Chapter 59: Storing (3)
Translator: Zen Translations Editor: Zen Translations
Shangguan Bing'er looked at him and said coldly: "Company Leader Xiao, do not forget that I am your boss."
Xiao Se said mockingly: "A boss who was absent from post for two months without authorization? Battalion Commander, do not worry, I have already reported this to the military headquarters regarding the matter of you being absent without authorization. Three days later when the new recruits barracks are completed, if the new 3rd Battalion Recruits suffer a disastrous defeat in the Fresh Recruit Tournament, I'm afraid your position as Battalion Commander will likely come to an end. Heavenly Jewel Masters are truly genius talents, but that does not mean that you also have the talent or ability in commanding."
As soon as he spoke these words, Xiao Se turned around and walked away unexpectedly, causing Shangguan Bing'er's beautiful face to be angered into a pallid white.
Zhou Weiqing had been standing beside Shangguan Bing'ers, and as he saw Xiao Se was walking away, he took a step forward to pursue; he had long since disliked that handsome gigolo.
Shangguan Bing'er lifted her hand, catching hold of Zhou Weiqing's arm, shaking her head at him.
Xiao Se vanished as he exited the command tent, and Zhou Weiqing could no longer resist and said: "Battalion Commander, why don't you let me me teach him a lesson? What's the matter with this Xiao Se?"
Shangguan Bing'er said with a solemn voice: "Company Leader Xiao is the only son of the Empire's Finance Minister Marquis Xiao Yunchen, otherwise did you think I would endure him til now?"
When he heard Shangguan Bing'er's words, Zhou Weiqing was also very surprised, "That can't be? Marquis Xiao is called the God of Wealth of our Empire, it could be said that one of the main reasons why our Heavenly Bow Empire's national strength can progress and improve, has a lot to do with him. How could he possibly have such an arrogant son?"
"You also know Marquis Xiao?" Shangguan Bing'er looked somewhat surprisedly at him.
Zhou Weiqing realized that he had somewhat made a mistake, and hurriedly tried to recover and said: "Many have said that our Heavenly Bow Empire is sustained in a big way by our two great officials, one against the outside world, and one governing the inside world. The one who holds the outside is Admiral Zhou, and the governing the inside isn't it Marquis Xiao?"
Shangguan Bing'er nodded, then sighed lightly, saying: "Actually, I cannot blame Xiao Se for treating me like that. Before I came to the 3rd Battalion, the 3rd Battalion Commander position was vacant, and although he isn't a Heavenly Jewel Master, but he is indeed a military genius with very capable commanding ability, and was the person who was most likely to succeed the Battalion Commander position, yet that position was actually snatched by me, that is why he feels so uncomfortable in his heart. Xiao Se's elite 3rd Company is also the main trump card of our 3rd Battalion."
Zhou Weiqing's expression suddenly grew extremely strange, as he suddenly recalled some past events from his childhood.
...
"Bro Shuiniu , look at those two kids enjoying themselves play together. What a pity, your son is six years younger than my little daughter, otherwise, I will definitely snatch this son-in-law from his Majesty, hahaha."
"Old Xiao, why do you trouble yourself with this? Weiqing this child is born with his meridian passages blocked, sigh… he is doomed to not have a great talent!"
"Old Zhou, is your brain damaged? As bros how can you say this to me? I'm telling you now very clearly, if in the future the Princess Her Highness and Weiqing are not good together, even if Ruse is older than your son, I will marry her to Weiqing!"
...
A 13-14 year old young girl was running in front, followed by a little boy whose nose was dripping with mucus.
"Zhou Weiqing, you little mucus monster, come quickly over here! Let's go grab that birds nest."
"Elder Sis Ruse, wait for me!!"
...
A young girl with a firm and resolute expression on her face was standing protectively before a little boy, facing them were another four to five young boys encircling them.
"I won't allow you guys to bully him, who dares to bully him will be punched by me!"
...
"Papa, where did Elder Sis Ruse go? How come she doesn't come to play with me anymore?"
"Your Elder Sis Ruse has gone to school. Little brat, starting today, your misery has come, from today onwards you will get up at 5am to go through special training, otherwise, your father* I will punch till your ass blossoms."
...
"Little Fatty Zhou, what are you thinking about?" Shangguan Bing'er lifted her hand and waved it in front of Zhou Weiqing's face, asking him puzzledly.
Zhou Weiqing awoke from his train of thought and quickly shook his head, saying: "Nothing, Battalion Commander. What was the Fresh Recruit Tournament that Company Leader Xiao mentioned earlier?"
Xiao Se… Xiao Ruse, those two names superimposed in his heart gradually, and the edges of Zhou Weiqing's mouth edged up slightly, in the heart he was thinking: As far as I know, Uncle Xiao only has a daughter, Elder Sis Ruse, where did a son come from? Haha, they say that females go through a huge change at 18 years old, it seems like Elder Sis Ruse, you did not recognize me, and I also did not recognize you. You are pretending to be a man!
Shangguan Bing'er's brow furrowed as she said: ""We are talking about the Fresh Recruit Tournament, why are you smiling so slyly?"
"Ah? Did I smile? Battalion Commander, what I mean is that I am also a recruit, so naturally I can participate in this Fresh Recruit Tournament right?" Zhou Weiqing responded quickly, immediately finding a reason for himself.
