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墨書 Inktalez
Every time someone first laid eyes on the Ancient Star Shuttle, they couldn't help but marvel. Such a massive artifact was indeed a rarity. When the four Executives of the International Demon Alliance appeared to send off this Geological Exploration Team, which comprised Geologists, pharmacologists, and alchemists, along with an equal number of guards, it was a sight to behold. Zhou Qingzhe and Zhang Rongying could not personally oversee this Gou Li World expedition, but they had dispatched a leader—Lord Kraken, the head of the International Demon Alliance in Japan.
Liexiezi was undoubtedly the commander of the guard team accompanying the Geological Exploration Team.
The activation of the Ancient Star Shuttle required more than just the power provided by the Ten Thousand Methods Magic Jar. Someone needed to wield the Gouli Heaven's Tome to open this top-ranked treasure from the Dark World in the human realm.
Zhou Qingzhe had already arranged for a team of mages; however, it would take at least three days to open a passage large enough for the Ancient Star Shuttle to enter and exit. During this time, there was little for everyone to do.
Zhou Qingzhe was aware that his plans might be disrupted by other forces, so he gathered the departing team in international waters near his stronghold in Hong Kong. In the vicinity where the Ancient Star Shuttle would remain, the International Demon Alliance had set up at least a dozen defensive blockades, mustering over ten percent of their combat strength. This was all the elite personnel Zhou Qingzhe could assemble in such a short time. Alongside advanced patrol boats were five of the oldest Ghost Ships—once the largest and most powerful warships of their era. Although their sails were tattered and their decks somewhat damaged, their speed and defensive capabilities far surpassed those of even the most advanced battleships today.
Dinaus felt conflicted. The International Demon Alliance's grand movements indicated a significant purpose. However, having successfully infiltrated this operation, Dinaus had received top-secret orders from the Demon Hunting Team to cooperate with them in a major surprise attack.
To be honest, Dinaus was reluctant to abandon his original goal of exploring the mysteries of Gouli Continent. After reaching level ten with his Golden Fighting Flame, he lacked suitable weapons. If he could blend into the guard team and infiltrate Gouli Continent, finding excellent raw materials would not be too difficult. Yet now, everything had to align with the directives from the Elder Council of the Demon Hunting Team.
Engaging in casual conversation with the captain aboard Ghost Ship Queen Elizabeth, Dinaus's mission was clear: at the moment combat began, he was to sink this invincible warship from five hundred years ago to create an opening for the Demon Hunting Team within the blockade set by the International Demon Alliance.
"Enemy attack!"
A signal suddenly rang out from the outermost defense line. The captain of the Ghost Ship immediately waved his remaining five bony fingers, commanding his subordinates to prepare for battle. At that moment, Dinaus suppressed his yearning for adventure in another world and summoned his Golden Fighting Flame, delivering a powerful punch to the deck.
Bang! Creak! Boom!
The deck of the Ghost Ship was infused with countless vengeful spirits' resentments; mere physical attacks could not harm it in any way. However, while Golden Fighting Flame belonged to fire-type fighting energy, it originated from the authentic holy light fighting energy of the Demon Hunting Team. This gave it an innate advantage against undead beings.
The captain of this Ghost Ship had once been a formidable figure who roamed seven seas; after becoming a ghost, he became even more ruthless, surrounded by countless vengeful spirits. After being subdued by several necromancer masters from the International Demon Alliance, numerous enchantments had been placed upon him. If Dinaus attempted to confront him directly, he might not be able to defeat this captain who embodied all of the ship's death energy in just a short time. However, such a massive Ghost Ship did not possess equally strong defenses.
To strike down an enemy effectively meant targeting their leader first!
Dinaus understood this strategic key well.
"Focus on annihilation! Everyone charge! Tear apart this traitor and feast on his spoils!"
Dinaus unleashed the power of the Golden Fighting Flame at level ten, a force so fierce that the Ghost Ship was immediately split in two. However, the Ghost Ship, existing between the physical and spiritual realms, possessed remarkable regenerative abilities. The severed halves of the ship did not sink to the ocean floor like an ordinary giant passenger vessel; instead, they were drawn by an unseen force, spinning on the surface of the water. All the crew members aboard the Ghost Ship howled as they charged towards Dinaus.
