Gongyi Tianheng threw the boulder in his hands to the side as his figure flashed over. He was already standing next to Gu Zuo: “Ah Zuo, you’re not hurt, are you?”
Gu Zuo shook his head: “I’m fine. Just now, that Earth Worm’s defensive power was much lower than what I imagined. As a result, it died after a few random strikes…”
The two people walked to the front of that Earth Worm’s corpse. They carefully examined it.
Before long, they discovered that the carapace of this Earth Worm was congested with electric currents. Of course, this electricity wasn’t emitted by the Earth Worm itself. It seemed like the Earth Worm had been traveling back and forth inside the lightning, so the electricity affected the surface of its carapace.
After that, they understood.
This ought to have occurred after the dragon’s head poured forth the dragon’s breath. Once peace was tentatively restored, this Earth Worm, which luckily survived, scented the qi emissions of the stone ovum. Just like in the past, the creature would’ve gone searching for it. Then, as before, the Earth Worm would’ve kept guard over the stone ovum nearby. However, this stone ovum was unlike those that were formed at the upper parts of the leyline. It had been underground, fermenting a hundred thousand years’ worth of thunder. The moment it surged out, lightning flickered with unparalleled might.
Therefore, because this Earth Worm was injured by the lava and entangled by the lightning, its defensive power fell. And the moment Tianheng took out the boulder, the Earth Worm naturally lunged out to attack.
Yet, if another length of time had passed, the Earth Worm would’ve adapted to these bolts of lightning. Its carapace would’ve recovered and become even stronger simultaneously. At that point, Gu Zuo might’ve encountered that version of the Earth Worm, and the battle wouldn’t have been so easy.
After figuring this out, Gu Zuo waved his hand, and collected the gigantic Earth Worm’s corpse.
Shortly thereafter, the two people came before the light-purple boulder once more. Gu Zuo examined the stone ovum inside at close range.
Gu Zuo murmured: “I feel that the wondrous medicine inside this stone ovum should have the thunder attribute… Big brother, what do you think?”
Tianheng faintly nodded his head: “It should be as you say.”
Gu Zuo: “In that case, will we break the rock open now?”
Tianheng: “Naturally.”
One simply had to think about it. Even though they could take the entire boulder, this was the first hundred thousand year old stone ovum they found. It was better to study it, and look at the specific situation before anything else.
The matter of splitting open the boulder was naturally left in Tianheng’s hands.
One would only see his arm wave out as the palm of his hand grabbed a long spear. The spear tip was extremely sharp. It was a golden-level spirit weapon. While he couldn’t pour qi energy into the spear at this moment, with the quality of the weapon’s material, it was strong enough.
Tianheng flicked his wrist. The spear tip already shot out, stabbing directly at the boulder!
A perfectly-round, small hole was instantly cut into that huge stone.
In a split second, a bluish-purple liquid flowed out of that small hole. Like a fine wine or a jade syrup, it was viscous and lustrous. At the same time, it wafted with faint, thunderous qi emissions.
Gu Zuo subconsciously took out a large, open-mouthed jade bottle, and went to catch those rivulets of liquid.
The liquid entered the jade bottle with gurgling sounds, and gradually filled it up. Not long after, the jade bottle was similarly dyed a bluish-purple color. It looked particularly beautiful.
Inside such a large boulder, there actually wasn’t a lot of this kind of liquid. After loading three large bottles, there was nothing left. Each bottle weighed about a hundred kilograms, but if one was poured out, there would only be a dozen or so liters.
Ah, the liquid was quite dense.
After all of the liquid dribbled out, Gu Zuo swiftly closed the jade bottles. Once everything was finished, he responded: “Big brother, what kind of liquid do you think this is?”
It wasn’t known when Tianheng had walked over to Gu Zuo’s side. Having heard what was said, he smiled: “The power of thunder and lightning probably gathered together. It combined with the medicinal power emitted by the wondrous medicine. Then, it fused and fermented.”
While speaking, Tianheng took one of the large jade bottles. He opened it, and poured out a small amount into the hollow of his palm.
The next moment, it felt like tiny arcs of lightning were hopping around on his palm. If his physical body wasn’t extremely tough and he hadn’t gone through the thunder tempering, he might’ve been injured by these shocks.
Soon after, Tianheng moved this liquid to his lips, and drank a mouthful.
Gu Zuo was alarmed, and hurriedly went to pull Tianheng’s sleeve: “Big brother, don’t randomly swallow things that I haven’t tested yet!”
But he wasn’t fast enough. The ever-cautious Gongyi Tianheng unexpectedly drank this thing!
