Chapter 1013: Chapter 646: Fire Age Falls on the Cold Branch
When Du Yu saw that illusory image of himself, he suddenly understood everything.
During that mission years ago, the artifact spirit of the Jade Gourd transformed into his likeness.
Unexpectedly, it had maintained this appearance all along and never changed.
That explains everything!
Previously, the soldiers regarded Du Yu with strange expressions because they had long worked inside Gourd Mountain.
Without a doubt, the artifact spirit of the Jade Gourd had become the guardian deity of the Great Xia Soldiers.
The soldiers had become accustomed to the artifact spirit’s form while on duty, and today... they finally saw Du Yu himself!
"Sharp Sword Squad, follow my command!"
"Shield Squad..." Voices rang out one after another as units plunged into the Bottomless Abyss.
"Captain Zhao, I’m going to talk to the artifact spirit," Du Yu reported.
Zhao Feng glanced at Du Yu: "I’m not the captain; I shouldn’t make decisions on team matters."
"Oh." Du Yu realized he was actually the leader of this squad, and Zhao Feng was just a communications soldier.
And so he ordered, "Wait here for me."
The others: "..."
The new captain sure acts quickly~
Du Yu hefted the Fire Age Axe and strode forward. The Gourd Spirit Du Yu looked pleasantly surprised, watching Du Yu approach.
Appearing very obedient.
"Long time no see." Du Yu knelt down, rubbing "Gourd Du Yu’s" head with one hand.
Years ago, Master Qing had done the same.
"How have you been?" Hulu Yu clung to the edge of the cliff, the dark and ghastly Bottomless Abyss below contrasting with its delighted expression.
"I’m doing well." Du Yu nodded with a smile, sitting down cross-legged.
Zhao Feng: "..."
What are they doing? Really plan to chat for a bit?
Hulu Yu gazed up at Du Yu, one hand resting by his foot, transmitting a thought: "I feel it; you’ve grown stronger."
"I have." Du Yu exhaled lightly, "I’ve traveled to many places over the years and met many companions."
Hearing this, Hulu Yu’s expression turned somewhat gloomy.
Du Yu softly asked, "Have you continually been refining the Cold Beast and Cold Qi? Has your power restored?"
"Yes." Hulu Yu nodded, "What about Master Qing?"
Du Yu: "She’s doing well; she’s already the Demon Taming Emperor."
Hulu Yu asked, "Is she still grieving for the butterfly? Has she found new companions?"
Hearing this, Du Yu fell silent.
The Jade Gourd felt great guilt towards Master Qing.
To help the Jade Gourd resolve the Ancient Demon Saint·Heaven Returning Wood, Master Qing’s demon pet, Dream Dance Flame Butterfly, died here, leaving not even a trace of its soul.
"Du Yu?"
"She... she’s met some new companions but lost an old friend."
"Another companion has left?" Gourd Du Yu’s expression turned sad, "She parted from her companions again probably to help spiritual artifacts like me."
"Don’t think like that, Gourd." Du Yu’s smile grew bitter, "Master Qing’s beloved pet’s departure wasn’t your fault; it was because of me.
She entered Gourd Mountain to protect me and delved into Bottomless Kunlun all for me."
"Captain." From afar, Zhao Feng’s voice came as a reminder.
Du Yu snapped back to reality and instructed, "We’re going down for our mission; you must maintain Gourd Mountain’s operations normally.
Don’t focus solely on me; all the Great Xia people here are my comrades."
Gourd Du Yu nodded.
Du Yu spoke solemnly, "Moreover, you must be incredibly alert; the Youhan Tree harbors a grudge against me.
Once the Cold Tree discovers I’ve entered the Bottomless, it might go berserk."
"The Cold Tree bears a grudge against you?"
"Yes, and it’s a deep, irreconcilable hatred."
Gourd Du Yu chuckled: "Isn’t everyone in the same situation?"
Du Yu: "..."
Indeed!
The Jade Gourd has long guarded this Bottomless region, continuously refining Cold Qi and Cold Beast, imprisoning the Cold Branch within.
In terms of hatred, the Youhan Tree and Jade Gourd also share a deep, bloody enmity.
Du Yu chuckled, shaking his head, and beckoned the others to move forward.
Zhao Feng hurried up, handing over the miniature camera and invisible headphones.
Du Yu secured the headband, activated the camera on the side of his head, and put on the headphones: "Let’s go."
The group of five descended rapidly.
Du Yu glanced down, focusing on the ground that was a hundred meters below, spotting the crisscrossing giant trees.
It’s worth mentioning that the operating environment within Gourd Mountain was quite good, with Cold Qi being sparse.
Evidently, the Jade Gourd played a key role in this!
As Du Yu floated down, he turned to Zhao Feng: "What should we do next?"
Zhao Feng: "So far, there’s been no request for aid from any of the units. Our squad’s mission is broad, entirely up to the captain."
Du Yu pondered for a moment, asking: "What is the objective of the Sharp Sword Squad?"
Zhao Feng: "All corps within Gourd Mountain have the task of clearing Cold Beasts and Cold Branches."
Du Yu: "Everyone?"
Then what’s the difference between "Sharp Sword" and "Shield"?
Zhao Feng responded: "Currently, this is the case."
Du Yu’s heart stirred: "Is there a second phase?"
Zhao Feng: "We haven’t received instructions from above yet. Once we do, I’ll report to the captain immediately."
"Then..." Du Yu had just uttered a single word when suddenly the entire world started shaking violently!
"Buzz!"
In an instant, the group’s descent paused.
Strictly speaking, it was a six-member group, with Gourd Yu floating along Du Yu’s side.
