Chapter 118: Gloomy Rain Brings Swarms of Mosquitoes (4000)

After all, the skinny horse was unlike Ah Huang; the latter had been forcibly promoted to a miscellaneous demon beast, and not only was its intelligence no different from an ordinary wild dog, but it had long lost the possibility of transforming into human form.

Zhou Bai spent the entire night refining the demonic aura, edging one step closer to mastering the true form of the demon path. He feigned waking from sleep and ate a bit of dry food.

Before dawn, Sheng Li’s caravan was ready to depart at any moment.

Seeing them carrying even some daily necessities, Zhou Bai found it odd. Although it looked like a trading journey, who would travel with servants? This was clearly an escape.

However, Zhou Bai did not pry into their secrets, as they were unrelated to him. His only thought now was to reach Wan City as soon as possible.

The skinny horse got up from the ground. After a night’s rest, its spirit and vigor had changed completely. Its originally black coat now bore a tinge of dark red.

This did not mean it had become a true dragon breed yet. Zhou Bai estimated it would need at least four more blood changes before it could truly become a bona fide dragon horse.

The method used by Xianyu, transforming wild beasts into dragon breeds, could be considered the cultivation of a familiar. Once the skinny horse fully transformed using its dragon aura, its life and death would be at its own will.

During this period, the dragon aura inside the horse needed constant replenishment, so Xianyu did not return to the dantian but transformed into a white snake coiling around Zhou Bai’s arm.

Even on the road, Sheng Li just washed herself with plain water. She had learned from Uncle Nan that Zhou Bai had slept more soundly than them that night, showing no usual caution of someone traveling outside.

This confirmed her suspicion that Zhou Bai was a novice traveler in the martial world, which made her feel some sympathy. After all, in this demon-infested world, one without preparation could not survive more than a few days outside.

“Young hero Bai, Uncle Nan told me that since we share the same route, you should follow the caravan, but be cautious above all,” she said.

“Thank you, Miss Sheng,” Zhou Bai replied. This was his plan anyway. Neither Wen Meng’s map nor the memories of the Daoist Hou contained the exact location of Wan City.

It made sense; a year ago, it was just a small village, and the old map naturally wouldn’t mark a town that developed recently.

Seeing Zhou Bai agree so readily, Sheng Li hesitated slightly, then sighed softly. “Young hero Bai, you decide for yourself. To be honest, we originally planned to go to Xu Prefecture, but a demon kept following us, causing considerable losses along the way, so we had to detour to Wan City for supplies.”

Hearing this, Zhou Bai smiled and said, “Nothing strange happened last night, so it should be safe now.”

“Let’s hope so,” Sheng Li felt somewhat relieved. Seeing Uncle Nan urge her, she returned to the carriage.

After leaving the small temple, they noticed the sky had darkened, as if rain was imminent.

Zhou Bai first threw Ah Huang onto the skinny horse’s neck, then climbed onto its back himself.

After one night, this old horse seemed reborn. Zhou Bai’s weight was heavy—over two hundred jin—but the horse’s steps remained steady.

“Little brother, that’s indeed a good horse,” Uncle Nan greeted before leading the caravan along the mountain path.

Zhou Bai took out a flask of Na Hai wine and drank. Due to the strong mountain wind, he removed his bamboo hat, revealing his bright bald head.

Qing Gui peeked from the carriage window, covered her mouth, and quickly ducked back inside.

“Miss, this man is quite interesting. He shaved off all his hair for no reason—could he be planning to become a monk?”

Sheng Li chuckled and tapped her maid’s head lightly. “When traveling, don’t speak ill of others; be careful someone might overhear.”

“No more, no more. We’re far away; no one will hear. Besides, his head is really shiny,” Qing Gui said, pouting and covering her head.

Sheng Li appeared calm but was inwardly worried. “Sigh, I just hope nothing untoward happens next.”

Outside the carriage, Zhou Bai touched his head; a short layer of new hair was growing, slightly prickly.

About his bald head, he was somewhat helpless. Even his True Bone Dharma form didn’t burn his clothes, but apparently, his hair was the exception. Could it be related to his innate Buddha bones?

He drank a few more sips of Dragon-Tiger Bone Strengthening Wine, feeling slightly intoxicated.

Suddenly, a breeze brushed his face, waking him from the drunken haze.

Though Zhou Bai appeared drunk, he inwardly sneered, “So, there really is a demon.”

Ah Huang tensed, ready to bark, but Zhou Bai slapped it on the head to keep it quiet, not wanting to alert the enemy prematurely.

After a while, all remained calm, only the rustling of grass and birdsong audible along the mountain path.

Zhou Bai knew this was definitely a demon; ghosts and demons never reveal themselves in daylight.

It was like a beast preparing to hunt, waiting for the perfect moment.

That moment was indeed drawing closer.

At some unknown point, the clouds above thickened, and the wind carried moisture.

The other caravan members grew increasingly tense. Their horses occasionally neighed, requiring constant reassurance.

Under this oppressive atmosphere, the caravan’s pace slowed, as if something lurked in the shadows, watching them.

Thunder rumbled in the cloudy sky. Approaching summer, the rain would increase, worsening the situation.

Passing a low hill, torches suddenly lit up nearby bushes.

The caravan stopped immediately. Fine rain pattered on their faces. Uncle Nan touched the long knife on his horse’s back, his heart filled with resolve.

As the torches approached, the caravan became encircled.

A band of mountain bandits emerged from the trees, about twenty or so in number. Two rode horses; the rest were on foot.

They wore tattered leather armor, each wielding a machete. The leader carried a massive mountain-cleaving axe weighing forty or fifty jin.

