by Fang Xiang
It wasn’t just the Black Wind Bandits. The present Sky Moon Jie was not as peaceful as in the past. Murders and fights were multiple times more frequent than three years ago. This messy situation seemed to point to an even more chaotic future. It was very rare to see xiuzhe that travelled alone.
The result was that the market rate to hire a sword xiu had exploded, and reached a terrifying level. Correspondingly, the price for all kinds of production xiuzhe had dropped. Many people were facing unemployment. A very strange situation appeared in the markets. The prices of all kinds of materials were sky high, but the formerly busy ling gardens were now barren.
Everyone was concerned.
Everyone was waiting, waiting for big sects like Wu Kong Sword Sect to finish their reorganization, and steady the situation.
The Black Wind Bandits had taken advantage of the chaos and grew larger by taking a few big jobs. Right now, all of them were very wealthy, but greed was not so easy to satisfy. As they changed their talismans, the overall power of the Black Wind Bandits had risen. This allowed them to gain enough power to steal from more powerful xiuzhe, even managing to target some of the minor powers.
But even the rich little powers could not compare to a secret realm.
“Head, they stopped on the little island coming up,” One of the subordinates pointed at the little island that could just be seen. He was the one most skilled in tracking of this group.
“Go see,” Head Zhang unhesitatingly ordered.
A group of people flew towards the island.
———
Chun Yu Cheng pointed at the infant worms in the beast pool, full of pride and anticipation as he said, “Shixiong, this is the first batch of worms.”
He didn’t like conflict and fighting. His main goal in life was to accomplish something in the field of animal husbandry. He had sunk into the beast pool in the last period of time. All of his attention was on pondering the abilities of the beast pool. Much of the content in the jade scroll was not complete and there were many parts he did not understand. However, he was not discouraged, but full of motivation to keep studying harder.
A person that came from grassroots would always be very careful with any opportunity they got.
The harder it was to understand, the more excited he was, because this meant that it was more profound.
Low level xiuzhe were willing to trade anything to get a profound skill or spell, including their life, because they had nothing.
Chun Yu Cheng forgot to eat and sleep as he studied. As expected, he did discover some things. This batch was only six infant worms, and it was the first successful batch that he had raised up until now. It was no wonder that he was so excited, and couldn’t wait to show off his results.
“What’s the mother?” Zuo Mo asked as he looked at the six infant worms.
The infant worms were about the thickness of his pinky, wrinkled, and grey white. They were not very attractive. Zuo Mo was slightly disappointed. These infant worms looked too normal, without any hint of quality. However, he also knew that this beast pond was profound and hard to understand. Chun Yu Cheng Shidi was just a zhuji, and it would definitely take time before he would produce good results.
He could not hurry this.
Chun Yu Cheng did not detect Zuo Mo’s disappointment at all. He said excitedly, “I used three kinds of ling butterflies for the mother. Dong Fu Poisonous Moth, Blue Pupil Butterfly and Rain Mark Butterfly!”
Zuo Mo’s face was puzzled, “What are these ling butterflies?”
Chun Yu Cheng didn’t dare to laugh at Zuo Mo and he hurried to explain, “Dong Fu Poisonous Moth is a normal kind of poisonous moth produced in Dong Fu. It is second-grade, and can release a certain amount of poisonous powder. It is an average ling butterfly. Blue Pupil Butterfly and Rain Mark Butterfly are third-grade ling butterflies. Blue Pupil Butterflies are born with a pair of blue pupils that can see through illusions of third-grade and under. The Rain Mark Butterfly is a water element butterfly, skilled in water element spells. The highest grade Rain Mark Butterfly I’ve ever seen could use three water spells. The one I used is of average quality, and can only cast one kind of water element spell.”
“Oh, it sounds very complicated!” Zuo Mo gaped, nodding his head.
“Yes, this is all too deep and broad!” Chun Yu Cheng sighed.
Zuo Mo hadn’t heard of any of the three ling butterflies before. The bunch of ling butterflies that Chun Yu Cheng had introduced to him before, he had completely forgotten all of them. He thought that his decision to throw the beast pool to Chun Yu Cheng Shidi was really too wise. If it was him, wouldn’t he be having a headache?
