INSTANT KILL 005:08-A EMERALD BLADE MANTIS

Characters:Translation Notes

Guo Shier – Guo Twelve. The Main Character of this story
Luo Jie – Guo Shier’s Master. He is an Artificer Grandmaster
Qi Nan Shan – A Marked Warrior Grandmaster who is a part of Luo Jie’s retinue
Ying Mo – A vagabond Warrior Grandmaster whom they met in the Great Grassland. He gave Shier a Space Glyph in exchange for some grilled BBQ.

Marked Warriors – Soldiers who have runes carved into their body to enhance their strength. Previously translated as FuWarriors.
Rune Smiths – Individuals who enchant creatures or objects with runes. Previously translated as Zhou Knights.
Casters – Mages who cast spells using runes. Previously translated as Zhou Knights.
Artificers – Talented individuals who have the proficiency to be rune smiths and casters. Previously translated as FuZhou Knights.

These are the alternative words that I use to describe runes:
Marks – Runes on living creatures
Glyphs – Portable runes / runes that enable spell casting (to differentiate a physical Rune Sword from a spell-conjured Sword Glyph)
Sigils – Runes on structures like altars.

I still use the word ‘runes’ on things described previously but I use it mainly on miscellaneous objects (ex Rune Sword).

See the glossary for more info.

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Hearing a sharp squeak, both Luo Jie’s and Ying Mo’s teams tensed up.

Luo Jie thought to himself, “There are a few types of Marked Insects, each one with strengths and weaknesses. We need to determine what the characteristics of the Marked Insect are in order to fight it effectively.”

He was not nervous at all.

“There are two Marked Warrior Grandmasters leading the formation against the Marked Insect, plus we have a remote attack from Guo Shier,” he said. “We can get rid of two Marked Insects. Our other teammates are not just decorations—they will fight if necessary. Even if three Marked Insects emerge, it wouldn’t be so terrible.”

He calmly added, “Shier, take charge.”

Ying Mo has never seen this before. He almost fell from his horse and thought, “Are you kidding? Let a child command? Are your brains not working?”

Not waiting for him to speak, Guo Shier started to dictate.

To prepare for battle, Qi NanShan was assigned to detect. YingMo was assigned to the right side of the forest.  The rest of the team was spread out to create a battle formation.

Guo Shier and Luo Jie stood on the side and front, respectively, only two meters from each other.

Other Marked Warrior Masters were 10 meters away in front of Luo Jie.

Ying Mo was in doubt. He thinks to himself, “This is a weird way to do it. It is strange that no one is questioning.”

But seeing that Qi NanShan and Luo Jie were not hesitating to execute the command, he abruptly suppressed his doubts.

Guo Shier was alerted to a specified location. A moment later, Qi NanShan returned.

Qi Nan Shan said, “I can’t find it!”

Guo Shier can’t help but get a little nervous. That powerful shrill cry made his soul slightly quiver.

This Marked Insect is certainly not simple. He secretly prayed for it NOT to be a Marked Insect Variant. That thing is too scary.

Even though there were three Grandmasters here, he was not very confident. The former encounter with the Earth Dragon left him with a deep impression. Variant Creatures are extremely tyrannical.

Guo Shier said, “Nan Shan Grandpa, position yourself in front of my master. Be careful!”

Qi NanShan nodded and ran to the forefront of the Marked Warrior Master formation.

For a time, everyone fell silent. Luo Jie spit out his Innate Rune Book.

Guo Shier also exhaled an Innate Rune Orb from his mouth.

“Stand ready to fight.”

Ten minutes passed.

Half an hour passed.

Everyone was still motionless.

Ying Mo was getting impatient. He’s the kind of man who likes slugging it out.

Half an hour was enough to make him aware of Guo Shier’s idea—that is, to sit back and wait. Gracefully waiting is better than being attacked halfway.

He positioned himself and Qi Nan Shan—two top Grandmasters—in front. Their strength combined can effectively contain the Marked Beast once it emerges.

But the wait was mind numbing.

HUA! HUA! (swishing sound)

Guo Shier shouted, “Ready!”

