Chapter 886: Chapter 885: Finally Have a Companion (Extra for ’poonlo’, 2/10)_1
The obscure night sky was illuminated by a streak of sword light, approaching from afar, dragging with it a trail of hazy blue mist like a screen, dividing the world into two halves.
Wherever it passed, blood mist and bone fragments exploded and were quickly ground into the air. In an instant, the night sky cleared, and all the Earth Immortals in flight vanished as if the words on a blackboard had been erased.
When the dark clouds dispersed and the moonlight shone onto the main peak of Bright Moon Mountain, a figure in azure garb floated gently down to the ground, tall and graceful, with a long sword hanging at his waist. His excessively handsome face should have been very gentle, but at that moment, it was filled with an indifferent and icy demeanor. Wherever his gaze landed, the air seemed to freeze, as if pierced by ten thousand swords.
The young man in azure approached Niu Dali and pressed his hand on his back.
Before long, the dying Niu Dali slowly regained consciousness, his normally rosy cheeks were still very pale. Upon seeing the young man in azure, he gave a bitter smile and said, "Damn it, I must be hallucinating, right?"
"Brother Niu, you’re awake?"
"You, you really are Shi Xiaole, that ungrateful guy who likes to shoulder everything himself and thinks he’s so brave and valiant?"
Shi Xiaole: "..."
"Damn it, what are you doing coming back at this time? This isn’t the way to die."
Niu Dali glared at Shi Xiaole with exhausted eyes, cursing as if he was disappointed to his core.
It’s no easy feat to mess with the top factions. Seventh Tier and Eighth Tier Earth Immortals are not rare, and there are quite a few of them, but the most terrifying are those Ninth Tier Earth Immortals.
Do you know what that means? A few Eighth Tier Earth Immortals together aren’t enough to kill a single Ninth Tier Earth Immortal.
Unless a limit Ninth Tier Earth Immortal intervenes, there might be hope to save him and the Bright Moon Gang, but such characters are few and far between across the entire West Sea archipelago.
The last time he met Shi Xiaole, he only had the strength of a Seventh Tier, and with his exceptional talent, he must be at the Eighth Tier by now, but what’s the use?
Niu Dali’s breath came out in heavy gasps, soaked with sweat and anxious, wanting to say something but coughing due to severe injuries. However, the fury and anxiety in his eyes as wide as copper bells made Shi Xiaole understand his meaning, which caused him to burst into rueful laughter.
"Brother Niu, we can have a good chat later. Right now I’ll deal with the unwanted guests."
Shi Xiaole stood up.
By that time, the bosses of the Three Dragons Gang and a few other Ninth Tier Earth Immortals were already channeling all their power.
The destructive force of that sword strike just now was undoubtedly at the Ninth Tier level, proving that this young man was also a Ninth Tier Earth Immortal. Given his young age, his background must be extraordinary.
"May I ask who you are...?"
The boss of the Three Dragons Gang tried to probe into Shi Xiaole’s origins, to have an idea in his mind.
"Little Blue, be careful..."
On the other side, Qiu Mingyue shouted out loudly, afraid that Shi Xiaole would fall into a trap.
But before either of them could finish speaking, Shi Xiaole casually stroked the air with his finger as if holding a sword.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
In the explosive sounds that were deafening, several Ninth Tier Earth Immortals, including the boss of the Three Dragons Gang, were instantly wiped out.
"Ah..."
Qiu Rou covered her mouth, her expressive large eyes doubling in size.
The dozens of female disciples from the Sea Leaf Gang on the ground were also shocked and puzzled. It was as if their minds were hammered, leaving stars swirling around that tall figure standing with his back to them, never dispersing.
"This, it’s impossible."
Qiu Mingyue muttered dreamily, stupefied.
Although the Three Dragons Gang and others were just ordinary Ninth Tier Earth Immortals, without even drawing their swords, they were instantly killed, something not even a limit Ninth Tier Earth Immortal could do.
Could it be that Shi Xiaole had become an invincible Ninth Tier Earth Immortal? But only so much time had passed. It was simply inconceivable and irrational.
"Run!"
"Quick, escape!"
The scene just now not only deterred the people from Bright Moon Gang but also horrified experts from all factions around, their leg muscles cramping with fright as they scrambled away in panic, cursing for not being born with an additional pair of wings.