"This madman has truly lost it! Although I should help you out of consideration for our shared humanity, aiding you would only secure my own demise. You’re on your own! I have no interest in this!"
Fang Lin Kong had long noticed Dinaus's erratic behavior. This arrogant Western Boy clearly lacked social skills. Just moments ago, he had been casually chatting with a skeletal Ghost Ship Captain, which sent out very alarming signals.
Watching from a distance as Dinaus erupted in golden flames and battled against the crew of the Ghost Ship, Fang Lin Kong sighed but felt powerless to assist. There were thousands of monsters here, including support personnel, enough to form a regular army. For Fang Lin Kong to take on such overwhelming odds was akin to inviting death. Even if he teamed up with Kyo Kusanagi, they would at most manage to kill a few enemies before having to flee; there was no way they could defeat so many monsters. Once surrounded, even a deity would tire out.
Though Dinaus was exceptionally talented, the ranks of the International Demon Alliance were filled with powerful foes. Monsters whose combat abilities surpassed his were not few; they were far too many. He had achieved remarkable success at such a young age, but those monsters had spent thousands of years honing their skills and were not wasting their time. Perhaps in the future, his achievements would surpass those who relied on accumulated training time rather than innate talent, but given his current strength, he was still lacking.
The captain of the Ghost Ship, furious at the destruction of his vessel, decided to take matters into his own hands when he saw his crew struggling in battle. With a swing of his Cone Spike Sword, he unleashed two cross-shaped waves of gray sword energy that sliced toward Dinaus's back at supersonic speed. The crew members surrounding Dinaus were caught off guard by these waves; each one struck exploded into a cloud of gray mist that clung to the sword energy, creating a mournful wail.
Dinaus condensed his Golden Fighting Flame into a Knight's Lance; each thrust took down a Vengeful Spirit aboard the Ghost Ship. Just as the captain's cross-shaped sword energy approached him, he pressed down with his golden flame lance and then thrust upward in a classic knightly charge, aiming to break through the captain's sinister sword energy.
The Golden Fighting Flame exhibited its ability to dispel evil; Dinaus's golden flame lance was immensely powerful. The Vengeful Spirits surrounding the captain's sword energy were instantly vaporized. However, while the sword energy could not withstand his Golden Fighting Flame either, it possessed an insidious quality that tightly ensnared Dinaus.
The Ghost Ship Captain awaited this moment; with a swing of his Cone Spike Sword, he let out a roar towards the heavens. The Death Aura from the entire Ghost Ship, along with millions of Vengeful Spirits, converged upon him in an instant. The ship itself, composed of Vengeful Spirits, disintegrated into a swirling mass of dark energy that bound Dinaus.
"What an unfortunate fellow."
Fang Lin Kong closed his eyes and when he opened them again, he had made up his mind. Though he was not one to lend a helping hand easily, watching someone die before him at the hands of ghosts was something he could not bear!
"That bastard! You’re going to die!"
Muttering words that seemed unrelated to his actions, Fang Lin Kong reached out with his fingers as an orb of ice flame materialized out of thin air. The monsters aboard the Ancient Star Shuttle knew that while Fang Lin Kong’s demonic power was weak, he was formidable in strength and had grown accustomed to him attacking with minimal power. However, this orb of ice flame in his hands radiated an astonishing concentration of demonic energy—instantly surpassing ten times what he usually exerted—its energy value exceeding ten thousand. This left those around him astonished and curious about what earth-shattering technique he was about to unleash.
"Run wild! Arctic Overlord Elephant! Please soar freely..."
The ice flame shot forth from Fang Lin Kong in a Fighting Sphere manner, growing larger until it transformed into a roaring behemoth that carved an icy corridor across the sea towards where Dinaus battled against the Ghost Ship Captain.
This move appeared to assist the captain in attacking Dinaus, but just as it neared him, the captain unleashed a cataclysmic Ghost Wave Cannon aimed directly at its center. The concentrated blast of energy from the entire Ghost Ship collided squarely with the Arctic Overlord Elephant’s massive form.
