Trumpets

Lo Jik's plans slightly stun Bai Ning Bing. She's bold, but he's bordering the realms of insanity!

"Don't you think it's a bit much?" She blinks. She's indifferent to other lives. But she respects Lo Jik's strength and nature. Bai Ning Bing believed him to be a lecherous fool. However, she's starting to realize that Lo Jik doesn't sleep with anybody and everybody. At least looks aren't the first criterion in his books.

"A bit much?" Lo Jik smiles. "I noticed how they are looking at us. It's been a few days since we entered the Xiao Yue Mountain region. Aside from the first beast tide, where thousand-beast kings appeared, other beast groups instead became our gains. Wolf teeth, pelts, and flesh are valuable. This segment's danger is also one of the most profitable periods for the caravan, where they 'unload' injured and weak servants, leaving with resounding gains. We've contributed enough. But this is Zhang Zhu's first expedition. And he's solely focused on Xin Ci."

He adds. "It's creating a wave of discontent. Other clans have their own agendas, and they cannot unite their might. But every clan suffered losses of Gu Masters during the Grey Wolf Tide. Our side unintentionally looks bright due to our combat prowess and seeming unity. What do you think Jia Long and others would do? They will suppress us. We are still Demonic Gu Master in their eyes."

"But they cannot suppress us using harsh means. First, they want to continue extracting our value. Second, Demonic Gu Masters are known for being firm under pressure, even lashing out. So, they will try to divert Zhang Zhu."

"You could be wrong," Bai Ning Bing scoffs. "What if they decide to unite under temporary benefits? This segment of travel is dangerous, and nobody wants two Demonic Fuckers in their group."

Lo Jik nods.

"Of course. That's true. But look at that."

He points at the Earthen Pot.

"What could be so valuable about an Earthen Pot that a Peak Stage Rank 3 Gu Master must be near it? Why would other clans attack us at the risk of losses when they can sacrifice time and steadily lure us away? The chances of them attacking us would be great if we were alone. But that risk is reduced by their greed and imagination."

Bai Ning Bing stares at the pot.

"Then why are we going on a roundabout way? Ah," she nods in realization. "Because we need them, too. It's convenient to use the Caravan to cross this segment. We can effortlessly leave it after crossing Shuang Jiang Mountain. The Caravan's only use to us will be maximizing our gains."

If that's the case…

Maybe robbing the Caravan ISN'T too much.

Her gaze brightens.

Profit and cultivation resources go hand-in-hand. The more they have, the firmer their footing will be in the Shang Clan.

"We'll need to vet who has a Storage Gu and who doesn't. No," she stares at Lo Jik. "Carrying those Hemp Sac Gu is similar to carrying a Family's storage. We only need to list the most expensive and lasting products."

Lo Jik nods.

As expected, the Chen Clan's Vice Leader complained against the Zhang Clan's Vice Leader—Zhang Xin Ci. His complaint of Zhang Zhu focusing on a small group instead of healing a larger group pressured Zhang Xin Ci to relent and let the indignant Zhang Zhu enter the primary group. Of course, their luck has been relatively good after the first Tide, where Xiao Die lost her arm.

Losing her arm and regaining it was an intense moment for Xiao Die, making her an almost fanatical believer in Monkey Brother.

The goods in their stall change from wolf meat to ape meat once they successfully enter the Bai Hu Mountain Region. Although the Beast Tides are slightly more frequent than usual, the Caravan can handle it. They have tens of Rank 3 Gu Masters. But the losses of mortal servants are more than predicted. This forces several Gu Masters to carry the luggage and drag the carts.

The Caravan's second crucial loss occurs when a Flame Tiger Beast Tide set a third of the Caravan's goods and carriages on fire. Many servants and Gu Masters died that night. All Xin Ci remembers is the loud, mournful screams as a broad back protected her and Xiao Die from flames, beasts, and desperate men moved by her beauty, trying to insult her honor at night.

<<<>>>

It's been over a month since they entered the Xiao Yue Mountain region. The caravan's size is cut by a third. The once proud feathered snakes are injured. Their wings are bandaged from various parts. There are barely any surviving ostriches since they tend to stick their head in the ground when facing danger. The fat beetles are slow. But their superior defense allowed them to pull through. The carriage toads lived with the most numbers since they were nimble. Almost all the giant hairy spiders died due to their aggressive nature triggering, once faced with danger.