Ordinary experts could be overwhelmed with numbers, but that doesn’t include Ninth Tier Earth Immortals.
Boom!
A vast sword force rose from within Shi Xiaole, automatically avoiding Niu Dali and others, spreading to all directions like a steaming sea of clouds, except this cloud sea was composed of countless sword threads, constantly twisting and thrusting.
"No..."
"Spare me..."
The sky erupted with blood-red fireworks, and the continuous popping sounds even alarmed the people in distant towns, causing them to look up.
"What an intense battle, alas, Bright Moon Gang is such a pity."
"Life is like a tide, and men are like water. Only sigh that few return in Martial World, without a few days everyone will forget about Bright Moon Gang. Such is the Martial World!"
Bright Moon Mountain.
Dead silence.
Shi Xiaole did not attack again.
For one, he couldn’t possibly slay all the enemies, and secondly, after that wave, the enemies had been reduced by at least thirty percent, the rest terrified out of their wits, probably never daring to return. There was no point in pursuing them further.
"Hiss... Where on earth did you learn these bewitching techniques?"
It took Niu Dali quite a while to catch his breath, nearly fainting again. He looked at Shi Xiaole as if he were a monster.
"I just got a bit lucky, stumbled upon some opportunities, that’s all."
Shi Xiaole spoke nonchalantly.
Just some opportunities?
Everyone pulled a wry face.
"Damn you, you’re getting more and more shameless."
Niu Dali tried to stand up, then gasped sharply in pain, whether from his injuries or Shi Xiaole’s words, and Shi Xiaole hurried over to help him.
Niu Dali leaned on him and suddenly burst into laughter, exclaiming with unrivaled contentment, "The fortune-teller said Old Niu’s fate is good, destined for support from benefactors in life. Before it was my master, and now I’ve got Xiaole on my side, hahahaha, let’s see who dares to mess with Old Niu now!"
"Death’s door does not stop you from getting carried away, just watch as Xiaole throws you on your butt till it blooms."
Qiu Mingyue stepped forward, originally intending to check on his injuries, but seeing him acting foolish again, she couldn’t help but laugh.
Everyone laughed together.
The fear that follows a narrow escape from death, the joy, made them seize every opportunity to be happy, for only those who have truly faced death can understand how fortunate it is to be alive.
And this was all given to them by Shi Xiaole.
In the distance of Bright Moon Mountain.
Zhou Ziheng’s face was gloomy, his fists clenched and then released.
"Such a strong presence of fate’s power, it seems he has gained a small portion of the benefits of Rainbow State, temporarily ahead in the struggle of the twelve fated ones."
"No, this lad has experienced many wonders along the way. If I let him develop freely, it may become uncontrollable. Perhaps, it’s better to..."
Zhou Ziheng’s eyes were deep, a strange and unpredictable light flashing quickly within them.
Disciples of Vast Air Mysterious Gate, once brought into this world, choose one person of destiny to assist, and he chose Fu Shuijing. Hence, the remaining eleven destined individuals became his targets for strikes and censure.
Of course, people of destiny can only be killed by their own kind. Otherwise, a punishment would befall them for all eternity. If not for this, Zhou Ziheng would not hesitate to kill Shi Xiaole this very moment.
...
After several days of recuperation and the discreet help from the martial dao of life and death, Niu Dali’s injuries healed quickly, and it wouldn’t be long before he could adjust his energy on his own.
The entire Bright Moon Gang was rejuvenated, having solidified its foundation more robust than ever through the ordeal. Those who remained would become the backbone of future growth.
It is worth mentioning that on the third day after the incident, Qiu Mingyue took the initiative to give ninety percent of the discovered treasure and medicines to Shi Xiaole, who tried to decline the offer.
"Xiaole, Big Sister Qiu doesn’t have grand ambitions. In fact, the development of Bright Moon Gang was just out of boredom, a way to make a living. If you don’t accept this, you’re not giving me face, not willing to befriend me, that would be me, Qiu Mingyue, overestimating our relationship," Qiu Mingyue pretended to be angry.
Knowing she was doing this on purpose, Shi Xiaole still hurriedly said, "Big Sister Qiu has misunderstood... in that case, Shi Xiaole can only shamelessly accept."
It was clear to him that she knew about his establishment of Wuling Villa. To tell the truth, this wealth was indeed a timely aid, capable of significantly alleviating the financial strain on the villa.
