Chapter 337 – Black Sand River
Chapter 337 – Black Sand River
Gu Zuo stared blankly: "What mission?"
Unexpectedly, it was a mission that was especially pointed out by the palace master?
Gongyi Tianheng answered: "Eliminating a flood dragon."
Gu Zuo: "…"
It sounded like it wasn’t a problem that was easy to solve.
Amid Gu Zuo’s misgivings, Tianheng gave him a proper explanation.
As it turned out, this time’s A-rank mission was actually given to Tianheng to make his first public appearance. Or perhaps, it could be said that this was a mission to prove one’s own strength. After all, those participating in this mission weren’t limited to only Tianheng.
The flood dragon in this extermination mission was a type of beast that had undergone a transformation after making an advancement. It was known as an "origin beast".
Like wild beasts, so-called origin beasts were beast races that were forever incapable of taking human forms. They were completely different from those nonhuman races which possessed two forms. Although origin beasts possessed greater intelligence than wild beasts, because it was impossible to develop emotional bonds, it was also impossible for the human race to treat origin beasts the same way they treated nonhuman races.
— If it was said that the relationships between the nonhuman races and the human race were complicated, then origin beasts were humanity’s mortal enemies. Once encountered, they regarded each other as food. Contrary to what one might expect, among the nonhuman races, there were some who were also mortal enemies with the origin beasts, some who could control them, and some who could communicate with them. Thus, the relationships between both sides were quite complex as well.
Tianheng sighed and said: "Even though spirit-level wild beasts can be controlled by the human race, once a wild beast evolves into an origin beast, it can’t be managed by humans any longer. Even if the human race wants to control them, it can only be done indirectly through a servile race that’s capable of managing the origin beasts. We can’t make the origin beasts directly obey our commands."
Although it wasn’t so absolute, it was said that origin beasts were also mainly divided into ranks. For example, starting from the Atomic Realm, every realm corresponded to one rank of the origin beasts. Thus, a rank one origin beast was comparable to the Atomic Realm, a rank seven origin beast was comparable to the Lesser Emperor Realm, and only in legends was it said that a rank eight origin beast was comparable to the Greater Emperor Realm. Let alone whether there were even higher ranks.
Gu Zuo spoke with concern: "Then, this flood dragon is an origin beast of which rank?"
Tianheng replied: "Because we young prodigies are heading off to hunt this flood dragon, it’s naturally only rank one. If it was far older, then it would merely be somewhat more difficult to slay. For this trip, I won’t be going alone. I’ll have battle slaves accompanying me, so the danger won’t be great." Speaking up to here, his tone lowered, "Besides, there have been some newly-advanced prodigies from other organizations who’ll also be taking part. Each of them have their own trump cards, so there will certainly be no obstructions."
After listening to Tianheng, Gu Zuo was firm and resolute: "Big brother, I’m going with you."
Tianheng lightly placed his hand on Gu Zuo’s shoulder: "Ah Zuo, there’s no need to do this."
Gu Zuo shook his head: "I’m also going to gain knowledge and experience. Moreover, if that flood dragon is so awesome, maybe there will be medicinal ingredients in the vicinity for me to harvest."
Having heard what was said, Tianheng acquiesced: "When that time comes, call for Ao Ying, Xi Ying, and Feng He to keep close. Ah Zuo, don’t wander around carelessly."
Naturally, Gu Zuo promptly agreed.
He didn’t want to part from his big brother. However, while Gu Zuo wanted to see the important scene when his big brother made his official debut outside the sect, he didn’t want to inconvenience his big brother.
As a result, he had to be diligent, and he absolutely couldn’t cause trouble.
Someone quickly delivered the gold-leafed record of the mission. It was put away inside Gongyi Tianheng’s bangle. Because this wasn’t a solo mission, the time of eliminating the flood dragon had already been set for a few days from now. As an all-star prodigy of a veteran, silver-ranked organization, he naturally couldn’t delay. Thus, he had to rush over as soon as possible.
With the title of a prodigy of Ten Ultimates Sect, his first public appearance in front of numerous organizations certainly couldn’t be handled frivolously. When he went out, they would be paying careful attention to his comportment, attire, and manpower.
While Gu Zuo watched Tianheng scheme, his gaze drifted.
In this aspect, he wasn’t going to be of much help to his family’s big brother.
However, due to the support of the hound races’ five tribes, the number of powerhouses at the Atomic Realm and above had increased again. The sighthound race had two, the mastiff race had twelve, and the mad dog race had four. Included among these were two Ascendant Realms from the mastiff race — Ao Ying and the new addition, Ao Min. Altogether, there were eighteen people.