The woods were swaying not far from Ying Mo’s body.

The sound of a clatter mixed with the sound of heavy footsteps and trees breaking.

It was getting louder.

A shrill cry shocked the crowd.

They stared wide eyed towards the woods.

Guo Shier’s heart was still praying. Do not be a Rune Insect Variant! He prayed for nothing to come.

At this point, he finally understood that he really had the potential of the crow’s mouth. (Note: Chinese meaning of crow’s mouth – bad luck.)

A huge triangular head suddenly stuck out from the woods, followed by a huge sickle-like forelimb.

Guo Shier looked stupidly.

What the hell is this Marked Insect?

“A Rune Insect Variant!”

Every hair on Ying Mo’s body stood up. He couldn’t help admiring Guo Shier.

Fortunately, the formation was ready. Otherwise, the enemy was likely to destroy the team. It can quickly rush out to the few Grandmasters.

He couldn’t understand it, though. How could a Rune Insect Variant emerge? This thing is really troublesome. This Marked Insect is a Variant Ancient Creature. What weird ability does it have?

The most common and most unbearable is poison.

He hoped that this was not a poisonous Rune Insect Variant.

“Isn’t this a mantis? What a big mantis!”

It was Guo Shier’s first time to see such a huge insect—a full five meters long of slender, emerald green body.

He looked carefully at the entire Rune pattern. There was a pair of very beautiful compound eyes.

It turned its triangular head, seeming to look at everyone. Its two forelimbs were like blades, closing and opening, making a slight clicking sound.

This gave the crowd a creepy feeling.

Guo Shier mumbled, “Master, why is it a Marked Insect Variant? Not a simple Marked Insect?”

Luo Jie’s face turned bitter. He said, “Marked Insects are not big. Only Variants grow huge. This is a Mantis Blade—a Variant Emerald Blade Mantis.”

Guo Shier asked, “Is it hard to handle?”

“Yes. The good news is that it’s weaker than the Earth Dragon,” Luo Jie replied.

The Emerald Blade Mantis did not attack, but it kept turning its head back and forth.

A pair of compound eyes from its triangular head stared at the crowd.

Guo Shier realized something. He said softly, “Pass it down. Nobody Move!”

He also whispered, “Master, do you want to kill this Emerald Blade Mantis? If you’re not interested in it, we should all not move!”

Luo Jie wondered, “Do not move? Will it not attack?”

Actually, Guo Shier was gambling. He vaguely remembered in his past life the habits of a mantis, but he was not sure if a mantis stalks a living prey through movement. If you don’t move, the mantis will not find you. He was betting that the Emerald Blade Mantis also had such a habit.

Guo Shier whispered, “I guess …”

Luo Jie suddenly fell silent.

Just then, the steeds behind them suddenly ran away—either frightened or unnerved.

The Emerald Blade Mantis gave chase.

Guo Shier emphasized, “Do not move!”

The running steeds did not notice the Emerald Mantis Blade in front of them. When two green lines flashed, the horses were instantly cut into three parts.

Guo Shier gasped.

The green light flashed multiple times. Even the tall horses were split into three sections.

This power was daunting.

Luo Jie made up his mind.

He whispered, “Kill! Shier, you command!”

There was no reason to let go of a Rune Insect Variant. As long as it is Rune Marked creature—whether it is a beast or an insect—it’s precious treasure. Especially if it’s a Variant Insect. Its value is immeasurable.

Ying Mo and Qi Nan Shan waited for Guo Shier’s signal.

Guo Shier pointed toward the Emerald Blade Mantis and then slid his palm across his neck.

Qi Nan Shan and Ying Mo slowly nodded.

Guo Shier passed a message down and alerted everyone of the impending action.

He gave the thumbs up and motioned the two Grandmaster Warriors.

Ying Mo was 70 meters away from the Emerald Blade Mantis, while Qi Nan Shan was 200 meters away.

Ying Mo attacked first with his long handled Rune Blade. He sprang out violently.

Qi Nan Shan rushed behind him.

