95. Wu Clan Vs. Power of Love
Hu Mei Er, like a few others, was well-observed by the Super Clans’ higher-ups due to the instructions from their Supreme Elders. There was a special list of individuals related to Gu Immortals. This list included blood-related individuals to many immortals and was often exchanged within their circle to determine one thing—an immortal’s protection.
There was a common saying between the higher-ups of the Supreme Clans—prevent an Immortals’ clash whenever possible! That wasn’t to say the Clan Elders had to look the other way. They merely needed to deal with the enemies related to an immortal without killing them. Meanwhile, any deaths among the younger generation were often overlooked. It was the survival of the fittest, and Immortals understood that more than others.
Being the only granddaughter of a Demonic Gu Immortal, Hu Mei Er was taught by her Grandmother to avoid the Super Clans. Just as the Super Clans held the creed of ignoring these types of Demonic Gu Masters, the Demonic Faction’s Gu Immortals also have their ways of survival. It could also be witnessed in San Cha Mountain. Hu Mei Er moved with relative freedom, not hassled by the preening righteous Gu Masters. However, her grandmother taught Hu Mei Er more things than just being wary of the Super Clans.
Hu Mei Er was taught to use her Rank 5 Traveling Son Gu the second she encounters a fatal danger. She learned her Grandmother’s inheritance and the necessity to maintain her womanly integrity despite the aching throbs twisting her mind whenever she inhaled the scent of the man she was interested in. Sure, she targeted young men. After giving them a ‘helping’ hand, it was easier to manipulate them. It was the cause of her status among different Demonic Path Gu Masters. Those boors loved to brag about sleeping with her as if it was a trophy to their names.
Not that Hu Mei Er cared. It expanded her network, allowing Hu Mei Er to prey on the gullible, stained minds of the impatient and the bold. She was preparing to master her Grandmother’s inheritance—to rise among Gu Masters as the next powerhouse!
However, Granny Mei Hua also cautioned Mei Er of the disadvantages of the Enchantment Path. Those without adequate control would fall victim to their disposition. So, Hu Mei Er stayed clear of many men. Those like Mo Wu Tian, a rising talent of the Demonic Faction, were too arrogant and were wary of her origins. They wouldn’t risk being close to her despite rumors saying otherwise. They were also cruel and unpredictable. Despite being an Immortal’s granddaughter, Mei Er would die all the same if she poked them too much. Instead, she was comfortable around practical leeches and perverts like Li Xian. They used each other’s network for their goals before separating for years and feeling no need to be in each other’s presence.
Arrogant, cruel, indifferent, unpredictable, demented, virtuous, idealistic—Hu Mei Er encountered several Lone and Demonic Gu Masters. However, no one claimed freedom, unlike Lo Jik. She had set her sights on the man when he rose through the battle stages and ‘won’ against one of the Four Great Doctors of the Southern Border—Su Shou. She entered the Shang Clan in time to witness Lo Jik’s match against Ju Kai Bei.
Intelligent and mighty, Lo Jik stuck out amongst his peers.
Indeed, he was a dangerous man Hu Mei Er wanted to control. Yet, seeing Lo Jik make his way to San Cha’s peak birthed an odd feeling in her core. She had NEVER managed to spurn a Gu Master against a Super Clan. It wasn’t due to her lack of charms or effort. Sure, her Grandmother taught her many things, but did she not become Immortal after contending against several young Clan Leaders for her inheritance? Truthfully, the fear of the Super Clans far surpassed her mortal charm.
There was also Lo Jik. He shouldn’t be the impulsive sort. But they kissed yesterday. Hu Mei Er’s body was refined using several Enchantment Path Gu Worms. Her breath, taste, touch, and existence evoked a man’s primal urge. As a Strength Path Gu Master, Lo Jik must not have enough defense against such subtle effects. Yet, he had a powerful will. Instead of falling for her charms, he openly humiliated her. Ordinarily, that would anger Hu Mei Er.
It did.
She instantly planned many things to form a cruel fate for Lo Jik. She would persuade several Demonic Gu Masters and fan the flames of envy for Lo Jik’s Ancient Strength Path Inheritance—until he suddenly decided to destroy whatever she built.
Lu Tian was always part of Hu Mei Er’s plan. She planted that seed to see how Lo Jik would react. Had he fallen for her charms, he would have forgiven her.
If not, she would have used her means to make his life difficult.
For Hu Mei Er, these two choices were usually made.
Sometimes, people like Mo Wu Tian would have the third option of directly killing her, making Hu Mei Er retreat fearfully.
Yet, Lo Jik’s decision was ungodly.
Was he going to destroy her network?
For her?
What was he planning to do?
