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墨書 Inktalez
The old Chinese saying goes, "Those who live near the mountains gain wisdom, and those who dwell by the water become clever!" This slogan has led to the development of expensive lakeside properties. Setting aside the clichéd commercial hype, the beauty of the lakes truly complements the lush green mountains, creating a unique charm.
This group of monster adventurers was mesmerized by the lake they had discovered for the first time. Even Banma, who had initially worried about potential dangers, temporarily set aside his concerns. Meanwhile, the Geological Experts, tasked with mapping the area, began to float into the air to observe the terrain and create a map of the lake.
Some of the Geological Experts lacked sufficient magical power to fly, so they activated their specially equipped rocket boosters. This was something Fang Lin Kong had never seen before. He often enjoyed producing large numbers of aerial soldiers in the classic game Red Alert, scattering them like flies. However, that tactic only worked against computer opponents; in real combat, it often ended in disaster.
The unnamed lake was vast, and some of the more serious Geological Experts, who were also water-type monsters, had already dived to the bottom. Everyone had begun their busy work.
As Fang Lin Kong repeatedly examined the map in his hands, he couldn't figure out what dangers might lurk in this area spanning tens of thousands of miles. In fact, since entering Gouli Continent, they had not encountered any threatening creatures. Most of those that appeared fierce were merely prey for these powerful monsters; the only difference was that they were still raw and unseasoned.
Regardless of which monster it was, seeing Fang Lin Kong lounging in a chair, studying a map while sipping a drink under the sun, sparked feelings of dissatisfaction and jealousy. The monsters from Asia were well aware of Fang Lin Kong's strength, but those from other regions looked down on him—a seemingly powerful figure with unimpressive abilities. Many even scoffed at how the First Guard Brigade had appointed such an apparently useless Captain.
Earlier, when Banma tried to teach Fang Lin Kong a lesson but failed, everyone’s perception began to change.
The mapping experts took to the skies to make their maps more complete. Some quickly vanished into the distant sky as Banma ordered members of the Fifth Guard Brigade to follow these workaholics and carry out protective duties.
Meanwhile, Banma approached Fang Lin Kong and struck up a casual conversation.
"Although I’m based in Africa, I have some knowledge of today’s young talents in the International Demon Alliance. Yet I’ve never heard of your name, Huan Huo. With your abilities, it would be hard for you to remain anonymous!"
Fang Lin Kong forced a smile and replied, "Is it wrong for me not to want to stand out? If I weren’t forced into this situation, I wouldn’t willingly come to this cursed place. Spending all day fighting and killing while struggling with geological surveys..."
Seeing Fang Lin Kong wear a look that suggested he regretted his past choices left Banma unsure how to continue questioning him.
After a moment's thought, he said, "I don’t sense any stronger magical power from you. Although you may be hiding it, your ultimate strength isn’t very impressive. Based on your combat experience, you’re not just an ordinary rookie... Unless you were one of Earth’s top experts in your previous life, it would explain why your battle wisdom is impeccable but your strength falls short."
Fang Lin Kong didn’t respond directly to this assessment; however, Banma became more convinced of his viewpoint. After some consideration, he continued, "I’ve gone through your records and noted that you’re only a little over three hundred years old. I found three possible top experts who died between three hundred and five hundred years ago!"
"One is an unparalleled genius among monsters—the youngest expert from the beast clan in nearly a thousand years: Wu Bing. If he hadn’t failed his Heavenly Tribulation, he would likely be among the ranks of Divine Extremity. The other two were both old-timers who reached Divine Extremity, and they are former patriarchs from your Eastern Immortal Path. They were part of the legendary group known as the Five Emperors and Ten Ancestors: the Southern Emperor of Longevity and the Azure Starry Sky North Duke."
"Considering your fire-based martial arts style resembles that of Wu Bing’s technique called Purple Fire Ten Soldiers Transformation, I suspect you are his reincarnation!"
Fang Lin Kong heard Banma confidently assert his past identity and quickly denied it.
Banma chuckled and said, "If you've forgotten your memories from your previous life, that's understandable! I once fought against Wu Bing. His Purple Fire Ten Soldiers Transformation and my King's Eight Ultimate Techniques are both renowned martial arts. Despite being many years older than him, we faced each other twice without a clear victor. It's quite embarrassing, really."
