A Deal with the Winged Human Race
"Elder, you flatter me. The Inner Sect Selection Trial is in two months, and time is of the essence. If there's nothing else to tell me, I'll take my leave now," Zhuge Xiang, not feeling smug about the Winged Human Race Elder's praise. He felt uncomfortable surrounded by hostile gazes from the winged Winged Human Race and wanted to leave as soon as possible.
"Leaving isn't urgent. Let me see how much of the Arrow Intent you've grasped," the Winged Human Race elder said, shaking his head. He was clearly very interested in Zhuge Xiang. Before Zhuge Xiang could answer, an incomparably powerful Arrow Intent suddenly emanated from his body.
Buzz...
Joyful chirping echoed throughout the air, and the arrows in the hands of the surrounding Winged Human Race flew out on their own, landing directly in front of the Winged Human Race Elder, as if on a pilgrimage.
Under this soaring Arrow Intent, Zhuge Xiang also took out his Hundred Refinements Bow, activating the Weapon Intent state. The Weapon Intent, which had reached the highest level of Perfection Level, was transformed into Arrow Intent.
One strong and one weak, the two Arrow Intent soared into the sky, clashing with each other. Although Zhuge Xiang's Arrow Intent had reached its highest level, his strength and cultivation were far inferior, and his soul Divine Sense were also insufficient. Under the Arrow Intent of the Winged Human Race Elder, he could only struggle to hold on, as if a mountain was pressing down on Zhuge Xiang, and he seemed to be crushed at any moment. The strength of the Winged Human Race Elder was indeed unfathomable.
"Ten percent Arrow Intent? Such innate Divine Sense?" Zhuge Xiang was shocked by the strength of the Winged Human Race Elder, but little did he know that the Winged Human Race Elder felt an even stronger shock from him. He stared at Zhuge Xiang with wide eyes, unable to believe his eyes.
Those who can comprehend the Arrow Intent during the Deity Transformation stage are all exceptionally talented, one in ten thousand. However, due to the limitations of their Divine Sense, these individuals are already quite strong if they can comprehend half or even one or two tenths of the Arrow Intent. Yet, in Zhuge Xiang, the Winged Human Race Elder sensed ten percent of the Arrow Intent. If it weren't for their own insufficient cultivation and Divine Sense not being able to support the full expression of ten percent of the Arrow Intent, it would be truly uncertain who would suppress whom.
The elder's Arrow Intent was released and withdrawn in an instant, his eyes fixed intently on Zhuge Xiang, making everyone feel uneasy. The Winged Human Race sitting on the tree trunks around him also made a great commotion. Zhuge Xiang was only sixteen years old, yet he possessed such a powerful Arrow Intent? The word "genius" was not enough to describe his talent.
At sixteen, Zhuge Xiang had only achieved the Qi Refining Meridian Opening Realm, which earned him some praise from the elders, who thought he had good talent. However, when they learned that he had comprehended the Arrow Intent, the elders became interested. After testing him and feeling the full extent of the Arrow Intent displayed by Zhuge Xiang, the elders were deeply shocked. He was far from reaching the Deity Transformation Realm, yet he possessed such powerful Arrow Intent. At least in the elders' knowledge, no one had ever succeeded in doing so before. The thoughts that arose in the elders' minds became even more firm.
"With your talent, breaking through to the Deity Transformation stage in the future should be no problem. Young man, I have a deal to make. I wonder if you are interested?" The Winged Human Race Elder looked intently at Zhuge Xiang and said.
"Given the current situation, do I have any right to refuse?" Zhuge Xiang asked, looking at the Winged Human Race Elder. The elder was so powerful, and he was in Winged Human Race territory, with no choice in his own destiny. How could he possibly refuse?
"Young man, don't be so wary. As I said, we mean no harm. This is just a transaction. Even if you don't agree, I will let you leave safely." Seeing through Zhuge Xiang's thoughts, the Winged Human Race Elder regained his kind and benevolent demeanor and said gently.
As an elder of the Winged Human Race, he was unlikely to go back on his word after saying such things in front of the entire clan. This lowered Zhuge Xiang's guard and increased his goodwill towards him. He nodded, "Elder, please speak frankly."
"Good, a straightforward and direct personality, I like it," the Winged Human Race Elder said with a smile, his eyes filled with admiration. He then pointed to the huge female statue beside him and said, "I see you're only sixteen years old. You probably don't know about the great battle three years ago, so you probably don't recognize this woman either?"
"Indeed, what does the elder's deal have to do with this?" Zhuge Xiang glanced at the huge statue, also curious as to why the Winged Human Race, who were hostile to humans, would have such a human statue.
"Actually, this person is also Asura Sect Disciple. Although you don't know her, you should have heard of her name. Ice Maiden is the undisputed chief disciple of your Asura Sect, and her cultivation has already reached the Peak Spirit Transformation Stage." Looking at the huge sculpture, even the Winged Human Race Elder's eyes showed deep respect.
"Ice Maiden? What exactly happened back then?" Slightly taken aback, Zhuge Xiang asked in surprise. This wasn't the first time Zhuge Xiang had heard of the name Ice Maiden.
"Humans have always been excluding those who are different from them, believing that those who are not of their kind must have different hearts. Naturally, they have no goodwill towards any of us Humanoid Race. Similarly, we Winged Human Race are also full of hostility towards humans. My Winged Human Race originally numbered 100,000 and lived on the North Sea Floating Island. Three years ago, my people suffered a great calamity, with countless deaths and injuries. Fortunately, Miss Ice Maiden came to our aid, saved us, and brought us back to the Asura Sect."