Thinking about it that way, Zuo Mo’s disappointment at the ugliness and average nature of the infant worms instantly disappeared.
He smiled at Chun Yu Cheng, saying, “Don’t rush. We can go slowly. Maybe we can produce a few fine ones. Then we’ll strike it rich!”
Chun Yu Cheng knew Shixiong was comforting him. The rate that fine ones appeared was very low. He had studied for so many years, but he had only ever produced two ling beasts that could be considered to touch the border of fine. It was these two semi-fine ling beasts that allowed him to qualify for the jade medal.
“Don’t worry, Shixiong, before, Yu Cheng could not say it,” Chun Yu Cheng said seriously, “But with the beast pool and such a profound method, Yu Cheng would definitely bring good news to Shixiong!”
Zuo Mo saw the mood was too stern and wanted to say a few words to loosen it up when he suddenly raised his head to look into the distant sky.
A long way off in the sky, a crowd of black dots was flying at high speed towards the Desolate Wood Reef.
Zuo Mo’s gaze focused!
After his consciousness had turned into leaf hands, it was abnormally sensitive. He could clearly feel the ferocity of the other’s approach.
The murderous intent was like a dark cloud, a suffocating presence sweeping towards him!
* * *
Translator Ramblings:
For those who commented why the three people didn’t just kill Zuo Mo and take the fire, they havemuch more to lose as you’ve read in this chapter. Production xiuzhe are now worse off, but if bandits are roaming about, Zuo Mo’s formation setting services should be in high demand if he is still at Wu Kong Mountains.
I don’t know if Zuo Mo is a dictionary-definition masochist since he endures the pain to gain something, not just because he enjoys the pain (Correct me if I am wrong here.) On the other hand, Pu Yao definitely enjoys tormenting others.
The Black Wind Bandits are called the 乌风 Bandits in Chinese. 乌 (wu) is the raven, crow or black. The literal definition is “black wind.” However, it can also be the “raven wind” so it is not a good omen. Even more, 乌风 (wu feng) is also a disease in Chinese Traditional Medicine. When it occurs, the afflicted has itchy eyes, a headache or dizziness, and may be temporarily blind.
Chapter 184: Mantis and Oriole
Without a word, Zuo Mo brought out the Wu Kong Flag.
The black metal mast carried a inky black flag, the words “Wu Kong” written with sword-like strokes that almost flew off the cloth!
As the Wu Kong Flag was revealed, sword essences rippled as though an invisible hand disturbed a still puddle of water. The air in the surroundings became dense and cold, with turbulence flowing under the surface.
Zuo Mo saw the xiuzhe come in even closer, and his hands started to rapidly cast all kinds of spells.
Light suddenly formed on the Wu Kong Flag above his head. Countless sword energies of all colours flew out from the flag, like fish of different colours. They swirled and circled around Zuo Mo.
With the sword energies as protection, Zuo Mo’s confidence increased.
Wu Kong Flag was the token of the sect, forged together by multiple jindan. What was sealed inside were sword energies from all types of jindan experts. Limited by his cultivation Zuo Mo could not use the full power of the Wu Kong Flag, but the swor
d energies of jindan experts were still incredibly dangerous to ningmai.
Luckily, there was no jindan expert in this group!
Zuo Mo stared at the group of xiuzhe that was coming closer. He couldn’t help but be slightly nervous. This was the first time he was facing so many people by himself. The other side clearly had ill intentions.
However, he might be nervous, the but there were not any stray thoughts in his head. His mind was abnormally clear. As soon as the other side made a move, he would not hesitate in unleashing a thundering attack!
The xiuzhe in the air stopped their flight, facing off from far away.
———
Zhang Hao’s face was hesitant as he stared at the black flag.
Zuo Han’s features were twisted, his one eye showing deep hatred, his hands fisting and cracking.
Wei Rong’s face was pale, his bamboo-like body shaking. When the other people saw the flag, it was like they had seen a ghost, deep terror on all of their faces and their bodies uncontrollably shrinking back.
In one moment, the procession of more than seventy people sank into a strange silence.
