Pill King Gu He

Inside the stone cave, the azure-gold flames of the Green Lotus Core Flame curled and stretched like a living thing. Pale azure flames danced along the edges of its petals, baking the air around Medusa until it warped in waves. The Dou Qi wreathed around her sometimes coiled like Red Chain Snakes, sometimes erupted outward with volcanic fury. The Sweat Beads that appeared on her brow were instantly vaporized into wisps of White Mist by the intense heat. Only her tightly shut eyes still carried an inviolable majesty. Outside the stone cave, however, the Snake People Tribe settlement was suddenly torn open by a shrill, ear-piercing serpent whistle—it was the highest-level alarm of the Snake People Tribe. Like poisoned spikes, the whistle pierced the desert's silence and instantly threw the entire tribe into turmoil. Countless Snake People warriors wielding spears and bows rushed from their stone houses, the rustling of snake tails dragging across the ground Intertwined with hissing cries of "Enemy attack!"

Xiao Yan lay hidden in a crack atop the stone cave, his fingertips digging tightly into the rough rock. Shielded by Elder Yao's Soul Power, he suppressed even his breathing to the faintest degree. Through the gap in the rocks, he clearly saw the pale blue defensive barrier around the tribe's outskirts ripple violently like a lake struck by a massive boulder. Dense ripples Appeared across its surface. Then, five figures shot through the barrier's obstruction like sharp arrows breaking through the Clouds, descending into the square at the center of the tribe with fierce Dou Qi fluctuations.

The leader wore a moon-white robe, its hems embroidered with intricate pill patterns. As the breeze passed, his robe Rustled, yet it could not conceal his refined bearing. His face was handsome, and his brows carried the composure unique to an alchemist. A faint Pill Fragrance lingered around him. Even in enemy territory, he remained utterly calm—he was none other than the renowned Pill King Gu He of the Northwestern Region, famed for his masterful alchemy and Powerful strength. His gaze did not fall upon the Snake People warriors surrounding him, but fixed directly on the stone cave deep within the tribe that radiated the scorching aura of a Heavenly Flame. His eyes gleamed sharply with determination. Clearly, he had come for only one thing—the Green Lotus Core Flame.

Behind Gu He, four powerful Dou Wang experts stood in a line, each possessing an imposing Aura. On the left stood a burly man built like an iron tower. The muscles on his arms bulged as though they would burst through his tight clothing. He gripped a giant axe the size of a door, its blade flashing with cold light. Violent Earth Attribute Dou Qi swirled around him, and Every breath he took was accompanied by a deep rushing sound. He was Zhao Shan, the famed northwestern warrior known as the "Mountain Splitting Axe." On the right was a lean man dressed in tight black clothes, his thin frame exuding a ghostly air. His face was covered in black cloth, revealing only a pair of icy eyes. The two short daggers in his hands glowed with a faint blue sheen, clearly coated in deadly poison. He was Wei You, the "Shadow Kill" skilled in assassination. The last two were actually identical twin brothers, dressed in silver battle attire and each holding a slender longsword. When Liu Feng and Liu Yu, the "Twin Swords," Stood shoulder to shoulder, their Dou Qi Intertwined like flowing water, forming a faint net of Sword Qi around them. They were clearly masters of combined attacks.

The moment the five steadied themselves, Snake People warriors had already surrounded the square. At the front, four even more powerful Snake People experts slowly emerged, blocking Gu He and his group. The leading Snake Person was tall, with a humanoid upper body and bronze skin, while his lower half was a serpent tail covered in dark green scales. The scales reflected a cold gleam beneath the moonlight. His tail swept lightly across the ground, leaving shallow marks behind. He wore a crown forged from massive snake bones, with a Dark red gemstone embedded in his brow. In his hand was a spear made from thousand-year snakewood. The spearhead emitted an Eerie green glow, and a massive snake-eye gemstone embedded at its tip radiated a lethal aura. He was Mo Lin, the Great Elder of the Snake People Tribe. His strength had long reached the Peak Dou Wang, merely A Step Away from Dou Huang. Within the tribe, aside from Queen Medusa, none was stronger than him.