As they spoke, the Winged Human Race Elder's eyes were filled with respect, and the thousands of Winged Human Race held their breath, not uttering a single sound to disturb them. "However, the Asura Sect is, after all, a human sect. Even though Miss Ice Maiden is the Asura Sect's chief disciple, with a transcendent status, the Asura Sect does not agree to our residence within their Asura Sect and even intends to exterminate us, these outcasts. After much debate, Miss Ice Maiden reached an agreement with the Asura Sect: she would go into the Void Realm. Once she obtained her own Floating Mountain, our race would relocate to Miss Ice Maiden's Floating Mountain. Unfortunately, in the end, Miss Ice Maiden still failed..."
In the end, the Winged Human Race Elder broke down in tears, and thousands of Winged Human Race also wept in unison. The sound of their cries rose into the starry sky, seemingly infecting the entire Heaven and Earth with a sense of grief.
"So, the legendary Ice Maiden forced her way into the Void Realm for this reason, and ultimately failed." From the words of the Winged Human Race Elder, Zhuge Xiang finally understood the whole story of what happened to Senior Sister Ice Maiden back then.
"I wonder what exactly the deal was between the elder and me? Could it be that I'm supposed to find a way to rescue Senior Sister Ice Maiden from the East Sea?" Zhuge Xiang asked once the Winged Human Race had calmed down a bit.
"Of course not. Miss Ice Maiden cultivates the ancient divine skill, the 'Ice Heart Art.' I've heard her say that this divine skill is arguably the most resistant to Heart Demon possession in the world. Even if Miss Ice Maiden failed to break through to the Void Realm, she shouldn't have suffered Void Realm and Qi Deviation mad. I believe there must be something fishy going on. With your talent, you should have no problem overcoming the Heavenly Tribulation and reaching the Deity Transformation stage. All I need is for you to do your best to find out the reason for Miss Ice Maiden's Qi Deviation within the Asura Sect after you reach the Deity Transformation stage. If you succeed, the entire Winged Human Race will reward you handsomely."
"Ding! Quest 'Uncover the Truth' triggered. Quest requirements: Investigate the reason why Senior Sister Ice Maiden Qi Deviation back then. Quest success: Level +2, Archery Skill 'Meteor Strike'. Accept/Reject."
When the Winged Human Race Elder announced the terms of the trade, a system notification suddenly rang in Zhuge Xiang's mind. A new quest had finally been triggered on the Quest Interface, offering a direct boost to his cultivation level by two levels and a Skill Book. The rewards were indeed generous, and what was even more remarkable was that there was no penalty for failure. How could Zhuge Xiang possibly let this opportunity pass him by?
Having accepted the task, Zhuge Xiang smiled and nodded to the Winged Human Race Elder, saying, "I agree to this deal. However, since it's a deal, could you tell me what reward I'll receive if it succeeds?"
"It's good that you've made things clear," the Winged Human Race Elder nodded, showing no objection to Zhuge Xiang mentioning the reward. If he hadn't brought it up, the Winged Human Race Elder was afraid he wouldn't have the motivation to complete the task.
With a wave of his hand, the elder pulled a crystal longbow from the Void and said, "Our Winged Human Race has traditionally specialized in bows and arrows. This Crystal Dragon Bow was my weapon back then, Seven-Star Artifact. It contains a sealed Spirit Vein. If you succeed, this is your reward."
The crystal longbow was engraved with a few simple Formation lines, yet it conveyed a sense of simplifying complexity. Faintly visible on the bow was a Five-Clawed Golden Dragon formed from spiritual energy, swimming within it. Zhuge Xiang had only ever heard of spiritual energy transforming into a dragon; those with Divine Ability could directly absorb Spirit Vein and seal them into their Cave Mansion, turning them into sacred cultivation grounds. This was the first time he had ever seen someone seal an entire Spirit Vein within Treasure Artifact. Regardless of its power, wearing such a bow would undoubtedly provide immeasurable benefits to cultivation.
"What a fine bow!" Zhuge Xiang exclaimed, his eyes lighting up. But then he shook his head and said, "The bow is indeed good, but we can only obtain it after a successful transaction. Since it's a transaction, Elder, you should at least pay a deposit."
"Haha, you young man, you're the kind of person who won't act until you see the benefit," the Winged Human Race Elder laughed, raising his hand and gently stroking Zhuge Xiang's arm.
A powerful force suddenly surged into his bone marrow, causing a tingling sensation that quickly moved downwards. Then, a sharp pain shot through his palm as a plump, pink Gu worm, resembling a silkworm, appeared in Zhuge Xiang's hand. Upon seeing this, Zhuge Xiang was overjoyed. Zi Xiang's Lifebound Gu had actually been extracted by the Winged Human Race Elder.
"Are you satisfied with my deposit?" The Winged Human Race Elder withdrew his hand, reverting to his hunched posture, looking old and frail, yet he still managed a smile.
"Haha, I'm satisfied, I'm extremely satisfied! Elder, rest assured, I will definitely complete our deal perfectly!" Zhuge Xiang laughed loudly, found a jade bottle, put Zi Xiang's Lifebound Gu inside, and then turned and left the Winged Human Race territory.