Chapter 450-475
Yet when those two Wild-tail beasts had lost sight of their target, Sheyan leapt down from the cover of his tree, and pretended to flee frenetically!
The remaining 2 Wild-tail beast immediately abandoned their injured comrade, and pursued manically without hesitation! They scurried forward like a snake roving through water, and wriggled nimbly without a sound of warning . The two massively dreadful beast scuttled through the forest, without causing a hint of commotion .
Yet after chasing for 50 metres, they halted their footsteps .
They could hear rustling sounds transmitting from all four corners of the forest . The sounds were concentrated and subtle; like light drizzles or silkworms crunching on leaves . The boundless sounds gradually fused into one from a distance, and was rushing towards them from all four sides . Very quickly, twinkles of red glows infiltrated the darkness of the forest, neat and tidily juxtaposed beside each other . One quick glimpse would reveal a menacing tranquility, that of a readied army fleet .
Sprinting ahead at this moment, Sheyan paused his footsteps and turned to gaze coldly at the two formidable wild beast . Only now, those 2 Wild-tail beast could no longer pursue him .
Because, they were currently encircled by an appalling legion of zerglings . The encirclement was so concentrated, that not even the bellowing wind could penetrate through .
In the perspective of the two formidable wild beast, a zergling was akin to the lowest tier of existence in their food chain . Yet when such fearless and vicious creatures formed into an undying horde, it was virtually a hellish nightmare to any creature!
Sheyan lifted his chin as the horde of ferocious zerglings swarmed forward unanimously!
5 minutes later . A Wild-tail beast was reduced to a pile of bones, while dozens of zerglings were still scrambling over the other Wild-tail beast; with sorrowful howls squeezing out from beneath . Right now, the injured old Mourbo had also hastily arrived . Upon sighting the last Wild-tail beast struggling at death’s door underneath the crazed rummaging of the zerglings, he gazed paused and turned serious . Suddenly, his face exposed a frightful expression, then into amazement, sorrow and finally bewilderment . He then exclaimed in the na’vi tongue .
“Yimutata?
The severely wounded beast jolted with shock upon hearing old Mourbo’s exclamation, allowing the zerglings to unobstructedly tear its body asunder . Sheyan’s gaze flickered as he instantly commanded the zerglings to halt their scavenging . Besides, that beast was already a meat on the chopping board, there was absolutely no way it could escape his clutches .
All along, Sheyan felt as though there was something fishy about this sudden ambush by weird beasts . Under normal circumstances, wild creatures would maintain a respectful distance when catching the scent of innumerable arachnids present; the underlying message of ludicrous ruthlessness was not something they wanted to trifle with . Instead, why had those 3 weird beasts dared to launch a sneak attack on himself? That itself indicated a rich conspiracy! If Sheyan could unveil the truth; at least, he wouldn’t follow the track of an overturned card in the future .
After identifying what seemed like an acquaintance, old Mourbo became emotionally stirred . Nevertheless, the thick and black heart of that old thing prompted him to proceed cautiously, unwilling to joke around with his life . One Na’vi and one beast interacted ambiguously for a good long while, but the gap between him and that Wild-tail beast grew increasingly wider . With every exchange of words, he inched several centimetres back; appearing as though he was fearing a sudden counterattack by the enemy…… . . fortunately, the life force of that Wild-tail beast was outstandingly obstinate . Though its blood dyed the ground around it, it exhibited no indications of breathing its last .
Finally, after an exorbitantly long interaction, when Sheyan’s patience had nearly run out, old Mourbo finally straightened himself as he breathed in deeply . Then, as though he was about to virtuously face death with equanimity, he issued with a solemn tone .
“You over there, go link up!”
Concurrently while he uttered ‘you over there, go link up’, his finger pointed towards a startled clansmen nearby……
Without an exception, everyone nearby remained silent . Unknown when, even Jinkuang had had randomly bounced out as he shook his head and yelled out, “shameless!”
Startled for a second by old Mourbo’s sudden command, that na’vi immediately nodded . Truthfully speaking, amongst the na’vi race, there wasn’t the usual practice of subordinates imitating their superior’s vices . Yet, after being ordered, that Takji clansman very courageously and willingly acknowledged . Firstly, he hugged the companion beside him, as they mutually kissed each other’s cheeks . Then, he pulled out his bone-blade from its scabbard across his chest, as he treaded forward with great precaution . As for that Wild-tail beast, it remained totally motionless, and maintained its appearance of dying .
That Takji clansman turned his head back, and casted a doubted gaze at old Mourbo . Mourbo immediately stretched his hand forth, and gestured to the back of his head . Originally, Sheyan had no clue what their gestures meant, but he quickly recalled something he had forgotten – most creatures of Pandora would possess a ‘USB slot’, also known as their neural link . By mutually connecting each other’s ‘slot’, both parties could directly establish a spiritual connection…… .
(Author’s note: No choice, I could only think of ‘USB slot’ as the closest depiction……for those that do not understand, watching the movie would reveal what you need to know, hoho)
Sheyan watched on as the Takji clansman linked his ‘braids’ with the feelers on the Wild-tail beast’s head . Initially, there wasn’t any reaction from him, but closely following that, his face gradually revealed an utterly frightened bearing; waving his hands frantically, as though he was trying to chase away a horrifying projection that he couldn’t resist . Soon, his complexion turned lifeless and he finally shut his eyes .
When that Takji clansman had reopened his eyes, one could vividly notice his pupils had seemingly vanished . In its place, was a deep, bottomless pit of darkness . Even his voice had metamorphosed into a deep downcasted tone .
“It has been so many years, yet, you’re still the same coward that fears death, Mourbo . ”
Old Mourbo snorted in response .
“Yimutata, if you’re just here to spout nonsense, then you can just leave the body of my clansman . ”
Instead, Yimutata shifted his attention to Sheyan, scanning him briefly before speaking unhurriedly .
“I really couldn’t have expected; such a puny bunch of outsiders like you, can actually force our Mosake clan to such desperate extents!”
Sheyan replied indifferently .
“The greatest form of power has its origins in wisdom, not strength, sharp blades nor ivory fangs . ”
Yimutata hung down his gaze, pausing slightly before continuing .
“What is it you desire, to cease this destruction and massacre?”
Sheyan composedly answered .
“Enough blood had been shed . Most of your clansmen that I’ve captured aren’t dead, but have been annexed into the Takji clan . I will only leave once Cherokee dies . ”
Yimutata laughed despondently before replying .
“That is impossible . Regardless of prestige or might, Cherokee isn’t someone we can defy!”
Sheyan questioned mysteriously .
“Who needs you to defy him? Cherokee’s life is mine! Your legs belong to yourself, don’t tell me fleeing also requires you to contend against him?”
Yimutata muttered .
“What you’re implying is…… . you wouldn’t prevent us from leaving?”
Sheyan nodded in response .
“That’s correct! My comrade was devoured alive by the Mosake clan, but everything stems from the sins of your Chieftain, Cherokee . Now that enough blood had been shed by the Mosake clan, I do not wish for anymore innocent lives to perish . As long as it isn’t Cherokee escaping, then I wouldn’t bother . After I execute him, there wouldn’t be a problem if you wish to return to the Windstone Highland . ”
Nevertheless, Yimutata still nursed several doubts and questioned .
“How can I trust your words?”
Sheyan chuckled, as his following speech contained a current of loftiness .
“First, I have no need to deceive you . Even with your clan around, I can still finish off Cherokee . Secondly, if you really don’t believe me, you can ask old Mourbo here, when have I lied before? The Takji clan attaining the protection of a Toruk Makto totem, and old Mourbo’s son restoring both legs; haven’t I masterminded both significant events?”
“What?!!! You actually managed to accomplish such deeds?” Upon hearing Sheyan’s lofty statement, even the apathetic looking Yimutata displayed a sudden emotional fluctuation . He couldn’t help but glance towards old Mourbo . “Are his words true? Do you dare to swear upon the soul of your deceased wife?”
Old Mourbo peeked at Sheyan, his eyes filled with a certain complication .
“I swear before our Na’vi goddess Eywa, these matters are indeed true . If not, my wife’s soul will find no rest under the abyss of this world . ”
Yimutata nodded and returned his attention to Sheyan .
“I truly wish you are an outsider who honours his words . ”
Sheyan suddenly inquired .
“By possessing the body of that wild beast and na’vi, what do you have to pay in return?”
Yimutata very bluntly replied .
“Life . Everytime I possess a new body, I sacrifice 5 years of my life!”
Following that, he sat down and inclined his head against a tree, before humming a soft melody; a melody carrying a trace of grieve and gentleness . As his humming gradually faded, he shut his eyes; retaining a peaceful and auspicious appearance . After a brief while, that na’vi suddenly sprung out and screamed loudly .
“The Tree of Souls in the water! The Tree of Souls in the water!”
While that young lad screamed, his entire body trembled acutely, with white foam exuding from the corner of his lips; only recovering his mental state after a long while . Undoubtedly, the soul of that courageous young lad had returned to its shell . Sheyan then examined that Wild-tail beast, which was inevitably and thoroughly dead by now .
Going back to that Wild-tail beast that Mcdh had sniped, it should’ve merely sustained a heavy injury but not sufficient to die . Instead, it laid rigid where it was, and looked rather bewildered . Nonetheless, the meat of such wild beasts were favoured by the arachnid race . The pack of zerglings couldn’t bear to devour it, but searched for an overlord that helped to transport it to their big brother Blackthorn .
Meanwhile, old Mourbo had proceeded to support that young Takji lad, and offered him a mouth of intense alcohol . After allowing him to chew on grass medicines, he finally managed to pacify his condition . Yet after inquiring about what he had seen, that young lad only stared blankly, and repeatedly emphasised the phrase – ‘the Tree of Souls in the water’ .
After interrogating him for a few times, Sheyan then injected this miserable warrior with a tranquilizer; allowing him to rest . Following that, he called old Mourbo over .
“The recent situation was extremely strange . Are you able to tell me, why the soul of your old friend can control such a frightening wild beast to assault us? And how he could temporarily possess your clansman’s body? Because this goes to show, the possibility of you and your clansmen being possessed to assassinate us cannot be excluded!”
Old Mourbo adopted a gloomy countenance, as he carefully pondered for a long time before answering .
“Your honor, I can only speak purely from my speculation . ”
Listening to old Mourbo’s words, Sheyan nodded gently . No doubt, after hammering a warning into this old brat, he evidently became more reliable in his taskings .
“Please tell . ”
Old Mourbo earnestly suggested .
“In the past, I had witnessed a Grand Mother Tashik casting a divine art . Speaking of this, your honor, you may recognize her as well; that Tsahik is the mother of the dragon’s daughter, Mo`at . She was deeply doted on by Mother Nature Eywa . ”
“During that time, the bravest warrior of her clan had suffered a fatal injury, and her clan was on the verge of desperate straits . That Tsahik then casted that divine art, and transferred the soul of that invincible warrior into the body of a spiritual beast (Mountain Banshee); transmigrating him into a wild beast to continue commanding the clan into battle!”
“Experiencing such a miracle, the morale of the clan warriors was greatly boosted and they successfully repelled the enemy . Afterwards, she transferred his soul back into his original body . Proceeding that, that warrior managed to progress and eventually became a venerable Toruk Makto; which was reckoned to be deeply related to his experience inside that spiritual beast . ”
Sheyan listened attentively while he deliberated . Old Mourbo then continued .
“Furthermore, during the fourth month of pregnancy, our na’vi females would have to pay a visit to the Tree of Souls, and beseech Nature Goddess to bestow a soul unto their child . Moreover, before Cherokee’s fall from grace, he was also a dominant Eywa Tsahik . Therefore, I can scarcely confirm there’s a possibility of him accessing that powerful ‘Soul Transmigration Divine Art’…… . . ”
After hearing Mourbo’s account, Sheyan suddenly recalled several analogous scenes of the original movie storyline; moreover, it was two scenes . The first time happened when Jake Sully had attained his identity as a Toruk Makto; where he pleaded with the Omaticaya clan to treat the gravely wounded Doctor Grace, transmigrating her soul into an avatar body . The second scene was the ending, where the main lead forsook his humanity to become a na’vi……
No wonder . It was indeed far-fetched to imagine that Eywa was so omniscient and omnipotent, and could foresee the main lead needing to become one with his avatar body; thereby imparting such a divine art to Tsahik Moat a long long time ago, allowing her to specially employ it to transmigrate a human soul into an avatar body . Moreover, the Omaticaya clan members appeared to be rather familiar with such a process, being able to unanimously and skillfully conform with Tsahik Moat in casting her divine art; even her incantations offered not a shred of error .
Thus, the only reasonable explanation for that, was that the ‘Soul Transmigration Divine Art’ was all along in existence! This fully justified the validity of old Mourbo’s words . However, this would pose another problem… . . Since the Mosake clan had degenerated into a corrupted clan, losing the favour of the Nature Goddess, how was Cherokee still able to accomplish such a feat?
The current Mourbo was also deeply worried at heart .
“With Cherokee casting such an ability, it seems like he should be able to allow souls to possess beast from afar; controlling their actions, while still allowing the souls to return safely after the wild beast’s demise . That itself is already very identical to Mother Nature Eywa’s divine art, and isn’t inferior in any aspects! But the specifics of how he can accomplish this, is something I cannot fathom . ”
Sheyan crooked his finger as he tapped against the tree beside him . For some unknown reason, he suddenly reminisced over the deranged act of muttering to himself by that Takji young lad . After establishing ties throughout several vital points, it further confirmed the truth of Sheyan’s earlier conjecture .
“The Tree of Souls in the water…… . if that’s really the case, then there’s still a chance . ”
After figuring out this problem, Sheyan released a long exhalation as most of his inner apprehension had been eliminated . Why had he taken a stroll in the middle of the night without sleeping, that was obviously due to his anxiousness over the lack of information about the internal state of the Mosake clan . Instead, after an engagement with Yimutata, he finally understood that the Mosake clan was similarly unstable internally .
Perhaps initially, the Mosake clan would’ve banded together due to their rival’s cruelty . This information could be inferred through Sheyan’s previous encounters with them .
Yet, state of affairs were everchanging . There is a phrase – loose change is easily shared, while riches difficult . With the Mosake clan enhancing in influence throughout the years, they inexplicably became the overlords of this region . After living such comfortable lives, it would naturally sap away the fighting spirit and valor of most individuals . Especially, when one experienced an overwhelmingly crushing defeat after living in that state .
Therefore, even if Cherokee didn’t change, it didn’t mean others wouldn’t change! Hence, it wasn’t hard to deduce that with such tremendous pressure placed on them by Sheyan, there should be distinct cracks surfacing within the Mosake clan .
Of course, there was a possibility of swindling by Yimutata, that his words were false . Sheyan had long considered this factor! No doubt, such a ‘Soul Transmigration Divine Art’ would impose harsh casting criterias . If not, why would there be only 3 possessed wild beast in this sneak assault? Furthermore, the spell subject would have to incur a tremendous price . When Yimutata had mentioned ‘sacrificing 5 years of his life with every body possession’, that would surely not be false . That was a fact that old Mourbo similarly agreed on .
Therefore, this sole fact that Cherokee was driven to such desperate actions of assassinations, sufficed for Sheyan to determine one fact – That malicious wily old fox had definitely sensed discord and restlessness amongst his ranks, therefore, his heart became flustered .
On the contrary, if it was truly like what old Mourbo had described earlier – ‘becoming more unified over the flesh and blood of their comrades’, then Cherokee could’ve simply coup themselves up in their nest; wasting themselves to death rather than stepping out! Why would he exhaust such an immense price (5 years of life) to run out in bid of an assasination? There wasn’t even a huge chance of success; could it be their brains had spoilt, and resented themselves for living too long?
During the following two days, serenity ensued just like the past few days . By this time, both Mogensha and Reef started feeling slightly nervous, slowly believing that Yimutata had truly resorted to deceit to prolong their survival; dragging out precious time for their clan . Yet, during the afternoon of the 6th day of their besieging, when the scorching sun was at its peak, their painstakingly anticipated event finally occurred – Discovered by the nearest overlord lingering nearby the Mosake clan, a large pack of Mosake na’vi clansmen had charged out . Furthermore, they were currently being pursued by mutual clansmen, and an intensified battle had broke out between both sides!
Sheyan immediately boarded an overlord to to inspect the situation for himself . Of course by now, Mourbo had adorned his war armour, having been hammered previously, he no longer slackened off . The Mosake clan’s disadvantage resided in its utter absence of aerial influence, which allowed Sheyan to swiftly survey the specifics of the current battling . It appeared as if the Mosake clan had indeed been plagued by internal strife .
Sheyan pondered for a moment, before dispatching 400 zerglings to to be airboned into the battlefield; providing cover for Yimutata’s group to escape .
In this manner, even if the enemy was covertly injuring themselves to fuel his confidence, Sheyan wouldn’t need to fear . Based on the reproductive capabilities of the Blackthorn tribe, replenishing 400 zerglings would only require 20 minutes; and another half an hour to transport them here with the overlords . Moreover, Sheyan’s possession of a thousand over zerglings was sufficient to deal with the Mosake clan until reinforcements arrive . Once the Mosake clan was beaten to retreat, without a lack of aerial presence, it was impossible for the Mosake clan to break away from the overlord’s shadow like tailing!
In actual fact, there wasn’t much to this ploy . With the mobilization of 400 zerglings, they could at least hinder the pursuing na’vis behind; earning possibly 10 minutes of buffer for the na’vi clansmen ahead to escape! After the pursuing na’vi realized things weren’t in accordance to their favour, they withdrew back into their buildings .
Under Sheyan’s instigation, old Mourbo took charge personally . Along with the trump of the thousand over zerglings, they carefully inspected the Mosake clansmen that had escaped . After affirming that Cherokee wasn’t part of them, they straightforwardly released them to leave .
Of course, overlords were still dispatched to monitor those freed na’vi clansmen, guaranteeing that they wouldn’t seize this opportunity for a sudden thrust against Sheyan and the rest; capturing the king before capturing the thieves* . Either that or harbouring ideas of orchestrating an exterior and interior pincer assault . Sheyan’s shrewd thinking would absolutely disallow them from such reckless deception!
(TN: *idiom, meaning capturing the mastermind (vital point) to cause the defeat of the opponent)
Nevertheless, those Mosake clansmen appeared exceedingly exhausted mentally and physically . Besides, having been besieged for those few days, the threat of being cannibalized for food had placed immense pressure onto them . Hence, though Sheyan had granted their freedom, the majority of them would rather pledge allegiance to the Takji clan; forsaking their identities as corrupted clansmen, reuniting into the embrace of Mother Nature Eywa . Thus, such a conduct eliminated any other unusual possibilities .
When night descended, another large flock of Mosake clansmen fled out again; this time led by Yimutata . Therefore upon careful considerations, after experiencing two batches of turncoats, the amount of Mosake clan turncoats had exceeded the amounts of loyal retainers . However, from henceforth, Sheyan could no longer probe further into the internal affairs of the Mosake clan/ Yimutata then exerted that since they had renounced their own faith, if they proceeded to further divulge intelligence, that would essentially be forsaking their own souls . If Sheyan remained bent on compelling information out of them, they would rather die .
In view that he presently possessed sufficient cannon fodder, and the current state was completely within his grasp; similarly pricked by his own conscience, Sheyan was reluctant to go overboard and compel information from them . Besides, he still required the Takji clan to serve his personal purpose .
Time swiftly flew by, and yet another 2 days had elapsed . In total, the Windstone Highland had been besieged for 8 days .
In view of the precedent that Mosake clansmen could possess powerful wild beasts from afar . amd undertake stealthy assassination attempts, Sheyan and the rest upheld exceptionally strict precautions . Anytime and anywhere, there would be several hundreds of zergling patrolling around them .
Furthermore, old Mourbo was a Tsahik of Mother Nature Eywa, and could easily deduce the abnormalities of a possessed wild beast . As such, Sheyan left him by his side all the time as well .
Within the past 48 hours, yet another 17 Mosake clansmen had managed to escape . They were undoubtedly extremely fortunate . Due to the lower headcount of clansmen left, and with Chieftain Cherokee raising his vigilance, any clansmen that attempted to flee had mostly been executed . Their corpses would then be stored as food, and amongst which, included one of the legendary beast-rider .
After acquiring that information, Sheyan began centralizing his military forces, laying out a reserve-duty division of 800 zerglings as a surrounding layer of defense . The remaining thousand zerglings were segregated into 5 battalions, with 200 zerglings comprising each battalion . Anymore would be plainly delivering them to die with the narrow battling terrain . In intervals of 20 minutes, he dispatched a battalion to siege the Mosake clan fort .
Although each battalion of zerglings was totally obliterated within every 20 minute interval, after the 1000 zerglings had concluded their assaults, a 100 minutes had fully elapsed . Within this 100 minutes, the Blackthorn tribe back at the Triangle Shoals had already replenished at least 600 zerglings, and dispatched them back here . In addition to the defending division of 800 zerglings, there were still 1,400 mobilizable zerglings still within his control . Thus, Sheyan had no qualms about the Mosake clan launching any counterattack .
More crucially, at the moment the last of the primary 1000 zerglings were annihilated, Sheyan would only require barely half an hour before he could amass another 1000 zerglings . Hence, he continued employing such an absurd grinding war tactic, sending unceasing streams of 200 zerglings; maintaining an uninterrupted state of battle attrition! Such a crafty war tactic of wearing out the opponent’s forces was exceedingly cruel but extremely effective . Still, dispatching troops to die would deal gravely severe damages to the morale of one’s own forces .
Fortunately, the arachnids’ fighting spirit was essentially the insatiable emotions of insects . Moreover, the Blackthorn Overmind had occupied a mountain load of pandora crystals, exactly like that of a scrooge delightedly lying atop a mountain of gold…… .
After nearly a day of employing such a cruel tactic of attrition, the remnants of the Mosake clan were presently on the verge of crumbling . Sheyan estimated the total casualty rate of the zerglings now, had exceeded over 10,000; such was the distinct difficulty of this Golden Side Mission . Nonetheless, Sheyan wasn’t eyeing any battle loots, and long fixated his gaze on the ultimate mission rewards . No doubt, this mentality assisted his iron frame of mind .
Day 10 of the besiege on Windstone Highland, 9 a . m in the morning . The Mosake clan’s sacred monument, the sacrificial pyramid temple was finally overthrown . Yet to everyone’s surprise, this magnificently majestic grand pyramid temple actually had an empty interior . After shifting away several massive slabs, a shocking secret underground channel was revealed . Previously, when Sheyan had hastily raided the place before leaving hastily, he had failed to discover this hidden mechanism .
However, the consolatory fact was that the secret underground should lead to a dead end . If not, the Mosake clan would’ve seized this secret escape route to flee long ago, why would they press on bitterly till now? Sheyan wasn’t worried at all, and he first called for a Takji clan member, one that belonged to the Mosake clan previously; allowing him to identify the corpses in succession .
This was the eventual analysis – At present, eliminating the turncoats and the dead, the Mosake clan was now left with at most 20 – 30 Na’vi warriors . There was seemingly no longer any chance for a reversal . Under such circumstances, Sheyan pondered first before dispatching 30 zerglings into the underground tunnel to investigate .
It could be said that the underground channel was fortified heavily with mechanism snares . The 30 dispatched zerglings were wiped out cleanly . Still, a majority of such deadly snares detrimental to Sheyan and the rest had been triggered and destroyed . After sacrificing nearly another 100 zerglings, the way ahead was basically freed up .
Still after careful contemplation, evidently the thought process involved in constructing these underground mechanism decades ago, was inevitably designed for their own na’vi race; not towards hostile humans or zerglings . Hence, there would remain existence of hidden dangers not visible on the surface .
Contemplating that notion, Sheyan didn’t try to be modest with old Mourbo, very blatantly exerting his lips to him . Old Mourbo had no choice but to arouse his domineering abuse of authority, and ordered the other clansmen to infiltrate with the zerglings .
As expected after entering, they managed to trigger several hidden snares . Still, with the majority of mechanism snares being ruined, the Takji warriors were able to avoid fatal casualties by relying on their nimble agility . After another half an hour, they managed to scour through the underground channel twice; affirming that all danger had been eradicated . Then, they finally notified Sheyan and his buddies to enter . According to the Takji warriors’ description, the underground channel was generously broad and devoid of any oddly phenomenons .
Presently, the bloody remnants of the sunset signalled the arrival of dusk; covering the buildings of the Mosake clan with a layer of gentle afterglow . The chilling darkness lingered over, as though the sun was helplessly and taciturnly retreating in defeat .
Sheyan observed the eerie dark entrance of the underground channel . As he was about to step in, he suddenly inhaled deeply as his heart brimmed with wariness . In this moment, he became somewhat hesitant . Besides, he still had to face that redoubtable Cherokee; having personally witnessed his mysteriousness, brutality and atrocities!
At this moment, Mogensha and Reef could also observe Sheyan’s hesitation . Reef couldn’t help but utter .
“Boss, we are nevertheless still engaging a Golden Side Mission! It is right not to be overly careless . ”
His words directly roused Sheyan from his fear . Pa! He breathed in deeply, and slapped his own cheeks with both hands .
“Your speak correctly . When campaigning against the Mosake clan, our progress has indeed been rather smooth . I rather tarry longer to seek stability, and do my utmost to avoid mindless risks . ”
Mogensha nodded and spoke .
“That’s right, boss . Are you thinking of urgently concluding this mission here, and seize the time and your control over the arachnid tribe, to test if any side mission can still be obtained back at the RDA base right? There really isn’t a need for that . If we can properly accomplish this Golden Side mission, that would already be considered an accidental reaping! Desiring speed but not attaining, greediness may instead lead to failure!”
After the trio reached an agreement, they cancelled their plan of entering underground . They would rather spend more time to avoid unnecessary risks . The outcome of their discussion, was to directly operate the zerglings . It didn’t matter how broad the underground channel was, ensuring every nook and corner was surveyed took precedence . Hence, they dispatched 500 zerglings in . When darkness fell upon them, the total underground environment had yet to be investigated thoroughly .
As it turns out, the underground channel was frighteningly tremendous . Presumably, the ground of the Windstone Highland was merely a thick shell . Such a geographical phenomenon would never appear on earth; but to pandora that was thriving with pandora crystals, suspended mountain ranges could be found everywhere . Thus, the formation of such an eccentric underground composition was not strange at all .
Gradually, information from the underground exploration began to pile up . After studying the information carefully, Sheyan and trio suddenly realized something, and they couldn’t help but glance at each other’s faces . This so called Windstone Highland, was possibly a volcano that had been dormant for an unknown long time!
As mentioned before previously, the Windstone Highland had the shape of a sawed tree stump amplified by a million times . Its roof was practically a plateau . However, the plateau roof was merely a facade . The upper layer roof plateau was approximately a dozen plus metre thick, which resembled a drum layering sheet; encompassing the concave mouth of this dormant volcano .
Naturally, countless naturally formed rocky pillars acted as support beneath the volcano mouth; as though concealing the secrets of this volcano in . Such a scenery could only be described as the work of God . Nevertheless, Sheyan seemed to have captured a certain vital point in his mind .
A corrupted na’vi, possessing even mightier divine arts that Goddess Eywa imparted down . Too many coincidences, as though attempting to conceal this intriguing landmark geography . The Tree of Souls in the water…… .
This fragments of memory surged through Sheyan’s mind, seemingly linking up a journey of hints . Yet while he was deep in contemplation, a sudden tremor shook from beneath . Sheyan’s first reaction was – an earthquake! Instantly following, unceasing clamours of rumbling collapsations boomed into his ears . Very quickly, a flustered and exasperated old Mourbo raced towards him while shouting .
“Damn this! That bloody underground passage is collapsing . Five of my clansmen are still exploring underneath!!”
Sheyan and buddies glanced at each other, simultaneously breaking out in cold sweat . In their hearts, a rejoicing emerged from this calamity – their earlier prudence was indeed not in vain! How could there be such a coincidental incident; the underground channel not collapsing earlier, but just had to collapse now? Most likely, Cherokee that had fled inside, had utilized some sort of secret mechanism to control such a function!
At present, dealing with only 500 zerglings was indeed far less than desirable . Realizing that Sheyan and the rest weren’t fooled, but merely dispatched cannon fodder creatures instead, he had been forced to employ his trump card; sealing up the underground passage to earn precious time for himself .
By this time, old Mourbo was heaving sighs of despair, and his countenance grew miserable . One of his nephew had been part of the collapsing calamity…… . according to him, trying to excavate and locate him would take at least half a month . When that time comes, even if his nephew wasn’t crushed by the collapse, he would’ve died of hunger . Of course, the most terrifying consequence would be being found and eaten by a famished Cherokee .
Instead, Sheyan released a long sigh of relief . One must understand; not only was that secret channel Sheyan’s advancing route, it was most likely also Cherokee’s only way out of his predicament . Being forced to demolish his only way out, one could tell he was indeed at the end of the line, with nowhere to go . As for this collapsation, Sheyan wasn’t worried at all…… . . even though they lacked heavy excavation tools, he still had the option of mustering dozens of arachnid drones over!
In spite of the arachnid drones appearing like a totally different grade from those enormous mining machines of the RDA company; each gene and cell of these tireless and diligent kids, were manufactured for the sake of dealing with various kinds of mineral rocks . They were the refined products of numerous revisions of the arachnid race; mining, refining and transporting as one .
With them unearthing the underground passage, their efficiency probably wouldn’t be much lower than the heavy machineries of the humans . Yet after Sheyan had assembled a dozen plus arachnid drones to start excavating, they encountered an unexpected situation .
The work efficiency of these drones was actually relatively low!
During normal times when harvesting pandora crystals lodged within rocks, their movements were superbly agile and fluid . With a pair of large pincers repetitively crunching, they would easily chisel away the solid rock and extract the pandora crystals within .
Yet at present, the pack of drones rotated around the rocks, looking lazy as they clamped down their pincers onto the rocks . Though several dozens of drones operated for so long, they only managed to settle a cubic metre of solid rock .
Sheyan was aware that something was amiss, because it was impossible for arachnid drones to slack off . On closer thought, he hastily contacted the Blackthorn Overmind .
The Blackthorn Overmind was generous indeed; ordering Queen-zerg Jenny*, who had currently evolved to a legendary creature tier already, over to clarify the situation . Accompanying her, were 2 other elite legendary Devourer and rare-elite Mutalisk . This task force was pretty awesome, a force to reckon with even against a Great Leonopteryx; such was the significance of Jenny .