SQEEEEEEEEEEK！

Everyone wanted to cover their ears.

Was this the call of the Emerald Blade Mantis? Why was it so harsh?

Ying Mo targeted the triangular head of the Emerald Blade Mantis with his Rune Blade. Ying Mo slashed with his sword, but two emerald lines flash out to meet it. The forelimbs of the Emerald Blade Mantis intersected the sword.

Two brilliant emerald lights suddenly chopped and hit the Rune Sword. This caused a loud, brittle noise.

Following this action, the Emerald Blade Mantis moved forward—faster than lightning.

Qi Nan Shan yelled, “Come on!”

Boom! Boom!

The two forelimbs of the Emerald Blade Mantis were too fast. Two emerald lights hacked out and hit Qi Nan Shan’s Rune Sword.

Their eyes simply couldn’t follow the speed of the attack. They can only see two emerald lights flashing.

Ying Mo is a Marked Warrior Grandmaster with enormous strength. He abruptly blocked the two slashes aimed at him.

Two Warrior Grandmasters exchanged attacks with the Emerald Blade Mantis multiple times.

Ying Mo shouted, “Old Qi! Attack its stomach!”

When Luo Jie saw this, he was relieved.

Although the Emerald Blade Mantis was powerful, it did not have any special skills. As long as Ying Mo and Qi Nan Shan could hold it, then they could win.

Guo Shier said, “Master, we should move. They cannot last long. This guy is too fast!”

He suddenly thought of a problem—and it was too late to tell his master.

As he pointed his finger in his Innate Rune Orb, a golden line lifted towards the sky.

Guo Shier said, “Master, be careful, the Emerald Blade Mantis is going to fly!”

Luo Jie’s face visibly changed.

From his Innate Rune Book, a group of little flames started to rise.

He yelled, “Everyone, clear out!”

Guo Shier can’t help but grin. His master actually wanted to use fire to burn the wings of the Emerald Blade Mantis. On the contrary, he felt that an Ice Attribute Attack was sufficient enough. Insects are afraid of the cold the most.

The flame was very powerful. If they were ever going to succeed, their target must not move.

However, before the flames fell down, the Emerald Blade Mantis moved to the side faster than lightning.

Guo Shier did not immediately attack. He controlled his Sword Glyph hovering in the sky. It maintained its gold line appearance; to save power, it did not turn into a light blade. Unless you look closely, you will not notice it.

“Master, quickly use an Ice Attribute Attack to freeze it.”

Luo Jie cursed himself for being old and confused. He even needed the reminder of his apprentice.

Fingers moving, he let out a series of ice lances.

The attack was not aimed directly at the Emerald Blade Mantis but above it.

The ice exploded and turned into ice mist, sprinkling down the Emerald Blade Mantis.

Luo Jie exhibited his strength. Hundreds of ice lances flew out and quickly turned into fog above the Emerald Blade Mantis.

The temperature dropped sharply and immediately slowed down the Emerald Blade Mantis.

Qi Nan Shan and Ying Mo were both slightly relieved. The Emerald Blade Mantis applied great pressure on the two them.

SQEEEEEEK！SQEEEEEEK…Like a sharp blade across glass.

Ying Mo and Qi Nan Shan couldn’t help but get terrified of the horrible sound. Hearing it affected the courage of the group.

Qi Nan Shan held his breath, and then roars, “Yeah!”

This stabilized everyone’s minds.

Luo Jie shouted, “Do not let it run out of the ice fog!”

Guo Shier said, “Uncle Luo Zhan, try the guy’s defense with the Rune Bow!”

As long the speed of variant Emerald Blade Mantis can be limited, Guo Shier can slowly find its weakness.

As long its weakness is found, the Variant Emerald Blade Mantis can die.

Luo Zhan took out the Rune Bow and Arrow.

He asked, “Where do I shoot?”

Guo Shier replied, “Belly!”

Sou!

Luo Zhan followed and shot an arrow.

Guo Shier also shouts, “Chest!”

Following Guo Shier’s voice, Luo Zhan shot one arrow after another.

