Chapter 359: The Core Difference

Chapter 359: The Core Difference

“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Why w-n’t-t-com- off!”

Anguished cries ring out across the area, with his teammates scurrying away from the jellied burning mess around him. Even the other core formation expert has a look of horror on him.

A napalm mixture with the heat intensity of thermite and far stickier than most substances from earth.

Of course, there are some ingredients that have qi in them, that boost the effects slightly. Soaking his body in chemical and heat burns all the way to the bone. Not enough to kill him, but as he continues to try to rip off the napalm, he only serves to actually be tearing off skin, muscle, and bone.

But even this isn’t enough to kill a core formation expert. Just maim and disorient.

And that’s only because these two are quite below the average strength of a core formation expert. Just a poor rogue cultivator with a dismal cultivation base.

A glance at the giant box in the distance containing the Seniors and Longs, show the opposite end of the scale. Where their slight attacks have the power to level small towns. The variance in ability and skill that can be seen even within the same realm and level.

Against an above average Core Formation, like them... it wouldn’t even tickle their skin.

A terrifying thought.

My eyes turn back to the screaming and scared rogue cultivators before me.

Their disadvantages are my benefit. With it being more than enough to provide a functional distraction.

Soaring past me at speeds even faster than when she fought me, Jin Chin stabs her short sword and dagger at the shocked and uninjured core formation expert.

With a swipe, her short sword aims for his neck.

The expert barely parries her short sword, but her dagger changes direction, landing in his gut. But they wouldn’t be a living rogue cultivator of this realm without some tricks of their own.

In an instant, a column of fire erupts from his mouth, spewing out for several kilometers, setting the forest on fire and causing Jin Chin immediately leap down and jump away to get distance.

Luckily for us, it was angled upwards, and missed our group, even though the heat from it sears our skin. Only kept back by the barriers I’ve erected around our group and the carriages.

As the fire goes down, his face is fierce, looking for blood.

Taking an angry step forward...

He instantly falls on his face.

Black lines spreading from the dagger wound in his belly. Mouth frothing, with fire sporadically leaking out. Seizing up, his body shaking.

Yeah... why the heck wouldn’t I outfit each of my people with poisons? Especially if I trust them and they are competent like Jin Chin?

Though, even with contracts, those are usually the two things that prevent others from doing it. Betrayal or accidents are always a possibility on the horizon.

Which must be that prison area we went to with him before.

My eyes drift to the rings and other valuable looking objects on his arms.

It's possible that these abilities are not specifically derived from his cultivation method. I shouldn’t make too many assumptions, in case things ever change between us.

After effortlessly trapping two core formation experts in some kind of space trap, he finally speaks to me.

“Well, sorry about that. The Patriarch wanted me to convey his apologies that certain elements have taken steps to slow your progress to Monchon City.

“While the unknown parties in question have long disappeared, we’ll be making sure that no others interfere, at this time.”

He gives a smirk after these words.

“In my humble opinion, though, I would have liked to see what you would have to do after defeating these two cultivators, rather than having us dispose of them. Especially considering your normal choices in dealing with those who oppose you.”

What does he mean by that?

The only real enemies I’ve fought and reconciled with has been Ao Jin, the demonic cultivator and Meili, the assassin woman.

Unless...

Right.

What I consider opposing is a much higher bar than what almost all other cultivators do. Especially in a world where a small slight can lead to an entire family being purged.

... something I’ve been lucky to not encounter yet.

I’ve met and had interactions with countless people who committed small slights against me. I just don’t worry about it unless it’s crazy.

After giving me a scrutinizing stare, he understands I won't be offering any information. With a shrug, he gives a slight bow.

I briefly say some words, as it looks like our meeting is ending.

“Please extend our thanks to the Patriarch and yourself for your kind support. I look forward to continuing to support our sect!”

A small smile graces his lips before he disappears.

And as he does so, another boom resonates through the shield surrounding Sister Nuan and the others above.

The battle continues rages to rage in the box, while we decide how to move forward.