The fact Lo Jik didn’t chase her away meant her charms subdued some part of the Little Giant King. Yet, it blazed a provocative flame in Hu Mei Er’s heart as they neared Wu Clan’s territory in San Cha Mountain. She wasn’t alone. Many followed in secret, including the Gu Masters from the Righteous Faction. Trouble against Wu Clan could lead other Righteous Factions to rise and lay a temporary claim on San Cha Mountain for immense benefits from the Three King’s Inheritance.
Witnessing Lo Jik’s performance, Hu Mei Er knew even dozens of ordinary Rank 4 Middle Stage Gu Masters wouldn’t hold a candle against him. Then there was Bai Ning Bing. The seductress cast the white-haired ‘prince’ a gloomy glance. Bai Ning Bing was a peerless beauty and a significant obstacle for Hu Mei Er in her conquest of the Little Giant King. According to her sources, Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing shared a deep relationship, often seen close to each other in public, with Lo Jik’s arm around Bai Ning Bing’s shoulders as she appeared submissive in her female and male forms alike!
Bai Ning Bing needed to disappear!
<<<>>>
Three King’s Inheritance were of three different paths—Enslavement, Fire, and Refinement. Among these three paths, Fire Path was the most popular. It had one of the highest destructivene show of power and was popular in the current era, with several ingenious Gu Worms readily available in markets. It had little restrictions based on one’s soul and body, allowing almost any aspiring talent to pick this path and raise hell—literally.
However, the Enslavement and Refinement Paths were different. Refinement Path involved refining new Gu Worms, creating recipes, and reviving ancient Gu Worms. It had some ingenious attacking methods but posed two significant issues. A Gu Master had to have a powerful enough soul and creativity to refine Gu Worms AND endure backlashes during the failure. The soul has always been mysterious, and Soul Path Gu Worms were rare.
Similarly, the Enslavement Path required a powerful soul at a higher level. It also faced other challenges.
Enslavement Path Gu Worms allowed a Gu Master to enslave beast or worm groups, creating a mighty army out of them to drown the enemy with numbers! A Gu Master could stay behind and watch the show as their army killed thousands of enemies! However, an enslavement path Gu Master also had to feed their beast or worm groups. It was a resource-intensive path barely touched by the lone and demonic Gu Masters because they could not afford it. Instead, the Super and Large Clans would cultivate a said beast groups for war purposes.
Wu Shen Tong was the Wu Clan’s enslavement path Gu Elder who controlled, enslaved, and manipulated bulls, cows, and other bovine creatures. The Southern Border had several green mountains and boasted a healthy chunk of such beast groups for many enslavement path Gu Masters to benefit from. Choosing this beast group also eased one’s burden to feed them. Bulls and cattle were also a gentler species with massive power hidden under their hides, allowing a Gu Master to manipulate them without expending significant mental energy.
His affinity with King Quan’s Enslavement Path inheritance was uncontested until someone better approached San Cha Mountain. Occupying the western region of the peak, the Wu Clan members, under Wu Shen Tong’s meticulous methods, positioned his enslaved beast group to maximize their defenses. Of course, traveling with a large herd being troublesome would be an understatement, so Wu Shen Tong’s forces weren’t maximized. The prepared expressions on the Wu Clan’s members also revealed the news of Lo Jik’s declaration traveled fast—or someone was fanning the flames from the sidelines.
“Halt! Demonic Gu Masters are not welcomed in this territory! How dare you show your faces here?!” One of the two scouts claimed with a loud and proud voice as the herd of thick-skinned cows appeared alert.
Thick-skinned cows had a dark brown hide with a tough grain similar to a tree’s bark. Despite their small horns, these bovine creatures’ charge was dangerous.
On the surface, only Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing stood a few dozen meters from the fictitious perimeter claimed as Wu Clan’s new territory. Still, Lo Jik didn’t speak. He chose to observe the group silently. The Rank 5 Heaven and Earth Before My Eyes Gu Worm scouted the area with a radius of 5 kilometers before extending its range to 10 kilometers in a single line under his headband. How could Lo Jik not be cautious? The Wu Clan’s ambush revealed they were prepared to capture his soul. From Imaginative Strength Immortal’s inheritance, which shared a Rank 7 Gu Master’s memories and experiences, Lo Jik knew the fate awaiting a captured soul!
After confirming no signs of ambushes, he took a step forward. A golden light blossomed around Lo Jik, stabilizing into an all-encompassing glow, covering him with its thin membrane. His actions spoke loud as the two Rank 3 scouts instantly felt more nervous. After all, Bai Ning Bing calmly followed Lo Jik. The latter didn’t activate any Gu Worm, intending to use Lo Jik as a meat shield.
“Halt!” The scout shouted again as the herd behind them grew restless. The cows grunted and huffed, shaking their heads before tensing their forms.
‘The cost of nurturing an enslavement path Gu Master like Wu Shen Tong is greater than the combined resources needed to cultivate Clan Elders like Wu Hui and Wu Rong.’ Lo Jik calculated internally, preparing for the force Wu Clan would send after his current retaliation.