Thus, it was even more convenient to make arrangements.
This trip was very important. Tianheng had been operating for a short time, so for the sake of security, he had to take Ao Ying and Ao Min when heading out. Between the two, Ao Ying was going to protect Gu Zuo, and Ao Min was going to command five hundred battle slave elite troops as they followed along — Currently, within the battle slaves he possessed, the ones who could be considered elite troops numbered no more than eight hundred. Tianheng directly took away more than half. One could clearly see how much importance was being attached to this trip.
Apart from this, there were numerous wild beasts going, too.
Since origin beasts couldn’t be tamed and there weren’t any servile races with gigantic body types among the subordinates, the ones that could be brought along were still those hundred or so spirit-level wild beasts.
Naturally, in order to keep an orderly and pleasing appearance, Tianheng spent even more spirit crystals to purchase several hundred spirit beasts of the same type from the sect. Presently, there was a total of five hundred-something wild beasts, which were divided between five branches. These wild beasts would carry the battle slave elite troops: one hundred sighthounds, one hundred wild dogs, and three hundred mastiffs. In addition, there was one Ascendant Realm powerhouse and five Atomic Realm powerhouses who would lead the battle slaves. They formed an army, and guarded all sides of the largest wild beast. With everyone in position, they were finally ready to move out!
Gu Zuo followed right behind Tianheng as they jumped onto the wild beast’s back. He was stunned by all the tedious preparations that were made before this time’s trip.
While a prodigy enjoyed numerous resources, it was also quite bothersome.
Just he was thinking about this, a hand pressed on the top of his head, and softly ruffled his hair.
Soon after, Tianheng’s voice, which carried a smiling expression, echoed out: "It has been like this for your elder brother since childhood. Ah Zuo, there’s no need to be concerned."
Gu Zuo subconsciously nuzzled against that warm palm. After that, he rigidly stopped himself.
Ah, right. He only remembered those days when they arduously struggled in Qingyun Sect. He had almost forgotten that this big brother of his actually lived as the pampered son of a wealthy family… Ordinary folks might find it troublesome, but this guy was entirely in his own element. There wasn’t any need to worry at all!
Afterwards, Gu Zuo withdrew to the back: "The road is long. Big brother, why don’t we play a game of go?"
Tianheng didn’t refuse, and merely gestured towards a secret place. A streak of qi energy delivered a go board, and arranged it between the two: "Okay. Ah Zuo, you first."
Gu Zuo instantly regretted suggesting it. But now that he saw a go board appearing, he could only put on a bold face, and use what little superficial knowledge he had to play with Tianheng.
Honestly, why would this world have something like go… Furthermore, why didn’t he simply suggest a game of gomoku instead? Perhaps, he could still win a few games.
The following events were indeed rather desperate. Because martial artists and pharmacists were people who cultivated, unless they wasted energy for a long time, they usually wouldn’t need to rest. As a result, the next couple of days were unwittingly passed by playing go.
Gu Zuo was thoroughly dominated for dozens of rounds. His mood was especially dismayed.
He knew that his own IQ couldn’t compare to that of his big brother. He also knew that his own considerations weren’t as far-reaching. However, he hadn’t won a single game. On top of that, every time he lost, the carpet had been pulled out from under him. It was too miserable!
Gu Zuo placed his go stone, and spoke in a gloomy voice: "Big brother knows that my skills aren’t good, but he also won’t go easy on me…"
Meanwhile, Tianheng smiled apologetically: "Whenever Ah Zuo loses, your reactions are extremely cute. This elder brother hadn’t noticed, so I couldn’t help it — I hope that Ah Zuo doesn’t blame me."
Gu Zuo: "…"
Right now, should he be bashful since his big brother called him cute, or should he criticize his big brother for his mischievous streak breaking out again?
This truly left one conflicted and embarrassed.
Hence, what Gu Zuo showed in front of Tianheng was an expressionless face that changed several colors.
Upon seeing this, Tianheng laughed
At this moment, these games of go naturally didn’t continue any longer.
At the same time, this delegation had reached its final destination.
This was a vast and mighty river. It was situated between the shared borders of several large cities within Ten Ultimates Sect’s domain. From its shallows to its depths, the water of this river was a torrential flood. It was so broad that one couldn’t see the opposite banks, and it was so long that one would never see its ends. With surging waves, the thunderous sounds of the water shook the sky. It was like countless fierce tigers were roaring. Its power was insurmountable.