What could Fang Lin Kong say to such a martial arts enthusiast?
On the International Demon Alliance's website, there were rankings of all sorts. He had browsed through them before. Besides the rankings for demon power and new generation combat strength, there were also rankings for martial arts and spells. Each listed martial art or spell came with detailed descriptions, including the founder's achievements, the effectiveness for later practitioners, potential maximum power, and practical applicability…
Among the top ten on the martial arts ranking, most were from the Eastern Immortal Path. The latest significant change was the emergence of Liexiezi, which brought Mystic Transformation of the Nine Heavens onto the list and caused the Innate Sword Artifact to rise in rank, pushing Platinum Glory down from ninth to eleventh.
Both King's Eight Ultimate Techniques and Purple Fire Ten Soldiers Transformation ranked beyond fifty. Although they were still within the top hundred and considered quite impressive, Fang Lin Kong had little interest in seeking advice on King's Eight Ultimate Techniques since he practiced several powerful methods himself, such as Eternal Demon Suppression Scripture and Mystic Transformation of the Nine Heavens, which ranked within the top ten.
However, despite Banma being somewhat older and more traditional, he was rich in experience and knowledge. Their conversations were quite humorous and insightful, making Fang Lin Kong not feel bored at all. They developed a bit of camaraderie.
Fang Lin Kong was asking about how Yuan Qian Kun once displayed great prowess by subduing countless demons to establish the International Demon Alliance. He recounted tales of how Yuan Qian Kun had angrily slain fifty-seven red-robed bishops from the Demon Hunting Team in one day, leaving their leader begging for mercy… or how he had bravely resisted an assault from three Divine Extremity masters, ultimately turning into a giant ape to defeat one while injuring two others…
Though some parts were exaggerated, the overall story remained credible.
Banma, one of Yuan Qian Kun's four great generals, reminisced about their bloody battles and brotherly bonds.
At this point, Banma sighed deeply and said, "If it weren't for my three brothers quietly leaving after the establishment of the International Demon Alliance—disappearing into some corner of Earth to live freely—how could Zhou Qingzhe be in control of such power now? He even plotted against Elder. However, I firmly believe that Elder will return. The Alternate Dimension Space may challenge other Divine Extremity masters, but this guy is different. After following him for so many years, I have no idea what level Old Yuan has reached."
Fang Lin Kong also held no fondness for Zhou Qingzhe and was about to comfort Banma when a commotion erupted.
"Not good! There’s a ferocious monster at the bottom of the lake that has already devoured two geologists! Everyone prepare for battle!"
A monster that had just surfaced from the lake shouted a warning. Before its warning could finish, a massive water column shot up into the sky accompanied by a piercing howl that echoed through the clouds.
Banma took action while Fang Lin Kong boldly waved his hand and declared, "As the saying goes, why use a butcher's knife to kill a chicken? This small matter is something I can handle!"
With a wave of his hand, all members of the Geological Exploration Team at the lakeside were pulled away from danger by members of the First Guard Brigade. The brigade members brandished their weapons; some wielded 89p-m sniper energy rifles while others readied micro submachine guns or electric shock batons for close combat. Some monsters also had their own weapons at hand and prepared themselves for battle.
The group of monsters, having stood out among layers of selection, were undoubtedly aggressive by nature. After spending so many days in Gou Li World without a proper fight, they were itching for action.
Boom! The crashing blue waves surged onto the shore, and a team member skilled in water spells stepped forward to dissipate the impact of the waves. Fang Lin Kong took action, while the other four squad leaders restrained their subordinates, allowing Fang Lin Kong to unleash his full potential. They were eager to see what kind of beast was so formidable.
As the waves receded, a massive creature resembling a rhinoceros emerged from the water. In terms of size alone, it was qualified to be the star of a Hollywood disaster movie; compared to this beast, Gojira seemed as small as a chick hatching from an egg.
The detectors of all surrounding team members began to register values that jumped wildly.
"Wow! It has an energy level of 180,000 and it's still rising."
"Hmm! It's over 500,000—what rapid growth!"
