Jin had already perished, yet the grasslands to the north still watched with rapacious eyes, as Guo Jing presided over the situation in Xiangyang from his seat.
But suddenly, the tense situation in the north ceased, the grassland armies retreated overnight, and then more and more refugees started arriving from the north, speaking of some man-eating giants that had appeared on the grasslands.
The descriptions were as exaggerated as they could possibly be.
Some said they were as tall as houses, others claimed they were higher than city walls, and there were even those who said they were taller than mountains, with the smallest being around three to four meters.
Because the information was too chaotic, the imperial court could only settle these refugees as best as possible, while also reinforcing the defenses of Xiangyang.
This three-dimensional maneuver gear, however, was brought over by a group of foreigners who had fled from the north; it's just that there was some communication barrier, as the other party seemed to be speaking Japanese.
"This device is different from your guns; it seems to have some sort of mysterious power as well, I can't replicate it exactly to achieve the same effect,"
Huang Yaoshi spoke somewhat wistfully, his expression also grown somewhat grave.
"I originally thought that these outsiders' words were mostly exaggerations; how could there be giants over ten meters tall in this world, let alone fifty meters. But considering the situation on your end, it seems not impossible. Young friend, do you know if those firearms and cannons of yours can be transported over in large quantities?"
It must be said, Huang Yaoshi truly had exceptional foresight.
Once he inferred through Tao Yu that the rumors about the giants might be true, he too began to think of countermeasures.
"With the sea in between, I'm afraid it's difficult..."
Tao Yu also roughly understood the situation.
It must be that the world of the Titans had come into contact with this side, perhaps the barrier's power of this world was mostly used to hold back the sea and did not block the entrance of the Titans, or it didn't block them entirely.
This led to the Titans beginning to ravage the grasslands.
"According to the situation with 'Demonization', it is highly likely that the Titans lose that powerful regenerative ability once they leave their world. So, theoretically, we can now use a zerg-rush tactic to encircle and slay them, but the losses..."
Tao Yu pondered the current circumstance within his heart.
Although he had only watched the first two seasons of that Titan anime, when it ended poorly, he caught the finale through short videos as well. There should be some Founding Titan that could control the Pure Titans.
It seemed to be that person called Ymir, always somewhere sheltering the Titans? Giving them the power of regeneration?
However, given the size and number of the Titans, the defeat in the grasslands was likely only a matter of time.
If there were only Pure Titans, then once the grassland armies overcame their fear and found a pattern, they might indeed be able to resist by sheer numbers, for example, by using chains and specifically crafting some blades for slicing legs.
But in the army of Pure Titans, mixed with Aberrants, the blow to morale was too great.
The presence of some small, agile Titans on the other hand, completed the lineup.
Furthermore, Tao Yu's character had always been to his taste; this kind of arrogance was something Pharmacist Huang actually admired.
"The martial arts of the world are vast as smoke, but there are only three that can truly be called top-tier internal cultivation methods," Pharmacist Huang began.
Hearing Pharmacist Huang speak, Tao Yu knew it was time for 'the joy of teaching,' and he quickly followed up at just the right moment,
"Oh? And which three would those be?"
"First and foremost is the innate skill cultivated by the invincible Wang Chongyang back in his day. This skill is upright and balanced, emphasizing accumulation and persistence, growing stronger as one practices, and it would suit you best."
Upon hearing this, Tao Yu had a moment of realization. The senior was truly experienced.
He had originally thought of the Nine Yang Divine Skill and the Nine Yin True Scripture, and then to search for the Dragon Elephant Prajna Skill. If possible, he might even consider the Muscle Change Classic and some Shaolin secret techniques, or even head to the Ming Cult for the Great Shift of Qiankun.
He had somehow overlooked this other martial art that was a divine skill back in the day!
Now that he heard this, it did indeed seem very suitable for him.
The Dragon Elephant Prajna Skill also involved accumulation, but it focused more on the physical body and strength, whereas the innate skill was presumably mainly about inner strength.
Or perhaps it was possible to practice both?
"Secondly, there is the Nine Yin True Scripture, which we seized back in the day. It is indeed a supreme martial art as well," Pharmacist Huang continued.
At this point, Pharmacist Huang appeared somewhat sorrowful, presumably reminded of his deceased wife, and despite holding the Nine Yin True Scripture for many years, he had indeed never cultivated any of the martial arts from it.
"Thirdly, there is the Muscle Change Classic from Shaolin Temple, which has been secluded for many years. Despite Shaolin's seclusion over the years, their foundation should not be underestimated. These three are the top foundational martial arts of the world. I only have the Nine Yin True Scripture, so perhaps..."
The offer came so unexpectedly smooth that Tao Yu was caught off guard for a moment.
Given Pharmacist Huang's attachment to his deceased wife, he would never easily impart the Nine Yin True Scripture, although his daughter and son-in-law practiced it, he himself had always refrained from it.
Tao Yu had been intent on obtaining the Nine Yin True Scripture, but he had truly felt that it would be too difficult to obtain from Pharmacist Huang.
His main focus had been on the Ancient Tomb School, and then the Nine Yang Divine Skill of Shaolin Temple.
He thought that acquiring these two and undergoing demonization once, coupled with the acceleration of his hundred thousand Yuan Force afterwards, and having completed the accumulation, he should be able to seek out King Golden Wheel or the Ming Cult to resolve things more smoothly.
But now, without much effort, and just preparing to simply build a relationship and become familiar with Pharmacist Huang, he suddenly offered Tao Yu the Nine Yin True Scripture?
This was somewhat unexpected.
However, Tao Yu was not one to shy away from challenges, and although he knew there had to be some catch, he said boldly,
"Since it is a top-tier martial art recommended by you, senior, of course, I would like to have it..."