Each of the nearby cities were iron-ranked entities. However, these iron-ranked cities were unlike the previous Xuanwu City. Within each city, there were at least two organizations of the same rank. For the past many years, they vied against each other, and took turns occupying the position of the city lord. They appeared to possess both competitive strength and vitality. The atmospheres of whole cities were like that of men in the prime of their lives. These cities developed steadily, and didn’t lose their courage or drive.
Ten Ultimates Sect had recently received an all-star prodigy. When this honorable prodigy joined, he was only peak Xiantian. After entering the sect, he smoothly broke through to the Immortal Realm within a month. This matter had gradually propagated outward, and all of the organizations with some reputation within Ten Ultimates Sect’s domain had heard of this prodigy’s name.
Automatically, the members of these large organizations wanted to see this all-star prodigy with their own eyes. When all was said and done, did this remarkable personage with three heads and six arms possess any real skills?
Additionally, many medium and small organizations and racial groups with their own intentions sent important younger generations to make discreet inquiries. They wanted to observe this distinguished meeting of prodigies who would jointly eliminate a flood dragon. This time around, an all-star prodigy would be participating.
That’s right. This all-star prodigy’s reputation had been proclaimed far and wide. Within Ten Ultimates Sect’s domain, numerous veteran forces had taken in prodigies and top-notch geniuses. These prodigies and geniuses all possessed an air of arrogance, and weren’t necessarily convinced by this all-star prodigy. Consequently, many came to participate in this distinguished gathering to wipe out the flood dragon. They wanted to compare who was better.
— As for the flood dragon to be eliminated, it lived within this Black Sand River.
Originally, it should’ve only been a wild python. Perhaps, it came from this river, and after growing for many years, it somehow stimulated its own bloodline. By undergoing an awakening, it made a breakthrough, and became an even stronger origin beast in one move. In the end, it stirred up havoc within the river. Its behavior was rampant, and traces of it were discovered by others.
These past few days, the city lords of several large cities near the Black Sand River gathered together. As they stood on a platform, it looked like they all had their own elegant demeanors. In fact, many people had tried to investigate the situation in private. However, after obstructing them, the city lords thoroughly controlled their own cities, lest they slighted the people on the outside, and provoked a murderous disaster.
One after another, numerous wild beasts clopped their hooves along different roads surrounding the Black Sand River, and there were even wild birds chirping as they flew high in the sky. The top-notch geniuses and prodigies of every large organization were showing off their own impressive mights. They rushed over from all directions like a great flood.
Countless, powerful auras soared up, and seemed to twist into a boundless storm. Once this storm vanished, numerous, well-favored personages with eminent looks appeared at the banks of this great river in quick succession!
The members of many organizations retreated, yielding a large tract of land.
One would see a valiant man who stood upright and unafraid like an iron tower. His feet were planted upon a colossal elephant, which arrived with great speed! That elephant lifted its head, raised its trunk to the sky, and unleashed a long, trumpeting cry. The sound was astonishing!
Soon after, there was a gigantic tiger that gave a thunderous roar. On its forehead was a bright and vividly blood-red mark of a king. Its huge pair of eyes swept across, bearing a strong and fierce prestige! And on the back of this fierce tiger stood a tall man. His appearance seemed ordinary, but people would feel that his roving eyes were like that of a beast. Anyone he looked at would feel as if their marrow was being scrapped away.
Following this was a violent bear.
The eyes of this bear were scarlet, and were incomparably ferocious. Its body was full of power and grandeur like a lofty mountain.
On the shoulders of this violent bear stood a robust man with bulging muscles. The feelings he gave people were unexpectedly the same as this bear. The man and beast carried an indescribable sense of frenzied rage!
The imposing auras of these three people were extremely terrifying. Every person seemed to possess an unapproachable disposition of prideful and aloof airs. Besides one another, no other geniuses could enter their eyes.
The three ferocious beasts they rode upon were also exceptionally frightening. As they approached, these beasts let out howling sounds like they were in the middle of banishing these equally-powerful enemies, which had intruded into their own territories. They wanted to safeguard their own domains!
Formless sound waves collided with one another, causing the land to split open and grains of sand to fly upwards.
Three ferocious beasts and three honorable prodigies. At this moment, they seemed to come to a tacit understanding, and uniformly stopped when there was about a hundred meters between each party.
"Beast Taming Sect, Fan Meng!" The fierce tiger he rode snarled.
"Hundred Skies Sect, Qi Xuanao!" The gigantic elephant trumpeted abruptly.
"Bao Clan, Bao Hong!" The violent bear also wasn’t to be outdone.
