Unrestricted Mimicry

The annihilating energy from the Sun-Moon Twin Spears completely vaporized the majority of Chen Jin's body.

Although Chen Jin could regenerate his flesh using the power of the Flesh of Vision, there was little point in maintaining a human form now that he had lost his weapon.

"If that is the case..."

A thought arose in Chen Jin's heart.

He abandoned the final shred of his attachment to a "human form," turning instead to embrace the most primitive and frenzied potential of the Flesh of Vision heritage.

Unlimited proliferation, unlimited mimicry.

The vast power of the Six Ministries level within him surged like a burst dam, casting off all restraints and beginning to frantically mold a brand-new form according to the most instinctual combat fantasies of his consciousness.

"Roar—!"

A dull tiger's roar erupted from the left side of his torso as a ferocious tiger head tore through the fungal flesh and took shape, its fangs ghastly and its sonic waves vibrating the air.

Almost simultaneously, a lion's head burst forth from his right shoulder, its mane composed of countless rigid, fleshy filaments, letting out a menacing growl.

This was merely the beginning.

On his back, bone mass proliferated wildly, piercing the skin to form a shield-like structure covered in thick, tortoise-like plating; from the gaps in the shell, several jointed tail-whips tipped with scorpion king stingers suddenly lashed out, flickering with a ghostly blue venomous light.

From his ribs, two rows of sharp, centipede-like limbs extended, digging deep into the ground to provide immense traction and stability.

Across his chest, covered in chitinous armor, a pair of terrifying scythe-limbs comparable to those of a giant mantis thrust outward, their blades shimmering with a sinister glow.

He was a living biological weapon testing ground, forcibly integrating the superior organs of countless natural predators into one body in the most savage and efficient manner possible.

Hundreds of hearts grew within him, each one gargantuan, beating incessantly to pump immense power to every organ.

His back was covered in black lumps; upon closer inspection, these were newly sprouted heads, arguing and holding meetings in excitement, brainstorming one solution after another to their predicament, then experimenting with them one by one on his already massive and grotesque body.

If the brain capacity were expanded a hundredfold, could a solution to this predicament be calculated...

If the brain cells lost in combat are within a controllable ratio, can the skull, as a protective measure, make concessions for the sake of efficiency...

What was the relative humidity required for the "Bronze Sickness" that infects and corrodes bronze vessels to erupt...

Biological signals pulsed through his body, ordering his epidermis to fully envelop the bronze mecha and conduct controlled experiments in different zones.

He expanded and twisted, his skin covered in a gray cerebral cortex, sprouting layer upon layer of folds to increase surface area, until he finally transformed into a terrifying mountain of flesh, several zhang high, pulsing incessantly and shedding gore.

He actively disintegrated part of his peripheral tissue, turning it into a viscous, foul-smelling mire of flesh that spread and clung to the bronze mecha driven by Eleven.

Every time the mecha attempted to break free or strike a heavy blow, it only sank deeper.

The dull bronze and the hideous wooden outer shell were rapidly wrapped tightly in a layer of constantly pulsing fungal membrane.

This membrane breathed and writhed like a living thing; bubbles constantly formed and burst on its surface, releasing highly corrosive acid mist that eroded the bronze metal, emitting a "hissing" wail.

Countless fungal hyphae, finer than hair, acted like billions of greedy tentacles, worming their way into every crevice of the mecha's joints and rune engravings.

They spread between its precision gears and linkages, secreting enzymes that decomposed the wooden spirit materials and sowing spores invisible to the naked eye, forming tiny fungal colonies that obstructed the mecha's operation from within.

New mutated organs were generated: spiral mouthparts resembling the mandibles of a burrowing beetle formed within the flesh, rotating at high speed in an attempt to drill through the bronze plating; spray holes capable of ejecting high-strength adhesive silk locked onto the mecha's joints, further restricting its movement.

Eleven's bronze mecha continued to fight back frantically.

Every punch, wreathed in baleful energy, still managed to carve terrifying holes into the mountain of flesh, sending large chunks of tissue flying.

The baleful energy on its surface also continuously burned and purified the clinging flesh, emitting a charred, foul odor.

But every wound blasted open was filled and repaired by frantically surging granulation in the next second; the newly born tissue often possessed even tougher characteristics. It was learning and evolving by enduring attacks, striving to mimic more suitable traits for the next encounter.

Destruction and regeneration, erosion and resistance.

Bronze and flesh, baleful energy and vitality.

In this furnace of heaven and earth, the two were locked in a cruel and twisted entanglement, fused together until they were almost indistinguishable.

The bronze mecha was like a steel warrior trapped deep within the digestive cavity of a prehistoric beast; every sword strike could severely wound the beast, yet it could not prevent the closing of the surrounding walls of flesh or the pouring of digestive juices.

Meanwhile, deep within the Jixia Academy.

In a secluded courtyard, the water of a seemingly calm pond rippled with light.

By the pond, the true body of the Libationer Jiang Yan sat cross-legged, his hands forming a dharma seal.

The massive phantom in the sky was projected precisely through this pond.

The scene at Langya Terrace was also reflected in perfect detail within the water.

Suddenly, a small figure appeared out of thin air behind Jiang Yan like a ghost, having utilized the [Impermanence Step]!

It was Nuonuo.

The world-shattering commotion outside had allowed her to sense the immense pain her benefactor was enduring.

Only rage remained in her gray, misty eyes; she opened her mouth, baring her sharp tiger fangs, and lunged at Jiang Yan's neck, intending to tear into him.

"Hmph, ant."

Jiang Yan did not even turn his head, merely flicking his robe sleeve backward in a casual motion.

"Bang!"

An irresistible force struck, and Nuonuo's small body was shattered instantly as if hit by a heavy hammer. Broken bones and severed limbs splattered in every direction.

However, the very next moment, those scattered remains began to writhe violently on the ground, struggling to pull themselves back together through the power of [Resurrection of the Remains].

This scene was witnessed by Wang Wu, who had just rushed to the scene upon hearing the news.

He watched as his daughter was effortlessly pulverized by that high and mighty Libationer...

In his mind, flashes of Chen Jin risking his life to save him from the Guards, of Chen Jin feeding Nuonuo with his own flesh and blood without a hint of disgust, and of the vow he once made—"Even through mountains of blades and seas of fire, I shall never hesitate"—raced past.

A surge of blood rushed straight to his head.

"Ah—! Jiang Yan, you old thief!"

With eyes burning crimson, Wang Wu drew the saber at his waist and, like a moth to a flame, lunged recklessly toward Jiang Yan's back.

He knew this was like a mantis trying to stop a chariot, but if he did nothing, he would never find peace in this life!

Sensing the killing intent behind him, Jiang Yan tilted his head slightly.

He did not even rise; he simply raised his hand and clenched the air.

An invisible force instantly seized Wang Wu, rendering him unable to move.

Jiang Yan's gaze fell upon Wang Wu's face, his voice cold and indifferent:

"I will ask you one last time: what exactly is your relationship with the Great General Wang Jian? Speak, and I might spare your life."

Choked by the invisible force, Wang Wu's face turned purple, yet he gritted his teeth and squeezed a few words through them: "...Nothing... to say!"