Chapter 155: Ripples in the Whispering Expanse
"Hey there, lady! Why don't you come over here with us and have a good time? Don't worry, I'll treat you nice and easy. Hehehe…"
"…"
Fwwwoosh!
"Ahhh! Damnit!"
"Hieee! What's your problem?! Grab her and pin her down!"
Fwoo! Fwoo! Fwoo! Fwoo!!!
"Graaahh!"
"Look out for those damned arrows! Urg!"
In a certain makeshift town, chaos erupted. Arrows flew in rapid succession, each one striking with perfect precision. A group of thugs fell one by one, completely mowed down without mercy.
Though how could they have known they had picked the absolute worst person to offend?
"Run away!!! Ahh! Call the guards!"
Even those who turned to flee were struck down—enchanted arrows arcing through the air only to return to the wielder's hand with a simple wave.
"…Let's go, guys, before things get any more crazy," a voice sighed bitterly.
"Well, they had it coming, Gege. I support Tongsheng's efforts completely," replied a woman with a firm nod.
"Hehehe, they were bothering a woman under Brother Elly, and they were definitely planning something despicable. They had it coming!" another female giggled without a care.
"You guys…"
The 3 speaking were none other than Elton, Christy, and Shayleaf who along with Tongsheng, were passing through the town to gather information and expand their map of the area.
Unfortunately, this wasn't the first time something like this had happened. Even under a loose cloak and wearing a mask, Tongsheng's seductive frame and alluring gait attracted unwanted attention—again and again.
It wasn't just men, either. They had drawn interest from women, beastkin, and even certain races with more than two sexes. Elton was completely flabbergasted.
Eight times in two days… he thought, rubbing his temples.
"Well… let's just keep going, guys. And let's refrain from killing excessively if possible," Elton sighed.
"I will try, Master, but I feel these kinds of people must be disposed of right away—for our own good and for the sake of some semblance of peace," Tongsheng replied shamelessly, face perfectly straight.
Elton could only shake his head as they slipped away again at incredible speed.
"Halt! Come back here! After them!"
Naturally, those pursuing them didn't have the faintest hope of matching the pace of four Golden Lords.
After another hour of rapid travel, they finally stopped in a small, mostly abandoned village.
"Let's rest here for the night," Elton decided after scouting the area and speaking with the few remaining villagers.
"Yes," the three women nodded.
Shayleaf quickly erected a grove of massive plants and four towering trees—one at each corner of the village—startling the locals. She explained the trees would form a protective four-point barrier, while the plants would both heal and defend. Gratitude quickly replaced fear.
"I hope our families and the sect aren't too worried about us because of our disappearances," Christy murmured with a sigh.
"It really can't be helped. I'm certain we'll meet them again eventually," Elton replied.
Later that night, Elton and Shayleaf sat together in quiet cultivation. Shayleaf guided him on the deeper layers of the Royal Elven Magical Arts.
"That's it, Brother Elly. You must become one with nature while envisioning the Fanged Elf World Tree. That tree is the spiritual source of our power.
"Of course," she continued with a sly smile, "there's also the vampiric blood arts—our opposite half, in a sense. They're far harder to master unless you have the willpower and strength to wield them."
"I think I understand more of what you mean," Elton said, feeling the flows of energy in his body. "I've actually never used the vampire blood arts… or at least, I didn't think I could. I had no fanged elf bloodline before, but now… after four years of growth, I can feel it. Still, it's not quite the same for me."
"Is that so? Well, you're not a fanged elf, but the fact you can still access them is… interesting," she said with curiosity.
Elton's focus deepened—until suddenly, the five meridians in his body flared violently. Vast magic surged through him, his entire form shimmering with flaming white lightning.
"Brother Elly?! What's happening?" Shayleaf jumped to her feet in shock. His still-healing wounds split open again, blood seeping out as if a dam had burst.
"Gege!! What's happening to him, Shay?!" Christy rushed over, panic in her voice. Tongsheng was right behind her.
"I… I don't know! He just suddenly became like this!" Shayleaf cried.
The pressure rolling off Elton's body spread far into the distance—a beacon any nearby powers could feel.
"Damnit, I'll make preparations in case someone comes," Tongsheng said sharply, eyes glinting as she vanished into Shayleaf's protective foliage.
"Let's just watch over Gege for now," Christy said, kneeling beside him.
Shayleaf could only nod.
Elton remained seated, power swelling endlessly as his Blue Star Heavenly Destroyer pulsed in sync with him—its blade exuding a sharp, oppressive sword essence.