The procession steadily moves into the Xiang Ya Region.

Like Xiao Yue, this Cloud-Piercing Mountain houses various species of Elephants. The caravan already hears the echoing trumpets as they proceed with grim looks.

Vigilant as ever, Lo Jik looks around. He wishes he had the Earth Piercing Eye alongside the Heaven Piercing Eye. It would complete the set and provide a qualitative change to Lo Jik 's scouting.

But things seem calm.

The Caravan doesn't endure any Elephant Tide and moves with relative safety.

At night, the Monkey Brother's stall offers a selection of ape and tiger meat as others swiftly purchase it.

"It's the same as always," Xin Ci sighs softly.

"Can you blame them?" Brother Monkey's voice carries humor.

Xin Ci looks serious and shakes her head. "I cannot, Brother Monkey. You're purposely selling precious Beast Meat and Pelts at a slightly low rate. It's because you have a surplus of items and probably wish to sell them quickly. Others noticed your intention and willingly purchased it. It's to horde food. They will slowly sell it once we leave this segment of the journey, entering the relatively safe route. I'm sad they will go to such extents to deprive their family servants of basic necessities."

Lo Jik glances at her.

How did the world not ruin her already?

"You shouldn't mourn for them, Missy. So many of our servants instantly left us. They are traitors!"

"You can't say that, Xiao Die," Xin Ci smiles and chides. "Don't others deserve survival? How could they have fed themselves by staying with me?"

"Not to mention," Brother Monkey chuckles. "You're using your wage to feed others. Someone with your income would have been luxuriating herself with meat and vegetables. But you have to skimp and survive on stew."

Xin Ci's smile turns slightly forced as Brother Monkey shakes his head. "I'm not forcing you to stop. Do what you like. That's the way of this world."

Noticing a chance to glean her idol's wisdom, Xiao Die hurriedly questions, "Please enlighten us, Lord Monkey."

'Oh, you,' Xin Ci feels speechless. 'Are you my friend who grew up with me in Zhang Clan or Brother Monkey's concubine? If anyone, you're showing traitorous intentions, Xiao Die.'

Lo Jik looks at the girl with amusement, casually tossing, "Humans create rules and regulations. So, they are within their rights to break them. Think carefully."

"I will, Lord Monkey! This lowly one is grateful!" Xiao Die bows deeply.

'No. Please don't ponder on these words, Xiao!' Xin Ci's lips twitch as she feels Brother Monkey's amused gaze land on her.

'You do this on purpose!' Xin Ci looks at him with an aggrieved stare. His wooden brows raise slowly as he silently demands—So? What is the kind Xin Ci going to do about it?

A rare pout appears on her face as she sits and focuses on the customers instead of chatting with Brother Monkey.

The night ends peacefully as the Caravan resumes its travel.

Dark, gloomy clouds layer the sky. Lightning crackles from the clouds.

'Oh, fuck.'

Lo Jik's body shudders. Their position in the caravan isn't at the back but in the middle. Lo Jik would have instantly run away had he been on the back! He doesn't care to warn others since his survival hinges on others bearing the brunt of IT!

"Eh? What is that?"

"Wow! It looks injured! Hurry, call the Leader! It's a divine opportunity."

"Call the main squadron! All vice leaders report to me! Brother Monkey, we need your assistance!"

As Zhang Zhu begrudgingly moves, Brother Monkey laughs loudly.

"In a minute, Brother Jia. I just remembered a good joke from a few years ago that our father told us. I'll forget it if I don't tell my sister now."

Jia Long scoffs. But he doesn't mind. He and other vice leaders look at each other with greed.

"Hurry!"

"Move!"

"Surround it!"

News travels to the rest of the caravan.

"An injured Dragon Elephant? It's already near death?"

"Quick! There might be Rare Rank 4 Gu!"

"Hmph! Is it so easy? Dragon Elephant is a mutated species! A mature Dragon Elephant is the same as a Myriad-Beast King!"

"A dying beast can burst with awe-inspiring might. They have to be careful."

Dragon Elephant!