"Damn it! Who was in charge of procurement? My detector just exploded! That damn merchant sold us junk..."
The reactions varied among the crowd, but one thing was clear: this monster was indeed fierce and powerful! Fang Lin Kong slightly adjusted his detector and found that the final energy reading stabilized around 1.27 million. "This beast is really something! Everyone, open fire! Don't engage in close combat yet; use your energy or whatever weapons you have to bombard it! Set up the Randall Battle Cannon and load the shells!"
In just a few seconds, countless colorful orbs of light bombarded the creature. Various firearms, blazing with fire tongues, accurately targeted its weak points—such as its eyes and underbelly...
However, after a round of attacks, the monster remained unharmed, emanating a faint blue glow as a powerful shield enveloped it.
Moo!...
With a long roar, the blue unicorn atop the monster emitted a dazzling wave of light. Then, to everyone's disbelief, it shot forth a strong beam of blue light.
The energy wave came so swiftly that several monsters caught off guard quickly activated their protective shields. Yet, they could not withstand even for a moment before the intense blue light dissolved them completely. Where the blue light passed, deep trenches appeared in the ground; the original sand and soil, along with any trees above them, vanished into thin air...
"That attack was incredibly powerful!"
The counterattack from this Rhinoceros Monster finally made these creatures realize the danger they were in. All members of the Geological Exploration Team immediately fled faster than rabbits. Not wanting his subordinates to be slaughtered further, Fang Lin Kong rapidly fired off dozens of transparent sword lights that struck against the monster's protective shield, diverting its attention.
Though this ferocious beast possessed immense power, its intelligence was evidently low. After being attacked by Fang Lin Kong, it shook its large head and released another wave of blue light from its unicorn horn, forming a ghostly blue beam that swept across the ground.
Fang Lin Kong analyzed the situation in an instant: "If I dodge, the idiots behind me will definitely be affected. Although this energy impact is powerful, it doesn't have any strange variations. I should be able to handle it!"
With that thought, Fang Lin Kong's True Fire of the Rabbit attached itself to the sword light emitted by the Innate Sword Artifact. Countless invisible and formless transparent sword lights, devoid of heat and color, layered upon each other to form dozens of layers of a sword net.
Fang Lin Kong, with the True Fire of the Rabbit combined with the Innate Sword Artifact, braced himself against the blue energy impact from the Aquatic Monster.
The formidable and terrifying Blue Light Beam was intercepted by the sword net, instantly bursting forth with blue star-like Light Spots. Fang Lin Kong was pushed back several hundred meters by the immense force contained within the light column before he gradually stabilized his stance. However, it was evident that Fang Lin Kong's brute strength was no match for this massive rhinoceros-like monster. Despite being able to defend himself, he was still being pushed backward under the continuous impact of the Blue Light Beam.
As Fang Lin Kong and the monster competed in demonic energy, the Blue Light Beam extended meter by meter. Although Fang Lin Kong's sword net was incredibly tight, he himself was being forced to retreat. The monsters from the First Guard Brigade immediately launched their attacks to support their leader.
Various forms of demonic energy bullets, fighting spirit slashes, and Psychic Bullets fired from the Psycho Gun struck against the monster's blue shield, causing bursts of blue starlight. Clearly, this monster's shield was not indestructible; however, due to its overwhelming demonic power, no one could break through it.
Banma watched as Fang Lin Kong stubbornly endured the energy impact from this nameless monster and couldn't help but break into a cold sweat for him. Fang Lin Kong's demonic power could only reach around ten thousand; facing an energy impact over a hundred times stronger than his own, he had already pushed his strength to its limits.
Even without any detectors, Banma could tell that Fang Lin Kong was using only about twelve thousand units of power. "To be able to resist this monster with such 'weak' strength is quite impressive for this little guy!"
At that moment, Fang Lin Kong was filled with regret.
"Damn! If I had known this thing was so fierce, I wouldn't have fought it head-on. At least I shouldn't have used the Innate Sword Artifact and True Fire against it! If I had unsealed all my Yuan Shen and attacked with the Four Treasures of the Demon Gate along with the Heavenly Edge Reversal Blade and Liexie Twin Hooks together, at least things wouldn't be this dire... Why did I have to show off? And if I had hidden my identity, I wouldn't be risking my life like this!"
