Despite having laid in wait for a long time one and a half kilometres from Wazi, Gewu remained calm and collected. While his appearance changed, his character hadn’t: he still hated the world, and he was still ever the schemer. Whether it was because he was confident in his ability to remain undetected or because he knew Nieyao well, he was cautious for a reason.
He absorbed all of Baidizi’s blood, effectively converting himself into a humanoid Six Evils who could command mutated beasts. Absorbing Chichen’s blood granted him the ability to wield fire and recover at a ridiculously fast rate. In addition, Chichen’s rapid regeneration ability would render Ming Feizhen’s power pointless. Recreating a new meridian system was possible, but it would take years to complete the extensive project.
Gewu was in no rush to rebuild a new meridian system for his strength increased several folds each time he absorbed the blood of Pangu’s sons. In essence, their might replaced the necessity for internal energy. Being equipped with their special abilities came with drawbacks, though.
Unlike the hot energy that Yang Realm internal energy produced, Chichen’s flames were real flames. Gewu wasn’t Pangu’s son; he didn’t have the same robust body that could withstand such a high temperature. As a result, he would burn himself before he could burn his target. Chichen possessed a body of molten. Even Baidizi’s tough body was meaningless because it wasn’t heat resistant, let alone Gewu’s scaleless body.
Gewu was nowhere near as strong as he formerly was, never mind confronting two Divine Realm adepts. The only way he’d have a chance at beating them was stealing Wazi’s lightning manifestation ability and strength – at least he believed that would be enough to rival Divine Realm adepts’ might.
Wazi’s abrupt inactivity could only mean it had fallen in battle. That being the case, those involved in the fight had to be worn out. When else would be a better time for Gewu to make his move? Nevertheless, as soon as he stepped out of his hiding spot, he heard from behind, “Done hiding?”
Gewu shuddered. He had lived long enough to know nobody sat around waiting for his enemy when he knew where his enemy was hiding unless he was absolutely certain he could defeat his opponent. He looked over his shoulder to see a tall man sitting on a stack of wood. The flute dangling from his sash gave away his identity even if he veiled his face.
“Beussent?” Gewu rasped.
Beussent frowned. “This appearance… is your life-long goal?”
Had it been anyone else, Gewu would’ve been fretting as he’d definitely be facing a tough opponent. Heisina Tribe members had a secret technique that they can use to identify fellow clansmen. Those who were advanced can even identify them with pinpoint accuracy. The latter was reserved for female shamans, but an exception was made for the clan chief. Plus, Beussent had a hobby of researching such unique skills.
Gewu revealed his sharp teeth when he grinned. “You didn’t call for help despite detecting my presence. Does that mean you’re confident you can beat now that I’m not in good shape?”
“Am I to understand you’re implying that your current state is considered ‘good’?”
Honestly, Gewu didn’t quite understand Beussent even though he had been monitoring Beussent since the latter was a child. All signs and anecdotes pointed to him being someone who didn’t like to compete, yet he started to retaliate against Baimu. He was supposed to be calm, yet he started a fight he had no chance of winning. He inherited Shaman Monarch’s special abilities, yet he never utilised them once. Had he made use of them, Gewu would’ve been ousted long ago. Like a child who never learns, he continued challenging Nieyao. Gewu’s hideous transformation was worth just a subtle frown. Gewu always felt miffed as Beussent seemed to always be paying attention to something different to him.
“Good enough or not, I don’t know. What I do know is that a hunger pang must be satiated.”
Jaws parted, Gewu launched himself forward, aiming to bite into Beussent’s shoulder. He had enough strength to crush Beussent’s shoulder bones with his teeth and could potentially take off a chunk of Beussent’s body if his precision was there. Instead, a painful sensation comparable to biting iron shot up to Gewu’s head.
Gewu’s sharp senses told him to punch behind him if he wanted to tag Beussent, yet he missed again. Gewu roared prior to mounting a punching combo, demonstrating exceptional Nanjiang skills thanks to its compatibility with the strength of Pangu’s sons. Alas, strength had no meaning in combat if the attacker couldn’t find their target. Little did Gewu know Wazi faced the same problem a couple of hours ago against none other than Beussent’s shifu. While Beuseent wasn’t as dangerous as his mentor, Gewu wasn’t as dangerous as Wazi.
“You’re stronger,” Beussent lifelessly commented as he slipped and weaved. “But you haven’t changed as a person.” Beussent performed a sharp slip whilst conjuring purple energy to his hand, then stung Gewu’s left obliques. Having broken several of Gewu’s ribs, Beussent lunged his rear foot in front, then cracked Gewu’s shoulder, back, chest and several more spots.
Gewu shouldn’t have been hurt so bad given how sturdy his body was, yet he was almost turned into pure blood. Gewu was aware Beussent could utilise Enlightenment, but he disregarded Beussent’s Quasi-Divine Realm progress because most Sacred Beasts could reach that level, yet none of them could do squat to him. Having to deal with Enlightenment in person for the first time taught Gewu how much he underestimated it.
“I surrender. I surrender, hahaha. I was going to play with you for a while longer, but your progress has exceeded my expectations. Your Majesty, tell me: what is that you want me to do? Do you want me to eliminate those stubborn state rulers or help you unify Nanjiang and take your rightful throne? This old one is happy to help you.”