Guo Shier felt helpless. Luo Zhan shot very accurately, but no arrow can shoot through the Emerald Blade Mantis’ shell.

The Variant Emerald Blade Mantis simply ignored the Rune Arrows.

“Uncle Luo, stop,” he said.

“Really fucking hard! If this layer of shell cannot be broken, we can’t win!” Luo Zhan replied.

Guo Shier shouted back, “Uncle Luo, prepare the Javelins!”

He then organized two groups of five people and said, “Listen to my orders. Take your turns shooting the Javelins!”

The Javelins were unlike the last one they saw in the Secret Realm. This time, they contained local Runes. They cannot explode, but they had a strong ability to penetrate. They were good weapons to fight with.

Since the last time they saw a powerful javelin in the Secret Realm, Guo Shier and Luo Jie customized their own. They distributed the Rune Javelin to the Marked Warrior Masters.

Luo Zhan convened their manpower.

Guo Shier shouted, “Fight!”

 

Five pure steel javelins came flying out, flashing and whistling across the air.

This continued for four more times until a total of 20 javelins were thrown.

The Marked Warrior Masters are very experienced, they did not shoot just one spot but provided covering fire.

Guo Shier shouted: ” Uncle Ying Mo attack the Emerald Blade Mantis’ joints! Grandpa Nan Shan, attract Emerald Blade Mantis’ attention!”

Qi Nan Shan and the Emerald Blade Mantis attacked each other. Qi Nan Shan was knocked away while the Emerald Blade Mantis is forced a step back.

The Insect uttered a frightening hiss.

Qi Nan Shan cursed: “This thing’s shell is too damn hard!”

Kicking from the ground, Qi Nan Shan sprang again. This time he changed to a pure steel Rune Spear.

Dang! Dang!

Two Rune Javelins opened two holes on the Emerald Blade Mantis.

Qi NanShan roared loudly and threw the Rune Javelin. The Javelin flew like lightning and went straight to the Emerald Blade Mantis’ slender neck.

Everybody was throwing the javelin over and over.

Only six or seven javelins pierced the Emerald Blade Mantis, the rest fell to the ground.

SQUEEEK! SQUEEEK…

The steel Javelin was not only heavy but was reinforced with the power of a Runes. This finally pierced the hard shell of the Emerald Blade Mantis. The Javelin stuck about a foot deep into the Insect, not too deep but green blood is splashing everywhere.

The Emerald Blade Mantis suddenly got crazy.

Cha! Clank!

Qi Nan Shan dodged and avoided an attack, but the Rune Javelin he was holding was severed by the Emerald Blade Mantis.

“Watch out!” he exclaimed. It’s furious! ”

Luo Jie did not dare to continue to test. He activated Ring of Heavenly Thorns.

A bluish band of stinging light whistled towards the Emerald Blade Mantis.

The Emerald Blade Mantis was alerted to the sound and issued shrill sound.

Two forelimbs are moving crazily. Countless emerald shadows flashed, forming an emerald light curtain against the fierce attacks of the Ring of Heavenly Thorns.

The Emerald Blade Mantis incredibly used its forelimbs like a sword, quickly chopping the Ring of Heavenly Thorns. Crackling burst of chaos that climaxed into a crashing big earthquake.

The Emerald Blade Mantis was not left unscathed. If you looked closely the Emerald Blade Mantis’ forelimbs are covered with fine cracks.

Ying Mo attacked while the Emerald Blade Mantis was preoccupied. Listening to Guo Shier’s command, he slashed the Emerald Blade Mantis’ hind leg. The Rune Blade cut off the leg.

Although he cut off a joint, unfortunately the Emerald Blade Mantis has six legs. It did not affect its movement.

The Emerald Blade Mantis’ wings suddenly sprouted out, starting a high speed vibration.

Just then, Guo Shier acted.

He shouted: “Be careful!”

A golden Light Blade suddenly appeared when he swept his fingers. He was waiting for this moment.

The Light Blade swept over the Emerald Blade Mantis’ wings and cut it off. The huge impact tumbled over the Emerald Blade Mantis.

