45 - A Sect Leader’s Ascension

In the jade slip, there was only detailed information about the "Black River Lizard" but no specific methods on how to deal with it. The seven people, comprising the Chu Qin Sect members and Yu Denuo, discussed for a long time. Everything seemed manageable, except for the powerful back spikes of the "Black River Lizard," which posed a significant challenge. Attacking the lizard meant the group had to close in, but their Wind Array Spirit Boat was designed for long-distance travel, making it slow and difficult to maneuver. A slight mistake in dodging those swiftly flying back spikes could lead to death. At this point, Yu Denuo suggested using his flying sword, which was better suited for quick movements and evasions, to draw the lizard's attention. Then, the others could follow the plan and attack. "This was supposed to be a matter for the Chu Qin Sect, yet I've ended up imposing such a burden on you, Brother Yu. I truly feel apologetic," Qi Xiu said with some guilt towards Yu Denuo. He was surprised that an outsider would risk so much for the Chu Qin Sect, and after realizing that only this method could defeat the "Black River Lizard," he felt even more saddened and ashamed by his sect's limited strength. "No worries. To kill it, we must attack its belly from close range. However, if it's just about getting its attention, I can fly higher and attack. It shouldn't be too dangerous," Yu Denuo replied casually, though he wasn't entirely sure why he made such a choice; perhaps he just wanted to help these people. Since Yu seemed insistent, Qi Xiu opted not to be overly ceremonious. He took out a gray magic robe from his pouch and handed it to Yu Denuo, saying, "Great kindness needs no words. If there’s anything I can help with in the future, please let me know. This is a first-tier magic robe with a wind shield effect. It might save your life in a pinch." Yu Denuo initially declined, but after Qi Xiu explained its origins and mentioned that due to other family markings it wasn't worth much, Yu accepted it. With the plan set and roles assigned, noticing the high morale, Qi Xiu decisively ordered the seven to return to their path and proactively seek out the "Black River Lizard" for battle. Yu Denuo led the charge on his sword, followed closely by Zhang Shishi, while the remaining members surrounded He Yu at the center. He Yu's "Ice Spike" was the sharpest, serving as the main attack force. Yu Jing, unfortunately, had to use the slower "Spirit Bamboo Kite" due to his damaged Wind Array Spirit Boat, and followed from a distance to provide support. Supplies like Qi Recovery Pills, Healing Pills, Life-Saving Talismans, and various low-level attack and defense talismans were distributed, and the group advanced in formation. The "Black River Lizard," with its cumbersome body, hadn't wandered far. Yu Denuo quickly located it, shouted, and approached rapidly on his sword, launching a golden sword projection before rising higher without looking back. The lizard, feeling challenged again by this pesky human, roared and shot its spikes, which Yu Denuo deftly dodged. With the creature's attention focused upwards, Zhang Shishi chanted a spell, and his stone futon expanded hugely, crashing down. Though the lizard was gigantic, it staggered under the blow. He Yu, with remarkable talent, guided two "Ice Spikes" striking true at its soft underbelly, drawing blood. Following their lead, Qi Xiu and Pan Rong hurled their own magical attacks, adding to the onslaught. Hissing in agony, the "Black River Lizard," especially pained by the ice spikes penetrating its abdomen, went berserk. Its eyes turned red with fury, focusing intently on the humans that had harmed it, unleashing a barrage of back spikes and rancid black poison from its mouth, enveloping Qi Xiu’s group. "Rise!" Zhang Shishi, sweat beading on his forehead, never felt this close to death. Fueled by fear and adrenaline, he transformed these emotions into a fierce resolve, raising his arms and pushing forward. His spiritual energy surged, and the stone futon became a massive shield protecting the Chu Qin Sect members from harm. "Thunk, thunk, thunk..." The spikes pelted the stone shield like raindrops. Unable to corrode the earth-element artifact, they only left cracks. Realizing most attacks were neutralized, the lizard, furious, disregarded Yu Denuo overhead and charged recklessly at Zhang Shishi. "Vile beast, stop!" Seeing he could no longer hold the lizard’s focus, Yu Denuo anxiously used his ultimate move. He hurled a golden core nail artifact at the creature's left eye with incredible speed, bursting the eyeball in a spray of blood. The lizard, in pain, stumbled to a halt, its cries echoing desperately. "We did it!" He Yu shouted in excitement, swallowing another Qi Recovery Pill, and continued his relentless assault with his "Ice Spike," creating more wounds on the lizard. The others also quickened their pace, forcing the already weakened creature into a corner. "Stay vigilant!" Qi Xiu managed to remain clear-headed, casting a "Spirit Wall Spell" talisman to create a spiritual barrier between his group and the giant beast. As expected, the "Black River Lizard" still had some strength, releasing another wave of back spikes that lost accuracy, scattering wildly. These spikes pierced Qi Xiu’s spirit wall, slowing them down enough for Zhang Shishi’s stone shield to intercept them once more. "Ah!" Under the relentless attack, the stone futon shattered entirely, leaving Zhang Shishi depleted of spiritual energy. He spat blood and collapsed backward, his spirit boat crashing into the swamp below, sending up a spatter of black mud. "Shishi!" Qi Xiu swiftly flew to the crash site, finding Zhang Shishi pale as paper, unconscious within the spirit boat. His heart twisted in agony, and he desperately plastered various life-extending talismans onto him. "Damn bastard!" He Yu, deeply cared for by Zhang Shishi, exploded with youthful fury. Channeling all his spiritual energy, he formed a massive ice spike, completely tearing open the beast's abdomen, spilling its entrails onto the ground. Yu Denuo launched another core nail, and the "Black River Lizard" finally collapsed, unable to move. Blood — red, white, and yellow — mixed with the swamp's black mud into a grotesque and colorful chaos. The disciples went berserk, furiously attacking even more until Yu Jing broke Qi Xiu’s orders and joined in, leaving the lizard distinctly lifeless. "Brother Zhang!" With the formidable "Black River Lizard" finally down, everyone rushed over, surrounding Zhang Shishi with concern. Yu Denuo checked his breath and joyously announced, "He's fine, just exhausted his spiritual energy, causing him to faint." Finally, everyone could breathe a sigh of relief. (To be continued)