

The demon didn't even have time to react; the flat staff was already at its forehead. Though it was clearly a martial artist's move, a sensation of impending death arose in its mind.

"Thud!"

The demon was struck directly on the head by the flat staff. Its entire body seemed to have been hit by a galloping horse, crashing with a loud thud onto the flat cart behind it, scattering countless corn and melons everywhere.

This scene caught almost everyone by surprise.

Zuo Wuji warily watched the ox cart, but the demon he had "speared" away did not get up. Its form, like a shifting shadow, slowly transformed into a clawed animal. Its limbs twitched twice, and then it lay motionless.

The entire area fell silent.

'Impressive!'

The old ox, Ji Yuan, and the old beggar simultaneously thought this word. Zuo Wuji's prowess had exceeded their expectations.

Everyone around them — the restrained martial artists, the scrambling commoners, and the "natives" of the human-livestock kingdom who had numbly pulled the carts — all stared blankly at the scene unfolding before them.