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Chapter 118: The Great Hunt for the Black Bull
The group of Flying Wolf galloped through the forest, their horses' breaths growing heavier with each passing moment. The pounding of hooves became increasingly unsteady, driven by hunger and the crack of whips, the horses let out roars that seemed to express their discomfort.
As one horse attempted to leap over a fallen tree trunk, a branch from another tree bent down and ensnared its leg. Another horse suddenly found its hoof stuck in the muddy ground, while a third horse cried out in pain, having been scraped by something hard.
This was a stretch of muddy terrain that caused the steps of Flying Wolf's group to falter.
At that moment, one of the Militias pointed towards a thicket beside the mud and asked, "What is that?"
Flying Wolf glanced at the Militia; there was no surprise in his fiery gaze. "Those are wild dogs. They've followed us."
Xia Lian exclaimed in disbelief, "Followed us? That's impossible! Didn't we kill them all?"
Flying Wolf replied, "These Wasteland Wild Dogs are like bothersome flies; you can't kill them all. They are hungry, but there are too many of us for them to dare attack."
"We'll keep moving. Once we’re out of the Opening of the Zhou Wasteland, they won't follow us," Flying Wolf added, casting a glance at the dense forest before them.
Another Militia nodded in agreement. "Once we're out of the wasteland without the cover of trees, those wild dogs won't dare come out." As he spoke, he instinctively touched the battle axe strapped to his back. "Even if some reckless ones follow us, I'll take one down with a single swing."
Flying Wolf was quite pleased with this Militia's courage. "There's no need for that; we don't have to engage with wild dogs."
---
The Saint King instructed Ji Zichen to sit cross-legged before him. "Place your hands on mine," he said, his hands remarkably large as Ji Zichen placed his right palm in the Saint King's grasp.
"Now clear your mind of everything except for the crack. You’ve seen cracks before, just like the one we entered earlier," the Saint King continued.
Ji Zichen asked curiously, "What do I need to think about that crack for? What does it have to do with the Sealing Technique?"
"Think of it this way for a reason, and it's crucial. You must open your mind and let your thoughts flow into your heart. I will provide you with further guidance when the time comes," said the Saint King.
Ji Zichen, unsure of the meaning, decided to follow the Saint King's instructions. He cleared his mind as taught, and soon he felt a subtle connection forming between himself and the Saint King. A faint white mist began to emerge between Ji Zichen's hand and the Saint King's claw, creating a bond of sorts.
He did not resist this sensation; instead, he allowed it to unfold naturally. Moments later, Ji Zichen felt a powerful force entering his heart.
"Do not reject this feeling," the Saint King reminded him.
Ji Zichen nodded, feeling an unusual calm wash over him. Gradually, the shape of a crack began to clarify in his mind, taking form.
"Can you see the crack?" The Saint King observed Ji Zichen's tranquil state. "Remember this feeling, and take note of the shape and color of the crack."
Indeed, Ji Zichen sensed and saw it—the crack was white. He also felt that it somehow related to the Saint King, as if it extended from within him.
The Saint King continued to advise, "Let the crack take shape in your mind. Keep it there, and when you feel its presence most strongly, try to grasp it."
Ji Zichen's hand slowly reached toward the crack in his mind. This action existed only in his thoughts; in reality, his hand remained on the Saint King's claw.
As Ji Zichen's hand touched the crack forming in his mind, it felt remarkably soft. Under his touch, a faint line appeared—a shallow crack manifested in their palms, resembling a mark made by a knife.
The Saint King watched as the crack emerged. Although still faint, he appeared quite satisfied. " Ji Zichen, your comprehension is impressive," he praised.
Ji Zichen opened his eyes; the crack had not vanished but remained in their palms. He felt a surge of tension mixed with excitement but quickly reined in any unnecessary emotions.
He focused all his attention on the crack.
With a swift motion, the Saint King retracted his hand, causing the crack to disappear instantly. "This is all I can do; whether you can apply it flexibly depends on you."
Ji Zichen and Saint King exchanged a glance, and after a moment, Ji Zichen asked, "Is learning the Sealing Technique really this easy?"
Saint King replied with a smile, "It's not easy. You're using it now without any distractions. When you face the Evil God, I doubt the Evil God will give you much time to ponder slowly. Canglin seems to be in a hurry, which is why he sent you to me. He wants you to gain insights as close to the rift as possible; that way, you can save some time."
Ji Zichen inquired, "As close to the rift as possible?"
Saint King fell silent and did not continue. "Just practice slowly. I haven't used my mental power in a long time, and I'm tired. However, I must remind you that the sealing rift is white. If you see rifts of other colors, do not touch them."
Ji Zichen responded, "Other rifts? What colors are the other rifts, and what are they for?"