It's a mutated species with a trace of ancient Dragon's heritage flowing through its veins. A mature Dragon Elephant has a size bigger than that of a Mammoth. In this world, such physical specs are on the modest size. However, Dragon Elephants have elemental differences!

They are like Dragons.

There will be a Fire Dragon Elephant if there is a Fire Dragon.

The existence of a Water Dragon supports the lineage of the Water Dragon Elephant.

And so on.

Beautiful scales cover their bodies, and their elemental affiliations are usually observed through the color of their tusks.

The grey-scaled beast is now red. The sight of its ruined pelt makes the heart of other Rank 3 Gu Masters bleed. But they are cautious. Who could have injured this Dragon Elephant? The Elephant's tusk is deep-red. A Fire Dragon Elephant?

"Hahaha! Too good. A Fire Gu from this Elephant should belong to me!" Chen Clan's Vice Leader demands. Others instantly argue as Jia Long notices something different.

The beast's eyes.

They are open. It's hanging onto its life.

But—

Jia Long only finds majesty in that Elephant's eyes as if it's unbothered by their presence.

"Eh?" Lin Clan's Vice Leader notices something when observing the Elephant's tusk. His body trembles. "Everyone! That's not a Myriad-Beast King!"

"What? Tch. A Thousand-Beast King?" Chen Clan's vice leader sighs as Jia Long gasps loudly.

"A Beast Emperor!"

The circle of Rank 3 Gu Masters and their Rank 2 subordinates instantly freeze. Silence descends on the mountain path.

"It's a valuable possession, Brother Monkey," Xin Ci looks worried. "You can earn many Primeval Stones using its body parts."

"I don't like it," Brother Monkey whispers. "Do you remember that joke, Sister? Remember what was in the sky?"

Sister Monkey's expression freezes.

She looks at the dark clouds.

"On my mark," Brother Monkey states as Xin Ci and Xiao Die appear confused. "Which one do you want to pick?" He questions.

"The servant. She is small and easy to carry." Sister Monkey states plainly.

"Fine." Brother Monkey nods. He stares at the sky, making Xin Ci and Xiao Die silently follow his gaze.

Meanwhile, hesitation fills the encirclement. Should the group attack?

The Beast will die eventually.

"Oh, no!" One of the vice leaders screams. "Only one thing can hurt a Beast Emperor—"

The Dragon Elephant suddenly stands on its fours before raising its trunk and letting out an earth-shattering trumpet!

The noise makes the surrounding Gu Masters dizzy.

"What was that?"

"What's going on?"

"Eh? Snow? How can there be snow when it's about to rain?"

"Now!"

Brother Monkey hisses as he turns and grabs Xin Ci. She squeaks in surprise. However, her breath catches in her throat when the gloomy clouds break apart, thinning and vanishing as angelic creatures descend from the Mountain's Peak!

Their hide and wings are snow-white. They look incredibly gentle as they elegantly raise their trunks, trumpeting loudly.

White Feather Flying Elephants!

These creatures are mutated beasts, too! Each flap of their feathered wings cast a storm of snow-white feathers as they moved aside in two groups to reveal a GIGANTIC Flying Elephant! Its wingspan alone overshadows the length of the caravan in its prime!

A…

"A BEAST EMPEROR!"

Someone shouts as commotion spreads through the caravan.

What to do?

Gu Masters hurriedly mobilize when they see a shocking sight.

The Dragon Elephant's body inflates to match the Flying Elephant's size as it instantly crushes dozen of Gu Masters surrounding it.

"Run!"

Jia Long roars. "Hide inside the rainforest!"

Xin Ci's and Xiao Die's hearts shudder as the former suddenly shouts.

"No! Uncle Zhang!" She grits her teeth, praying. She doesn't request the siblings for assistance. They are already helping. Even THIS much is a lot! Her gaze trails on those humongous creatures as they descend on the caravan with lethal intentions, stomping several unlucky men and women into meat paste. Her stomach churns as she closes her eyes.

"What the hell?!" Sister Monkey hisses.

"Don't speak a word," Brother Monkey advises. "These Elephants have a sharp hearing. Everyone will stay silent, or we will drop you and leave." Indeed, Lo Jik doesn't mind dropping them. But Xin Ci and Xiao Dei have been helpful. It's best to try and save them if it isn't bothersome.

