Chapter 85: Chapter 84: Battling the Innate

Jiangg Ke tapped his toes on the top of the wall and shot forward like an arrow loosed from its string, soaring almost a hundred feet.

In just a few flickers, he had covered a hundred meters.

His Body Technique was not only fast and far-reaching, but also utterly silent, as if a gentle breeze were carrying him forward.

Legend told of immortals who could tread upon clouds, traveling a mile or two in the blink of an eye. While Jiangg Ke’s Body Technique couldn’t compare, it wasn’t far behind.

Even a master at the Great Perfection of Qi Circulation would have been awestruck, marveling at the sight as if he were a celestial being.

But now, he was in a wretched state, looking as if he had just survived an exceedingly dangerous battle and had yet to escape to safety. His white hair was a mess, and his face was covered in wrinkles like a man in his dotage, completely devoid of his former immortal air.

SPLURT!

His body faltered as he spat out a mouthful of fresh blood.

Jiangg Ke’s face was deathly pale. He glanced at the bloodstain on the ground with a hint of regret, then his body flickered as he once again dashed forward.

As an Innate expert, his Physical Body was pure and without blemish; every drop of his blood was exceedingly precious. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

That single mouthful of blood might have seemed ordinary, but it would take at least several months of painstaking cultivation to replenish.

BOOM!

A sudden roar erupted from up ahead, followed by the sight of row after row of houses collapsing, sending dust and smoke billowing in all directions.

Deafening shouts and war cries echoed from the distance.

"Blood Dragon Sky-Reaching!"

"Walking Flood Dragon and Crossing the Stream!"

"..."

"Damn it!" Jiangg Ke’s eyes narrowed as he cursed under his breath. "It’s the Blood Flood Dragon Bandits!"

The Blood Flood Dragon Bandits were no ordinary outlaws; they had the backing of a Cultivation Sect. Their leader was a top-tier figure among Innate Qi Refiners, which explained how they had only grown stronger despite repeated attempts by the powers of Hejian Prefecture to wipe them out.

News had spread over a month ago that the Blood Flood Dragon Bandits had appeared near Leping County. To think it was actually true.

As the thought crossed his mind, Jiangg Ke changed direction and fled.

Even though he was an Innate Qi Refiner, he had no desire to charge headfirst into the Blood Flood Dragon Bandits’ army, especially not while injured.

’A little chaos is for the best. With the Blood Flood Dragon Bandits here, that Demoness won’t dare to keep chasing me.’

’That Yuu Yuanliang fellow was truly useless, so easily bewitched by that Demoness. If I hadn’t been so cautious, I fear I wouldn’t have escaped today’s disaster.’

Thinking about his recent experience, Jiangg Ke couldn’t help but feel a chill in his heart, even though he had already escaped.

The Joyful Sect’s Demoness, Qii Yao, despite her youth, had already opened Two Acupoints. When facing the combined assault of Jiangg Ke and Yuu Yuanliang, not only did she hold her own, but she turned the tables from a desperate situation, killing one and severely wounding the other.

If Zhou Jianmi hadn’t intervened to muddy the waters, fearing he’d be left to fend for himself if they both died, Jiangg Ke wouldn’t have even had a chance to escape.

"Demoness!"

Jiangg Ke gritted his teeth, his eyes filled with fear and dread. But then he touched the storage pouch at his waist, and a flash of joy crossed his face.

Regardless, he had managed to get his hands on a Corpse Yin Breaking Acupoint Pill.

’Once I take this pill and break through my third Acupoint, I’ll find another opportunity to open the fourth. Then I’ll be a Middle-Stage Innate Qi Refiner and can become an Inner Sect Disciple of the Profound Clarity Sect. No more slumming it in this turbid Mortal World.’

"Ngh!"

With a stifled grunt, the smooth flow of his Qi suddenly faltered. Jiangg Ke clutched his chest and stumbled into a nearby house.

Inside, a young man and woman were huddled together in a corner.

"Devouring Essence Skill!"

With a casual beckoning gesture toward the pair, Jiangg Ke silently activated the Method. A terrifying suction force erupted from his palm.

