69. Little Giant
“You are distracted.”
Shang Yan Fei’s calm voice makes Xin Ci bite her bottom lip. She lowers her head and apologizes. “I’m sorry, Father. Let me try again.”
She reveals a focused look as Shang Yan Fei smiles.
“Are you concerned? Gu Yue Lo Jik will face one of the experts of the Third Inner City so early. Are you scared?”
Xin Ci stops and considers his words before revealing, “I believe in Brother Monkey.”
“Then you have no reason to be distracted, do you?” Shang Yan Fei chuckles as Xin Ci reveals an understanding look before nodding.
“Good. Start over again. The base of Gu Masters is to master their bodies. You may know how to hunt a beast, but even hunters train for years to master archery, trap-making, and other valuable skills. Your months of experience in the wilderness isn’t enough.”
“Did you hear Lord Clan Leader?” Tian Lan barks as she crackles a whip with a stony expression. “Stop wussing about Gu Yue Lo Jik and run as if your life depends on it!”
Xiao Die, jogging around the vast garden, huffing and puffing, grits her teeth.
‘My life does depend on it, or you’ll whip me!’
<<<>>>
‘My set is almost complete. But to think Lo Jik will get a first go at an expert…’ Bai Ning Bing disguises herself and sits beside an undercover Wei Yang. Both of them sit in a stadium filled to the brim. The air teems with excitement as spectators animatedly discuss. Loud chats and hushed whispers generate a wave of noise that covers the mid-sized lake field with a small inland connected by a thin path from the two entrances.
The blue water refracts light, casting dancing shadows on others as the lights on the battle stage illuminate the clear water. The spectators can also view the sandbed underneath. Coral reefs, dancing underwater weeds, and other unique beauty of aquatic life are in sight. However, there are no fish or other creatures inside the water.
The left entrance opens, revealing a bald, middle-aged man. His eyes are narrow, and the character ‘Man’ is imprinted on the man’s forehead. He is pale and thin. When this man moves, his steps carry a peculiar fluidity.
“There he is! Zhun Man!”
“To think he dropped out of the Third Inner City Battle Stage to rejoin and start from the beginning.”
“Zhun Man is an established expert. He has a profound cultivation of Rank 3 Upper Stage Gu Master!”
“Hmph! It’s all because of that newbie!”
“To think youngsters have such a killing nature. Sigh.”
“Zhun Man would have never targeted Gu Yue Lo Jik if the latter let Zhun Dan live. Hahaha! He’s a fool to casually murder others. Does he think the Shang Clan’s rules can protect him?”
“I know more than that. It’s rumored that it all started because Lin-Lin toyed with Lo Jik’s heart. In a rage, he killed her. But Lo Jik regretted it and treated her corpse gently. Zhun Dan attacked Lo Jik because of this affair!”
“True or false?!”
“Who cares? Zhun Dan died. He has slight accomplishments in Fire Path. But his Elder Brother is a Water Path expert! Look. This Lake Field is Zhun Man’s domain.”
This is Lo Jik’s sixth battle in 20 Days.
‘Sigh. Who knew Lo Jik would attract such trouble.’
Wei Yang sighs deeply. He hopes Lo Jik survives this encounter and grows. After all, he knows more than what meets the eye. This Zhun Man has some issues.
The right entrance opens. A brown-haired man walks in with a placid expression. He glances at Zhun Man before observing the crowd.
Lo Jik swiftly locates the disguised Bai Ning Bing and Wei Yang. The latter smiles encouragingly at Lo Jik.
His arrival causes other spectators to speak in excitement.
“He actually showed up!”
“Ignorance is blissful. Zhun Man has no intention of going easy. Why else would he select the Lake Field? I would have refused the match and accepted my defeat!”
“You’re here!” Zhun Man grits his teeth as he glares dagger at Lo Jik. The duo walk the narrow path before standing at the edge of the tiny island.
“You will pay for your crime, youngster,” Zhun Man barks as Lo Jik smiles politely.
“May I ask if you have more loved ones, Senior Zhun?” His question surprises the spectators and the opponent.
“What do you mean?” Zhun Man’s gaze darkens. “Speak clearly.”
“I’m not interested in killing a stream of lovers, siblings, and parents. Enlighten me if you’re the last one offering yourself to my glory.”
