PCJ – Chapter 116 Hiding

“Invoke the Five Emperors of the Five Directions, Thunder Gods of Heaven and Earth, Guardians of the Three Thousand Worlds, protect us from thunder and fire, drive away evil wizards, transform them into dust, I call upon the Five Thunders, descend and manifest!…”

Zhang Jiaohua recited the Five Thunder Incantation, the most powerful spell he knew. It was challenging for him to sustain it. Before he finished chanting, his body was already drenched in sweat.

A black cloud gathered in the small valley, blocking the evening light, with lightning flickering like silver snakes.

Zhang Jiaohua understood this was the most critical moment. If the spell failed, they would all perish. He gritted his teeth, chanting without pause, as his body visibly shrank, becoming thin and gaunt.

The python leaped high, aiming for Liu Yunjun and Liu Zongtai. Just as it was about to reach Liu Yunjun, a bolt of lightning shot out from the black cloud above the pond.

Boom!

The lightning struck the python accurately. Though it didn’t kill it instantly, it severely injured the creature, causing it to fall back into the pond.

Splash! Water splashed high into the air.

The Five Thunder Incantation was indeed impressive. Usually, it would produce five consecutive bolts of lightning, but Zhang Jiaohua’s limited power only summoned one. The black cloud began to disperse, and Zhang Jiaohua was exhausted, nearly collapsing. He had grown emaciated, looking like a malnourished child.

“Quick, hurry and leave here!” Zhang Jiaohua urged.

Liu Yunjun and Liu Zongtai climbed to the top, panting heavily. Liu Guocai didn’t let them rest, urging them to move quickly. Zhang Jiaohua was in bad shape, so Liu Guocai carried him on his back, worriedly asking, “Little Zhang, are you okay?”

“Let’s focus on escaping first. That beast is smart. If it realizes my spell is gone, it won’t give up,” Zhang Jiaohua warned, glancing anxiously at the Falling Star Pond.

Hearing this, Liu Guocai quickened his pace. Liu Yunjun and Liu Zongtai followed closely, with the Zuan Shanbaod silently taking the rear, protecting its master.

“Roar!” 

As they ran about a mile, a terrifying roar erupted from the pond, and a black shadow shot out.

“Damn! The beast is coming after us,” Liu Guocai said, not slowing down.

Liu Zongtai and Liu Yunjun were equally alarmed.

“Quick, find a place to hide ahead,” Zhang Jiaohua urged.

“There’s a spot we can hide,” Liu Zongtai recalled. “Follow me!”

He led them to a rocky area, finding a stone hollow where they hid together.

“Put me down,” Zhang Jiaohua, recovering somewhat but still looking frail, said. Overexertion from the spell had taken its toll, leaving him emaciated.

Liu Guocai set him down. “Don’t push yourself too hard. If anything happens to you, your father will kill us.”

“If I hadn’t done it, we would’ve been dealing with that beast right now,” Zhang Jiaohua replied.

“Little Zhang, can you summon more lightning? It seemed effective against the beast,” Liu Zongtai asked.

“I’m exhausted,” Zhang Jiaohua said, struggling to sit up. “I can’t summon another spell without days of rest.”

“Is there no other way?” Liu Guocai asked, concerned.

“We need to find a way to deal with that beast,” Zhang Jiaohua said, looking around. “If we can lure it away or trap it, we might have a chance.”

The group discussed their options as the roar of the beast echoed in the distance, growing louder and more menacing.