Chapter 69 - 68: The Biggest Windfall! Swallowing Fog Python Flesh!

Chapter 69: Chapter 68: The Biggest Windfall! Swallowing Fog Python Flesh!"You!" Qiu Yushan’s face filled with terror as he felt the True Qi emanating from Chou Hai. He wanted to escape, but it was already too late! The blade fell. Qiu Yushan raised his saber to block! The impact numbed the webbing of his hand! "Chou Hai, let’s both take a step back. We’ll split the Fog Python’s flesh equally. As someone in the Refining Internal Realm, you surely understand the flesh of a Fog Python can strengthen one’s vital organs! You’re getting on in years; consuming the Fog Python’s flesh could perhaps extend your life by a few more years!" "Why must you fight me to the death!" he yelled loudly, trying to entice him with benefits. Qiu Yushan spoke quickly, suppressing the anguish in his heart, "We both benefit if we work together! You are one of the Hidden Guard for the court, but you, too, lack resources. Nothing is more crucial to Martial Arts cultivation than resources. From now on in Pingling County, I will share a portion of the resources I obtain from the major families with you!" "I appreciate the kind offer, County Lord," Chou Hai said, "but, old man that I am, I no longer care about life or death." "Since His Majesty has dispatched us Hidden Guards, we must fulfill the duties of a Hidden Guard." "Mutant Beasts of the third rank and above must be reported to the court, which will decide whether to kill or keep them. You haven’t forgotten this decree, have you?" "Moreover, only by refining these third-rank and above Mutant Beasts into Elixirs can we achieve the greatest effect." "Your approach of slaughtering and eating the flesh—that’s the true waste of resources!" Chou Hai shook his head, his saber techniques growing sharper and more fierce. His aura grew increasingly violent. Suddenly, a heavy and forceful slash— A head hit the ground! The White Tiger Seizes the Corpse—Chou Hai’s killing intent was piercing and formidable, as if a fierce tiger had descended upon the world. Even Qiu Yushan at his peak would have had to retreat somewhat. How much more so at this moment, when Qiu Yushan was already exhausted, barely holding on by a thread of life! SPLURT. Blood gushed out like a fountain. Chou Hai took two steps forward and, with another stroke, cut the Fog Python into two sections. As a Hidden Guard of the Da Jing Dynasty, he had to scrutinize every whisper and movement within Pingling County. After ensuring no one was around, he finally descended into the cold pool and retrieved the companion treasure medicine. After some thought, he didn’t collect the Fog Python’s corpse; instead, he sheathed his broadsword. Picking up Qiu Yushan’s precious saber, he directly cut out the choicest portion from the Fog Python’s body. With another stroke, he flicked its head up, stuffed it into his bag, and turned to leave. 「Several dozen miles away」 Jiang Shu, perched on a remarkably ordinary tree, held a pair of binoculars and took in everything that unfolded before him: from Qiu Yushan’s fierce battle with the Fog Python to his nominal master’s opportunistic beheading from behind. Although he was too far away to hear their conversation, the sequence of events allowed him to deduce two things. One: Qiu Yushan had sent him and the others to their deaths solely to slay this python-like Mutant Beast! Two: Old Chou possessed strength no weaker than the Refining Internal Realm. In fact, it was highly likely he was in the Refining Internal Realm himself! Jiang Shu trembled involuntarily as he hid in the tree. It wasn’t fear; it was excitement! The Refining Internal Realm. So this is the Refining Internal Realm! Even a giant python over thirty meters long could be cleaved to death! When could I reach such a realm myself? After taking several deep breaths, Jiang Shu abruptly descended the tree and sprinted toward where the Fog Python’s corpse lay. Perhaps due to territorial instincts among Mutant Beasts, there wasn’t a single one within tens of miles of the Fog Python. Unhindered, Jiang Shu reached the cold pool. The chilly pool emitted waves of yin energy, and the scent of blood assaulted his nostrils. Only upon arriving did Jiang Shu fully comprehend the terror of the giant Mutant Python! The Fog Python was dead! Its crimson blood flowed freely, and palm-sized scales were scattered all around. Jiang Shu picked one up, finding it as hard as iron. A casual jab could penetrate deep into the ground! The python’s flesh exuded an incredibly potent Qi and blood, far superior to that of the Red Armored Tiger—clearly a higher equivalent level! As Jiang Shu stood before the massive python’s head, he couldn’t help but imagine, If the person standing here were me... The Skin Grinding Realm is still far too weak. He didn’t know the ranking system for Mutant Beasts, but as it stood now, this giant python was clearly an entity that corresponded to the Refining Internal Realm. Devouring the giant python’s