(TN:*Jenny was previously a rare-elite)
Due to her fairly unique status as a Queen-zerg, she was the only one capable of seizing control over rival base structures in the arachnid race (Controlling human base) . Therefore, it could be said she represented the Mothernest herself . When Queen Jenny arrived, she immediately transmitted a mental message to Sheyan; explaining that there was an unfathomable, domineering spirit influence guarding over these rocks . Thus, the mining speed of the drones had substantially declined .
Sheyan immediately inquired about two relevant problems .
Firstly, was it possible to clarify the source of this spirit influence, and secondly, the possibility of weakening this spirit influence; thus, increase the rate of mining!
Jenny started communicating with the Mothernest . After a brief while, she confided with Sheyan – it seems this spirit influence had been manipulated to preside over these terrain many years ago . According to her conjecture, the entire Windstone Highland was under the protection of this mystical spirit influence . Probably, that was one of the reason why the layer of plateau on the Windstone Highland had never collapsed .
As of now, there was no way for the excavation to speed up . The deeper they dug, the stronger the mystical spirit influence would become . Thus, the resistance would only become greater, and the entire excavation would at least, require a full 6-7 days period…… . .
Finally, Jenny further advised Sheyan; an ordinary human would be susceptible to this spirit influence . Under too much exposure, the human may easily turn deranged and act out crazily . Therefore, notions of seeking assistance from the RDA company was bluntly cancelled…… .
Upon listening to such an unfortunate report, Mogensha and Reef stared blankly at each other . They both only had a 15 days prolonged stay previously . Presently, 10 days had past . If they were to drag on for another 6-7 days, only Sheyan would be able to remain here based on his additional 3 days of prolonged stay . As such, both of them would be forced to return to the realm!
Luckily this time, Growth-hunter Mcdh stood forward, and gifted Reef and Mogensha with a ‘one-time-usage’ item . This item was called the ‘GDS Point Orientation System’, produced in the Matrix world . It could allow them upon returning to the realm, to orientate out a certain contestant’s position, and be teleported into that contestant’s world .
Of course, to utilize such an item, the prerequisite was – apart from knowing that contestant’s nightmare realm serial number, that contestant must also spontaneously coordinate his current position to them . Most crucially, the usage fee for this item was exorbitantly expensive, charging a rate of utility points for every hour, in addition to further compounding .
Mcdh then cited an example – once Reef and Mogensha were to be teleported here, it would require a fee of 20,000 utility points (for 2 persons), which only allows them to stopover for an hour . If they were to exceed by 1 second, the charging fee would inflate to 40,000 utility points!! That 40,000 utility points would be their fee for staying another hour…… . . if they wanted to say for 3 hours, then it would 80,000 utility points and 160,000 following and so on .
In actual fact, such exorbitant rates were probably related to this being a realm war as well . According to Mcdh’s earlier experience, a single person’s first usage fee wouldn’t exceed 3,000 utility points .
Nonetheless, the appearance of this item resolved the impasse they had . Anyway, the formidability of Chieftain Cherokee spoke for itself . With Reef and Mogensha around when completing the mission, it would no doubt mean 2 security insurance . As for Mcdh, though he had already harvested a suitable powerful beast soul, the prospect of Cherokee’s unrivalled Thanator still haunted his mind .
One must understand, there was a sliver of chance that reviving a seed would fail . Undoubtedly, if Mcdh could acquire the soul of that unrivalled Thanator, his chances of reviving his lover would be in the bag .
After a series of discussions, the conclusion was to continue staying on guard here, boringly spectating the group of drones mining away . Although Sheyan was an individual that valued his opportunities and time, he didn’t dare to become negligent now and be distracted with thoughts of completing other missions . Because, one couldn’t proclaim that a random unexpected variable wouldn’t occur . With the state of development of the Golden Side Mission thus far, he wouldn’t want to ruin the enterprise for the sake of one basketful; ending up with tears by grabbing the trifles, but letting go of the big prize!
Ultimately, the 15 days retention expired . The deadline for Mogensha and Reef had arrived…… . both individuals were exceedingly reluctant, after spectating the pack of drones chiselling away at rocks in seemingly slow motion……… . this farewell was practically akin to watching the maiden they were infatuated in, jumping into the embrace of another . They harboured a great hidden bitterness!!
Although the two were unwilling to leave, they couldn’t defy the compelling regulation of the realm . Gradually, they vanished from this world . At present, Sheyan could only sigh deeply . If Mcdh had nursed an errant and desired to make things difficulty, then now would be the perfect time . Except, Sheyan was still in control of a thousand zerglings, and assisted by several elite arachnids; attempting to kill him would be equivalent to committing suicide!
Finally, only 5 hours remained to Sheyan’s imminent departure… . . the spacious underground tunnel was finally linked up! One couldn’t blame the pace of the arachnids, because the further they dug, the more spirit disturbance they felt . At the latter portions, Sheyan even witnessed several drones suddenly exploding into a melancholic pile of green while digging . According to Queen-zerg Jenny, their bodies had accumulated an excessive amount of vile spirit essence and thus exploded .
Following the re-linking up of the underground channel, Sheyan brandished his hand with a gloomy countenance . A thousand zerglings directly pounced forth vehemently, and invaded the underground tunnel . Right now, the most critical issue was to avoid the scenario of ‘one guarding the narrow pass, none can enter . ’ If not, there was indeed a possibility of encountering a great reversal within these 5 hours!
Fortunately, the arachnid drones weren’t as glamorous as ‘overthrowing the heavens’ like human heavy machineries could be; thus, their excavation process had been rather quiet . Therefore, Sheyan’s worries didn’t surface . A thousand zerglings then followed the newly reopened tunnel and infiltrated in, leaving 200 zerglings guarding the channel entrance . Then, the 800 zerglings segregated into a humongous web like formation, and started surveying through the broad underground space .
An hour later, they discovered 7 Mosake warriors; of which, 2 were females and 2 were elderly . Nevertheless, they were mercilessly executed by Sheyan . Living till this state without surrendering, those individuals were clearly obstinate loyalists . Sheyan had his own living principles, but he would absolutely not allow seeds of dissent to arise! He had already given the enemy a chance to live, and wouldn’t permit a second time!
The price for slaying those 7 Mosake warriors were 400 zerglings . Still Sheyan could instantly replenish his army, and even increase the amount exploring inside the underground tunnel; increasing to 1,200 zerglings!
2 hours later, another 21 Mosake warriors were discovered . Similarly, not one was spared .
3 hours later, they finally locked onto Cherokee’s trail . Sheyan immediately gave an order to surround him, and divided 800 zerglings into 8 squads! Waves of 100 zerglings would take turns to assault! The remaining zerglings were to remain scattered, and search for further traces of life within this underground tunnels! If one were to be discovered, they were to be killed ruthlessly without hesitation! This actually included any Takji clan member that had been trapped previously, because due to the incident of soul possession by Yimutata, one couldn’t discount the chance of Cherokee pulling a fast one!
Naturally, old Mourbo voiced out in protest . Yet upon seeing that frosty stern expression and gaze of sheyan, he could only feel a tremendous baleful pressure! He only managed to gurgle out several words, but finally halted his words .
Time swiftly trickled away; 2 hours, 30 minutes left to Sheyan’s departure from this world . Through a spirit connection between Jenny and the battling zerglings ahead, she informed Sheyan – the chieftain of the Mosake clan, the leader of the corruptors, Thanator Rider Cherokee was finally slain .
Another 57 seconds later, Jenny once again informed Sheyan; that Tier-7 Thanator was finally killed .
That combination of one man and one beast, had slaughtered a total of 614 zerglings . Finally, they fell to the ravenous chomping of the 615th zergling .
The deadliest combination of Pandora’s creatures, had been utterly annihilated by the unending streams of the lowest tier arachnids!! Such an immense discrepancy, would cause one to become loss for words .
Except, the current Sheyan had no time to be emotionally stirred . Instead, he ordered the zerglings to continue searching, once they finished gnawing away at the brains of Cherokee and his tier-7 Thanator! Ordering them to pay attention to any abnormal happenings!
Only 2 hours left till his return deadline . Sheyan raised the communication device in his hand; notifying Mogensha and Reef who had returned to the nightmare realm to be teleported over . Right now, Sheyan had doubled his caution, especially after experiencing a near accidental fate of being crushed by a collapsing underground tunnel . Alas, for Cherokee and his mount, they couldn’t escape the fate of having their brains gnawed to bits even after death .
A radiance glittered, as Mogensha and Reef were finally teleported back . Due to their possession of a ‘GDS Point Orientation System’, they didn’t even get the chance to step into the nightmare realm but directly entered the space where world evaluation and rewards was done . Time flowed at a much rapid pace over there as compared to this nightmare world, and 3 days worth of time was practically equivalent to several minutes .
After the trio reunited, there was no time for words . Nevertheless, they already had an exceptional taciturn mutual understanding between each other . Nodding at each other, they entered the underground tunnel that the drones had drilled open . This tunnel was semi-corroded with the acidic fluids of the arachnids, and its appearance naturally transformed weirdly . Fresh distinct vein lines were drawn across the tunnel walls, resembling that of growth rings .
The ground of the tunnel was rather moist, and the air infused with a piercing acidic odour; inducing choking sensations onto the humans . As they headed deeper, the tunnel became moister with the surrounding tunnel walls oozing out with droplets of fluids .
Unknown when it started, dripping sounds echoed monotonously through the tunnel . Yet considering the scene they were in, those weren’t water droplet sounds, but the sounds blood dripping down from necks!
While mining, the arachnid drones had avoided harder regions, and thus the tunnel passage became additionally curvy . Nevertheless, their journey wasn’t very long, and Sheyan and company spent roughly only a minute to reach the end; finally stepping onto the damp soil of a underground space .
As for why this was a moist environment, it wasn’t strange at all . Several active volcanos that would erupt once in centuries or millenniums, may form lakes within their volcano paths; what more, this was evidently a dormant volcano? Probably when it rained heavily, the rain water would seep through the cracks of the Windstone Highland ground, and congregated beneath here .
The area Sheyan and company were standing on was analogous to a low-lying swamp terrain . Only, they could vividly see erected stone pillars that were 17-18 metres tall, seemingly supporting the earthen plate above . The stone pillars were coiled with thick, bulky algae vines like tentacles constricting it tightly, and even spread towards the vast spacious underground ceiling . At this brief moment, Sheyan was specially observing the ceiling; seemingly discovering something, but keeping it to himself instead .
After reaching this underground space, the surrounding terrain had become fairly complex . They could only follow the guide of mushy pathways trampled out by the zerglings . Naturally, these pathways had no railings and were pretty narrow; hence, they adopted heightened caution . Psshh pshhh! As they advanced, squishy sounds of flattened mud and sewage echoed . A cold air lingered all around, issuing a gloomy and chilling ambience .
A line of humans continued trudging forward under the guidance of zergling footsteps . As they travelled for around hundred metres, they realized in the swamps ahead, several enormous shadows could be seen growing . Upon closer observation, those shadows were unexpectedly kelp like vegetation that grew in river sources . Broad leaves interlaced with vein lines, pasted onto the ground as it grew in meandres . One could faintly discern thick, solid, and plumpy spotlessly white aerial roots criss crossing out from the swamp .
The vegetation grew relatively concentrated in specific regions, with their expansive leaves, like japanese banana, intersecting together . Any trace of light here was already fairly limited, and these large abnormal vegetations probably thrived in the darkness . They resembled freaks that were crawling throughout the ground; harbouring malicious intent, as they slithered forward . Leaving one with a sinister and surreptitious impression .
At present, Sheyan finally understood why the Mosake clan weren’t afraid of a draught . With an unimaginable tremendous space of dampy swamp, extracting water was essentially a no brainer affair . Still, it was fortunate that food remained a challenging issue . If not, internal cracks wouldn’t have surfaced, or finally leading to a crumbling division .
Although they had acquired reports from those diligent zerglings, and roughly understood the state down here; imagination would differ greatly from reality .
One must understand, the Mosake clan had constructed such a magnificent colossus of their pyramid temple, just to act as a cover over this secret underground entrance . One could imagine how vast this underground space would stretch out to . Even with the zerglings paving the way for them, they still required several tens of minutes to finally approach the core belly of this underground space .
Prior to reaching the core of this underground space, the passage had gradually begun inclining downwards . If the place they entered was the pinnacle edge of this volcano, then this would be the innermost portion of the volcano’s concavity . At present when tilting one’s head up while shining with a torch, one would notice the ceiling was separated 200-300 metres away from the ground . Still, the ceiling was infested with that tentacle like, moss green viny vegetation .
As they travelled deeper into the abyss of this infernal, they could perceive that this place wasn’t a natural primitive environment, but instead a development of highly intellectual organisms . Artificial marks of constructions could be seen everywhere . Occasionally, congestions of decayed and ruined pillars could be spotted, along with disfigured remnants of delicate cavern engravings; of which, detailed designs of malevolent and ferocious creatures of the sea, that were seemingly worshipping something, as well as multitudes of puppet slaves transporting a certain object .
Suddenly, a gigantic clump of darkness emerged ahead; a dense luxuriant mass, fuzzy and bewildering . It was as though a detached being was prying, like the strong preying on the weak; as though it existed in a dark gloomy world . One could even faintly hear the roaring sounds of ocean tides!
Sheyan carefully invested his vision in, as he vaguely realized – an incomparably dignified thing had entrenched itself there . It appeared like a towering mountain range, serving one with a sense of reverence .
Inching forward a little, one could faintly discern that shadow was rolled up like a steam bun, towering and unmoving . It was as tall as 50-60 metres, with an exceedingly broad perimeter; at the minimum, it occupied a good half of this subterranean land . For unknown reason when Sheyan saw that colossal thing, he felt his head turn dizzy . As though a current of baleful aura had swept in, along with an intensified fishy odour, causing Sheyan to teeter on the brink of falling .
Examining that insanely thick darkness ahead, Sheyan’s heart shuddered! Just based on its physical size, it could stomp and squash nearly a 3 figure sump of zerglings! To compare it with a plankton, that would be a long drawn-out war of calculating! If this colossal monstrosity were to emerge, then Sheyan reckoned; this Golden Side Mission would go up in smokes .
Luckily, Sheyan’s perceptive sense was adequately outstanding; he very swiftly sensed that though that colossal shadow was awe-inspiring, it lacked a strong vitality within . The feeling he got was like sightseeing the majestic imperial courts of ancient dynasties, or gazing up a lofty city building complex; evidently, it had been dead for a long time . Yet thinking from another perspective; if it could release such lofty imposure after dying for a long time, how would it have been when it was still living?
Quickly following that, an assailing stench wafted in from ahead . This was an extremely familiar stench to Sheyan and buddies . Especially to him and reef . It was the foul stench emitted from a zergling carcass . Without a ‘Creep’ carpet to disintegrate the carcasses here, those corpses were all heaped up together; a spectacularly bitter and bloodied scene .
At this instant, Mcdh produced a signal-gun like object, and fired off towards the ceiling . Instantly, a dazzling radiance skyrocketed up, naturally serving as a flare . Moreover, when the radiance of light scaled to 100 metres, it hung in midair; illuminating the area like a light bulb . Although it failed to irradiate everything like glorious bright daylight, it still attained the glow of an overcast sky .
Instantaneously, Sheyan heaved a mouthful of cold air . He could finally see that clear outline of that colossal shadow . That shadow, was astoundingly an unprecedented gigantic conch!
That gigantic conch stood towering like a mountain range, with its shell imbued with grains that were shaped like eyes, that followed an entwined arc along the shell . It was as though innumerable demonic eyes were glaring callously at them .
However, this gigantuous conch had already been dead for a long time . Its flesh should’ve inevitably decomposed to the extreme, and merely left behind a vacant and erected conch shell . A portion of that shell remains were buried beneath the ground .
And right in front of that that gigantuous conch, remains of an epic battle of bitter desperation had been fought!
The mightiest na’vi hunters against the lowest tier arachnid creatures . The former’s viciousness and prestige overflowed into the heavens, engulfing the world . The latter viewed death as a return home, replacing one another in death . Finally, the mighty was utterly exhausted and condemned to death…… . Such was the intensity and sorrow of this battle!
Except, Sheyan had no time to appreciate such a scene . His gaze directly halted onto the head of Chieftain Cherokee, a head still grimacing in pain .
The chieftain’s face was mangled with blood and bruises, yet, his dying expression exuberated a rousing intoxication for battle . His eyes still shone with glory and ecstasy, devoid of agony and decadence . As though perishing in battle here was an honorable satisfaction .
After inspecting Cherokee’s dying demeanor, Sheyan found it rather peculiar . Logically speaking, to witness the collapse of such a dominant clan he had established himself, and having people rebelling while friends deserting, he should’ve been filled with grief and anguish . Such an expression now was absolutely illogical . Yet shelving this riddle aside, Sheyan and the rest didn’t have the luxury of time to deliberate over that .
To the entire party Ace and Sheyan, Chieftain Cherokee’s death was the most wonderful of news . Perhaps certain creatures could continue living after having their heads torn asunder, but the na’vi race wasn’t one of those . In this instance, Sheyan could hear the heavy breathing of Mogensha and Reef; as though relieved from a huge burden .
Following that, Sheyan casted his attention towards the headless Cherokee corpse, before pulling out a knife he had prepared beforehand . A minute later, blood soaked and dripping, the most crucial Chieftain Cherokee’s heart was finally in his hands . Despite that, the elation of the trio soon sunk into bewilderment…… .
That’s right! Where is the altar?
Where’s that damned altar to sacrifice on???
The three glanced at each other with dismay . Previously, Sheyan had already investigated the entire Mosake clan!
As for that facade of a pyramid temple, Sheyan had previously peeped in through stony gaps, but didn’t notice a single thing resembling an altar . Fine, even if Sheyan was ill-informed and inexperienced pertaining to their custom, yet old Mourbo was clueless as well!
Moreover, regarding the exploration of the zerglings, there wasn’t anything resembling an altar within this underground space .
Mcdh on the other hand, had found what he required by now – the carcass of that legendary thanator . He then placed a golden colour nut over the carcass . Slowly, something floated out from the carcass .
That was something that didn’t have a concrete shape . Being more specific, it was just a hazy glow which fluctuated in colour, turning dull and fuzzy . Furthermore, it didn’t possess a concrete structure; if one were to place it in one’s palm, it would leak out through the cracks of one’s fingers . Dripping out as though it was a viscous semi-solid substance . Eventually, this glow turned golden!
Upon witnessing such a scene, Mcdh yelped loudly in delight; to the extent that he knelt to the ground and kissed the floor . Naturally, he acquired what he desired, living up to the laborious pains of going through fire and water to accomplish this! Instead, Sheyan shut his eyes as he pondered silently . After a while, he abruptly reached a resolution and muttered .
“This underground space is so vast, why did Cherokee choose to fight to the death here without retreating?”
The fretful Brother Black also swallowed his saliva, as he lighted a cigar before puffing it aggressively . He shook his head in response .
“No idea . ”
Sheyan continued with a serious tone .
“Everyone, even animals, would possess a basic resistance towards death and danger! Even an innocent infant would naturally shrink away his hand from scorching heat, and cry aloud after falling!”
“This particular area is extremely disadvantageous, its vastness makes one susceptible to attacks from all sides . Considering the prowess of Cherokee, it is sufficient for him to slaughter out a trail of blood while retreating backwards . Though his death would be inevitable, he would have prolonged his life for a significant duration; even if he had his back against a wall while fighting!”
“But…… . he still chose to safeguard here till he perished!! What kind of precious object is more important than one’s own life, that he had to persist in guarding?!!”
Listening to Sheyan’s inference, Reef’s eyes brightened up . Mogensha puffed his cigar violently as he pondered .
“In normal cases, the only things worth guarding are……one’s blood-related family members?”
Sheyan gently shook his head in correction .
“He didn’t have any family members . That fact can be verified; or perhaps to be more accurate, he no longer had any living family kin since a decade ago . Therefore…… . . ”
As Sheyan spoke till here, his eyes glittered to his own verdict .
“Maybe he was safeguarding that gigantuous conch . Thus, a careful inspection of it may result in an unexpected delight . ”
Following Sheyan’s fading words, a large pack of zerglings swarmed in from all sides, and lurched fanatically towards that gigantuous conch . To their horror, when the zerglings reached within a meter of that gigantic conch, they began charging about in chaotic disarray; even mutually clawing and chomping at each other, completely oblivious to their original command .
It was as if that gigantic sea conch had an invisible line carved around it . Once those zerglings passed through it, they would lose control and turn berserk . Even Nature Goddess Eywa who had no solutions to the zergling sea… . . yet the zerglings were astonishingly subdued right here!
Noteworthily, the path towards the gigantic conch, was naturally behind Cherokee’s corpse .
Sheyan immediately contacted Queen-zerg Jenny who was outside, and quickly received an answers . All zergling movements were controlled a spirit dominion by the Mothernest of the Overmind . However, upon treading past that region, an exceptionally powerful spirit disturbance was present; seemingly the same cursed source affecting the entire Windstone Highland . If the Mother of the Blackthorn was here, she could easily surmount such spirit influence . Instead, Queen-zerg Jenny, who was merely acting like a network hub, was incapable of that .
This signified that within a short span of time, zerglings were completely incapable of scouring that conch . At this moment, Sheyan and friends could finally experience how terrifyingly difficult this Golden Side Mission was . Their current feeling was truly, ‘the closer one was to accomplishing the task, the tougher it gets’ . The nearer they got to the finishing point of the mission, the stronger the force of resistance became; it was excruciatingly challenging!
“How about destroying that conch?” Reef suggested .
Sheyan shook his head slightly .
“If we did that, there’s a chance of accidentally wrecking the altar . Furthermore, if I haven’t guessed wrong………forget it . Anyway, it seems like we’ve to probe it ourselves . Fortunately, the na’vi warriors are highly intellectual creatures and shouldn’t be too affected by that spirit interference . ”
“Let’s do it!” Sheyan took the lead with a gloomy expression . His perceptive sense was highest in his party, naturally he would take the lead in probing . As he approached that invisible spirit line, he had already prepared his mind . Yet as he strode through, he merely felt a threatening dark aura; causing the hairs on his hand to stand, although nothing abnormal happened .
After going closer, he finally discovered the gigantic conch had protruding solid lines carved into its shell, that spiralled upwards to its apex . These protruding lines were approximately separated from each other by a metre, appearing like a spiralling flight of stairs leading towards the pinnacle of this conch . The conch’s surface was extremely smooth, looking individuals had moved about it frequently . Not a single clammy moss, mud or excrescence adhered onto its shell .
This discovery undoubtedly solidified the contestants’ conviction, as they speedily climbed up following the spiralling protruding arc . The contestants possessed far superior physical abilities to average humans, and rapidly climbed up the conch with their utmost strength; scaling it one second at a time .
(TN: I imagine this to be like rock climbing)
If it was other times, Sheyan and buddies would absolutely not permit that formidable Growth-hunter to follow them . Except right now, this Growth-hunter only wished to assist Sheyan in accomplishing the Golden Side Mission . Putting it bluntly, there was no advantageous motivation for Mcdh, and thus they tacitly approved of his conduct .
Of course and most importantly; though the zerglings were not allowed here, old Mourbo and the remaining 15 Takji warriors followed them . Prior to this, Sheyan had already warned old Mourbo; if there should be any unexpected misfortune befalling him, then his good brother Blackthorn would surely cleanse the Takji clan to accompany him in burial! Hence, he wasn’t afraid of old Mourbo slacking off .
A single file quietly climbed in the darkness . When they reached the pointed summit of the conch, a door could suddenly be seen by the side of the shell . This door was decorated with pure gold and ornamental designs, looking exactly like the na’vi style . One could vaguely decipher that this should’ve been a shattered hole that appeared on the conch a long time ago, and was artificially crafted into a door by na’vis .
Mcdh then wielded his flare gun again; reloading a flare before blasting it in .
In a flurry, a reclining stairway greeted everyone’s eyes . This stairway appeared extremely smooth, and was definitely frequented by beings . Therefore, Sheyan continued taking the lead, as he scanned around the bottom . Instantly, he beholded a magnificent fantasy like scenery .
The flesh of this gigantuous conch had long been decomposed throughout the centuries . Due to the vast expanse of this gigantuous conch, its interior space was roughly the size of a soccer field . Yet a major portion within, was shockingly occupied by a crystalline lake of sparkling water .
The water quality of this tiny lake had unparalleled clarity, with a myriad of phosphorescence vegetation growing within; yellow, red, green…… . swaying gorgeously within the lake . Sparkling and translucent bubbles popped out occasionally, it was simply breathtaking . Except near the center of his lake, a luminous swirl like darkness anchored downwards; it was extremely dark, as dark as a bottomless pit! Evidently, the water source of this lake should be from there!
Sheyan was currently observing closely, but Mogensha suddenly nudged him; his following words carried a hint of joy .
“Boss, over there!”
At the left shore of this lake, was a stunningly erected altar!!
A stunning altar manufactured in gold! This altar was 10 metres tall, lofty and imposing as it stood . A garish display of multi-coloured natural pandora crystals were embedded in it . It was like an inverted mirroring of the sparkling lake; issuing unspeakable grandiose, and enchanting beauty!
“My god . ” Even a Growth-hunter like Mcdh, couldn’t help gasping to himself .
Presently to party Ace, they did not have the luxury of time to appreciate the scenery, or search for a remote scenic spot to calm their souls . They directly raced towards that altar . With Reef and Mogensha strictly guarding in formation, Sheyan stood onto the altar; as he hastily retrieved a multitude of hearts that he had long prepared .
In truth, to avoid any accidental mishaps, Sheyan brought along a total of nearly 40 hearts . Who could say that Tsu’tey didn’t remember the sacrificial amount correctly . Under old Mourbo’s guidance, he finished arranging the hearts, one at a time, over the golden concave pits on the altar! As it turns out, 23 hearts were the right amount . Then, he knelt over a golden engraving on the altar’s ground, and kowtowed!
At the instant his head touched the floor, Sheyan could feel the golden brick against his head submerging faintly; its submerging degree was exceptionally minute, if not for Sheyan’s high perceptive sense, he wouldn’t have felt it at all . Instantly, he knew he had triggered a mechanism . While he was about to leave, a spell of illusion abruptly flashed in his eyes!
It was as though he had returned to the past glory of the Mosake clan; a glory so mysterious, secretive, formidable and drenched with blood . An aged cruel Tsahik wore a golden malevolent mask, brandishing a scepter atop this altar; the zealous cheers of the clan multitudes resounded beneath .
Following that, at the tallest peak of this altar, Cherokee pressed down a completely naked and herculean na’vi onto a stone platform . That na’vi’s appearance, was shockingly identical to Tsahik Mo`at of the Omaticaya clan . Though that na’vi was furiously struggling and bellowing… . an axe beheaded him, blood flooded out wildly, as fear and blood stench pierced into the atmosphere . Next, other prisoners and children were executed, having their hearts carved out to initiate a blood rite…… . .
Yet swiftly, Sheyan awoke from his vision . While he stood back up, Mogensha and Reef were hastily inquiring of the mission completion progress . Their impatience couldn’t be blamed, after all… . . this was the Golden Side mission!! Although Sheyan would be the one to accomplish it, honor and disgrace of the trio were tied together by now . Moreover, Sheyan wasn’t one would feast alone, and naturally everyone was brimming with anticipating and anxiety .
Sheyan shrugged his shoulders . In his heart, he was also puzzled by the absence of a mission completion notification . This was when he suddenly realized…… . inside the golden concave pit of the altar where those blood dripping hearts were placed, a transparent oil like liquid had suddenly diffused in from an unknown area . The dozens of dark-red hearts were thoroughly soaked within the pit, discharging out an unexplainably strange atmosphere .
Yet to Sheyan’s deduction, that liquid should’ve started seeping out from a hidden region after he had triggered that mechanism – when he kowtowed and his forehead pressed down that golden brick . Therefore, how it happened wasn’t a mystery .
Instead in the next few seconds, Sheyan’s pupils involuntarily shrunk as he couldn’t help heaving a breath of chilling air!
Because, those 23 hearts placed over the golden altar, had astoundly started twitching on its own . Then, they started beating unanimously! Even Mcdh,Reef and Mogensha were simultaneously dumbfounded by such an absurd scene! Instead, it was old Mourbo who could maintain a calm expression .
As the heartbeats gradually sped up, a sonorous boom abruptly resounded from beneath the altar; appearing as if a certain incomparably heavy mechanism had been activated . The ground trembled slightly . Following that, within the center of the altar, an obelisk rose unhurriedly . At the tip of this obelisk, an absolutely delicate mirror was erected .
That mirror appeared resembling the texture of pandora crystals, but was as thin as a sheet of paper . Nobody could fathom what it was crafted from, as a gem like radiance reflected out from it . Its surface was carved out with decorative designs, with elegant and refined strokes of calligraphy; which actually looked like a fruit with beards .
Once the mirror appeared, it induced a spotlight effect of a concave lens . In addition to its original composition of high energy materials, it assembled and released a gentle beam that shot into the lake ahead; casting upon the gleaming crystalline water, enhancing its splendid magnificence .
At this moment, Sheyan finally realized the growing presence of numerous reed-like water vegetation, growing by the shore of this lake . The vegetation somewhat interweaving together stubbornly into long heavy fringes . Even in the darkness, the glittering gold lustre of those fringes vaguely swept through the eyes of its onlookers . At the stems of these vegetation, many furtive shadows could be seen crawling and rustling close to the ground; appearing somewhat eerie .
The beam from the mirror had seemingly attracted the congregation of those furtive shadows . By now, standing at a vantage point, Mcdh suddenly issued a low warning .
“Careful! The lake is undergoing a rippling change, and the temperature nearby the water source has risen by 0 . 4 degrees . It is as though something is about to swim out of it!”
At this moment, Sheyan and the rest could also notice those intensive variations . Very quickly, those shadows illuminated by the mirror could be seen vibrating, seemingly breaking out in panic . Suddenly, a regiment of darkness ‘boiled’ out from that water source with breakneck pace . That darkness was roughly the size of a tyre, curled up and rotating with astonishing velocity . Then, with matchless ferocity, it lunged towards those shadows within the lake and devoured them insatiably .
The originally clear lake, was instantly polluted with scatters of maroon blood; exhibiting a bewitching melancholy . At this moment, one could vividly deduce those shadows that were being massacred, were actually fishes under the blood light . However, though they had gills and scales like fishes, they also had 6 lizard-like legs – probably amphibians . Resembling the mudskipper of earth, the razor-sharp teeth of these fishes clearly portrayed their carnivorous demeanor .