Brother Monkey suddenly signals his sister to follow him near a cliff, where he grabs her hand. Meanwhile, he uses his other hand to cover Xin Ci's mouth. Sister Monkey does something similar as she knocks Xiao Die out. A ripple covers them before the Stealth Scales Gu hides the group.

A White Elephant lands in the area, looking around with agitated, bloodshot eyes before being attracted to a nearby shout.

"Brother Monkey! Sister Monkey! I saw you running here! Please save us! Lady Zhang!"

Zhang Xin Ci knows this man. He worked for her and boasted better bodies than others. However, under her pained gaze, the White Elephant trumpets loudly before skewering the terrified servant with its snow-white tusk!

Lo Jik is indifferent to this carnage. Instead, he stares at the intense battle between the two Emperors.

A mountain cannot house two tigers.

These two Emperors' fight is undecided. The Dragon Elephant possesses a Healing Gu. Although its injuries look severe, it pushes the slightly weaker Flying Elephant back. However, one side can fly, and the other cannot.

Not only that—

The behemoth of an Elephant raises its trunk and orders its beast group to attack the Dragon Elephant!

'We would have died if we were a second late,' Lo Jik licks his dry lips. He couldn't run away instantly. It would lead to suspicion that Lo Jik possesses an X-Ray Vision Gu.

Such Gu are uncommon, but they have several restrictions.

On the other hand, his Heaven Piercing Eye Gu only has two limits—Earth Qi and living creatures.

He had to risk slightly and leave moments before the Elephants descended.

'And I was hoping to loot the caravan. This battle will lead to disastrous losses.'

He sighs deeply.

But there are opportunities, too.

Gu and Meat!

Lo Jik keeps staring at the Dragon Elephant and the Winged Elephant.

'They both have Strength Gu on their bodies!'

He controls his breathing.

While he used his Eye Gu freely on Bai Gu Mountain, his ability to perceive Gu once they hid in soil and other spots will be negligent. So, he must prioritize his targets and focus on a few Gu instead.

The group doesn't move for seven hours. The sky changes color and the ground trembles. Feeling emotionally, mentally, and physically drained, Xin Ci lets her body lean on Brother Monkey.

Fortunately, he doesn't push her away.

She watches several groups pass by her side. Yet, she doesn't dare call or help them when a Flying Elephant stomps them into a bloody paste. Her body trembles violently.

But she cannot do anything.

The battle ends when a horribly injured Flying Elephant pierces its tusks through the Dragon Elephant, flying into the clouds before dropping the injured Dragon Elephant on the ground from thousands of meters in the sky.

When Zhang Xin Ci and others return, the number of members is ruthlessly cut into a fraction of the Caravan's original might.

Jia Long and the surviving Rank 3 Gu Master furiously snort once they see the Monkey Siblings return. They grit their jaws as they watch the shameless Brother Monkey dismember the Elephants to fill his coffers.

The Caravan's leaders salvage the goods while mourning the loss of the Dragon Elephant's body. After all, the Flying Elephant stomped it into a paste. The Flying Elephants are ruthless despite their angelic features. They focus on killing instead of wanton destruction. That's why so many of the goods survived instead of their members.

The surviving members decided to give up the injured servants. Jia Long personally struck his injured steward once he tried rallying the crowd.

The mortals fell into a hopeless state as they begged and screamed.

Xin Ci's reputation and the consequences of her kindness haunt her now.

"Lady Zhang! Please take us!"

"That's right! You are kind and elegant! How can you watch us die?"

Xin Ci's body trembles. Her steps halt before she moves unflinchingly. Xiao Die is pale, too. Her legs tremble non-stop.

"Why are you leaving, Lady Zhang?!"

"Xin Ci! Save us!"

"How cruel!"

"You heartless wench! Do you want us to die?!"

The evening sun sets on the crowd as Xin Ci clutches her chest after putting some distance. She breathes roughly, panting. Her expression is haggard.

All those voices and screams haunt her. But her composure returns to her soon.

Zhang Zhu is nowhere to be seen.