Shangguan Bing'er said: "The Fresh Recruit Tournament is held after the new recruits have finished their training, and the various Companies in the Battalion will be competing against each other as a unit. This is for the purpose of selecting talented people, those recruits who put up a good display; for example the most outstanding recruit will directly be promoted to squad leader. I remember that this was how Company Leader Xiao had risen in his rank initially too, he has enlisted in the military for about three years, yet his performance has been absolutely outstanding. If I had not appeared with the rank of Heavenly Jewel Master, perhaps he has already been promoted to the rank of Battalion Commander. Furthermore, he has always relied on his own ability for promotions, and not relied on any help from Marquis Xiao. I truly admire and respect him in that aspect. Well, in any case, you will also have to participate in the Fresh Recruit Tournament, otherwise our new Company will be short of one person. However, you are absolutely not allowed to use your Heavenly Jewels."
"Battalion Commander, I have a condition." Zhou Weiqing said with an impish grin on his face. After realising that Xiao Se was unexpectedly his Elder Sis Ruse, he was in an excellent mood, suddenly could no longer repress his true colors.
Shangguan Bing'er did not know why, but looking at him acting this way, several ripples coursed through her heart, it was as if this rascal in front of her had became real again.
"What condition?" Shangguan Bing'er put on a serious face and asked.
Zhou Weiqing grinned: "Lend me your Purple Dawn Bow. Even if I cannot use my Heavenly Jewels, I will still give them a huge surprise. Battalion Commander, just wait and see your Personal Aide Little Fatty Zhou show his suave valiance in the Fresh Recruit Tournament. However… is there any reward?"
Shangguan Bing'er got angry: "What, do you still want a reward?"
Zhou Weiqing said: "Doesn't the army pride itself on its fairness, discipline is upheld and punishment meted to those who deserve it, but rewards are also given to those who deserve it as well? I do not want that rank of squad leader; if I bring our 3rd Battalion's fresh recruit Company to get the first in the tournament, in the future when there is no one else around, you will let me call your name directly, this request isn't too excessive right?"
Shangguan Bing'er originally wanted to reject him immediately, but with a quick thought she changed her mind. After all, they were both Heavenly Jewel Masters, it was no big deal letting him call her name. Furthermore, after thinking about Xiao Se's arrogant appearance just now, she grit her teeth and said: "Alright, fine. If you can lead our fresh recruit squadron to win the first position in the tournament, then I'll let you do so."
Zhou Weiqing had not expected that Shangguan Bing'er would comply so easily, and was immediately overjoyed: "Battalion Commander, lend me your Purple Dawn Bow first, there are still three more days, I'll practice some archery."
Chapter 60: Storing (4)
Translator: Zen Translations Editor: Zen Translations
"Practicing at the last minute, are you sure you can do it?" Shangguan Bing'er looked at him with her face full of doubt. However, though she said that, she actually removed the Purple Dawn Bow from her back and handed it to him.
"Whether or not I can, you will know after you see the result." Zhou Weiqing took the Purple Dawn Bow and ran off in high spirits. Although he did not know what the exactly the Fresh Recruit Tournament entailed, but his father had been training him like a soldier since he was seven years old. Before he actually enlisted in the army, the thing he lacked most was physical strength, but now that he had become a Heavenly Jewel Master, even without using his Physical Jewel, his physique was already improved beyond that of any average person, which definitely granted him much more self-confidence.
Three days later.
In the military camp outside the Heavenly Bow City, the morning bugle sounded out loud early in the morning. Squads of soldiers quickly streamed out of their tents, and lined up in their formations outside the camp.
There were more than 2000 soldiers in total, of which more than 1000 were the Fifth Regiment's various Battalions' manpower who were responsible for recruiting soldiers, while the other 1000 were this time's fresh recruits.
The Fifth Regiment's 10 Battalions had each recruited a Company of soldiers to supplement their front line and non-combatant personnel which they had lost.
After three months of new recruit training, the recruits did have the appearance of a soldier, at least they were standing there smartly with their backs straightened, their brand-new military uniforms made them seem rather valiant and spirited.
At this moment, Zhou Weiqing was standing amongst the 3rd Battalion's new recruit Company, but in a rather unnoticable corner. However, he was carrying Shangguan Bing'er's Purple Dawn Bow on his back.
In front of the formation of 2000 soldiers stood several military officers, and the one in front was Shangguan Bing'er who was dressed in her Battalion Commander uniform. She was the only Battalion Commander from the Fifth Regiment who was attending this round of recruitment in the Heavenly Bow City, the other Battalions had sent Company Leaders.
Shangguan Bing'er stood beautiful and valiant in the front, surrounded by Company Leaders. She was at this moment a lot more dignified and imposing as compared to her usual look, and as her gaze swept across the 2000 soldiers present, she said in a solemn voice: "I am very honored to be assigned the task of recruiting soldiers by the Fifth Regiment headquarters. My name is Shangguan Bing'er, and I am the Fifth Regiment's Third Archery Battalion Commander."
The veterans were still alright, as they had mostly seen this beautiful female Battalion Commander before, but most of the recruits had not, and the originally orderly formation immediately had some disturbances.
"Wow, the top beauty of the Empire! She is actually our Fifth Regiment 3rd Battalion's Battalion Commander?"