Fury flashes in Zhun Man’s eyes as other spectators gasp.
“Taste death, brat!”
The battle began long ago. Zhun Man points at Lo Jik before releasing a sharp stream of water capable of cutting through metal from the tip of his index finger! Lo Jik calmly tilts his head, avoiding the attack without revealing any surprise.
“Such reflexes! Lo Jik actually dodged the Rank 3 Water Jet?” A few Gu Masters interested in Zhun Man instead focus on Lo Jik. The latter has yet to move as Zhun Man laughs coldly.
“You think you are amazing?” Hatred flashes in his eyes. “You offended one too many people, Lo Jik! I’m merely collecting just dues for all of us!”
Blue light blooms from Zhun Man’s abdomen before transforming into a hill-sized dark blue crab! This crab has a crystal-like exoskeleton.
“There it is! Zhun Man’s Rank 3 Crystal Crab!”
“This Steed Gu is amazing. It can hunt underwater! Hehe. Lo Jik is done for if he falls into the lake.”
Zhun Man icily stares at Lo Jik as the crab tyrannical charges horizontally. The scheme is obvious. Zhun Man wants to push Lo Jik into the water using the crab’s size before killing him. The only way for Lo Jik to survive is by surrendering and admitting his mistakes. However, to everyone’s surprise, Lo Jik clenches his fist as if preparing to attack the crab.
‘No way,’ Zhun Man snorts. ‘It’s a ruse. He will use the Feathered Boots Gu to escape the charge.’
*Bang*
A heavy impact echoes as the hill-sized crab moves ten steps back. Meanwhile, Lo Jik’s body flies back. But light wings appear on his heels, allowing him to step mid-air.
‘He actually tried attacking the Crystal Crab?’ Delight flashes in Zhun Man’s eyes.
“Sigh. The Crystal Crab has a tough defense, and its exoskeleton can absorb shockwaves,” Wei Yang shakes his head. However, Bai Ning Bing knows Lo Jik better. He’s the kind to think of devious ways to attack someone, exploiting their weaknesses to the core! How can he commit such fundamental mistakes?
‘There it is!’
Zhun Man hurriedly points at Lo Jik, letting loose a cry.
“Seal!”
The light wings flicker before disappearing. Lo Jik’s body suddenly falls underwater as others gasp.
“What Gu was that?”
“Ah! That was the Rank 3 Weak Seal Gu. It seals an opponent’s Gu for 1 hour! How did Zhun Man get this Rare Gu?”
‘Hehe!’ Zhun Man reveals wicked delight as he sees Lo Jik’s figure swimming to the land. The Crystal Crab enters the water, charging at Lo Jik as his figure cuts a sorry visage under the Crab’s attacks. ‘You actually offended Young Master Ya Zi? Blame your luck, Lo Jik. Hahaha! Who cares about that buffoon Zhun Dan. I would never drop out of the Third City’s Battle Stage for him. But Young Master Ya Zi gave me several Rare Rank 3 Gu! Your defeat is inevitable! Eh?’
Zhun Man reveals a surprised expression as Lo Jik swims under the landmass.
Zhun Man cannot see Lo Jik and reveals a hesitant look. But his expression eases once he sees Lo Jik swim to the other side. The Crab gets on the floating island before chasing Lo Jik.
“Amazing!”
“Just how much air can he hold?”
“He hasn’t revealed his face even once.”
“Stupid. Lo Jik’s death is certain if he does that. Did you forget? Zhun Man has the Rank 3 Water Jet?”
Lo Jik stares at the charging crab while holding his breath. He swims to the surface. However, Zhun Man grins. ‘Do you think it’s that easy? You die today! Hahaha! You cannot give up while under the water. Young Master Ya Zi will give me better rewards and a token once I kill you!’
Zhun Man uses the Water Jet, forcing Lo Jik to remain underwater and battle with the Crab!
Long-range attack from the outside and a terrible location! Lo Jik’s apparent weakness is revealed as the Crystal Crab readily outmaneuvers Lo Jik inside the water. The crab’s pincer tries to grab Lo Jik and crush him, only to swiftly smack him away once he dodges.
“Eh?! He must have used a rare Gu to refine his organs. How else can he hold so much air in his lungs?”