Within this fickle composure is a compulsive need to break down and cry loudly! She wants to weep and mourn until her heart soothes.

"So, this is despair."

She whispers with a bitter smile. Xin Ci's vision is hazy with misty tears as she wipes her eyes before brushing her hair using her fingers.

Her words momentarily surprise the Monkey Siblings. Xiao Die is already unconscious, lying on Sister Monkey's shoulder like a potato sack.

"Do you like it?" Brother Monkey stares at the girl as the blood-red shade of the sky taints her pale, sickly face.

"I don't, Brother Monkey. How can I enjoy despair when I try to help others?" Her voice quakes.

"Hope resists despair. One's hope shines brighter than the sun," he can't help but keep staring at the girl. "But regret sticks. It's infectious. Do you regret leaving them?"

Xin Ci's eyelids tremble as she takes a shuddering breath.

"I can't be kind to others without being kind to myself. There are limits to what I can do."

She looks at her hands. "It's unfortunate I couldn't do more. But I did all I could. There are no regrets in my heart, Brother Monkey."

A warm hand lands on her head as Xin Ci looks at the man with surprise.

"You're a beautiful beast, Zhang Xin Ci. Heaven must be jealous of you. That's the only reason you don't have more power."

He gently ruffles her hair as Xin Ci's lips purse before they tug downward. Tears start spilling from her gaze as she hurriedly wipes them away.

"I'm sorry!" she lets out choked sobs. "I shouldn't be crying."

"You're right," he takes his hand back. "You survived. You have a life ahead of you."

Brother Monkey turns around.

'Thank you,' Xin Ci cries into her handkerchief. 'Thank you for being here.'

'It's a pity she isn't a Gu Master. But if she had been a Gu Master, she would have stood against me and Ning Bing.'

Even Bai Ning Bing glances at the crying girl with admiration.

Lo Jik snaps out of his thoughts, staring at the White Elephant Strength Gu. The damned Flying Elephant didn't leave a thing. But Lo Jik discovered this Strength Gu left a dead Flying Elephant killed by the Dragon Elephant. He picked it up.

Rank 1 White Boar, Black Boar, and Monkey Gu.

Rank 2 Tiger Gu.

And Rank 3 White Ape and White Elephant Strength Gu! He still has a long way to bottoming out his potential in Strength Path.

<<<>>>

The Caravan traveled for three days and nights before resting and counting losses.

Jia Long grits his teeth.

It's too much.

Their trip was a waste. These losses made their caravan unfeasible!

Out of the original 1000-something members, only 319 members survived.

181 of this number are Gu Masters.

The losses to the caravan's higher-ups are significant since they were near the Dragon Elephant before it went berserk. Including Jia Long, only seven leaders survived. The remaining surviving Gu Masters are split into functional Gu Masters capable of carrying out tasks and dead weights. But Jia Long cannot sacrifice the injured Gu Masters.

Gu Masters are a core of Caravan's defense. Mortal servants and the working Gu Masters will lose their hopes once the higher-ups give up the injured Gu Masters.

"Please explain yourself, Brother Monkey!" Jia Long states firmly. "Where were you?"

"Where were we?" Brother Monkey chuckles. "We were hiding."

"You could have warned us!"

The Lin Clan's vice leader grits his teeth.

"About what? A bad feeling?" Brother Monkey shrugs. "Do you all believe I feel ominous about the Elephant horde targeting us again?"

They clench their fists as if reliving the most painful memories.

"If you want us to leave, state simply," Sister Monkey snorts. "We survived on our own. We'll risk again."

Jia Long hastily speaks, "You misunderstand us, Brother and Sister. It's just that tensions are quite high."

How can the caravan lose combatants like these siblings?

"Hmph!" Brother Monkey snorts. "Only you are feeling tense? Our treasure was destroyed by the elephants!"

Jia Long holds back the urge to grab Brother Monkey's collar and deliver harsh slaps to his wooden face!

What treasure?

It was just an old pot!

But Jia Long and others cannot say they tried to 'look' for the Siblings' treasure.

"Sigh, I admire your grit, Brother Jia. But I think my Sister is right. We have already sold things and conducted our business. Nothing is keeping us here."