Guo Shier was surprised by the power of his Sword Glyph which managed to cut off the Emerald Blade Mantis’ wings. The translucent emerald wings now has a big hole.

Luo Jie shouted loudly: “Good!”

He was amazed of the timing.

Guo Shier slightly lifted his fingers up, then made if fall down. The Light Blade from the sky shot straight down.

The Emerald Blade Mantis screamed and quickly dodged the attack.

The Light Blade fell beside it with a thud, drawing a trench.

The Emerald Blade Mantis seems to be aware of the danger of Guo Shier. It moved like lightning towards Guo Shier.

Luo Jie yelled: “Block it!”

Ying Mo brandished his blade on the Emerald Blade Mantis’s hind leg, but missed.

Qi Nan Shan shouted. With a huge Rune Shield in hand, he crashed into the Emerald Blade Mantis.

Luo Jie attacked with two consecutive Rings of Heavenly Thorns. There was cold sweat on the elder’s face.

This Emerald Blade Mantis is too tough.

Guo Shier calmly commanded the Light Blade again to attack the Emerald Blade Mantis. However, the Emerald Blade Mantis has been prepared. It was able to dodge the chopping Light Blade.

The Emerald Blade Mantis Body although large is not cumbersome, it dodged the attacks nimbly.

That speed is really a headache.

The two Ring of Heavenly Thorns attacks also failed and only managed to hit the ground.

The surrounding is a mess.

“Master, use an Ice type Glyph… Freeze it fast!”

The Elder anxiously tore off a page from his Innate Rune Book and threw it off. The Rune Page flew and smashed on the Emerald Blade Mantis’ body.

Boom!

Suddenly, an arctic atmosphere spread out freezing the body of the Emerald Blade Mantis. The lightning fast Emerald Blade Mantis slowed down and become unresponsive.

Guo Shier yelled: “Everybody attack!”

The Light Blade went up and came smashing straight down on the triangular head of the Emerald Blade Mantis.

Everybody swarmed and violently attacked with their weapons.

This is an opportunity. Losing this chance will make the fight harder later.

Luo Jie tore off another Page of his Innate Rune Book making his whole body sluggish.

A Rune Blade fell, piercing the Emerald Blade Mantis’ stomach. This was followed by Qi Nan Shan’s blade slash. Smashing and jarring the Emerald Blade Mantis’ triangular head.
Ying Mo neatly cut off the third leg of the Emerald Blade Mantis.

Guo Shier smiled and said: Good! That’s it! ”

Guo Shier heaved a sigh of relief and retracted his Sword Glyph.

Suddenly he saw Luo Jie’s pale and trembling body. He rushed to his master’s side.

Repeatedly asked: “Master, master … you, what happened to you?”

Luo Jie comforting: “It’s nothing, just torn a page in my Innate Rune Book. I’ll recover in two days.”

Guo Shier hurriedly took out an animal skin mat, assisted Luo Jie to sit down.

He said: “Master, you sit down. Xiao Hong, give me some water.”

(Xiao means little)

Guo Shier took out a Rune Pill and put it in Luo Jie’s mouth.

Said: “Master, take a break.”

Luo Jie sighed: “Ugh! We still lack a big powerful Attack Glyph. That was close.”

Guo Shier was secretly scared. If master met an accident, the gain would not be worth the loss.

He comforted: “Master, your Rune is already very powerful.”

Luo Jie shook his head.

Said: “It may be enough for us, but inside the secret realm … it is obviously inadequate.

I know now, I’m…… I’m afraid our strength and creatures of this Realm … the difference is very far.”

Looking at Guo Shier’s worried little face, Luo jie gave a bitter smile.

Said: “Don’t worry Shier, you are different from me. There’s still a chance. I hope you can study somewhere else, to see …”

Guo Shier started to get watery eyed.

He nodded: “Yes Master, I’ll do it!”

Luo Jie gratified, nodded.

Smiled and said: “Shier, the Sword Glyph that you have is not worse than Master’s.”

Guo Shier shook his head.

