Glimpsing the Great War (Combined Chapter)

Chapter 24: Glimpsing the Great War (Combined Chapter)

Going from zero to one is always the hardest step.

But with a guide, the situation is reversed!

At this moment, the Wood Release clone stared intently at the Earth Vein energy flowing within Hermit Caolu, and what was once an untransmittable secret or an insurmountable problem suddenly became as defenseless as a young girl.

It wasn't until Hermit Caolu finished his self-healing that the clone reluctantly snapped back to reality.

"How is it, fellow Daoist? Did you see what you needed?"

"Many thanks." The clone nodded, then looked at Wang Xiuzhi and said in a deep voice, "Please, miss, take the Hermit to the night market near the Main God Space and have him rendezvous with his two disciples!"

"I have matters to attend to, so I must take my leave first..."

Having easily grasped the operational flow and obtained the key, the Wood Release clone didn't want to delay for even a second; as the words left his mouth, he transformed into a pile of withered wood on the spot.

This left the old man and the young girl staring at each other in confusion.

Everything he had seen and heard was immediately transmitted to the main body's mind!

Fang Xiu, who was eating at a street stall, suddenly burst into laughter, looking quite pleased.

"What exactly happened?" The Golden-Armored Divine General Ma Shangfeng put down his iced soda, tilted his head, and asked with some confusion.

Seeing this, the somewhat frivolous Silver-Armored General Xiaogui habitually curled his lip before whispering, "No idea, he might have gone crazy, laughing for no reason."

Next, the two saw Fang Xiu sit cross-legged and adopt a posture of closed-eyed meditation.

"You two little brothers, keep eating and recharge your energy."

"Wait a moment, Hermit Caolu will be here to meet us soon."

After these two sentences, Fang Xiu ignored the outside world and began to circulate his chakra according to the method he had just acquired, allowing it to intersect and cycle with the surrounding environment.

As time passed, a mark appeared between his brows; it first appeared earthy yellow, then gradually faded.

Looking at that rock-like mark, Xiaogui was stunned and momentarily forgot to eat—for a split second, the figures of Fang Xiu and his master, Hermit Caolu, overlapped.

The Earth Immortal Cultivation Method?! The thought had just crossed his mind.

Fang Xiu opened his eyes.

At this moment, his Sharingan, which usually remained in the Three-Tomoe form, had a slightly golden undertone, but otherwise, there were no changes; they were still human pupils—

Mount Myōboku Sage Mode, a unique Sage Mode learned from the Toad Clan, grants the practitioner distinct frog-like features and greatly increases the power of ninjutsu and taijutsu, while also providing powerful recovery and sensory capabilities.

Ryūchi Cave Sage Mode, a snake-related Sage Mode, causes the practitioner to develop traits like snake scales, granting the user extreme vitality and insight.

As for the Sage Mode of the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama, it possesses astonishing recovery power, and the user's face develops red markings while in that state.

Of course, the Six Paths Sage Mode is the most flashy.

It is the strongest Sage Mode activated by Uzumaki Naruto after fusing with the chakra of the Sage of Six Paths! It allows for the free use of all Tailed Beast abilities and chakra reserves, while also providing superhuman insight and the ability to fly.

Its features include a golden cloak, Truth-Seeking Balls...

The even more "cheat-like" aspect is that in this state, Naruto can perceive the flow of all life and reach a state of detachment regarding the world's structure, similar to a creator's perspective.

Currently, the only thing that changed for Fang Xiu was the base color of his pupils, but as he felt the changes in his body at this moment, the corners of his mouth couldn't help but rise...

All things are difficult at the start.

Because the operational method heavily referenced the Earth Immortal techniques of Hermit Caolu, his earth-attribute chakra power surged, while other attributes only saw a minor increase.

But this was also within his expectations.

When he had time, he would study it in depth to unlock—no, to expand—a Sage Mode more suitable for himself, rather than relying purely on the Sharingan's copying ability.

"Where did you steal our sect's secret technique from?"

Unable to keep stuffing his face, Xiaogui stood up abruptly, his tone somewhat stern.

The Dao is not easily taught.

Especially the core inheritance of a school!

Regarding this, the high-spirited Fang Xiu didn't mind Xiaogui's aggressive tone and explained earnestly: "Hermit Caolu will be here soon. He personally demonstrated the technique for my clone to see, and when he arrives, you can ask him yourself."

"Besides, this is not purely the Earth Immortal Longevity Method; it is Sage Mode."

"It converts natural energy belonging to the earth into high-purity energy, absorbing it into the body to increase one's combat power."

This was indeed the truth.

Daoists have profound mysterious arts and long lifespans, and most possess a sense of detachment—a feeling that it is better to transcend the heavens than to defeat others, or perhaps an "immortal aura."

But Fang Xiu, who referenced the technique, did not have a long lifespan, because he did not choose to merge with a small world; that would be restraining himself.

Combat power!

