C19 Beast Core

The perimeter of Black Wind Gorge was shrouded in a perpetual mist, the dense fog enveloping the surrounding mountain forest known as the Misty Forest. Towering ancient trees loomed within, their outlines obscured by the pervasive mist. Even in broad daylight, visibility for the average person was limited to a mere ten meters.

Chilly breezes swept through the woods, and despite the blazing sun overhead, anyone within the forest's embrace would feel an unshakable cold.

The previous night, Chu Lin and Yang Hu had ventured into the mountains, cautiously advancing in the early hours for fear of being pursued by the Sword Edge Alliance. Seeking refuge, they spent the latter part of the night resting in a secluded cliffside cave. Now, with noon upon them, they had at last traversed the Misty Forest.

"So this is Black Wind Gorge, the hallowed training ground revered by the Outer Court disciples," exclaimed Yang Hu, brandishing a steel blade with excitement. Raised in Vast Martial City, not far from the gorge, he had never once stepped foot in this place, his knowledge limited to the whispers and tales he'd heard since childhood.

"At last, some peace," Chu Lin remarked, a sense of clarity washing over him as he emerged from the fog. He inhaled deeply, savoring the fresh air.

"Don't drop your guard, Hu. The real perils of these mountains are lurking all around us," Chu Lin warned, his gaze fixed on the crisscrossing weeds ahead. Accustomed to the harsh realities of human nature from a young age, he was acutely aware that the greatest threats within Black Wind Gorge might not be the barbarian beasts, but rather the avarice of mankind.

Outside these woods, deceit was rampant, yet some semblance of law and order still prevailed. But here, within the gorge, the brutal law of the jungle reigned supreme, where murder and robbery were all too common.

"I understand," Yang Hu replied, his expression turning grave.

The pair continued along a narrow path until a babbling brook appeared before them.

"Spirit Medicine!" Chu Lin's eyes were drawn to a luminescent plant by the water's edge.

There, a peculiar six-leafed plant thrived, its roots emitting a soft blue glow.

"This is the Grade One Spirit Medicine, Blue Root Grass. If we sell it to the Treasure Gathering Pavilion, we could earn two hundred gold coins—enough to purchase a Beast Core. Mr. Chu, hold on a moment, I'll go fetch it," Yang Hu said, elated, as he made his way toward the stream.

"Be careful, Hu!" Chu Lin's urgent cry halted Yang Hu in his tracks.

From the stream, a green water arrow shot forth, narrowly missing Yang Hu and scorching the earth upon impact.

Shaken, Yang Hu stumbled backward, his heart racing as he stared at the charred vegetation.

"That's a Green Water Snake, a Rank Two Barbarian Beast," Chu Lin observed calmly, eyeing the source of the attack. "Green Water Snakes favor the damp and dark. Blue Root Grass shares similar properties, making it an excellent supplement for them."

The might of a Barbarian Beast was gauged by its rank. As they grew in power, distinctive markings would appear on their Beast Cores. The core of a Green Water Snake bore two such marks.

"What do we do? The Green Water Snake may only be Rank Two, but its venom is notoriously difficult to counter. Even someone at the Body Tempering Stage Level Five would struggle to kill it outright. Perhaps we should leave the Blue Root Grass behind," Yang Hu said, his eyes lingering on the plant with a tinge of regret. But before he could finish, Chu Lin was already charging towards the snake's hiding spot.

"Wait, Mr. Chu, I'll assist you!" Yang Hu lifted his blade and moved to join Chu Lin, but a barrage of venom forced him to dodge frantically, unable to lend any aid.

Chu Lin deftly evaded the venomous assault and closed in on the Blue Root Grass. A green figure leapt up in the distance.

"Trying to flee?" The Green Water Snake was swift, but Chu Lin was swifter. As the snake sprang into the air, his sword came down in a swift arc.

In a single strike, Chu Lin cleaved the Green Water Snake in two.

"Chu Lin is incredibly powerful," Yang Hu marveled, having known of Chu Lin's strength but never witnessing it firsthand to such a degree.

"The Green Water Snake's venom is perilous, but finite. If you're quick enough to make it feel threatened, it will exhaust its supply. Once it's out of venom, it has no choice but to flee," Chu Lin explained nonchalantly. He plucked the Blue Root Grass and, with a few skilled movements of his sword, extracted a green pearl with two stripes from the bisected snake, tossing it casually to Yang Hu.

"A Rank Two Beast Core!" Yang Hu caught the pearl, his face alight with joy. He then offered the core back to Chu Lin, insisting earnestly, "Mr. Chu, you slew the Green Water Snake. The Beast Core is rightfully yours. I cannot accept it."

"Take the bead; I'm giving it to you," Chu Lin said with a stern look at Yang Hu, followed by a snort of irritation. Having spent several months together in the Outer Court and after their joint effort in slaying Lyi Laomu, Chu Lin had come to see Yang Hu as a true brother. He had no patience for formalities between them.

"Thanks, Mr. Chu," Yang Hu said, clearly moved. He quickly expressed his gratitude to Chu Lin and then carefully tucked the Green Water Snake's Beast Core into his pocket.

Just then, the sound of rushing wind announced the arrival of three figures before Chu Lin and Yang Hu.

The leader, a young man, was clad in lavish attire. Behind him stood a pair: a man even more imposing than Yang Hu and a striking woman in a purple dress.

They halted five meters from Chu Lin, their eyes sweeping disdainfully over the servant disciple uniforms worn by Chu Lin and Yang Hu.

Chu Lin's brow twitched slightly. He truly loathed the disdainful looks from those who fancied themselves as superior.

Without acknowledging the trio, Chu Lin gave Yang Hu a knowing look and was about to walk away.

The group opposite Chu Lin frowned, clearly displeased with his reaction. The muscular man barked, "Don't walk away!"

Chu Lin turned, his gaze calm and detached, and met their eyes. "Is there something you need from us?"

The burly man's eyes flashed with anger as he bellowed, "Hasn't your Manager taught you to show proper respect when you meet Outer Court disciples?"