At this moment, after drinking a mouthful of liquid, a layer of purple light gathered on Tianheng’s face. It caused his entire appearance to become somewhat hazy and mysterious, but at the same time, he seemed even more handsome, too. His features were mesmerizing&#k2026;
Gu Zuo swallowed a mouthful of saliva: “B-big brother?”
The purple light on Tianheng’s face slowly vanished. After that, he revealed a smiling expression: “Sure enough, it wasn’t outside my expectations. This substance looks brutal, but in fact, its energy is gentle. Taking it won’t harm the internal organs, but it can temper the meridians, flesh, and five viscera. It can be said to be a type of wondrous medicine.”
Gu Zuo listened to these words, and his tense heartstrings finally loosened.
At this time, he swiftly browsed and searched for the corresponding information in his mind. Who knew how many types of similar entries he skimmed through before eventually coming across a certain type of object.
“This seems to be Thunderous Jade Liquid…” Gu Zuo wiped away his sweat, “It really is a derivative of a very gentle wondrous medicine. It’s safe to drink.”
Okay. He was sure it could be drunk.
Tianheng smiled: “This elder brother was too impulsive just now.”
This time around, Gu Zuo didn’t say any comforting words. Instead, he spoke with a bit of a conflicted tone: “From now on, big brother can’t do this kind of thing again. It almost scared me to death.”
Tianheng reached out a hand to ruffle Gu Zuo’s head. He replied: “In the future, if it’s not a last resort, I won’t do anything so risky.”
Gu Zuo set aside his worries.
Thunderous Jade Liquid was a derivative of Thunderous Sky Bamboo. And Thunderous Sky Bamboo was a type of wondrous medicine that was very useful to thunder-attribute martial artists. If it was taken and refined into medicinal pills, there were at least seven or eight corresponding prescriptions. While this thing could be consumed directly, the better the constitution, the better the effects. Likewise, the worse the constitution, the worse the utilization rate. In general, it was more advantageous to refine it into medicinal pills.
This stone ovum’s “identity” was proven, and all of the Thunderous Jade Liquid was collected. As such, what followed was the extraction of the stone ovum itself. This activity was still left to Tianheng. He only needed to stir that long spear a few times, and with another quick jolt, the entire outer crust of the boulder was shattered. That stone ovum obediently landed in the middle of the sunken pile of rubble. Gu Zuo leaned down, placed his hand on it, and immediately received it into the storage space.
Thunderous Sky Bamboo was an exceptional wondrous medicine. Moreover, one hundred thousand years had to pass before any jade liquid could be formed. Presently, the jade liquid didn’t have any rotten odors. It could be seen that this stone ovum was certainly a good one, and it was incredibly precious.
— Previously, Gu Zuo had collected so many stone ova. Once they were cut open, none of them would necessarily be of a higher quality than this one!
Gu Zuo couldn’t help but sigh: “Big brother, when the earth dragon overturned, it really was the perfect time to dredge for treasure.”
Tianheng smiled and said: “For the journey ahead, I’ll have to trouble Ah Zuo to point the way.”
Gu Zuo nodded his head: “I’ll definitely give it my all!”
Following this, Gu Zuo climbed onto Tianheng’s back again. Then, the pair continued to walk onwards.
Under the effects of the far-reaching fog, although they would constantly be paying attention to their consciousness, they would inevitably be subconsciously led astray and their sense of direction would become less accurate.
Gu Zuo discharged his psychic power, and observed everything within a hundred meter radius. Though, due to some kind of unusual “magnetic field”, he still felt somewhat confused… Fortunately, their luck shined through. After a brief, couple of seconds, they arrived at another special environment.
This time around, the brightness in front of them was a little…dazzling.
No. It ought to be said that it was extremely glaring. In addition, it was searingly hot!
Gu Zuo promptly closed his eyes due to the glare. He said: “Big brother, you should close your eyes, too!”
However, Tianheng didn’t respond.
Gu Zuo’s heart trembled.
Was something wrong with his big brother?
He immediately called out with a voice transmission.
[Big brother, big brother? Can you hear me?]
[Big brother, don’t scare me!]
[Is something isolating our voices?]
[Hello? Big brother?!]
After a moment passed, Tianheng’s voice slowly echoed out.
[Ah Zuo, I’m okay.]
Gu Zuo released a long sigh.
[Just now, I had been calling out to big brother for a long time, but you never answered. Did we run into something?]
Tianheng’s tone was tranquil.