“Look. All of Lo Jik’s injuries are only to the skin.”
The clear waters barely hinder the expert’s sight.
‘But there are limits to noble organs,’ Wei Yang grips his armrest, anxious. He doesn’t want Lo Jik to die here. But the odds are stacked against him. Lo Jik must somehow swim up and instantly surrender—
*Splash*
“Oh?” Bai Ning Bing’s gaze brightens as she leans forward.
“What was that?”
“Something changed!”
“I can’t make a sense of it. Is that some Growth Gu?”
*Splash*
A hill-sized figure flies out of the water! The spectators gasp. Even Zhun Man’s expression changes as he hurriedly dodges the crab from crushing him. A figure stands atop the injured crab. He’s like a titan, almost 4 meters tall. His robes stretch around him, torn from several spots and barely hanging onto his chiseled body. Olive shade takes over his skin, his jaws chisel, once brown eyes reveal a green glimmer, and neck-long black hair sticks to his head instead of smaller brown.
The transformation is too drastic as every breath from the ‘creature’s’ mouth seems to be a short snarl. The figure’s slightly longer and sharper nose also makes it look fierce. But the other features all look like Lo Jik’s!
A Rank 3 Transformation Gu?
“It can’t be…”
One of the experienced Refinement Experts spectating the match for the sport gasps.
‘What is that Gu Worm?’ Zhun Man frowns as he controls the Crystal Crab to attack. His gaze turns serious, and Zhun Man also uses Water Jet. Lo Jik tilts his head, letting the water jet hit his face.
“Ah! He’s finished!” The speaker chokes on his words as the water jet merely leaves a white scar on Lo Jik’s face. Zhun Man’s pupils shrink at that. A bad feeling rises in his heart as he swiftly rushes at Lo Jik. The crab’s pincers slam into Lo Jik, too! The only way is back into the water since Zhun Man uses the Rare Rank 3 Water Ram Gu! A wall of water charges ahead, about to impact Lo Jik!
Lo Jik quietly smirks as he lets the pincers smash into him alongside the water.
‘Fool!’ Delight flickers in Zhun Man’s eyes as he reveals another Gu!
“Die!” Zhun Man screams as he points at Lo Jik. A sphere of water surrounds Lo Jik.
Rank 3 Water Prison Gu!
‘He must be injured and out of breath. Haha! You will die from suffocation!’
Zhun Man’s eyes bulge as Lo Jik’s figure becomes clear atop the crab. A water sphere covers a naked Lo Jik, who’s without a single scratch on his body!
A few women loudly scream as they cover their eyes, leaving gaps between their fingers as they stare at the ‘Monster.’
‘What are they shouting about?’ Bai Ning Bing scoffs. Lo Jik’s inflated limp cock doesn’t interest her as much as his transformation. She glances at Wei Yang, questioning, “Do you know what Gu is that?”
Wei Yang nods. Complicated emotions arise in his eyes.
‘No wonder,’ Wei Yang sighs. No wonder Lo Jik stubbornly refused Wei Yang’s intentions. This youth must have had some boggling fortuitous encounter.
“I don’t know what Gu is that,” Zhun Man laughs. “Even if it covers your weakness of defense, you’re done! You cannot break out of my Water Prison. It absorbs impact and stretches—”
A red shadow splashes out of the water behind Zhun Man. He doesn’t even get to finish as the bloody creature chomps down on Zhun Man’s head, swallowing it whole! The Water Prison breaks. The crab under Lo Jik berserks without its master, only for the terrifying red python to pounce at the crab and coil around one of its pincers, dragging it inside the water.
The python displays superior mobility inside the water, attacking the crab from several sides and weakening it.
“Huff!” Lo Jik stretches lightly before slicking his hair back like he’s stepped out of a shower. He retrieves the Eight-Sectioned Gourd as the hosting Gu Master announces Lo Jik’s victory. However, everyone feels numb as they stare at Lo Jik getting dressed.
‘What happened?!’
‘He just killed Zhun Man?!’
“This despicable brat! It’s a Rank 3 Blood Torrent Python! It was hiding under the landmass!”
“Too cruel! He just killed an expert from the Third Inner City!”