In a twinkling of an eye, that tyre shaped ball had massacred the organisms in this lake entirely . Psshh! It bolted out of the water surface like a missile, with water splashing excessively . 1 metre away from the lake, it abruptly stretched opened its 8 long and slender legs! It actually laid prone on the ground without a sound, as its body started seemingly inflating . Its long legs flourished with thick fur, painted with black above and white below . It was actually, an incredibly savage enormous Dolomedes*!
(TN:*A dolomedes is a large spider also known as a fishing spider)
Six pairs of compounded ruby eyes twinkled with red brilliance, looking dreadfully devilish . A Dolomedes of earth could hunt down fishes 3 times its size by itself . Furthermore with the low gravity of Pandora, this spider appeared with amplified viciousness, its movements relaxed and nimble . As it scurried speedily over the ground, it reached the effective distance of Sheyan’s probing helmet in an instant . Quickly, they received a list of incomplete information .
[ Son Blindcost ]
[ Nemesis of the ocean ]
[ Tier-5 legendary creature ]
[ Weight: 211 Kg ]
[ Strength: 41 points ]
[ Agility: 57 points ]
[ Physique: ?? ]
[ Perceptive sense: ?? ]
[ Charm: ?? ]
[ Intelligence: ?? ]
[ Spirit: ?? ]
[ Basic close combat lvl 9 . Specific attributes: ??? ]
[ Tier-5 legendary creature ability: Bubble Paint lvl 3 – Grants additional 30,000 HP . ]
[ Spider class special ability: Poison Silk Shot – This strength and agile creature can secrete on poisonous sap from its fat belly . Upon exposure to the air, it will coagulate into a sticky, thick and tenacious spider thread; binding enemies to restrict their movements and inflict poison damages . ]
[ Creature special ability: Swimming – relying on a cushion of air filtered with its fur, this creature can freely move and breathe in water . ]
[ Creature special ability: Hibernating-limb Puncture – effect???? ]
[ Creature special ability: Boiling-flip – effect????? ]
[ Creature special ability: ?????? ]
[ Creature special ability: ??????? ]
Upon viewing the phrase ‘tier-5 legendary creature’, Sheyan immediately understood he was about to be ‘cleaved down his horse with one blade’ . Without hesitation, he turned to flee! Only to turn and witness that Son Blindcost wasn’t pursuing him, but opted to ascend up the altar as it drooled with desire . Utilizing its ‘Hibernating-limb puncture’, it thrusted into the beating hearts! Sheyan instantly received the notification .
[ Warning! Warning! Cherokee’s sacrifice is being destroyed! ]
[ Warning! Warning! Cherokee’s sacrifice is being destroyed! ]
[ Warning! You must ensure the procession of Cherokee’s sacrifice continues within 10 seconds, if not this mission will fail . ]
Sheyan turned and shot a cold glare towards old Mourbo, and roared .
“Go! Bring your men up together!”
Old Mourbo’s face twitched slightly . The terrain here was too narrow for his wyvern buddy to fly in . Yet upon seeing Sheyan’s murderous expression, he knew he couldn’t shy from this . Roaring loudly, he pulled out his curved blade and charged forward . As for the remaining 10 plus Takji warriors, how would they just sit idly while watching their Tsahik face danger . Even though they knew it was outrageously risky, some followed suit and rushed forward; while the other drew their bows and mounted their arrows .
Furthermore, Mogensha had already pulled out his ‘Wasp pistol’ at the first notice, and opened fire! Pa! Pa! Pa! 3 bullets consecutively swivelled forward, aiming towards the Dolomedes Son Blindcost’s eyes .
3 malicious bullets directly burst one of its compounded eyes, as insipid greyish fluids gushed out . Within a split second, the bullets lodged into its eyes mutually collided and unleashed a mini-explosion! This enormous Dolomedes was sent flipping in mid air; bam! It crashed onto the ground .
Pu! Pu! Pu! Pu! Long arrows catapulted out from the Takji warriors’ bows and pierced into the Dolomedes . The arrow tails fanned slightly, and appeared as though they dealt incredibly fatal damages . While everyone was feeling delighted, the 8 long legs of Son Blindcost folded together as it shrunk back into its tyre state . Those few arrows lodged within its body had been forcefully squeezed out!
With indescribable speed, the Dolomedes bolted through the air and slammed into the nearest Takji warrior!
Still, Takji warriors who were chosen to protect old Mourbo, belonged to the elite category as well . This hunter positioned his bow and arrow into an ‘x’ before him, as he easily received the impact and seized the chance to leap backwards . These was his survival instincts after hundreds of hunting sessions, and this reaction couldn’t be said to be full of flaws .
Yet this enormous Dolomedes had 8 long legs! After colliding into the na’vi’s bow, two of its incisive and furry curled forelimbs unfurled forward, and thrusted towards the na’vi! The impetus of this thrust was like electric currents, making it impossible for any buffering opportunity!
Its forelimbs were acutely incisive and even shaped like a hook . How impressive were the struggling might of those hundred kilo fishes in the lake, yet this Dolomedes, Son Blindcost, could rely on its hook-like forelimbs to start a widespread genocide! As it thrusted towards a na’vi whose strength and agility were inferior to itself, its attack was naturally effective .
Caught totally off guard, the chest of that na’vi was instantly impaled by those incisive forelimbs . “Uwah!” he coughed out a streak of blood . Son Blindcost then withdrew its forelimbs, before sinking two long poisonous fangs into his body; as horrifying digestive enzymes rapidly dissolved the na’vi’s flesh and bones into mucus .
The body of that na’vi hung by Son Blindcost’s mouth; precisely describing, he was like a liquid-filled pouch that bobbled up and down incessantly, attempting to wrestle away . During this process, the Dolomedes voraciously absorbed the dissolved mucus, as its wounds unexpectedly regenerated rapidly . Obviously, its HP had been horrifyingly and rapidly replenished!
Nevertheless, the Takji warriors were predatory by nature . With a fuming bellow from old Mourbo, the remaining Takji warriors had formed into a scale like formation . The ruby eyes of Son Blindcost flickered as it once again transformed into that devilish tyre and lunged over . Though the targetted Takji warrior had similarly blocked forth with his bow, Son Blindcost’s stabbing attempt this time had instead failed!
Twang! Twang! Two other Takji warriors had simultaneously released their arrows, as it pierced into the forelimbs of the Dolomedes . Although such a strike wouldn’t send that savage beast flying, it had successfully displaced the direction of the thrusting forelimbs! Boom! The two incredibly incisive forelimbs drilled into the ground with unstoppable might! Leaving behind two deep holes in its wake .
Seizing the inertia of the Dolomedes’s fanatical assault, the bunch of na’vis unleashed against a forelimb of the Dolomedes . Crack! Its leg was severed, dull-yellow fluids came gushing out .
But at this instant, the mouth of the Dolomedes swelled greatly; suddenly ejaculating a streak of thumb thick translucent thread, pasting against the body of the nearest Takji warrior . The na’vi was forcefully pulled back and bundled up . Within a second, the na’vi-spider pair had been bundled into a sphere . Putong! The sphere splashed into the lake . Although everyone was unleashing frantic assaults, bows and bullets would be influenced to refract in the water; lowering the chances of landing their strikes substantially .
A couple dozens of seconds later, Son Blindcost once again propelled out of the lake like an animated tiger and lively dragon . Not only had its severed forelimb regrown, even its ruby compounded eye that Mogensha had wrecked was rejuvenated . Concurrently, a na’vi was left floating on the water surface . Having been dragged into the water, it experienced the similar fate of morphing into an empty pouch; leaving behind a scene of sorrowful vileness!
Facing a devil with such astonishing regeneration ability, the Takji warriors revealed a horrified countenance . Except one na’vi warrior who wailed aloud, as he fished out a bamboo pipe from bosom and drained it in one gulp . Then, he blatantly dashed towards the lake with insurmountable fury, his eyes brimming with determination .
“His brother was just eaten . ” Old Mourbo silently lamented .
At this moment, Mcdh retrieved an elongated sniper rifle from behind . This lanky streamline sniper rifle was coated in silver, and installed with an unexpectedly large scope . Distinct embroidery was painted over its nearly metre long barrel, as it emanated an unspeakable divine impression . He then exclaimed to Sheyan .
“Are your able to tie it down, preventing it from moving for 10 seconds? Remember, it has to remain stationary . After I lock onto it, it can at most shift within a metre radius!”
Sheyan was the primary undertaker of this Golden Side Mission, thus guarding the mission objects took priority; leaving him unable to show initiative in offense . He then glanced towards Reef . Reef nodded as he earnestly issued .
“I’ll try . ”
By now, Son Blindcost was viewing a prey that had actually left the pack to engage it . In its pleasant delight, it instantly curled itself and shuttled in for collision . Its spider threads were like its bodily essence, only using it when necessary . Though the eyes of that Takji warrior was burning with fury, his posture was exceedingly composed! Similarly, he stretched out his bow to block! But with such a reaction, he too wouldn’t be able to escape the fate of being impaled by the two incisive forelimbs!
Chii! That na’vi warrior was pierced ruthlessly, yet his eyes contained no agony; instead, it burned with malicious bloodlust . Following that, Son Blindcost continued insatiably dragging its prey towards itself . Its venomous fangs twinkled brightly, seemingly prepared to inject its victim with digestive enzymes . Then, its fangs pierced into the Takji warrior, as it poured its digestive enzymes into his body .
Only before that; though one could see the tremendous pain this Takji warrior was in, he shockingly pulled out his bone-blade slung across his chest, and slashed against the incoming venomous fangs . In spite of its incisive toughness, those venomous fangs ultimately sprouted out from succulent gums . By baring its fangs, Son Blindcost immediately exposed its weakness . That Takji warrior was already seething with hatred within, and exhibited his final burst of potential amidst the excruciating pain . With one swipe, he sliced off the two 3 finger-long black venomous fangs in succession .
Having a vital part suffering a grievous blow, Son Blindcost unleashed a nefariously thrilling and agonizing screech! Apart from its extracted venomous fangs, it still had two poisonous canine tooths that were specially used for ripping through thick hide of ferocious beasts . Still, the Dolomedes endured the pain and scrambled to the lake with the dissolving na’vi . By this time, Mogensha had already begun frenziedly firing, and was able to break two of its legs before the Dolomedes entered the lake .
Mogensha couldn’t help but sigh .
“Alas, that na’vi was courageous, but he died in vain . He sacrificed his life, but his flesh would forcibly become nourishment for that Son Blindcost; supplying energy for it to rejuvenate its wounds . ”
But before Mogensha finished his words… . . Son Blindcost, who was currently absorbing its prey, could be seen suddenly breaking out in violent convulsions . Following that, it widened out its mouth within the lake, and spat out muddy light-yellowish fluids that were mixed with strips of red thread . Moreover on the contrary, not only was its bodily wounds not recovering, it worsened!
In reality, when that Takji warrior had dashed out, he already harboured a suicidal intent . Firstly, he drank down the entire pipe of toxic fluid that was supposedly used for dipping arrowheads . The eventual outcome didn’t need to be explained further . In summary; when that savage abominable, Son Blindcost, attempted to heal itself, it ended up pouring lethal toxins into its own belly .
Its bitter and resentful ruby eyes then fixated onto Mogensha! Employing its simple thought process – those taller blue preys were poisonous, while that black dwarf prey would surely possess no risk . Most importantly, it too found Mogensha’s onslaught unbearable!
Water splashed disorderly, as Son Blindcost suddenly wheeled towards Mogensha . Having two severed legs, the speed of the Dolomedes had plunged significantly . Unhurriedly, Brother Black half knelt to the ground, as he squinted his eyes and released burst shots of 3; as rounds of bullets drilled bloodied holes into the opponent’s body .
Just when this massive abomination was about to slam against its target, a figure shot in horizontally out of nowhere! Indeed, it was Reef who had activated his ‘Courage’ ability! With the safety net of ‘Life-link’ with Sheyan, he presently held no reservations . Roaring furiously to the heavens, an incorporeal shockwave swept out! Then, he bluntly guarded his front with his ‘Alien Shield’ against the collision of Son Blindcost!
Only this time, the Dolomedes repeated the same story; with a cold shimmer, its twin forelimbs thrusted forth once again! Instead, Reef had long prepared a suitable answer to his opponent’s tactics . With a twist of his body, though his agility was lacking, he managed to scarcely avoid one of the ferociously thrusting, incoming forelimb . Then, he pounced forward to receive the unstoppable thrust of the other incoming forelimb!!
As for Son Blindcost, it only felt a single forelimb lodging into warmth . It had already employed immense force into this lunging thrust; yet right now, it was further enhanced by Reef’s reckless and unreasonable charge in . Psssh! Its incisive forelimb emitted a piercing resonance, as it stabbed deep into Reef’s abdomen; to the point that it pierced out from Reef’s back! One man and one beast tangled closely together, resulting in a most bitter struggle of life and death!
At present, old Mourbo watched on with unprecedented shock . He could’ve never expected this group of outsiders to possess such valour . He clearly understood the mortal consequence of a close combat battle like that, but that outsider was bold enough to engage in a fleshy entanglement! Presently, the remaining Takji warriors were also not idling by, raining down on their opponent with torrents of arrows . That massive Dolomedes contracted in its 6 other limbs, gripping onto Reef as it rolled and attempted to drag him back into the lake .
Witnessing this predicament, Sheyan very bluntly and neatly retrieved his musket,
Coldly aiming,
‘Rum & Songs’ activated,
Fire!
Boom! Cyan fumes swivelled up . The damage dealt by ‘Ambition’ was equivalent to one hair from nine oxen against this tier-5 legendary beast; yet to Sheyan, he only needed that 2 seconds stunning effect! That massive Dolomedes twitched as its incisive 6 limbs halted in a semi-curled state . Reef immediately seized this opportunity, as he raised his black lightsaber up high, before spearing it towards the prevalent wound of its extracted venomous fangs!
“Chi cha!” A burnt odour pervaded into the air! Nonetheless, Son Blindcost was a tier-5 legendary creature with utmost monstrosity . 2 seconds went by in a flash . Though Reef was an MT, under his inattentiveness, his left shoulder turned numb as it emitted fracturing sounds . Another forelimb of the Dolomedes came fanatically waving in . Aroused by blood, Reef’s lightsaber wielding left shoulder was directly hacked off .
Though that happened, Reef’s lightsaber had already stabbed deep into the poison gland of the Dolomedus’s wound . This massive Dolomedes released a mournful screech, as several drips of colourless poison splattered onto Reef’s skin . White foam floated over his skin, seemingly about to directly dissolve his skin and flesh . But right now, old Mourbo knew the critical moment had arrived . Sheyan and the others were toiling with their lives on the line; if they really perished here, then the entire Takji clan would be razed and buried with them!
Thus, this old man started demonstrating his formidability . Bowing slightly, he had begun charging forward like a demon . Unknownst when, a deep-black bone-blade had already been pulled from his chest sling, as he hacked forth like butchering pigs . With one stab, his blade plunged deep into the fat belly of the massive Dolomedes, up till his blade shaft! Gripping the blade shaft with his right hand, he twisted and spared no effort in slashing his blade upwards . It tore through 7-8 cm, before his blade halted!
Suffering from such a fatally severe stab, Son Blindcost had seemingly jolted back from its agonizing reverie . Accompanying its mournful screech, it waved its long limbs; merging its force together as it ferociously knocked old Mourbo flying backwards . Seeing that, the provoked Takji clansmen issued a string of raging and worried roars .
However, though the one knocked flying was old Mourbo, Son Blindcost raised its violently twitching forelimbs, as it unleashed an anguished and sorrowful holler!
Because flying out with old Mourbo, was a long, moist and pinkish small intestine; covered in visible veins . Ash-cyan viscous semi-fluids blended with maroon blood spewed out in all directions . A foul rusty stench wafted into the atmosphere almost instantly .
Actually, atop the tip of this old man’s sharp bone-blade, was a curved hook that had been purposefully grinded out; like a barp tip of a fishing rod! He had been tightly clamping onto his bone-blade shaft; naturally when he was sent flying, that hook would ruthlessly hook out the intestine it had latched on! As the saying goes, growing old without dying would turn one wily . Old Mourbo was a wily old fox, naturally, his weapon would be correspondingly malicious!
If one described his primary stab into the Dolomedes as a superficial wound, then this second move by old Mourbo, was truly capable of threatening its life! The Dolomedes became somewhat diffident, as it prepared to curl up in attempt to flee! Instead, an acute alien tongue speared forth from Reef’s shield, and immediately slapped against the Dolomedes’s head! That stunning effect wasn’t exempted but actually effective . Reef then placed away his shield, as he proceeded to pull out his ‘Hand-dart*’ he acquired recently before hurling it towards the ruby compounded eye of the Dolomedes!
(TN: *Reef acquired his Hand-dart in ch 67 of this vol 7)
Experiencing quick successions of searing pain, Son Blindcost roared ludicrously as it hacked forth with its incisive forelimbs once again . Obviously, Reef couldn’t resist but was struck into near-death state in the blink of an eye! Under the radiance of a silver protection, the incomparably furious Son Blindcost unleashed a hurricane of incisive limbs, in bid of tearing his foe into shreds . However, it could only smash against the undulating brilliance of a silver layer of protection, utterly incapable of harming Reef .
Instead, if was Sheyan who grunted, as his body repeatedly flashed with blinding silver rays! One must understand, this was the assaults from a tier-5 legendary creature; moreover, it wasn’t governed by the 40% damage reduction of contestants’ mutual conflicts! Even though Reef’s defence was outstandingly high, and Sheyan’s defence was similarly impressive and supplied with his innate ‘Endurance’; when treated like a punching bag right now, they probably could only last for seconds or ten seconds top .
Yet at this moment, Mcdh finally pressed his trigger! Back when Mcdh had begun locking on, his entire being had seemingly metamorphosed into a piece of stone; without a sound nor aura, dissolving into nature . Yet when he opened fire, a baleful aura that could govern battlefields, swept forth like a mountainous flash flood!
Sheyan’s perceptive sense was incredibly keen; though he realized this baleful aura sweeping through the entire field, the area surrounding Son Blindcost had inturn, transformed into a vacuum . It was like the impending calm before the hurricane, the breeze still and the waves quiet . Yet in the next second, the sky and earth would be turned upside down .
Yet to his surprise, 3-4 seconds had elapsed since Mcdh opened fire, yet not a single abnormality was exhibited by Son Blindcost . It remained ravenously slicing away at the silver layered protected Reef, as though Mcdh’s gunshot had totally missed . Sheyan couldn’t help voicing his astoundment .
“Why is it like that? Could it be you……?”
‘Missed’ . That was the word Sheyan ultimately did not say . To a sniper, that word was like slapping his face . Instead, Mcdh chuckled and replied .
“No rush . Just let the bullets fly . ”
At this moment, after the enraged and berserking massive Dolomedes had realized its actions were futile, it had shifted its target to old Mourbo! It suddenly curled up, attempting to collide away . But at this time, Mcdh’s eyes flickered with unrivalled sharpness; a dangerous sensation that even spreaded to Sheyan’s body .
Within the next second, the head of that invincibly devilish massive Dolomedes seemed to have been smashed by an invisible giant hammer . Boom! Like a watermelon, it exploded into pieces! The surrounding walls were splattered with its bodily fluids and sediments . It could literally be said that its brains spilled over the floor .
However, the vitality of this legendary creature was too insanely overwhelming; in such a state, it could still rely on its predatory instincts, as it crawled forth excruciatingly with its remaining few limbs . Still, the remaining 10 or so Takji warriors weren’t vegetables; if they didn’t seize the chance to beat down a drowning dog now, then when? Instantly, bows drawn and arrows mounted, as the Dolomedes was nailed into a hedgehog!
At present, Sheyan’s heart was trembling . Although Son Blindcost’s primary specialty was being an exceptionally disgusting food predator, having health regeneration abilities, it still at least had approximately 40,000 HP! If counting in such a manner, the might of Mcdh’s shot, had at least wiped out nearly a good portion of its HP! What sort of dreadful offensive might was this! Under the threat of such offensive degree, how would one even endure a single shot?
Mcdh could notice the suspicious gaze of Sheyan and the rest . It could be said that he owed a huge favour to party Ace; since the audience all had that intention, he laughed as he generously displayed forth his ability .
[ Rank A+ ability: Let the Bullets Fly (lvl max) ]
(TN: Let the bullets fly is a Hongkong movie, starring Chow Yun-Fat)
[ Description: Through an endless wait of accumulation and brewing, let the bullet’s might be utterly unleashed at one go . ]
[ Usage requirements: You must continuously take aim for at least 10 seconds, under a state of absolute peacefulness; engaging a thorough analysis of the target, before being able to unleash a fatal strike at it . During this period of time, if you make any movements or the target moves out of a 1 metre radius, this ability will be interrupted and ultimately fail . ]
[ Details: The longer you lock on, the higher its might; maximum of 20 seconds lock on . ]
[ lvl max special property: Prolonged shot – after releasing your bullet at the target, your bullet will tear through a dimension space and draw external energies . The longer you allow the bullet to traverse in the dimension space, the stronger its enhanced might! You can control the bullet to go into effect against the enemy at anytime! ]
[ Detail: Because the killing potential of this ability is too potent, when locking on to the enemy, the enemy will also be able to sense your presence! ]
[ Detail: You can only use this ability for 3 times in any one world . Every time you use this ability, 5,000 utility points and 10 potential points would be deducted . ]
After seeing the ability’s specifications, Sheyan and the rest eventually calmed down . Evidently, this ability could only be exhibited in certain special situations . At least, it wouldn’t be feasible in a war between contestants . Once locking onto the target, the enemy would be able to sense a sniper aiming across . Even if one was stupid, as long as he could escape that 1 metre radius within 10 seconds, the ability would fail . Only in a battle against primitive creatures in a magical world, would they not understand what an aiming sniper meant…… .
Of course, as a Growth-hunter, Mcdh definitely possessed numerous formidable abilities . Still, his willingness to share this ability to everyone, was proof of his sincerity and magnanimity .
At present, Reef had finally escaped his near-death state, and began coughing violently; vomiting out fresh dull blood . Chunky dregs were also discharged from his throat, and even purplish-black blood paste; splattering all over the ground . Only after a good long while, did he finally manage to cease his coughing .
After slaying Son Blindcost, its body curled up and remained slightly convulsing on the ground . Right now, those 23 hearts could still be seen shrinking rapidly, while bathing in the fluids of the golden altar . They were like sweets or salt, swiftly dissolving into nothingness .
It was clear; to accomplish the Golden Side Mission ‘Cherokee’s sacrifice’, one had to wait for these hearts to completely dissolve atop this altar! Consecutively, that erected pandora crystal concave mirror vaporized into the air . Still, the beam it casted continued glowing brighter and brighter, shining gently onto the region of unfathomable bottom of the lake .
Eventually, both hearts and mirror disappeared from sight . Before they disappeared, the clear lake had become suffused with violet rays . Rays that were mysterious, dignified and solemn; causing one to feel an involuntary delusion, to kneel and worship .
Gradually, 2-3 strips of long arthropod branches could be seen drifting along the sparkling water, amidst the emulsion of violet rays beneath the clear lake surface . Gentle violet rays drifted along with it, subconsciously impressing a dignified and soothing sensation on one’s heart . The subtle psychological urging to kneel and bow was intense; apart from old Mourbo, the rest of the na’vi warriors unanimously knelt down with fear and trembling, as they hastily pressed their heads to the ground .
Only old Mourbo’s face flushed with horror, as his body shivered violently . He muttered to himself .
“The Tree of Souls in the water! This is the Tree of Souls in the water!!”
He suddenly dashed frantically towards his clansmen, as he kicked them with rage and anger .
“Hurry and get up . Nobody is to kneel, nobody is to worship here . Do you guys wish to turn corrupted?”
Upon hearing old Mourbo’s rebuke, all doubts in Sheyan’s heart dissipated; it was as though a bead had found its stringing thread . Like a pedigree of events, everything was completely deciphered!
But at this moment, he had no time to ponder further . With the assimilation of those 23 hearts on the altar, the amounts of violet branches in the lake were multiplying increasingly . Originally crystal clear and transparent, the lake now hosted thousands of violet strings had branched out like a willow tree; sending ripples throughout the lake . It was majestical and enchanting sight to behold .
Simultaneously, the delayed notification of the nightmare imprint finally arrived .
[ Golden Side Mission ‘Cherokee’s Sacrifice’ completed . ]
[ You successfully slayed Chieftain Cherokee, carved his heart out, and offered it as sacrifice . ]
[ Mission completion score: Horrendous (There is no other evaluation as poor as this) ]
[ Mission evaluation: The Mosake clan is exterminated, Cherokee’s heart has been smoothly sacrificed on the golden altar . You only accomplished two of the essential factors, therefore you will only receive the lowest evaluation and basic rewards . ]
[ Note: your party level is insufficient, hence your silver party leader’s status is unable to influence the resultant rewards . ]
[ Your achievement level is raised by 20+1 points (legend level +1) ]
[ You receive 30,000 utility points . ]
[ You receive 30 potential points . ]
[ You successfully completed the Golden Side Mission! Party experience raised by 30 points!! ]
[ Your current party experience is 60/15 points . Please hastily promote your military rank, for your party to advance in level . ]
When the notification reached here, it paused for awhile . Sheyan shared the mission news to his party, having zero notions of hiding it for himself . When misgivings started appearing within the trio, the notification swiftly continued .
[ Because your mission completion score is ‘Horrendous’, only 2 unique Golden Side Mission options will appear out of the reward options available . ]
[ *For example, amongst the 8 options, only 2 options will be rewards that are unique from the Golden Side Mission . If score is higher, then more options will be available, like 3 unique options or 4 . ]
(TN:* I took this paragraph from the next chap . The author wasn’t clear writing in this chap, and he made a special note (this paragraph) to clarify it in the next chap . So figured it would be more relevant to place it here . )
[ Please select 3 out of the following options as your final reward . ]
[ Reward A: Receive 10+1 points of free attribute points (+1 from legend level) ]
[ Details: After selecting this option, your free attribute points would increase by 10+1 points . You can allocate these points to your basic attributes at any time . ]
[ Reward B: Interstellar course certificate (one-time-usage item) ]
[ Details: After using this item, you will be immune to contestant’s aggression in the world you used it in . Similarly, you will be unable to attack other contestants . ]
[ Reward C: Exemption Authorization Book (This item can allow one to be exempted from mission penalty of difficulty ‘B’ and below for 3 times . 1 time for mission ‘A’ and below . Zero exemption for higher difficulty mission penalty) . ]
[ Description: After using this item, you will be exempted from the penalty for failing a mission . Of course, you will also be unable to receive any mission reward . Please use this item before mission penalty is triggered . ]
[ Reward D: Inniste Steroid Implanting Device . ]
[ Description: This is the latest invention, an inspiration acquired by an researching on the heart artificial pacemaker . When planting this device into your body, it can harvest carbon dioxide, synthesizing it into a steady flow of steroids to supply your body; enhancing your attack damage by 15% . This enhancement effect is like a halo effect, existing forever . What you need to do is embedding it into your body . Please relax, after clinical experimentation and observation of 137 years, this is verified . As long as your body isn’t implanted with more than 3 devices, it will not be adverse to your health . ]
[ Reward E: 1 Cross Honorary medallion (Unique reward of Golden Side mission) ]
[ Description: After using this medallion, your military rank will be promoted by 1 rank . (Limited to ranks of official Junior Officer/ Reserve-duty Field Officers and above) ]
[ Reward F: Compound high-energy injection of Aldanzo-Keluka-Lulizi (Alkelu) . (Unique reward of Golden Side Mission) ]
[ Description: Alkelu high-energy injection is an extremely valuable medicine dosage . Even a contestant whose internal potential is exhausted can use it to fly once again; breaking through the boundary of humans! This allows a contestant to bypass any test, to instantly become an official Growth-hunter . ]
[ Reward G: Land Cruiser lifeguard (one-time-usage item) ]
[ Details: This item can be used under any situation, allowing the user to be directly transported to the safety of the nightmare realm . Side effects includes the disappearance of all your rewards and benefits you’ve gotten in that world . ]
[ Details: We do not encourage the conduct of leaving the battlefield . But alright, even a heroic warrior should have the rights to surrender . ]
[ Reward H: Quintessence metal dissolution concoction fluid . ]
[ Details: This is a rare Silver storyline grade item . Smear it to enhance your weapon / equipment . Using this has a 100% chance of upgrading to lvl 3, 50% chance of upgrading to lvl 5, and 10% chance of upgrading to lvl 7 . ]
[ Details: This item can only be effective on Silver Storyline grade and Dark-gold grade equipments / items . ]
[ Description: This is a rare substance extracted from the core of a planet . It can substantially improve the durability and ductility of materials . I’m afraid, this is a relatively valuable item within the entire nightmare realm . ]
Observing the list of descriptions, the trio simultaneously turned blank . It could be said amongst all 7 options, not a single one would be classified as useless! Every single option was invaluable . That ‘Inniste Steroid Implanting Device’ may appear rather limited, but please note, its bonus was in percentage! Moreover, it wouldn’t occupy any equipment slot . In the latter stages after being a Growth-hunter or other advanced stages, that 15% may turn into an absolutely terrifying superiority .
At present, Mcdh was also rather curious about the mission rewards of the Golden Side Mission . Sheyan acknowledged that without his otherworldly gunshot, the chances of accomplishing this mission would truly be ambiguous . Therefore, he couldn’t reject and displayed the list of rewards for Mcdh’s viewing pleasure .
Though Mcdh was a Growth-hunter, upon seeing such abundant rewards, he too couldn’t help clicking his tongue in wonder . After pondering he spoke to Sheyan .
“The realm has strict regulations on the confidentiality of information, I cannot tell you much . However, if I were you, I would definitely consider those free attribute points! Right, you should’ve already attained the bonus when reaching pure 20 points attribute right?”
Mcdh’s spoken sentence carried a trace of vagueness, and profound flavour to it . After Sheyan listened, his heart stirred and he stared deeply into Mcdh’s eyes . Then, he nodded earnestly and expressed his gratitude .
“I got it, many thanks . ”
Mcdh roared out with laughter . Following that, Sheyan directly selected option A – 10+1 free attribute points! Adding this to the 8* free attribute points he previously acquired, his current unallocated free attribute points had reached a terrifying 19 points! Nevertheless, Sheyan didn’t harbour any ideas of allocating his free attribute points yet .