“Head, this little brother has followed you for ten years, you know my temper. This little brother doesn’t want to drag everyone down. This brother’s revenge, this brother will personally take it. Head, don’t stop me!” Zuo Han’s voice seemed to come from the Netherworld. Everyone’s expression changed upon hearing it. The cowardly Wei Rong was white.
Some time before, the reckless Black Wind Bandits had coincidentally encountered Wu Kong Sword Sect, and it had been the group led by Wei Sheng. They were instantly defeated and heavily wounded. Zuo Han’s eye and leg had been taken by Wei Sheng.
Wei Sheng’s Void Sword Scripture was somewhat complete now. His sword essence would permeate the body. Zuo Han had tried all the lingdan but could not heal it. His hatred of Wu Kong Sword Sect was deep to the bone. He had constantly thought of ways to seek revenge but the only realistic way was to encounter Wu Kong Sword Sect disciples that were alone and kill them to vent his frustrations.
He hadn’t thought he would really encounter Wu Kong Sword Sect disciples.
Staring at the big flag, Xhang Zhao did not speak. He could naturally see the extraordinary nature of the flag. This disciple was undoubtedly a core disciple of Wu Kong Sword Sect. If he really killed this Wu Kong Sword Sect disciple today, Wu Kong Sword Sect would not rest.
Having almost been killed by Wu Kong Sword Sect, how could Zhang Hao not be angry? But he recognized the situation. With the strength of the Black Wind Bandits, going to seek revenge against Wu Kong Sword Sect was seeking their own death. In the eyes of Wu Kong Sword Sect, the Black Wind Bandits were nothing. As long as they didn’t go to challenge them, Wu Kong Sword Sect would not remember them.
But if he let Zuo Han go off to see revenge alone, what would the other brothers think? Zuo Han was one of the oldest and original members of the Black Wind bandits, and had followed him for ten years, making numerous and great contributions. If he was so frigid, it would cool the hearts of the other brothers.
If the hearts moved apart, then the Black Wind Bandits were over.
Also, a secret realm … …
The secret realm was like a heavy weight on his heart. The balance in Zhang Hao’s heart instantly tilted.
This was the jie river. If they killed this disciple, and travelled far from Sky Moon Jie, no matter how powerful Wu Kong Sword Sect was, they would not be able to do anything. As long as this band of brothers was together, they could live anywhere.
He never even thought that he could be defeated. It had been such a long time, and the only person who came out was a zhuji.
No matter how strong Wu Kong Flag was, if his group couldn’t kill one zhuji, then they could go back to drinking milk.
A pity about the flag … …
He knew the extraordinary nature of the Wu Kong Flag, but he didn’t dare to take it. Sect tokens like these would have their own special imprints in them. Holding it was akin to telling other people where they were. Wu Kong Sword Sect would only need to send one jindan to kill them all.
Zhang Hao inhaled deeply, viciousness flashing through his eyes. He said hatefully, “What are you saying? Our group, after all this time and struggles, we are one f***ing family! Wu Kong Sword Sect might be strong! We can’t kill them! But we can’t be weak! We were humiliated so badly last time, if we can’t even deal with a baby, can it be any more of a f***ing embarrassment?”
Zhang Hao looked around. Shame was on the faces of many. Yes, Wu Kong Sword Sect was powerful, but if they had surrounded a disciple, it would be embarrassing if they escaped!
Zhang Hao’s tone relaxed slightly, “Where is this? This is the jie river! As long as we pass the jie river, it will be Little Mountain Jie! Wu Kong Sword Sect is strong? Can they go through Little Mountain Jie without any care? Ha ha, we can go hide. Can they find us?”
The other people nodded when they heard this.
Zhang Hao continued to pour oil on the fire, full of persuasion. “It is a secret realm! Brothers! Once we catch those three, we’re rich! With jingshi, where can’t we go? We’ll be bosses wherever we go!”
With the work of a few words, the desires of the group had been stirred by by Zhang Hao. Viciousness shine in everyone’s eyes, killing intent brimming. They wanted to immediately level the Desolate Wood Reef!