The powerful Shikigami was immediately forced back into its original form, the massive body of the Arctic Overlord Elephant unable to withstand the might of the Ghost Wave Cannon, disintegrating almost instantly. With this brief moment of distraction, Dinaus had already gathered his strength to break free from his restraints. Just as the Ghost Wave Cannon, slightly delayed, was about to strike him, he dove into the sea.
Fang Lin Kong feigned anger and cursed, "That damn skeleton commander of the Ghost Ship is utterly unreasonable. He even blew up my Arctic Overlord Elephant! That was my trophy from the arena!"
"That half-dead guy in a hat! I'm talking about you—bring back my Arctic Overlord Elephant!"
Fang Lin Kong gathered his energy, transforming his demonic power into two eerie energy blades. He rode the waves, determined to seek justice for his Arctic Overlord Elephant.
Zhou Qingzhe's carefully arranged defensive line wasn't limited to just the surface of the sea; countless aquatic creatures roamed beneath the waves. Fang Lin Kong's blatant disregard for reason immediately provoked an interception from the underwater forces. The White Whale Born emerged from the water's surface, executing the Azure Wave Water Blade Technique, Weak Water Thousand Turns to block Fang Lin Kong.
Fang Lin Kong cursed under his breath; it seemed fate had conspired against him. He had a vivid memory of this creature. Years ago, he had been tied up on a table and treated like merchandise. To Fang Lin Kong, White Whale Born had never seemed like a formidable opponent.
Yet inexplicably, every time he encountered this aquatic demon, Fang Lin Kong felt a twinge of unease.
"My dear colleague, are you trying to aid our enemies or are you simply unaware of your own mortality? Don't say I didn't warn you—hurry back to your Ancient Star Shuttle and wait for your demise!"
As White Whale Born's Azure Wave Water Blade Technique collided with Fang Lin Kong's energy blades, a strange force instantly infiltrated the water blade formed by White Whale Born. Realizing something was off, White Whale Born quickly shattered the water blade and took a step back, but Fang Lin Kong's relentless kicks were already upon him.
"Damn it! I got a little carried away wanting to take down that traitor and show off my prowess. Who knew that damned captain would obliterate my Shikigami as well? If I don't seek justice for this, who will compensate me for my treasure?"
After injecting Dragon Beast genes into himself and enduring countless rejection reactions while teetering on the brink of death multiple times, White Whale Born finally achieved a significant breakthrough in his demonic power, now soaring above twenty thousand. His training in water-based spells underwent a dramatic transformation, making him an important warrior in the International Demon Alliance.
He intended to intercept Fang Lin Kong easily, thinking this demon's power was disproportionately weak. However, upon engaging in battle, he realized just how troublesome Fang Lin Kong truly was. Above the surface of the sea, while White Whale Born's water-based cultivation still held some advantage in power, he found himself evenly matched despite pouring all his strength into the fight.
"Power output... one thousand eight hundred! Victory rate: less than thirty percent..."
"Power output two thousand! Victory rate: still thirty percent!"
"Power output two thousand four hundred! Victory rate: forty percent!"
With each increase in power output, Fang Lin Kong noticed that his advantages did not significantly improve and couldn't help but curse again as he raised his strength once more. Unbeknownst to him, White Whale Born was silently lamenting; every ounce of potential was being squeezed out by Fang Lin Kong. Although he was clearly weaker and his power increased very slowly, Fang Lin Kong maintained control over the battle at all times.
"Dammit! Where did this freak come from? With skills like that, he could easily be a trainer in our International Demon Alliance!"
The sea was churning violently as White Whale Born battled Fang Lin Kong. Beneath the surface, Dinaus was not idle either; he was engaged in a fierce struggle against White Whale Born's subordinates. His Golden Fighting Flame was ill-suited for underwater combat, significantly diminishing his strength.
Just as this small-scale chaos erupted, a pure white beam of divine light appeared in the sky, slicing through the air. As it passed over Dinaus, a bolt of light comparable to Divine Punishment exploded around him, instantly obliterating all the monsters engaged in battle with Dinaus. No one could withstand the impact of this divine thunder.