"Heh heh, you've just found out now? We, the recruits of the 3rd Battalion, actually personally received our equipment from the Battalion Commander and saw her then."
On hearing the discussions of the soldiers around him, Zhou Weiqing felt very proud in his heart,secretly thinking to himself: That is my wife. Of course, he certainly did not proclaim that out loud.
As the sounds of discussion resounded continuously, the recruits were obviously turning sloppy. The Company Leader who was responsible for the recruit training gave a loud shout: "Silence!"
The new recruits quickly quietened down. Although they had been recruited for the respective Battalions, but the recruit training was done together in the new barracks, and now that the recruit training had ended, once the Fresh Recruit Tournament ends, they would return to their respective Battalions.
Xiao Se stood at Shangguan Bing'er's side, and looking at the rather chaotic scene in front of them, curled her lip in disdain. The battlefield is ruled by Man, yet Shangguan Bing'er has not understood this. How could such a person snatch my position of Battalion Commander. Isn't she just a Heavenly Jewel Master? What's so great about that.
The next step was basic routine administrative business, and under the various Fifth Regiment's Company Leaders leadership, the new recruits were dismissed, and the various recruits returned to their respective Battalion headquarters. After all of that was completed, Shangguan Bing'er once more entered the stage.
"Good, starting from today, the 1000 new recruit brothers now officially belong to our Fifth Regiment. Next, we will be examining the results of your three months of rigorous training. The recruits who shows outstanding displays in the upcoming Fresh Recruit Tournament, will be directly promoted to the rank of Squad Leader. Alright, all the various Battalions, your preparation starts now."
"Yes." All the Company Leaders said in compliance, rapidly leading their respective troops to start their formation.
The Fifth Regiment was an Infantry Regiment, and amongst the ten Battalions, four of them were archery Battalions, and of the other six, four were Light Infantry Battalions and two Heavy Infantry Battalions. Without a doubt, the two Heavy Infantry Battalions were the trump card Battalions of the Fifth Regiment. The Battalion Commanders responsible for these two Battalions also held the duty of the Fifth Regiment's Vice Regimental Commander. Of course, they were currently not here, but were at the front lines.
Due to the difference in the type of soldiers, therefore, the so-called Fresh Recruit Tournament was actually not with all ten Battalions competing against each other, but being carried out according to their service arm. If not, if we were to let the Light Infantry and Heavy Infantry to fight against each other, what would be the point?
The three main main service branches were quickly divided into their respective tournament areas. For the Heavy Infantry Recruits consisting of only 2 Battalions, it was very simple, they just need to face off straightforwardly, and charge against each other without weapons, purely a competition of strength. The soldiers which were overwhelmed would be eliminated immediately, and this will carry on till a single winner arose; this final winner would also be directly awarded with rank of Squad Leader. In the Fifth Regiment, it must be known that a Squad Leader of the elite Heavy Infantry Battalions were sometimes given even more authority than a normal Company Leader of the ordinary Battalions. As such, this reward was one of the best of the whole tournament.
As for the Light Infantry, their Fresh Recruit Tournament was actually split into two portions, one was similar to the Heavy Infantry competition with a direct charging clash, while the other was the individual operational prowess of soldiers, without needing to draw lots, the four Battalions would be in their own formations and it would be a 500 vs 500 free for all, with anyone who was overwhelmed and beaten would be eliminated. The next round would then begin, after a fifteen minute rest, until a final winner was left.*
To be honest, the Fresh Recruit Tournament was actually not of any big significance to most ordinary recruits, and it was just a formality for them. However, for those skilled recruits who had ambitions, it was truly the perfect opportunity. With this, they had the opportunity to prove themselves amongst the huge amount of recruits, it was not just simply the quick promotion to Squad Leader, but also the opportunity to leave behind a mark in their service history, which would allow easier future promotions, for example Xiao Se.
As for the archery Battalions, their Fresh Recruit Tournament was the most unusual. For the four Battalions, they would be split into two sides, each with 200 recruits. There would be a 200 yard middle spacing between the two sides, and both sides would be shooting arrows against each other. All the arrows were blunted and stained with lime, thus as long as any hit, it would leave an obvious trace, and the target which was hit would immediately withdraw from the battlefield, it could also be said to be the simplest fight of the Tournament.
However, although this method of competition was relatively simpler, but it also also had its intrinsic meaning. How many recruits could actually shoot accurately at a distance of 200 yards? Those who could even shoot that far would already be considered pretty good. Therefore, for the Archery Battalions, this was actually a very direct and effective way to select talented soldiers. Several Company Leaders, even Shangguan Bing'er as a Battalion Commander, was paying most attention there. Also, they were responsible for directing the recruits of their own Battalion. Of course, being a wide open, spacious location, it would not be easy to dodge the opponents' arrows.
At this time, the Battalions were arranged in their respective formations, on the left was the first and second Battalions, and on the right were the third and fourth Battalions. This Fresh Recruit Tournament was not just a competition between recruits, but was also a competition between the various Battalions, if one side totally overwhelmed the other side, that was a manifestation of their overall strength.