(TN:*this was Sheyan’s reward for completing the Great leonopteryx skull mission back in ch 79 of this vol . )
Currently, he held some queries in his heart, and decided to pursue them after returning . Moreover upon returning, it was imminent his military rank would be promoted . Therefore, with a sufficient rank, he would be able to access more confidential information . If his few queries could receive a satisfactory answer, then adding the points in the future would be more purposeful . It was better than adding while clueless .
Since Sheyan had affirmed his determination, he then beckoned to Reef and Mogensha .
“We went through fire and water together for this Golden Side Mission, you guys select the remaining 2 options as your dividends!”
Reef and Mogensha were both stunned .
“Boss? Could it be you don’t require that ‘Alkelu High-energy Injection’ ?”
Facing his two party members’ question, Sheyan contemplated a little before chuckling in response .
“Since Zi and the rest were able to pass the test and breakthrough the boundary to become an official Growth-hunter, why can’t I?
Sheyan’s words were relaxed and calm, deemphasizing the difficulty of such a task . Yet the impression he emanated was a vibrant haughtiness, brimming with unparalleled self-confidence!
Hearing those words, Brother Black was suddenly stumped for words; licking his thick lips, as he swallowed his saliva . He then slapped his rifle with a thoughtful expression, before laughing aloud and exclaiming to Reef .
“Well said, big brother . Reef you go first! Our boss isn’t a modest individual . Since he wants us to choose, then do so forthrightly!”
Reef was trembling violently from head to toe, and sighed deeply before forcing out his words to Sheyan .
“Then…… . . then I’ll choose that ‘Alkelu High-energy Injection’ . ”
After finishing his statement, Reef staggered two steps backwards as though his strength had left him . Shutting his eyes, he allowed the wall to support his weight . After Sheyan had chosen that item option, a bright resplendent shimmering dosage injection shockingly appeared in his palm . Then, he smiled gently and handed it over to Reef . Reef accepted it with trembling hands… . even the dosage injection wobbled unstably within his own hands!
As Sheyan handed the injection dosage to Reef, he could greatly comprehend Reef’s current emotions . He pressed his palm in firmly, tightening the injection dosage within Reef’s palm as he lightly whispered .
“Everything else is in the past, you have been granted a new beginning . ”
Reef started blankly at this injection dosage . Then he kept it, and took it out again . Keeping it, before once again taking it out; as though this was just a dream . A second later, he turned around with both hands covering his face . His forehead pressed silently against the wall behind, as tears poured down from within the cracks of his fingers .
Sheyan shrugged his shoulders helplessly, but he could wholeheartedly understanding him . For the sake of becoming an official Growth-hunter, Reef had sacrificed far too much, far too much . The pressure had compounded on his shoulders for far too long, far too long . Then, Sheyan lifted his chin towards Brother Black .
“It’s your time, have you finished thinking? If not, do you need our Growth-hunter to offer us some recommendation?”
Mogensha laughed elatedly and answered .
“I’m done with thinking, I select reward E . ”
Sheyan immediately replied .
“Eh? I thought you would’ve selected reward H… . . why?? You sure you want reward E?”
Mogensha faced the amazed Sheyan and nodded his head .
“That’s an affirmative . Reward E it is, 1 ‘Cross Honorary Medallion’ . ”
Sheyan shrugged his shoulders as he selected reward E .
“Since you decided on that, then so be it . ”
This ‘Cross Honorary Medallion’ had the dimensions of an ordinary coin . There wasn’t a huge disparity between it and an average looking medal, except for a layer of dull gold radiance . Sheyan casually tossed it over to Brother Black . After Brother Black toyed with it for a while, he casually tossed it back to Sheyan . Sheyan caught it as he casted a suspicious stare over .
Brother Black lighted up a cigar, as he puffed heavily on it .
“Boss, after returning now, you should be able to directly promote to First Lieutenant right?”
Sheyan nodded and replied .
“That’s right . I have 92 achievement points now, 70 points is adequate to promote to First Lieutenant . ”
Brother Black earnestly continued .
“After this world is over, though our evaluation score would surely be poor . However, based on your legend level and Silver Party leader status, acquiring 3 achievement points shouldn’t be a problem . So hypothetically, right now you have 95 points . 100 achievement points would be enough to promote to Captain! I reckon, another 1 or 2 worlds and you will successfully promote again!”
“Therefore… . . this ‘Cross Honorary Medallion’, is specially exchanged for you! Boss! You must understand, promoting from a captain rank is actually a qualitative advancement, instead of a quantitative one . From a Junior officer to a Field officer class! That is a major threshold! The amount of achievement points required for that gap, I’m afraid, it would at least require you to reach roughly 170 achievement points!”
“Speaking in reality, it is not possible for every world to acquire so many achievement points like in a realm war . Moreover, it is impossible to frequently encounter Golden Side Missions that can be exploited! To you, this ‘Cross Honorary Medallion’ is minimally worth a full 70 achievement points!”
Shayan gazed at Brother Black for a good long while, before nodding his head and sincerely offered .
“Thank you . ”
Brother Black shrugged his shoulders, but suddenly broke out into cunning laughters .
“Actually, this is also considering for myself . If you can promote your military rank faster, the party level will also scale swiftly…… . . and our party skills would naturally flow like the rising tide . Truthfully speaking, I am rather pleased with our party skills . Therefore, the faster you can promote your military rank, the greater I will benefit . Therefore, what I want to say is – no thanks . ”
Actually, Mogensha’s conduct similarly aimed to solidify his position in the party . At present, why wouldn’t he fail to notice the admiration Mcdh had for Sheyan, and couldn’t eliminate the possibility of him enrolling to the party . Undoubtedly, Mcdh would conflict against Mogensha’s current position . Besides, Mogensha was indeed lacking vastly when comparing in terms of dealing firepower .
Furthermore, Mogensha had first allowed Reef to choose, before proactively selecting the medal for Sheyan’s sake; such an act, was like winning favour using someone else’s property! Using the rewards of Sheyan’s completed Golden Side Mission to curry favour with Sheyan! Actually to him personally, he wouldn’t lose out at all . Instead, he would even gain the public’s praises!
Nevertheless, this was Brother Black’s instincts of protecting himself . Besides, he had grown up in a treacherous environment, without some scheming and shrewdness, it would be absolutely impossible to survive till now .
By now, Sheyan had strolled towards the crystal clear lake, which was still brimming with enchanting magic . Bending down, he dipped his finger into the water before retracting his finger to taste with his tongue . Immediately, his face revealed a cheery delight, as though he was a young boy locating the final piece of puzzle for his game; smiling with immeasurable gladness .
Sheyan glanced back towards old Mourbo, who was currently nursing his wounds . Then, he chuckled and uttered .
“My friend, I have never been one to treat a subordinate unfairly . Your heroism has not gone unnoticed by me, and I am truly sorry for the loss of your clansmen . However, I am incapable of resurrecting them . Still as of now, you are just an ordinary Tsahik right? I wonder if you are interested in becoming a powerful beloved Tsahik of Eywa like Mo`at?”
Previously when Old Mourbo had lunged against the Dolomedes, he had risked his old life in that assault . Hence, it was only proper for Sheyan to speak in this manner . After that old thing heard Sheyan’s last statement, his originally dispirited and pale countenance was replaced with glowing radiance!
“I am very interested!!!”
Sheyan pointed towards those gently drifting, long violet branches within the lake .
“Break those things off, bring it back and place it before your Tree of Souls . You will then receive Eywa’s favour . ”
Old Mourbo peered towards those alluring violet branches inside the lake . His mouth widened, but his voice turned hoarse .
“I…… . I can’t, and I do not dare to approach it . I don’t know why, but when I look at it, it is like beholding Eywa . My heart flushes with fear and reverence, I am afraid…… . . ”
At this moment, Mcdh couldn’t resist the urge to ask .
“What exactly are those?”
Sheyan laughed and replied .
“It is indeed a long story, but fortunately we have some time…… . this Golden Side Mission, it truly is worthy of such a costly valuation! It actually allowed us to fathom things deep into the inside story . Genuinely speaking, it is right to say those things are extraordinarily precious invisible treasures . ”
“Alright, then let’s start from the top! I guess you should all understand the original storyline of the Avatar movie . Inside the original storyline, the main lead isn’t the first Toruk Makto (Great Leonopteryx Rider), but the sixth*! It is revealed in the folklore legends of the na’vi race, only when a grave crisis like that of race extermination, would a Toruk Makto surface; leading all na’vi warriors to rise in battle . Thus because of that, a Toruk Makto is widely acclaimed as a hero of the legends . ”
(TN: Author actually writes 7th but wiki says its 6th, correct me if I’m wrong . )
Speaking till here, Sheyan paused as though seeking to organize his wordings . Then, he continued .
“But the main question lies in that! Eons before humans from earth had arrived on planet Pandora! Where would the na’vi race’s crisis arise from? How tremendous is Mother Nature Eywa’s strength? How patient was her temperament, that she could even ignore humans coming to mine on Pandora . Only when the Colonel had blew up her Tree of Souls, did her wrath become aroused!”
“Therefore, we can speak with assurance, there must certainly be other astronomical forces that exists of this planet; and the worst of those forces, could reach the extent of threatening the na’vi race with extinction . So much so, that there was an immense possibility that they had endangered the Tree of Souls of Mother Nature Eywa!”
Speaking till here, Sheyan could already see his audience revealing pensive and thoughtful expressions . Then, he finally expounded on his bold presumptions .
“Therefore…… . since such a mystical divine life form such as Mother Nature Eywa can appear on this planet, then why wouldn’t there be other divine life forms like the Mother of the Seas? Or the Mother of the Underworld? Perhaps, the Mother of the Skies!!!! Just think about what Mother Nature Eywa hails the Mosake clan! Corruptors! Only individuals who had betrayed one’s faith, would be hailed as Corruptors! If my hypothesis holds up, then all the bizarre occurrences you can see now, can be easily solved; allowing us to arrive at a logical conclusion!”
Speaking till here, Sheyan suddenly raised his voice .
“Old Mourbo!”
Their earlier dialogue had touched upon the matters of their present world, therefore the nightmare realm would specially censor them . At this moment when Sheyan abruptly shouted, Old Mourbo had seemingly been startled awake from his daydream .
“What!”
Sheyan earnestly suggested .
“Although during the passage of time, many truths were omitted, misrepresented, distorted into lies, or even erased after recounts throughout generations, but with numerous earlier investigations, I came to a shocking consensus – the reason behind the Mosake clan turning corrupt, is it due to a drought?”
Old Mourbo carefully recollected his memories, hesitating slightly as he nodded and replied .
“Yes that is so . ”
Sheyan then declared .
“Throughout humankind’s history, apart from human disaster, we suffer from many other catastrophes . Undisputedly, they are floods or blizzards, severe drought, locust swarms, epidemics and others . Of which many deadly calamities are related to water! A planet’s water body and continental ground isn’t mixable . The ocean and rivers occupies a large area, then obviously the continental grounds would be retrospectively smaller . Hence, the mutual contradiction between the two is absolutely irreconcilable and harmonizable! They cannot be mixed together!
Speaking till here, Sheyan paused for a while .
“Therefore, If I assume that the ensembled consciousness of Mother Nature Eywa is possibly resembling a form that of a fungus* of this entire celestial body, then the Sea Mother would probably be an ensembled consciousness that of an algae of the entire planet . Think back to the peculiar terrain of the Windstone Highland . It is obviously a volcano, yet a layer of flat crusty shell just had to grow above its peak! It is as though, it is some sort of meticulous concealment . Now that we’ve entered here today, I am finally enlightened . If my conjecture isn’t wrong, this is the miraculous product created by another divinely powerful life form of Pandora!”
(TN:*He realized this back in ch 22 of this vol, when they released that root-like object from the valkyrie shuttle)
After hearing that speech, Reef sudden exposed an enlightened expression as he interrupted .
“Could it be you mean…… . . yes, back on earth, there are some inactive dormant volcanoes that would naturally form crater lakes after a very long time; where some are even fairly renowned . For example, the Heaven Lake of Paektu Mountain, Lake Taupo in New Zealand, Lake Atitlán of Guatemala and others . Could it be the Sea Mother was so powerful, that she could form a layer of rocky crust over the lake, before slowly pushing this layer up with the lake’s water; before finally forming this spectacular phenomenon at the crater peak of this volcano!”
Sheyan earnestly replied .
“Why wouldn’t that be possible? Just think about the prowess of Mother Nature Eywa, and you wouldn’t find it too difficult to imagine such a phenomenon . Actually, the Sea Mother wouldn’t even need to form a crusty layer of rocks . Based on my recent observation, what supports the roof of this Windstone Highland, isn’t solely rocks . Its bottommost layer is braced with something like those tenacious sea kelps, or tangled vines . Above it would be firm and light material compositions, like shells and conches . Actually, the supporting pillars were formed in such a manner as well . ”
“Moreover, the uppermost layer of soil isn’t something the Sea Mother need to worry about . The windy and dry climate here would easily cover the top with soil and dust . She only requires dozens of years, close to a century, to successfully shape out the Windstone Highland that we see today!”
Sheyan suddenly asked .
“Then where did the water here disappear to?”
Sheyan erected his finger and answered .
“Good question, this is indeed what I’m about to explain…… . when the crater lake’s water surface had been totally covered with kelps and shells, the Sea Mother had dispatched a competent underling that was considered young then; presumably its status within the seas, would be analogous to the Thanator of the lands, or the Great Leonopteryx of the skies .
“This competent underling would be that gigantic Sea snail . That Sea snail probably possessed an ability like that of barnacles on earth, and commenced drilling from a nearby underground lake with its conch . Finally, it managed to drill through the bottommost layer of this dormant volcano . This was probably an excruciatingly long task, and to accomplish this task, that assiduous Sea snail probably exhausted generations of its vitality . Ultimately, it successfully penetrated into the crater lake, allowing the lake’s water to naturally drain out from the drilled opening . Oh, that drilled opening, should be the bottomless water source we can see in this tiny lake . ”
(TN: Just in case, the conch is the shell of a sea snail . A sea snail can also be referred to as a conch)
“Furthermore, that Sea snail remained residing in this place without moving, and continued to grow . With the Sea Mother’s invincible prowess, she naturally supplied it with food and nourishment, allowing its body to gradually expand tremendously, Finally, it grew to this colossal extent we can see now, before it died . In this manner, it allowed its gigantuous conch to preside over and perfectly shield this remaining tiny lake and its opening . Thus, this arrangement formed into a double overlapping concealment of the Sea Mother’s spirit force, preventing it from spreading to the surroundings of the Windstone Highland . This became an exceptionally effective masquerade to camouflage from Mother Nature Eywa’s detection!”
Reef nodded and inquired .
“I roughly understand now . However, I still have one final question – What is the reason for the Sea Mother in creating such a secret space?”
Sheyan smiled gently .
“That is an amazing question, but let me ask you a question in reply . What was the reason for Great Britain in possessing so many colonies?”
Reef was abruptly stunned, as he stammered blankly .
“This…… . ”
He obviously knew Great Britain colonized all parts of the world for wealth and dominion . His personal principles prevented him from lying, but his patriotic spirit made it hard for him to blatantly declare the truth . ”
Sheyan smiled and continued .
“Constructing such a secret realm, would be akin to harshly hammering a nail into Mother Nature Eywa’s sphere of power! With this realm as her heart, she would proceed to gradually entice believers of Mother Nature Eywa; peeling away the strength of Eywa, and slowly devouring Eywa’s forces . To the extent of using Eywa’s own forces to build internal friction within Eywa’s faction! Just recall the brother of dragon’s daughter Mo`at; he was most likely a figure of peerless talent, yet was still murdered by Cherokee!”
“There’s a splendid saying from my hometown – a task meticulously undertaken, is a task with long preparations . The Sea Mother’s style of execution resembles an unbroken current of water; immersively churning as it erodes one bit at a time . It is a stark contrast to the extravagance of Mother Nature Eywa . Moreover, her actions evidently yielded results – just notice the na’vi corrupted clans multiplying with each passing day . Yet Mother Nature Eywa wasn’t able to locate the root cause of the problem, credited to the slow eroding scheme of the Sea Mother . Furthermore, how mighty was Cherokee, but he still rather safeguard the secrets of the Sea Mother, willingly giving his life in battle here! One could reckon how potent that alluring enticement was!”
Speaking till here, Sheyan no longer needed to explain further . Everyone understood if this information could be delivered to Mother Nature Eywa, obviously, producing a branch of the ‘Tree of Souls in the water’ as sufficient compelling evidence; then, one would surely reap an excessively immense fortune . So much so, that the affairs of colluding with the Blackthorn tribe earlier in defiance against Mother Nature Eywa, could be written off in one stroke! Because no matter what, the Blackthorn tribe would not be able to threaten the basic existence of Mother Nature Eywa . However, the Sea Mother could turn the tides, and flood the continents!
The current old Mourbo had eyes flashing with lustful greed . Greater strength was naturally what this old man yearned for even in his dreams . To gain the favour of Mother Nature Eywa, he could even at best, replace Mo`at’s status as the best of this era! The rest of his Takji clansmen could not resist the allurement of the Tree of Souls in the water, but his identity as a Tsahik of Mother Nature Eywa, ensured that he could for a short duration .
In the past, though Cherokee was an exceedingly valiant Tsahik of Mother Nature Eywa; but due to the severe drought, and personally witnessing his clansmen perishing one by one, misgivings towards Mother Nature Eywa was borned in his heart . Then, in his search for a water source, he arrived at this place . Due to internal fissures being sown within him, his rate of corruption had amplified rapidly .
The contestants watched as old Mourbo gritted his teeth, and bit the braids behind his head, before diving into the water . Mourbo proceeded to pull out his bone-blade and forcefully carve out a glittering violet branch! With a deathly pale face, he scrambled wildly as he fled from the area . He couldn’t even be bothered about his Takji clansmen, that were still starstruck in their reverential fantasy .
Instead, at the instance that gentle drifting branch was carved out! That magnificent and bewitchingly violet Tree of Souls in the water suddenly trivialized, and dissolved; vanishing into the water!!! Following the departure of the violet Tree of Souls, all the Takji clansmen recovered their sense, as their faces flushed with confusion .
As Sheyan witnessed this scene, he couldn’t help sighing in his heart, as he realized his cleverness had made him the victim of his ingenuity .
The reason Sheyan had revealed all these, was primarily due to his nefarious scheming desires; seeking for his own dependable motives in allowing old Mourbo to fight for forefront supremacy . However, this was still the frightful completion location of the Golden Side Mission . It would be strange to say there wasn’t a single danger anymore, and every step should still be proceeded with utmost caution . He had never expected letting old Mourbo to gain a benefit, had inadvertently alerted the enemy as a result .
At present, the 4 humans suddenly felt an incomparably violent tremor from beneath the ground; why would Sheyan and the rest dare to stay on? They instantly broke into a frenzied charge for the exit! When they had finally escaped out of the gigantuous conch, visible and unbelievably large crevices could be seen encompassing the entire ceiling surface . Bright rays beamed out from these crevices, as rocks crumbled down in incessant successions . Naturally, the mystical force of the Sea Mother supporting and protecting the entire Windstone Highland, had faded away!
Old Mourbo roared fanatically, as his enormous black Great Banshee risked the danger, and swooped down through a massive crevice on the ceiling surface . It carried Mourbo away, and soared towards the sky’s horizon . This selfish old bastard had actually disregarded his clansmen at this very moment .
Furthermore, Sheyan and the rest could feel a searing heat emitting from beneath the rocky ground . They could sense immense waves of life-threatening pulses transmitting from beneath their feet, causing their hearts to palpitate with fear . This diabolical volcano that had been dormant for millenniums, was actually erupting!
Despite the state of crisis, fortunately at this very moment, dozens of arachnid overlords came swooping through the ceiling crevices under Sheyan’s command . Though a major portion of these undaunted overlords were crushed to death by the crumbling rock fragments, the remainder were able to successfully haul the contestants and the Takji Warriors out .
After flying a kilometre away from the area, though they were shielded by the fleshy walls of the overlords, they could still feel a searing blaze behind them . Unprecedented terrifying red-blazing magma erupted frenetically into the sky, blended with masses of white fog and black ashes! At present, if one were to spectate from the atmospheric ozone of Pandora, the sight would resemble a sudden ignited torch on the ravishing Pandora!
At this moment, Mogensha and Reef had already stayed for nearly 2 hours . Even though their current financial state could sustain this period, any additional second from the 2 hours duration would cause an insufficiency in utility points to arise, and instigate the realm . Thus, the realm would directly seize equipments and items as collateral from the contestant’s interspatial region . If that wasn’t enough, then wielded equipments would then be stripped off! With an absence of equipment, the next would be a forceful deduction of abilities and so on; ultimately, resulting in getting erased! A death to clear all debts . Thus, both of them hurriedly chose to return .
As for Sheyan, he had roughly 20 minutes remaining, and his meticulous and scheming personality wasn’t willing to squander it . Hence, he planned to seek out the Mother of the Blackthorn . With his amassed abundance of fortune, he would repurchase a whole set of arachnid units; especially that wondrous trump of an arachnid drone! That was definitely an essential purchase for killing and burning in the future . Both sides naturally possessed an unwavering ‘Worshipped’ relationship; and with the peak of Jinkuang’s ‘charm’, it was practically a case of small capital but huge profit .
However at this moment, the Blackthorn Overmind unveiled a cruel fact to Sheyan with an apologetic tone – though he could still purchase those items, no, he could even gift them to Sheyan; but due to the Blackthorn tribe abcissing from the arachnid race and becoming a lone wolf race, the Blackthorn arachnids no longer received enhanced spirit dominion from the Blade Empress . Putting it bluntly; if Sheyan acquires any arachnids eggs and hatched them, if those arachnid units were separated from the Blackthorn Overmind by a definite distance, they would lose their spirit dominion and be completely uncontrollable .
Actually, this point was already reflected prior to completing the Golden Side Mission . For example when facing the rocks imbued by the protection of the Sea Mother’s spirit force, those drones experienced a massive plummet in efficiency; due to them being distanced from the Blackthorn Overmind, and their spirit dominion weakening greatly . They had to resort to a legendary creature Jenny to intervene, and supply some spirit boost .
Moreover, later when facing that gigantuous conch, the zerglings had turned delirious after becoming affected by that potent spirit influence . On the contrary, if the arachnid units possessed a spirit dominion of the mighty Blade Empress, they would absolutely not be affected .
Under such circumstances, don’t even mention Sheyan attempting to hatch arachnid eggs in other nightmare worlds… . even hatching them 100-200 kilometres away now, the resultant arachnid creatures may possibly become wild beasts that would be completely unable to be controlled . At worst, they would turn mutually hostile, totally uncontrollable . That was equivalent to a waste of money . The only consolation was that the arachnid eggs he purchased in the Starship Trooper eggs could still be operated normally . Nevertheless, Sheyan was merely left with 2 overlord eggs that could only be treated as freight tools .
Though Sheyan was upset, he ultimately knew the concept of winning some while losing some . To accomplish this Golden Side Mission, certain inevitable sacrifices were necessary . Hence, though he sighed, he didn’t feel awfully disappointed . By now, the notification of returning to the nightmare realm was round the corner . Sheyan inhaled a deep breath, as he admired this beautiful, treacherous and plentiful planet Pandora for the last time . Then, he bidded farewell to the Blackthorns, and strolled into the nearby forest before selected to return .
Approximately 10 seconds later, leagues of vines had suddenly sprouted out from beneath Sheyan’s feet . With every passing step, the vines would wrap around him, and his body would submerge by a little . After trudging for scarcely 10 steps, the vines had already totally wrapped Sheyan up, then, it pulled him into the ground; he utterly disappeared from the land of Pandora .
The present Sheyan was already exceedingly familiar with the returning process . He directly shut his eyes, and only until that extremely queer weightless sensation vanished from his body, did he finally reopen them .
Right now, he was back inside that cosmos universe like environment . The darkness surrounding him was abstruse, and filled with glittering stars .
Suddenly, Sheyan could feel an unexplainable pain jolting throughout his entire body . It was as though every blood vessel in his body was being crudely brushed and cleansed! This pain seemingly faded as fast as it came, and sustained for merely 5-6 seconds before vanishing .
However, during this persisting period, Sheyan’s teeth chattered excessively, as perspiration oozed out from his body as though he had taken a bath! Such was the intensity of that pain . Soon after, the realm transmitted an unhurried notification .
[ The curse, ‘Venom water pulse’, has been expelled from your body . ]
[ Your military rank: Second Lieutenant . ]
[ The effort required to expel that curse was immense, therefore, you must pay up a fixed sum of utility points . ]
At this instant, Sheyan finally understood; in reality, the few of them had been inflicted by the mysterious scheme of the Sea Mother . Fortunately, he had instantly returned to the realm, not long after getting infected . The realm would naturally do a body scan, and revert contestants to their normal state . However, this further verified that Sheyan’s hypothesis were spot on . At least, that usage of curse by the Sea Mother was indicative of it presence in this world .
“Then old Mourbo…… . ” Sheyan suddenly remembered that matter . Obviously, that old head would’ve been inflicted as well . Furthermore, the Sea Mother would definitely not show mercy to one that had directly damaged its Tree of Souls . Still, this matter was beyond Sheyan’s influence by now . He could only hope that Mother Nature Eywa would be moved, and step forward in aid .
Closely following this, the 3D projection imagery naturally commence . The first scene feedbacked the acts of the trio protecting the Valkyrie . Following that, was their journey of gathering creature specimens for Hell’s Gate . Finally, Sheyan’s completion of the Golden Side Mission… . . which should’ve been exaggeratedly projected, yet only one scene was exhibited – the final imagery of Sheyan standing before the altar while completing the mission…… . it appears, the mission completion score of ‘horrendous’ was indeed a fully justifiable reputation!
The realm then projected out the following report:
[ Setting: Avatar world . ]
[ Difficulty: Hard (B+) . After accepting the Golden Side Mission, difficulty scaled to S (Nearly impossible to complete) ]
[ Pain limitation: 50% . ]
[ Additional capabilities boost: 0% . ]
[ Current setting exploration rate: 46 . 33% . ]
[ Acquired new titles: Plunderer / Penetrate / Headhunter / Outstanding Worker . ]
[ Mission exploration rate: 21% . ]
[ Mission completion score: E+ . (Note: lowest score is E, highest score is perfect SSS . ]
[ Due to a ‘horrendous’ mission completion score, you only receive 1 free attribute point as reward . ]
[ Mission exploration rate / mission completion score reward: Utility points 1,175 + 214 points (214 as Silver party leader bonus) . You have not hit the threshold to receive any potential points . ]
[ This world is a medium intensity realm war: You receive additional achievement points as reward . ]
[ You receive additional 6 achievement points . (3 + 2 (silver party leader bonus) + 1 (legend level +1 bonus)) ]
At present, Sheyan was already mentally prepared for a disastrously low performance rating . Besides, the glorious ‘Horrendous’ evaluation of his completed Golden Side Mission had been glamorously exhibited . Such an evaluation couldn’t be simply described as a rat ruining a pot of soup; it was practically pissing into the pot itself . If his score wasn’t low, then that would be strange . Fortunately, he was already plentifully satisfied with what he had reaped . Originally not harbouring much hopes pertaining to his score, receiving an additional 6 achievement points counted as a pleasant surprise .
The boundless starry cosmos gradually turned fuzzy, and once again turned into darkness . When Sheyan regained his vision, he had smoothly returned to his personal room . As he begun making an inventory stock, he realized he had nearly 80,000 utility points left on him, and 40 potential points . It could be said this was an unprecedented massive harvest for him . A Realm war was indeed not just a name in vain, with true risks and crisis not being a deception!
As for Sheyan, his unallocated free attribute points had now reached a terrifying 20* points! His achievement points had swelled to 98 points, and don’t even mention First Lieutenant now, he was merely 2 points shy of a Captain promotion! Once he promotes to a Captain, he could instantly utilize that ‘Honorary Cross Medallion’ that Mogensha exchanged for himself . Then, his rank would directly experience a qualitative change, and evolved into the realms of a Field Officer!
(TN:Free attribute points – *11 (GSM) + 8 (previous mission) + 1 (completing this world))
The reason for Sheyan not allocating his free attribute points, was actually because he had personal plans . Especially after Mcdh had advised him on certain things using obscure methods, it had served to affirm Sheyan’s convictions .
Nevertheless, such a conduct was tremendously dangerous; because when the realm evaluated one’s prowess, it wouldn’t care about whether attribute points were allocated or not, but directly take everything into account when calculating difficulty! It was only that Sheyan could currently rely on his formidable party, and his quick-wittedness in being opportunistically adept, did he dare to take this risk .
After deliberating a little, he first allocated 7 free attribute points into agility, allowing his pure agility to ascend to 20 points! Immediately, he received the notification .
[ Your basic attribute ‘Agility’, has reached 20 points in pure/unenhanced state . ]
[ You receive an additional bonus for this corresponding basic attribute . Please select an option within the next 120 seconds . Exceeding this will result in a random draw . ]
His agility attribute bonus was as follows:
[ A) Basic attribute bonus 1 (passive): Deft-touch – When dealing damage to opponent, 8% chance of activating ‘Deft-touch’, resulting in one additional attack . This additional attack replicates your previous attack completely, in terms of damage and buffs etc . ]
[ B) Basic attribute bonus 2 (Passive): Fuzzy – 5% increase in evasion against opponent’s attack . Whenever you successfully evade an attack, your evasion will increase by another 1% . Duration: 15 seconds . This effect can only be stacked 5 times . ]
Sheyan had previously inquired of Mogensha about the agility attribute bonuses . However, Mogensha responded that the drawing of bonus may experience variations, and would take into account one’s innate . For example, when Sheyan and Reef had both reached the threshold from the strength attribute bonus, their options were relatively similar .
Nevertheless, Mogensha informed Sheyan that the bonus attribute options would still roughly retain a format of one option pertaining to attack, and one for defence . For example, when Mogensha’s pure agility had broken through 20 points long ago, his two options were; ‘A’ pertaining to increasing his movement speed, and ‘B’ increasing his explosive strike rate .
Since Sheyan always primarily inclined to survivability, he straightforwardly selected option ‘B’ . Following that, he invested 4 free attribute points into his physique, that would peg his maximum physique at the 49 points threshold . To a contestant, a 49 points attribute figure had a flavour of being second to one while above ten thousand others .