“Hmph? Cruel? Zhun Man wanted to suffocate him!” The refinement expert snorts. “It’s good that Lo Jik has a Little Giant Gu! I must get close to him and request to study that Gu.”
“Little Giant Gu? You mean the Strength Path’s Transformation Gu?”
“Giants used to exist in immemorial times. The first Giant is also recorded in Tales of Ren Zu. But they are too rare now, and others cannot refine the Little Giant Gu.”
“It’s defense and offense into one. A Gu Master can go all out using this Gu!”
“Too terrifying. Poor Zhun Man. He never knew how strong Lo Jik is.”
“Little Giant Gu,” Wei Yang exhales. He knows more and relays the knowledge to the interested Bai Ning Bing. “This Gu may not be able to enhance the use of elemental Gu like your Frost Demon does, Sister Bai. However, it strengthens the Gu Master’s body and allows them to display half their true might. You know how a Strength Path Gu Master can only reveal about 10% of the strength in their body due to the lack of Beast Phantoms. This Little Giant Gu changes that.”
Bai Ning Bing nods. She excitedly stares at Lo Jik as he takes the Gu from Zhun Man’s body while selling the Crystal Crab to the Battle Zone for a tiny loss since he cannot carry that large Steed Gu.
The news of Lo Jik possessing one of the rarest Steed and Transformation Gu spreads like wildfire!
<<<>>>
“You were too fierce, Brother Lo Jik!” Xiao Yan pours wine. “Zhun Man couldn’t do a thing! Your defenses were amazing!”
“I was lucky. Water Jet and Water Ram Gu have different applications and aren’t the best in offense. How else would I have escaped unscathed? But there are terrifying offensive Gu like Brother Wei’s Broadsword Light Gu.”
Lo Jik drinks the wine as Wei Yang sighs emotionally.
“I understand why you wanted to follow the strength path, Brother Lo Jik,” Wei Yang shakes his head. “The Little Giant Gu is made for this path.”
Lo Jik nods as Xiao Yan chuckles.
“But others are more shocked about Brother Lo Jik’s Blood Torrent Python. I also understood the reason later. To think the Blood Torrent Python has such origins. The Rank 5 Blood River Python only ‘creates’ one Blood Python after decades!”
“Haha!” Lo Jik laughs. “This Gu allowed Ning Bing and me to escape Qing Mao Mountain, or we’d be the Blood Guillotine’s food.”
“And that Mantis’ food,” Bai Ning Bing exhales, recalling the mutant lantern mantis.
‘So that explains it,’ Wei Yang nods.
“There are also talks about Brother Lo Jik’s other fierce python,” Xiao Yan snickers as he oddly glances at Lo Jik. “The women from before couldn’t stop talking about your ‘fierce’ disposition.”
Lo Jik’s lips twitch as Bai Ning Bing snorts a chuckle while drinking water.
“It’s alright,” Lo Jik clears his throat. “I didn’t think Zhun Man would make me reveal two of my trump cards so early. I will have to dress appropriately from now.”
“But Zhun Man’s act can also be said to be a fortune for you,” Wei Yang reveals. “Now others know about you. However, Gu Masters with malicious intentions will also target you. Your Little Giant and Blood Python are extraordinary Gu. You must fight with all you have and prepare accordingly to deal with the coming challenges. Losing any of the two will leave you with a weakness.”
Lo Jik nods.
But he also wants that.
He wants the ‘world’ to force out his other ‘secrets.’
Meanwhile—inside Shang Yan Fei’s residence.
Xin Ci has become used to watching recordings of Lo Jik’s matches. Although Lo Jik kills his opponent, he always displays a gentle nature after the act. Lo Jik doesn’t smile or laugh. Instead, he would also pay his respects to the corpse before taking away the Gu. Of course, the Gu Master in the last match was quicker and gave up.
However, Xin Ci and Xiao Die are beet red as the former hurriedly stops using the Gu to reveal the match.
Tian and Xiao Lan are beside the duo as they glance at each other.
“L-Lord Monkey is amazing,” Xiao Die whispers and clenches her hands. “He’s too big… ah! I mean strong! STRONG!”
Xin Ci agrees wholeheartedly.
<<<>>>
“There wasn’t even a fight!” Shang Ya Zi crushes the recording Gu Worm. He grits his jaws and shouts! ‘I want to kill you, Gu Yue Lo Jik! I will lose my position because of you! You bastard!’
