Chapter 230: Urgency

Southern Bay, outside the manor.

Qingyue Yang, Qingyue Qiu, and He Zizai leaning on a cane stood outside Zuo Zhicheng’s large courtyard. Around them, over a hundred Tiger Wolf Army soldiers had them completely surrounded.

Ever since the master of Dìyù Gate, Yama Holy Son, personally took action to hunt down Zuo Zhicheng and He Zizai, displaying his earth-shattering power, the important figures of the Shadow Corps had mostly gone into hiding. If they needed to go out, they traveled with large numbers of guards and soldiers.

Now they had come to the residence where Zuo Zhicheng was staying. They looked at the Underworld King Snake curled up outside the wall, fast asleep and snoring loudly. Their eyes showed worry, confusion, and bewilderment.

Qingyue Qiu asked Lin Yuexi beside her. Her fair and delicate face was as cold as ever, but her tone held a trace of concern. “He hasn’t come out at all since he returned?”

Seeing this icy beauty and the faint worry in her eyes, the soldiers nearby couldn’t help but sneak glances at her, truly captivated by her goddess-like aura.

Lin Yuexi, herself a woman, was also momentarily stunned before she slowly shook her head. “Before the master went in, he gave orders that no one was to step into the courtyard without his permission. With the Underworld King Snake guarding outside, we have no idea what’s really happening inside.”

“He might have been stimulated by the fight with Yama Holy Son and is now in seclusion for training.” He Zizai’s voice was filled with passion. “That battle with Yama Holy Son was extremely dangerous, but the stimulation it provided for our Martial Arts was also immense. My mind is now filled with countless ideas.”

“After I recover from my injuries, I will enter seclusion to train properly. I’m sure I can advance further.”

After hearing this, Qingyue Yang’s handsome face showed a slight frown. “Is Yama Holy Son really that strong? If he is so powerful, how did Zuo Zhicheng manage to escape his pursuit?”

“I don’t know either. When I woke up, the Underworld King Snake was carrying me back towards Southern Bay.” He Zizai said. “But Yama Holy Son’s strength is undeniable. Just this External Incarnation of his would probably require all four of us Four Kings to join forces to be certain of defeating it.”

“It’s hard to imagine how powerful his true body must be.”

He Zizai’s words were full of admiration for Yama Holy Son’s power, but his tone held no fear. Instead, it was filled with a fanatical excitement at having such a powerful being to chase after.

As the leader of the Shadow Corps, Qingyue Yang was naturally not so individualistic. He sighed. “Yama Holy Son is so powerful, yet he was willing to lie low for so long. This can only mean his ambitions are vast. And if he really manages to create that Ancient Beast army, I’m afraid both Southern Bay and Central Governance will be in danger.”

“It’s not that easy. For instance, that beast tooth horn is already in our hands. Now Yama Holy Son has become the target of everyone. All factions will be wary of him.” Although He Zizai was more passionate about Martial Arts, he had a sharp understanding of the power struggles among the various forces in the New Continent colonies.

“Besides, the fact that Xiao Tianyou has managed to hold the position of Patrol Superintendent of Northern Wasteland under the pressure from Yama Holy Son, and is even having internal conflicts with him, shows that his strength might not be weaker than Yama Holy Son’s. He will be our best shield.”

“That’s true.” Qingyue Yang nodded. “There’s also the Hidden Scale Army, the Mountain Armor Army, the Cloud Feather Army, and the Forest Mountain Army. Although they can’t interfere in internal affairs, they are all battle-hardened troops who have been fighting the western natives year-round.”

“Southern Bay, Central Governance, and Northern Wasteland don’t just have three Patrol Superintendents. The armies are never short of strong individuals. Whatever Yama Holy Son’s plan is, it won’t be easy to accomplish.”

“Speaking of which…”

Qingyue Yang suddenly changed the subject and asked, “You’ve fought against Yama Holy Son. If we were to use a large army to surround and kill him, how many troops do you think would be needed to destroy his Great Strength Diamond Divine Ape External Incarnation?”

He Zizai thought for a moment and gave a number. “We’d probably need five thousand elite soldiers. Casualties would likely be over a thousand. That Great Strength Diamond Divine Ape is impervious to blades and spears, and unaffected by water and fire. To kill it on the battlefield, we would have to surround it with a large army and continuously wear down its strength and Heart Mind. It would be best to use steel armor, iron chains, and long spears to restrain it.”

“After all, no matter how powerful it is, it’s still just a beast, not a real person. Its physical strength and Heart Mind have limits; they are not infinite.”

“Five thousand elite soldiers?” Qingyue Yang let out a sigh.

Time passed quickly. Qingyue Yang and the others did not wait long. Seeing that Zuo Zhicheng neither responded nor came out, they dispersed. However, they sent another three hundred Tiger Wolf Army soldiers to take over the defense of the Manor and ensure Zuo Zhicheng’s safety.

After all, this Heavenly Serpent King, the leader of the Four Kings, was now the figurehead representing the Shadow Corps. Especially after he escaped from Yama Holy Son’s pursuit, his reputation across the three regions was growing increasingly prominent.

…

Nighttime, in Zuo Zhicheng’s Underground Laboratory.

He was lying face down on the Operating Table. His chest and back were wrapped in layers of bandages, but even so, trickles of blood still seeped out from his back.

Xu Hongfei stood silently to the side, watching Zuo Zhicheng lying on the Operating Table. Every time he saw the muscles on Zuo Zhicheng’s body twitch and heard the suppressed roars from his throat, he couldn’t help but frown.

“Sir, the bone reconstruction reaction is too severe. Please use anesthesia.”

“No.” Zuo Zhicheng’s voice was already hoarse. His fists were clenched tightly, and he spoke through gritted teeth, word by word. “I can still endure it.”

The reason for refusing anesthesia was naturally the fear that its side effects might affect Zuo Zhicheng’s nervous system. But he truly hadn’t expected the bone reconstruction reaction to be this intense.

Thinking about it, it made sense. After the Ink Bone implantation, all the bones in Zuo Zhicheng’s body would be replaced within a few days. Such an intense change happening in such a short time would naturally cause unparalleled pain.

But to become stronger, to have enough power to do what he wanted in this world, Zuo Zhicheng pressed on without hesitation.

‘That man…’ Zuo Zhicheng remembered Du Tianyu’s appearance. ‘He’s Shen Zong’s subordinate, right…’

Thinking about the fearsomely powerful Great Strength Diamond Divine Ape being suppressed by just one of Shen Zong’s subordinates, Zuo Zhicheng’s soul, which constantly sought strength, couldn’t help but boil.

‘Not enough… not enough… I’m still too far behind. I need to become even stronger.’

‘Strong enough to kill all of you… Yama Holy Son, and you… Shen Zong…’

Roar!

With a low roar, veins bulged on Zuo Zhicheng’s forehead. The muscles on his back convulsed violently from the pain. A thick, black bone pierced through the skin from his tailbone and grew out.

Whoosh! The black tailbone lightly swung, slicing the entire steel Operating Table into pieces.

Xu Hongfei felt goosebumps all over his body, but he still mustered his courage and asked, “Sir… are… are you alright?”

“Alright? Why wouldn’t I be alright?” Zuo Zhicheng, lying on the ground, spoke in an extremely hoarse voice. “I feel fantastic.”

He slowly stood up, looked at his palm, and said calmly, “I should say, I’ve never felt better.”