Behind Mo Lin stood three other Snake People Dou Wang, equally menacing. The two on the left held longbows wound with snake tendons. Their quivers were filled with feathered arrows, their tips coated in eerie green venom that glinted strangely beneath the moonlight. Their bowstrings had already been drawn taut, their arrows aimed directly at Gu He and his group. They were Qing Ying and Qing Feng, the Snake People Tribe's "Poison Arrow Duo." On the right stood a female Snake Person dressed in fitted green leather armor that perfectly outlined her curvaceous figure. Several thumb-thick venomous snakes coiled around her waist, flicking their forked tongues and hissing threateningly. Her eyes were cold as frost. She was Lu Ji, the "Spirit Snake Envoy," skilled in poison and snake control.

"Pill King Gu He, you have quite the nerve! You dare barge into the sacred land of my Snake People Tribe? Are you tired of living?" Mo Lin Stepped Out, his serpent tail slamming fiercely against the ground and sending shattered stones flying. His voice Exploded like thunder, carrying the hoarseness and majesty unique to the Snake People.

Gu He still wore a calm smile. His eyes swept over the four Snake People experts blocking his path, and he spoke evenly, though his tone carried unquestionable confidence. "Elder Mo Lin, I did not come today to make enemies of the Snake People Tribe. I came only for the Green Lotus Core Flame. If you Hand Over the Heavenly Flame, I am willing to offer three tier-six Qi Gathering Pills in exchange. These pills can help Dou Wang experts stabilize their cultivation and may even give them a chance to break through to Dou Huang. For your Snake People Tribe, it would be a generous gift. From this day onward, we will keep out of each other's affairs. What do you say?"

"Outrageous!" Mo Lin Roared, thrusting his spear toward Gu He. The snake-eye gemstone at its tip flashed with Fierce Light. "The Green Lotus Core Flame is a sacred relic passed down through my Snake People Tribe for a thousand years. It is the key to Her Majesty's breakthrough. How can we allow you humans to lay your hands on it? If you do not leave your lives behind today, Don't even think about taking half a step out of the Snake People Tribe!" Before the words fell, Mo Lin shot forward. His serpent tail sprang hard off the ground, and he became a poisoned arrow loosed from the bow, rushing at Gu He with sharp whistling winds. Rich green Dou Qi gathered around his spear, Mixed with Strands of black mist—the Snake People Tribe's unique Bone Corroding Poison Dou Qi. Once contaminated by it, one would not only suffer grievous damage from the Dou Qi, but their meridians would also be eroded by potent poison. It was vicious beyond measure.

Gu He's Gaze sharpened, yet he showed no panic whatsoever. With a light tap of his foot, Instead of retreating, he advanced. His Right Hand formed seals rapidly as he uttered in a low voice, "Dou Qi Shield!" In an instant, a Pale Gold Dou Qi barrier appeared like a golden wall out of thin air, firmly blocking his path. Clang! A deafening, crisp impact rang out as the spear stabbed fiercely into the golden barrier. At the moment the green Dou Qi collided with it, violent ripples Appeared. The golden barrier shook violently like a lake battered by gale-force winds, yet it never shattered.

Just as Gu He blocked Mo Lin's attack, Zhao Shan of the "Mountain Splitting Axe" was already the first to strike. He roared, and the earth-attributed Dou Qi around him instantly expanded. Wrapped in Dou Qi, the giant axe in his hand transformed into a massive axe phantom several dozen zhang long. Accompanied by a thunderous rumble, it hacked toward Qing Ying of the Poison Arrow Duo on the left as if splitting mountains and shattering rocks. The axe wind was so sharp that it tore a visible rift through the air, while even the sand and gravel on the ground were swept into the sky.

Qing Ying reacted swiftly. Seeing the giant axe bearing down, he raised his longbow across his body and simultaneously released the bowstring. Two feathered arrows wrapped in green venom shot out like twin green bolts of lightning, whistling through the air as they targeted Zhao Shan's throat, seeking to force him back. Yet Zhao Shan was Not afraid in the slightest. He Clenched fist with his left hand, condensing his Dou Qi into a heavy gauntlet, then swung it brutally. With two clangs, he smashed the poison arrows away. The arrow shafts struck a nearby stone house and instantly blasted two holes through it. Yet the giant axe in his hand did not slow in the least, still chopping toward Qing Ying with violent momentum.