The Ghost Ship Captain summoned his remaining strength and fired the Ghost Wave Cannon once more. The pale spiritual wave energy chased after the holy white light, but the light effortlessly split apart and shattered the Ghost Wave Cannon, sending a backlash of energy that returned the Ghost Ship Captain to hell.
In an instant, the monsters on the surface had their defenses breached by the newcomer. Fang Lin Kong sensed this familiar power and immediately disengaged from his fight with White Whale Born, diving into the depths of the sea. Before leaving, he kindly called out to White Whale Born, "A powerful foe is here; everyone, run for your lives!"
White Whale Born had already seen the pure white light radiating with vast and sacred energy. There was no doubt that someone with such power was beyond his capability to handle. Following Fang Lin Kong's warning, he wisely slipped beneath the waves to avoid disaster.
Boom! Boom!
Two fierce blasts tore through the void, intercepting the incoming light. Zhou Qingzhe and Zhang Rongying ascended into the air and shouted, "Arlen Xuding Si! Why are you here on our territory instead of training with the Demon Hunting Team? Are you looking to officially declare war against us in the International Demon Alliance?"
As the dazzling pure white light faded away, Arlen Xuding Si revealed himself with a faint smile and said, "That's right! The Elder Council has issued orders for a full-scale attack on the Demon Hunting Team!"
Zhou Qingzhe smirked darkly and replied, "What does the Elder Council matter? I just want to know if you will be joined by your esteemed leader soon."
Arlen Xuding Si laughed heartily and said, "The current leader of the Demon Hunting Team is none other than myself. So you could say I am already here."
This revelation truly shocked Zhou Qingzhe.
He exclaimed in surprise, "The leader isn't coming?"
Although Arlen Xuding Si held a position among Kyo Kusanagi's ranks, Zhou Qingzhe was not intimidated by him. Divine Extremity was formidable, but as the saying goes, many ants can kill an elephant. Moreover, Zhou Qingzhe was no pushover; with his monsters swarming around him, he had at least an eighty percent chance of forcing Arlen Xuding Si to retreat.
Despite rumors that Arlen Xuding Si was the strongest in the Demon Hunting Team, Zhou Qingzhe held greater apprehension towards this always-mysterious leader than he did towards the flamboyant Arlen Xuding Si. If the Demon Hunter Leader were to appear alongside Arlen Xuding Si, Zhou Qingzhe would immediately resort to his ultimate tactics; against just Arlen Xuding Si alone, he felt no need to unleash his most powerful moves.
Arlen Xuding Si raised an eyebrow slightly and said, "The former leader has been dismissed by the Elder Council; currently, I call the shots in the Demon Hunting Team. Zhou Qingzhe, do not think I am alone; both the Original Sin Tribunal and Enforcement Council members are surrounding you outside. All six knight orders have been mobilized as well. From today onward, it seems that two of your Executives in the International Demon Alliance may be facing elimination!"
Zhou Qingzhe smiled slyly and said, "I was quite frustrated at not being able to get accurate news about the change of leadership in the Demon Hunting Team. This group of subordinates is truly incompetent; they failed to find out in time. However, it seems that Arlen Xuding Si, the new leader, is also unaware that the other two Executives of the International Demon Alliance are likely within this Ancient Star Shuttle."
Arlen Xuding Si paused slightly, then regained his composure and replied calmly, "Then! The International Demon Alliance will probably be disbanded today!"
With divine light flickering in his hands, the Destruction Cannon appeared. Arlen Xuding Si aimed it at the sky and pulled the trigger. A brilliant beam of light violently tore through the atmosphere, causing the air to disintegrate and collapse. In broad daylight, a massive hole opened up in the sky, revealing the dark cosmos clearly visible to everyone.
The power of the Destruction Cannon was truly astonishing!
Zhou Qingzhe's expression changed as he continuously fired his own light cannon, unleashing countless energy projectiles towards Arlen Xuding Si. Zhang Rongying, fully engaged in battle, wielded an ancient short blade radiating black light in one hand and a dark-barreled battle gun in the other—his left hand holding the Black Light Cannon and his right hand gripping the Killing God Blade. This was Zhang Rongying's first time going all out.
