20 A Good Harvest
[Word Count 2792]
One grieved for the loss of its only offspring and harboured infinite hatred and killing intent while the other one sought to assert dominance and superiority while preserving its bestial dignity.
And there was a third one, the watcher, that wanted nothing more than the two oblivious entities to obliterate each other.
BOOM!
The earth below trembled and shattered under the collision of the two behemoths.
WAAH!
The strength of those two raging Deadly beasts created an unprecedented shockwave that swept away everything within a 10-mile radius.
Zhao Wei was spared from the life-threatening impact due to hiding himself at a strategic position that couldn't be affected by the shockwave.
In a fight between two strong existences where the terrain can undergo destruction at any moment, the weaker existences are the only ones bound to take on the effects of the fight and suffer. Zhao Wei knew that very well.
Not to mention as an earthling, Zhao Wei had already watched several superhero movies based on the comics like [DC] where a fight between two overpowered Kryptonians can extensively destroy a whole city and only cause mortal sufferings.
ROAR!
The Mutated Violent Titan Ape's blood-curdling roar reverberated in the atmosphere like an eternal hymn as tightly clawed at the thick, fleshy skin of the Blood Red Python that was trying to constrict its body.
HISS!
The Blood Red Python retaliated with a painful hissing sound when its flesh was ruthlessly torn apart from the middle part of its body. White skeletal bones were exposed under the bloody fountains being spurted out from its grievous injury.
It was expected of the Blood Red Python to reduce its constrictive power after being gravely brutalized but contrary to the expected scenario, the injury only made it to elevate its coiling pressure.
CRACK!
It was truly a gory scene as both the Mutated Violent Titan Ape and Blood Red Python unrestrainedly bit each other like a bunch of hungry cannibals.
Zhao Wei calmly watched from the sidelines and the scene before him made him reminisce about the Titanoboa and King Kong in a simulated battle. His imaginative mind couldn't help but wonder who would win eventually.
Anyway, it didn't take long before the commotion caused by the two Deadly Beasts started to simmer down and their instinctual movements began to slow down, little by little.
Among the two High tier Deadly Beasts, the Blood Red Python was the first one to succumb to the scythe of the Grim Reaper while the Mutated Violent Titan Ape's pitiful life only hung by a thin thread which at any given moment would easily snap.
It seems the Mutated Violent Titan Ape had an exaggerated level of tenacity and endurance. Its maddening red eyes burned with an unusual will to live, trying to clutch tightly at its life thread.
The Mutated Violent Titan Ape breath was unsteady and weak as it lay sprawled on the blood-painted ground like a corpse. If one observed it from afar, they might have thought that it was deader than dead.
But surprisingly, Zhao Wei didn't move from his position. He still patiently waited like a wizened old fool. There was something he wanted to happen as his sharp eyes swept across the approaching greedy cannon fodders with cultivation bases similar to sixth rank of the Martial Path.
The Mutated Violent Titan Ape was not dead and very much alive albeit barely. Those cute sixth rank Deadly Beasts should be taught a severe lesson.
A two-tailed Red Fox was the first one among the bunch to arrogantly aim for the corpse meat of the deceased. In its small greedy mind, if it was able to eat a lot of the higher tier meat, then it would be able to increase its strength and predatory status in the jungle society. The Two-tailed Red Fox clouded by its greed was unaware that the Mutated Violent Titan Ape was still alive and kicking. A extremely grave mistake on someone blessed with good bestial senses.
PAH!
Just as the Two-tailed Red Fox was about to take its first bite from the corpse of the Blood Red Python since it had chosen it as its first delicacy, a heaven-sundering palm instantly eclipsed its small figure and without even getting a chance to react, it was flattened into a grotesque sight of meat heaven.
The other beasts that were slowly closing in were immediately alerted and felt chilly tingles creep down their spines when they witnessed the death of an unfortunate comrade.
They became extremely scared by the fact that one of the corpses that they wanted to eat so badly was not dead.
Without even wasting any time, many beasts turned tail without even looking back. This caused a chain reaction of sorts as those who were just approaching to enjoy the easy meal also joined the beast wave. They honestly didn't try to put the phrase "Why are you running?" into the equation. In such an adrenaline-induced atmosphere, was there even such a need?
Within a few minutes, there were no greedy scavengers within a 30 mile radius. A deathly silence loomed in the Canyon.
Seeing what he anticipated to happen taking place, a relieved smile formed on Zhao Wei's lips.
'This should be enough for me in the meantime. With the deterrence of the Mutated Violent Titan Ape, I would at least have some breathing space. But I know it won't be enough to dissuade other Eighth rank Deadly Beasts from approaching this place.'
Through mapping of the area, Zhao Wei knew that the High tier Deadly Beasts stayed far away from each other's presence. Their territories cannot easily collide or else there would be unnecessary conflicts.