Although these three men were presently at the Immortal Realm, it wasn’t because they were incapable of breaking through. Rather, they were constantly saving up capital. Their forces were all bronze-ranked organizations, but there weren’t necessarily no conflicts between each other. There had already been many clashes between both sides. Even for those who hadn’t exchanged blows, they would’ve heard of their counterparts’ reputations. Often times, they were like kindred spirits. While there were a few who were antagonistic, there were also people of talent who appreciated one another. It was just that when convening, this was their first time meeting one another. Therefore, they all announced their own names.
Currently, three people came with hardly any differences in their time of arrival. At this moment, they glanced at one another, and didn’t say anything else.
This trip wasn’t for the sake of the other two prodigies. Rather, it was for the one who suddenly appeared. The all-star prodigy whom they heard possessed aptitudes many times greater than their own!
With Fan Meng, Qi Xuanao, and Bao Hong’s aptitudes, it wasn’t impossible to enter silver-ranked organizations. However, Fan Meng was an orphan, and Beast Taming Sect had brought him back. Qi Xuanao was the child of the Qi Family, which was one of the hundred families of Hundred Skies Sect. He had been received as a disciple by the sect master since childhood. As for Bao Hong, he was originally a child of the Bao Clan’s direct line of descent. Thus, although his aptitudes were exceptional, he was also a member of this bronze-ranked organization.
Yet, Beast Taming Sect, Hundred Skies Sect, and the Bao Clan were all veteran bronze-ranked organizations. Within Ten Ultimates Sect’s domain, the capabilities of these three forces were all located at the very front. Even though they adhered to Ten Ultimates Sect, they were also greatly valued by Ten Ultimates Sect. It was to the point that, if they ever desired to do so, some silver-ranked organizations with shallow foundations would need to tread carefully around them.
The prodigies of these three forces were naturally extraordinary.
Fan Meng, Qi Xuanao, and Bao Hong were three prodigies with different temperaments, but they were all exceedingly arrogant. They were aware that they had excellent aptitudes. The prodigies of some iron and bronze-ranked forces also weren’t worth their attentions. While they heard the name of this all-star prodigy, they believed that this all-star prodigy wasn’t necessarily stronger than them. They wanted to properly show off here to suppress that newcomer’s prestige.
Of course, even if they wanted to suppress an all-star prodigy, their pride prevented them from joining hands to work together. Thus, after exchanging glances, they turned their gazes away and did things their own way.
The arrival of three prodigies affected the people of numerous forces who were previously waiting by the Black Sand River. Their gazes shined, and their moods surged. The scene of several honorable prodigies gathering was very rare. For young elites such as these prodigies, apart from when they initially became famous and could be occasionally seen and heard, it would often be up to fate to get a glimpse of their faces. It was basically impossible to catch a trace of the other party — And if one couldn’t see them, how was a person to worm their way into their good graces? Let alone scouting with the intent of relying on them for help.
However, on this day, numerous medium and small organizations broadened their horizons. Having seen such formidable prodigies and a prodigy’s graceful bearing, they were greatly shaken. Their eyes were dazzled, and their minds were stupefied!
"Look! Prodigy Fan is so elegant. How captivating!"
"Prodigy Bao is a real hunk. If I could be with him… Aiya!"
"What an unabashed girl. With your good looks, you can become a small concubine. Are you going to ask that Prodigy Bao or not?"
"From what I’ve seen, Prodigy Qi’s appearances are the most outstanding. I’ve also heard that his rosy-cheeked bedmates span the whole world, and his knowledge of the heart is unparalleled. I’m afraid it’ll be impossible for us to become his wives, but there’s a chance for us to be Prodigy Qi’s concubines! Prodigy Qi isn’t like other prodigies, the kind who are unromantic!"
"The prodigies? How can onlookers say such things? This lowly maidservant can only recommend herself as Prodigy Bao’s pillow mat and nothing more. To speak like this just now, you truly don’t know the meaning of shame!"
"W-what nonsense are you blathering—"
Besides the countless organizations that intended to gain first-hand knowledge of these prodigies, the spectators who came were numerous, admiring martial artists. Among them, most were beautiful women whose hearts were secretly moved. As orioles and swallows sang, so too did they tease and poke fun at one another. It was very lively.
Between these women, many had been raised and groomed by their families and clans. Originally, they would’ve been used to create marriage connections so there weren’t any bashful feelings in their words. On the contrary, each of them opened their beautiful eyes, and wanted to cling to these prodigies. To find themselves a husband like these graceful and elegant prodigies, they would serve as concubines or maidservants. However, there was also the awe-inspiring authority, and they would be able to gain benefits for their families and clans. Indeed, this was like killing two birds with one stone.