The two people in the corner flew toward him uncontrollably, their vital essence and blood draining away at a frantic pace, devoured by his Palm Force.

In just a few moments.

The young couple, once in the prime of their lives, was reduced to two withered skeletons.

As for Jiangg Ke, whose hair had turned white from his injuries, this infusion of Essence caused his hair to turn black again at a visible rate. The wrinkles on his face smoothed out slightly, making him look a decade younger.

He casually tossed the skeletons aside, his brow furrowed in slight dissatisfaction with the replenishment.

"Mortals..."

A glint in his eye, he turned and rushed toward a ruined area.

"Xiao Gongdu!"

"Immortal Master Jiangg." Xiao Gongdu, who had been wandering through the ruins, turned at the call. His face lit up when he saw who it was. "Immortal Master, did you get it?"

"Yes." Jiangg Ke nodded. "There were some complications, but I have it now. I’m grateful for all your help this time."

"You’re too kind, Immortal Master." Xiao Gongdu bowed. "It is our duty to be of service to you."

"Heh..." Jiangg Ke chuckled, then his tone suddenly shifted. "I recall you have a grandson. Not yet twenty, but he’s been Nurturing Inner Qi for many years. Excellent Talent."

"I’m in need of an attendant. After we get back, why not have him come and try out?"

"Yes, of course!" Xiao Gongdu’s face flushed with excitement, his voice trembling. "Thank you for this opportunity, Immortal Master! That boy’s Talent with the Sword Technique far surpasses my own. He will certainly be able to serve you well."

"Good." Jiangg Ke nodded lightly. "In that case, there is something I need your help with as well."

"What is it?" Xiao Gongdu asked. "Please, Immortal Master, just give the word. I would go through fire and water for you!"

"Excellent." Jiangg Ke’s eyes narrowed as his hand shot out. "Lend me your life!"

*

*

*

Zhu Ju stood on a rooftop, frowning as he looked into the distance.

As far as he could see, plumes of Qi and Blood rose like signal fires, merging together to form what looked like coiling Flood Dragons.

The Blood Flood Dragon Bandits!

Leping County, already ravaged by the Zhou Family’s Fallen Demon, was like a lamb to the slaughter before the Blood Flood Dragon Bandits.

The bandits poured into the city, forming dozens of raging torrents that rampaged with impunity. They were unstoppable.

The columns of Qi and Blood were chaotic yet orderly, a sign that the Blood Flood Dragon Bandits were not only powerful individuals but also a well-trained force.

No wonder they had grown ever stronger despite the campaigns to exterminate them in Hejian Prefecture.

Even if Leping County hadn’t already been ravaged by the Zhou Family, it likely still would have been unable to escape the fate of being overrun and its people slaughtered when faced with such a powerful force.

"Looks like I can’t stay here any longer."

Shaking his head, Zhu Ju turned and began to run.

Despite his heavy armor, he moved at great speed. By circulating his Inner Qi, his footsteps were almost entirely silent. An ordinary person likely wouldn’t even notice if he brushed right past them.

He hadn’t run far before his eyes narrowed, and he ducked behind a wall.

Not far ahead in the ruins, a man sat cross-legged amidst the rubble, eyes closed as he regulated his breathing.

Jiangg Ke!

Zhu Ju’s eyes narrowed in thought as he began to quietly retreat.

He had no intention of getting involved, even though befriending an Innate Qi Refiner could be highly beneficial.

"Since you’re here, why the rush to leave?"

Jiangg Ke opened his eyes and said slowly, "I was just about to ask about the others."

?

Zhu Ju’s steps faltered for a moment.

He estimated the distance between them, a flicker of doubt in his eyes, and continued to cautiously back away.

"Kid from the Zhu Family," Jiangg Ke sighed. "I’ve already opened my ear Acupoints. I can hear a pin drop within a hundred meters. Are you still not going to show yourself?"

A hundred meters?

Zhu Ju was inwardly alarmed.

At such a distance, even someone with exceptional eyesight wouldn’t necessarily be able to make out a person’s facial features.

Yet this man could hear the faintest sounds from so far away and even identify a person by listening alone.

