Gu Yuan extended his hand, and the rocks below began to tremble, as wisps of Geng Metal Qi were drawn out from below.

Before long, a forest-white mass of Geng Metal Qi gathered in Gu Yuan's hand, exuding a sharp and chilling aura.

The small iron ore vein below had been completely drained of its Geng Metal Qi by Gu Yuan, leaving only a pile of dirt and stones.

With a thought, Gu Yuan infused the mass of Geng Metal Qi into his forefinger.

In an instant, a metallic sheen appeared on his forefinger, though it was not very obvious.

Gu Yuan pinched his fingers, feeling that the hardness and toughness of his finger had significantly improved.

"Is this... Body Cultivation Talent?"

Raising an eyebrow, Gu Yuan quickly dismissed the thought: "No, being able to sense Geng Metal and Xin Metal Qi, and absorbing Metal Element Qi for personal use, should be a unique type of Metal Talent."

"If I can cultivate corresponding Gold Element Divine Techniques, I'll definitely achieve twice the result with half the effort."

Gu Yuan felt confident in his conjecture, as he gained more insights into the "Power of Metal."

It was similar to his understanding of the Power of Water.

This meant that Gu Yuan now possessed another Spirit Body Level Talent!

"Hmm, I can't waste this talent... I'll see if I can find a Gold Body Refining Divine Technique for cultivation."

Thinking this, Gu Yuan paused for a moment: "No, the Jade Scenery Profound Core Sword Formulas and the Chaotic Heaven Demon-Slaying Sword Scripture, though Sword Cultivation Daoist Scriptures, have essences of Metal Divine Techniques."

"If I achieve mastery in Swordsmanship, perhaps I could condense Divine Techniques like the Geng Metal Sword Body or the Profound Gold Undying Sword Body..."

With a flick of his hand, Awu transformed into a slender silver streak, flying rapidly like a shooting star!

He felt a weight on his shoulder as Awu appeared there.

Though small in size, Awu was as heavy as a miniature mountain.

Even with Gu Yuan's strength, his right shoulder felt a bit burdened and uncomfortable.

At this moment, Little Qing flapped its wings, observing Awu with curiosity and a hint of hostility.

Instinctively, it sensed a threat from the silvery centipede before it.

"Very well, Awu is now a golden legend, its strength skyrocketed. Along with Little Qing and the other three, I'm more confident when it comes to a fight this time!"

Gu Yuan was very satisfied.

With a wave of his sleeve, he gathered the five creatures into the Spirit Beast Bag, then his figure faded, stealthily flying towards the path of his doppelgänger.

...

On the other side.

The fake Gu Yuan still traveled leisurely, treading on clouds.

While traveling, he enjoyed the scenery below, seemingly in no hurry at all.

Not far behind him, two deliberately concealed figures whispered, clenching their teeth.

"Damn, it's been a whole tea's time and he's only flown a few dozen miles..."

"Senior Brother, I can't wait any longer, shall we just strike?"

The greedy, swollen Greed Ghost glared at the Black-skinned Ghost: "Strike my ass! We're still in Qiongming Market territory! What if we alert the patrols?"

Black-skinned Ghost retorted angrily: "But this kid is taking forever..."

"Just be patient a bit longer... If we alert the patrol and let this kid escape, we can't explain to the Young Master."

Greed Ghost waved his hand, trying to appease him.

Yet, despite his words, he was also quite impatient.

Being the senior brother, he had to at least keep up appearances of being steady.

The two endured a bit longer, then saw Gu Yuan ahead finally stop.

Greed Ghost frowned, his slightly pale eyes darting back and forth, feeling something was off: "Hmm, why did this kid stop?"

Black-skinned Ghost, on the other hand, was thrilled, not thinking much, eager to act:

"That's a good thing, Senior Brother, let's make a move! This place is desolate, no one's coming."

"Wait, don't rush, something feels off..."

Greed Ghost wanted to hold back Black Heart Ghost, reaching out to grab him, but Black Heart Ghost had already drawn a white Mourning Stick, throwing it with a flick.

Wooo...

Amidst ghostly cries, the Mourning Stick flew towards Gu Yuan's head, ready to strike.

As black smoke billowed, more and more piercing wails could be faintly heard.

The sound grated on the ears, enough to terrify and enfeeble any listener!

This strike was indeed imposing!

"Enough, let's just do it!"

Seeing it was too late, Greed Ghost refrained from needless talk, summoning a small black banner, which released a gray beam of malevolent light, enveloping Gu Yuan.

This little banner, the Chaotic Soul Banner, wasn't particularly destructive, but could confuse minds, affect souls, and possessed incredible power.

The Mourning Stick, carried by a foul wind and ghost fire, struck fiercely, complementing the Chaotic Soul Banner.

Faced with their sudden attack, Gu Yuan remained unflustered.

Clang!

He didn't intend to confront it head-on, transforming into a Sword Light, dodging the Mourning Stick, and slicing through the malevolent light, then charging towards Greed Ghost.

The Sword Light appeared dull, even flecked with patches of dark rust-like stains, with deep red and black blood marks.

Yet it emitted a strong bloody scent and an aura of chilling lethality.

This realm seemed dyed with murderous intent, as subtle blood light spread, engulfing the surroundings.

Even Greed Ghost and Black Heart Ghost found their numbed bodies tingling in pain.

Their minds empty, even thoughts and emotions stalled.

Despite possessing a Ghost Demon Body, impervious even to raging fire, it felt irresistibly overwhelming before Gu Yuan's Sword Light.

Thankfully, they reacted quickly, channeling True Qi within to regain composure.

"This kid sure has some tricks!"

Greed Ghost was initially shocked, then fully activated the Chaotic Soul Banner, sending cables of gray qi forming living tendrils, wrapping around the Sword Light.

Though extremely sharp, the Sword Light was momentarily hindered, slicing just a dozen strands before dissipating under the swarm of tendrils.

The tentacle-like ropes, brimming with peculiar force, simply pulled, scattering the Sword Light into glowing sparks.

"Wait... did this kid just die like that?"

Watching, Greed Ghost was puzzled.

Wasn't this kid, Gu, supposed to have mastered extraordinary Swordsmanship, and possessed a Cyan Shadow Sword Butterfly?

The Swordsmanship displayed was impressive, but where was the Cyan Shadow Sword Butterfly?

And how did he succumb so easily?

Something's not right!

Greed Ghost immediately became alert!

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.