[It’s nothing… I just felt that I share some fate with that object. Because it seemed to be calling out to me, I didn’t hear Ah Zuo’s voice. I hope that Ah Zuo doesn’t take offense.]
It was only natural that Gu Zuo didn’t blame Tianheng. Merely, he also harbored suspicions. When all was said and done, what would take the initiative to call out to his big brother? After the earthquake, the environments here were strange. It shouldn’t be anything troublesome, right?
Tianheng appeared to sense Gu Zuo’s way of thinking, and slightly shook his head. He soon replied.
[No. This object should be harmless to me. Instead, my qi ocean…is getting restless because of it.]
Following this, Tianheng was going to proceed forward.
This time, he carried Gu Zuo, and retreated several steps until the rays of lights weren’t so piercing. Then, he put down Gu Zuo.
Gu Zuo forced his eyes open. What he saw was a panorama of resplendence. It was like a sea of light. And within that sea of light was a peculiar object that brightened and dimmed intermittently.
Tianheng spoke to Gu Zuo with an urging voice: “Ah Zuo, don’t walk around randomly.”
Gu Zuo understood what Tianheng meant, and replied: “Big brother, if I see you going the wrong way, I’ll remind you in our consciousness… This time around, you can’t be drawn in by that beckoning.”
Tianheng had a smile on his face, and said: “Naturally. Just now, this elder brother originally hadn’t been bewitched. It was because I had been in the middle of calming my state of mind that I didn’t reply to Ah Zuo. Now that this elder brother is going again, I’ll certainly remain cool-headed. If that still isn’t enough, I have Ah Zuo to save me.”
Gu Zuo’s face reddened: “Big brother needs to be more careful.”
After the two spoke these sentences, Tianheng promptly lifted his foot, and swiftly flashed into the sea of light. This time, there wasn’t the least bit of dissonance. His figure vanished inside, and then immediately reappeared.
Gu Zuo: He came back fast.
But, of course, this was a good thing.
In Tianheng’s hands was clasped a stone ovum that was over a foot in diameter. Compared to the stone ovum that contained the Thunderous Sky Bamboo, this one was a little smaller. Meanwhile, its surface was coated in a layer of reddish-gold radiance. It looked like a brilliant orb of light. Like the scorching sun as it hung over the horizon, this stone ovum emitted a luminous splendor.
If it was tossed up and affixed in the air, people would think that it was a small sun. Its heat was inexhaustible.
After Gu Zuo saw it clearly, he immediately understood.
No wonder his big brother said that he was being beckoned. Wasn’t the medicinal power overflowing from the surface of this stone ovum the same power of a certain qi ocean in Tianheng’s body? The wondrous medicine contained inside was definitely related, and this thing was certainly beneficial to his big brother.
Tianheng handed over the stone ovum to Gu Zuo: “After we return, I’ll have to trouble Ah Zuo to refine this for me.”
Gu Zuo put it away: “I definitely won’t let big brother down.”
Unexpectedly, he felt a special happiness in his heart.
— Up until they left, this place didn’t have any ambushing Earth Worms. It was probably because the energy in this area wasn’t inferior to the heat of the lava. So the Earth Worms were either afraid and didn’t dare to approach due to the lava, or they couldn’t move due to additional injuries?
But regardless of why this happened, the stone ovum fell into the possession of the lucky Gu Zuo and Tianheng.
There were quite a few wondrous medicines that had the power of the sun, but nothing could be seen from the overflowing energies. While Gu Zuo rested against Gongyi Tianheng’s back and continued to give directions, he started to think back on those wondrous medicines and corresponding pill prescriptions. Before long, his mind assembled several types of prescriptions. When they returned, he intended to properly refine it.
Later on, they arrived at the third location, fourth location, fifth location…
There was an environment like a world of ice and snow, and the surface of that place’s stone ovum was condensed out of permafrost. Another place had stormy winds and biting cold. In the eye of the constantly rotating storm, there was a stone ovum that was incessantly spinning. There was a location that generated a thunderstorm with gale-force winds and rolling bolts of thunder and lightning. The bolts were continuously striking a gigantic stone ovum that was two people tall and one person wide. Two types of energy, purple and green, spiraled around the surface of this stone ovum, making it faintly indiscernible and untouchable.