Chapter 61: Fresh Recruit Tournament (1)
Translator: Zen Translations Editor: Zen Translations
The reason why Xiao Se did not favor the 3rd Battalion's fresh recruit Company was mainly because she had been watching critically during the recruit training, and had found that the First and Second Battalions both had many talented recruits. Although they may not be very accurate in shooting at a 200 yards distance, but they were at least able to shoot that far, and with an acceptable control. In comparison, the Third and Fourth Battalions' recruits were obviously not as good, although Mao Li Company Leader was quite good at leading, but it would be difficult to just fight against greater talents. With just a short training of a few months, it was not sufficient for hard work to make up for the lack of natural talent.
Zhou Weiqing was standing right beside Mao Li Company Leader, and said in a low voice: "Company Leader, can you point out all the skilled recruits on the opposing side to me."
Mao Li looked at him questioningly, saying: "What are you planning?"
Zhou Weiqing grinned and took off the Purple Dawn Bow he was shouldering on his back, saying quietly: "I'll make a roll call!"
Mao Li's eyes brightened. He was originally very worried in his heart for this fight, and had not thought much about Zhou Weiqing participating in the Fresh Recruit Tournament. In his eyes, Zhou Weiqing had only practiced a little Heavenly Energy and might have slightly greater strength, but archery was skill dependant, and it was not just a matter of having some extra strength. However, when he heard Zhou Weiqing mentioning 'Roll Call', he was actually pleasantly surprised; that was because this terminology was only used amongst archers, and meant killing/sniping a target. It was generally only used by archers who had proper training from a master, to know such a term. Obviously, this Battalion Commander's Personal Aide recruit, who had also 'touched' the Battalion Commander's chest* was no mere simple recruit.
"Alright, that's good. I'll tell you now and you try to memorise it. On the opposite side, from the left, the fifth, ninth ..."
Shang Gong Bing Er was standing at the side watching the Fresh Recruit Tournament with a critical eye. Of course, she was paying most attention to Zhou Little Fatty naturally, and looking at him and Company Leader Mao Li talking in whispers, she was rather curious to what they were discussing.
"Battalion Commander, which side do you think will win at the end?" Xiao Se's resounded out unharmoniously in Shang Gong Bing Er's ear.
Shang Gong Bing Er turned her head and said: "Naturally it is our Third Battalion, I have confidence in Company Leader Mao Li's leadership abilities."
Xiao Se curled her lip, saying mockingly: "This is only the fresh recruit company, they are a crowd who have not gone to the battlefield, nor have they seen bloodshed, how can a simple few month training be of much use? Talent is the most important at this stage. Certainly, since Battalion Commander did not look in on the recruit training, you are naturally unclear on which side has the more talented recruits."
Shang Gong Bing Er's delicate eyebrows furrowed again, and she decided to no longer pay attention to Xiao Se, instead taking a step forward, shouting out loud: "The Fresh Recruit Tournament, Begin."
The recruits in all three regions were covering a large and broad area of land, but with Shang Gong Bing Er's shout, her clean delightful voice was clearly heard throughout the battlefield, her eighth level Heavenly Jing Energy giving her a very strong foundation in her Heavenly Energy.
On hearing Shang Gong Bing Er's voice, Xiao Se gripped her fist. In truth, the greatest disappointment of her life was that she did not manage to Awaken her Power Jewels to becomes a Jewel Master. Although she had put in so much effort on other fronts and had some achievements, but she still could not change that fact.
As Shang Gong Bing Er issued the order, the Fresh Recruit Tournament formally started. The light infantry and Heavy Infantry sides both started their charge, while the four archery Companies also launched their first round salvo.
The recruits had after all gone through three months of recruit training, and this first round salvo was pretty decent, with both sides having 200 arrows directly soared towards the opposite line.
However, although the recruits had trained for three months, but it was still their first time facing off in combat like this, and their mood appeared to be very excited, causing many of the arrows to miss, and after they had taken their shot, they were standing around looking silly, watching their arrows fly.
Zhou Weiqing was mixed in the midst of a mass of recruits, and as he shot out an arrow, while the other recruits were still standing around gawking, he quickly retreated backwards, hiding behind the other recruits and squatting down to reduce the probability that the enemy arrows would hit him.
"Ahh, ahhh..." Screams resounded continuously, as recruit after recruit were hit by the the lime arrows, and under each Company Leader's direction, they had to withdraw from the battlefield after being hit, and could no longer participate in the Fresh Recruit Tournament.
Zhou Weiqing listened the cries resounding out, and then he quickly stood up, his Purple Dawn Bow drawn in a full crescent, and while the other recruits were still looking at their first arrows, his second arrow was already in the air at lightning speed. With the power of the Purple Dawn Bow, how could those recruits dodge it? .
"Little Fatty, good archery." Mao Li called out in pleasant surprise. Just like Zhou Weiqing had said earlier, as soon as his first arrow had shot out, he had successfully 'Roll Called' one of the outstanding recruits from the opposing Battalion pointed out by Mao Li.
However, compared with the pleasant surprise that Mao Li was showing, Shang Gong Bing Er's expression was actually pretty ugly. As a Heavenly Jewel Master, her eyesight was naturally astonishing, and after this first round salvo, she saw clearly that the Third and Fourth Battalions had lost around 40 soldiers as compared to the First and Second Battalions only losing about 10 soldiers. Without a doubt, this really showed the huge disparity in the quality and talent of the recruits on both sides. No wonder Xiao Se had such a confident appearance.
