Chapter 38: Chapter 38: Bone-Forging Pill, Another Turtle Shell Fragment
Second Young Master Wei did not completely enter the courtyard; Zhu Huai’s previous lesson was right in front of him. Although he was a Seventh Grade expert, facing the noticeably larger General Wei, he had an indescribable feeling.
He listened to the discussions around him.
He glanced at the father and son of the Wang Family.
"Dharma Protector Xu is a man of loyalty and righteousness, admirable indeed, but the Wang Family is also a close ally of our Wei Family. We cannot let Dharma Protector Xu treat them so humiliatingly."
He paused, staring intently at General Wei under Xu Guang’s seat and spoke boldly.
"I have long heard of the Great Beast’s immense strength. Seeing it today piques my interest. I wish to challenge the Great Beast. If I win, would Dharma Protector Xu be willing to give me some face and let today’s matter go?"
Xu Guang’s expression turned odd.
Challenge General Wei?
But upon seeing Wang Xu’s moved expression, Xu Guang understood.
It was a matter of stance. With just these words, Second Young Master Wei lowered his stance. And who was this gesture of lowering the stance for?
No wonder Wang Xu was moved.
This Second Young Master Wei from the Wei Family is not easy to deal with, he knows how to rally people even at times like these.
"Hahaha, Second Master Wei, you are straightforward. This matter, I shall agree on behalf of Dharma Protector Xu."
A loud laugh came from outside, soon followed by Liu Ning, the Grand Elder of the Iron Armor Sect, leading Wang Ran and a group of disciples in.
He smiled and nodded to Xu Guang.
Xu Guang returned the smile.
No matter Liu Ning’s true intentions, he had indeed helped Xu Guang quite a bit and treated Xu Guang well.
However...
Xu Guang couldn’t help but frown.
Liu Ning’s actions were overstepping.
Today was about repaying gratitude, yet Liu Ning made promises on his behalf.
He considered himself patient, but he hated when others made decisions for him; Tie Kuang was far better in this regard than Liu Ning.
But Liu Ning hadn’t done anything wrong either, and Xu Guang also wanted to test General Wei’s current combat strength, to know whether it surpassed a Seventh Grade expert.
Thus, he nodded to Second Master Wei.
"Very well!"
Golden sunlight fell to the ground, raising countless motes, just as life is unpredictable.
Man and beast quickly quieted down, motionless.
Suddenly, with a low shout, Second Master Wei made the first move, his face flushing red. Then a black sheen appeared on his fists as he swung them rapidly towards General Wei.
At this first move, he exerted himself fully.
With blood and qi surging, the muscles on his body subtly expanded, as if covered with a layer of blood aura.
This was Blood Armor, the hallmark of a Seventh Grade expert.
Once Blood Armor is activated, a massive gulf is formed between Seventh Grade and Eighth Grade experts.
General Wei was merely flesh and blood, with strong qi and blood but lacked the formidable Blood Armor of a martial artist; this was the key that emboldened Second Master Wei to challenge General Wei.
His fists moved swiftly, distorting the air around them.
Bam bam!
General Wei took these two punches with his elephant trunk as if unfazed by Second Master Wei’s attempts to grasp the trunk, angrily swaying his long trunk.
Being so large, his slightest movement stirred up a cloud of dust in the once quiet courtyard.
The sound of dull impacts rang continuously.
Xu Guang, upon some realization, silently activated the [Encourage] skill. Within his spiritual link with General Wei, a strange gap appeared, and his spiritual power began to slightly dissipate, replaced by the sudden fierce barbarian aura emanating from General Wei.
Second Master Wei’s heart shook, feeling as though he was facing not just mere flesh but a solid iron lump!
Again, he raised his hand to block General Wei’s long trunk, his Blood Armor wavering.
After blocking four times, the Blood Armor shattered completely.
Xu Guang watched as Second Master Wei struggled more under General Wei’s trunk attacks, feeling satisfied.
