Chapter 405: Chapter 200: Classified
The term "Exotic Beast" is a general classification for all non-human or non-humanoid creatures in Gui Xu.
Flying fowl, walking beasts, swimming fish, and spiritual grotesques can all be referred to this way.
It is a broad term.
But when subdivided, the differences are as vast as heaven and earth.
These distinctions are not based on habitat, like separating birds from beasts, but on their level of spiritual awareness.
These Innate creatures are nourished by the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi. They are born sacred, and each is extraordinary in its own way.
Ordinary Exotic Beasts have relatively poor spiritual awareness and are roughly equivalent to enhanced versions of wild animals and birds.
They are fast, resilient, have strong explosive power, sharp teeth and claws, and even recover quickly.
But in the end, they are still just that: wild beasts.
Those with slightly higher spiritual awareness can be called monsters. Not only are their physical attributes enhanced, but they have also evolved certain Talent Abilities.
These abilities are not particularly special, or rather, they are not fully evolved.
For example, an Exotic Beast that can breathe fire is still fundamentally a beast, and its fire-breathing ability has its limits.
As for the next level up, they belong to the aberration category.
Their elemental abilities are greatly enhanced, some are born with Lifebound Divine Techniques, and their spiritual awareness is also strengthened.
For example, certain Mirage Beasts can create Illusion Realms from birth, and the power of these illusions grows stronger with age.
Above aberrations are Spiritual Objects. The miraculous aspects about them are more pronounced, and they are even more formidable.
Take Spirit Beasts of the Dragon Species, for example. They may not possess the mythological abilities to ascend to the nine heavens, plumb the four seas, or summon wind and rain, but their various profound qualities are still enough to leave one speechless in amazement.
This is also why in Gui Xu, many Martial Arts experts, after reaching the Dharma Realm, develop Divine Techniques that manifest various Exotic Beasts as their Dharma Aspects.
It is likely that the senior masters of old comprehended their Divine Techniques by observing Exotic Beasts.
Listening to Master Qingyang’s explanation of the classification of Exotic Beasts, Zhao Rui became even more certain that in ancient times, Gui Xu and Blue Star were definitely one and the same.
Now, for some unknown reason, Gui Xu and Blue Star were about to merge into one again.
’I just don’t know if this is a merger of natural spatial properties or an overlap of different dimensions in time and space.’
’Either way, it isn’t good news.’
’Even if the merger allows one’s Combat Power to climb to new heights, it will also bring with it many unimaginable and incomparably powerful Exotic Beasts and foreign races.’
’This is definitely not something any Blue Star person would want to see.’
"Alas! Who knows if this situation is a blessing or a curse!"
Master Qingyang let out a long sigh, and everyone nodded in agreement. For a moment, the atmosphere became quite somber.
They had managed to "escape" from Gui Xu with great difficulty. But looking at the situation now, it seemed there was little difference between escaping and not escaping.
"This is the way of the world. Amidst the chaos, there must be a glimmer of hope. Seniors, heed not the wind and rain beating through the forest; why not walk on, calm and undeterred? If we don’t fight, how could we ever be satisfied?"
Zhao Rui rose to his full height and spoke as he walked towards the door.
"I’m going to take a look at the East Wodao Exotic Beast Island."
As his voice faded, his figure had already vanished from their sight.
Everyone was startled and shot to their feet. They were about to stop him, but they saw that Zhao Rui had already flown far away.
"We have dedicated our lives to Martial Arts, a path of struggling against the current and contending with heaven and earth. We’ve come so far, yet now we hesitate. We are not as perceptive as Zhao Zhenren."
"No wonder he’s so young yet has achieved so much with his Profound Skill. Without a fight, there is no hope. Everyone, a great change unseen in millennia is upon us. Are we not fortunate to witness it? How marvelous!"
Cang Zhenzi was truly a great master of Daoism. Once enlightened by those words, he was suddenly filled with clarity. True Qi swirled around his body, and it seemed as if he was on the verge of a breakthrough.
"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist. Congratulations."
Everyone was stunned for a moment, then pleasantly surprised, and they all began to offer their congratulations.
"It is merely a small insight into my state of mind; I am still far from a true breakthrough. Everyone, let’s attend to our own duties and press on with our Cultivation!"
Cang Zhenzi’s eyes flashed like lightning. It was clear his Profound Skill had reached a critical point, on the verge of a breakthrough.
His Profound Dome True Self Aspect had already been cultivated to the second stage, the Divine Night Jade Palace Body. Now, if he broke through, he could form the Purple Mansion Primordial Venerable Body.
This was the same True Dharma Body that Cangwu Zi possessed back when he fell to the demonic path.
It was also the strongest True Dharma Body of the Qingcheng Sect.
"Blessed Infinite Celestial Venerable!"
Everyone bowed and voiced their approval.
...
Along the coast of the East Sea, a vast expanse of surging, turquoise waves stretched out endlessly.
Zhao Rui’s sword light was swift, leaving a long trail of vapor in the sky.
Along the way, Exotic Beasts would occasionally streak through the air below him or burst out from the sea, letting out long roars and howls.
It was as if he had been transported to Jurassic Park.
Zhao Rui’s frown deepened.
’In this situation, forget about going out to sea to fish. Before long, they’ll probably have to close off the seas entirely.’
Just as Zhao Rui was lost in thought, several fighter jets suddenly flew across the sky, emitting a deafening roar.
Zhao Rui looked up and saw the insignia of the Huaxia Court.
’The military is on the move.’
He couldn’t help but accelerate and follow them.
The planes weren’t flying particularly fast. They weren’t using afterburners or breaking the sound barrier, but were in a low-to-medium altitude cruise mode.
’Clearly, their objective isn’t combat.’
Zhao Rui ascended slightly and suddenly discovered a small transport plane flying between the fighter jets.
’This direction?’
’The Arctic Circle?’
Zhao Rui was taken aback. ’Why are they going to the Arctic Circle?’
Since they weren’t headed for East Japan, Zhao Rui slowed down. He didn’t have the energy to meddle in other affairs.
’As long as I can temporarily protect Dongqi from the chaos of the Exotic Beasts, that’s enough.’
Zhao Rui continued flying toward East Japan.
After flying like this for about half an hour, waves of heaven-shaking shrieks gradually grew clearer in his ears.
Shikoku Island—no, it should be called Exotic Beast Island now—was ahead.
Zhao Rui slowed down, gradually ascended, and looked down from the sky.
