C15 The Deodorant

Ji Jinfei slashed through a few more pesky little demons and finally spotted the staircase ahead. "Damn it," she thought as she got snagged for a moment. This could be trouble. But she quickly flashed a smile. After swiftly making her way past the stairs, she pulled a packet of powder from her pocket and scattered some around.

Outside, the manager glanced over and said, "What's going on? Why use demon-repelling powder at the staircase? That doesn't make sense. The stairs are made of sealing stones; they won't come through here. What's the point of using the powder here?"

Ji Yeying lightly tugged at her hair, smiling as she replied, "That's not demon-repelling powder. She's up to something. Lei Jiuping might be in a bit of trouble this time. My apprentice has a knack for these sneaky tricks."

"Oh," the manager said with interest. "So what is it?"

Just then, on the screen, countless demons began crawling toward the staircase, while Ji Jinfei had already dashed away, avoiding the swarm. The manager finally caught on and said, "Luring powder? What's he planning to do with that?"

Ji Yeying chuckled, understanding Ji Jinfei's plan. Was she trying to use the demons to block Lei Jiuping? That didn't seem quite right. Even if it slowed him down temporarily, it wouldn't immobilize him completely. Plus, these demons would be just as much of a hindrance to her. As she thought it over, Ji Yeying had a sudden realization.

Meanwhile, Ji Jinfei was quickly making her way to the central storage room, feeling confident she'd already won. Just then, Lei Jiuping emerged from the storage room, and the two came face to face. Lei Jiuping was about to take another route.

"Hold on," Ji Jinfei said immediately. "A competition's a competition, but there's no need to be so unfriendly. We didn't even shake hands when we started. How about we make up for that?"

Lei Jiuping looked at her, a hint of distrust in his eyes. Ji Jinfei quickly added, "Relax, I promise I won't try to kiss you or anything. How about that? I guarantee if I do, I'll count it as my loss. Is that fair?"

Lei Jiuping nodded, but after a moment, he asked, "You’re not up to something, are you?"

"Of course, there's a scheme," Ji Jinfei chuckled. "Are you scared? If so, let's forget it. Go ahead and grab your stuff."

"Hold on," Lei Jiuping called out to Ji Jinfei. He couldn't quite figure out what Ji Jinfei was planning, but it seemed like she wasn't going to pull anything too extreme. Besides, her last comment was a bit of a blow to his pride.

Lei Jiuping took a few steps forward and said, "Fine, let's shake on it. I’m not one to back down. If I win, I want it to be fair and square."

"Oh, by the way, do you have any Demon Repelling Powder left? I’m all out," Ji Jinfei asked just as they were about to shake hands.

Lei Jiuping generously tossed her a packet. "Take it all. I don’t need it anymore. I’m giving you a head start. Let’s see if you can beat me. You better give it your best shot."

Ji Jinfei chuckled, took the powder, and pocketed it before shaking Lei Jiuping’s hand. He noticed her grip was strong. As they shook hands, Ji Jinfei flicked her other hand, sending a powdery substance toward Lei Jiuping. He intended to dodge, but with his hand held, he couldn’t move and ended up covered in the powder.

"What the heck? What did you do? Is this some kind of trick?" Lei Jiuping shouted.

Ji Jinfei just smiled and said, "Relax, it’s nothing harmful. I know the rules. It’s just some harmless powder to attract demons."

Lei Jiuping realized he’d been tricked, but it was too late. Ji Jinfei had already slipped past him and headed toward the storage room, leaving Lei Jiuping fuming.

Outside, the manager watched the whole scene and laughed, saying, "Jiuping is a good kid, but he’s too honest for his own good. Your student sure knows how to play the game, bending the rules just enough without breaking them. I have to admit, she’s got some of your cleverness."

"Of course," Yeying said immediately. "I trained her myself, so naturally, she'd turn out like this." She laughed, thinking about Jinfei. This girl had finally come into her own.

Meanwhile, Jiuping was tangled up with a bunch of creatures. He swung his foldable stick with all his might, smashing a few away, and shouted angrily, "Jinfei, you sneaky little devil!"

His demon-repelling powder had been swiped by Jinfei, leaving him no choice but to rely on his own strength to fight his way out. Covered in the attractant powder, the creatures were all drawn to him.

