Chapter Thirty-Seven: The End of the Town

At that moment, he exchanged a glance with Xiao Yang, who quickly pulled out his tablet and began searching the surrounding area, hacking into the Heavenly Execution Clan’s system to gather information.

“This time, the enemy has sent out a beast unit—mostly mutated creatures like jackals and cheetahs. They’re highly aggressive, with a fierce carnivorous instinct,” Xiao Yang explained, pointing at the information on the tablet for Wu Jue to see. “From what we can tell, they’ve dispatched at least a hundred of these monsters to attack the town. If we want to break through, the back mountain is probably our only option. But it’s remote and narrow, and so hidden that the map doesn’t even fully detail what’s inside. We can’t be sure it’s safe.”

Wu Jue looked at the spot indicated on the map and suddenly recalled something from the past.

Years ago, he had secretly built a treasure vault here and once had a run-in with government soldiers. After being hunted and chased, he fell into a valley, which unexpectedly turned out to be a hidden paradise. Several legendary elders lived there; they saved his life and taught him profound martial arts secrets.

It was after that experience that Wu Jue’s cultivation advanced greatly. When he reemerged, he had reached a level on par with Desai.

But centuries had passed—he wondered if those elders had long since passed away.

“We’ll go there,” Wu Jue said. “Perhaps we can turn misfortune into blessing.”

Seeing his confident demeanor, Xiao Yang sensed Wu Jue had seen through some key point, and so he asked no further questions. He packed up the tablet, ready to prepare everything.

By now, people in the town had begun to gather around them. Some were former companions from the prison. They stopped Xiao Yang and asked, “What, you’re leaving again? Why not stay and fight with us?”

Xiao Yang just smiled; there was nothing to explain at a time like this.

An Yi, while resting on the ground, glanced at Xiao Han, who was still dazed. He had been affected by sorcery and had not yet fully regained his senses.

Wu Jue shook his head hard, then approached Xiao Han, pressing acupoints on his chest and back, massaging down to the base of his neck.

Soon, Xiao Han coughed out a cloud of smoke, his mind suddenly clear.

“What happened to me? It felt like a dream,” he asked.

“It’s over now,” Wu Jue reassured him with a pat.

They rested briefly, waiting for news to develop. More and more townspeople, roused from sleep, gathered together, feeling fear for the first time.

The usual peace and tranquility had been completely shattered; everyone was gripped by a sense of impending doom.

“What do we do? The monsters have found us!”

“It’s only a matter of time before this place falls too. Where can we hide?”

“Oh God, is this really the end of the world?”

As the crowd murmured, a witch came out to calm everyone: “No, you must trust the mayor. She will lead us to peace. Every enemy from outside will eventually become our friend.”

Wu Jue couldn’t help but scoff at such naive fantasies—surely a path to destruction.

Even Huron sighed deeply in his mind.

Suddenly, a witch seated within the formation swayed and coughed up a mouthful of blood. Apparently exhausted and unable to continue, a gap appeared in the barrier; the protection woven by the witches was noticeably weakened.

Seeing this, Xun’er hurried over to take her place, maintaining the spell to keep the enemies outside from breaking in.

Wu Jue stood and laughed. “How long can this defense last? I’d best go see an old friend. Xiao Yang, guide me.”

Xiao Yang tossed him a wireless earpiece, which Wu Jue put on before slipping away.

By now, he had recovered about seventy percent of his strength—enough for a meeting with Desai.

He raced past the town and soon arrived at the edge of the barrier, where he saw the cunning figure of Desai staring greedily into the town, plotting something.

When Desai noticed Wu Jue’s arrival, he licked his lips with a sinister smile. “Wu Jue, I knew you’d be in there. It’s about time you came out. Hiding behind women all this time—that’s not how a great monk should act.”

Wu Jue didn’t reply. He silently raised his twin pistols and fired two shots at the barrier. Though the bullets couldn’t reach Desai, two phantom bullet holes appeared on his forehead.

“You talk too much—let’s get to the point.” Wu Jue advanced with only one sentence: “There’s a lot between us to settle. Let’s take it outside. Leave this place alone.”

Desai sneered. “Trying to lure me away? You’ve gotten clever, Wu Jue. But why should I fall for it? Last time you hurt me badly—I haven’t even repaid that debt! I’ll destroy this place, ruin every refuge you have, and leave you a homeless dog.”

“You?” Wu Jue again aimed his pistol and fired a blank shot. “We’ll see. I’ll make sure you have no grave to rest in!”

With nothing more to say, Wu Jue turned back. It was time to leave; he now had a plan in mind.

Halfway back, he ran into the female mayor inspecting the barrier. She was clearly displeased. “Honored guest, can’t you trust in our witches’ power and stay to see this through?”

Wu Jue shook his head. “No. Our leaving is the safest thing for you all. We’ll go now, just the five of us. Xun’er must come with me.”

“Why?” The mayor’s killing intent flared—Wu Jue had clearly touched a nerve.

“Because I can’t watch Xun’er disappear before my eyes again. As for the reason, forgive me, but I cannot say,” Wu Jue replied firmly.

With that, he suddenly leapt away at incredible speed.

Back with Xiao Yang and the others, An Yi and her companions had already packed up, waiting for Wu Jue’s return to depart.

Only Xun’er still refused to leave the witches’ circle.

An Yi and the others shook their heads helplessly at Wu Jue, but he strode over. “Xun’er, we have to go. For the safety of this place, you must come with me to draw Desai away. Do you really want the Lady Witch’s efforts to be in vain?”

Xun’er’s pupils contracted; her hands, weaving spellwork, faltered.

“That’s impossible! I won’t give up. The Lady Witch won’t fail!” she muttered to herself.

Steeling himself, Wu Jue stepped forward to pull her away, but a voice shouted from behind: “Let me see who dares take Xun’er! Wu Jue, if you and your people want to leave, we won’t stop you. But Xun’er belongs here—she’s my daughter. She must stay and share the town’s fate.”

“You…” Wu Jue turned to see the mayor, and Xun’er’s resolute face. He finally let go.

Without another glance, he turned and vanished into the distance.

End of Chapter 37: The Town’s Apocalypse