———
Feeling the killing intent become increasingly heavy, Zuo Mo knew a big battle could not be avoided. He didn’t have any thoughts of avoidance. He didn’t know what the group of people was, but seeing they had no fear of the Wu Kong Flag, they were definitely not normal xiuzhe.
One against seventy, he knew how low his chance of victory was.
But there was no place to escape on this Endless Ocean. The shidi that he had taken along were all producers. If he abandoned them, they would only have one outcome.
He broke off all his thoughts. Staring at the xiuzhe brimming with killing intent in the sky, his courage rose.
Wasn’t it just a fight!
Ge will chip off all of your teeth until the blood flowed!
He felt his blood boiling, a desire for battle rising in his chest.
Just as he was going to activate the Skyring Moon Chime Formation, he suddenly made a sound of surprise.
Skyring Moon Chime Formation … …
———
The disciples of Wi Kong Sword Sect were gathered together, all of them with bloodless faces. The only one that was somewhat calm was Gongsun Cha. Even Chun Yu Xheng’s complexion was slightly pale.
“Where did this crowd come from? They dare to disregard our Wu Kong Sword Sect! Aren’t they afraid the sect will pursue them?” Chun Yu Cheng’s voice was trembling.
Gongsun Cha snorted, “This group is definitely wandering bandits. I just don’t know which bunch. Pursue? How do they pursue? If they run to Little Mountain Jie, the sect will have no way.”
“What should we do … … what should we do… …” Chun Yu Cheng was mindless.
Gongsun Cha shuffled and spread his white palms, “All up to Zuo Shixiong.”
“Zuo Shixiong is only one person … …”
“No way about it, submit to your fate.”
———
About ten miles from the Desolate Wood Reed, in the middle of a white cloud, a bunch of people were also staring at the Desolate Wood Reef.
“Ha, now here’s something to see. Who do you think will win?” the yellow-faced man said.
At his side was a black clothes xiuzhe. His body was withered like dry firewood, his eyes dark. It was Gui Feng from the Sword Test Conference. On the other side was an indifferent, short wiry haired, Chang Heng with a copper ring at his collarbones.
The other people present both feared and were in awe of these three, unconsciously keeping their distance.
Gui Feng’s eyes were eerily green, his cultivation much deeper than before. His voice was raspy. “He isn’t in
ningmai.” The implication did not have to be said. He still didn’t know the origins of the yellow-faced man. He only knew that the yellow-faced man called himself Bo Feng.
He cultivated the [Little Ghost Sword] which was an extremely obscure sword scripture. Even though he had good talent, but the [Little Ghost Sword] scripture had been incomplete at the start. It was hard for him to keep progressing further. At the time, Bo Feng had given him a scripture called [Nine Ghost Nail Curse]. This scripture that he had never heard of before caused him to have no hesitations about joining.
But when he saw Chang Heng, he was slightly shocked. He speculated that Chang Zheng should be in a similar situation as him. However, he didn’t know what scripture Bo Feng had given Chang Heng.
He didn’t really care about this group of zhuji. Actually, he felt there was no use for them. With him and Chang Heng, this group of thirty six zhuji really had no use. The problems the three of them could not solve, what good would adding on these thirty six zhuji be? They still won’t be able to solve it, and would even drag down their speed.
However, it had been Bo Feng who had gathered these thirty six zhuji. Gui Feng wouldn’t make trouble for himself by broaching the topic.
“What do you think?” Bo Feng turned to ask Chang Heng.
Chang Heng said calmly, “Zuo Mo wins.”
“Hm, you have such confidence in him,” Bo Feng smiled with surprise. Bo Feng’s appearance was not attractive He was extremely normal but his composure and actions had a presence that could shake people’s hearts.
Hearing this, Gui Feng did not agree. This was not the Sword Test Conference, Zhang Hao and his group of Black Wind Bandits were all extremely nasty and terrible people. This was a battle to the death. A zhuji, managing to block them for a few hours was enough to be proud of, much less victory.
But he did not voice it. He was still very wary of Chang Heng, there was no reason to cause conflict for such an unimportant topic. His strength had grown over this period of time, Chang Heng’s growth most likely had not grown any less than his.