Under General Wei’s nimble trunk, Second Master Wei found himself in dire straits, lacking the capacity to withdraw from the battle circle, forced only to deal with the attacks.
But the crux was that with each clash against the trunk, his internal organs were injured by the immense force.
Horrified thoughts emerged in his mind, this Great Beast...
It was even stronger than imagined. Regrets flashed across his mind, regretting sending the Third brother to assist Zhu Huai. Had Zhu Fu been here, bringing Xu Guang and the Great Beast to join the Wei Family...
In contrast, Xu Guang felt content.
Using only its trunk, it had pushed a Seventh Grade expert to such a state in just a few moves; General Wei had not disappointed him.
If it used its foot, body, and massive tusks as well, Second Master Wei would surely find it more difficult, right?
Of course, it cannot be disregarded that such a Seventh Grade expert like Second Master Wei might have some trump cards hidden away, especially after encountering Wei Shuangnian. He had become more cautious with people.
Reflecting on this, he stopped General Wei.
Relief flashed through Second Master Wei’s heart, as he took the opportunity to leap out of the battle circle. He endured the sharp pain from his internal organs, glancing at Wang Xu.
Then, he cupped his fists towards Liu Ning and Xu Guang, "Today’s matter will be decided by Dharma Protector Xu."
Liu Ning laughed heartily, speaking once more.
"Dharma Protector Xu, the Wang Family is a prominent family in Qingshuo County. Show them mercy."
Nonetheless, his heart also bore joy, his gaze towards General Wei was fiery. This Great Beast could suppress even a Seventh Grade expert now, his heart joyous beyond measure.
Once again deciding on his behalf, Xu Guang suppressed the discomfort from within.
"Very well."
Wang Xu remained completely silent, looking towards Wang Chong.
Reluctance flickered in Wang Chong’s eyes, but he nonetheless took out a Level 8 elixir—Bone-Forging Pill—today procured by Wang Xu.
Level 8 corresponds to the realm of muscle and bone, with the Bone-Forging Pill being the highest-valued among Level 8 elixirs.
"There are five Tiger Bone Bone-Forging Pills here, worth six thousand taels of silver, is that enough?"
Xu Guang maintained a blank expression but suddenly noticed the object hanging around Wang Chong’s neck.
It was a bone fragment, resembling a turtle shell.
Xu Guang squinted slightly, giving Wang Chong a meaningful glance.
However, in such a public setting, he did nothing and did not mention wanting the object around Wang Chong’s neck.
His gaze lightly swept over the faces of the Wang Family and the Wei Family people, "I will take the Liu Family people away now, is there anyone who still forbids it?"
At that moment, no one spoke.
...
Liu Ning watched Xu Guang riding an elephant leaving, a hint of relief flashing in his heart, his efforts to win him over were not in vain; Xu Guang was indeed very obedient.
Behind him, Wang Ran looked at Xu Guang’s back with greed in his eyes.
Such a great beast, if only he could extract the Essence Blood and refine it...
But unfortunately, the previous plan to kill Xu Guang failed, and the sect now would not easily kill this great beast.
...
On the other side, Wang Xu and his father cautiously stood behind Second Young Master Wei with solemn expressions.
Wang Xu was grateful to Second Young Master Wei because he truly made efforts for the Wang Family and was even willing to lower his status for the Wang Family.
Of course, Wang Chong did not think so; the Bone-Forging Pill was prepared by him for his breakthrough to Eighth Grade Great Cultivation, and now without the elixir, the breakthrough seemed a distant hope, which naturally made him unwilling.
"In the future, don’t clash with that Xu Guang, that great beast... is very strong."
When Second Young Master Wei said this, he couldn’t help but show apprehension in his eyes.
...
Having saved a Liu Family member’s life, those who can become Patriarchs are smart people.
Naturally, Liu Guang chose to bring the Liu Family to seek refuge with the Iron Armor Sect.