Even if Zhun Man failed, Shang Ya Zi didn’t expect such a one-sided battle! No!
‘There is still a chance. I have less than a month. Lo Jik used a sneak attack to kill Zhun Man. How else would Zhun Man die? I also gave Zhun Man a Rank 3 Spiral Water Bubble for his defense. Hmph! That arrogant fool. But this is good. Now I know Lo Jik’s capabilities. Explosive strength is the key.’
He writes a letter before ordering his servant to take it away.
<<<>>>
‘Little Giant isn’t an extinct Gu. It’s one of the more Rare ones, like the Relic Gu. But this Gu only appears in the Wu Clan and is highly regulated by them due to the Ancient Strength Path inheritance discovered by Empress Wu Ji. The Giants are also rare, like the djinns. But Giants can be replaced with the Mutated Giant Brown Bear Hearts in the recipe. Of course, there are other changes, too.’
Lo Jik reads the invitation from a few Refinement Experts and shopkeepers. The experts want to study the Little Giant Gu. Although a few have recipes, they intend to glean some understanding and modify recipes accordingly. That’s one of the uses of Refinement Path. Even Lo Jik shares such interests, he wants to improve his combat prowess first.
The Refinement Path needs several Gu to heal and empower the mind and spirit. Lo Jik doesn’t have the means to purchase these yet. It’s not about the money but diverting time and attention.
Other letters are from the shopkeepers who want to buy the Little Giant for a lucrative price or other Gu Masters wishing to exchange Gu.
‘I wonder what the response will be like when I use the All-Out Effort Gu.’
Unlike Little Giant, the All-Out Effort is the core of one of the classifications of Strength Path. It’s an extinct Gu in the current age and barely seen even in the Wu Clan!
Ignoring these letters, Lo Jik returns to cultivation. He already has two other forceful challenges lined up. However, Lo Jik can rest for a few days before accepting one of these ‘invitations.’ It’s the rule of the Battle Zone to prevent seniors from suppressing juniors.
‘Li Hao and Bhu Jin,’ Lo Jik muses.
Li Hao is an expert in the Fifth Inner Stage with Rank 3 Cultivation, about to advance to the Fourth Inner City. Meanwhile, Bhu Jin is like Zhun Man. The former also left the Battle Zone, starting over again.
‘Li Hao made a name for himself by dealing with Strength users. Meanwhile, Bhu Jin possesses an extraordinary Gu—Flame Spear. It can also hurt me during my transformation. Hehe. Li Hao’s challenge is an expected result. But Bhu Jin doesn’t need Blood Torrent Python or the Little Giant. Someone is targeting me. Such open schemes, Shang Ya Zi? I’m glad I didn’t give you shit.’
He quietly nurtures his aperture. He doesn’t want to waste money on a Relic Gu since he already has many cultivation assistance Gu Worm. Advancing to Rank 3 Peak Stage is only a matter of months. However, he wants to temporarily stay at Rank 3 and focus on the Gu.
‘Having a Rank 4 Cultivation will be too eye-catching. Of course, I could find or refine the Rank 4 Aura Concealment Gu. However, the materials aren’t readily available. My priorities are different, too. Besides, advancing to Rank 4 may lower my rewards. Since Golden Rewards can provide Rank 5 Gu, why would I stop now?’
A wicked smile appears on his face.
Like Lo Jik, Bai Ning Bing also enters the Battle Zone soon after. She also realizes what a time it is to focus on growth!
***
Alternate Title: Xin Ci Believes in the Power of Friendship; Xiao Die Runs For Her Life; Tian Lan the Slave Driver; Tutored; An Expert; Attracting Attention; Zhun Man; Vengeance; Ya Zi’s Puppet; Exploiting Weakness; Into the Water; Sharp Instincts; Trapped; A Useful Tactic; Shot Out Crab; The Large Figure; Torn Clothes; Trapped Naked; The Blood Snake Hidden; The Giant Distraction; Too Fierce; Me Likey—Xiao Yan; Xin Ci and Xiao Die Enjoy Giant Menace; Little Giant’s Display; Too Attractive; Wei Yang’s Understanding; Cleared Past; Snek is a Good Boi
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