Chapter 10: Starting a Argument (Part 1)

This strike dealt a severe blow to the Giant Perch Dragon. After all, it was a Spirit Beast, not a physical mutated talisman beast. With just one touch of his life talisman ball, the Giant Perch Dragon instantly turned into a mass of soul mist. With another touch, it reformed, but clearly less energetic than before, appearing listless.

Once reformed, the Giant Perch Dragon became extremely enraged. It roared and bit at the Azure-Scaled Python, shaking its huge head wildly, scaring everyone to retreat quickly. No one could withstand such a strike.

The Azure-Scaled Python already had only half its life force left. The golden talisman fire spat out by the Ancient Flame Bird caused it unbearable pain. It tried desperately to exhale that fire, but it wasn’t easy. In moments, the talisman fire burned through its jaw, and then the Ancient Flame Bird sucked it in with a bite. With a loud crack, the Python’s head tilted to one side, and its body stopped struggling.

The Giant Perch Dragon roared loudly, prompting Guo Shier to stop it immediately.

Guo Shier took a deep breath and sat down on the ground. Covered in cold sweat, he once again felt grateful to Master Kuumu—thanks to this Giant Perch Dragon talisman.

Zhang Yaojin and Chen Zhen Dong both felt ashamed. Relying on Guo Shier’s two powerful talismans, neither of them had to fight hard. Guo Shier said, “We don’t have time to dissect this mutated Azure-Scaled Python. Do you have any suggestions?”

Chen Zhen Dong replied, “It’s up to you!”

Zhang Yaojin nodded and said, “I didn’t contribute much this time. The loot belongs to you.”

Guo Shier nodded and said, “Okay, I’ll handle it.” He immediately ordered the Giant Perch Dragon to absorb the Python’s life essence. The Ancient Flame Bird also stepped forward to seize it. Together, the dragon and the bird drained all the life essence from this level-8 mutated Azure-Scaled Python. In just five minutes, all that was left was the Python’s skin and skeleton.

Guo Shier recalled the Dark-Winged Scorpion and instructed everyone to quickly gather the skin and bones on the ground. Zhang Yaojin remained vigilant, urging them constantly, “Hurry! Faster! There’s no time left…”

Everyone scrambled to clean up, and soon only bloodstains remained on the ground. Xuan Ai raised his hand and said, “It’s done!”

Guo Shier had already recalled the Giant Perch Dragon and the Ancient Flame Bird. He mounted the Dark-Winged Scorpion and said, “Zhang Yaojin, lead the way!” Chen Zhen Dong, dressed in black, also climbed onto the scorpion’s back and said, “I’ll come with you.”

Finally, they passed through the territory of the Level 8 Mutated Brocade-Scaled Python. Guo Shier sat on the scorpion’s back, carefully observing the changes in the two talismans within his life talisman sphere. After absorbing the essence and soul of the Mutated Brocade-Scaled Python, the Giant Nesting Dragon talisman seemed to have undergone some changes. Guo Shier murmured to himself, “It should be at Level 8 now. Hmm, if I can raise it to Level 8, that would be amazing. If the Giant Nesting Dragon can return to its former strength, the power of this soul beast will see a breakthrough.”

The Ancient Flame Sparrow also showed slight changes. After absorbing a large amount of talisman fire last time and now its essence from the Brocade-Scaled Python, it seemed to have fallen into a deep sleep, giving Guo Shier a strange feeling. He knew he couldn’t use this Flame Sparrow talisman for now; it seemed to require some time before it underwent significant changes.

Most gratifyingly, the Sword talisman also showed some changes. Since Guo Shier had advanced toCrazy Master status, the quality of the Sword talisman seemed to have improved as well. Its ability to break through the Brocade-Scaled Python’s defenses this time was largely thanks to it. However, he didn’t know what its true limits were. The only thing clear was that there was still much room for improvement in this talisman.

Zhang Yaojin and Chen Zhen Dong looked at Guo Shier differently than before. With just a few highly powerful talismans, this boy could face even Saint-level experts without fear. Of course, this applied only to Saint-level experts who hadn’t inherited any special powers. If they had such inheritances and used virtual talismans, their strength would be beyond what a few ordinary talismans could counter. This was the difference between aCrazy Master and a Saint.

With Guo Shier’s current strength, he might not be able to roam freely in the Black Mist Region, but the dangers there were much reduced—this was what made the two of them value him. Once he advanced to Saint level, his strength could increase even further thanks to these talismans.

Chen Zhen Dong asked, “Are you leaving the Black Mist Region?”
Guo Shier replied, “No, we’re just going to the edge of the Black Mist Region to rest for a while before coming back.”
Chen Zhen Dong laughed upon hearing this and said, “I’ll take you to a place. Well, it’s not exactly safe, but it’s a dead end—neither mutated talisman beasts nor trial disciples often go there. It’s a great place to rest.”
Zhang Yaojin wondered, “What kind of place is it? Why don’t I know about it?”
Chen Zhen Dong replied, “Qi Kou Jiao! Have you heard of it?”
Zhang Yaojin gasped in shock and said, “Are you crazy? Qi Kou Jiao is a desolate place!”