Just as Qing Ying was about to be cleaved by the giant axe, a green figure flashed past like a ghost—it was Lu Ji, the Spirit Snake Envoy. The venomous snakes around her waist sprang out like soldiers receiving orders. Several dozen venomous snakes Intertwined in midair to form a poisonous net, winding toward Zhao Shan's arm. Left with no choice, Zhao Shan could only forcibly retract his giant axe and swing it backhandedly. The axe blade, carrying Dou Qi, instantly severed the snakes. Green snake blood splashed onto the ground with sizzling sounds, corroding the sand into Small Pits. But during that brief delay, Qing Ying had already retreated ten zhang away. He drew his bow again, its arrowhead still aimed at Zhao Shan, his eyes filled with cold killing intent.

On the other side, Shadow Kill Wei You had also made his move. His figure was like a shadow melting into darkness as he silently crept toward Qing Feng, the other member of the Poison Arrow Duo. His short daggers shone with a faint blue chill as he used the stone houses for cover, drawing closer step by step. Qing Feng had clearly been prepared. His longbow turned constantly in his hands, its arrowhead always aimed at the direction Wei You might appear from. At the same time, he let out a shrill whistle. The snake pouch at his waist shook, and several venomous snakes crawled out, slithering before him to form a defense. Seeing this, Wei You curled his lips into a cold smile. His figure suddenly accelerated, appearing behind Qing Feng as if teleporting. His short dagger stabbed directly toward Qing Feng's Back of the heart. Qing Feng reacted quickly, twisting his body sharply. The dagger Swiped past his ribs, leaving a bloody gash. But he used the chance to turn and fire an arrow at Wei You. In an instant, the two became locked in combat, one attacking fiercely, the other defending tightly. For a time, neither could gain the upper hand.

The most intense battle in the field, however, was between Gu He and Mo Lin. Mo Lin's spear moved like a living venomous snake, every attack striking from a tricky angle and targeting Gu He's vital points. Bone Corroding Poison Dou Qi spread from the spear tip, forming a faint green mist in the air. So long as one inhaled even a trace of it, they would feel dizzy and disoriented. But with his masterful control over Dou Qi, Gu He circulated his Golden Dou Qi in an Air-tight manner. Sometimes, it condensed into shields to block the spear's strikes. Layer after layer of ripples Appeared upon the shields, but they remained unbreakable. At other times, he condensed his Dou Qi into slender spikes and counterattacked Mo Lin. The spikes tore through the air, forcing Mo Lin to divide his attention to evade them.

"The Pill King's strength truly lives up to his reputation." The longer Mo Lin fought, the more alarmed he became. He had believed that, with his Peak Dou Wang strength, even if he could not secure a quick victory, he could at least hold the advantage. Yet Gu He's Dou Qi was not only incomparably deep, but his defenses were like Bronze Wall and Iron Battlements. What Mo Lin feared even more was the gentle aura unique to medicinal pills contained within Gu He's Dou Qi. Every collision easily neutralized the poison in his Dou Qi, greatly weakening the Bone Corroding Poison Dou Qi that had made his name. "But do you truly think this little strength is enough to take the sacred relic from my Snake People Tribe?"

The corners of Gu He's lips lifted slightly. The Dou Qi in his hand flowed, and the golden shield instantly transformed into several golden blades of light that Shot towards Mo Lin. At the same time, he said calmly, "Elder Mo Lin, why persist so stubbornly? Queen Medusa is currently in seclusion, advancing in rank. No one in the tribe is my match. Hand Over the Heavenly Flame. It will be good for both of us."

Before the words fell, Gu He suddenly seized an opening in Mo Lin's attack. In order to evade the light blades, Mo Lin's body paused ever so slightly. A fierce glint flashed through Gu He's eyes as his Right Hand Pushed forward. The Golden Dou Qi around his body instantly converged into a golden pillar of light as thick as a bucket, which Bombed towards Mo Lin with World-destroying force. Where the pillar passed, the air was violently compressed, producing sizzling sounds. Even the sand and gravel on the ground were thrown up, forming a small wave of sand.

Mo Lin's expression changed drastically. He could clearly feel the Terrifying power Contained within the light pillar. It was already too late to dodge, so he could only hold his spear horizontally before himself and Mobilized his Full body Dou Qi, condensing a thick green wall of Dou Qi in front of him as he hissed, "Block it for me!"