After the first salvo was launched, Zhou Weiqing seemed to be a changed man, just like a swift and flexible leopard, the strength Purple Dawn Bow in his hands firing unceasingly like lightning, and every time he shot out an arrow, he always managed to use another recruit as cover, and only in that instance when he shot out an arrow would he appear in a quick flash.
At the beginning, the opposing First and Second Battalion did not really notice him, but after four to five rounds of salvos, as the Third and Fourth Battalions lost more than half of their recruits, Zhou Weiqing's impressive rate of fire and accuracy immediately drew the attention of the opposing side's Company Leaders.
In just that short amount of time, Zhou Weiqing had already "Roll Called" 11 people, causing them to leave the field. The Purple Dawn Bow was indeed an extremely strong bow, even though the arrowhead had been removed, the targets that he hit were unable to recover in a short period of time. Furthermore, his rate of fire was a lot higher than an ordinary longbow, and the opposing recruits did not have any way to dodge his arrows. Furthermore, Zhou Weiqing's arrows were all quite accurate, almost always hitting his target's chest area. With such a precision, to describe it as 'Hundred Step Hit*' was not overrating him.
*TL – 百步穿杨 A Chinese idiom denoting superb accuracy from archers. Arose from the Warring States Period where a Chu General was able to hit the leaves of trees from a hundred steps away.
"Focus fire on that sly little rascal." One of the Company Leaders from the Second Battalions shouted out loud.
As soon as Zhou Weiqing shot forth his 12th, he immediately sensed that something was not right. Ever since his Heavenly Jewels had Awakened, he had found that his sensitivity and detection capabilities had increased manifold, and the sudden attention from the opposing Battalions sudden caused him to be alarmed immediately*. This fellow did not even hesitate for half a second, and immediately turned around and ran.
At this point, there were still more than 70 recruits remaining for the Third and Fourth Battalions, and from such a crowd having one recruit suddenly leap up, turn around and run off naturally caught the attention of all the observing military officers in the audience. At least two Company Leaders had attended the tournament from each of the Battalions, and with one directing the recruits, the remaining officers were gathered around Shang Gong Bing Er's side. Since the archery Battalion's tournament usually ended much faster, they were watching it first.
Chapter 62: Fresh Recruit Tournament (2)
Translator: Zen Translations Editor: Zen Translations
"Why is there a deserter?" Some of the Company Leaders asked doubtingly.
Shangguan Bing'er and Xiao Se naturally recognized Zhou Weiqing instantly, and Xiao Se smiled and said: "Aiyo, isn't this the Battalion Commander's Personal Aide Little Fatty Zhou? What happened to him? How ..."
Before Xiao Se could finishing speaking, the complexion of all the Company Leaders suddenly changed. This was because just as Zhou Weiqing had started to run away, right behind him, at least 30 to 40 arrows blotted out the sky behind him, clearly targeted at him.
Zhou Weiqing seemed as if he had eyes on his back, and just as he had dashed 7-8 meters to the front, he suddenly dove and rolled forward, and then executing a quick roll of his body to the side; his movement was rapid and coordinated, looking as if he had practiced this a thousand times before. The 30 to 40 arrows that were aimed at him were actually mostly hitting the area which he had been in, and by running, he had already dodged the majority of them. In addition to that, his dive and roll, he only heard a 'Duo duo' sound as arrow after arrow hit the ground behind him, and not a single one hit their target.
Xiao Se said in surprise: "What did he do that brought about the wrath of god and the resentment of men*? Why was he targeted by the enemy salvo?"
*TL – 天怒人怨 Direct translation – basically just meaning 'What did he do to piss them all off?
The archers from the First and Second Battalions who had targeted Zhou Weiqing earlier were the most outstanding recruits of the 2 Battalions, and this salvo actually gave the opportunity for the 70 remaining recruits of the Third and Fourth Battalions the breathing room to recover a little, and this was the first that their losses were actually lower than their opponent's.
Zhou Weiqing had rolled about 3-4 meters away, and his body quickly bounded up from the ground, and you could only see this fellow plant the tip of his feet onto the ground as he jumped up in a swift motion a whole meter high, and with a whizzing sound, another arrow was launched from the Purple Dawn Bow.
Due to his running and rapid dodging movements, he had attracted the attention of all the military officers observing the fight. At this moment, all of them also wanted to take a look at his accuracy. After all, this sort of instantaneous jump-shot was extremely difficult to pull off, especially since the time he had to aim was extremely short. The reason that he had to jump up was to avoid all the soldiers from his side in front of him.
Whizz. It was almost as if whenever Zhou Weiqing moved his Purple Dawn Bow, a soldier from the opposing side would drop down. The Company Leaders looked at each other blankly; many of them were experienced archers themselves, and with some self-examination, they realised that even if they were in Zhou Weiqing's place, they might not necessarily do better.
The Company Leader in charge of directing the First and Second Battalions was very experienced, and on discovered Zhou Weiqing's skill, he immediately changed target again, ordering the next round salvo to focus once again on the remaining soldiers in the Third and Fourth Battalions instead. The idea was very simple, since Zhou Weiqing was very accurate, he would just 'kill' off the all the others first, and leaving him for the last before they all targeted him.