Moreover right now, Sheyan’s pure perceptive sense had reached 19 points, and that 1 point of attribute was indeed significant and could not be dismissed . Thus, he received another ‘2 choose 1’ bonus as follows:
[ A) Basic attribute bonus 1 (passive): Flaw-awareness – Your awareness of the enemy’s various aspects becomes more precise . Explosive strike rate +5% and accuracy +5% . ]
[ B) Basic attribute bonus 2 (passive): Crisis-awareness – When an enemy deals a threat and damages to you, your astute perceptive sense allows you to avert the crisis . Opponent’s accuracy against you -5% and explosive strike rate -5% . ]
Without a doubt, the choice made was option B – ‘Crisis-awareness’ . At present, Sheyan had already attained his goal for his personal evolution . Noteworthily, any opponent’s explosive strike rate against Sheyan was now suppressed by wholly 15%! Basically at the present stage, if contestants or Reserve-duty Growth-hunters wished to deal explosive strike against him based on personal attributes and equipments, unless they possessed an ability that could temporarily increase their explosive strike rate by a wide margin like ‘Ambition’, it would be tremendously difficult .
Following that, Sheyan had no other plans for employing the remaining 8 attribute points, preferring to continue accumulating his free attribute points . Sheyan’s vision was currently abundantly clear – to amass an adequate amount and raise a certain pure attribute to the 50 points boundary at one go!
As the saying goes; towering buildings are built from the ground, and great oaks grow from tiny acorns . Through spider threads and horse tracks of tiny clue fragments, Sheyan was seemingly convinced of his inference – the sturdier his personal attribute foundation was, such a good preparation was the key to success . The undertaken risk of his boundary breakthrough would become smaller, while the resultant results would be increasingly greater! He had discussed this issue with both Reef and Mogensha before, the specifics of their thought process wasn’t sure to say .
By now, Reef and Mogensha should’ve returned to the present world already, and were totally uncontactable . Sheyan pondered for a while, realizing he had truly too much to settle upon his return to the realm . His few pressing issues would be:
To promote his military rank .
Raising his party level
Improve his personal basic abilities . If not, every time he employed that ‘+7 West’ saber, he would have to permanently forsake 1 point of basic attribute and 3,000 utility points . Such a price was indeed too excessive .
As for unveiling the ‘Ruby Card’ to draw their rewards, though Sheyan felt rather impatient, it was still best to wait for this party members to return before using it . He wouldn’t feel genuine if he opened it on his own now .
Speaking currently, promoting his military rank and upgrading his party level was the issue Sheyan could instantly accomplish; and, he didn’t need to waste too much time while at it . He very quickly headed for the summit of the realm, and once again encountered a queue .
Still, Sheyan had unintentionally overheard secrets regarding the Metals Professor the previous time . Hence, he wasn’t impatient this time, and leisurely stood by the side as he pretended to be idling . Through that, he once again ‘unintentionally’ eavesdropped on certain information . For example in the realm presently, the latest valuation of equipments had fallen a little, while the amount of horcrux* was in short supply . Other information included others harvesting great fortune in their nightmare worlds and so on . However this time, he didn’t overhear any vital and hot news .
(TN:*Horcrux refers to souls that could be infused inside equipments)
After Sheyan sat down, he followed the conventional practice, and projected out his military list .
[ Contestant no . 1018…… . . analyzing . ]
[ Confirming identity…… ]
[ Your current nightmare imprint rank is at Second Lieutenant . ]
[ Your current achievement points is 98 points . ]
[ You have attained the qualifications for a rank promotion . Do you wish to promote? Promoting from Second Lieutenant to First Lieutenant requires 70 achievement points . After a promotion, you will receive greater authority and privileges . ]
Sheyan was here specifically for that, naturally he selected ‘yes’ . After a dazzling flash, he became a First Lieutenant . His increased authority was as follows:
A: 2 new ‘Honorary medicines’ were revealed in his military purchasables . Those 2 medicines had the same effect of complete recovery, but their cooldowns had been reduced from the previous 48 hours duration to 12 hours . Furthermore, there was an Introduction of a new medicine product .
This medicine was called ‘Lawyer Aier Active Cell Rejuvenation Capsule’ and could actually be brought back to the present world for consumption! It could cure certain relatively milder but hard to cure chronic illness in the present world; with a 100% chance of alleviating the symptoms of the patient substantially, and 50% of direct permanent curing .
After Sheyan carefully investigated, he discovered its effective range included – illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis, chronic bronchitis, persistent migraines (trigeminal nerve aches), vitigo etc . All of them weren’t fatal, but were chronic ailments .
Only, the cost of such a medicine was exceedingly frightening – 10 achievement points (official, not traded ones) !
B: The intelligence information available to him now became much more abundant .
C: His party could now be promoted to level 4 .
D: Increased military allowance (Each option service of the realm would not provide a 10% more preferential treatment, which could be overlaid with charm to obtain preferential treatment)
At present, Sheyan had 2 blood keys on hand, but his military mission depicted that he could exchange a maximum of 4 blood keys . Sheyan was no longer a newbie of the realm . Furthermore, considering that the difficulty of the next world* should be lowered, he started placing heavier emphasis on how to maximize his benefits . Thus, he decided that after if he could acquire another 2 blood keys in the world, he would then conclude this mission and hoped to reap a perfect mission reward!
(TN:*his realm war world had higher difficulty due to being in a medium-intensity realm war)
When Sheyan noticed the medicine that could be brought out of the realm while being usable on present world humans, he was stirred emotionally . Though this medicine product was incapable of restoring Uncle Dasi’s severed fingers, it at least offered him a glimpse of hope; implying that the realm wasn’t deceiving him, and hope of Uncle Dasi’s great recovery was in sight .
According to Sheyan’s reckoning; after returning from the next world, he would most likely be able to advance from a Junior officer class to a Field officer class . After promoting by 2 ranks, he would most likely be able to reinstate Uncle Dasi’s former healthy state .
Presently, his party’s experience points were also overflowing substantially, and mainly because he had directly acquired 30 party experience points from the Golden Side Mission; despite having a ‘horrendous’ score! One could imagine if the mission completion score was max, wouldn’t the experience points be minimally boosted beyond 100? Nonetheless, that was just an afterthought .
Sheyan’s current party was at lvl 1, while raising it to lvl 2 would require 15 experience points . Furthermore, the experience gauge was indicating 60/15 points . Therefore, promoting a level wasn’t a problem at all . Instead, after promoting the party to lvl 2, progressing to lvl 3 from here required 30 party experience points . Without a single hesitation, Sheyan chose to promote and raised his party by 2 levels .
However, to reach from lvl 3 to lvl 4 was extremely shocking, it required an entire 50 party experience . Sheyan observed his 15/50 party experience gauge, and couldn’t help smacking his lips inwardly . One must understand, not every world possessed a Golden Side Mission that was achievable!
Nevertheless, going by the normal state of the ream’s pattern, lvl 4 should be a critical checkpoint; attaining it would most like offer additional bonus rewards, causing Sheyan to become somewhat expectant of it .
When the party promoted a level, it thereupon increased the effectiveness and chances of a party’s suppression on other parties during battle . Every level supplied a bonus 5% boost towards that field . Apart from that, their party was also rewarded with 4 party skill points! How difficult was it to promote one’s party level, that was how unimaginable the scarcity of party skill points was! There was no need for doubt that party Ace excelled greatly in this aspect as compared to other parties . Moreover, it was the greatest advantage of a Silver prestige party .
Amongst the 3 skills of the party so far, Sheyan carried the greatest satisfaction with the covert party skill ‘Life-link’ . Hence, there wasn’t a need to improve it for now . Naturally, the 2 other party skills came into consideration . After Sheyan had promoted to his current military rank, he had forked out some utility points to inquire about certain critical information:
If he invested the party skill points on ‘Gloryheal’, the initial few levels wouldn’t increase its 50% health regeneration value . Instead, it would repeatedly shorten the cooldown duration . At present, ‘Gloryheal’ had a cooldown duration of 12 hours . If he invested 1 skill point to it, its cooldown would shorten to 8 hours .
Sheyan’s current authority could only investigate such crucial information . Evidently, improving his ‘Gloryheal’ level would no doubt be critical in dealing with high intensity, straining and constant battling . At the stage Sheyan and his party was at, defending against the beast horde of the previous world could already be considered their utmost limit of encountering such high intensity battle . Therefore, improving ‘Gloryheal’ was temporily not necesarry .
Thus, Sheyan’s choice was exceedingly clear . ‘Asylum’ was effective on every individual, and was tremendously useful . Hence, he allocated the 4 party skill points wholeheartedly onto ‘Asylum’! Following that, Sheyan discovered that whenever improving the party skill ‘Asylum’, its enhanced HP/MP bonus supplied were scaled increasingly and compounded .
When ‘Asylum’ was upgraded from lvl 1 to 2, it merely provided a HP/MP boost of 110 points; a measly 10 points enhancement . Instead after continued investment of points, the next level provided a HP/MP boost of 130 points!
The benefit of that 1 party skill point had been raised significantly by 20 points . When ‘Asylum’ reached lvl 4, the benefit of 1 skill point had been raised to 30 points enhancement from the previous level .
When Sheyan finally upgraded ‘Asylum’ to lvl 5, the total effect had been widely increased by (10+20+30+40) 100 points!! At present, ‘Asylum lvl 5’ already boasted of a 200 points boost in HP and MP! If there were more party skill points, raising ‘Asylum’ to lvl 6 would result in it providing a boost of 250 points of HP/MP!
Naturally, when ‘Asylum’ had been upgraded to level 4, Sheyan further received a notification; mentioning his Silver prestige party’s ability ‘Asylum’ had reached lvl 4 and had met the relevant qualifications .
[ Please draw a bonus special effect for the skill ‘Asylum lvl 4’: ]
[ A: All damage received will be lowered by 2% . ]
[ B: (Rare, Silver party skill unique effect): When receiving an attack by the enemy, 10% chance of a ‘Silver-guard’ forming . Silvery radiance envelops your body, reducing this damage received by 50% . ]
[ C: Reduce duration of negative buffs by 25% . ]
[ D: Reduce physical damage received by 5%, but elemental damage received increased by 2% . ]
[ E: Reduce elemental damage received by 5%, but physical damage received increased by 2% . ]
[ F (Rare, Silver party skill unique effect): When receiving an attack, 15% chance of recovering 200 HP instantly . This effect has a 30 seconds cooldown duration upon being triggered . (Extremely lucky individuals would be able to trigger this effect once every 30 seconds) ]
[ G: Receive additional 30 HP/ 30 MP . ]
[ H (Rare, Silver party skill unique effect): When consuming any regeneration item, 33% chance of recovering additional 50% HP . ]
[ I (Very rare): ????? (Properties unknown) ]
One could tell the prestige of a Silver party from here, even its bonus reward options would issue 3 additional uniquely rare options . Moreover, there was that ‘very rare’ option . Sheyan then selected option F amongst the choices, which conformed to his norms . No doubt the most valuable option would be option I, but one couldn’t wish for perfection in all things . It wouldn’t be possible for all exploitations under the sun to be obtained by Sheyan .
After accomplishing his list of affairs, Sheyan could feel fatigue creeping up on him . Even though the harvest from the Avatar world was plenty, most tangible products had been ‘digested internally’ . Therefore, there wasn’t a single item that he could sell off . Sheyan could only entrust that slut Jinkuang to keep tabs on commercial opportunities in the marketplace, before he returned to the present world .
After returning to the present world, Sheyan endured his fatigue to contact Reef . This was a rather urgent issue, and fortunately, Reef had left a contacting method which included his house number and email . Since someone would attend to the house phone anytime, he wasn’t afraid of not being able to contact Reef .
An old butler with an english accent answered the call . Discovering that Sheyan was speaking in mandarin, the butler immediately swapped into a precise and fluent mandarin to converse . A butler of such calibre would at least draw a yearly salary of over 100,000 pounds . Sheyan could tell Reef’s status was absolutely not simple, definitely a wealthy tycoon or the child of one . A minute later, the call was redirected to Reef’s personal room .
“Ah*~” One could guess the drowsy-eyed state Reef was in upon hearing that . “Boss, what is it that requires such urgency?”
(TN:*Yawn sfx)
Sheyan very seriously inquired .
“Have you consumed that ‘Alkelu High-energy Injection’?”
Upon hearing that, Reef suddenly became invigorated . His tone became slightly anxious and apprehensive .
“Boss? You’re referring to that Growth-hunter promoting……object?? I didn’t dare to use it yet, for fear of encountering a sudden breakthrough unexpected variable; was going to discuss it with you guys . Could it be there’s a problem with it?”
Sheyan chuckled and replied .
“There isn’t a problem . When my military rank had progressed, I had gained free instant access to several information pertaining to it . That thing isn’t as complicated as you think . Merely first meeting its usage requirements, before directly injecting it, then choosing from a list of bonus, add some points, listening to the instructions of your nightmare imprint and you’ll be ok . After listening to everything, you would then be an official Growth-hunter . ”
Despite the ten thousands of miles between them, affected by radio frequency and interferences, Sheyan could still hear Reef’s heavy breathing over the phone . Sheyan then continued .
“The reason I’m calling is to advise you not to be too hasty in using it . ”
Reef dejectedly asked .
“Why not? Boss, you don’t know this, but my rewards gained from the summary of the previous world had been discounted by roughly 20%! If don’t use it by the next world, I’m afraid the benefits gained from mission completion, would be weakened by more than 40%… . ”
Sheyan smiled gently as he comforted .
“My dear buddy and most excellent partner, don’t be anxious . I am currently accumulating free attribute points on my side as well . Undoubtedly, the next world we will face may become relatively more difficult . Therefore, I wish you can temporarily endure this for a while, at least until we accept a main mission of the next world before kicking in your promotion . ”
“In this way, the main mission we initiate in the next would would have a difficulty that factors in only the ranks of a contestant plus reserve-duty Growth-hunters, and not official Growth-hunter plus reserve-duty Growth-hunter plus contestant . Minimally, our mission difficulty would be simpler, and your ending benefits wouldn’t be compromised . ”
Reef released a long exhalation after hearing that, and very frankly accepted .
“No problem, I’ll do as you say . ”
Sheyan contemplated for a while before adding on .
“Our stay in the present world this time should be relatively longer, are you able to arrange for me……remember that Siberian Death Concentration camp, Tibetan Lamasery monastery for cultivation, and that Black-fist Tempering school of Thailand you mentioned previously? I may pay a visit to all of those places . I can already feel that my innate ability seems to be on the verge of an awakening . I am just a sliver away from innate awakening, and some arduous training should help me breakthrough . ”
(TN: All these was mentioned in ch 63 of volume 5 (Starship Trooper world) . )
“No worries . ” Reef very forthrightly assured . “I’ll get someone to arrange it right away . At most, everything should be prepared by tomorrow . Boss, you can pack up your luggage, but which place do you wish to visit first?”
Sheyan pondered and replied .
“From the information i read previously, though the Tibetan monastery can temper my physique, it also focuses on spirit cultivation . Instead, my body only lacks bitter and harsh tempering . I’ll head over to the closest Thailand first . If it doesn’t work, then I’ll head over to Siberia .
After ending the call, Sheyan directly headed home and fell into deep slumber . When Uncle Dasi and Sanzi voiced their concern, he frankly told them he was having a flu . Such a flu was fairly common and they didn’t suspect anything wrong about him; continuing on their own busy endeavours .
Meanwhile,
Europe .
Capital of England, London .
This enormous aged old long-established metropolis, was currently enshrouded with thick mist; visibility was limited to only a 5 metre radius .
The mellifluous ringing of the Big Ben resounded . This clock tower that withstood centuries, continued to issue 13 clear and sweet-sounding reverberating rings into the distant .
3 miles away from the Big Ben, stood an unequalled and grand twin tower . This twin tower had an altitude that exceeded a thousand metres, confining Dubai’s Burj Khalifa to world number second . The number of floors exceeded 200, and the building hosted 80 elevator sectors . The elevator’s velocity could reach as high as 20 . 6 metres per second, and was currently the longest and fastest elevator on earth! Thus, its lavish interior was needless to say .
This block of twin towers was the headquarters of the world number one’s international financial group, E . S . It immediately became the world’s center of attention after construction was done . Furthermore, the amount of workers inside had reached nearly 30,000!
Presently, inside the 109th floor of this tower, was shockingly a massive training ground . It appeared the same category as those taekwondo training grounds, with its ground covered with the highest grade birch flooring . It was possible to see one’s reflection from it .
10 robust and strong males had formed an encirclement, holding a 85 cm rubber police truncheon laced with steel wires in their hands; cautiously observing an icy cold woman they had encircled .
Although those 10 males weren’t wearing military attire, their waist and back were uprightly straight . Some had scars on their bodies and faces, and were evidently soldiers who had experienced actual wars . However, their cautious countenance seemingly revealed that they weren’t the ones encircling; on the contrary, it was as though they were the ones being surrounded!
Suddenly, a male that appeared like a military instructor, roared abruptly .
“Go!”
His tone was icy and filled with fury . The 10 males uniformly raised their rubber police truncheons; roaring furiously, they swung it straight towards that trapped female with their utmost strength!
At this instant, as though she had anticipated their attack, the trapped female suddenly did a backward flip . Wrapping her knees in midair, like she was a graceful bird, she nimbly somersaulted past the male behind her . This move appeared tremendously difficult, but strictly speaking, one could frequently view olympic female gymnast pulling it off . It definitely wasn’t a humanly impossible move .
Though their first assault yielded no result, the 10 males weren’t discouraged at all . Instead, they immediately formed into an intersecting 2 rows formation, arranging neatly like a thick wall before that female; before maintaining their vigilant and tight footwork . Europeans naturally possessed larger builds; in addition to their uniform footwork, they portrayed an impressive display of manpower .
At this very moment, the foremost male bellowed angrily as he swung his truncheon forward . Instead, as his bellow faded, he suddenly felt his hand turning light, as though it was suspended in the air; before his entire self stumbled forward to his center of gravity . Upon closer inspection, the police truncheon he was holding had shockingly flew out of his hand, as it landed against the wall with a bam . He groaned painfully as he clutched his chest before gently tripping to the ground .
No one could tell when, but the opposing icy and tall female had already drew out 2 brightly shimmering and slender rapiers! Instead, the rapiers had their sharp tips grinded blunt, and should be fencing rapiers . Though that was so, observing the agonizing state of that male, it suggested the possibility of a rib fracture . Such was the tremendous might unleashed .
After executing her move, this icy and tall female spreaded her arms open like a bird spreading its wings . Then, she faced the opposing intersecting aggression, as she issued a light admonishing sound to them .
Closely following that, the remaining males maintained their formation as they advanced a step forward! Then, they segregated into group assaults! The 3 foremost males that were in attacking range, simultaneously swiped their police truncheon towards that female! The weapons tore through the air, as it released oppressive ‘Huvrom” sounds!
Retreating a step backwards, that female evaded the joint assault of the three males . In the next second, a sharp dazzling flash of rapier carved out a silverish afterimage, abruptly slicing down like an electric current; as speedy as a flash! It appears that her fencing art heavily emphasized two aspects – upright beheading chops and thrusting!
Without hesitation, the few males roared as they raised their truncheons and smashed down as well . They advanced unceasingly, swiping forth their truncheons unceasingly and issued relentless attacks . Nevertheless, the dazzling shimmer of the icy female’s slender rapiers silently streaked through the air; carving out excellent thin lines in mid air . Thump! Occasionally, one could hear the echoes of one falling to the ground . She either ingeniously evaded any incoming police truncheon, or directly repelled them head on; allowing her to easily somersault away!
As the amount of aggressors gradually declined, that icy female’s brightly shimmering rapier continued thrusting out gorgeous traces in the air, releasing criss-cross cuts with the sounds of ‘hu’ . Clashing sparks scattered around, while she lowered her body and slid around like an elegant butterfly . Finally, she reached the front of that military instructor, as her twin dazzling rapiers thrusted towards his throat like a spitting viper!
That military instructor roared furiously, as he lowered himself and swept his leg forward in retaliation . Instead, that female retreated and avoided his sweeping leg, while the left rapier was hurled out from her left hand like a venomous spit of the viper; piercing through his collar, as it pinned his clothing to the ground .
This rapier thrust was evidently an act of mercy, or else, why would it have strayed? The military instructor’s expression was incomparably ugly, as he shook his head and sighed in disappointment .
After releasing that strike, the tall female kept her rapier and stood straight . Shey didn’t display a single bit of strength that exceeded the realms of an ordinary person, but wholeheartedly relied on her sword skills to overwhelm this duel; taking down 10 with 1! Those burly chaps that had clearly gone through harsh training, wasn’t even spared the luxury of retaliating once! One could simply imagine the extent of her combat skills .
Yet though she had triumphed, she didn’t exhibit a single delight; but merely released a despondent breath, as she tossed aside the rapiers . Then, an individual beside her offered her a snow white towel respectfully, which she accepted to wipe her face . Following that, a handsome male assistant with an elegant demeanor marched towards her, while hoisting up a pallet in his hand . A mobile phone was placed over this pallet .
“Director Su . During the afternoon, our E . S financial group board of directors had convened in your absence . The three agreements passed are extremely unfavourable to us . Mr Curry Xanth had just called, with the agenda of discussing relevant partnership details . ”
This female was roughly 25-26 years old, but was actually hailed as a board director of the world’s number one, E . S financial group!! Moreover, it seemed like she had immense authority, leading to other board directors colluding to suppress her! Having such accomplishments at this age, she could already be considered a legend .
Director Su then impatiently waved her hand, and sneered .
“Let them pass it! Because it has been far too long, that’s why those idiots are overestimating themselves again! Let Curry Xanth wait a little longer! He truly is childish, does he think the board of director’s policy can influence me?”
While she spoke, she held no regard for her buzzing phone as she directly heading towards her office at the end of the hallway; her brows were tightly knitted together . Clearly walking away for 17-18 metres, Board director Su abruptly glanced backwards, as she questioned her assistant .
“Any news on the matter I’ve asked you to investigate?”
That assistant revealed a reluctant expression as he replied .
“Director Su, the description conditions you gave is truly too little . There is honestly an innumerable amount of news or bizarre cases pertaining to ‘Seaman’ . Our side currently has our hand full and cannot handle this momentarily . ”
Director Su then quickly turned around as a slight smile suddenly emerged on her face . Even her eyes issued a charming sensation, as though her smile was actually not a smile; her eyes pierced in with dagger like sharpness!
“Is that so? The matters I’ve instructed, you just need to make a call and endorse a 500 pounds capital transaction to a private detective named Jack to handle . I haven’t gotten anyone to monitor the London stock market, but instead you had recently mobilize a huge amount of capital and resource! Obviously, you had your hands full . ”
That assistant raised his head, but issued with an extremely sincere and earnest tone .
“Miss Su, now that your position as director of the financial group is being threatened, you should forget about your weird ideas, but place your attention into the business of the financial group . ”
Miss Su breathed in deeply as she coldly admonished .
“Do I need you to teach me what to do?”
That male assistant stepped forward, as he smiled wryly .
“It is just that, you are pouring your focus and thousands of capital into an absurd reason . Oh, wrong, you haven’t even provided us with any reason at all, in requesting us to gather related news on the Seaman of the entire world; this is a completely ridiculous task! Putting aside the crisis before you without resolving it, but wasting away with such absurd matters…… . I really am unable to continue watching you act so willfully . ”
Director Su suddenly squeezed out one word at a time .
“You are fired . ”
This elegant demeanored male assistant became stunned, as though he hadn’t heard clearly .
“What?”
Director Su completely ignored him as she directly instructed another female assistant by her side .
“Carry out the dismissal formalities for him . I do not need such individuals who act on their own initiative in my department! In my department, there can only be once voice! And that is my voice, my will! Once an order is issued from me, what I need you to to, then you jolly well do your utmost to accomplish it! Anything that I, Su Lingzi, says, must be treated as the law and reasoning . I don’t permit my orders to be discounted by even one bit!”
That female assistant widened her mouth, attempting to speak up . Su Lingzi’s swept her gare towards her like red phoenix eyes .
Do you also wish to leave?”
That female assistant instantly awoke from her reverie and replied .
“Understood! Understood! Director Su, I will immediately see to it . ”
So Lingzi didn’t bother offering a glance at that elegant male assistant, and bluntly marched towards her distant office . This male assistant could only feel like he was stuck in a never ending nightmare; the reason he racked his mind to finally enter E . S financial group, was all because of this director Su of matchless coolness and beauty .
During the previous month, he was even fortunate enough to invite director Su for a dinner date . It could be said that he had broken a record in E . S financial group, something not a single person was known to have accomplished before . Naturally preceding that, he discretely considered himself as her emissary .
Never did he expect that he was to experience such howling winds and torrential rain today; directly awakening him from his fantasy, bringing him back to where he was before!
Clock! Clock! Clock! At this moment, that cool and graceful director Su Lingzi had changed into a pair of high heels, as she gritted her teeth and recited a name .
“Seaman…… . . ”
When Sheyan awoke, he had already slept for a night and a whole day . He was famished . After taking a shower, his laziness in cooking up his own meal urged him to head towards the pier in search for something to eat . At one of the shop experiencing excellent business, Sheyan could already smell an unexplainably rich aroma upon arrival at the entrance . Unable to contain himself any longer, he immediately headed in to order several trademark dishes to satiate his belly .
Not long later, the shop owner served a dish to him, while wearing an apron that seemed like it had gone unwashed for ages . This dish had clearly been stewed for a long time . The shop owner gripped an airtight pot with a cleaning rag . After pulling off the lotus leaf that was sealing the opening of the pot, he casually retrieved a clean plate and poured the contents of the pot out . A rich fragrant aroma permeated out . “Gruu gruu” Catching whiff of this aroma, Sheyan’s stomach growled . Unable to cope any longer, he dug into his food .
Inside the pot, was a catty of simmering-hot pork shoulder . Its date coloured fatty skin bobbled slightly atop the snow white plate, with fresh green lettuce surrounding it; its visuals battering against any onlooker . When Sheyan poked a chunk of piping red meat into his mouth, he immediately felt it melting in his mouth . Its fatty skin was chewy from being slightly burnt . Sheyan couldn’t help ferociously scooping 2-3 spoons of rice into his mouth .
The long scallions at the bottom most layer of the plate had a distinct flavour, infiltrating into the succulent ooze of the fatty skin; further enhancing it with an intoxicating scent of condiments . The meaning of ‘fat without grease’ was totally infused within . The taste of the pork shoulders was distinctively authentic . Sheyan wolved down his meal ravenously, and even soaked his rice with the sumptuous gravy, before finishing his meal cleanly .
After settling the bill, Sheyan decided to continue preparing raw materials for his gene-mixes . Instead, Sanzi located him and informed him that Uncle Dasi wishes for him to inspect the progress of the boat construction . Sheyan knew this matter was basically equivalent to Uncle Dasi’s driving force, a goal that supported his current vitality . Furthermore, he was about to leave for Thailand in a few days, and couldn’t accompany Uncle Dasi . Thus, he planned to quickly settle the affairs of the boat first .
Although boats and cars were both transportation platforms, and would frequently be hailed in the same category; in actual fact, manufacturing a car was much more difficult than constructing a boat . Especially for a boat having a 500 ton displacement with a 49 metres iron-crust bull trawler that Sheyan requested . The technicalities involved was so low, it would cause one’s hair to stand in anger .
Citing a simple reference; Taizhou prefecture in China alone houses more than 100 ship servicing companies and over 70 ship manufacturing enterprises . Just consider the automobile industry in China, were there more than a hundred manufacturers? Therefore, even a private port like Xiwu pier was host to 2-3 ship services . As long as the capital was sufficient, they would even accept some ship manufacturing endeavours .
The shipyard that Sheyan transacted with, was a company recommended by Dashu* known as Yongtai . The owner was an amiable looking kind man that displayed smiles and nods every time they met, resembling an old fisherman like Uncle Dasi akin to being familiar at first sight . The capital that Sheyan churn out was adequate for the old boss to be satisfied with his profits . Thus, the boss did his utmost for this task . Furthermore, the idling Uncle Dasi would often pay a visit to inspect, naturally, even the quality of raw materials utilized were selected meticulously .
(TN: Dashu is the chief big brother of Xiwu pier)
After Uncle Dasi became a half-cripple, his heart had aged by a good dozens of years; being tied with the mental constraint of being ‘useless’ and ‘trash’ . If Sheyan wasn’t adept at figuring a way to console him, he could’ve possibly fallen into depression long ago .
This, while calling Sheyan over to survey the boat, Uncle Dasi had an attitude like that of a little child when scoring 100 marks in a test; excitedly desiring to bring the results home . He was eager to prove he wasn’t useless, that his shining glory days weren’t past him yet .
Who would’ve expected that when they just arrived at Yongtai shipyard, they would witness the owner, Hebo Zheng, quarrelling intensely with his son . This was the first time Sheyan was meeting the son, remembering Sanzi mentioning his name to be Dabing . That brat had a round face and his mohawk hair was dyed red, appearing like that of an unspoken ugly . Upon noticing Sheyan and the rest heading over, he shoved both arms fiercy and pushed his old man away . Then, he turned over and tilted his chin while he waved his finger at them .
“Oi . You can collect the boat you ordered next year, what’re you doing here now?? Hurry up and scram!”
His statement was like thunder from a clear sky to Uncle Dasi . Uncle Dasi immediately pointed at the nearly completed manufacturing boat stationed inside the dock, as he proclaimed with a trembling voice of grief and indignation .
“That is the boat I’ve ordered, why can I only collect it near year?”
The foul-mouthed Dabing immediately stomped over and lashed out .
“You damned old fart! Having two hands crippled already, you still wish to have your legs broken? This is my family’s shipyard, my words are final!”
His words touched the agonizing heartstrings of Uncle Dasi, causing his complexion to turn ashen as he clutched his chest and coughed before finally easing up a little . Witnessing such a ruckus, Sheyan’s evil tendencies were aroused . Instead, he whispered some words to Sanzi, allowing Sanzi to run off immediately . Luckily at this moment, an angry pale faced Hebo rushed over, and slapped Dabing’s head with a ‘pa’! His hands were shivering and his lips trembling as he rebuked .
“Are you trying to make me lose all my face?”
With a shove, Dabing pushed his old man away and snarled loudly .
“I’m warning you . This boat better be offloaded into the water and handed over to me within a week . If not, nobody is going to rear an old man like you!”
Following that, Sheyan marched forward and shielded Uncle Dasi behind him before unhurriedly announcing .
“Fine! It’s fine if you don’t wish to hand over the boat . Refund to us our 4 million (taiwan dollars) payment!”