Boom— A deafening explosion rang out as the golden pillar slammed fiercely into the green wall of Dou Qi. The instant the two powers collided, a Violent energy shockwave spread outward Like a tsunami. Dozens of Snake People warriors in the square were sent flying by the impact, while Dense cracks spread across the walls of the stone houses. Mo Lin felt a tremendous force press down on him like a mountain. His arms instantly went numb, and his spear nearly flew from his grasp. He was flung through the air like a Kite with a broken string and crashed heavily onto the ground ten zhang away. A mouthful of black blood spilled from his lips—he had clearly suffered not only external injuries, but damage to his meridians from Gu He's Dou Qi as well.

"Great Elder!" Qing Ying, Qing Feng, and Lu Ji cried out at once, trying to Stepped Forward to aid him, only to be tightly entangled by Zhao Shan, Wei You, and the Twin Swords Liu Feng and Liu Yu. Zhao Shan roared and hacked out with his giant axe again. The massive axe phantom carried violent force, driving Qing Ying to Continuously retreated. Several wounds had already appeared across his body, green blood flowing down from them and dripping onto the ground with corrosive sizzling sounds. Relying on his ghostly movement technique, Wei You constantly harassed Qing Feng. His daggers darted out from time to time, forcing Qing Feng into a flustered state and leaving several shallow wounds on him as well. Liu Feng and Liu Yu, meanwhile, unleashed their combined technique. Their Dou Qi merged together, and as their longswords swung, they formed a massive net of Sword Qi that tightly Trapped in Lu Ji. The sword net flashed with cold light. With each contraction, Lu Ji's range of movement shrank further. Several of the venomous snakes at her waist had been severed by Sword Qi, yet she still gritted her teeth and refused to retreat even half a step.

Gu He walked slowly up to Mo Lin and looked down from above at him, a fierce glint flashing through his eyes. "Elder Mo Lin, can you consider my proposal now? Hand Over the Green Lotus Core Flame. Not only will I spare your life, I will even give you a Detoxification Pill to neutralize the backlash from the Dou Qi in your body."

Mo Lin struggled to his feet and wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth. His eyes were filled with unwillingness and fury, yet they still held the pride of the Snake People. "Don't even think about it! The Green Lotus Core Flame is the foundation of the tribe. Even if I die, I will never let you succeed!" With that, he abruptly raised his head and released an utterly piercing serpent cry. Unlike the previous alarm, this cry carried a special rhythm, like a signal horn, instantly spreading throughout the tribe.

Moments later, dense serpent cries arose from deep within the tribe, drawing closer and closer, accompanied by the rustling of snake tails dragging over the ground and orderly footsteps—Mo Lin was clearly summoning the remaining Snake People experts of the tribe. Gu He's expression changed slightly. He had come precisely because he had calculated that Queen Medusa was in seclusion, advancing in rank, and that Mo Lin was the only Peak Dou Wang expert in the tribe. He had intended to end the battle swiftly, seize the Heavenly Flame, and leave at once. Yet he had not expected Mo Lin to be so tenacious, still summoning reinforcements. He could clearly sense that the auras approaching from afar were growing stronger. At least three more Dou Wang experts were on their way. Once surrounded, even with his Powerful strength, it would be difficult for him to escape unscathed.

We can't delay any longer! Gu He Thought to himself. Then he shouted sternly at the four Dou Wang experts behind him, "End this quickly! Break through the line and prepare to withdraw!"

Upon hearing this, the four Dou Wang immediately erupted with even Stronger Dou Qi. Zhao Shan roared and raised his giant axe high. Earth Attribute Dou Qi Fiercely surged, and a thick earthen-yellow glow Appeared on the axe blade. It became a massive axe phantom Several dozen zhang long, hacking fiercely at Lu Ji with the force of splitting mountain ranges. The axe wind was razor-sharp, forcing Lu Ji to abandon the encirclement and Retreated Steadily. Liu Feng and Liu Yu exchanged a glance, then unleashed their trump-card killing move simultaneously. Their longswords Intertwined, their Dou Qi Instantly expanded, and they formed a massive spinning sword wheel. Accompanied by Howling wind, the sword wheel crushed toward Qing Ying. Where it passed, the air was torn apart and the ground was carved with a Deep Gully. Shadow Kill Wei You seized the opportunity. With a flash, he Circled around to Qing Feng's rear like a ghost. His short dagger gathered his Full body Dou Qi and stabbed directly toward Qing Feng's Back of the heart with a faint blue gleam.