Saint King smiled lightly. "The rifts are a secret of the divine race. You already know enough."
Ji Zichen did not press further. "I understand; I won't touch anything other than the White Rift."
---
Flying Wolf and his group had already exited the area of the Opening of the Zhou Wasteland, and the wild dogs that had been trailing them had vanished without a trace. Flying Wolf instructed the Militia to split into three groups to scout ahead. The Militia returning from the southwest reported hoofprints and claw marks of the Zangda Beast in that direction.
Flying Wolf said, "The beast's claws and horse's hooves together mean it's definitely them. We'll pursue from the southwest."
Xia Lian felt a wave of anxiety rise within.
The group headed southwest until they reached near North Ba River. Ji Zichen's group had passed through here last time and had been fortunate enough not to encounter any Great Black Bulls. Unfortunately, Flying Wolf's group was less lucky; as they walked along the riverbank, they spotted seven Great Black Bulls resting in the water. The arrival of Flying Wolf's group startled the bulls awake.
The Great Black Bulls were fiercely territorial; whether it was humans or other Demon Beasts, anyone entering their territory would inevitably be attacked.
Initially, Flying Wolf did not see the Great Black Bulls because they could lurk underwater like crocodiles, but their bodies still protruded above the river surface. The dark bodies of the bulls made Flying Wolf think they were merely stones in the river. As they paused by the riverbank to replenish their water supply, these Great Black Bulls suddenly emerged from the water and charged towards them aggressively.
The change came swiftly, but Flying Wolf remained composed. He commanded the Militia to retreat quickly as the Wild Black Bulls charged onto the shore, their thunderous gallops shaking the ground.
Flying Wolf drew his sword, known as the Nine Calamity Sword. This was a magical weapon; when a button on its hilt was not pressed, it appeared to be an ordinary longsword. However, once the button was activated, the Nine Calamity Sword emitted a brilliant light.
As the sword glowed, Flying Wolf aimed at the nearest Wild Black Bull to test his strength against it. Perhaps he relied too much on the Nine Calamity Sword or underestimated the power of the Wild Black Bull. When he thrust the sword towards one of them, the bull's seemingly soft yet incredibly resilient tail swept in response. The tail entangled with the sword, dimming its brilliance as if it were absorbing its light.
But the Wild Black Bull was merely a savage beast; it could not truly consume the radiance of a magical artifact. The dimming was due to Flying Wolf gathering his fiery energy.
Suddenly, the brilliance of the Nine Calamity Sword surged. With a shout, flames erupted from its glow, scorching the bull's tail. The Wild Black Bull let out a pained bellow as Flying Wolf severed its tail. The bull stumbled back several paces in agony, but Flying Wolf would not let it escape. He pulled on the reins of his steed and charged forward, slashing through the strong body of the Wild Black Bull with his sword.
A long gash appeared on the bull's side, and it was also burned by the flames. The bull thrashed wildly and bellowed in desperation, trying to flee from Flying Wolf's range. Another Wild Black Bull charged at him, and seeing Flying Wolf in danger, Xia Lian stepped up to assist. Together, they engaged in a fierce battle with the rampaging bull.
Xia Lian had never faced a Wild Black Bull before, nor did Flying Wolf have experience dealing with them. However, they both knew of their notorious reputation for brutality and immense strength.
Flying Wolf's hands began to tremble—not from fear but from the sheer force of the bull. It pushed against the Nine Calamity Sword with its horns, attempting to unseat him. Gritting his teeth, Flying Wolf held firm while Xia Lian leaped into action, delivering a swift kick to deflect the sword away from the bull's horns. The fire on the Nine Calamity Sword scorched Xia Lian's shoe sole.
Just as the sword separated from the horns due to momentum, Flying Wolf found himself falling off his mount. Quick-witted, he pushed off from his steed's back and used his lightness technique to leap three yards away. In its fury, the bull's horns pierced into his mount’s belly, causing it to cry out in pain and collapse.
Flying Wolf landed safely and glanced at Xia Lian in gratitude as another Wild Black Bull closed in on him. Gripping the Nine Calamity Sword tightly, he prepared for their combined assault. Xia Lian shouted at both massive creatures and conjured two Vengeful Spirits.
The two Vengeful Spirits appeared ethereal; when struck by the bulls' horns, they felt no pain. Armed with swords, they swung effortlessly through the air as if slicing through nothingness. Filthy green blood splattered from one of the Wild Black Bulls, flowing onto the riverbank and staining it crimson.
With one Wild Black Bull slain by a Vengeful Spirit, Flying Wolf felt a wave of relief wash over him. Yet another bull continued charging at him. He slightly shifted his body to evade its charge and drove his Nine Calamity Sword deep into its flank as it approached.
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