Immediately, misfortune fell upon the remaining recruits of the Third and Fourth Battalions. As if having received a huge stimulation from the display of Zhou Weiqing, the archers from the First and Second Battalions displayed an improved accuracy. Originally. the Third and Fourth Battalions only had around 70 left standing, and after this salvo, 40 of them had unexpectedly fallen. On the other side, there were still 80 recruits standing, and it was a very obvious contrast on both sides.
Zhou Weiqing saw that the opposing side had been distracted from him, and quickly tried to make the best use of this time to shoot. However, just as the Company Leader directing the First and Second Battalions had judged earlier, no matter how accurate he was, he was just one single person. By the time the rest of the Third and Fourth Battalions besides Zhou Weiqing had been annihilated, the opposing side still had more than 50 people remaining.
"Holy S***!" Looking at the rain of arrows blotting out the sky and raining down towards him, Zhou Weiqing turned his head to run again, feeling extremely gloomy in his heart! The quality disparities between the recruits of both sides were just too big. He had at least killed 16 to 17 enemies just by himself, but they still had almost 50 till alive, how could this be possible?
A Company Leader from the First Battalion shouted out loud: "Chase him and shoot him down! Whoever manages to shoot him down, Your Father, I, will bestow on you the best archery recruit of today."
At this time Zhou Weiqing no longer had other recruits to cover him, and the situation was much more dangerous than earlier. The massive amount of arrows showering down from the sky had such a coverage on the battlefield that it seemed like an artillery barrage, and it was much more difficult for him to dodge like he had earlier.
This scenario actually displayed Zhou Weiqing's superior physique after Awakening his Heavenly Jewels; even without actually making use of his Heavenly Jewels, his speed and strength already far surpassed those ordinary soldiers. As he ran, he kept spinning around and switching directions unceasingly, trying as much as possible to not run in a predictable manner so that the opposing side would not be able to catch him. However, for the soldiers from the First and Second Battalions to catch him, they not only had to chase him, but also had to stop in order to shoot. After Zhou Weiqing had managed to dodge and run with much hardship through two salvos of arrow rain, the distance between both sides had widened to about 300 yards. This distance was already beyond the accurate distance of those outstanding recruits, and they could only fire high up into the air to attempt to cover the area where Zhou Weiqing was with projectile fire.
Seizing the chance to catch his breath, Zhou Weiqing managed to turn around while running to shoot, and he quickly managed to take down another 7-8 enemies.
"Is he kiting them? This recruit is really too strong, Company Leader Xiao, you mentioned earlier that he is the Personal Aide of the Battalion Commander? That boy is really quite good!" One of Company Leaders standing beside Shangguan Bing'er couldn't help but exclaim.
Kiting was basically a type of hit-and-run technique that archers used very effectively, but generally speaking it was used to deal with melee units, making use of the firing distance of arrows and now allowing their enemies to attack them. However, Zhou Weiqing was relying on his superiority of strength and the power of the Purple Dawn Bow, and actually using this disparity in prowess and range with the other archers to kite them around, and that indeed made these senior veterans impressed and appreciative.
One of the Company Leaders of the First Archery Battalion couldn't help but say: "Shang Gong Battalion Commander, how about letting us have this little brother? Not mentioning the rank of Squad Leader, with this this brothers' abilities, he can even be my deputy."
Shangguan Bing'er smiled faintly, thinking secretly in her heart: That Little Fatty Zhou is a Heavenly Jewel Master, let alone being your deputy, as long as we report it up the ranks, he is more than sufficient to be my deputy.
"A gentleman does not seize another's love*, Company Leader Li, I cannot agree with that."
*TL -君子不夺人所爱 – literal translation, it's an idiom describing that she won't give him up. She isn't actually saying she loves Zhou Weiqing
Xiao Se smiled at the side, saying: "Does that mean that the Battalion Commander has fallen in love with him?"
Shangguan Bing'er expression turned cold, "Company Leader Xiao, please have some self respect."
The other Company Leaders knew the grudge between Shangguan Bing'er and Xiao Se and they did not try to speak and intervene. At this point, that Company Leader Li from the First Battalion said doubtingly: "What is this Little Fatty Zhou doing? He was just about to reach the woods for cover, why did he turn around and come back?"
Just as Company Leader Li had said, Zhou Weiqing who had already pulled away and increased the gap had unexpectedly turned around to charge towards the First and Second Battalions, facing more than 40 people.
The others also did not understood what was happening, but Xiao Se quickly grasped the situation: "He is out of arrows!"
Chapter 63: Fresh Recruit Tournament (3)
Translator: Zen Translations Editor: Zen Translations
Indeed that was true, after all, the arrows for this sort of tournament had to have their arrowheads removed, and their quantity was not high. As such, each of the recruits were only issued 25 arrows for this Fresh Recruit Tournament, and by now Zhou Weiqing's quiver had been emptied, and he was also at a loss, and could only charge back and try to pick up some arrows in order to continue fighting.
However, he is after all not a god, after he had picked up two arrows and used them to shoot down two opponents, the opposing team had already closed the distance to 150 yards, and such a distance allowed the enemies' longbows to shoot out arrows quickly and with much power. Although he was flexible and agile, but in the situation and also being restricted from using his Heavenly Jewels' abilities, he was also unable to do much, and could only look at more than 40 arrows flying towards him.
