Chapter 127: The Heavenly Silkworm Divine Web

As the sound reached me, I quickly steadied my body and squeezed my eyes shut, feigning unconsciousness. I knew this was my only chance for them to release me. From what they had said, they were hunting a family of fox demons; this trap must have been designed for the green-eyed fox demon. Unfortunately, I had triggered it instead. This fox was truly cunning, baiting me into the trap—a spiritual creature with years of cultivation indeed.

A question still nagged at me: the green-eyed fox was a six-tailed fox, while Ling’er was a nine-tailed one. Logically, Ling’er’s speed should surpass this demon’s, so why did this fox’s speed feel impossibly fast? I decided I would ask Ling’er once we reunited. Thinking of her, I wondered if they had left the World Alliance yet. A whole day had passed, and my own situation remained unresolved.

The two voices drew near. I squinted slightly to assess them: a middle-aged man and a young man, both armed and clearly looking like trouble. The older man walked in front. When he saw me, he gasped, and the youth behind him followed suit. "Brother Muto, how did this person end up in the trap? Should we let him down?"

The middle-aged man, Muto, let out a scoff through his nose. "Are you stupid? Let him out? What if he tries to steal our Heavenly Silk Divine Net? Do you know I risked my life to steal this net while two gods were locked in combat? In my opinion, we should just..." Muto drew his hand across his throat, signaling for a kill. I thought this man looked like an honest fellow, but his heart was cold and vicious. To think he would go so far as to kill me! Was it necessary? It was just a tattered net. I, Li Yunfei, may not understand lofty principles, but I know that if something isn’t mine, I don’t want it.

My primary concern now was whether they would even let me down. If they didn't, would I be left to die in this net? Muto walked beneath me, stared for a moment, then pulled a three-inch dagger from his waist and handed it to the frail-looking youth. "Take this and kill him." Muto’s tone was harsh. The youth hesitantly took the blade and looked at him. "Do we really have to kill him? Maybe we could just knock him out..."

Before he could finish, Muto slapped him across the face. "Do as I say and stop the nonsense! If it weren't for your uncle’s dying wish that I look after you, I would have killed you myself long ago! We’ve finally escaped to the World Alliance; if you don't want to be trampled underfoot for the rest of your life, kill him."

"But..." Before the youth could finish, Muto struck him again. Muto stared coldly at him, and the youth, no longer daring to resist, gripped the dagger and approached me step by step. I could see his hands trembling.

"Brother Muto, he’s hanging too high." The youth gripped the dagger with both hands, his voice shaking. He clearly had never killed anyone before. As they spoke, my mind raced. I hesitated whether to waste two bullets to finish them off, but dismissed the idea; I needed them to release me. I had to take a risk. A common dagger shouldn't cause me fatal harm, but if I didn't let myself bleed, I couldn't fool them. It seemed I would have to make a sacrifice. I only hoped the blade wouldn't strike a vital organ.

Resolved, I circulated my internal energy to protect my organs. Just then, Muto spoke, his voice booming and startling birds from the trees. From the corner of my eye, I noticed a hole the size of a watermelon in the ground, and a rabbit scurrying out. I opened my eyes slightly as they talked; it wasn't a rabbit, but a small fox cub.

"Are you brainless? Lower him down!" Muto roared impatiently. The youth rushed to untie the rope. The three-meter drop wasn't high, but landing on the rocky forest path was painful. I nearly cried out. I wanted to break free from this fishing net and tear these two reckless fools to pieces. Damn it, how did I get so unlucky? I hadn't caught the fox and ended up in a mess instead!

Ultimately, it was my own lack of wit. I would have to ask my strategist for advice when I had the chance. The youth approached, dagger in hand. To say I wasn't afraid would be a lie; anyone would be terrified in this position, a fish on a chopping block with no way to fight back. As the dagger drew near, my skin crawled. Even if it couldn't kill me, the pain would be real. But just as the blade came within three inches, the youth stopped and glanced aside.

"Brother Muto, look! A fox!" he shouted, pointing into the distance. Muto lunged to cover the youth’s mouth. "Why the hell are you screaming? You want to scare it back into the hole? We don't know how deep this den is. If the cub gets in, we’ll never catch it. If we can't catch the parent, the cub will do—it might lure the parent out. I don't believe it wouldn't save its own flesh and blood..."

"Damn it, the cub is going into the hole! Linzi, go block it!" Muto shoved the youth forward. Seeing the cub about to reach the burrow, I exhaled in relief. Even though the parent fox killed without mercy, this had nothing to do with the cub. I hoped it wouldn't fall into their hands! But before I could finish the thought, the youth named Linzi was already sitting at the entrance. Strangely, the cub didn't seem to notice him and continued running toward the hole. I activated my Heavenly Eye and realized the cub’s eyes hadn't even opened yet. It must have snuck out while the mother was away and was now heading back toward the sound of movement. Its little legs were no match for a human’s speed, and it reached its home unaware that its path was blocked.

I was about to shout a warning when Muto dashed forward and grabbed the cub with speed that defied my expectations. Muto was a mutant, and his speed was likely no less than mine. It was a good thing I hadn't called out; not only was I trapped in this net, but I might not have even been able to defeat him. I finally understood what it meant to be a bird in a cage.

Just as Muto snatched the cub, a deep yellow blur streaked in from the distance.