Chu Haozhou’s leap carried him nearly ten zhang into the air. He Yiming looked up, mouth agape, unable to fathom how such ferocity could erupt from this elder, using every shred of his remaining strength.
To inflict maximum damage on the White Horse, those Black Vultures attacked only by diving and unleashing their toxic breath downwards.
It was only due to the White Horse’s compromised mobility that they managed to succeed; were the White Horse unharmed, their speed alone would never afford them a chance to land a blow.
Yet, as these Black Vultures plummeted within ten zhang of the ground, a figure suddenly sprang up from the earth, rising to meet them at their own altitude.
A tri-colored light erupted, brilliant as the sun, and a vast killing intent detonated completely in that moment.
The sheer force of a Venerable Master’s all-out attack was displayed in its entirety right then.
The tri-colored tornado that had troubled the White Horse so severely was now brought under Chu Haozhou’s control, enveloping all nine Black Vultures.
In that mere instant, the surging Black Vultures were immediately trapped in a desperate predicament.
Every single Black Vulture here possessed the cultivation of at least a Xiantian expert, with several reaching the level of a Yixiantian powerhouse. However, in the elder’s hands, they appeared utterly frail, lacking any means of resistance once caught within the vortex.
However, the largest Black Vulture King hovering above would not stand by and watch its kin perish. Spreading its wings, it shot toward Chu Haozhou with lightning speed.
Suddenly, a sharp glint flashed in the elder’s eyes, his gaze locking tightly onto the Black Vulture King.
The ordinary Black Vultures were beneath his notice; the moment he leaped, his true target had been set upon the Vulture King.
Seeing the creature hurtling down, he flicked his wrist, and the tri-colored tornado instantly shifted direction. As if pre-arranged, it released the other vultures and completely ensnared the Black Vulture King.
A piercing, grating shriek tore from the Vulture King’s throat; it instantly realized it had walked into a trap.
Though the Black Vulture flock was formidable, without their King, their collective combat strength could no longer threaten the White Horse or this old man.
It flapped its wings again, attempting to break free, while simultaneously opening its beak to blast a massive azure wind blade directly toward the elder’s head.
The elder snorted coldly and whispered, “Explode…”
A tremendous boom sounded once more, though slightly weaker this time as the elder was airborne. Simultaneously, he twisted his wrist, and the Dragon Whip materialized abruptly in his hand, which, with a slight tap, shattered the Black Vulture King’s breath attack.
Then, the elder plummeted from the high altitude, executing a perfect somersault just before touching the ground, landing steadily.
A cloud of torn feathers drifted down from the sky. While the elder’s Water and Fire explosion hadn't claimed the Vulture King’s life, the fact that nearly a quarter of its steel-hard feathers had been stripped away attested to the severity of its injuries.
The Black Vulture King let out a cry of extreme fury and dived down in a reckless charge.
Its talons shot out suddenly, the piercing sound of air tearing sharp enough to rival the full-force strike of a human Golden-rank Venerable Master.
He Yiming’s expression shifted slightly, and just as he moved to intervene, he saw a cold smile touch Chu Haozhou’s lips. Raising the Dragon Whip high, the elder swung it to meet the massive claws.
Following a deafening clash, as if metal had struck metal, the Black Vulture King soared back up—it had gained no advantage this time either.
However, Chu Haozhou’s eyes narrowed. The Dragon Whip suddenly flew from his grip, tracing a blur in the air before piercing the Black Vulture King’s body.
It let out a pained cry, its massive frame swaying mid-air, before desperately flying toward another island.
Seeing their King flee, the dizzy Black Vultures tossed about by the wind dared not linger. They swiftly followed, and the aggressive swarm vanished in an instant.
He Yiming stared at Chu Haozhou in stunned silence. Had his strike been aimed at an ordinary Black Vulture, he surely would have whipped it dead. But the Black Vulture King was immensely large; although this surprise attack had pierced its body, it was not fatal.
Glancing at the Black Vulture King retreating with the Dragon Whip embedded in it, He Yiming asked, “Brother Chu, why did you do that?”
Chu Haozhou wore a wry smile. He had sensed something was amiss the moment he swung the whip, but the Vulture King had reacted too swiftly, instantly distancing itself upon being wounded, leaving him no chance to recover the weapon.
“Brother He, please don't take offense. I’m used to fighting barehanded, so I tossed it out casually.”
He Yiming shook his head slightly, helpless. “Brother Chu, in a couple of days, we’ll sneak onto the island opposite and find a way to retrieve the Dragon Whip.”
Chu Haozhou nodded heavily. “Thank you.”
He Yiming waved his hand. “Brother Chu is too polite.”