He was sure there would be a Rank 5 Gu Master.
As Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing advanced, the Wu Clan’s scouts glanced at each other with bitter looks before instantly retreating. Wu Shen Tong had spread the forces to locate the duo and stop them from sneaking into their territory. With that objective accomplished, the scouts felt no need to risk their lives.
*Moooooooooooo*
The cows mooed loudly before charging at Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing. Lo Jik also noticed a steady stream of Wu Shen Tong’s army encircling the region to trap the duo. It was clear Wu Shen Tong had a Scouting Gu Worm that allowed him to share senses with his enslaved beasts, or his reaction would not have been so swift. The herd of hundred cows formed an elegant formation as the duo adopted casual stances.
Everyone watched with bated breaths.
There was still time. Demonic and Lone Gu Masters had no shortage of shamelessness, as many were cowards and loved going back on their promises. Lo Jik could avoid all of this by retreating. Clashing with this small beast group would signify an assault on the number one Clan within the Southern Border!
It was a fantasy held by many demented Demonic Gu Masters, or the Lone Gu Masters wronged by the Wu Clan! Blazes of ambition flickered in many watchful eyes. Some revealed deep schemes and twisted pleasure—San Cha Mountain would plunge into temporary chaos if things went ‘right.’
So, many gazes grew fervent when Bai Ning Bing created two short daggers using his Ice Edge Gu. Meanwhile, Lo Jik extended his hand and spread out his palm—effortlessly stopping a beast’s charge with his hand before swinging the beast by the muzzle and slamming it onto another!
*Boom*
Blood and commotion spread in an instant as Lo Jik’s and Bai Ning Bing’s bodies danced between the beasts, massacring them all in a few breaths before they charged ahead at full speed!
The spectating Gu Masters couldn’t help but converse with each other before one of the scouting Gu Masters hissed.
“Eh? This Wu Shen Tong encircled Little Giant King and Frost Devil!”
“Hehe! All these righteous Gu Masters are hypocrites. Isn’t Wu Clan the boldest? However, its clansmen are the slimiest bunch.”
“Fuck Wu Clan’s ancestors!”
Although many demonic Gu Masters chatted spiritedly, none stepped into the battle. With the Inheritance opening in a few days, they did not want to engage in meaningless battles. It wasn’t like Hu Mei Er would reward them beneath the sheets.
They watched the duo move further away but chose to stay put. Only those confident in their scouting and escaping ability followed Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing as they observed the herd closing in on the duo.
*Thump* *Thump* *Thump*
*Thump* *Thump* *Thump*
Ground shook as Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing heard several crashing trees.
*Thump* *Thump* *Thump*
*Thump* *Thump* *Thump*
“Any Myriad Beast Kings?” Bai Ning Bing inquired with a tranquil expression.
“Not in the herd,” Lo Jik continued jogging. “But Wu Shen Tong wouldn’t be without a few 1000-Beast Kings. The true danger isn’t the stampede—it’s the defensive line of Gu Masters around Wu Shen Tong.”
“Attacking them would be a luxury unless we survive the stampede,” Bai Ning Bing rolled his eyes. “Death under cow hooves would be an unsightly mess.”
Lo Jik smirked.
An encircled stampede was an impressive tactic. Beginner enslavement path Gu Masters couldn’t pull off such a tactic because of the required meticulous control. After all, the herd could injure itself. However, like many tactics, it also had a weakness!
“Use the Frost Devil Gu,” Lo Jik suddenly stopped as they felt the stampede get near them. “I will toss you at the enemies.”
Bai Ning Bing blinked before grinning as thick frost collected on his body, revealing jade-green bones through the translucent ice. Two orbs of ghostly green flames flickered within the crystalline skull as Bai Ning Bing’s hair turned into stiff, frozen blades.
Rank 4 Frost Devil Gu!
While Lo Jik advanced his body refinement set to Rank 4, Bai Ning Bing had no such luxuries. He skimped where he could to save all his wealth and exchanged it for the Yin-Yang Rotation Gu. However, Bai Ning Bing could stay in this form for a few minutes, increasing his defense and offense!
Lo Jik instantly held Bai Ning Bing’s hand before tensing his body as he twisted on his heels—throwing his partner into the air! The unorthodox move shocked plenty of spectators. But there was more to come.
Instead of revealing his flying expertise, something only Wei Yang and Shang Yan Fei were privy to, Lo Jik crouched. A terrifying hiss accompanied the shocking phantom of another mutated beast strength Phantom—Three-Headed Underground Snake! While the Three-Headed Underground Snake had an affinity with the earthen element, their bodies held frightening strength as they coiled before pouncing on their prey.