When Dabing heard that, it was as if he had heard the funniest joke on this earth . He sauntered over and mocked .
“Refund?”
He continued with contempt .
“You’re trying to cheat my family? Everyone had agreed face to face, on constructing the boat here, you dare to renege on your words? Fine! Then compensate us for psychological losses!”
Dabing continued his ruckus with a spit, and stamped his feet over his own phlegm; as though Sheyan would end up like his phlegm if he continued pestering him .
Sheyan gently responded .
“So you wish to be unreasonable now? On account of Dashu’s face, we chose this shipyard to build our boat . Your appetite is indeed huge, actually coveting to swallow our few million dollars? Aren’t you afraid your belly will burst from such an overload?”
After hearing Dashu’s name, Dabing’s face turned somewhat restless, but he immediately fumed out viciously .
“Don’t try and use that old scum, Dashu, to oppress me! I, Dabing, wouldn’t even acknowledge the old heavens when I’m mad . You say that my house accepted your money, where’s the proof?”
In such a region like Xiwu pier, the amount of unlicensed shops was innumerable; why would one bother to keep physical receipt proofs? Uncle Dasi’s vision darkened upon hearing that, knowing that the opposing was reneging on their debt, he almost beat his chest in grief . Instead, Sheyan leisurely tug at the nerves of Dabing . Eventually 20 minutes later, a sudden “tu tu tu tu’ obsolete motorcycle rumbling resounded from outside . Closely following, 3-4 thugs strided in with large steps .
Heading the front was shockingly that stout but strong Matong . He continuously flicked his greasy black long hair with confidence, as he pointed towards Dabing and berated .
“You, you, you . You actually dare to f**king cheat brother Yan?!”
Such threatening words coming out from Matong’s stuttering mouth indeed appeared rather comical . Dabing’s face instantly turned flustered .
“Matong, I’m telling you . This issue isn’t something you can meddle with . ”
Piak! Matong directly slapped Dabing, as blood trickled out from Dabing’s nose . It was as though Dabing had spun round in circles, as he stood sluggishly where he was . Matong was an individual adept in utilizing slaps and fists to communicate with others, a stark contrast to little rascals like Dabing who only knew how to engage in glib talking .
Observing their big brother acting out, the 3 underlings following behind, Si’er, Daliu and Danta, raised their baseball bats and iron chains and swarmed towards Dabing . Bam! Bam! Pa! Pa! Punches and kicks coupled with unceasing torrent of profanities unloaded, as muffled echoes of beaten flesh sounded out . The spectating Sanzi was currently radiant with delight, as he cheered them on .
Finally, Matong slowly fished out a handphone from his pockets, and begun reading from his recorded notes towards the presently being beaten up Dabing .
“I, I, I, I **** your mother, and bang your granny on you, you, you your wife, your ma, ma, mo, mother…… . ”
This fat stuttering male blabbered non-stop for a good 7-8 minutes, before he stroked his greasy crow black long hair with satisfaction; and finally, muttered to himself .
“The, the feeling of not not being re . . retorted is grea, great . ”
At this moment, Sheyan then spoke to the stupefied Uncle Dasi .
“Previously, when was the date we agreed to receive the boat?”
Uncle Dasi pondered briefly before hastily exclaiming .
“The fifth of the next month, the same day as Sanzi’s birthday!”
Sheyan plucked out a thousand bucks (taiwan dollar) and tossed it to Matong .
“You heard that?”
Matong nodded while bending his back . His brows raised with delight as he accepted the money .
“This this is really…… . how can we allow br brother Yan to spend this . ”
Yet while he stammered, he stashed the dollar notes into his pocket and hastily stomped forward . With one foot, he stomped against the badly bruised Dabing’s face . After another few ferocious stomps, he pulled Dabing up by his hair; positioning his face near him before warning .
“The first day of next month, brother Yan wants to see a perfectly manufactured boat before his eyes . If he cannot collect his boat, or any mishaps befalls it, then your old man can come and redeem your funeral casket . ”
Sheyan drooped down his eyes as he brought Uncle Dasi back with him, scoffing concurrently .
“I reckon this boat is being built rather remarkably . I wonder how large the chiller compartment would be?”
Raising the topic of the boat, Uncle Dasi immediately forgot about the incident that had just happened, as he distractedly replied .
“I previously heard someone mentioning a whole section, but it doesn’t appear to be that proper……”
“Oh, then Uncle Dasi, you must spend more effort in that aspect . In the past, when we frequently encountered opposing winds on our voyage back home, it was a pity that we had to throw away those rotten fish . ”
“Mn mn! That’s true!”
“………”
“……”
Night time . Sheyan was presently noisily concocting the materials needed for his gene-mixes . Suddenly, he heard consecutive knockings against the strictly locked underground door, before it transpired into urgent smackings!
Sheyan frowned as he hastily stored his items before proceeding to unlock the door, before watching as Sanzi supported Matong’s subordinate, Danta, into the room . Danta’s complexion was deathly pale, devoid of a single blood . Instead, Sanzi remained relatively calm . After seeing Sheyan, Danta broke into a fit of gasps, as he clutched his chest attempting to force out his words amidst the panting .
Sheyan’s expression turned wary as he inquired .
“What happened, why are you so flustered? The sky isn’t collapsing . Sanzi support him to sit and bring him a glass of warm water!”
As he drank a mouthful, Danta’s hand remained shivering excessively, completely oblivious to the warm water splashing against his pants .
“Brother Yan, shit has happened . Brother Matong is in critical state in the hospital now! That scumbag Dabing is actually backed by the Vietnamese Largering gang!’
Sheyan curiously asked .
“The hooligans in this portion of Taiwan, are but small fries . They wouldn’t even have the chance to travel to Vietnam, how did he form relations with those people?”
As it turns out, the drug business of Vietnam’s Largering gang had expanded greatly, and actually spread their antennas widely towards Taiwan . Recently, the police had tightened anti-narcotics trafficking regulations, and naturally the price of drugs inflated exorbitantly . The Largering members were presently seeking for underground and unlicensed freight ships, ones that could brave the stormy seas .
It just so happened that under Uncle Dasi’s surveillance, the quality of Fu Yuan was fairly up to mark . Thus, the nearly waterbound Fu Yuan undoubtedly became one of their targets .
That little scum, Dabing, was only good at all kinds of whoring and gambling . Without expending much effort, the Largering gang had managed to lead him into owing them a large debt; before pressing a gun to his head, and coercing him to produce the nearly constructed Fu Yuan . Under such circumstances, would Dabing dare to utter a single word?
When Matong and the rest had left, Dabing naturally seeked out the Largering gang members in tearful pleading . Those thugs were vicious and ruthless, and blatantly confronted Matong and his underlings at a bar . They quietly confronted them with parangs, forcing them out of the bar before leaving Matong with 4 slashes; while Si’er and Daliu had been beaten to a pulp .
When Sheyan listened till here, his gaze suddenly turned stern as he snorted .
“So it’s the Largering gang members…… . hmph hmph . Right, all three of them had been struck down, but why were you able to escape here completely unharmed?”
Danta was taken aback, and responded .
“I have no clue ah . They seemed to fail in noticing me, and I just sprinted away… . . ”
Sheyan immediately turned to Sanzi, but instead asked him about a totally irrelevant matter .
“Has Uncle Dasi fallen asleep?”
Sanzi replied .
“Yes, he’s sleeping . ”
Sheyan then asked .
“Has he taken the sedative pill the doctor gave?”
Sanzi nodded in response .
“I reckon that the old man was worried of being unable to fall asleep, due to the trauma of today’s event . Thus, he even specially asked me to feed him 2 pills . Before I came down, he was even snoring . ”
Sheyan gently replied .
“That is the best, but…… . . you and Data, should both remain hidden in the basement . Don’t show yourselves unless I call for you . ”
As he spoke, Sheyan then strolled out and proceeded to close the door . Once he emerged from the house door, a glaring beam of light welcomed him! The beam was rudely aimed to his eyes . If such a glaring flashlight was shone into an average person’s eye in the dark, their vision would be dazzled, becoming incapable of seeing anything . Instead, two green flickers blossomed out of Sheyan’s pupils, and he was completely unaffected!
Hence, Sheyan immediately caught sight of two males clad in tattered leather jackets, and military camouflaged pants; both standing ten plus metres away . Their suntanned skin appeared like that had been exposed to the scorching sun of Southeast Asia for long . Furthermore, the thug holding the flashlight, was also gripping onto a silencer equipped pistol . Aiming it over, he was prepared to open fire anytime .
The two thugs conversed slightly, before one of them walked forward . However, though Sheyan observed him approaching, he remained aloof, not displaying a shred of reaction . Then, that thug fished out an army knife and pressed it at Sheyan’s waist, before inching towards his ear while he callously whispered .
“One move and I thrust it in . You’re the owner of that boat in Yongtai?”
Sheyan answered indifferently .
“Yes . ”
That Largering member then pulled out several thousand taiwan dollar notes, before slapping it across Sheyan’s face; all this while, his breath reeked of a strong garlic stench .
“My mood is wonderful today, so I’ll let you off . That boat belongs to me now, take the money and obediently shut your mouth! If you aren’t happy with this arrangement, I can allow you to accompany Matong in the hospital for half a year!”
Sheyan refuted with a tranquil and even-tempered tone .
“But, I don’t plan on letting you off!”
Sheyan’s killing aura pervaded out in that instant, as the two Largering members casted astonished and dumbfounded gazes at him . Proceeding there, an unhurried tone drifted into the ears of the two Largering members .
“Merely based on the fact you’ve dampened Uncle Dasi’s spirit today, you guys deserve to die!”
By this moment, he had already sent a fist smashing against the first Largering member’s face!
Instantly, that unlucky thug’s nose bone was shattered, which pierced deep into his face . His cheekbones were also fractured, while one of his eyes had bluntly ruptured! Sheyan moved without mercy, as he proceeded to knee his stomach . Owuahhhhh! One knee directly caused all the filthy substances in his belly to regurgitate out from his mouth . An assailing stench of blood and vomit instantly polluted the air .
Under Sheyan’s extravagantly insane strength, that Largering member, though possessing a fierce built, had met an instant and gruesome death on the spot!!! Not even managing to spew out a single sound!
Sheyan then casually flung aside that corpse like a torn plastic bag, before he trudged towards the other Largering member! That Largering member was one who had murdered and seen blood before, he immediately released fire! Sheyan shielded his head with his hand, while advancing a step at a time! Right now, he was indeed attempting to temper the resistive capability of his body! Therefore, even though those steel bullets repeatedly drilled in blood lotuses on his body, he remained obstinately firm as he pressed in .
As though facing a ghost, that Largering member tightly triggered his gun; all the way till he emptied his magazine, and his piston emitted a hollow ‘ka ka ka ka’ sound . Only then, did he awaken from his stupor, and attempted to reload his magazine! However, why would the approaching Sheyan offer him that opportunity? With a single slap, the Largering member was sent flying 5-6 metres away, his body flipping twice in midair – an extreme act that even Liu Xuan* couldn’t execute at her peak . The Largering member landed head first, as his neck was distorted grotesquely . His death was most probably due to his neck bone snapping!
(TN:* Liu Xuan is a chinese gymnast)
Sheyan then contracted his muscles, as he squeezed out the bullets from within . After affirming that Uncle Dasi wasn’t startled awake, he then called out for Sanzi and Danta . He pointed towards the two corpses and pronounced grimly .
“Tie them to rocks and toss them into the sea, I don’t have to teach you right? Also, Sanzi, you are not permitted to steal the gun on him!”
Sanzi had witnessed Sheyan’s capabilities before, and thus wasn’t frightened at all . He lapped his tongue, and straightforwardly acknowledged . Instead, it was Danta whose jaw was dropped, with his chest beating highly like a mountain . He looked at Sheyan with a gaze brimming with amazement and adoration .
When both of them had left, Sheyan took out his mobile phone . After contemplating briefly, he dialed the line of the boss of the United Bamboo, Gu Yuean . Without exchanging conventional greetings, he dived straight to topic .
“I heard that recently, there’s a Largering gang from Vietnam enthusiastically causing a ruckus?”
Gu Yuean pondered a little, before replying .
“You are right . They are here to traffick powder, and constantly infiltrates into our ranks; bloody detestable . Those ruffians are unafraid of death, and most of the possess guns . They are truly a headache . ”
Sheyan calmly replied .
“Are you really allowing them to mess around? Pass their address to me, let me pacify them . ”
Gu Yuean answered with meaningful sincerity .
“They wouldn’t listen to your pacifying . ”
Sheyan unenthusiastically replied .
“I’m an expert in persuading others . Moreover, those vietnamese appear as if they can understand rationality . Besides, a commotion wouldn’t be a big issue . Just, the police wouldn’t be happy with the aftermath, that’s all . ”
“Oh . ” Gu Yuean then advised with a gentle tone .
“Like a refined citizen such as myself, I do have some friends in the government . I can confirm the Taiwanese police is extremely efficient in their dealings, and would absolutely not allow the precious money of taxpayers to be wasted on those illegal immigrants and drug traffickers . In actual fact, when dealing with such drug tumours, the police attitude is that of eagerly anticipating those thugs to disappear from the face of this earth . ”
Sheyan inquired grimly .
“You’re certain?”
Gu Yuean very assuredly confirmed .
“Yes, I’m certain . ”
Sheyan then chuckled in response .
“Then tell me their address . Oh, right, chairman, I will be heading abroad for a vacation tomorrow, but I’m concerned about my family . What will you do if you encountered such a situation such as mine?”
Gu Yuean forthrightly broke into hearty laughters .
“It doesn’t matter if the Largering members meet a mishap of not . I believe there wouldn’t be a problem at all . ”
Sheyan then earnestly asked .
“You’re certain?”
Gu Yuean very assuredly replied .
“Yes, I’m very certain . ”
“I’m starting to fancy interactions with you, Mr Gu . ”
Sheyan’s words contained a great significance, then, he cupped the phone .
The next day, at the corner of a newspaper . An article had been published about a gas explosion at a nightclub – many were injured, with the article appealing to citizens to be more mindful of firefighting protocol . Therefore, nobody noticed that on that same night, at least 21 gunmen had been murdered . Meanwhile,the thugs of United Bamboo had gone on a wild rampage, as they successfully infiltrated the Largering gang and chased them away; completely expelling them from the Taiwanese market!
Of course, not a single person who witnessed Sheyan’s actions had survived!
Furthermore, by the time Sanzi read the newspaper article, the originator of evil practices, Sheyan, had already boarded the plane to Thailand . Under the arrangements of Reef, everything was settled smoothly . When Sheyan landed, there was even an off-road vehicle that picked him up . After 5 hours of constant travelling, the off-road vehicle finally slowed and pulled up in front of a tiny mountain village .
Numerous tanned, bulky young lads could be seen over here, fiercely driving their shins against banana trees . Some were jumping ropes, sparring or exerting themselves against sandbags . Even if a car sped by, these young lads wouldn’t raise their heads, their hearts totally devoid of greed . Red old-fashioned bands were wrapped around their heads, appearing exceptionally striking .
With the appearance of this tiny village, the off-road vehicle braked and killed its engine at the village entrance . A Thai guide named Kuchai then led Sheyan in, and linked him up with a bunch of people; before leading him into a rather ragged looking courtyard . Upon entering, they could see an elderly man with his back towards them . Seated seiza-style by a tiny round table, he lifted a cup of wine and took a sip, before snatching food from the banana leaf in his hand .
Watching this elderly man, guide Kuchai took a step back, while he waited till the elderly man finished his meal . Finally, he clasped his hands and bowed before speaking .
“Venerable Grandmaster Yabile, I’ve brought the man here . ”
Elderly Yabile finally lifted his head, he was clearly past the prime of youth; his back slightly crooked , and he wore a set of black clothes . Most peculiar, was the hood that was covering his head; if one were to brush shoulders with him, one would only be able to see the bottom half of his face . His exposed skin was abnormally white, having the trademark limp and wrinkled properties of an aged person . Nonetheless, he exuberated a hatchet-beheading incisiveness .
“You’re here to learn the fist?”
The guide shook his head .
“Not me . ”
Sheyan then took a huge step forward, cupping his hands before politely bowing .
“I’m the one seeking to learn the fist . ”
Grandmaster Yabile didn’t return Sheyan’s formality . Instead, he allowed Sheyan to remain bowing, while he turned to examine the guide before sighing .
“It has been a year, but Kuchai, your body is plagued by a huge problem . ”
Guide Kuchai was taken aback and rejected .
“Nothing of such, my body is perfectly fine . I even had a health examination in my company last month . ”
Grandmaster Yabile smiled faintly as he surveyed around . Noticing several remnants of aluminium wires beside the window, most probably left behind by workers, he paraded over before casually pinching one with his fingers . After returning and twisting it 20 times, that aluminium wire naturally snapped . Following that, he once again retrieved another wire, and this time, twisted it 8 times . Then, he placed it before Kuchai .
“My child, can you see anything wrong with this aluminium wire?”
Kuchai inhaled deeply and shook his head .
“I can’t . ”
Grandmaster Yabile then earnestly continued .
“Using ordinary inspection means, you definitely are unable to deduce what’s wrong with this aluminium wire, that I’ve twisted 8 times . However, you absolutely cannot dismiss that it contains a hidden flaw now . Similar to the illness in your body, an examination may fail to notice it, but you cannot deny its existence . ”
Kuchai prostrated himself deeply, before he pleaded courteously .
“I beg for Grandmaster to save me . ”
Grandmaster Yabile frowned faintly . Mysteriously when he frowned, he had a bearing of prestige instead of anger; emanating an impression that one shouldn’t offend him no matter what, but to timidly retreat a step back instead . Nevertheless, he also issued another sensation:
Warmth .
A warmth enhanced with awe-inspiring prestige .
“For your illness to be thoroughly cured, you must forsake your current livelihood and become a monk here; stay away from the allurement and degradation of life!”
Instead, Kuchai lifted his head in solemn declaration .
“Grandmaster, If I cannot earn enough to change the conditions of my hometown, I would rather die early than give up . ”
Grandmaster Yabile released a long sigh as he waved his hand .
“Barei heard that you were coming, he has matters to consult with you . ”
Kuchai nodded before slapping Sheyan’s shoulders, and walked out of the courtyard entrance . Only now, did Grandmaster Yabile raise his head to glance at Sheyan; while Sheyan was still maintaining his politeful bowing posture . Grandmaster Yabile snorted slightly, before striding forward to pinch Sheyan’s muscles and bones . Then, he bluntly called out .
“Naizhu!”
A young thai maiden of approximately 17-18 years old, sprinted over . Her skin was rather tanned . She stroked her hair while asking .
“What is it?”
Grandmaster Yabile glanced towards Sheyan and replied .
“This person is here to train, and seems like he has certain foundations from before . Directly assign him to the second tier training regime . Since he is someone recommended by Kuchai, then accept only 5,000 american dollars as the training fees . ”
Naizhu replied .
“Alright, but it seems like big brother Kuchai had already paid up the fee, and twice the amount at that . ”
Grandmaster Yabile raised a brow, but didn’t say anything else . Upon hearing that, Sheyan suddenly stood up and requested .
“Grandmaster Yabile . I wish to directly enroll into the harshest training regime . Money isn’t a problem . ”
Grandmaster Yabile raised his eyes to stare at him, before chiding him .
“Young man, why the rush?”
Sheyan returned the eye-contact, but answered without cowering .
“I insist . ”
Grandmaster Yabile broke into a coughing fit, before pointing at Sheyan and sternly rebuking .
“We’ll talk after you can complete the 2nd tier training regime . Now get out and change your clothes . The training starts in the afternoon!”
Sheyan humbly bowed to Grandmaster Yabile again, before following Naizhu out .
Of course at present, Sheyan was following according to the method explained by Reef . Through his nightmare imprint, he had confined his attributes/regenerative capabilities to a scope of 1 . 5x the average human; roughly the levelled standard of a muay thai trainee . If not, no matter how gruelling the training was, he wouldn’t be able to force out that mysterious potential within his body; thus, failing to awaken his innate abillity!
In the following days, life became dry and dull for Sheyan . On the daily schedule that Naizhu issued, the first program was waking up at 6 in the morning, before heading out for a run .
The exercise’s activities were for him to enhance his endurance, and refined the strength of his leg muscles; which would do great benefits for a muay thai expert when attacking or defending in an arena . Besides, a muay thai master had publicly acknowledged running as the fundamentals of training in this thai martial art . With Sheyan being directly enrolled into the 2nd tier training regime, he had to run barefoot with sandbags fastened to his calves .
After running a distance of 10 kilometres, revolving the village at a uniform velocity, he would then proceed back to the village for breakfast . The breakfast here was served in piping hot olive green banana leaves, and placed on a wooden table . Everyone would then scoop food with ladles in their bowls, and use a tiny plate to fill the ingredients .
Fragrant rice was steamed into cooked and dried rice; snow white and steaming hot . There were two types of ingredients – using mint leaves to wrap and boil fish, and the second was shredded pork and paste which was similar to sweet and sour pork .
However, those two ingredients had profoundly damaged Sheyan’s tastebuds, because the shredded pork had a flavour distinct of a blend between sweet and spicy; like having a bowl of simmer-fried beef noodle soup poured with a can of coke . As for the fish, it had a wave of minty taste, but added with a bizarrely strange sour flavour . Frowning as though he was about to die, Sheyan quickly found a sliver of solace in the form of the fish’s belly…… .
At this moment, the panting Sheyan scanned around, tremendously craving for pickled tofu . Instead, he noticed the burly chap beside him sampling a method – soaking his fish with a soy sauce like item . Sheyan then asked to try, but was quickly defeated by the foul taste of something akin to rotten fish and shrimps . Actually, this was something called white soy sauce, a seasoning made from fish sauce . Its method of manufacturing was pretty similar to China’s soy sauce, mainly extracting the fermentation drips of small fishes and shrimps .
Hence, Sheyan could only grit his teeth as he headed to the kitchen in search for normal soy sauce, before wolfing down his rice . Fortunately, Thailand’s fragrant rice was world renowned . Moreover, this tiny village was exceedingly remote, its greenish pure nature was without much pollution . The rice cooked were purely white and al dente, where an unexplainable fresh taste would ooze out upon being chewed . Sheyan consecutively gorge himself with 4 bowls, before he exhaled happily and rubbed his stomach in satisfaction .
After resting for half an hour, the new recruits would change to a down-filled garment/cotton-padded jacket like clothings, and commence their rope skipping regime . The request was for them to skip over a hundred times every minute! Such skipping caused their bodies to be soaked in perspiration, even before sweat droplets had a chance to evaporate . This activity aimed to enhance the agility of their legs, and the reaction strength of one’s muscles .
Sheyan could clearly fathom that for some expert boxers, their rope skipping would unleash incomparably oppressive buzzing sounds of ‘shua shua shua’ into the air; appearing as though they could execute minimally 200 jumps in every minute . What was more absurd, were the 3 profound martial experts to his left . When they skipped, there would be others hurling plastic globes at their heads! Red plastic globes would require them to dodge, while white plastic globes would require them to headbutt with their heads!
Whenever one committed an error, their supervisor by the side would brandish a whip, and lash their bodies . A lash was enough to imprint a terrifying bloodied scar, obviously done without a shred of emotions . Furthermore, Sheyan could observe that those expert martial artist had their bodies riddled with dense masses of scars; both old and new . Evidently, they had gone through uncountable rounds of torture .
Witnessing such a scene, Sheyan wasn’t frightened but instead became joyous . He could sense that only with such stern training systems, could his innate ability be catalyzed out! Thus, he accomplished his tasks strictly according to the rules .
After the rope skipping regime was completed, a half an hour rest would again be continued with running . However this time, it was engaging in a repetitive, cross-country like, running exercise, at the mountains behind the village . This exercise persisted for roughy 2 hours .
After having lunch, they would finally get to rest . This rest period was relatively longer, and would persist until 4 in the afternoon; probably due to the morning exercise being too strenuous .
Following that, was shadow boxing; to operate their limbs .
Punching sandbags . Sheyan was instructed on several routine movements in circling around the sandbags . On one hand, it was aimed at polishing his footwork; on the other, it was to teach him to select his positioning, angles and distance when executing an attack . Moreover, he could observe several muay thai practitioners training with great excitement . Prancing and leaping high into the air, left and right movements, as they concurrently unleashed chain strikes of knees against their sandbags . Even the sandbags and its supporting frame were emittingmoans of heavy burden . One could describe their methods as incredibly vicious .
Finally, the last sequence was naturally duelling and sparring . But by now, this wasn’t something that involved a rookie like Sheyan . He changed into his shorts as he was led into a hut .
This hut had an utterly empty interior, and the floor concrete was embedded with densely packed holes . The concrete floor was smeared with purplish black stains, and the atmosphere had an unspeakable bitterness of cruelty . Sheyan scanned his environment, while his heart thought; did I just enter an interrogation torture chamber?
Naizhu then entered with a wooden stick wrapped with skin, and poked it into a concrete hole on the ground, setting it rigidly in place . Then, she proceeded to instruct Sheyan, and demonstrated a series of moves that required one to stand motionless where one was; before employing one’s shins to kick forth . However, using one’s sole to stomp was disallowed . Only after snapping the bowl-sized thickness wooden stick, could he rest .
When Sheyan touched the wooden stick, he could feel that its thickness and hardness was on par with the human bone . Moreover, its exterior was wrapped in a layer of leather that emulated the human skin . Of course, that layer was also utilized as a protective layer for beginner class muay thai students . Due to past muay thai practitioners not paying attention to incremental learning progression, many athletes past the age of 30 would find their speed deteriorating rapidly, and even their health would be influenced in the future .
If Sheyan were to unleash his full strength, then don’t even mention that wooden stick; even if there was a huge tree placed before him, 2-3 kicks would’ve been enough to topple it . Nevertheless, Sheyan was here in search of a breakthrough . Thus, he once again modulated his attributes to those of an average human, attempting to draw out the maximum secret potential through his mediocre body! After examining the wooden stick, Sheyan then followed Naizhu’s instructions . Standing where he was without moving, he swung his leg out, and crashed his shin against the wooden stick .
For this day, Sheyan spent an entire night until 11pm, before he managed to smash through the wooden stick with his leg . On the second morning, a towering swollen lump had emerged over his right shin, a ginormous bruise shining gloriously . It appeared extremely gruesome, and he had to rely on limping to walk .
Prior to Sheyan, there wasn’t a shortage of young lads who harboured great interest in muay thai, enrolling themselves here to train . Hence, such a scene was already a frequent sight for other muay thai practitioners, as well as Grandmaster Yabile . Treatment medicines were delivered to Sheyan, and Naizhu was even prepared to follow the proper sequence in sending him to the hospital .
Who knew that at this time, Sheyan would walk towards Grandmaster Yabile as he sincerely asked .
“Am I considered to have completed the 2nd tier training regime yesterday?”
Grandmaster Yabile had never expected that Sheyan would actually ask such a question! That old man gently lifted his eyes to view Sheyan before replying .
“Yes . ”
Sheyan gently replied .
“Then I wish to enroll into the harshest training regime, money isn’t a problem . ”
Grandmaster Yabile raised his brows slightly .
“We’ll talk about that after you’ve completed the third tier training regime . This place is a muay thai training school, not a place for one to commit suicide . ”
Sheyan shrugged his shoulders, once again cupping his hands as he bowed .
“As you command, Grandmaster . ”
10 days later . Sheyan had steadily made his mark here by now . Though the training became more taxing and harsh on his strength and willpower, it didn’t stump him one bit . More importantly, he was starting to feel a great clarity and distinctiveness on the sensation of being on the verge of a breakthrough .
An indescribable strength was incessantly flowing throughout his heart, surging like an oceanic tide . It was as though any second now, that’s correct, possibly even 1 second later, his heart would pump out this strength towards the flesh and bones of his limbs!
Thus, Sheyan’s performance became all the more deranged, and all the more determined! Such ferocity caused individuals around him, to begin guessing the kind of massive trauma he had faced to act so suicidally . Taking the afternoon training for example – where one party would focus on attacking, while the other would wear defensive padding and attempt to block the assaults . However, Sheyan who was a complete foreigner to muay thai, actually decided not to wear any defensive padding! One could only imagine the severity of his wounds .
Initially, his conduct was halted by others . Yet, in the consecutive following days, everyone had grown accustomed to his matchless valiant resistance to assaults! In reality, after suppressing his individual capabilities, Sheyan was pretty much as valiant as an ordinary human . His body was covered in bruises, and he had several fractured ribs . Fortunately, the nightmare imprint would continuously modulating his body condition, ensuring his injuries weren’t fatal to his life . But having his life endangered was one thing, the current Sheyan was wholeheartedly relying on willpower to sustain himself!
The shadow casted by the sun gradually shifted to the west . Sheyan was presenting sparring with an individual named Caiba . Caiba stared at his coarsely gaping muay thai opponent, and sincerely warned .
“I am going to start tempering my knee strikes, you must be careful . ”
Sheyan licked his dried and cracked lips, as he squinted his eyes and responded .
“Don’t worry . ”
Caiba was nonetheless a formidable muay thai boxer at his prime . People around him hailed the strength of his leg as an unrivalled ferocity, one that could topple the mountains and overturn the seas . This formidable muay thai boxer released a grunt, and instantly flashed towards Sheyan like lightning . Pow! Pow! Deafening sounds of fierce bursts of strength resounded .
The fighting sounds were firm and substantial, intensely piercing the ears and shaking the souls . Elbow strikes and knee strikes swiped in from extraordinarily narrow areas, leaving one hard pressed to guard against them! Under Caiba’s fury, Sheyan was essentially like a tiny boat amidst the raging billowing sea; seemingly about to capsize and drown anytime .
One must understand, Sheyan wasn’t wearing defensive padding! Hence, Caiba’s assaults were fists against flesh, just like a real battle . With Caiba treating muay thai as his personal livelihood, it was easy to fall into a state of battle frenzy; not recognizing friend from foe . Caught up in battle, his only notion was to take down his opponent . In other words, to go all out in frenzy! That was why, fatal casualties were common occurrences in underground muay thai arenas .
Suddenly, Caiba’s eyes turned red with bloodlust as he entered a state of fighting frenzy . Roaring furiously, he leapt forward while spearing his left knee in, before chaining his right knee to shuttle in almost instantaneously! With utmost brutality, both knees smashed against the Sheyan’s temples!
At this moment, Sheyan’s physical condition, his energy and even his willpower, had hit rock bottom! Such a fatal and brutal move, immediately struck his vision into darkness . The alarming gasps of the onlookers overflowed the scene, as strings of morbid blood sprayed out from his mouth!!