As expected of an Innate Qi Refiner.

"Immortal Master Jiangg."

Left with no choice, Zhu Ju stepped out from behind the wall. "I just came from the Zhou Mansion myself. It was complete chaos, and I was separated from my companions."

"I don’t know where the others have gone."

"Is that so?" Jiangg Ke’s expression didn’t change. "Come closer when you speak."

"Yes."

Zhu Ju walked forward, stopping about a hundred feet away. He cupped his fists and inquired, "Immortal Master, shall I gather the others?"

"No rush," Jiangg Ke said, shaking his head. "The Blood Flood Dragon Bandits are in the city, and that Demoness from the Joyful Sect is still around. Sending a signal might attract their attention. For now, just come closer and help me up."

"..." Zhu Ju raised an eyebrow at his words. He subconsciously took a step forward, then his eyes narrowed and he froze.

Beside Jiangg Ke lay a withered skeleton.

Nearly half of the skeleton was buried under rubble. Its clothes fluttered in the wind, and a Longsword was stabbed into the ground beside it.

Those items...

They looked so familiar!

"Immortal Master."

After a moment’s thought, Zhu Ju asked slowly, "Do you know where Elder Luo and Elder Xiao are?"

"Hm?" Jiangg Ke’s face darkened, his tone laced with displeasure. "If you don’t know, how would I? What are you dawdling for? Get over here and help me up!"

"Immortal Master," Zhu Ju said, unmoved, cupping his fists. "My armor is cold and hard; it would be uncomfortable for you. Why don’t I find someone else to come attend to you?"

?

A look of surprise crossed Jiangg Ke’s face. His gaze then swept over the withered skeleton beside him, and he smiled as if he’d realized something.

"I’d almost forgotten..."

"But!"

"What if I insist that *you* be the one to help me?"

"My apologies, Immortal Master." Zhu Ju began to inch backward. "I’m not feeling well myself. I’ll go find someone right now. Please wait, Immortal Master. I’ll be right back."

"Heh..." A cold sneer spread across Jiangg Ke’s face. "Did I say you could leave?"

Zhu Ju’s expression changed dramatically as he rapidly retreated.

Just then, Jiangg Ke raised one hand. Despite the nearly one-hundred-foot distance between them, a terrifying force abruptly descended.

It was as if a taut rope had wound around Zhu Ju’s body, dragging him toward the other man.

"Ngh!"

Zhu Ju let out a stifled grunt, his face a mask of horror.

From what seemed like a casual attack, he found he couldn’t retreat a single step, even when using his full strength. In fact, the force was dragging him forward, bit by agonizing bit.

If he relaxed for even a moment, he feared he would be lifted right off his feet and pulled over.

Thirteen Body Refinement!

Thousand-Pound Pendant!

With a low roar, his Five Elements Internal Qi circulated wildly. His feet rooted themselves deep into the ground, anchoring his body in place.

"Hm?"

Jiangg Ke’s eyebrows shot up, a flash of surprise in his eyes. He hadn’t seemed to expect such strong resistance. A cold sneer then spread across his face. "Fine."

"If you won’t come to me, then I’ll go to you."

The nature of the force changed. His body shot into the air, using the pull to launch himself toward Zhu Ju with lightning speed.

While in midair, Jiangg Ke curled his fingers into a claw, and a strange, all-devouring power descended ahead of him.

CRACKLE...

Ensnared by the force, even with his heavy armor and powerful Physical Body from his Body Refinement, Zhu Ju began to hear the sounds of strain and cracking.

The might of an Innate expert...

...was this terrifying!

As his opponent closed in, Zhu Ju, beneath his helmet, knew there was no escape. Boundless fury surged within his heart, and a vicious look crossed his face.

"You want me to come to you? Then I’ll grant your wish!"

He relaxed his body and shot forward like a cannonball, unleashing a burst of his Inner Qi for a second acceleration.

Mixed Element Without Extremity!

The two figures collided in midair at an astonishing speed. Zhu Ju let out a furious roar as his rampaging Inner Qi surged forth.

BOOM!

The massive explosion shook the surroundings.