Everything is for combat power! By relying on terrifying strength to evolve through the Main God Space, once he breaks through it, he will naturally see the truth and attain eternity! On the other side.

Hermit Caolu, having recovered most of his strength, sat in the car, curiously examining this technological creation that was not a Daoist art but was exceptionally practical.

An iron carriage?

Driven by oil! At the same time, a compass engraved with Bagua patterns appeared in his hand, pointing straight toward the location of his two disciples, matching exactly the place the Wood Release clone had mentioned before disappearing.

This ability to conjure objects out of thin air made Wang Xiuzhi exceptionally curious, and she also wanted to investigate what kind of story had unfolded for the girl named Shishi—her own past life.

Unfortunately, Hermit Caolu felt pity for this girl.

In her past life, she had been ravaged by the Ghost King and transformed into a ghost concubine; now that a powerful helper had entered the fray, he could not let her get involved in this under any circumstances!

And so, the Hermit fished a talisman from his robes and said earnestly, "This matter is too dangerous. Take this to protect yourself, girl, and go live your own life."

Having said that.

Fang Xiu and the others appeared in his line of sight.

Hermit Caolu immediately transformed into a golden light, passing through the glass window and flying far away, leaving behind only a Six-Jia Evil-Expelling Talisman for Wang Xiuzhi.

Her red lips parted slightly, words caught in her throat.

For some reason, Wang Xiuzhi felt a sense of sorrow in her heart, but the past had already turned to smoke. The rationality that held the upper hand told her—it was time to leave; what was coming next was simply not something an ordinary woman like her could intervene in.

The sedan turned around right where it was.

Glancing at her from afar, Fang Xiu stopped paying attention to this great beauty of the Hong Kong Cinema World. With only a brief sigh in his heart, he composed himself and stepped forward to greet Hermit Caolu.

"Fellow Daoist, we must find the Ghost King as soon as possible. If possible, it would be best to eliminate this beast tonight to avoid any complications!!" His tone was stern, sounding nothing like what one would expect from a terrestrial immortal.

"Agreed." Fang Xiu nodded.

To be frank, he really liked dealing with straightforward people, especially now. There was no need for pleasantries; the longer they dragged it out, the more unfavorable the situation would become—the Ghost King was recovering quickly, but he was ultimately wallowing in a bed of pleasure and had not yet reached his peak. It just so happened that he had stumbled upon the location of this guy, and there was a high-level mole lurking inside.

The two hit it off immediately! "To tell you the truth, I have already found the hiding place of the Fusang Ghost King and can strike at any time."

"Then... I trouble you to lead the way, Fellow Daoist. Even if I, Caolu, have to risk my life today, I will remove this great scourge from the human world."

As someone who had battled the Ghost King many times, Hermit Caolu understood his opponent well and also possessed hidden methods to track him down—though it would consume quite a bit of time.

No more wasted words.

Just do it! Perhaps it was a habit formed in the previous trial world, but Fang Xiu really liked getting straight to the point—the sufficiently powerful strength he possessed at this stage gave him this kind of boldness.

With just a few words, such a major decision was made? Xiaogui was speechless.

However, he was also very clear on one fact: if Fang Xiu had even the slightest bit of ill intent, none of the three master and disciples would have survived.

As for the dim-witted Ma Shangfeng? His thinking was even simpler—everyone wanted to kill the Ghost King, so they were good brothers. Why waste breath? Just charge in together! On the other side.

To be fair, the Fusang Ghost King was indeed quite capable when it came to concealing his tracks. He had set up a large number of measures near the remote stronghold of the Nine Chrysanthemum Lineage, which could effectively isolate any detection—mortals who approached would encounter a ghost wall, while practitioners who approached would either die if weak or trigger an alarm if strong.

But, he was cursed with bad luck.

The contemporary successor of the Nine Chrysanthemum Lineage was courting death by poking his head out, thinking that from such a great distance, he could safely spy on something, so he used an illusion to test Fang Xiu's mettle.

True · try it and you die!

At this moment, well-fed and in excellent condition, the four people led by Fang Xiu and Caolu were traveling at high speed, not daring to delay for even a second.

Finally...

They arrived at the target location.

The area for ten miles around was sparsely populated and undeveloped, making it perfect for a great battle! Basement.

"My Lord, please taste this authentic pure rice Daiginjo from our homeland."

The evil female cultivators were all smiles; two were kneading his shoulders, while two were submerged in the water, their heads bobbing up and down.

At this moment, the flushed Michiko brought over a pot of wine. This was the first time in his life the Fusang Ghost King had enjoyed such luxury. His face was full of lecherous joy, and he couldn't help but sigh that the younger generation had come up with so many tricks.

Outside the curtain.

The gold-medal thug, who had been maintaining a kneeling position, felt a sense of humiliation. After all, he had always liked Michiko and was willing to serve as a thug...

Yet, he had been cuckolded by the Ghost King who had traveled through time from five hundred years ago.

"Go down and prepare some food."

The Ghost King's casual command drifted out.

"Hai!"