Arlen Xuding Si arrogantly declared, "Originally, Zhou Qingzhe and Zhang Rongying, you were both considered prominent figures in this world. However, your excessive attachment to mundane affairs has led to stagnation in your cultivation. Now using the Destruction Cannon against you is akin to bullying you both. I will defeat you with my bare hands to show respect for the former International Demon Alliance!"
Arlen Xuding Si's words provoked Zhou Qingzhe into a furious outburst. Throughout his life, Arlen Xuding Si had only bowed to Yuan Qian Kun. Swearing to become the strongest in this world, he had never regarded any of the other six from Kyo Kusanagi as his opponents. With Yuan Qian Kun gone now, Arlen Xuding Si did not see Zhou Qingzhe or Zhang Rongying as obstacles to his progress.
With the Destruction Cannon slung over his back, Arlen Xuding Si's pure white priest robe shimmered with countless magical symbols. A massive magic circle appeared beneath him. Almost instantaneously upon activating his psychic power, Zhou Qingzhe felt as if he had been struck by a thousand-pound hammer on his chest, causing him to spit blood.
In the realm of demons, those with a demonic energy index exceeding one thousand could live leisurely among humans. An index surpassing ten thousand allowed one to walk freely on Earth. However, those with demonic power exceeding one hundred thousand were exceedingly rare; only core members of major Dark World organizations possessed such strength.
Zhou Qingzhe, Zhang Rongying, or even Ice King and Ghost Ancestor Xu Huan—these top-tier experts had their demonic energy levels already surpassing one million.
Kyo Kusanagi's power might surpass these individuals on a tier level, but if measured by specific values, he wouldn't be significantly stronger than Zhou Qingzhe and his peers. In fact, during battles, he often suppressed his output to around one hundred thousand for optimal energy control.
The same technique could yield different results based on energy concentration and quality; Kyo Kusanagi could use one part of his strength to shatter an attack from Zhou Qingzhe and others that required three parts of energy.
The true difference between top-tier experts like Zhou Qingzhe and Divine Extremity lay in energy condensation, quality, and application.
Without even moving a finger, Arlen Xuding Si had already severely injured Zhou Qingzhe.
Zhang Rongying was deeply shaken; although he and Zhou Qingzhe had long planned to confront Divine Extremity and had experience surrounding Yuan Qian Kun, he never expected that Arlen Xuding Si—the lowest-ranked priest among Kyo Kusanagi—would possess such incredible strength.
Though Zhou Qingzhe couldn't defend against that last strike, it didn't mean that he and Zhang Rongying were unaware of what kind of technique it was.
Dimensional Transfer and Divine Punishment struck.
Ignoring the barriers of space, this direct attack method against the enemy was not a secret. Both Zhou Qingzhe and Zhang Rongying could manage it, but to use it so casually in battle as Arlen Xuding Si did was incredibly difficult.
Next, Zhou Qingzhe and Zhang Rongying immediately found themselves in a tough fight.
Two well-dressed middle-aged men were seated inside the Ancient Star Shuttle, comfortably settled in the spacious chairs that had been refurbished, watching the battle unfold. One of them was Ice King, while the other appeared quite peculiar. His skin bore black and white patterns, and he wore a perfectly tailored suit that did nothing to diminish the impression that he was a monster.
Indeed, these two were the other two executives of the International Demon Alliance under the Chairman.
“Banma! Do you think we need to intervene? After all, Zhou Qingzhe and Old Zhang are still our own people.”
The one referred to as Banma by Ice King calmly swirled his drink and replied, “Those who plot against the Elder are definitely not our own. As for intervening, I believe it is unnecessary. If the four of us teamed up, we might be able to take down Arlen Xuding Si. However, it would surely cost someone their life. Ultimately, I think that man over there will make his move.”
Banma was pointing at Liexiezi.
Liexiezi stood casually inside the Ancient Star Shuttle, his face devoid of any expression, leaving no one aware of what he was thinking.
Inside the Ancient Star Shuttle, it was just him, Banma, and Ice King. Liexiezi showed no interest in engaging with these two monsters, while Ice King and Banma were too indifferent to provoke this ominous figure. The atmosphere inside the Ancient Star Shuttle became very ambiguous and eerie...
(To be continued)
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