Zhou Weiqing realised he could not dodge this salvo anymore, and quickly squatted down, both his hands covering his chest, trying to reduce the body surface area exposed as much as possible as he lowered the head, covering most of himself with his Wind Hat.
*Ping* *Ping* sounds resounded out constantly above Zhou Weiqing's head, and his hat was covered with the lime as at least 7-8 arrows landed on top of his hat.
Seeing that they had finally taken down their target, the remaining recruits from the opposing team started cheering out loud immediately.
"Cheering? Cheer your head! If not for the fact that he ran out of arrows, he could have killed all of you slowly." The Company Leader directing the team scolded them ill-humoredly. Although the First and Second Battalions had won the Third and Fourth Battalions in the end, but they had not actually won that extremely outstanding recruit. There was really no need to compete; Zhou Weiqing alone had taken down 25 opponents, how could anyone other recruits be more outstanding than him in this Fresh Recruit Tournament?
Before the Company Leader had even finished speaking, a sudden *Ping* sounded out and an arrow hit his chest. The arrow was shot at an extremely high speed, and with an ooof sound, the Company Leader fell down with a look of disbelief on his face, his breath stuck in his chest causing a fierce pain and a stuffy feeling in his chest causing him to nearly faint.
"What's going on?" Just as the recruits from the First and Second Battalions were looking around in surprise, several more *Ping*s sounded out and several of them fell. Only then did they awaken from their surprise, and when they turned their head to look, they saw Little Fatty Zhou on the other side with his hat full of lime, shooting out arrows quickly and silently.
Immediately, the recruits from the First and Second Battalions were enraged. You might be very strong, but you still have to obey the tournament rules right? After being hit by us, how could you still continue shooting? Getting shot was after all still very painful.
Before they could charge forward, Shangguan Bing'er shouted angrily, "Stop! Little Fatty Zhou, what are you doing?"
Xiao Se said gloatingly: "Battalion Commander, you do not need to blame him, I think he was defiant and unconvinced by that loss. However, a Country has its Laws, Families have their family rules; this is a breach of military discipline. Soldiers who do not listen to orders should not be promoted easily!"
Zhou Weiqing heard Shangguan Bing'er shouting at him, and he stopped shooting to shoulder the Purple Dawn Bow onto his back, taking off his Wind Hat to brush off the lime, before running over.
Shangguan Bing'er glared angrily at Zhou Weiqing, "Little Fatty Zhou, what were you doing? The fight had already ended, why did you continue shooting?"
Zhou Weiqing blinked: "Did the fight end? No! I am still alive, why can't I attack?"
The Company Leader Li from the First Battalion knitted his brow and said: "Little Fatty Zhou, trying to outdo others is a good thing. However, this is the army, and everything must be according to rules. You were struck by at least seven arrows, your Wind Hat was full of lime, if this were a genuine battlefield, you would have already died. At that time, your correct choice should have been to escape immediately, instead of returning to the battlefield to pick up arrows. As Company Leader Xiao said a moment ago, you have breached military discipline. Although your performance was very outstanding, but I'm afraid you will not be able to be promoted to Squad Leader. Do you want to consider joining our First Battalion?"
Shangguan Bing'er had only just been promoted to Battalion Commander not long ago, and her prestige was still insufficient. The First Battalion was the strongest amongst the four archery units in the Regiment, and this veteran Company Leader was not afraid of recruiting her men right in front of her.
Zhou Weiqing shook his head immediately, turning towards Shangguan Bing'er with a stubborn look on his face: "No, Battalion Commander, I have not lost." As he said those words, he was laughing deep in his heart, thinking to himself: These people are really coordinating well to my script.
Shangguan Bing'er frowned: "Little Fatty Zhou, do not deliberately cause trouble. You are dismissed."
Zhou Weiqing said with his face looking like he had suffered from much injustice: "But, I really have not lost! Look!" As he said that, he removed his Wind Hat and handed it to Shangguan Bing'er.
Shangguan Bing'er took the Wind Hat from him and was rather shocked. This was obviously much heavier than an ordinary Wind Hat, and pinching it with her hand, she immediately understood. Looking again at Zhou Weiqing with that that suffering expression on his face, she almost laughed out loud. This rascal really was afraid of death … …. These few days she had thought he had turned proper, but it seems like, it was not easy for a leopard to change his spots.
Xiao Se looked at that the strange expression on Shangguan Bing'er's face, and focused his gaze on the Wind Hat. "Hmmm, ehhh that Wind Hat seems rather big."
Shangguan Bing'er passed the Wind Hat to her, and in an instance, Xiao Se's expression also changed, looking at Zhou Weiqing with a rather solemn and sombre expression, making Zhou Weiqing feel very uncomfortable.
The Wind Hat was passed around, and after a while, the expressions of all the Company Leaders had turned strange. The Company Leader Li of the First Battalion sighed and said: "Talented… damned you really are a talented person. You can even come up with such a method… This little hat is made out of titanium alloy right, otherwise it wouldn't be so light with such mass. No wonder you said that you have not died, even a normal arrow probably will not be able to penetrate it! Battalion Commander Shang Gong, our First Battalion has lost this Fresh Recruit Tournament. Little Bro Little Fatty Zhou, this older brother has a favorable impression of you."