As for the adoring voices of these women, prodigies would normally be pleased hearing them, and wouldn’t feel offended. Thus, these women became increasingly bold in voicing their thoughts and feelings. They only hoped that, if their luck was good, they would be noticed. Wouldn’t that be the same as winning the grand prize in a lottery?
Off to the side, when some male martial artists saw this, their faces were colored with envy.
The stronger the martial artist, the more women there would be to throw themselves into his arms, and the prettier their looks. Once a crowd of women birthed descendants, it would be enough to create one’s own clan, and the family properties would flourish.
Such circumstances were a wonderful thing. If someone could obtain that, how delighted would they be? Even though they admired prodigies in their minds, it was hard to avoid having these kinds of thoughts.
However, right at this moment, the voice of another woman resounded: "What’s so good about becoming the small concubine of a prodigy? Women should be like Goddess Mu. She’s a prodigy, too. While her looks are exceptional enough for other prodigies pursue her, she doesn’t rely on deceptions and falsehoods! Such a woman should be the ideal example in the hearts of us female martial artists! Even if we’re inferior to the goddess, we’re strong, too. Stand on your own two feet, and don’t depend on your clans and forces to make appointments and arrangements for you!"
This voice was inharmonious. Numerous male martial artists looked over, and their eyes gleamed.
As it turned out, although this young lady’s voice wasn’t pleasant to hear, her features were quiet and exquisite, and her temperament was exceptionally good. To their surprise, she was extremely beautiful. The qi emissions that surrounded her body were also rather powerful. She didn’t seem weak or delicate.
And when some of the women of these clans saw her, they both envied her good looks and flew into a rage out of humiliation from the belittlement in her words. They were about to ridicule her, but at this moment, a cool and refreshing qi suddenly arrived through the sky. It would clear a person’s state of mind at once.
Everyone lifted their heads, and witnessed an enormous, light-cyan bird approaching with spread wings. Sitting on its back was a young lady. She wore a fluttering, white robe that billowed in the wind.
The young lady’s skin was snow-white, and her appearances were refined. Between her eyebrows was a dot of cinnabar, which made her even more beautiful. However, her expression was indifferent, as if nothing in the world could enter her eyes.
Even though there were three prodigies down below, she remained unfazed.
In a split second, numerous martial artists cried out in low voices:
"Ice Phoenix Goddess Mu Baizhi! She actually came, too?"
"The Ice Phoenix Goddess has arrived!"
"Sure enough, her good looks are exceptional. Ah, it makes people adore her!"
"I’ve heard that there are several prodigies who want to take her as a wife…"
"Then, who did she choose?"
"She has never assented to any prodigy. Reportedly, she’s looking for a man who’s compatible with her to share comprehensions and attainments hand in hand. Otherwise, she would rather walk along the path of martial arts alone."
"This time around, there’s an all-star prodigy coming. Could it be possible that she wants to inspect him?"
"Hehe, who can say for sure…"
If it was before the Ice Phoenix Goddess arrived, the numerous women would’ve glared at the previous beauty who spoke up. But when they truly looked at the Ice Phoenix Goddess’ features, each of them felt ashamed of their inferiorities. None of them dared to talk anymore.
There was no need for doubts. Regardless of temperament, appearances, or identity, the Ice Phoenix Goddess was ten thousand times better than them. They were nothing but mole crickets and ants. How could they compete with her?
No one took notice of that beautiful young lady who had been praising the Ice Phoenix Goddess the entire time. At this moment, when she genuinely looked at the Ice Phoenix Goddess, what flickered through her eyes was a trace of contempt.
[Tch, just a—]
Nevertheless, nothing was uttered.
When the Ice Phoenix Goddess arrived, the attentions of those three male prodigies also shifted towards her.
The behaviors of the three were all different. Bao Hong’s eyes contained a stunned look, but they quickly revealed a somewhat baleful glare. Qi Xuanao showed a smile, but his eyes were as tranquil as an undisturbed pond. Fan Meng was the exception. On his face, there was a wisp of admiration. Although he didn’t say anything, his originally berserk qi emissions were restrained.
The enormous, light-cyan bird slightly descended, and spiraled around another section next to the three prodigies. While it didn’t land on the ground, it didn’t hover higher than the other prodigies.
Bao Hong’s glare immediately scattered, Qi Xuanao’s brows perked up, and Fan Meng indicated with a nod.
Just when these prodigies were exchanging looks, a tremendous noise echoed out from a place even farther away. It drew everyone’s attention.
Someone suddenly opened their mouth: "That’s the all-star prodigy—"
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