Splitting the Heave

After Shang Ke disappeared, Shang Xia realized that he had no idea what he should do next.

Was he going to return to the Tongyou Peak in preparation of entering the Martial Intent Realm? 

He had to look for a rank three advancement formula if he wanted to advance. He still had Zhu Ying’s rank three advancement formula with him after killing the man, but he wouldn’t even need to look at it to know that it wouldn’t be suitable for him.

He was so doubtful about it that he wouldn’t even bother optimizing it with the blood red tablet.

Shang Xia didn’t forget how the tablet cracked when he changed the advancement formula for him to enter the Martial Extremity Realm. No matter how he looked at it, a rank three advancement formula was several times stronger than a rank two one! If he chose one that wasn’t compatible with himself and optimized it with the tablet, he was afraid that things wouldn’t simply end with another crack on the tablet.

As such, he made up his mind to look for an advancement formula after returning to the institution.

He wasn’t too worried about the ingredients required to create the medicine. After all, he gained quite a lot in the Coral Forest. Regardless of whether it was the gains he obtained with his abilities, or those he got after he killed Zhu Ying, those amounted to a terrifying amount! There were many ingredients he could use to create his advancement medicine too.

There was also no need to mention that Shang Xia’s performance in the Coral Forest. Disregarding everything else, he allowed the institution to obtain the Coral Command. He was basically the reason the institution was able to turn the situation around. 

When he first entered the Coral Forest, he also gained a solid grasp on the Mountain and Sea Fantasy Spiritual World, allowing the institution to expand their influence greatly. 

Those two points alone called for massive rewards from the institution.

However, Shang Xia didn’t plan to advance quickly. He would rather take the chance to perfect his Yin Yang Sword Formation, allowing him to reach greater heights in the future.

He thought of training in his sword arts next, but a problem quickly popped up. There were no suitable opponents. If he tried training alone, he wouldn’t be able to achieve the desired effects.

Shang Xia’s gaze traveled across the endless plains before him. He didn’t feel any different in the Coral Forest, but now that he was alone, he felt that something was missing.

His thoughts were in disarray, but a shadow that shot past his head jolted his senses. He finally recalled that the Lightning Bird went missing after he entered the tunnel.

Whistling loudly, he wanted to see if he could reach the little critter.

It didn’t take long before a sharp chirp responded to him.

Raising his head with pleasant surprise, he discovered a silver streak in the skies closing in rapidly. It didn’t take long before it started to circle above him.

It can be hard to make great work when its stolen from bit.ly/3iBfjkV.

“Heh! Little thieving bird, where did you run off to?” Shang Xia chuckled happily.

All he got was a chirp in response as the little creature flew down to perch on his shoulders.

He quickly discovered something new. The little bird was much heavier than before! 

A series of chirping rang in his ears, and Shang Xia seemed to understand what the bird was saying.

“Did you find a strange place that would benefit you greatly?” Shang Xia continued, “You became stronger (fatter) because of it?” 

A short cry left the Lightning Bird’s lips and it nodded once, confirming what Shang Xia said.

“You wish to bring me there too?” Shang Xia asked.

The Lightning Bird soared into the air, but a familiar howl brought it back down towards Shang Xia’s shoulders. The rank five undead corpse slammed against the barrier around the Coral Forest.

A thought flashed through Shang Xia’s mind suddenly. “Let’s hide for now… It won’t be too late to head over later!”

Shang Xia didn’t even need to explain further. The Lightning Bird could feel the threat coming from the rank five undead corpse.

The human and bird duo traveled carefully in the direction where the rank five undead corpse rushed towards.

Shang Xia also took note of what was happening around him.

In an instant, he felt the aura of the undead corpse growing closer and closer.

His heart thumped violently. Even though he had already gotten rid of Zhu Ying’s body, he was afraid that the rank five undead corpse would just get rid of him along the way. Against an existence like that, Shang Xia wouldn’t be able to put up the slightest resistance.

When his thoughts were running wild, a terrifying aura descended on the lands. He was suffocated for a second, but the aura soon disappeared.

He didn’t even manage to catch a glimpse of the undead corpse’s figure!

It seemed as though they were too weak for Zhu Tong to even bother about them. Chuckling bitterly at himself, Shang Xia’s worry disappeared completely.

“Huh? Why are you here?” 

Shang Xia jumped in fright when he heard the voice. He didn’t even discover their presence! However, he quickly noticed two figures. “Grandpa, you… Grandpa Ji is here too!” 

Shang Xia turned to look at Shang Bo and Ji Wenlong who popped out of nowhere.

“I heard from Chief Lubing that you plan to lure Zhu Tong out of the Coral Forest. Your Fifth Grandpa followed you out too. After coming to a common understanding, we released the seal on the Coral Forest. Zhu Tong escaped immediately, but where’s your Fifth Grandpa?” Shang Bo asked. His divine sense spread all over the land, but he failed to locate Shang Ke! A deep frown appeared on his face.

Shang Xia quickly followed up with an explanation. “Fifth Grandpa went to the Four Spiritual Peak. He has something that attracts Zhu Tong.” 

The two old experts immediately realized what Shang Xia’s plan was.

“Don’t you know that this will put your Fifth Grandpa in danger?” Shang Bo growled at Shang Xia suddenly.

“Well, all he has to do is to scatter the stuff around the Four Spiritual Peak before running away. He should be able to escape if he doesn’t run into anyone.” Shang Xia explained.

Nodding once, Shang Bo turned to speak to Ji Wenlong. “We can’t waste any more time. Let’s head over too!” 

Ji Wenlong was also extremely curious about the item that could attract the rank five undead corpse. Seeing as Shang Bo had already made his move, he could only follow behind.

Watching the two old experts disappearing into the horizon, Shang Xia yelled, “Hey! Zhu Tong might be able to shatter the protection formation around the Four Spiritual Peak! You should take advantage of the situation to mess with them!” 

Before he completed his sentence, the two old men had already disappeared. He didn’t know if they heard him or not.

Regardless, a sense of relief washed over him. With the two peak-leveled experts leaving, he became a lot more at ease. The way he spoke became a lot less respectful too.

“Hey, should we… Should we head over and take a look?” Shang Xia asked.

The Lightning Bird chirped in excitement, mirroring his thoughts.

“No, no. no! This can’t do. I’ll go to the Four Spiritual Peak myself. You have to relay the message back to the Tongyou Peak!” A mischievous smile appeared on Shang Xia’s face. “Since we’re going to take advantage of the situation, we’ll go all the way! Go big or go home!”