So, the phantom coiled as the nearby trees crashed. The ground shook with the appearance of countless bovine beasts charging at Lo Jik from all sides. His thighs tensed and bulged. Veins mapped his calves, and his toes almost tore through his boots before Lo Jik aimed at the discovered enemy and jumped—
*Whoosh*
His figure cut through the air, leaving thin web-patterned cracks on the mountain’s surface as he glanced at the distance, observing an icy figure on the defense. The battle slowed as everyone saw Lo Jik momentarily float in the air before he pointed ahead. A dark golden light swiftly expanded into a massive mammoth with snowy-white tusks as Lo Jik perched on it with a snicker.
The Essence Cloud Elephant King let out a resounding trumpet as Lo Jik used the phantom bow. He had tested the new arrows formed from the mutated beasts, and every arrow was usable in different circumstances, unlike their ordinary versions, which would either be too broad or weird. Phantom Bow quickly became one of Lo Jik’s favorite Gu Worms as he planned to refine it to Rank 4.
In an instant, Lo Jik’s existence with a bow pressured the several Wu Clan’s Gu Masters. There was only one Rank 4 Peak Stage Gu Master. He was tall and thin, possessing a sickly yellow complexion—Wu Shen Tong. Lo Jik knew a few things about Wu Shen Tong. Unlike his current self, Wu Shen Tong once boasted a fit physique with broad shoulders and a thin waist. However, Long Qing Tian used the terrifying Rank 5 Jade Sky Gu to poison the Wu Clan’s Elder.
Wu Shen Tong was fortunate to survive with his cultivation intact under the care of one of the Four Great Doctors. However, nobody in the Southern Border’s mortal realm could heal his poison, forcing Wu Shen Tong into a life of medication.
“It’s your unlucky day, Wu Shen Tong!” Lo Jik boasted arrogantly as Bai Ning Bing continuously defended against Wu Clansmen’s furious retaliation. More and more beasts gathered around them again—Thick-Skinned Cows, Steel Bulls, Long-legged Bulls, Piercing Horns Yak, Eight-humped Bulls, and more! Some of them appeared outrightly injured. However, Wu Shen Tong waved his hand with a grim expression, healing his beast group.
“You will face me on the ground, coward!” Wu Shen Tong roared, feeling troubled. He heard about this commotion and felt visceral fury towards Hu Mei Er and her mischievous nature. Her ‘pranks’ were known to destroy many small and mid-sized clans as she would make brothers fight each other, sons assassinate their fathers, and old ancestors commit inappropriate acts for a chance of Hu Mei Er to glance at them. Now, she set loose a dangerous opponent known to possess the three great steeds!
The benefits of the Cloud Essence Elephant King revealed itself as Lo Jik showered the battlefield with several arrows. However, he only revealed three different types of arrows. Maintaining his defensive Gu Worm, Wu Shen Tong observed that the purple-tipped lightning-fast arrow with a momentous force from the Lightning Dragon Elephant mimicked an ordinary arrow’s straight movement, merely enhancing its attribute by a massive degree. Lo Jik used these arrows to force the Rank 3 Gu Masters into the defensive.
After all, Lo Jik’s phantom bow was still Rank 3 and could only display a fraction of the might of his beast strength phantoms.
The other two arrows were different. One of them had its tip lit on fire. That arrow would explode whenever it touched anything, leading to disastrous losses to Wu Shen Tong’s beast group. Meanwhile, the second arrow had a dark serpent’s pattern, straightening when Lo Jik pulled it before flying and separating into THREE arrows like some form of spread shot, making many lower their heads in fear and unable to demonstrate their full potential against Bai Ning Bing.
Wu Shen Tong never put Lo Jik in his eyes. Ordinary Strength Path Gu Masters could never perform like Lo Jik, intimidating a group with long-ranged means while leisurely sitting on a Rank 4 Steed! Again, the arrows showed a fraction of their intended might and couldn’t outrightly hurt a prepared Rank 4 Peak Stage Gu Master, much less Wu Shen Tong’s Rank 3 subordinates. However, these arrows were wearing them down!
It was an insidious trick. Wu Shen Tong did not possess many long-ranged options despite a superb defensive Gu Worm. He was an enslavement path Gu Master and covered the weakness of beheading the leader tactics. Ordinarily, he wouldn’t expend his essence to control his beast group mentally. However, Wu Shen Tong had to heal them constantly.
‘Not good. Lo Jik is using a Rank 3 Gu Worm. His expenditure is a fraction of ours. I still have my beast group, but others will become defenseless. We must snatch the initiative from Lo Jik!’
Wu Shen Tong waved his hand, mobilizing his beast group to move against Bai Ning Bing while commanding his men. Instantly, a few Gu Masters spread far, using several long-ranged Gu Worms against Lo Jik, forcing him to avoid the attacks. Meanwhile, Lo Jik’s attacks were held back by a Rank 3 Gu Master’s AOE defensive Gu Worm, allowing others to recover their essence.
