The Paladin in the Abyss

Chapter 169 163 Chapter Mantis Stalking Cicada

The remaining part of the night passed peacefully. The next morning, fully rested, they set off again, still traveling on two demons steeds, carrying all five of them.

The team did not rush as they had the day before, but instead proceeded at a relatively stable pace. They wanted to remain as inconspicuous as possible to avoid encountering others who had designs on the Succubus Paladin prematurely.

The low-level demons roaming around caused no hindrance; the very presence of the Nightmares was enough to make them keep their distance. In fact, these demon steeds were mounts for many High Rank Demons—while a newly born Prime Demon might not understand what such a fiery-hoofed beast signified, a Coward Devil carried memories of being chased by such creatures in its mind.

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Lancelot handed the reins over to Bruto and closed his eyes, using Spirit Perception to sense the creatures nearby. The practice from their journey to Oasis Fort proved useful, allowing him to sense and avoid stronger life forms within a mile radius in advance. Guided by a Magic Pendant, they could maneuver extensively across the barren plains without worrying about losing their way.

By the afternoon, the group had covered a distance of about a hundred miles; by then, the pendant had grown very hot against Lancelot's chest, feeling like a warm water bottle, signifying that their target was very close now.

As they passed a low hill, Lancelot called a halt to the group.

"Let's rest here," the Human Knight suggested as he rode to the top of the small hill and looked towards the south, "It won't be long before the team escorting Elothysia passes by here; we can take the opportunity to observe the situation of our target."

Everyone quickly dismounted and set up a makeshift camp in the shadow of the hill. They did not light a fire, as that could draw unwanted attention; they simply rested on the spot to recover the energy expended from their travels.

After waiting for about half an hour, Lancelot, who had been meditating, suddenly changed his expression and stood up.

"What's happened?" Bruto, who was somewhat bored, was the first to notice Lancelot's change and immediately grabbed his hammer.

"The target is nearing," Lancelot nodded, "Let's go up and have a look, and be careful to stay hidden."

Everyone looked in the direction he was facing, but could see nothing, thus they looked at Lancelot with questioning eyes.

"Hold off for now," the Human Knight's voice arose directly at everyone's ear. "Someone is coming."

The dull sound of hooves gradually came from afar, causing the demons responsible for the transport to panic. However, following several fierce shouts from the leading Serpent Demon, the demons rearranged their formation, preparing for battle.

The one coming fiercely from the north was none other than the mercenary group led by Guarado. This giant-like Barbarian was riding a huge Winter Wolf, strutting at the forefront of the troop.

The mercenaries quickly intercepted in front of the demon's troop, and Guarado stepped forward and said loudly:

"Although it's hardly necessary, I still have to say, if you'd willingly hand over that cage to us, I might just let you live," the Barbarian chuckled at his own words, "I mean, it's possible."

"Foolish mortals," the six-armed Serpent Demon's weapons scraped against each other as it responded coldly. "With just you?"

"True, you have more arms than I do, but how many can you handle at once?" the Mercenary Leader said with a brutal smile. "Listen up, brothers! A bounty of five thousand for slicing off an arm of this Serpent Demon, and thirty thousand for the one who beheads her! Charge!"

"Ullah!"

"Kill! Kill! Kill!"

"Charge!"

"Magrubiyeh! Witness my glory!"