“Thump!”
“Thump thump thump!”
“Thump thump thump ~ thump thump!”
“What sound is that?” Sheyan gradually opened his eyes . “Wasn’t I just sparring with Caiba? This place, what is this place?”
Surfacing in Sheyan’s view, was an expansive world of blood! As far as his eyes could see, it was as though flesh and blood dominated this world . The skies were pressed ridiculously low, like a crimson blood sky dome filled with blood clouds . Within his ear, was the repetitive sound of a rigorous heartbeat! After a long while, he finally grew accustomed to it .
Sheyan stood up as he pondered seriously .
“If I’m not wrong, I must’ve sparked the awakening of my innate! But Reef hadn’t told me, that I would experience such a state . ”
“I read an article before, which states an average person has around a 100 billion brain cells, but only less than 10%* is utilized . The rest are dormant, and even the elite physicist Albert Einstein could only utilize 13% of his brain . Could it be, that I’m currently dwelling in my own consciousness, in the deepest depths of my brain?”
(TN:*random fact, this is actually just a myth)
Sheyan started to attempt advancing across this fleshy flat surface . Very quickly, he discovered a thin silhouette, that appeared like a continuous string of mountain range . After advancing further, he realized that it was a vast city that could occupy the entire horizon . Amongst which, there was a faint indistinct palace!!! Even observing from afar, one had the sensation that heaven and earth had been joined by that one line!
Sheyan really couldn’t have imagined, that awakening his innate ability would happen in such a manner . It would actually conjure up such an event! Furthermore, this was truly an earth-shatteringly magnificent scenery! It was majestic and boundless, practically inconceivable .
Sheyan continued advancing . While it felt like he had walked for an endless distance, it also felt like he had walked for only a short span of time . Nevertheless, Sheyan finally reached the front of that palace within the city . There wasn’t a single person living in this city . Compared to other environments, the aura of death here was flourishing; like the desolation of an apocalypse .
Sheyan obviously wouldn’t care to dispute that now . He could only sense an exceptionally powerful thing urging him into the palace! He hastily trudged forward . When both his feet had stepped onto the palace ground, an ephemeral change appeared before his very eyes . Like transforming into another dimension, his surroundings turned into a universe of boundless pitch darkness . Dense masses of constellations laced the environment, and occasionally, shooting stars would cut through the cosmos; like a stabbing pain in one’s eyes, but gone with a wink .
It was as though time had ceased to flow in this place .
Space had lost its significance, and strength was concentrated as one!
As though guarding something throughout all eternity .
Sheyan continued forward . Though he was pretty lost by now, his heart still welled up with an unfathomable thrill; as though something was beckoning for him, right at the end of this palace! Not only did it feel like deja vu, it felt like a matter of life and death in this unseen world of spirits! When nearing the end, he even started to sprint forward! As he shouted aloud!
His shouts reverberated through the deathly stillness of his space . Though a massive fog emerged from ahead, it was seemingly incapable of obstructing Sheyan’s advance!
He finally reached the end of this palace . Before him; an enormous door linking heaven and earth, appearing rather identical to the gateway of the nightmare realm . Instead, there weren’t cracks over it, but appeared just like a solid rampart . The spikes on the door were longer and sharper . Everything blended flawlessly together as though this door was made in heaven . What shook Sheyan to horror was at the center of this enormous door, was an astonishingly peculiar giant eye!
Sorrowful curves flowed around the giant eye . The curves were simple and straight, carving out a sense of apathy and heartlessness . The most frightening aspect that shook one’s heart, was its shape that of a slender rhombus!
A vertical eye!
[Who has unlocked the Palace of Fate?]
[Who has awoken me from my deep slumber?]
An archaic majestic voice shook the world . Issuing a question, as though interrogating the blue dome of heavens itself!!
Within the next second, that vertical eye blinked opened and gazed at Sheyan . In this instant, Sheyan couldn’t help but stagger a step backwards! He felt as though every single cell of his was being seen through . When he stared into that bewildering massive pupil, he felt like he was observing the crumbling of myriads of stars; beholding the explosion of a black hole! It was like the eye itself contained the weight of a million worlds!
[So another human body has awoken the innate? Are you prepared to meet your fate?]
“Face… . my own fate?” Upon hearing that voice, Sheyan roared out without a shred of hesitation . “Yes! I’ve met my fate a long time ago . To conquer fate, I’ve only seeked for more power, power that stems from myself!!”
“I must live on! I must grow stronger . I must protect my family and friends!!”
[Unwavering resolution……that’s good . Then be prepared to meet your own innate power! Your inherent gift!]
A beam shot out from the eye, and shone against Sheyan’s nightmare imprint . Instantly, Sheyan could feel a shattering agony throughout his body . Under the shine of that beam, shadows of clouds and mists started wafting out from his back .
[What! This power… . . ] The periphery of that pupil suddenly undulated briefly, before quickly calming down .
[Though your innate ability isn’t an exceptionally rare dual innate or triple innate, its moldability and maturing potential is incredibly terrifying! If you choose to morph it into an offensive innate ability, I can allow you to experience the formidability of its ultimate evolution right now!]
“Offensive innate ability?” Sheyan was stunned . “Isn’t my innate ability a defensive type? How do I experience it?
After speaking those words, the clouds and mist behind him congealed into a strange jade symbol, before integrating into his body . All of a sudden, that unexplainable sound of a heartbeat rung in Sheyan’s ears once again!
The ringing caused Sheyan to feel like his own heart was pumping strenuously within his chest . The deafening heartbeat reverberated through the entire world, like rolling of thunder and the beating of drums!
Only after a long while, did he recover his normal state . However, a field of scarlet greeted his vision . Sheyan couldn’t help but press his palm to cover his face .
In this instant, Sheyan felt like every cell of his was brimming with a berserking force! A wave of raging intentions congested his mind; Destroy myself, or destroy this world!
Through the cracks of his fingers, Sheyan’s pupils had noticeably transformed into a deathly white luster! His waist involuntarily curved down, and his arms started distorting abnormally . It was as though something was awakening within him, and each breath he made transformed to steam!
In this instant, he felt as though anything could be torn asunder by his hands!!
“This is indeed freakishly strong, but I……I detest this feeling!” Suddenly, Sheyan howled out loudly .
Following his howl, the clouds and mist pervaded out from his body! Freeing him from his berserking state . Furthermore, that vertical eye seemed to be aware that he would reject this .
[Then, how about this form of power?]
In a split second, Sheyan felt his body being positioned uprightly beside a river . Larve waves arose from the river as it smacked against the greenish black reefs . Akin to an expert gazing down disdainfully from the corner of his eyes, his every movement schemed with hostility . The raging waves slapping against the shore, embodying a wild, furtive, emphatic, haughty yet graceful impression…a sense that could decipher hundred distinct auras from a hundred individuals .
Finally, 2 words remained in his mind .
Insufferably arrogant!
Despising all living under heaven, such insufferable arrogance!
Clearly, this was an extremely dreadful offensive ability! The strength of tremendous waves that could overflow to the sky!
Instead, Sheyan still shook his head gently . That vertical eye sighed once again .
[The greater the power, the greater the consequence! Fine then . I will allow you a glimpse of the ultimate power your matured innate can demonstrate . But this signifies that in the future, you can only attain this pinnacle through compensating with a hundred folds of effort, and possessing absolute luck unheard of by others!!]
With a glimmering illumination of the vertical pupil, the clouds and mist behind Sheyan transformed with dull diamond like shimmers, as it fused into his body .
In this moment, his hands swung high above his head subconsciously, as Sheyan widened his palms .
“AHH… . . ”
Momentarily, a faint agonizing groan echoed through the entire space!
Then, a blinding light enveloped the entire space unhindered!
A flash of white surfaced throughout the entire world .
A white nothingness had covered both sky and ground!
An eternal deathly stillness would well up in the hearts, of any whose vision interacted with this plain of whiteness . Though one’s heart could try its utmost to deflect it, one’s vision would be drawn in totally like a dissolving absorption!
The power of extermination, the power to encompass and extinguish everything!!
Such power; everything it encompassed would dissolve into nothingness!
Yet dealing with such power, Sheyan still maintained a solemn countenance as he shook his head .
“This still isn’t the strength I desire . ”
That pupil hadn’t anticipate an answer like that . After a brief daze, it asked .
[What kind of strength do you truly seek?]
Sheyan contemplated for a while, before declaring .
“Only surviving can translate all else into possibilities! I seek for the power of protection! The protection over my life, the protection over my comrades, and finally the protection over my family!!”
[You truly wish to forsake an innate ability of such invincible might?? But rather choose fortitude in defence?]
The vertical pupil’s tone was filled with disbelief . Eventually, it released a thunderous snarl .
[Do you know what you are truly forsaking?!!]
Sheyan replied with utmost sincerity .
“Yes! I am very clear on my actions!! Didn’t you just mention, the greater one’s innate ability, the harder one must strive?! Throughout my journey in the nightmare worlds till now, if not for the wondrous impact of my innate ability ‘Endurance’, I wouldn’t have even made it thus far . ”
“To me who has grown accustomed to the path of survivability, if I abandon my defensive innate ability, death will befall me sooner than later . Why should I bite off more than I can chew? Why deliberate about an invincible offense?! Facts speak for itself, the realm doesn’t lack individuals adept at offense! Therefore, I can very assuredly confirm, what I seek is a defensive innate ability! I seek the most impregnable defensive innate ability!!”
At the latter portion of his proclamation, Sheyan was already shouting till his shouts turned hoarse . The vertical pupil paused silently, before abruptly casting out a beam; irradiating the clouds and mist of Sheyan’s innate potential!
“Thump thump, thump thump thump!!”
The frightening thumps of heartbeat once again resounded in Sheyan’s ears . He instantly felt his body submerging; as though an imposing mountain peak like Potala palace*, was gradually weighing down firmly on him!
(TN:*Potala palace, is a palace in Lhasa, Tibet . )
Withstand it, and one’s body becomes one with the mountain; profound and indestructible like a mountain . Yet failure to withstand it, then one would be flattened into a meat paste on the spot!
Such a sensation; an awe-inspiring grandeur, that seemingly desired to be placed above all innates . An innate that breathed honesty and respect, that could guard against even the suppression of the heavens!
At the juncture when the mountain peak drew near, Sheyan could no longer withstand the stifling pressure as he roared out in fanatical struggling! Suddenly…… he sat up! At this moment, he discovered… . . where the hell was that mountain peak and that heartbeat?! He was clearly lying on a bamboo bed within the village . His head was topped with a damped tower, while the lady Naizhu was observing him with horror .
At present, Sheyan couldn’t care less about others . He was busy checking if his innate ability had been awakened . The nightmare imprint transmitted the notification into his ears .
[ Note: Your innate has officially awakened in the present world! ]
[ Note: Your innate ability can now go into effect in the present world . ]
[ Note: Your innate ability has evolved . Your original innate ability ‘Endurance’ is officially upgraded . ]
[ Note: Contestant no . 1018 has discovered his awakened innate ability – Stronghold (Passive) . Any damage received will be forcefully reduced by 40 points (Previously was only physical damage and 25 points reduction) . If the damage received is below 40 points, your HP will only be deducted by 1 point . Apart from that, duration of negative buffs will be additionally reduced by 25% . This effect can be layered with physique exemption effects . ]
[ Note: Unable to determine precedence of the ability ‘Stronghold’…data disorder . ]
[ Details: Your are currently unable to evaluate your innate ability rank! (for example, rank A, B, C etc) . Therefore, others cannot probe out your innate ability as well . However, you are unable to communicate your innate ability to others as well . ]
Upon browsing through the series of notification, Sheyan finally let out a long exhalation . It could be said that he had truly suffered much hardships the past few days .
Right now, he was honestly feeling as though a huge burden had been relieved . Sheyan glanced down towards his nightmare imprint at his chest, which had shockingly morphed into a strange, abstruse, mysterious symbol . Examining it, it emitted a tremendous sensation as though it was the backbone of the world, a meteoric feature, guarding against all inhibition!
Right now, Sheyan could feel the rumbling and churning of his stomach, he then squeezed out a smile to Naizhu .
“How long have I been out for?”
Niazhu looked into his eyes and replied .
“3 days . ”
Sheyan was astounded .
“I’ve been unconscious for so long? No wonder I feel so hungry, get me something to eat!”
Naizhu headed out, and swiftly returned with a large clump of banana leaf wrapped rice, along with some sour spicy cucumber . Sheyan blissfully gorged down his food, and even desired more after finishing his meal . But at this moment, tears welled up in lady Naizhu’s eyes, as she suddenly burst into tears .
Sheyan was taken aback; there is no need to cry even if this brother eats a little more, in any case, you’ve already received several thousand american dollars as training fee… . with the climate of Thailand, you can have two rounds of chilling drinks daily, and still retain surplus . Seems like payment should be made in installments next time, to prevent being neglected… . . Instead, the lady Naizhu lamented while she sobbed and sniffed .
“Our chef, Uncle Song, had been beaten up yesterday till he couldn’t even get up today . This rice was prepared by him yesterday… . ”
Sheyan questioned curiously .
“Who injured him? There are numerous muay thai experts in your village, moreover there is Grandmaster Yabile presiding here . Whose brain was so spoilt they actually ran here in search of death? How could something like this happen, unless the government has mobilized the army . ”
Naizhu shook her head .
“It was Grandmaster Shama… . he is very influential in Chiang Mai’s underground fighting scene . This time, he brought along gunmen with him to compel our members to join his underground fighting arena! Grandmaster Yabile wasn’t willing, but Grandmaster Shama then made a bet with him – that none could defeat his disciples! If we were to lose, then all our muay thai experts would have to listen to him . ”
Sheyan contemplated deeply before asking .
“Could it be that none of you can rival him?”
Naizhu silently nodded . Sheyan then snorted and revealed a sneer .
“If the disciples he brought along are so strong, why would he still need your village to participate in his underground fighting arena? He is obviously bullying your lack of knowledge of doping stimulants, that’s all . ”
Having unlocked his seal, Sheyan clenched his fist as his body emanated waves of outstandingly indomitable strength; like that of a surging tide . He leapt out of bed and chuckled .
“Truthfully, you guys have treated me with favour . Therefore, let’s count as I’ve returned this favour today . ”
While he spoke, he pushed past the door and headed out . “Hey!” Naizhu called out, but also realized the current ‘Seaman’ was rather different than usual . When his legs trampled over the ground, it seemed to leave an impression of deeply rooting into the earth . Not only that, it appeared like an iceberg floating along the vast ocean of arctic; lofty, towering and meteoric on the surface, but beneath the boundless seawater, held a monstrous reserve of volume!!
It was currently noon when Sheyan strided out of his residential hut . He immediately noticed a group crowding around an embankment, normally used for muay thai training in the village . Grandmaster Yabile and Kuchai both stood on the embankment with ashen faces, while several disciples stood beside them; visibly groaning due to fractured limbs .
Opposite them, was a chair . Seated atop that chair was an imposing looking middle-aged male, dressed in military uniform .
That male had extremely thick and black brows, his egg-shaped head was utterly barren, glossy and bright; it twinkled under the sunlight . The combined constitution of his features, left one with a malicious impression . Behind that male, stood 5 muaythai experts, whose bodies were riddled in scars; a thick killing intent emanated from them!
At the periphery of the embankment, a total of 23 soldiers were stationed; each carrying loaded rifles ready for an emergency . They formed a circular arc as they surrounded the embankment, while their black barrels aimed towards every villager inside the area . At this moment, Naizhu had hastily rushed out . Tugging against Sheyan with fright, she pleaded .
“Don’t go there! That is Grandmaster Shama . His sphere of influence is really too powerful, and if he finds you unpleasant to his eyes, he may really decide to kill you!”
Sheyan laughed and answered irrelevantly .
“I’m feeling a little cold, could you help me fetch a coat?”
Naizhu widened her mouth in confusion .
“Cold?”
Thailand had a blistering hot climate . 4 seasons a year, its temperature would remain hovering above 20 degrees . Furthermore, it was presently summer . Nevertheless, Naizhu reckoned that Sheyan’s body was feeling frail from his prolonged unconsciousness, and quickly fetched a jacket for him . After putting on the jacket, Sheyan exercised his limbs and felt rather comfortable in it . Smiling at Naizhu, he continued spectating the commotion .
Right now, Caiba was the one engaging in a duel . After knocking Sheyan out cold previously, he became depressedly regretful, and had locked himself up for two days . Meanwhile, he was fasting in his little hut and making confessions . Yet after overhearing someone challenging the village, he hastily resurfaced . He immediately broke his fast, changed his clothes and nursed his energy . Thus, he became the last fighter to duel .
It could be said that Caiba was the most formidable muay thai expert of this village . Shama had brought along 6 muay thai experts, but only two had been enough to sweep across the overwhelming majority of the village experts . Moreover, Shama had constantly rotated those two muay thai experts . They obviously had sufficient rest time; hence, they hadn’t lost a single duel yet .
Strictly speaking, it was due to a shortage in manpower, that Shama had drafted out his plan in attacking this village . The fatality rate encountered in the underground fighting arena way stupendously alarming . It was indeed not a surprise that his 2 muay thai experts could attain such overwhelming victory .
Firstly, those 2 muay thai experts had an abundance of blood experience on their hands . Secondly, they were supplemented with stimulants . Finally, and also the most critical factor, was due to that horde of soldiers that were encircling the dueling zone . Those soldiers had loaded rifles at the ready, and would raise their firearms whenever a duel commenced!
Under the pressure of numerous black barrels aiming in, the average man would be rooted on the spot; palpitating in fright . Timid ones would even slump to the ground, with their minds only focusing on whether those firearms would fire off . What more, they had to spar against vicious opponents with plenty of experience!
Therefore in such circumstances, a person’s psychological quality was tested to its limits! Duelling under such a situation, it was essentially totally unfair! Furthermore, those muay thai experts under Grandmaster Yabile hadn’t finished their apprenticeship . Where would they even encounter such an impasse before, becoming only capable of exhibit 50-60% of their ability . With all these factors, how would there be a chance for victory?
When the duel begun, that muay thai expert directly volleyed out with torrents of crazed assaults, evidently striving to resolve this as quickly as he could; repeatedly forcing Caiba into consecutive retreats . Nevertheless, Caiba was Grandmaster Yabile’s proudest disciple, and was implicitly known as the village’s number 1 expert . Being youthful and sturdy, though he was pressured right from the start, he managed to persevere on .
Muay thai was a martial art that consumed a tremendous amount of energy, employing explosive burst of attacks to inflict damage on one’s foe . After consecutive moves, that muay thai expert who had already engaged in 2-3 duels beforehand, became vividly exhausted .
Caiba was all along an individual that could easily engross himself into fighting . Noticing a gap, he inched in with a throttling slam and sent his opponent stumbling backwards . Charging up towards him, he executed a front somersault and crushed down onto his opponent with his knee; directly dealing a severe blow to that muaythai expert!
Following that, Caiba became lost in his fighting state, as he consecutively defeated 3 opponents!
Grandmaster Yabile and Kuchai unanimously released a long sigh . With Caiba stepping forward bravely and battling till now, it was more than satisfactory to everyone already . Moreover, Caiba became bolder as he fought . At present, Shama’s fourth muay thai expert was overwhelmed, without a chance of retaliation; but at this moment… . a soldier encircling them had seemingly received an order, and suddenly pressed his trigger!
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Gunfire sounds pierced into the air . Even though Caiba’s eyes were red with bloodlust, he still couldn’t help but feel intimidated by the rumbling gunshots; distracted by the possibility of Shama firing at him in rage! Instantaneously, he couldn’t help rolling towards the side to evade . After all, muay thai was a physical clash of fist against fist, and definitely not comparable to veterans who fought a hundred battles in war!
Instead, that muay thai expert who was utterly suppressed by Caiba issued a sinister smile; identifying Caiba’s weakness while he was rolling away! He dashed forward as he twisted his body, and delivered a round kick over!
Executing round kicks was a mandatory training course for muay thai, and allowed one to unleash a threateningly large killer move . Sheyan’s previous training with the wooden stick, was for the sake of training to execute round kicks! It is rumoured that the strongest muay thai experts could deliver round kicks that could topple power supply poles, but of course, wooden ones . Speaking in this manner sounded rather exaggerated, but one could fathom the might of powerful round kicks .
Having his superior advantage turned on him, Caiba could only watch on with widened eyes as he raised his arm to receive the incoming kick . His complexion immediately turned pale . Yet when he was about to spring up from the ground to counterattack, another gunfire resounded!
Fiery bullets streaked past his face! Though Caiba was an excellent fighter, he couldn’t prevent the fear of death rising within him, as his instincts caused him to shrink back . At this moment, that muay thai expert dashed up instead, unleashing both knees high into the air . 5-6 of Caiba’s ribs probably fractured in that instant, as he was sent flying 5 metres away! Spitting out a mouthful of blood in midair, Caiba crashed to the ground and tumbled for several rounds; then, his eyes shut tightly and he passed out .
Shama licked his lips, as he lifted the coconut beside him to drink . His eyes squinted faintly, and was clearly extremely pleased with Caiba’s combat skills . His dope enhanced fighters could triumph with the aid of the encircling soldiers . However, back in the underground fighting arena, that was absolutely impossible . If major fighters wanted to kill them, it would be as easy as squeezing an ant!
Thus, if he could bring Caiba back to train, then undoubtedly, Caiba would become an ace for Shama; earning rolls of dollar notes for Shama! Not only that, he had also identified several disciples of Grandmaster Yabile with great potential . With some time in drilling them, he would no longer need to fret over the problem of manpower .
Pondering about these matters, Shama faced to the sky and laughed heartily . Then, he slapped his thighs and stood up, before casting a pitiful and malicious glare at Grandmaster Yabile and Kuchai .
“You guys have lost . There isn’t anyone else dares to step forward right?”
Kuchai fumed as he stood forward .
“You despicable bastard, resorting to such shameless means . How can this be considered a win?”
Who knew that when Kuchai’s words faded, a bang resounded through his ears, while his vision turned blurry . When he stretched his hand up, he immediately realized his spectacles had been struck flying with a bullet! Glass shards spraying in all directions, some slicing against Kuchai’s face . Instantly, blood streamed down his face . Shama then lazily pronounced .
“Youths are always reckless, be careful lest you die without knowing it . I’d already announced to allow them to duel without touching a single strand of hair on anyone else, then I’ll surely abide by my words! Kuchai, you are an individual that have experienced the real world, have I touched your men at all? It is only that your people are cowards, wetting their pants upon hearing a gunfire . Forget it, if you can’t even train to proper standards, could it be my people are deaf and cannot hear the gunfire as well?”
Listening to that wretched Shama phrasing his words like that, Kuchai widened his mouth . He was an honest and faithful individual, but couldn’t find the words in the face of Shama’s fallacious argument . In actual fact, if not for Kuchai holding a rather high position of a government official, possessing a vast circle of influential friends, Shama would’ve long ordered for a bullet to smash his brains like a watermelon .
“Let’s go!” Shama stood up while putting up a fake smile . He cupped his hands politely to the ashen faced Grandmaster Yabile, as he demonstrated his superfluous farewell etiquette . Finally, he very bluntly pointed towards the few individuals of Caiba and others, intending to forcefully take them as captives .
All of a sudden from afar, a dull voice drifted over .
“Wait . ”
Everyone’s attention was gathered to the issuer of that voice . Indeed, it was Sheyan, who had his arms folded across his chest while he spectated from the side .
He glanced sheepishly at Shama .
“You mentioned that as long as the experts on your side are all defeated, you will turn to leave right?”
Shama laughed loudly, as he stroked his bald head and replied with a single word .
“Yup!”
Sheyan stepped forward, and solemnly continued while glancing at Grandmaster Yabile .
“I have been learning under Grandmaster Yabile for the past 10 days, and can be counted as half his disciple . Therefore, I am also qualified for a duel . ”
A disdainful snort drifted out from Shama’s nostrils, as he completely ignored Sheyan and sat back onto his chair . He face revealed an impatient expression, as he signalled a throat cutting gesture to one of his muay thai expert .
That muay thai expert offered a sinister smile in response .
“Brat, if you need to blame something, then blame it on your foolishness!”
Sheyan raised his head humbly, as he observed a tan-skinned, slender looking muay thai fighter pressing towards himself . His muscles weren’t well developed, but appeared as solid as steel structures . With every advancing step, he stretched his body muscles as they released ‘pitter-patter’ cracks . He resembled a ferocious wolf that was eyeing a sheep .
Meanwhile, the surrounding soldiers had started placing their rifles down . The climate was incredibly warm, and maintaining their aiming posture for long periods was relatively exhausting . They could naturally figure out that Sheyan was just a rookie, and completely treated this as a performance to behold . The majority of them folded their arms, as they watched on sadistically .
That muay thai fighter leaned forward slightly; suddenly stamping his leg down, he roared aloud as he propelled himself forward . Bending his left knee, he swung it towards the apex .
When his knee tore towards the apex, it even emitted a humming sound,
The humming sound of his knee against the wind issued a heart shuddering sensation . Within a split second, it impacted against Sheyan’s lower jaw! Sheyan was struck backwards by the impact, as he flipped and crashed pathetically with his face against the filthy ground .
Instead, Sheyan had simultaneously released a kick against the stomach of that muay thai fighter!!
In the eyes of the bystanders, Sheyan’s lower chin was probably wrecked; at least crushed with a fracture . Instead, even an ordinary muay thai practitioner would continuously temper the resistive capabilities of their abdominal muscles daily! Sheyan’s kick would probably be akin to a light sting of a mosquito!
In contrast, the face-planted Sheyan had swiftly climbed back to his feet as though he was totally unhurt . Swaying his head, he slapped off the dust on his clothes . Instead, the facial muscles of that muay thai fighter twitched incessantly . Through his dropped jaws, one could observe the blood frothing in his throat, while his eyes revealed a rigid horror of incomparable pain . His arms were tightly clutching his stomach, as he slowly staggered backwards . Very quickly, the blood spewing from his mouth accumulated into a large puddle!
“Next . ” Sheyan hung down his eyes, and issued a very ordinary tone .
The audience were instantly dumbstruck . The eyes of another muay thai fighter popped widely, as he rushed forward and screamed wildly .
“You actually dare to use a weapon! He has a hidden blade at the tip of his shoe!”
The crowd was already astoundedly amazed, and immediately believed that was the reason . By this time, that muay thai fighter was already bellowing furiously .
“You despicable brat! I will break every single bone in your body!!!!”
While he spoke, he was already charging towards Sheyan . To muay thai fighters who wrestled for their lives all year round, it wasn’t important if their enemy possessed hidden weaponry . The killing potential of their elbows and knees weren’t inferior to lethal weapons like steel rods or knives .
“Not good!!” Spectating from afar, Kuchai could only see a blur before that fuming muay thai fighter had arrived before Sheyan . In the judgement of that muay thai fighter, Sheyan had a hidden blade installed in his shoe . Thus, he only executed the kicking techniques he was adept in . Bam! Bam! Bam! Bam! Within a flurry, 5 successive kicks had landed onto Sheyan’s body .
Sheyan only managed to return a punch before he was kicked flying . However, he very quickly climbed back up as though nothing happened . Meanwhile, that muaythai fighter that was punched in the chest, had eye sockets that were about to split . His eyes brimmed with terror, as he staggered backwards crouching to the ground while vomiting blood . The foamy blood regurgitated from his mouth resembled bubbles, like fishes leaping out of the water . His body had also started shivering .
Shama immediately stood up from his chair, his pupils had shrunk . Stroking his bald head vigorously, he looked at Sheyan as though he was viewing a freak .
“You actually possess such immense strength? Hahaha!”
He suddenly broke into laughters .
“Very good, very good! With you around, why would I still need those trash . Follow me back to the underground fighting arena, you’ll earn tens of thousands of american dollars for me before getting beaten to death . ”
Sheyan laughed in response .
“You aren’t worthy of inviting me . ”
“HAHAHA!!!” Shama released a fit of hysterical laughter, as though he just heard the funniest joke . He couldn’t help wiping off the tears of joy in his eyes .
“Whomever I wish to invite, not a single can reject! While others invite fighters with money, I invite them with bullets!”
After his statement was issued, the surrounding soldiers had once again hoisted up their rifles; black barrels aiming at Sheyan! Witnessing how Sheyan had dispatched two expert muaythai fighters with single moves, these trained soldiers naturally didn’t dare to be careless . The slightest movement made by Sheyan, would inevitably cause him to be bombarded into a honeycomb .
“Surrounded by militants with semi-automatic rifles… . . if it was a day ago, I would be trembling in utter fear! But right now… . . hahahaha!”
Sheyan roared into an outburst of laughter . Then, he abruptly lunged backwards as he seized the rifle barrel of a soldier aiming at him . With a casual pull, that soldier was completely incapable of preventing his body from stumbling into Sheyan’s embrace . Crack! Seizing his head, Sheyan directly twisted and snapped his cervical vertebra .
At that instant, the other soldiers furiously pressed their trigger as they watched on with widened eyes! Instead, Sheyan easily flung the corpse in his hand, as he crouched and swooped forward!
He was like a fierce tiger prancing about in the rain . The muscles in his body swelled with wondrous strength, as his strength rippled out like streaming water!
Most of the blazing bullets missed, but a tiny portion managed to drill into his body . If it was previously when his innate hadn’t been awakened in the present world, Sheyan would really be rather apprehensive of such a situation . But now! The concentrated fire of most semi-automatic firearms could no longer threaten Sheyan’s life!
A distance of 10 metres, he flashed past in an instant .
Stamping his foot down with strength, his soaring knee smashed against the chest of the nearest soldier . A deep depression formed at his chest, as his mouth salivated wildly with blood . His magazine had been emptied, and wasn’t in time to reload . A last ditch attempt to reach for his pistol, ended up with the pistol being tossed into the air .
Sheyan proceeded to stomp down onto the ground, as he leapt into the air and kicked the suspended pistol like a soccer ball . Bam! The pistol smacked against the head of a firing soldier, as he instantly met his demise with his brain split open!
When Sheyan landed, he executed a roll before springing up like a phantom, and sending another soldier flying with a waving punch . Seizing the momentum, he swept his leg horizontally, as it hooked against two others; sending them tumbling like gourds . The two soldiers simultaneously grabbed their ankles as they screamed miserably, their fractured ankles could no longer be salvaged .
At present, Sheyan’s back and chest were covered in bullet holes . At the same moment, noticing that Sheyan was wearing a thick jacket, someone believed that he had reached the truth of the matter and exclaimed aloud .