‘That is a good move. Expecting Wu Shen Tong to panic and lose his bearings was too much to ask.’ Lo Jik mused, not intimidated by the change. Instead, he observed Bai Ning Bing’s condition.
‘That’s it. Go, save your companion,’ Wu Shen Tong’s gaze revealed a sharp light. He was prepared to capitalize on Lo Jik’s weakness and set an example for Wu Clan’s domineering might!
‘I need to capture him alive if possible,’ Wu Shen Tong narrowed his eyes before his expression froze. His squinted gaze bulged in shock as Lo Jik suddenly retrieved the Essence Cloud Elephant King, free-falling and landing beside Bai Ning Bing.
“Huff! What were you thinking?!” Bai Ning Bing hissed softly as Lo Jik shrugged.
“I’m a Strength Path Gu Master. I never think.”
His hand lashed out, instantly catching the nearest bull by the horn before clenching and swinging it around, forcing Bai Ning Bing to avoid getting hit as Lo Jik knocked away more than ten bulls before dropping the broken corpse.
Bai Ning Bing stopped using Frozen Devil Gu as the duo began butchering Wu Shen Tong’s beast group.
Wu Shen Tong should be happy. However, he couldn’t smile as he saw through Lo Jik’s scheme. Gritting his teeth, Wu Shen Tong decided to pull back the beast group and sent his men. Lo Jik instantly took Bai Ning Bing over the Cloud Essence Elephant King before showering everyone with a rain of explosive, thunderous, and splitting arrows!
‘Damn it!’ Wu Shen Tong looked gloomy.
While he had better cultivation, he was tied to his beast group. His subordinates could not attack the demonic duo from the distance without injuring the beasts. Conversely, the beast group could not enter the fray due to their sizable forms when he sent his subordinates. After all, a bull beast group was objectively more massive than something like a wolf beast group. Lo Jik used this weakness to summon his Rank 4 Steed when necessary. The sight of Bai Ning Bing recovering his essence also made others clench their jaws. He was a frightening opponent with a keen battle sense! How could they feel calm seeing a demon recharge his batteries?
Worst of all—
Bai Ning Bing suddenly pointed at a distant Gu Master, creating a stellar frozen arrow that instantly pierced through the distance, stabbing into the recovering Gu Master’s forehead, leaving a frozen wound!
—Bai Ning Bing also possessed a Rank 4 Frost Arrow Gu!
“Wu Li Hua!”
Wu Shen Tong roared with red eyes as other Wu Clansmen grew agitated!
How could an unprepared Rank 3 Gu Master deal with a Rank 4 Gu Worm?
Bai Ning Bing smirked cruelly, pointing at another angered Gu Master. Frost Arrow flew at a stunning speed as the Gu Master barely blocked it with his defensive Gu Worm.
Wu Shen Tong instantly felt ominous as he recalled Bai Ning Bing’s Gu Worms set.
Ice Explosion!
The exploding Frost Arrow encased the Gu Master in terrible ice. Anyone could observe his shocked expression through the translucent blue ice.
“Save Yin!”
“Heh!” Lo Jik pulled back an arrow crackling with lightning.
“Stop, Lo Jik!” Wu Shen Tong roared, instantly pointing at Lo Jik as a fiery red crow flew out with a dignified cry! However, Lo Jik expertly maneuvered the Elephant, letting the crow chase them while aiming at the frozen Gu Master.
*Whoosh*
The Lightning Dragon Elephant arrow flew out, piercing the frozen Gu Master’s head the next second.
“Ahhh! Our grudge is absolute, Lo Jik! How dare you two kill my people?! Wu Clan’s people!” Wu Shen Tong howled as Lo Jik calmly dodged the fiery crow again. It was slower than the famed Rank 4 Steed.
“Hmm. Killing like this is quite satisfying,” Bai Ning Bing licked his lips before he felt an idea blooming in his head.
“Keep a steady pace,” Bai Ning Bing suddenly spoke. “I need a minute.”
Lo Jik laughed, “Knock yourself out. Aim to reduce the beast group. Wu Shen Tong is likely to have a better Defensive Gu Worm.”
Bai Ning Bing’s smirk widened as the elephant flew and dodged the fire crow and other colorful attacks from the enraged group.
“Heavens!”
“What is this battle?!”
“Wu Shen Tong’s beast group is a joke!”
“No. Wu Shen Tong could kill any of us. It’s Lo Jik who’s an anomaly. He is so young but full of deceptive and devious schemes. When was the last time you met a Strength Path Gu Master who thought of using his head for anything other than smashing rocks?!”
“The battle isn’t over. Wu Shen Tong is still a Rank 4 Peak Stage Gu Master. His beast group is still—“
“Fuck!”