Upon hearing this, Qiu Mingyue then smiled sweetly.
Niu Dali broached the subject of Shi Xuanzhong, to which Shi Xiaole simply shook his head. By now, he could no longer be sure of the masked man’s identity. If it was Shi Xuanzhong, why would he be so indifferent to him? But if not, then who was it?
Shi Xiaole thought he would find his father, but the lead had gone cold once again.
After spending a few days at the Bright Moon Gang, recalling the words of the Thousand Dark Poison Emperor, Shi Xiaole still refrained from going to the Thousand Darkness Poison Palace. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to save Ling Jingsi; rather, he did not know what kind of person the Thousand Ghosts Poison Emperor was.
What if he presented the token and the other party refused to acknowledge it? Shi Xiaole had no confidence he could walk away unscathed. Since the other party wouldn’t dare harm Ling Jingsi, it might be better to wait a while longer.
Shi Xiaole also enquired about the news of Qin Building, only to learn through secretive channels that Fu Zongming, Yan Yuchai, and others had left the Western Sea, their destination unknown.
What could possibly drive them to leave en masse, abandoning the very foundation of Qin Building?
With such questions in mind, Shi Xiaole set out, intending to return to the Flying Horse Dynasty, while Niu Dali, Qiu Mingyue, and the others expressed their willingness to accompany him.
Compared to the Western Sea, the Flying Horse Dynasty was undoubtedly much more orderly and conducive to living. Moreover, Qiu Mingyue believed Shi Xiaole was not someone ordinary; it would not be wrong, either personally or logically, to follow him.
...
Hundreds of meters long, the great ships traversed the ocean. If one could see through them, they would find many large chests within the cabins, filled with gold, silver, jewels, and bottles upon bottles of neatly arranged elixirs, of incalculable value.
Leading the great ships was a blue whale, gliding stealthily through the water.
Over these days, Shi Xiaole and his companions had encountered many pirates, and even those who came upon hearing the commotion, but alas, no one was a match for Shi Xiaole. In the end, they were all scared out of their wits.
Unconsciously, the ships drew close to the continent.
Whoosh!
The ocean stirred once more as fierce winds rose, with towering waves sweeping in from afar.
Astride the blue whale, Shi Xiaole cleaved with his sword.
Bang!
The mighty wave split neatly in two, as if it were tofu, causing heaven and earth to dim before this astounding show of power, leaving the people behind speechless.
As the momentum of the sword dissipated, the waves began to merge again, but their direction was altered, veering slightly aside. Shi Xiaole continued to strike with his sword, and when the waves came within a hundred meters, they were significantly diverted.
Through expert steering, the great ship narrowly avoided the turbulent waves.
Amidst the splashing white foam, the blue whale suddenly let out a high-pitched song that echoed between sky and sea, and soon after, a softer, more gentle and supple sound answered from afar.
Shi Xiaole turned around abruptly.
Under the orange-red glow of the setting sun, the sea surface was covered with countless shattered, variegated golden scales, and amidst the water splashed up by the waves, a light blue whale approached, swimming beneath.
The two blue whales drew near each other, recognizing one another, circling around the center. After a long while, they touched and emitted joyful sounds together.
"Little Blue, you have found a companion. There is indeed another of your kind in this world who understands you; you no longer have to be alone," said Shi Xiaole, bursting into laughter as he leapt back onto the ship.
The two massive blue whales played and leaped together, releasing their inner happiness and excitement. Shortly, they rushed in front of the ship again, singing in unison to Shi Xiaole.
"Little Blue, take your companion and go enjoy the true beauty of the ocean. That’s where you’re meant to perform the dance of life. No matter where I am, I will never forget you, my good friend."
Tears welled up in Little Blue’s eyes, falling in drops as it repeated its calls.
Shi Xiaole, finding it unbearable to watch, leaped back onto its back once more. The two blue whales then carried him, diving together until the sun had set before returning.
Shi Xiaole floated off.
Little Blue, crying, circled the ship over and over with its companion, chanting continuously. This was the best blessing it could offer to the friend who had kept it company through its years of solitude.
The distant coastline loomed, and with a long cry, the two blue whales swam farther and farther away, hand in hand, until they finally disappeared into the vast ocean.
Little Blue, farewell!
