And his conclusion was... whether in terms of efficiency, strength, or duration, there was a very significant improvement, making the skill level not just a meaningless decoration.

Because of this, he was sure that if it was just to maintain the projection of clothes and attires, his blue bar had no pressure at all, and he could be completely at ease in this aspect.

Rapidly advancing along the chosen direction, Gu Mo quickly climbed a small hill and from afar saw the outline of a village over there, with thin columns of smoke rising here and there... It was indeed the Warring States era! Exactly the same style! He really had returned!

A relieved smile appeared on his face, and Gu Mo's mood relaxed. If it was just speculation before, now it was a real confirmation.

He stepped forward and walked down the hill, while extending his hand for a gentle grip, accompanied by the instantaneous consumption of a part of the Demonic Power inside him, creating a simple tachi in the air seemingly out of nothing, attempting to make his appearance more authentic.

"Here, here..."

"Here too! Is this the herb that Sister Kikyo mentioned?"

"Let me see..."

At the foot of the mountain was a small forest, and further ahead was the village. A medium-sized river roared around, the clear river water splashing against the shore and sending cheerful droplets into the air. Many tender voices were coming from an open area by the river.

It seemed to be a group of children playing or helping find herbs or something similar.

Gu Mo listened attentively while continuing to walk forward. The translation function of the dog system was quite good, making him a scholarly expert fluent in countless languages, not only those on Earth but also independent of national or regional differences, and not even changes in language due to historical transitions could block communication.

It's just that he hadn't yet encountered alien life, so it was unknown if there would be no barrier in that regard. Also, animals like chickens, ducks, cats, and dogs didn't seem to be able to communicate through this function.

The most laughable aspect was that despite having such a function, defeating monsters would still drop skill badges like "Japanese LV1" and "English LV2"… Thinking about how his skill warehouse was gradually becoming richer but mostly filled with useless badge junk, Gu Mo's expression turned peculiar.

"Hmm? This is—"

Suddenly feeling a strange aura that seemed familiar, not a sensory concept of scent but an abnormal twisted aura that didn't belong to the human world, Gu Mo's eyes sharpened.

Demon Qi… some unpleasant fellows were coming his way.

But then again, this era was rampant with demon ghosts. He considered himself quite experienced, as there was basically no place uninvaded by the proliferation of Wild Souls, and he was mentally prepared for such developments.

He quickened his pace forward, his projected tachi at his waist already pressed under his hand, ever ready to unsheathe. Perhaps he wasn't like some ally of justice who could forcibly elevate this skill to the level of projecting replica treasures, but his normal metal cold weapon's strength was still fully assured.

At least dealing with some low-grade demon ghosts was manageable.

"Ah—!!"

The scream of a little girl echoed. Enthusiastically trying to collect those inconspicuous herbs in a clump of grass by the river, she suddenly sensed a shadow cast over her body. Instinctively looking up, her pupils constricted to the limit.

But just as the scream began, the monstrous demon resembling a magnified cockroach, before it could even pounce, was split in two mid-air by a sharp blade glint.

The grotesque head flew high, foul blood splattering and staining the grass below with a shade of red!

Quick-wittedly pulling the simply dressed, barefoot little girl over, Gu Mo followed up with a kick that sent the headless corpse of the giant cockroach flying, its bull-sized body twitching as it fell into the river, sending up a large splash... The life force of cockroaches was strong; they could survive for days without a head.

But with the Purification Talisman, it was different. This tactical attack against demons was enough to deal critical damage.

"What the hell... why are they all bugs?!"

A gust of wind rushed from behind, and Gu Mo, well-prepared, turned with a slash, beheading a large spirit worm. He couldn't help but raise an eyebrow while noting the surrounding swarming demons.

Moths, cockroaches, wasps... at a glance, most seemed to be such spirited insects, perhaps due to the surrounding environment. Gu Mo, however, pondered what type of demon this was, feeling as if the style was not one he was familiar with.

No impression in the game, no memory in real life... could it be that due to his meddling, those demon ghosts underwent some unknown mutation or evolution?

The train of thought was but an instant, yet he didn't hesitate in action. Several Fire Bomb Talismans howled out consecutively, smashing the heads of the rushing demons, and with another swing of the tachi, he slaughtered a fish demon that leaped out unexpectedly from beneath the river's surface!

The water curtain splashed down, drenching a large area of the bank! The fish demon's headless body wriggled desperately by the shore, like a chicken with its throat cut, exerting tremendous force, the fish tail plowing deep marks into the ground.

Faced with monsters that could easily massacre humans, Gu Mo's growth showed in contrast. Now slaying these creatures was a breeze; talismans at range could take down one per shot, and hand-to-hand combat yielded the same outcome, even better in terms of impact.

Yet more swarmed, emerging pitch-black from the woods, like sharks drawn to the scent of blood, seemingly all demons within a dozen miles converging.

"Why so many, just for a tender bite?"

The little girl just rescued turned pale, and the group of children behind her wailed in terror, crumble around Gu Mo, who lightly furrowed his brow. The Power of the White Viper wove around and onto his projected tachi, completing the fusion smoothly.

—It's working!

—Projected weapons can also be used as a medium to activate the Ninety-nine Weapons!

Gu Mo exhaled gently in relief. Although he couldn't project treasures directly, using several indirect steps seemed just as effective... After all, it wasn't much different from crafting treasures by hand given this outlook.

"Come! Let me send you off!"

The sword light surged instantly, growing long and fierce. Gu Mo, high in spirits, was ready to sweep the horde of demons with a single strike, to annihilate them completely, but just at that moment... a swift, clear light flashed, slicing through the cold, desolate sky!

The clear light arrived at lightning speed, leaving a ripple of destruction like material waves, releasing radiant spiritual power, which then...

In the illuminated area, demons evaporated cleanly as if saltwater under high heat.

"Uh, this is hardly fair..."

Gu Mo's slash remained unexercised, awkwardly maintaining the pose. How could someone snatch the kill at this moment! He curved his mouth slightly, turning to look toward where the clear light originated and was momentarily stunned—

At the end of the road leading to the village, stood a witch dressed in a white robe and scarlet hakama, with snow-white skin and long, black hair, gently putting down her longbow.

"It's the lady witch!"

"Sister Kikyo!"

A group of little brats wailed and cried as if seeing the person they trusted the most, screaming and dashing away from Gu Mo toward her.

"Xiao Ye, are you okay? And none of you are hurt, right..." The witch showed a lovely smile, gently caressing the little girl who ran to her side while inquiring about the other children, concern audible in her tone.

"No-nothing...

Thanks to the big brother for saving us..."

"We didn't wander far! We were just by the river, but for some reason..."

The little kids, faced with such an ordeal, were both aggrieved and scared, speaking up between choking sobs, describing how they just narrowly escaped danger, and defending themselves that it wasn't their fault for playing too far, just unaware of why the demon attacked.

"Okay, I understand, it's not your fault..." The witch spoke gently, comforting the children.

Then, she raised her gaze slightly, her eyes as clear as autumn water glancing over, fixing on the young man in the distance.

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