This was a necessity; at least, in the Iron Armor Sect, there was Fang Cheng, who had old ties with him, and Dharma Protector Xu Guang, who owed his daughter gratitude.
Xu Guang, to repay a meal’s kindness, almost single-handedly subdued the Wang Family in Qingshuo County with a beast.
This matter instantly caused an uproar in Qingshuo County.
In this era of extremely undeveloped media, Xu Guang’s reputation spread throughout the county and even further due to some foreign merchant caravans.
In a tavern.
"This might be a righteous hero!"
"Dharma Protector Xu holds a high position but never avoids talking about his background experience, truly open and upright."
The discussion about Xu Guang was fervent and unending.
Of course, the protagonist General Wei also became a focus of discussion among the people.
"What is the real power level of that great beast? Eighth-grade experts seem like children before it, maybe that beast is the true top expert in Qingshuo County?"
Someone said.
"It shouldn’t be the case; unfortunately, Dharma Protector Xu himself cannot advance in martial arts, otherwise, I would join him, as he would definitely not treat his subordinates unfairly."
"Heh heh, even if Dharma Protector Xu hasn’t advanced, you don’t think you can join simply because you want to, do you?"
No matter how fervently the outside discussion went on, it was unrelated to Xu Guang, who completely silent himself.
...
In the Sect Leader’s small courtyard.
"Did the great beast really advance?"
Tie Kuang, although having some suspicions in his heart, was still incredibly shocked upon getting Xu Guang’s confirmation.
No wonder Xu Guang could single-handedly subdue the Wang Family.
"To enable General Wei to grow so rapidly, Dharma Protector Xu has worked hard."
Tie Kuang said smilingly.
"Thanks to the Sect Leader’s support." Xu Guang clasped his hands in salute, complimenting.
Tie Kuang smiled and pondered for a moment.
"Dharma Protector Xu, for your merit in beast taming, I grant you the position of Great Dharma Protector within the sect, along with three portions of hundred-year-old major elixir!"
His original plan was to offer two portions of hundred-year-old major elixir, along with some silver and gold items, but Xu Guang’s demonstrated strength compelled him to decide at that moment that he must make a significant effort to win him over, ensuring Xu Guang does not side with Liu Ning.
"General Wei has just made a breakthrough and requires these major elixirs to stabilize his realm, I will not refuse. Thank you, Sect Leader."
Xu Guang’s words brought a smile to Tie Kuang’s face.
This friendliness in the words made him happy.
Three major elixirs, in exchange for securing an almost invincible Seventh-grade expert in close combat, is an extremely worthwhile deal.
"Dharma Protector Xu, I heard that this conflict with the Wang Family was due to the Liu Family’s young lady?"
Xu Guang did not conceal the truth and spoke directly, "When Xu Mou first arrived in Qingshuo County, poor and desolate, Miss Yu’er provided Xu Mou a meal of kindness."
Tie Kuang showed deep sentiment, "Dharma Protector Xu truly is a righteous hero!"
He couldn’t bring himself to be so affectionate but greatly admired people like Xu Guang.
"Would the current activity range of the grown General Wei be sufficient? Later, I’ll have people move the families near your courtyard, can’t have General Wei get inconvenienced."
Xu Guang expressed his thanks with clasped hands.
For a while, the two engaged in a pleasant conversation.
Regarding Xu Guang offending the Wang Family, whatever consequences this might have, Tie Kuang said nothing, going to great lengths to show support for Xu Guang’s actions.
...
Late night.
In the verdant small forest in the back hills, a figure appeared like a spirit crane, easily and swiftly leaping through, skillfully avoiding the bark and branches in the forest, landing silently and passing through without a trace, almost impossible to detect from outside that someone was darting through the forest at high speed.
Hoo~
Landing, Xu Guang let out a long breath, then a hint of excitement appeared in his eyes.
This Level 4 White Crane Ladder Cloud Soaring, is truly incredible; this level of body technique and speed, although still not comparable to Wei Shuangnian, far surpasses the ordinary.