After responding subconsciously, Billy, who clearly knew he had been cuckolded, simply stood up and slowly retreated, beginning to prepare for the sumptuous dinner. His heart had already found peace—

Forget it...

After all, this was the ancestor of their Fusang people, and his ghost energy was enough to shake the heavens and move the earth. He had to suck up to him with all his might, and Michiko offering herself to serve him... was also understandable.

Simultaneously.

The Ghost King ancestor's laughter rang out, interspersed with the rising and falling sounds of Michiko.

"Twin snakes coiled in front of the gate, twin pillars supporting the sky opposite, sunlight can hardly enter."

On a low slope.

Hermit Caolu overlooked the entire scene, murmuring as if reading from a manual: "Mist gathers and refuses to disperse, yin energy piles up into a pool. Yin energy plus moisture, dark and damp, forming the Extreme Fierce Burial Pavilion."

Following his gaze, Fang Xiu clearly saw two stone pillars rising into the sky.

"No matter. Once the battle begins, I will be the first to destroy the terrain here."

His words were filled with confidence.

Hearing this, Hermit Caolu stopped questioning and laid his cards on the table: "Since you are securing the geographical advantage, fellow Daoist, then I shall borrow the celestial timing. It just so happens... that the Big Dipper is shining brilliantly tonight."

"The advantage is ours!" Xiaogui summarized.

Beside them, Ma Shangfeng chuckled foolishly.

Fang Xiu was speechless: "..."

Unlike ordinary vengeful spirits, which are formless and intangible, making them difficult to strike with physical means, Hermit Caolu had specifically explained on the way here that this Fusang Ghost King was a product of a corpse fused with ghostly energy.

In short.

Physical damage, check.

Magical damage, also check! According to Ma Shangfeng, he had once heard from his colleagues that in order to completely eradicate the Japanese pirates led by the Ghost King during his lifetime, the imperial court had deployed a full-strength garrison battalion equipped with a large number of Hu Dun Cannons, finally making him pay his blood debt in a small coastal village.

At the time, the Ming army had suffered heavy casualties, so they had little interest in dealing with the aftermath of these invaders—after beheading them and cutting off their ears to tally their merits, they used salt, rice water, and mud to aggregate the remaining heads, building a Jingguan on the spot as a deterrent, and threw the corpses into a mass grave to be devoured by wild dogs and jackals.

However, the Fusang pirates were too ferocious and sinful in life; once the army left and the suppression of the military aura and the imperial Dragon-Tiger Aura was gone, they turned into vengeful spirits and devoured one another.

The one that remained in the end became a peerless Ghost King; it gathered its remnants, retrieved its skull, pieced together its corpse, and continued to wreak havoc on the region.

It was incredibly vicious!

Precisely because of this, Fang Xiu had rushed over in a hurry, but once he arrived and confirmed the target's location, he regained his patience, standing silently and waiting for Hermit Caolu to borrow the celestial timing.

Starlight was condensing.

It gradually took shape.

"Flame Emperor's burning blood, Big Dipper's scorching bones. Four Brightness shatter the remains, Heavenly Marshal annihilates the kind. With one strike of the Divine Blade, ten thousand ghosts shall collapse. By the urgent order of the Northern Emperor!"

The resonant, vigorous chanting suddenly rang out.

The Fusang Ghost King, who had been soaking in a den of pleasure, shuddered and stood bolt upright, feeling as if a great disaster were imminent, just as he had five hundred years ago when surrounded by the Ming army.

The Big Dipper, which was already shining brightly, became even more dazzling.

Under the terrified gaze of the evil female cultivator, the Ghost King, whose temperament was gloomy but whose face was not particularly hideous, suddenly covered his face and wailed, his eyes festering as a large amount of pitch-black, foul-smelling liquid seeped out.

Subsequently, his limbs and bones turned a vivid blood-red, as if a celestial fire were burning within him, treating him as firewood and refusing to stop until he was reduced to ash!

"Ah!"

"Old Daoist, I will kill you!"

A soul-stirring aura soared into the sky.

The strange-looking Hoshi-kabuto seemed to be worn by a ghost, and the Dō-maru did the same, hovering in mid-air.

The Ghost King resisted the Daoist arts, transforming into a phantom giant, and attempted to use the terrain to contend against the celestial timing.

"My turn."

Having easily entered Pseudo-Sage Mode by copying the homework, Fang Xiu whispered, skipping even the hand seals:

"Earth Style: Ten Thousand Mile Earth Wall!"

"Earth Style: Earth Flow River!"

Rumble.

The terrain was immediately altered by human intervention.

Thick rock walls rose up around them, forming a battlefield undisturbed by the outside world, while a massive mudslide collided within like converging rivers.

"Wood Style: Deep Forest Emergence."

Amidst the roaring, immense and twisted trees burst forth from the earth. Within them, Fang Xiu moved freely, the Mangekyō in his eye sockets spinning at high speed once again.

Finally on vacation, even if it's only for one day.