flesh! For me, its effects will definitely be far greater than those of ordinary Mutant Beasts! Without hesitation, Jiang Shu took out a dagger from his waist and began cutting the python meat from its abdomen, bit by bit. However, the python’s oppressive might lingered even in death! The flesh of the Fog Python was fine-grained and taut. Jiang Shu, dagger in hand, could hear the cries of various Mutant Beasts not far off. Their roars resounded through the mountains and forests, shaking thousands of leaves to the ground and making countless wild animals shiver. Clearly, the battle here had already attracted Mutant Beasts from tens of miles away. It was only because the Fog Python’s presence was too overwhelming that they had been observing from a distance. Now that the fog had dispersed, quite a few powerful Mutant Beasts were slowly advancing. Yet Jiang Shu, with a steady heart and firm hands, quickened his pace. Just as the vibrations around him became too violent, he suddenly grabbed a sufficient amount of beast flesh. He then dashed toward a relatively quiet mountain path, unleashing all the energy in his body. Snatching food from the tiger’s maw. How could I dare to look back? He tightly wrapped the giant python’s flesh in his bundle. He could hear roars of rage erupting behind him. Loud crashes echoed as several beasts, likely stronger than the Bone Forging Realm, fought fiercely over the python’s flesh. Wind whistled past his ears. His body was drained of strength. Jiang Shu tumbled into a patch of grass, finding a barely safe spot, and could muster no further energy. 「With a thought, he returned to Xuanxing.」 「The next day.」 After recovering, Jiang Shu descended the mountain via another path. Aside from the clothes on his back and a dulled dagger, he carried nothing else. What a pity, this opportunity came too suddenly. Had I been prepared earlier and brought along some chainsaws, I could have cut much more python meat! Nevertheless, this is enough. One must be content. The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind. But in reality, I am the ultimate winner. Even the Mutant Beasts that arrived later had to fight bitterly for the python meat; perhaps they didn’t even get as much as I did. Joyful at heart, Jiang Shu quickened his pace. In just one short day, he had progressed from the Cowhide Realm and advanced to the Stone Skin Realm. Day-to-day accumulation was certainly important, but without the final push from the python’s meat, it might have taken him several more days to achieve a breakthrough. Moreover, while consuming the python meat, he felt a force enhancing certain parts of his body. This was a sensation he had never experienced from eating the Red Armored Tiger’s meat! If I get a chance in the future, I should find out exactly what kind of Mutant Beast this giant python is. My knowledge of Martial Arts and Mutant Beasts is far too limited. If I stay cooped up in Pingling County, there’s naturally no issue, but once I venture out, I’ll undoubtedly suffer significant disadvantages due to my ignorance. Chou Hai is hiding his true strength, and I don’t know his real identity. But regardless, he must know a lot. Perhaps I can ask him in the future. Qiu Yushan is dead, and Pingling County will inevitably undergo a major power reshuffle. However, whether it’s peaceful or chaotic, my current strength is still too weak. Only by reaching the Bone Forging Realm can I seize benefits amidst the chaos. First, I must focus on practicing Martial Arts. He resolved inwardly. Jiang Shu returned to Pingling County. About a dozen other Martial Artists returned with him, Qi Yuan notably among them. After all, not everyone was a fool. Upon returning to the inner city, they all secluded themselves behind closed doors. 「A few days later.」 News of County Lord Qiu Yushan’s death spread, sending shockwaves through Pingling County as if a great earthquake had struck. Some businesses that had relied on the county government office began scrambling, offering money to find new patrons. The Government Officials, who usually swaggered through the inner city, were now rarely seen outdoors. Nobody knew how Qiu Yushan had died, nor what kind of County Lord the imperial court would appoint next. Even the prominent families within the county seat repeatedly warned their younger members not to stir up trouble during this period. 「Qi Yuan’s small courtyard.」 The two met for a small gathering. "A County Lord at the Refining Internal Realm actually died in these vast mountains," Qi Yuan sighed deeply. "Junior Brother, how difficult do you think it will be for us to leave these mountains?" "No matter how difficult, we have to leave," Jiang Shu replied. "One can always advance through the Martial Arts Realms step by step." Seeing Qi Yuan looking somewhat disheartened again, Jiang Shu suddenly stood up. As Qi Yuan looked up in surprise, Jiang Shu declared, "Senior Brother Qi, I have reached the Stone Skin Realm. Please give me some pointers!"