'Since it can't move the way it wants at the moment, it would be easy for me to swiftly send it to Hades.' A cold look appeared on Zhao Wei's face.
Taking a poison-coated arrow from the quiver on his back, Zhao Wei skillfully positioned it on the bow's string.
'The Blood Red Python's venom is slow acting when it comes to paralysis that's why the Mutated Violent Titan Ape is still able to move. But the poison of a Peak fifth rank Greenvine Deadly Viper would do well against the severely weakened monkey.'
The Greenvine Deadly Viper was a dangerous snake species that Zhao Wei happened to come across during his short-term reconnaissance. Its deadly poison was even more lethal than that of the Three-Headed Red Mamba. Even poison had grades. The Greenvine Deadly Viper was also a silent assassin as it could easily camouflage itself among leaves and branches. It had tried to assassinate Zhao Wei during the night but it sadly met its untimely demise.
SHWAAH!
SHWAAH!
His movements were sublime and artistic as he forcefully shot three consecutive arrows at the tenacious Mutated Violent Titan Ape.
RAWRR!
The Mutated Violent Titan Ape released a barely audible last roar in defiance of the approaching death and when the three arrows pierced its hard skin, in just a matter of seconds, the lethal venom spread throughout its body. The neurotoxins and hemotoxins contained in the venom were thousandfold deadlier than even Earth's Inland Taipan.
Zhao Wei sighed in relief after cautiously confirming that the Mutated Violent Titan Ape was truly at rest.
He wasn't the cautious hero or anything but one just couldn't be cautious enough.
And with that done, Zhao Wei ceased hiding and went to inspect the corpse. He then hurriedly took out the Blood Red Python's gall bladder and damaged liver and the monkey's heart.
The harvested goodies were nutritious and good for body cultivation since they contained a lot of vigorous blood essence. Another wonderful thing is that despite the horrifying effects of the venom, the blood contained in the Mutated Violent Titan Ape's heart wasn't in the least bit coagulated compared to other parts of its body.
The environment within the cave was a dark and cold one and the more Zhao Wei ventured deeper the more expansive it became.
Some of the conceited inhabitants of the cave wanted to impede his path but Zhao Wei effortlessly swept them away with [Earth Splitter]. Zhao Wei treated those low tier deadly beasts and wild beasts as his training dummies to extremely refine his spearmanship.
Luckily, he found what he was looking for which greatly brought him excitement and relief. If his presence had caused a butterfly effect that made the land of opportunity nonexistent, Zhao Wei would have really felt 'heart-broken'. Just imagining the effort he had put forth to mess around with Eighth rank High tier Deadly Beasts and then suddenly all of that being for naught…
Zhao Wei just thanked his lucky stars. That was something that all regressors and transmigrators had to face at some point.
In front of him, was a world of red, it was not blood but a treasure land of red-colored natural treasures of heaven and earth.
There was a medium-sized pond made up of blood red liquid that consistently popped with bubbles that made Zhao Wei's skin tingle in anticipation. Floating on top of the liquid surface, Zhao Wei saw the shed skin of the Blood Red Python.
The source of the blood red liquid was the blood red rockwall which additionally offered tenancy to treasured herbs like the Blood Spirit Grass and Blood Plants.
On closer inspection, Zhao Wei easily categorized them according to their respective ages. They ranged from 200 years old to 1000 years old. The 1000 years old herbs were of course a minority with only three herbs having such age. Even in Sun Feather City, any 1000+ year old herb was an extreme rarity. And if his memory served him right, Zhao Wei remembered that the Patriarch's son, Zhao Linglong, was given a 1000 year old Blood Plant to boost his cultivation but that should have surely caused a dent in the Patriarch's wealth vault.
"First, I should bring drought to this treasured wonderland." Zhao Wei chuckled to himself before removing his clothes. He then took out the Blood Red Python's gallbladder and liver and the Mutated Violent Titan Ape's heart from the carrier bag. They were firmly held on the palms of each of his hands.
Zhao Wei submerged himself in the blood red pond until the water reached his neck.
Zhao Wei could feel the body-reinforcing energies from the blood red liquid smoothly permeating his pores but he didn't make any effort to start serious absorption just yet.
Zhao Wei immediately started eating the gallbladder, followed by the liver and finally, the Heart of the Mutated Violent Titan Ape. He didn't mind the rawness and bitterness of the 'food'.
After consuming them, a supply of very rich blood essence spread all over his body, filling his very cells with energy. Zhao Wei felt a significant increase in his vitality and vigor. In addition to that, his inner energy reserve also increased to the fifth rank.
The blood energy contained in the heart of the Mutated Violent Titan Ape and the liver of the Blood Red Python was so turbulent despite the loss of blood experienced by the two.
Using that energy from two Eighth Rank High Tier Deadly Beasts, Zhao Wei pushed his cultivation base to the Peak of the Fourth Rank. And we must not forget that it was just recently that he had broken through to the beginner Martial Artist level.