Panic flashes in everyone's eyes. Even Xin Ci feels her heart throbbing. She doesn't care about safety. But to leave Brother Monkey's side after Zhang Zhu's loss leaves her with an inexplicable sadness.

"You are wrong, Brother Monkey," Jia Long clears his throat. "There are losses, yes. But the departed don't need these goods. We were about to divide these goods. That's why we called you two esteemed guests."

What esteemed guests?

They called the duo to pressure them using the recent losses into coughing up a share. But the threat of two Peak Stage Rank 3 Gu Masters leaving is too much!

"It doesn't seem right," Brother Monkey hesitates.

"Hmph! You scoundrels lust after the dead people's possessions? This place disgusts me, Brother. Let's leave!" States the Saintess Bai Ning Bing, the Paragon of Hope and Kindness.

The Rank 3 Gu Masters in the tent pale as Jia Long squeezes, "We're all here to earn, Sister Monkey. The dearly departed would want us to continue."

"Brother Jia is right," Brother Monkey whispers warmly.

"Since you say so, I would like to borrow the Tortoise and Black Bear Strength Gu in your possession, Brother Jia. I would also like to borrow the Eagle Strength Gu from Brother Lin and the Panda Strength Gu from Brother Chen. I'm willing to buy it alongside the Gu Food in your stock. Also, please consider me and my Sister's share differently. Hahaha. I always thought Brother Jia was just. How can he lust after the possession of the dead? So, he is carrying their will. Truly righteous!"

The tent descends into silence as veins slowly map others' foreheads.

Extortion.

They are being extorted.

It's so blatant that it hurts!

Yet…

They are helpless.

The end result?

Brother and Sister Monkey got a 15% individual share of the goods. Also, the leaders and vice leaders lent the Strength Gu to Brother Monkey.

Surprisingly, they didn't charge money for their food. Instead, they instructed Brother Monkey to send a servant over, and the leaders would supply the Gu Food.

They used excuses like being just and welcoming.

However, it's all bullshit!

The higher-ups have to make sacrifices to retain Brother Monkey. However, they will control the Gu Food. It takes time to use the Beast Strength Gu. They can control the siblings through these goods.

Who cares about profits when they are facing the threat of death?

The Monkey Siblings cannot leave!

However, who will tell Jia Long that the duo wants to stay? They plan to rob the caravan later. The loss of the Earthen Pot destroyed their reason to stay. So, the duo needed another cover. Also, their plan to control Brother Monkey using Beast Strength Gu is destined to fail.

Using the Beast Strength Gu for a long time injures flesh.

However, Lo Jik has the Flesh Bone Gu.

His Twilight Spider cannot heal injuries through his intact skin. But Lo Jik can temporarily walk the Masochist Path and overload his body with Beast Strength Gu before healing his injuries.

The Flesh Bone Gu Worm's disadvantage is its high consumption. However, it's not an issue for Lo Jik, who possesses the Heavenly Essence Treasure Lotus!

Tortoise, Bear, Eagle, Panda, and Elephant Strength!

Tortoise, Bear, and Panda Strength are Rank 2 Gu Worms.

Meanwhile, the Eagle and Elephant Strength are Rank 3 Gu Worms.

Lo Jik has his work cut out for the next few weeks instead of the assumed months!

***

Alternate Title: Going Too Far?; Not Going Far Enough!; Bai Ning Bing Gets It; Extracting Value; Learning To Use Surroundings; Teasing; Kind Xin Ci; Brother Monkey's Greatest Fan!; Corrupting Xiao Die for Shit and Giggles; Speechless Xin Ci; The Injured Bait; Elephants Everywhere; Caught Between a War; The Ruthless Flying Elephants; Majestic; Running; Disastrous Losses; Hiding; Consequences of Kindness; Tasting Despair; The Undying Flames of Hope; No Regrets as Long as One Does Everything; A Beautiful Beast; Breaking Down; Happy Tears; Bai Ning Bing is Already Xiao Die's Caretaker… and She Doesn't Know It!; Counting Losses; Explanation?; Threats; Righteous and Just; The Treasured Pot; Borrowing; 15% Each; Control?; Hidden Intentions; Lo Jik Must Walk The Forbidden Masochist Path Minored By The Reckless Chad Immortal Venerable

***

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