Earth Splitting Rhinoceros

Biodata

Appearance

A colossal rhinoceros-like beast whose approach shakes the ground and parts the forest. Its hide and bones are described as iron-like. 38

• Mountainous body with four heavy hooves that crack the earth when it walks. 38
• Twin hook-shaped horns, fissured as though they could burst apart. 38
• Gray-white, pupil-less eyes containing swirling mist. 38
• Emits a strong earthy odor and thunderous roar. 38
• Has an old injury in its right hind limb. 38

Abilities & Skills

Earth Element Control

The Earth Splitting Rhinoceros is innately able to manipulate earth-element power. 38

• Its charges collapse the ground beneath its hooves and create deep impact craters. 38
• A foreleg strike can rupture the earth and launch falling stones over a wide area. 38
• It can produce an Earth Vein Tremor, spreading fissures through the terrain and destabilizing the ground across roughly one hundred zhang. 38
• Its earth manipulation can be countered when its footing is disrupted through existing fissures. 38

Physical Durability and Charge

Its hide is tough enough to resemble iron armor, making ordinary direct attacks ineffective. 38

• Its size does not hinder its speed; it can charge with surprising acceleration. 38
• Its frontal charge is dangerous enough that tactical guidance specifically advises avoiding it. 38
• Its right hind-knee joint is vulnerable due to a pre-existing injury. 38

Story Role

The Earth Splitting Rhinoceros emerges from the northern forest shortly after Ye Chen leaves seclusion. Though it should not normally appear in such a small valley, it heads directly toward Ye Chen's position and immediately attacks. 38

Ye Chen avoids its charge, disrupts its sense of smell by agitating the surrounding spiritual energy, and cuts its injured right hind leg. The rhinoceros retaliates with falling stones and an Earth Vein Tremor, forcing Ye Chen and his spirit-beast companion into a precarious position. 38

Ye Chen ultimately channels a trace of Flowing Abyss's will through the Mystic Light Blade, directing sword energy into the main fissure beneath the beast. The resulting underground backlash deepens its leg wound and forces it to kneel. It then retreats limping into the northern forest. 38

Its defeat becomes the source of Ye Chen's reputation as the “Guardian of the Valley.” Onlookers report that the rhinoceros entered the valley and emerged half an hour later with a limp, while rumors spread that Ye Chen injured it using a blade carrying sword intent. 39

Relationships

• Ye Chen — Opponent; Ye Chen exploits its impaired right hind limb and drives it away, though he acknowledges that the victory relied on System guidance, his spirit beast's support, and the rhinoceros's existing injury. 38 39
• Ye Chen's spirit beast — Opponent; it shields Ye Chen from falling stones with golden light and pulls him back from a fissure caused by the rhinoceros's Earth Vein Tremor. 38

Trivia

• The Earth Splitting Rhinoceros's battle is the first documented instance of Ye Chen partially channeling the will of Flowing Abyss in combat. 38
• Its defeat draws Feather Tribe members, a demon cultivator, and plant spirits to investigate the valley. 39