If these Black Vultures had just returned, they would certainly be highly vigilant. To go now, if discovered, they would certainly flee if they knew they couldn't win, leaving Chu Haozhou without his weapon, which would be unforgivable.
Turning back, Chu Haozhou looked at the White Horse, still half-reclining on the ground, and walked a few paces toward it.
The White Horse abruptly raised its head and let out a series of sharp neighs, seemingly issuing a strong warning.
Chu Haozhou halted. He stared at the horse for a long moment; man and horse stood in confrontation.
After a long silence, Chu Haozhou sighed deeply. “Your greatest power lies in the lightning atop your head and the electric barrier around your body. But in your current Xiantian state, you can only unleash this power once a day. I have observed this for decades, which is why, during our fight, I first lured out your electric defense and then used the combined power of Water and Fire to seriously injure you.”
His gentle explanation revealed the truth to He Yiming.
The White Horse’s powerful lightning attack from its horn and the white electric net around it could only be used once daily.
It made sense, though. If the White Horse could use these two ultimate skills limitlessly even in its Xiantian state, it would have been undefeated long ago.
The White Horse turned its head, its large ears drooping in a bizarre manner, effectively plugging them.
He Yiming’s mouth fell open. What sort of action was that…?
Chu Haozhou shook his head again, sighing wearily. “I have obtained a weapon, and after I retrieve the Dragon Whip from the Black Vulture King in a few days, I will leave this place. Take care of yourself going forward; try not to get injured again.” He turned, paused, and added, “With your speed, as long as you aren’t careless, that group of Black Vultures cannot harm you. After using your ultimate skill, move away immediately—remember, remember that.”
His voice faded, disappearing shortly after.
He Yiming looked at the White Horse half-lying on the ground. Though its ears were plugged, its large eyes remained fixed on Chu Haozhou’s retreating back.
Suddenly, a series of hurried sounds rang out. The Treasure Pig rushed in, followed by Bai Lingba, who walked at an unhurried pace.
Upon arriving, the Treasure Pig immediately used its hind legs to leap over to the injured White Horse.
Bai Lingba walked slowly toward He Yiming and stated in his emotionless tone, “It was the Treasure Pig that insisted I come.”
He Yiming was momentarily stunned, then burst into a soft laugh.
The Treasure Pig was exceptionally clever. It was unclear if it had witnessed the Vulture formation, but it knew those Black Vultures were not to be trifled with, so it hadn't come alone, instead nagging Bai Lingba to accompany it.
Looking at Bai Lingba, a distinct smile appeared in He Yiming’s eyes.
If it were the Bai Lingba from when they first met, even after understanding the little pig’s intent, he would certainly have ignored it.
But the Bai Lingba of now showed clear changes; more and more things resembling human emotions were emerging within him.
Though he would never truly become human, He Yiming suspected that perhaps one day, he too might possess human feelings.
The Treasure Pig circled the White Horse a few times, grunting several times. After communicating with it, it abruptly turned and bolted away with lightning speed.
He Yiming was greatly surprised; for the little fellow to abandon its best companion and leave alone was completely out of character.
However, moments later, He Yiming understood why it had left.
After only a short while, the little creature returned, this time standing upright, running on its two hind hooves.
In its two front trotters, it held a large basin filled with freshly roasted fish.
The White Horse’s eyes brightened. It extended its large tongue and lightly curled it, instantly snatching a cooked fish and devouring it.
He Yiming observed its mouth and was astonished to find that its sharp fangs, used during the battle with the Black Vulture King, had completely vanished. Now, its mouth held a set of neat, dazzling white teeth, completely devoid of any ferocious or frightening appearance.
Shaking his head slightly, He Yiming murmured softly, “What a wolf in sheep’s clothing.”
Bai Lingba’s steady voice sounded, “What did you say?”
The White Horse and the Treasure Pig both turned their gaze. Although the White Horse did not have deep rapport with He Yiming, it knew he was the Treasure Pig’s master, and seemingly someone not to be provoked.
He Yiming coughed lightly and asked seriously, “Brother Bai, how do you assess its injuries? How long until it heals, and can we help in any way?”
P.S.: Luo Badao has started a new book, Strength. What a genuinely ******* man. Brothers, go support him; leave a comment, a collection, or something. If enough people go, I’ll post his nude photo, hehe! A super nuclear weapon…
Tomorrow is Saturday and Sunday, but they clash with the holiday, so both days will have five chapters. Next Monday to Wednesday, the children are on holiday, so Bai He can only manage three chapters, sigh… Tomorrow, I will collect the White Horse and give it good food. I wonder if anyone can guess what it is this time ^_^