As Fang Lin Kong wallowed in self-pity, he desperately tried to harness the power of True Fire and the Innate Sword Artifact. The Innate Sword Artifact refined by the Haotian Divine Sword and the True Fire of the Rabbit cultivated through Haotian Divine Art complemented each other remarkably well. Even as the Blue Light Beam faded away, there were no signs of wavering in their combined might.
Under relentless attacks from members of the First Guard Brigade, the monster finally ceased firing energy waves, allowing Fang Lin Kong a moment to catch his breath. This time he had no intention of fighting head-on again. With True Fire of the Rabbit attached to his Innate Sword Artifact, Fang Lin Kong unleashed over two thousand sword lights in a brief moment, continuously depleting the energy of the monster's protective shield.
The quality of the Haotian Divine Sword surpassed that of Liexie Twin Hooks and Heavenly Edge Reversal Blade as well as Four Treasures of the Demon Gate. The transformed Innate Sword Artifact would have displayed its full power if not for Fang Lin Kong's insufficient cultivation level. Cutting through this monster's protective shield would be as easy as pie.
Despite their demonic powers differing by over a hundred times, Fang Lin Kong's Innate Sword Artifact still posed a significant threat.
Confronted by such a ferocious opponent with overwhelming demonic energy, Fang Lin Kong leveraged his speed advantage while continuously directing his subordinates to split up and attack in waves against this monster. The Geological Exploration Team members had nearly all retreated from their positions. Aside from a few members who flew off into the distance to map out areas and hadn't returned yet, four other guard brigade teams were under Banma's orders not only refrained from joining the battle but also escorted the Geological Exploration Team away.
As Fang Lin Kong fought fiercely, Banma opened communications and said to him: "If there is only this one monster here, Old Yuan would never mark this area as dangerous. Fang Lin Kong, you’d better not linger in battle and withdraw as soon as possible."
Fang Lin Kong responded with a nod, directing his subordinates to fight while retreating. He was not a cruel person who enjoyed killing, nor did he have to roast a rhinoceros to satisfy his curiosity. Moreover, within his Spiritual Awareness, he sensed something was amiss. It felt as if an enormous whirlpool of demonic energy was slowly approaching.
"Report, Captain! We've spotted a large number of Rhinoceros Monsters! There seem to be over fifty of them..."
One of his subordinates, particularly sensitive to his surroundings, spoke with a trembling voice as he reported to Fang Lin Kong. The thought of facing over fifty monsters with demonic energy exceeding a million was terrifying; on Earth, that could almost form an army capable of world conquest. The Gou Li World monsters were truly frightening...
Some skeptical demons were about to question the report when the detector suddenly displayed chaotic numbers, convincing everyone that there were indeed swarms of monsters in the area.
Fortunately, Fang Lin Kong was a complex commander. Under his orders, the First Guard Brigade retreated from combat. Once they had established a safe distance, Fang Lin Kong feigned an attack before turning and fleeing. With the Sword Control Technique already fast, Fang Lin Kong quickly caught up with the team that had retreated ahead of him.
Just as he was leaving, dozens of azure beams shot through the water's surface and into the sky. As Fang Lin Kong flew with his sword, he maneuvered up and down, barely escaping the chaotic barrage aimed at him.
When he finally landed on solid ground, he was drenched in cold sweat from head to palm. His eyes struggled to focus; for the first time, Fang Lin Kong felt how close death truly was.
"Even if I unleash the Thirty-Three Heavens Sealing Technique, there's no way I could withstand an all-out attack from monsters whose combined demonic energy reaches billions!"
This unforgettable experience made Fang Lin Kong much more cautious in his future actions.
Much later, Fang Lin Kong and the first group of personnel who entered the Gou Li Continent learned that the Azure Sky Rhinoceros not only possessed immense power but also preferred to live in groups. The place they later named Sky Lake became known as the only stronghold in this world where over a hundred Azure Sky Rhinoceroses resided. From then on, Sky Lake emerged as both the most beautiful and most dangerous tourist destination—a sacred site for demons who had lost hope in life and lacked confidence in their future...
(To be continued)
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