“Is that—“
“These two are more dangerous than we thought!”
Lo Jik felt a refreshing chill around him as Bai Ning Bing activated his Frost Devil Gu. The next second, he formed the Frost Arrow Gu before activating a set of Gu Worms despite sitting on the Essence Cloud Elephant King.
Frost Breath Gu.
Bai Ning Bing exhaled a massive cloud of frost around the frost arrow before using another Gu Worm to keep it from leaving his control since they were flying.
Ice Control Gu.
Bai Ning Bing replaced the Wind Stream Gu with Ice Control Gu. It slightly weakened the overall destructive capacity of the killer move. However, Bai Ning Bing gained more control, allowing him to cover the fundamental weakness of aiming the long-ranged killer move.
An elephant-sized arrow soon converged under Bai Ning Bing’s exquisite control as he grinned and aimed at Wu Shen Tong.
“Take cover!”
The massive arrow flew at the group before evading to the side and stabbing into the heart of the beast group!
Ice Explosion Gu.
Revised Killer Move—Frost Packed Explosive Punch!
<<<>>>
Besides the increasingly massive reserves, there was another reason why the difference in a Gu Master grew at Rank 4 and 5 when they climbed a minor realm—the Gu Worm’s exertion.
Lo Jik experienced it since the beginning of his cultivation. For instance, the Rank 1 Moonblade Gu. Moonblade Gu revealed low attacking power through Rank 1 initial stage essence. However, it could cut through an ordinary beast when used by a Rank 1 peak stage Gu Master.
Other Gu Worms demonstrated a similar effect at every cultivation rank. This gap grew in Rank 4 and Rank 5!
The difference between a Rank 4 Peak Stage and Initial Stage Gu Masters using the same Gu Worm revealed a difference as immense as heaven and earth! Not only did Gu Worms have a low burden on the Peak Stage Gu Master, but they also showed better output. How could they compare?
Still, there were some known exceptions.
For instance, this difference did not affect a Gu Worm that had the same effect across the minor realms.
A good demonstration of such an example would be the Rank 5 Multiply Gu. This Gu Worm would multiply a Gu Worm’s might by five times irrespective of the Gu Master’s rank.
The Rank 5 Heavenly Essence Treasure King Lotus released 50% of Rank 5 Peak Stage Essence five times.
Another exception to the norm would be a combination of Gu Worms enhancing each other’s effects—a killer move!
A thick layer of frost condensed on a small clearing of San Cha’s western region. It grew and spread atop splintered trees, ravaged ground, and hundreds of bovine corpses! Aside from regular beasts, the frost smothered several larger beast kings! Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing were cautious of the beast kings, choosing not to engage with them due to the additional Gu on their bodies. However, a few Rank 2 Gu Worms couldn’t stop a Rank 4 Gu Master’s killer move!
Lo Jik exhaled sharply as he twisted the elephant’s movement before aiming at the errantly flying fire crow. He released a barrage of arrows, ending the Rank 4 Chasing Flame Crow Gu. The demonic duo got some respite because Bai Ning Bing’s killer move interrupted the enemy with spreading frost covering a wide dome-like shape, which housed the Wu Clan’s Gu Masters.
Many Beast Kings survived despite the disastrous attack. While Bai Ning Bing exhausted himself to take out the third of the Beast group, they still had to face 2/3rd of the Beast Group and Wu Shen Tong, not to mention his subordinates!
‘But killing him now weakens the enemy,’ Lo Jik’s determination blazed. He won’t stop now. Wu Shen Tong must die lest he regrouped with his betters. The threat also extended to other Gu Masters from the righteous faction, who might extend a helping hand.
After all, Wu Clan managed several subsidiary clans. Elders from these clans on San Cha Mountain might feel compelled to help.
‘Bai Ning Bing already did his utmost.’
Lo Jik spared his companion a glance, watching him turn several primeval stones to dust as he sucked all the essence to recover his fighting ability. Whether Bai Ning Bing noticed it or not, this act displayed the massive cooperation and trust Lo Jik built with the proud youth.
“Recover your Essence and return to the sidelines,” Lo Jik instructed with a smile. “Others won’t recklessly attack you for the Cloud Elephant until they see the result of this battle. And you know what to do if I somehow die.”
Bai Ning Bing scoffed. “Your demise. Be sure to leave the Elephant for me instead of self-destructing it.”
“Sure,” Lo Jik sat on the Elephant’s head with a still expression.
“What’s happening?”
“Why aren’t they making another move?”
Confusion thickened in the speculating Gu Masters’ hearts as Lo Jik didn’t attack further. There was no point. He didn’t want to ruin Bai Ning Bing’s attack to reach the enemy. After all, the severe chill would seal the fates of the beasts caught in the attack. Lo Jik also saw through the ice, noticing how Wu Shen Tong was instructing tactics to his subordinates while enduring the arctic chill.