Said: “Master, I’m dependent on the Glyph strength and can’t be compared with master.”

In his mind, Guo Shi’er understands this clearly.

Ying Mo excitedly ran back.

Smiled and said: “I’m really fucking happy! I have never battled with such a powerful Marked Insect Variant before. The support of an Artificer Grandmaster is really something else. Hey Old Man, what happened?”

Guo Shier said: “Master was injured.”

“What?” exclaimed the Ying Mo.

Luo Jie smiled: “It’s nothing, don’t make a fuss about it. I’m fine, I just need a break.”

He said to Guo Shier: “Go and see the spoils. Ha! Ha! Variant Marked Insects are rare. The whole body is a treasure. If people from the South Rune Sect saw this, they’re going to be crazy.”

Guo Shier shook his head.

Said: “I’ll go with master later.”

Luo Jie know Guo Shier is just worried about him.

Luo Jie said: “Shier, help me up. I assure you master is not so weak. I just tore a page in my Innate Rune. It’s no big deal.”

Ying Mo enviously looked at the two

Said: “I’ll help. Old Man, you’ve got a good apprentice.”

Luo Jie face suddenly smiled.

Guo Shier and Ying Mo, helped Luo Jie stand up.

Luo Jie said: “Ying Mo stop your envious words. Hahaha!”

Qi Nan Shan ran over to check what was wrong.

He saw Luo Jie being supported by Guo Shier and Ying Mo

He hurriedly asked : ” Elder, what happened to you?”

Luo Jie smiled: “It’s nothing. Just a bit tired and getting older. I’m no longer as young as you. Hahaha!”

Qi Nan Shan and Ying Mo are suddenly speechless. Who’s still young? They’re all hundred year old fossils. But it’s true that Luo Jie is qualified to say so since he is more than 200 years old.

Guo Shier said: “Uncle Ying Mo, I can no longer walk today. Let’s stay here for three days.”

Luo Jie said: “Stop it, let’s go quickly. The Variant Marked Insect’s blood is more precious than Variant the Marked Beast. Let’s hurry up and collect it. Don’t waste it.”

The Emerald Blade Mantis is quietly lying on the ground. The natural scythe-shaped, two meter long forelimbs were covered with fine cracks. You can see countless Rune pattern in light emerald shades even if it’s dead. This Emerald Blade Mantis still reveals exquisite body lines.

Guo Shier murmured: “It’s really beautiful …”

Luo Jie said: “Yes. Ah, the more beautiful the more dangerous. If we were not prepared, we probably would have died from this beautiful Emerald Blade Mantis scythe. Luckily, we saw it first. Hahaha!”

Ying Mo has been completely impressed by Guo Shier. Although young, he performed calmly and intelligently. No wonder Luo Jie let him command the battle.

Guo Shier said: “Master, I’m afraid I’ll waste the blood of this Variant Marked Insect. I only know how to do a four Rune Purification Method.”

He didn’t want master to be tired, but this Emerald Blade Mantis is really too rare.

Luo Jie laughed: “No problem. I’ll purify the blood. The rest is yours to deal with.”

Guo Shier worriedly said: “Master, if you can’t do it, don’t force it. Your health is more important. We’ll have another chance later.”

Luo Jie smiled, his disciple’s care made him feel warm in his heart.

Said: “Don’t be a sentimental. Get ready. I’ll purify it.”

The 16-Rune Purification Method is currently the best way to purify.

Luo Jie Heart was very excited. The variant Marked Insect’s blood is extremely valuable material, not worse than the blood of variant Earth Dragon. He signaled Guo Shier to prepare a Rune Bottle and started the purification.

An hour later, they got a few big bottles of purified blood, close to a hundred pounds. No matter what Marked Insect they are, their blood volume will not be too much.

Luo Jie said: “Well, I’ll let you do the rest. I’ll be here on the sidelines guiding you.”

Guo Shier with a few Marked Warrior Masters, began dismembering the Emerald Blade Mantis.

“Master, what is this thing?”

Guo Shier takes an emerald bead the size of a fist from the head of Emerald Blade Mantis.