Zhao Wei closed his eyes to feel the effects of a breakthrough. He just couldn't help but relish the feeling of growing stronger.
'Next is the Blood Pool.' Opening his eyes, Zhao Wei took a deep breath and allowed his body to freely float on the Blood pool.
Unlike the Main Character Zhao Feng, Zhao Wei was determined to absorb everything from the pool to its last drop. His confidence came from his own self-created body cultivation technique [Primordial Stellar Energy Body Refining Art].
The number of illusory stars inside his cells now numbered to a few millions. Zhao Wei estimated that there were about two million illusory stars growing inside his cells and that was a very long way from the 37.2 trillion finish point. Who knows how long it would take?
Under [Primordial Stellar Energy Body Refining Art], the blood red liquid from the pool started being rapidly absorbed through Zhao Wei's pores. His naked figure seemed like a black hole that hungrily devoured everything in its presence as a small whirlpool formed underneath the blood red pool.
Zhao Wei felt nirvanic pleasure as the mysterious energy coursed through his veins, into his bones and finally into his cells.
As the number of Illusory stars gradually increased due to the addictive energies massaging his whole body, his defense and overall strength also increased in tandem.
The [Divine Celestial Technique] helped in the increment of Inner Energy while [Primordial Stellar Energy Body Refining Art] reinforced his physique.
Time flowed rapidly and without Zhao Wei even realizing it, day and night had already alternated.
The following day, Zhao Wei dried up the pond completely and even if the blood red rockwall could still produce the mysterious blood red liquid, it would take a very long time to subsequently fill the pond back to its original state.
His inner energy had already considerably increased to the peak of the Fifth Rank but his cultivation base hit a bottleneck just like the cultivators with barely passable talent.
Seeing the hurdle he had to cross, Zhao Wei wasn't affected by it since he had already anticipated such an occurrence.
"I will use the entire day to consolidate my foundation but before that I think I should see the outside situation first." Zhao Wei then hurriedly used his speed to move toward the cave's entrance.
After a few minutes of intense surveillance, Zhao Wei sighed in relief when he realized that the intimidation of an Eighth Rank High Tier Deadly Beast was still in effect. The only variables left were other High Tier Deadly Beasts getting a whiff of the now ownerless territory.
Zhao Wei returned to the cave and used the entire day to consolidate his foundation till he was satisfied.
There were only ten days left till the commencement of the main tournament. Zhao Wei felt like they were enough for him to break through to the Fifth Rank of the Consolidated Realm and even the Peak if Lady luck was on his side.
The next day, Zhao Wei used the medicinal energy from consuming several five hundred year old herbs to obliterate the wall separating him from the Fifth Rank of the Consolidated Realm and he succeeded.
He reached the Fifth Rank of the Consolidated Realm!
The number of Illusory stars inside his cells was now around 10 million, a testimony of how the progress was slow. Body Cultivation was never easy and was slow but its benefits were extremely worth it.
With 8 days left, Zhao Wei consumed everything under the 1000 years age irregardless if they were 200 or 300 or 500 years old herb.
The [Divine Celestial Technique] and Blood Bamboo rock helped him to eliminate toxins accumulated due to consumption of many herbs and while those small fry herbs couldn't make his cultivation reach the Peak of the Fifth Rank, Zhao Wei used them to increase the illusory stars inside his cells but the increase was still negligible.
7 days left… Zhao Wei used the 1000 year old Blood Spirit Grass to extra purify his inner strength to make it even more purer and thicker. The Illusory stars within his body increased to 15 million due to the potency of a 1000 year old herb.
After that, Zhao Wei didn't consume the remaining two One Thousand Year Old herbs - The Thousand Year Old Blood Plant and Thousand Year Old Blood Bamboo Rock. Zhao Wei preserved them for later use.
With only 6 days remaining… During his usual surveys, Zhao Wei saw the Azure Eyed Hyena heading toward the ownerless territory- his temporary cultivation cave - while its ugly mouth uncontrollably dripped with saliva.
At that very moment, Zhao Wei knew what to do.
Run.
He didn't feel ashamed about it. Where was the shame in running away from an enemy you couldn't win against?
Zhao Wei ran away before the Azure Eyed Hyena which was known for its speed - almost like the incarnation of azure winds - picked up his presence with its extreme senses.
'Brother Hyena, I am lending you the cave but I hope that you survive from the tribulation heading your way. Those brats from the Broken Moon Clan won't be as magnanimous as me.' Those were Zhao Wei's last thoughts before his refined figure disappeared into the forest.
***
-[Author's Note]-
And also this might be my current update schedule due to various things I have to deal with IRL: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun.
But at least the chapters are surely long and quality is good, right?
For advanced chapters and general support [Patreon.com/OneArmedImmortal]. You get my thanks for that.