Seeing this, Mo Lin tried to rise and stop them, but Gu He blocked him. Dou Qi gathered in Gu He's hand once more, and several golden light blades Shot towards Mo Lin like a rainstorm. Mo Lin could only Curl Up and barely resist with Dou Qi, having no time to care about anything else.

Pfft— With a soft sound, Wei You's short dagger precisely pierced Qing Feng's Back of the heart. Qing Feng's body stiffened. He spat out a mouthful of blood, and the longbow in his hand fell to the ground with a clang. He slowly collapsed, the light in his eyes gradually fading.

Without Qing Feng's support, the pressure on Qing Ying and Lu Ji instantly doubled. Qing Ying was driven back step by step by the Twin Swords' sword wheel, the wounds on his body increasing. Green blood stained his clothes red. Finally, the sword wheel smashed heavily into him, sending him flying before he crashed to the ground. Whether he lived or died was unknown. Lu Ji, meanwhile, was pressed so hard by Zhao Shan's giant axe that she was Unable to Breathe. When the axe came down, she could only barely block it with Dou Qi, but the axe wind caused her Meridians ached intensely. She spat out blood, staggered, and fell to the ground. Zhao Shan stepped on her chest, and she Could no longer move.

In the span of mere moments, three Snake People Dou Wang had suffered one death and two injuries. Only Mo Lin remained, still struggling to hold on. But at that moment, the serpent cries and footsteps from deep within the tribe drew ever nearer. Three powerful Dou Wang auras had already entered their Line of sight—the Snake People Tribe's reinforcements had arrived. Gu He's expression was Grave. Knowing he had completely lost his chance to seize the Heavenly Flame, he decisively shouted to the four Dou Wang, "Withdraw!"

Before the words fell, Gu He turned and flew toward the edge of the tribe like an arrow released from the bow. Golden Dou Qi gathered behind him to form a temporary barrier, blocking the attacks of the Snake People warriors. Zhao Shan, Wei You, Liu Feng, and Liu Yu immediately broke away from their opponents and followed close behind Gu He, fleeing toward the outskirts of the tribe. They moved with extraordinary speed, breaking through the Snake People warriors' encirclement in an instant and racing into the depths of the desert.

Mo Lin watched Gu He and his group flee, his eyes blazing with fury. Yet his injuries were too severe, and he could only struggle to stand before roaring at the reinforcements who had just arrived, "Quick! Chase them! We Absolutely cannot let them escape! Tear them to pieces and avenge Qing Feng!"

Among the arriving Snake People experts, one Snake Person clad in Dark red armor rushed out first. He was even taller than Mo Lin, with a muscular upper body and dark red skin. His serpent tail was covered with sharp bone spikes that gleamed coldly in the moonlight. In his hand, he held a massive serpent-shaped scimitar. Its blade curved like a snake and was coated in deadly poison. He was Chi Ya, the Snake People Tribe's second leader. His strength was equal to Mo Lin's, also at the Peak Dou Wang, and his temperament was even more violent and bloodthirsty. Looking in the direction Gu He and his group had fled, a bloodthirsty gleam flashed through his eyes. He shouted to the dozens of Snake People warriors behind him, "Follow me! Even if we chase them to the ends of the earth, we will tear off these humans' heads!"

Before the words fell, Chi Ya rushed out first. His serpent tail swayed rapidly across the ground as he pursued Gu He and his group with fierce momentum. Dozens of Snake People warriors followed closely behind. The rustling of their tails dragging along the ground, their furious roars, and their footsteps Intertwined as they surged from the tribe Like a Tide, vanishing into the desert night.

From atop the stone cave, Xiao Yan took in everything, his heart pounding wildly. Elder Yao's voice rang out in his mind. "Little Yanzi, the opportunity has come! The Snake People Tribe's main force has gone after Gu He. The tribe's defenses are weak now—this is the best time to seize the Green Lotus Core Flame!" Xiao Yan looked down at Medusa, who was still in seclusion, advancing in rank, but hesitation rose in his heart. Although Medusa was at a critical stage, the Dou Qi fluctuations around her were still powerful. If he disturbed her breakthrough, it would inevitably provoke a violent counterattack. But if he missed this chance, he did not know when he would next be able to approach the Green Lotus Core Flame. He gripped the Black Heavy Ruler at his waist tightly, his knuckles turning pale. For a time, he did not know what choice to make.