Chen Zhen Dong said calmly, “It’s indeed a Desolate Land… but it’s also a place of life! I know there’s a safer area near Qikoujiao. Everyone knows Qikoujiao is a huge pit—no one knows what’s inside. But on the cliff leading into Qikoujiao, there’s a platform, which is an excellent place for cultivation and also a great hiding spot from shuttle carts.”

Guo Shier asked, “Qikoujiao? I’ve never heard of it.”

Zhou Xiaoling showed a horrified expression and said, “You guys dare to go to Qikoujiao?” She clearly knew what it was.

Guo Shier grew serious and said, “Dingding, tell me… about Qikoujiao!”

Chen Zhen Dong rushed to say, “She’s just heard about it. Let me explain. Hehe, I’ve been in Qikoujiao for over a decade—I know it inside and out.” He paused briefly, saw Zhou Xiaoling nod, and then continued, “Qikoujiao is a huge pit. As for how big it is… no one knows. I once walked along its edge, a sheer cliff, for half a year without being able to return to where I started.”

“The black mist that erupts from Qikoujiao covers the sky and sun—that’s the true sacred place for cultivation. But there are many powerful mutated rune beasts near the cliff, and they never dare to approach it.”

Guo Shier wondered, “Why?”

Chen Zhen Dong replied, “I’m not sure why, but… as far as I know, no mutated rune beasts ever approach. I once encountered a level-9 mutated rune beast. I thought I was dead and ran frantically to the cliff of Qikoujiao. That level-9 beast didn’t chase after me; it just wandered a few hundred meters away before leaving.”

“It was then that I truly understood Qikoujiao. It was there that I successfully advanced to Saint Master… If it weren’t for the lack of food and water, I would have stayed there!”

Guo Shier became interested. He glanced at Zhang Yaojin, Ying Mo, and the others and asked, “What do you all think… is it worth going?”

Zhou Xiaoling said, “If there’s a relatively safe way in, I agree!”

Ying Mo said, “Shier, you’ve made up your mind.”

Lan Hu said, “Shier, you decide. We have no objections.”

Sun Min’er hurriedly said, “Hey, Xiao Lanzi, how can you make decisions for me?”

Zhou Xiaoling asked, “Don’t you want to go?”

Sun Min’er said confidently, “Go! Why not go? I just said that Xiao Lanzi can’t make decisions on my behalf, but I didn’t say I won’t go!” He had finally found a chance to show himself off and was talking proudly when Zhou Xiaoling suddenly hit him hard on the head and scolded, “Looking for trouble for no reason!”
Lan Hu covered her mouth and laughed.
Zhang Yaojin said, “I have no objections. If we can avoid the shuttle carts’ pursuit, I’m willing to take the risk. So… you lead the way. You should know this place, right?”
Chen Zhendong said, “I’m very familiar with this area… The route you chose is good; it’s a weak point… Twelve, let’s head to the right.” He took over leadership from Zhang Yaojin, responsible for guiding everyone to Qikoujiao.
The route they took this time was very strange, zigzagging left and right. Guo Shier was completely lost—he had no idea where he was or which direction he was going, unable to distinguish east, west, south, or north. Everything from the sky to the ground was shrouded in mist.
Zhang Yaojin, on the other hand, was quite impressed. He whispered to Guo Shier, “Shier, Chen Zhendong is really familiar with this foggy area… Anyone who hasn’t spent over a decade here couldn’t understand the terrain.”
Guo Shier smiled bitterly. “What place is this? I feel like we’ve walked a long way.”
Zhang Yaojin laughed. “That’s because you’re not used to it yet. Those who live here all year round memorize every inch of the land… It’s also simple to identify directions here—just a spell will do. If you don’t know how, I can teach you.”
Guo Shier was eager to learn. He had long understood the importance of knowledge and said, “Then thank you very much.”
Zhang Yaojin briefly described the spell and explained its techniques. After some practice, Guo Shier mastered it. These minor spells were not part of the traditional teachings; they were simple auxiliary spells. Most auxiliary spells were passed down orally, generally lacking offensive power, but in special situations, they could be very useful.
It was common for spellcasters who traveled outside to exchange auxiliary spells with others. As for offensive spells, exchanges were rare, unless the two parties were friends, in which case they might share offensive spells.
After learning this, Guo Shier immediately asked about any spells he didn’t know. He soon realized he still lacked many. Even professionals like Zhou Xiaoling knew some spells, which surprised him greatly.

Along the way, aside from commanding the Dark-Winged Scorpion, Guo Shier tried to teach Zhang Yaojin and Chen Zhen Dong some basic spells and techniques. He was pleased to learn many useful auxiliary spells. Under Chen Zhen Dong’s leadership, after more than ten days of travel, the group arrived at Qikoujiao safely and without incident. The visibility at Qikoujiao was significantly better than in other places; Guo Shier applied spells to his eyes, allowing him to see clearly dozens of meters away. The area was filled with jagged rocks, an uneven terrain, and complete silence, giving it a desolate appearance. The Dark-Winged Scorpion didn’t care about the uneven ground, as scorpions have eight legs that allow them to adjust smoothly. Guo Shier and the others sitting on the scorpion’s back hardly felt any jolts. Fortunately, they had this Dark-Winged Scorpion along the way; otherwise, their speed wouldn’t have been so fast.