Aware of demons spying in the dark, Uncle Nan only wished to pass this mountain stretch quickly. He decisively threw a bag of silver coins toward the bandit leader.

“Good sirs, we’re just trying to make a living. Please accept this token of goodwill.”

The bandit leader examined the silver with surprise, sensing sincerity. The caravan was well equipped, so he hesitated.

He glanced at a lean man in his sixties beside him, seemingly the bandit strategist. They whispered while Zhou Bai could clearly hear their conversation.

He told Uncle Nan, “These bandits have some background. They’re about to raise a banner; this fight may be inevitable.”

Uncle Nan frowned and loudly said, “Brave men, there are demons here. Do not spill blood lightly.”

The bandit leader grinned, revealing yellow teeth, and replied flippantly, “What demons? We’ve been roaming these mountains all day and haven’t seen any.”

The strategist added with a laugh, “Over that hill and another five hundred li is Wan City. It’s not too far, and the Immortals of the Underworld Department pass through often. If there were demons, they’d be slain by now.”

Uncle Nan cursed silently. There truly were no demons here—but only because they followed the caravan.

“Good sirs, spare us today, and when we pass again, we’ll surely bring great gifts.”

“Bah!” The bandit leader tightened his grip on his axe, voice growing louder. He looked at the caravan, lingering on Zhou Bai for a moment, then at the carriage with greedy eyes.

He pointed at the carriage in the center, shouting, “Isn’t that the great gift?”

The two women inside the carriage began to panic. Qing Gui’s face turned pale; her hands trembled, unsure where to place them.

Prepared for the worst, Sheng Li took two daggers from a nearby box and handed one to her maid.

“If the caravan’s defense breaks, and those bandits come in, use these daggers to protect yourselves.”

Qing Gui burst into tears, her face streaked. “But… what if… Uncle Nan and the others…”

Sheng Li’s face was resolute. “Then these daggers will let us accompany them.”

Though demons devour humans and incite fear in chaotic times, humans can be even more cruel. If these two fair women fell into bandit hands, the consequences were unthinkable.

Outside, Uncle Nan calmed himself, pressed his legs against the horse’s sides. “Since there’s no negotiating, we must fight.”

He turned to Zhou Bai apologetically, “Sorry, little brother, follow us and carve a path through.”

Zhou Bai was no stranger to battle. If he wished, a single strike would turn these bandits to shreds.

But this would also scare away the demon lurking in the shadows—that was more important. Killing a few bandits wouldn’t gain as much merit as slaughtering pigs.

Like the demon waiting for the right moment, Zhou Bai also waited. Yet human hearts are flesh and blood; he could not just watch others perish. He hoped the demon was less patient.

“Kill them all! Leave none alive!” the strategist ordered. His men sharpened blades and closed in on the caravan.

At that moment, a raindrop fell, scattering countless water droplets.

Spring rain came swiftly like a gale, soon drenching the land, turning the ground muddy.

The time seemed ripe; with the rain came a concealed murderous intent.

Before the bandits could advance, their torches went out. Then a mosquito, no bigger than a fingernail, landed on one man’s face.

“These mountain wilds are full of poisonous insects,” a bandit joked.

Another teased, “Looks like you’ve forgotten hunger after a good meal. What’s wrong? Not used to no bed after sleeping on a Wan City maiden’s belly?”

“Shut your mouth!” came the retort.

Suddenly, a buzzing sound erupted from all directions, nearly deafening.

Even Uncle Nan, never flustered before bandits, almost fell off his horse.

“Demons! Everyone, surround them! Light the fires!” he roared, urging the horses near the carriage. The guards, seasoned in life and death, quickly formed a circle.

Squinting, Zhou Bai noticed that although the buzzing was dense and close, the demon aura was faint, just a thin layer.

He immediately abandoned any thought of attacking; these were just insects tainted with demon aura. The real threat hadn’t appeared.

His eyes glinted with malice as he glanced at the bandits. He thought, “Looks like no blood, no appearance. Don’t know if it’s the stench of human blood or demon blood that’s worse.”

Sensing the demon aura, Ah Huang grew tense and was about to bark. Zhou Bai slapped it unconscious again, avoiding any chance of spreading the aura and causing trouble.

Compared to Ah Huang, the skinny horse was calmer. It slowly approached the carriage under command, its eyes disdainful.

Compared to that terrifying white dragon, these bugs were nothing.

The caravan was orderly, but the bandits were unsettled. After Uncle Nan’s shout of “Demons,” they fell into hesitation.

In that moment, a swarm of mosquitoes descended from the sky, encircling the bandits.

Hundreds landed on one bandit who panicked, slapping at himself. The mosquitoes pierced his skin, draining blood visibly.

Within moments, he became a desiccated corpse.

The others panicked and fled in all directions but soon met the same fate, collapsing motionless.

Only two held out longer. The bandit leader, skilled in hard qigong, resisted the bites.

But the mosquitoes were cunning, entering through his facial orifices. He clutched his nose desperately.

“Damn it, there really are demons,” he muttered.

Suddenly, mosquitoes swarmed his ears. He glared at the sky in frustration before falling.

The strategist, more resourceful, pulled out a talisman and muttered incantations. A layer of spiritual light formed around him, keeping insects at bay.

But he knew this couldn’t last long and staggered toward the caravan.

Uncle Nan had prepared plenty of wood inside the carriage. He piled it and doused it with kerosene, lighting a fire, which the rain threatened to extinguish.

“Lives are at stake! Hurry up and pour more kerosene! If the fire goes out, don’t know how we’ll die!”

With the kerosene fueling it, the fire kept burning. The mosquito swarm hovered nearby, seemingly waiting for the flames to die.

The strategist stumbled forward but was cut down by a large blade thrust into his feet.

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