There was also one other thing.
Lo Jik noticed several Beast Kings possessing a familiar Gu Worm—Corpse Explosion. This Rank 2 Gu Worm converted the death qi surrounding a corpse into an explosion. It wasn’t a Gu Worm these Beast Kings naturally attracted. Instead, Wu Shen Tong planted these on his army to catch his enemy off guard.
Of course, Lo Jik waited for the Gu Worms to perish under the chill before grunting and jumping down the Elephant’s head as it steered back, surprising many. Intense greed appeared in many hearts as they watched the Rank 4 Steed Gu. However, one glance at the icy battlefield and the lone figure standing tall poured cold water on all their plans.
Untying his headband and storing it in his storage Gu Worm, Lo Jik activated the Little Giant King Gu. His body inflated, rippling with muscle and tension as white scars grew on his skin, forming a savage appearance. Unwilling to look down on Wu Shen Tong and his trump cards, a thin golden light formed around Lo Jik at his will—the Rank 4 Golden Bell Shield Gu. There was also the silent Chen Jiu. Her necklace was safely tied under Lo Jik’s clothes.
*Crack*
The ice shell revealed a thin crack before shattering into smaller shards, exposing the remaining Wu Clan Gu Masters. They couldn’t help but look around and settle their pointed glares at Lo Jik. Yet, fear bloomed in the depths of their eyes. With two members dead, the team of Wu Clan members fell to 6, including Wu Shen Tong. The beasts converged again as Lo Jik stood his ground.
“The Wu Clan will eradicate your nine generations, Gu Yue Lo Jik!” Wu Shen Tong hissed.
“Don’t have any,” Lo Jik laughed. “Why? Are you offering your wife or daughter for me to create nine more?”
“Shameless bastard!”
“Death to all demonic Gu Masters!”
Other Rank 3 Gu Masters shouted as Lo Jik sneered. He didn’t move an inch and beckoned them with his hand—what are you waiting for?
Wu Shen Tong’s subordinates fell silent as the beasts suddenly parted for the remaining Beast Kings. He had to think of what would happen after this battle and couldn’t reduce his Beast Group’s number since it was the same as lowering his power! Wu Shen Tong’s glare turned hateful. It was hard to reduce a Strength Path Gu Master’s stamina with fodder. To think a Peak Stage Rank 4 Gu Master like Wu Shen Tong would have to resort to his trump card against a barbarian!
Wu Shen Tong surprisingly used a Rank 5 Gu Worm. Its unchecked aura stifled the spectators, forming an ancient Bronze Gate with fine golden dragons on its surface. This gate was a Rank 5 Storage Gu capable of moving beast groups.
Thunderous noise accompanied the emergence of elephant-sized green-skinned bulls with sharp, lustrous horns! The several ordinary beasts instantly felt motivated as these ten bulls stood out from the masses. Even the 1000-Beast Kings looked subservient!
Mutated Beasts—Kunlun Bulls!
“Attack him at once!” Wu Shen Tong ordered his men as the beast groups fell back. The tight terrain was disadvantageous for an army. Instead, Wu Shen Tong resorted to his specially cultivated beast group of Mutated Beasts! Every Enslavement Path Gu Master of renown and accomplishments possessed mutated beasts or worms of their species. But that wasn’t all. A warm glow emerged from other ordinary beasts, channeling inside 100-Beast Kings, 1000-Beast Kings, and the Mutated Kunlun Bulls.
Killer Move: Bull Reverence!
The small group of 50 Beast Kings and Kunlun Bulls issued loud grunts and huffs as they grew swifter! Their hooves shook the earth as they expertly moved around the Wu Clan’s Gu Masters by providing adequate cover and hiding them from Lo Jik’s view.
Ordinary Gu Masters would feel intimidated and pressured. However, Lo Jik felt the Little Giant King’s innate savagery triggered at the sight of the enslavement path’s brilliant display!
Lo Jik had minor attainment in Enslavement Path. He noticed the astonishing essence and mastery needed to create such a harmonious scene of beast groups acting as a vanguard WHILE being the Gu Master’s support. After all, the Enslavement Path wasn’t only about creating armies. It had many subtle benefits, too!
So, the Little Giant King rushed. The power behind his steps felt incomparable against the stampede that shook the earth. However, everyone grew tense. This battle reached its most exciting period as Lo Jik unhurriedly jumped, casually entering the heart of the man-beast formation as several Gu Masters struck him at once. The surface of the Golden Bell Shield rippled as Lo Jik focused on the nearest 100-Beast King. Such Beast Kings didn’t stand a chance against Lo Jik as the Little Giant King slammed his fists into the bull’s thick skull, crushing it at once—
A weak light glowed, instantly healing the bull!