“He is wearing the most advanced bulletproof vest! Aim for his head and limbs!
But the chest of that individual exclaiming was immediately trampled by a foot, before a thick fist came swiftly pounding against his face; his entire frame was sent flying like a sandbag! His left eye had ruptured, as he sprawled to the ground without a chance to groan .
Within a short span of time, Shama’s forces had been utterly annihilated by Sheyan’s hands!!! Instead, Shama remained seated on his chair with a vacant expression, as though he hadn’t awakened to reality . Sheyan sauntered towards his front; slapping his cheeks a little, he picked up a cigarette by the side . Then, he lighted it and stuffed it into Shama’s cavern mouth .
“Old shit, obediently return home and enjoy a life of retirement . At this age already, why the need to entertain yourself with fights?”
Concluding his statement, Sheyan then strolled towards Grandmaster Yabile and respectfully cupped his hand before bowing . In his blank amazement, Grandmaster Yabile hastily returned his formality . Sheyan then laughed with his head raised, casually driving off in Kuchai’s car as he headed for Chiang Mai .
At long last, having successfully unlocked his inner potential, he felt he had taken a load off his mind . In truth, Sheyan could distinctly sense that if he hadn’t broken through this time, his bodily inspiration would plunge to an all time low . If he wished to breakthrough the next time, it may even take months or years .
Therefore, though the 7 days restriction had long elapsed, and he could return to the nightmare realm anytime, Sheyan deliberately procrastinated . Ultimately, after fulfilling his wishes, he naturally returned impatiently to the realm .
Upon returning to the realm this time, Sheyan discovered an increased influx of individuals . The crimson incandesce of the nightmare realm had similarly thickened exponentially, its dazzling flickers caused one’s blood to rush forth incessantly . It seemed like the realm war had caused relatively heavier casualties, and the realm was starting to replenish itself with new members .
Presently, Reef and Mogensha were both awaiting Sheyan anxiously . Fortunately, Reef was aware of Sheyan attempting to awaken his innate in the present world, thus, he and Mogensha remained patient; forking out utility points and potential points, as they engaged in training inside the realm .
Once Sheyan returned to the realm, he was quickly greeted by Mogensha and Reef . Reef greeted him with, “Have you succeeded?”, while Mogensha bluntly asked, “What’re the attributes of your awakened innate?” From the two different greetings, one could tell brother Black held more confidence in Sheyan .
After the trio assembled, the first concern naturally pertained to Sheyan’s innate . As the specifics of his innate couldn’t be shared, Mogensha and Reef could only click their tongues in astonishment after listening to the improvements . Following their discussion, they swiftly touched upon the topic of consumption .
That’s correct, the topic of consumption . With the trio’s amassed fortune, they needed to convert their cash into battle capabilities; employing the least amount required to settle their necessities . As such, this became their present top priority .
After a series of discussions, they decided on several few important tasks .
Firstly, without a doubt, to investigate the harvest from that ‘Ruby Card*’ .
(TN:*The ruby card from Makaji that they acquired after killing Lille . A rare drop of a Growth-hunter)
Secondly, Mogensha hoped to upgrade his black grade ‘Viperwolf’s Beard’ to the next grade . Thus, he needed to purchase a compatible horcrux . Coincidentally, Mogensha discovered an item in the marketplace, which had a secret relation to his incomplete ‘Sparta Spear’; with that, he could possibly mend his ‘Sparta Spear’ . If at that time, his personal economic condition were to hamper his progress, then he wished that his party members would support him .
Reef also made a request – desiring to upgrade his ‘Birmingham ‘Stuka’ Hand-dart Pocket Sling’ to a Silver storyline grade weapon . The remainder of his capital would then be used unconditionally, to aid the party .
Sheyan too wanted to upgrade his ‘Barbaric-demon Pupil’ to a Silver storyline grade equipment . Furthermore, he had a ‘Sturmbeest Horcrux’ available, and didn’t need to spend on it . Next, for him to wield that ‘+7 West’ Saber, Sheyan had to improve his basic abilities . Minimally, his ‘Basic Close Combat’ had to be raised to lvl 7, while also learning the advanced ability ‘Saber Fluency’ to lvl 4 (or a stronger advanced ability) .
If any surplus remained, they would then consider enhancing their equipments . Nonetheless, the topic of enhancing equipments was like a bottomless pit – requiring fixed equipment enhancing fees, in addition to a percentage of the upgraded equipment value, potential points and even achievement points! Moveover, the difficulty rate of enhancing was relatively high; don’t even mention enhancing to +7, even +4 enhancements were rarely seen .
There wasn’t time to lose, as Sheyan quickly retrieved that ‘Ruby Card’ . The ‘Ruby Card’ previously had a crystal pure red shade, but after returning to the realm, it had peculiarly turned dim without a single glint . While they were deliberating over it, Sheyan pondered while holding the ‘Ruby Card’ while he paced around the nightmare realm’s marketplace . When he approached the west region of the marketplace, the ‘Ruby Card’ suddenly emitted a weak red glow .
“This is the direction!” Sheyan’s spirit was instantly bolstered . The trio immediately advanced forward . Every time they headed in the wrong direction, the glow of the ‘Ruby card’ would weaken . Therefore, as they advanced like flies without a head, its red glow turned richer as though forming into essence itself . Very rapidly, when the trio reached an area of wall of the nightmare realm, the ‘Ruby card’ abruptly hovered out of his hand . It slotted, no, precisely saying, it melted into the wall like a flesh paste .
Closely following, a sliding door was activated .
The holder of the ‘Ruby card’, Sheyan, managed to step into the room . Instead, Mogensha and Reef were both unable to do so, evidently because they weren’t owners of the card . Within a second, the sliding door was closed shut . At present, all Sheyan could see was darkness . A list of notification from the nightmare imprint then resounded in his ears .
[ Employing a Ruby Card, you infiltrated a deceased Growth-hunter’s personal room ]
[ You receive 11,000 utility points and 7 potential points ]
[ The military rank of this Growth-hunter is Reserve-duty Lieutenant Colonel . If you wish to obtain some of his achievement points, there may be a small possibility of variations to the official status of your military rank . Do you wish to engage? ]
As Sheyan read the notification, he very regretfully selected ‘no’ . If he really lost his official status and was changed to reserve-duty status, his tears would definitely flow .
[ In this personal room, every equipment / item / weapon that the deceased Growth-hunter possessed before he died, will surface ]
[ You only have 10 seconds to engage in plundering . Once the deadline is reached, you will be transported out of this room ]
[ Your current military rank is First Lieutenant . You cannot obtain any private credentials . Therefore, during the plundering process, you can only differentiate the grade of equipments / items / weapons through their glow; unable to examine their properties . You can at most plunder up to 3 (equipments / items / scrolls etc) before leaving ]
[ If you are clear of the plundering regulations, you can choose to commence and your 10 seconds duration will be activated ]
Before selecting ‘yes’, Sheyan carefully inspected the rules . Then he charged like a lunatic into the deceased Makaji’s personal room! Upon entering, he immediately cursed ‘f*** this’!
As it turns out, Makaji’s personal room was actually larger than Sheyan’s ‘snail shell’ by 2-3 times! Its interior was decorated in luxurious furnitures!
Please do not belittle these furnitures . For example, that Chateaudax sofa could prolong one’s stay in the realm by 10% after resting on it for an hour . There was a splendorous and majestic rosewood bed that boosted health regeneration by 33%, after resting on it for half an hour; with a duration of 72 hours, and could even be brought to the present world . A Jonvight intelligent water dispenser could dispense drinking water, that would boost one’s spirit and mental recovery by 15%… .
Nevertheless, Sheyan had no time to bother with such furnitures, but charged frantically to the deepest regions of the personal room . Stomping the door open, he still had 6 seconds of time……a blinding radiance sparkled before his eyes . Atop a long conference table, Makaji’s personal collections were arranged fully .
Without caring to inspect closely, Sheyan started operating his hands!
“WOW oh, that thing emits a dull golden radiance!!! Why the need to hesitate?”
“What is that, is that a book? Oh, not correct, it resembles a scroll . ”
“Shit, that book is glittering with a blood maroon glow! What does that even represent? That’s too strange . ”
“Ah, damn it, 1 second left . I can only grab this silver glowing object, fine, that it is!!”
10 seconds later, Sheyan was pushed out of the room with a soft yet incomparably immense force . After a flash in his eyes, he once again stood within the marketplace of the nightmare realm . This time, his hand was holding onto 3 objects .
One was a pendant that appeared like a crayon, resembling a lipstick a female would carry around all the time . That was the object emitting a dull golden radiance .
A scroll that looked like a folded and tattered ancient paper scroll . It was emanating a shuddering blood shimmer .
A cross with a faint silverish glow .
As Sheyan shared the information out, the attributes of the three items were fully displayed .
The cross was:
[ Toni’s Horcrux (rare) ]
[ Item rarity: Silver Storyline grade ]
[ Usage effects: Upon infusing with a Black grade equipment / weapon, it will transform it into a soul equipment, and upgrade the equipment / weapon into a Silver Storyline grade . ]
[ Warning: If Horcrux is not compatible with equipment, the horcrux will be destroyed . ]
[ Material: Ghost ]
[ Weight: 3g ]
[ Description: This is a sacred cross, shackling the soul of the rapacious and hellish vampire Toni! Tormented by silver and holy water, tossing and turning restlessly for the past few millenniums, he cannot wait for a change in environment . Therefore, no matter what equipment, this horcrux possesses a relatively high compatibility rate; apart from Magic type weapons and equipments, as vampire Tony only employs his fangs and claws in battling . ]
****The ancient paper scroll was called:
[ Dead Sea Scroll, remnant page . ]
[ Item rarity: The sole copy in this realm . In every nightmare realm, at the same time, an object of this category will surface . ]
[ Usage effect: A mystified secret power resides in this remnant page, drafted with papyrus paper from the era of 4000 BCE . Once you unfold it in any nightmare world, it will indicate the location of a hidden buried secret! ]
[ Warning: Once you activate this remnant page, you may encounter tremendous untold
[ Please be warned: The final rarity degree of the hidden treasure or benefit you gain will be at random, and follow accordingly to the circumstances of that world . For example, using it in the Avatar world previously, may allow one to acquire an exceptionally grand divine item . However, if using it in the Terminator world previously, then even after painstaking efforts, you may possibly acquire just a mere 2 american dollar a random kid buried in a tin can somewhere . Of course, such a situation can be reversed for both worlds (treasure from Avatar world immensely small, while Terminator world immensely huge) . ]
[ Putting it bluntly; this remnant chapter is like a random mission of relatively high difficulty, but its mission rewards would also be random . There is a possibility of painstakingly finishing said mission, but receiving just a pile of garbage . Nonetheless, one can also receive an amazing reward . ]
Everyone was expectantly waiting, as the dull gold equipment dazzled their eyes . Instead, its true colour was finally exposed:
[ +6 Chieftain’s hobby ]
[ Equipment rarity: Dark-gold grade ]
[ Origin world: Any world that includes the ‘Indigenous peoples of the Americas’ ]
[ Type: paint ]
[ Material: Unknown ]
[Additional installation: nil ]
[ Equipment position: Waist ]
[ Equipment type: Accessory ]
[ Weight: 12 . 4 g ]
[ Equipment usage requirements: ‘Basic Eloquence lvl 7’ / or military rank above Private First Class ]
[ Details: Charm and Intelligence +6 points ]
[ Details: Your casting success rate +3% ]
[ Passive ability: Native Blessing – Whenever casting a spell fails or is interrupted, 33% of your consumed MP will be refunded ]
[ Passive ability: ? – Simultaneously raises ‘Basic Eloquence’ and ‘Basic Prayer’ by two levels . This effect cannot be applied to contestants with ‘Basic Eloquence’ over lvl 10 . ]
[ Details: This accessory is unable to receive bonus drawn properties, but can only receive basic upgrades ]
[ Active ability: ‘Graffiti’ – You discovered the true usage for ‘Chieftain’s hobby’ . After painting on your face, a refreshing and cooling sensation seeps in . Concurrently, you acquire the acknowledgement of mother earth, allowing your charm and intelligence to be raised by 3 points; duration of 30 minutes . But please be mindful, though this is practically cosmetics, it contains a certain poison element . Your physique will temporarily decline by 6 points; duration of 60 minutes . ]
[ You can use this equipment on any party members, but it will also trigger the 60 minutes cooldown of the ‘Graffiti’ ability ]
[ Description: This dark-gold equipment is utilized by tribe chieftains before campaigning or hunting; smearing on flowery oil colors in hopes of receiving the great nature’s protection ]
[ Details: Equipment +6 enhancement reward – Any damage received is lowered by 4 . 8% . ]
[ Details: Equipment +4 enhancement reward – Intelligence / Spirit / Charm +3 special effect . (Rare drawing bonus) ]
********************Amongst the 3 objects, Reef set his eyes on ‘Toni’s Horcrux (rare)’ . He was moved by the description of ‘no matter what equipment, this horcrux possesses a relatively high compatibility rate’ .
This was because Reef fancied his black grade equipment ‘Birmingham ‘Stuka’ Hand-darts Pocket Sling’ . This was probably because he was proficient with playing darts in the present world . However, after grazing through the entire marketplace, he failed to encounter any horcrux that offered high compatibility with his hand-darts .
Perhaps, it was because his equipment was rather uncommon . Observing the category of horcrux that were closely similarly to what he was looking for, Reef realized that not even 50% of contestants offered it! This was the most regretful headache Reef had presently .
But after Reef had probed out ‘Tony’s Horcrux’, he discovered its compatibility reached as high as 95%! Most splendid was the fact his black grade ‘Birmingham ‘Stuka’ Hand-darts Pocket Sling’ wasn’t related to magic at all . Hence, it was hard to pass away at such an opportunity .
Since Reef took a fancy to that item, there wasn’t a reason to reject him . Naturally, it was given to him to upgrade his black grade hand-darts .
As for that mysterious treasure map ‘Dead Sea Scroll Remnant Page’, it fell into Sheyan’s hands; who intended to judge the circumstances of the next world, before deciding . If time was adequate, then they wouldn’t mind testing their luck . His two heartless members both unanimously reckoned, that this was something only Sheyan ought to worry about .
As for the dark-gold grade accessory, the trio could only shake their heads and smile wryly . No matter what, they couldn’t blame Sheyan’s ill luck in picking . Besides, an accessory was the rarest equipment type, second to none . Drawing an accessory could be described as immense fortune already . However, this dark-gold grade accessory was exceedingly prejudiced to other classes; no doubt, it was confined to contestants who treaded the path of a summoner .
This sort of prejudice was analogous to authors who wrote data genre novels . Writing a little too in detailed, and one would be berated with leaving a tasteless message . Even if one delivers a quality product, one could only raise his head to heavens and sigh deeply .
But regardless, selling off this dark-gold grade accessory was absolutely impossible . As the saying goes, a merchant recognizes value . In actual fact, if they could encounter a powerful customer like Fanu of the Symbiosis sect in the future, this accessory may possibly fetch a sky-high price .
Thus, Sheyan handed this object to Jinkuang, tasking him to protect it even in death . This policy was akin to stalling current profits for the chance of reaping greater profits in the future, not acting until they could see tangible incentives . He was afraid that by keeping it tightly in his grip, he may not be able to sink into the ‘slut’ level, and sell of this object at exorbitant rates!
Following this, they segregated to accomplish their own affairs, not much needed to be said about that . The following tasks were basically, the more significant ones:
Firstly, the additional attributes gained from upgrading his hand-darts to the Silver-storyline grade, had offered Reef a pleasant surprise . Not only did the attacking range of thehand-darts increased, its accuracy had been substantially raised . What made his eyes ablaze with passion, was shockingly one factor – [ Upon hurling the dart and dealing persisting damage to the opponent, 50% of resultant persisting damages will be transferred to heal the dart user ]!!!
(TN: Hand-dart attributes can be found in chapter 69 of vol 7)
When that property surfaced; if the ‘Birmingham ‘Stuka’ Hand-darts Pocket Sling’ was considered an invaluable stage prop, then it instantly scaled to an indispensible premium good! Reef immediately went on to upgrade his ‘Basic long range combat’ to lvl 4, allowing him to select a bonus of +10% long range damages when it reached lvl 4 . In addition to the dark-blue grade ring* he wore, his ‘Basic long range combat’ was raised to lvl 6, and could at least, deal additional 40% of damages when hurling out his hand-darts!
(TN:*Reef got this after killing the legendary creature, Betami Ghost-ape, back in chapter 90 of vol 7 (avatar world) . )
After combat testing, every dart he throw out could supply him a persisting stream of nearly 60 HP! Moreover, though the pocket sling only contained 4 darts; but after upgrading to a silver storyline grade, its dart replenishment rate had soared to 30 seconds/dart .
This implied that Reef’s survival capability was improved once again! Moreover, the longer he could drag on in battle, the more advantageous it was to him!
Bursting with joy, Reef then tossed all his remaining utility points and potential points into the party shared storage . Then, he immediately headed off to train his ‘Basic long range combat’ .
Next up, was Sheyan who had successfully upgraded his ‘Barbaric-demon Pupil’ . After infusing the ‘Sturmbeest Horcrux’ with it, though he didn’t experience a lucky stroke like Reef, its upgraded abilities was still relatively impressive:
[ Ring: Barbaric-Demon Pupil ]
[ Equipment rarity: Silver storyline grade ]
[ Details: Strength +3 ]
[ Details: Spirit -2 (originally -4), ‘Basic long range combat’ -1 (User doesn’t possess this ability, hence effect is void) ]
[ Equipment passive ability: Soul Irradiate – When attacking an opponent, this pupil would occasionally strip off a fragment of the enemy’s soul, dealing a 15 (originally 10) points damage that neglects defence . ]
[ Equipment ability: Horn-rage – Within a distance of 10 – 40 (originally 8 – 35) metres, inciting a fanatical charge towards the enemy . Enemy will be stunned for 3 seconds, dealing damages of the total value of strength and physique . During the charge, your movement speed will assume the extreme limits of the word’s difficulty, immuned to all speed reduction effects . ]
[ Only when your strength exceeds the target (originally much reach crushing damages threshold), can you maintain a 100% accuracy rate of ‘Horn-rage’ . If your strength is lesser, this ability will subsequently decline linearly . ]
[ Regardless of hitting your target or not, you will be stunned up to 0-3 seconds after ‘Horn-rage’ concludes . (Duration of stun is determined by strength, the higher the strength, the shorter the stunned duration; strength exceeding 50 points results in 0 seconds) . Cooldown of 240 seconds (Increased from 180 seconds) . ]
While awaiting his ‘Barbaric-demon pupil’ and the horcrux to merge, Sheyan managed to purchase a dark-blue grade scroll – Advanced ability ‘Saber Fluency lvl 4’ . The prerequisites of learning this ability scroll, was strength and agility 20 points, while ‘Basic close combat’ reaching lvl 4 .
Sheyan already fulfilled the learning requisites . When his advanced ability ‘Saber Fluency’ attained lvl 4, its killing potential was rather astonishing; dawning an ordinary stability, but issuing a quality that could overcome all obstacles . When Sheyan tested his strength inside the training area, the might of using that long saber had scaled by 20% .
When his ‘Basic close combat’ had reached lvl 7, he then received a random bonus property draw; where he chose the option of increasing 10% in close combat damage .
In actual fact, Sheyan didn’t want that lvl 7 bonus option, and was even thinking of relinquishing a level so that he could once again pay to scale it back to lvl 7; in hopes that the rare property ‘Disarm’ would appear . After promoting to First Lieutenant, he had gained access to view the possible random rare properties for such a category .
That property provided a 50% chance of disarming the opponent’s weapon for 15 seconds, while resisting or avoiding an attack . If the opponent didn’t possess a weapon, next would be to disarm the armour . If it was a creature like Ocean-freak Moria who didn’t possess an armour, then it would lower the opponent’s defence by 10% instead . It was extremely impressive .
However, Sheyan remembered distinctly that in the Avatar world, Mogensha had sacrificed a massive load of pandora crystals without complaints . Furthermore, he even conferred his choice of reward to Sheyan, without wishing for anything in return . Right now, even activating the Ruby card had offered him no benefits .
Due to Mogensha’s silent generosity, as the head, Sheyan vowed to supply capital to satisfy the wishes of his frugal subordinate… . as the saying goes, one for all, all for one . The way of the King could only be established if all individuals were to improve together .
With a mix of so many considerations, Sheyan could only put aside his notion of acquiring the ‘Disarm’ ability . Besides, Reef was still the main absorber of damage in storming the fronts, and 10% additional damage was pretty impressive as well . Moreover, he had already squandered an excessive amount of utility and potential points to upgrade his various abilities . Hence, it was only wise to remain frugal now, and wait for the day he could modify his ‘Basic close combat lvl 7’ .
It was prevalent that amongst equipments of the realm, firearms were one of the most valuable . Presently, gunmen with long range combat capabilities definitely boasted of higher survivability rates in the realm . Naturally, the valuation of their equipments would also skyrocket .
Fortunately, the party had ample funds left in storage, supplying Brother Black with sufficient capital! Sheyan had also authorized him to sell those few ‘Soul Crystals*’ if need be .
(TN:*They obtained this in ch 106, vol 7 . Part of the items that they extorted from the na’vi Old Mourbo . )
After a series of haggling, Brother Black first purchased a black grade Horcrux; a dropped loot from a zombie dog in the Resident Evil world . Actually speaking, that object wasn’t considered rare . However, after infusing into his necklace, it shockingly upgraded to a Silver Storyline grade . Its main strengthening emphasis pertained to the viperwolves it could summon out . Its attributes were as follows:
[ Viperwolf spirit special ability: ‘Shredding heels’ – after inflicting damage onto enemy, enemy’s movement speed will decline by 10% (original 5%) . Duration of 15 seconds . Stackable, to a maximum reduction of 50% . ]
[ Details: At any one time, there can only be at most two viperwolf spirits in existence . ]
[ Details: Viperwolf spirits will exist for 30 minutes (up from 15 minutes) ]
[ Details: Upon the death of your controlled viperwolf spirit, your highest attribute will increase by 1 point temporarily; duration of 8 hours . This buff can be stacked for at most 5 times . (Previously was a negative buff of 4 points decline) ]
Following that, Brother Black engaged in a to-and-fro tussle, haggling bitterly with that contestant . Eventually, that contestant finally loosen up and was willing to transfer that crucial item to Mogensha . To purchase that crucial item, the amount of utility and potential points were pretty significant, but if things went smoothly, then Brother Black’s Silver Storyline grade broken ‘Sparta Short Spear’ could be mended into a perfect edition of a long spear . The might of its reformed strength would naturally be self-explanatory, but there was even a possibility for it to rise to a dark-gold grade .
Sadly, the upgrade mending process of the long spear required an excruciatingly tough mission . Furthermore, it was a mission that had to be accomplished alone . Thus, having expended the time they could remain in the nightmare realm to train, Sheyan and Reef returned to the present world again; without waiting for Mogensha to return .
*****************Even though Sheyan had cleansed the Largering gang in blood before he left Taiwan, due to the United Bamboo’s boss Gu Yuean pulling the strings behind, he didn’t have to worry about the safety of his family . Gu Yuean understood how formidable Sheyan’s might was, totally aware of the terrifying consequences if his family encountered any mishaps .
Thus, Sheyan specially toured around Thailand; purchasing several concoction materials he wanted to attempt experimenting with, before returning . Countries like Thailand, Laos and Myanmar couldn’t even prohibit the growth of Opium Poppy, thus the topic of wildlife protection didn’t need to be raised… . Sheyan had excessively consumed the concoction materials during the Avatar world for his party battles . Therefore, his materials were nearly depleted . Fortunately, he managed to resupply himself with the wonderful influence of money here .
Right now, Sheyan had roughly investigated – him being listed as wanted by the Taiwanese government was just a false alarm . Hence, he very gloriously boarded the flight back to Taiwan . Throughout his journey, he met with zero incidents . These days of absence from Uncle Dasi and the mischievous Sanzi, had caused him to long for the warm ambience of family .
Upon arriving at Xiwu pier, Sheyan specially purchased huangjiu* that Uncle Dasi loved to drink . Individuals who made their livelihood out at sea, would normally pick up the habit of drinking . Not only could it soothe bodily sores, it could also dispel body chilliness . Moreover, Uncle Dasi adored the warm flavour from drinking boiled huangjiu while it was piping hot .
(TN: *Yellow wine, a chinese alcoholic beverage)
Who knew that when Sheyan arrived, nobody responded even after repeated calls . His heart shivered as his hands clenched with strength! How could a door withstand Sheyan’s strength? Crack! Wood splintered as it was smashed in .
Sheyan scanned the surroundings, discovering that Uncle Dasi and Sanzi’s clothings had all been packed and taken away . The furnishing in the house remained neat and orderly, while a shallow layer of dust had accumulated atop the table .
Evidently, both of them had made adequate preparations before leaving, allowing his heart to calm down a little .
When Sheyan exited the house, an anxious Granny Zeng came running over from the east; gaping and grumbling incessantly when she arrived . In summary, she berated Sheyan for hammering down her house door .
Sheyan straightforwardly fished out several hundred dollars of repair fees for her to shut her mouth . Only then, did Granny Zeng’s anger turned into delight . When Sheyan inquired about the whereabouts of Uncle Dasi and Sanzi, Granny Zeng exclaimed in astonishment .
“Aiyah aiyah, Yan kid . In the past 2 months you went out, you didn’t know your boat was finally introduced to the water? When your Uncle Dasi witnessed it touching the water, he was tremendously elated; he didn’t even bother about the drying painted lacquer . Saying ‘besides, I’ll hire someone to service it’, he then directly sailed out . They even asked me to refund the remaining rent for the house . ”
Sheyan was stunned . His memory was exceedingly clear; he had only left the country for 10 plus days, while the rest of the time was spent inside the realm; how could it have been 2 months?! A notion jolted through his mind, confirming that something must’ve gone wrong during the period spent inside the realm!
He instantly investigated with the nightmare imprint, instead, he was informed that his status didn’t meet the sufficient authority; merely answered with – [ When initiating a realm war, abnormal time sequencing phenomenons may occur in the nightmare realm . ]
Knowing that, an ominous sensation welled up in Sheyan’s heart . One must understand, such a situation indicated unstable functionalities may arise within the nightmare realm, which was equivalent to a malfunction bug; that wasn’t good news at all!
Sheyan shook his head, as he first tossed these matters aside . Unexpectedly, his scope of authority was rather limited with regards to such information, and was impossible for him to analyze anything . Thus, he no longer pondered further . Instead, after contemplating a little, he headed off towards the dock .
A brand new Fu Yuan was anchored by the dock . Its refreshing new appearance indeed brought joy to any onlookers . Observing it from afar, Sheyan couldn’t help but feel a surge of joy in his heart . With this boat, Uncle Dasi can finally stay happy right .
He nimbly leapt onto the deck of this board, but instead noticed Sanzi currently seated by himself on the deck . Probably having his lunch, before him was a basket, 2 plates of dishes and a jug of wine . When he caught a glimpse of Sheyan, he instantly hopped up with excitement .
“Brother Yan, you’ve returned?”
Sheyan smiled gently as he nodded . Sanzi then sneakily peeped towards the stern of the boat . Then, he quickly pulled Sheyan over to sit and served him a pair of chopsticks . Smiling with exultation, he whispered .
“Brother Yan, don’t be in a rush to visit the rear . Accompany me to eat first . ”
Feeling rather famished himself, Sheyan attacked the dishes with his chopsticks; savouring the local distinctive flavour . Then, he retrieved the huangjiu he purchased earlier . After gulping down two shots, Sanzi begun humming softly . As though suddenly recalling something, he picked up a brown bottle from his bosom; it was filled with a fresh red colored broth . A rotten fragrance assailed their nostrils after he opened the lid .
Sanzi then dipped his chopstick in; tangling the broth into his rice, he wolfed the entire mouthful down . Then, he drank a cup of wine while facing the sky, and breathed out in satisfaction . Placing the chopstick down onto the deck, he faced Sheyan and laughed .
“Brother Sheyan, sample this . I bet you hadn’t tasted its excellent flavour before . ”
Sheyan picked up several bits and placed it into his mouth . The taste of this red broth was richly thick . When it entered his mouth, a delicious sweetness swirled within, unleashing a texture that stood out from the masses . After pondering a little, he couldn’t refrain his inquisitiveness .
“Could this be shrimp paste?”
As it turns out, this was a one-of-a-kind inheritance delicacy . Fishing out deep-sea cardinal prawns from the ocean, then smashing it into red shrimp paste before adding salt, wine lees, Galiangjiu*; before slowly pulverizing everything inside a grindstone . Grinding it once wasn’t enough, it had to be meticulously grinded in even distribution; grinding until thick paste flows out from the grindstone trough . Finally, allowing it to ferment for a week inside a bottle before serving .
(TN:*a type of chinese alcohol)
These few years, cardinal prawns became increasingly scarce due to water pollution . Furthermore, such a method made it impossible for the sauce to be mass produced . Hence, Sheyan hadn’t eaten this in years . When Sanzi produced this bottle of wondrous richness, he reflected deeply on the supreme culinary skills behind this .
Sanzi dipped his chopstick into the shrimp paste again, before carefully savouring the aftertaste as he gobbled a mouthful of rice . Radiating with smiles, he whispered again .
“Not bad right, brother Yan . You won’t be able to guess who prepared this . ”
Sheyan’s eyes squinted slightly, as he laughed in response .
“I can’t be bothered to deal with your nonsense . Uncle Dasi was really impatient, bringing the boat out even before the lacquer dried . Fortunately, I brought along a kilogram of huangjiu for him to relax a little . Uncle Dasi? Care to enjoy two cups of hot wine?”
Sheyan purposefully escalated the volume of the final two words, as he called for Uncle Dasi inside . Instead, Sanzi immediately pounced on him, and cunningly smile before whispering .
“Brother Yan, don’t! The freezer compartment is still being installed, while we flooded the boat to let it soak for these few weeks* . He had been toiling day and night . Therefore, I requested for old Song at the pier to supply food for a month . Lacking manpower, old Song allowed his younger brother’s wife to deliver the food every noon and evening . ”
(TN:*letting a new boat soak is important, but you can google why lol)
Sheyan’s heart was shakened, he couldn’t help becoming intrigued .
“Old Song’s sister? Isn’t that the one known as Di Gu? Let me see, oh ho, her name is He Fengdi right!”
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