There was an area rich and diverse with clouds tinged by sunset hues. Countless rays of light would burst forth and weave into a wonderland of colored ribbons. The stone ovum was entwined by these colored ribbons, and the beautiful scenery was intoxicating. In another environment, nothing could be seen. There was an illusion that was convincingly real. Once someone fell into it, they would be killed by Earth Worms. But if that person woke up, they would be able to see a barren land with an ashen-white stone ovum wrapped up by two Earth Worms. There was a place with peculiar odors and bloody water that gurgled out of an underground spring. In the middle of that spring was a stone ovum covered with a bloody light. It was bobbing up and down in the water…
And so on and so forth.
Gu Zuo and Tianheng travelled for a long time, and saw many strange and fantastic environments. Because their luck was good, their strength was high, and their vigilance was sufficient, they got through these daunting experiences without any mishaps. All of the stone ova were taken into their hands!
— But not everything would proceed with a favorable wind in their sails.
Or to say, after a smooth and unhindered journey, one would inevitably encounter a bump in the road.
Therefore, when Gu Zuo and Tianheng came to the next unusual environment, they discovered that this place was filled with a sinister miasma. From a suspicious, tree-like cluster of tumor-ridden, withered rattan extended a bare vine that pierced straight through a girl’s chest, firmly pinning her in place!
At the same time, there was a streak of shadow — It was the black-clothed person who had just attacked that girl. The figure turned around and took flight. It seemed like this person had already sensed their existences. Right now, the shadow immediately fled without the slightest hesitation.
The pupils of Gu Zuo’s eyes suddenly shrank.
He recognized that this girl had a few encounters with them. She was precisely the quiet and exquisite girl who had been traveling with Jade Flame Valley’s Ice Phoenix Goddess. There was still a trace of tenacity present in her countenance, but the blood continued to pour from that large hole in her chest. The tree roots converged together into a small sheet of low-lying ground, and all of the blood was constantly absorbed by the withered rattan.
If this continued, the girl would certainly die in this place. No matter how strong her determination, it would be an effort in futility.
Gu Zuo’s impression of this girl wasn’t bad, but when all was said and done, he wasn’t familiar with anyone else. That withered rattan was so monstrous. Should they rescue her or not? He pressed his hands into Tianheng’s own, and slightly squeezed them. His heart was somewhat hesitant.
Tianheng’s gaze withdrew from the rear view of that black-clothed person. While he didn’t have any intentions of pursuing, he did open his mouth to say: “Ah Zuo, use your psychic power to chop down the withered rattan.”
Gu Zuo’s heart loosened.
Since his big brother said this, he didn’t need to feel conflicted about it.
Very quickly, the space between Gu Zuo’s brows swelled with power, and a large saber burst forth. The weapon swiftly hacked at the withered rattan that impaled the girl.
The withered rattan looked powerful, but when compared to an Earth Worm’s carapace, it wasn’t as solid and durable. After the large saber made a dozen or so successive chops, a handful of vines sprang up from other places and flew towards Gu Zuo and Tianheng. There was even one vine that whipped at the saber with the intent of smashing it to pieces!
However, the saber’s speed was too fast. In a couple breaths of time, it had already chopped through the vine that pierced the girl. The girl fell down, and she suddenly spat a mouthful of blood. The blood from her chest was also still pouring out.
Gu Zuo furrowed his brows.
If he couldn’t dispose of the withered rattan as soon as possible, even if they rescued the girl, they wouldn’t be able to save her life.
Hence, he promptly turned his face, and discharged his substantiated psychic power once again. In addition to the saber that battled with the withered rattan, he also released numerous tiny daggers to launch a hurricane-like attack on the withered rattan’s main body!
At this moment, Tianheng also took action. His hand grasped a long spear as he shuttled through the withered rattan with Gu Zuo on his back. After every strike, a vine would be wounded. This caused the vines to become even more frenzied.
However, the attack methods of this cluster of withered rattan were truly limited. Under the swift efforts of the two people, it didn’t take long for all of the vines to be cut down. The main body of the withered rattan was also twisted into a tangled, wooden mass by the spear!
The next instant, Gu Zuo jumped down from Tianheng’s back, and dashed towards that girl. He extended a hand, and used all his might to pull out the withered rattan’s vine. It was a pity that the blood didn’t stop. He could only take out an article of clothing he had never worn from the storage space, and tear it into cloth strips. He firmly bound the girl’s wound to staunch the bleeding a little.
At this time, the quiet and exquisite girl groaned. She opened her eyes to see Gu Zuo and Tianheng. A weak smile appeared on her face.
She clenched her pearly-white, blood-stained teeth, and her voice burst forth from her throat: “You guys need to be careful. Mu Baizhi… Just now, it was her…”
T/N: In real life, if someone is impaled, don’t pull the object out. You’ll just speed up the hemorrhaging.
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