“Our Elder’s killer move sealed your fate, Lo Jik!” One of the Gu Masters screamed, her body shuffling to attack his head from behind as he suddenly turned, grabbing the bull by the horn and using it to crush the woman!
*Swish*
Another weak glow healed the Beast King.
‘Best weapon ever!’
Lo Jik laughed loudly, shocking the masses by dragging a Beast King! His speed barely faltered as he turned into a maniac, using the bull to counterattack, hit other beasts, and use it as a shield or a battering weapon against other Gu Masters!
When others felt despair at Wu Shen Tong’s Killer Move, which temporarily increased the herd’s recovery exponentially, Lo Jik rejoiced! He couldn’t ask for anything better!
He suddenly removed his Golden Bell Shield while twisting the bull’s head by the horn and tearing it off the body!
After all, a better tool rushed at Lo Jik.
He stood his ground and caught the Kunlun Bull’s inwardly pointed horns as the Bull’s charge pushed him away by several steps, crashing Lo Jik into other ice-clad boulders before expertly putting him in the way of another Gu Master.
“Attack him!”
“This is our chance!”
“Thunder Spear Gu, Go!”
“Even the Little Giant King Gu Worm’s defense won’t stand a chance!”
‘Then why did Lo Jik remove his Defensive Gu Worm knowing that—Oh, no!’ Wu Shen Tong’s expression changed as injuries accumulated on Lo Jik’s back.
‘Thanks ~ !’
Three Beast Phantoms emerged behind Lo Jik—Lightning Dragon Elephant, Infernal Ape, and Three-Headed Underground Snake!
Lo Jik instantly resisted the Kunlun’s Bull charge before pushing it back! His forearms bulged before he twisted and tossed the bull onto the four Gu Masters.
Escape!
The thought emerged in their heads, their gazes attracted to the flying Kunlun Bull—
*Phew*
A powerful arrow separated into three different arrows, catching two of the Gu Masters off guard!
“Aah! Scoundrel!”
Wu Shen Tong roared.
Lo Jik snickered. He dodged the Kunlun Bulls and often hid behind other 100 or 1000-Beast Kings before using them as his weapons. He was cautious of the Rank 4 Gu Worms on the mutated beasts and began weeding out the other Gu Masters.
The sight was shocking.
Lo Jik was devious enough to understand Wu Shen Tong’s moves, using them for his benefit. He used the bulls as another form of terrain advantage, darting around with his bulky form and killing every Wu Clan Gu Master on the battlefield until he revoked his Transformation Gu Worm and jumped. Furious, Wu Shen Tong could only watch Lo Jik land on his Elephant Steed as Bai Ning Bing smirked, preparing his killer move again!
Lo Jik also laughed, choosing to harass Wu Shen Tong with his bow Gu Worm. Sure, Wu Shen Tong had an outstanding defensive Gu Worm.
However—
Everyone felt a chill in their heart. They watched Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing exhaust the lone Peak Stage Rank 4 Gu Master until he had no essence left.
What could a Gu Master achieve without any primeval essence?
Still, Wu Shen Tong was an enslavement path Gu Master who used his Beast Group to act as a cover while resorting to retreating and recovering his essence. How could Lo Jik give Wu Shen Tong such a chance?
He jumped down the Elephant, gracefully avoiding the mutated beasts and killing his way through the ordinary herd. Wu Shen Tong’s eyes widened with utter hatred as he watched Lo Jik’s figure expand in his gaze. The Kunlun Bulls were right behind him!
Wu Shen Tong was exhausted, angry, and hateful!
Die!
The Kunlun Bull’s speed suddenly increased. It lowered its head, aiming its horns at Lo Jik’s back!
*Whoosh*
Lo Jik jumped and rolled in the air before standing on the bull’s hump. Meanwhile, Wu Shen Tong did not have the time to evade or stop his Kunlun Bull as it charged through the pitiful Gu Master. The Kunlun Bull’s massive horns tore and crushed Wu Shen Tong into bits!
Wu Shen Tong’s death signified the end of his control as other beast groups let out loud roars and howls.
However, it was nothing compared to the commotion brewing among the spectators!
Little Giant King…
He killed a Rank 4 Peak Stage Gu Master!
“Hahaha! That’s the Wu Clan you were proud of, Hu Mei Er?” Lo Jik’s arrogant roar resounded among the bulls. “Who’s next?!”
Instantly, several gazes converged on Hu Mei Er’s stunned form.
A few Gu Masters, who were proud to spread rumors about themselves being with Hu Mei Er, quietly sneaked away and directly left San Cha Mountain.
Calling this devilish duo of Giant King and Frost Devil maniacs would be an understatement!
***
A/N: I couldn’t add alternative titles in this one because the chapter was too long and taxing. But you guys can think of better titles. I’d be happy to read what you guys can cook.
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