Jinfei, who had already reached the storage room, chuckled. She could still hear Jiuping's angry shout from there, and it made her smile. He was in for a headache now. She just hoped nothing too powerful would be drawn to him, or that could be a real problem.

But that wasn't her concern anymore. Inside the storage room, the cold atmosphere was key to preserving the items. After a careful search, she finally found a few small bottles of antidote in a drawer. Jinfei grabbed them all, a sly grin spreading across her face.

As she made her way out of the storage room, Jiuping was sitting at the stairs leading to the second floor, catching his breath. He had no idea how many creatures he'd fought off to get there. This spot was safe from the creatures, so he could take a breather. Jinfei's voice floated up from below, and Jiuping gritted his teeth, standing up again and charging upward.

Jinfei had barely managed to fend off a few small creatures. The attractant powder she'd used at the stairway was just a precaution in case Jiuping didn't fall for her trick. She hadn't expected him to take the bait, but now it was a hindrance to her as well.

Oh well, she thought. She'd made it through, and Jiuping would be dealing with the attractant too, so he should be fine. Humming a tune, she slowly climbed the stairs. It was exhausting work. When she reached the second floor, she was captivated by the sight before her. There on the ground lay a piece of clothing—it was Jiuping's.

Not good. Jinfei exclaimed in surprise as Lei Jiuping, in an effort to minimize the effects of the demon-attracting powder, had stripped off his clothes. This was getting interesting; it meant the powder's potency was waning. How could this be? I underestimated him, Jinfei thought, feeling a pang of regret as she sprinted forward.

Lei Jiuping wasn't having an easy time either. Even without his clothes, the powder's effects weren't so easily dispelled. Although fewer creatures appeared, they still swarmed toward him. He had already taken down a few and reached the next level.

Lei Jiuping allowed himself a small smile. Victory was within reach. He dashed upward, but as soon as he emerged from the staircase, he was confronted by a massive figure with bulging eyes staring right at him—the Demonic Frog. It had been waiting there all along.

Lei Jiuping froze, not daring to move. This kind of frog was similar to a regular one, generally non-aggressive unless something moved quickly.

Yeying and the manager, witnessing the scene, were momentarily stunned. Yeying stood up and said, "This isn't going to work. They can't handle that thing. Winning doesn't matter now; I'm going to bring them back."

The manager nodded in agreement, "Yeah, that frog is too formidable. Be careful."

"Don't worry," Yeying replied, heading towards the staircase.

Just then, Jinfei reached the staircase, running without a second thought, muttering, "Darn it, that Lei runs so fast. If he gets out first, I lose. Ouch."

She was so focused on running that she didn't notice Lei Jiuping standing completely still ahead of her. The Demonic Frog was watching him, motionless as well. Lei Jiuping knew that any movement would provoke an attack from the frog, and that would be the end of him.

Just at that moment, Jinfei came running out and accidentally bumped into Jiuping's side. Jiuping was frustrated, thinking about how Jinfei always seemed to cause trouble at the worst possible times. That one move was enough for the demonic frog to spot them. Its tongue shot out, aiming right for the two of them.

"Oh no, it's still here!" Jinfei was the first to react, leaping into the air and kicking off Jiuping's shoulder. The force of the kick sent Jiuping stumbling sideways, allowing him to roll just out of the tongue's reach. Using the momentum, Jinfei soared upward, dodging the attack as well.

"Run!" Jinfei shouted as she landed, quickly grabbing Jiuping, who was still on the ground, and pulling him along.

Jiuping followed closely, with the bloodthirsty demonic frog right on their heels, its tongue occasionally darting out to try and catch them. They had no choice but to work together, constantly shifting their movements, rolling and ducking to evade the frog's relentless attacks. The exit was still a long way off, and at this rate, neither of them would make it.

Jiuping yelled, "Meeting you has been nothing but bad luck for me. You go on, I'll hold it off for a bit."

"Less talking, more running. Our mentor must be on her way in; she can handle it," Jinfei shouted back, pulling Jiuping along.

They sprinted a few more steps, but the demonic frog was closing in fast. Its tongue lashed out again, targeting them both. "Roll!" Jinfei screamed, and they both dropped to the ground, barely dodging the attack. Exhausted, they struggled to get back on their feet. The frog was just a step away, ready for its next meal.