Very obviously, such a titanium alloy Wind Hat was impossible to be widely distributed in the army, after all its creation cost was way too expensive. However, who could say more in this Fresh Recruit Tournament. Did Zhou Weiqing violate any rule? He had spent his own money for his own equipment, how could that be considered violating a rule? Furthermore, Zhou Weiqing's impressive archery had gotten the approval of all these Company Leaders.
Shangguan Bing'er shot a look at Zhou Weiqing, then a look at Xiao Se at the side who was silent now, and the corners of her mouth went up slightly. "Let's go then, it's time for us to have a look at the situation of the Light and Heavy Infantry Companies."
Zhou Weiqing continued on his Personal Aide role, and moved to stand behind Shangguan Bing'er. As he passed her, he said in a very low, gentle tone that only the two of them could hear "Bing'er".
Shangguan Bing'er's shoulder shook a little obviously, but she had to concede her gambling debt. Furthermore, she could not act out in front of so many people, lest Zhou Weiqing said anything aloud to embarrass her, instead she quickly hastened her steps to lead the other Company Leaders towards the other two tournament grounds.
Zhou Weiqing was just about to follow them, but suddenly one of his arms was tightly gripped by someone. When he turned his head to look, he realised it was Xiao Se.
Xiao Se's expression was somewhat ugly, saying in a low tone: "Little Fatty Zhou, do you have the guts to compete with me?"
Chapter 64: Fresh Recruit Tournament (4)
Translator: Zen Translations Editor: Zen Translations
Zhou Weiqing looked at her carefully, shaking his head without hesitation and said: "No I don't want to."
Xiao Se arched her eyebrow and said: "Are you afraid?"
Zhou Weiqing asked in return: "Why should I compete with you? What advantage would that bring me?"
Xiao Se said coldly: "If you can defeat me, how about I give you my position of Company Leader?"
Zhou Weiqing's eyeballs swirled around and he said: "And what if I lose?"
Xiao Se said bitterly: "Then you get lost from our military camp, or at least from our 3rd Battalion." She knew that she definitely could not beat Shangguan Bing'er in individual strength as she was a Heavenly Jewel Master, but she definitely believed she was much stronger than her in military command. However, this Little Fatty Zhou had suddenly appeared and actually completely disrupted her plan to upset Shangguan Bing'er. That also meant that it would be even more difficult for her to snatch the position of Battalion Commander, furthermore, her most important goal was to prove she excelled as much as Shangguan Bing'er.
"Nope, what's so good about being a Company Leader? How can it compare to following the beautiful Battalion Commander, that's so comfortable." Zhou Weiqing shook his head once again repeatedly, a serious expression on his face. Of course, within his heart he was already laughing, thinking to himself: Xiao Se, Xiao Ruse, heh heh.
"How old are you? Do you think of nothing but romantic relationships in your head? What do you want then?" Anger flashed in Xiao Se's eyes.
Zhou Weiqing shrugged and said: "How about this, if I lose, as you said I will leave the Battalion Commander, and leave our 3rd Battalion. However, if you lose, you must accept one condition from me. However, I haven't thought of what this condition will be yet."
Xiao Se's brow furrowed as she looked sharply at Zhou Weiqing, however this Little Fatty Zhou had a pure and good-hearted looking face with a simple and honest appearance, and just notice anything from just looking at him, that was really too difficult.
"It can only be something that I can do, and it cannot involve my family, or do something against my conscience." After some thought, Xiao Se agreed in a solemn voice. She really needed to make this Little Fatty Zhou leave Shangguan Bing'er, otherwise with such a recruit with such high potential on her side in the army, how could she compete with her? Furthermore, she had trained hard on her archery all these years, although Little Fatty Zhou had displayed some impressive archery earlier, but she was still confident in beating him.
"Okay." Zhou Weiqing complied happily.
"Come with me." Xiao Se turned around and walked off, heading towards the Stars Forest near the Heavenly Bow City.
Zhou Weiqing took a quick look Shangguan Bing'er who was watching the remaining tournament. Seeing that she was not paying attention to him, he quickly slid away quietly.
Xiao Se walked to the edge of the Stars Forest before stopping to wait for Zhou Weiqing.
Zhou Weiqing arrived at her side and asked: "How do you want to fight?"
Xiao Se said solemnly: "1v1, you and I. The forest is the place which can best display an archer's strength. We will enter the forest at the same time, get a distance of 300 yards between us, and when I say start, we shall both attack each other. Whoever hits the enemy first will win, how does that sound?"
Zhou Weiqing said cautiously: "Company Leader Xiao, you aren't trying to shoot me with a real arrow right?"
Xiao Se said angrily: "Bullshit, you are a soldier of our Empire, why would I want to kill you? Although your father I do not like you, but you are not worth me killing you. We'll be using the training arrows." As she said that, she took off a quiver of arrows and threw it to Zhou Weiqing, while she took out another quiver of her own, with both quivers holding 50 arrows.
Zhou Weiqing stretched himself and said: "Please go ahead, Company Leader Xiao."
Xiao Se gave a cold humph, and quickly entered the Stars Forest. Zhou Weiqing could clearly see a Purple Dawn Bow on her back as well. With her family's influence in the Heavenly Bow City, it was really easy to get hold of another Purple Dawn Bow.
Upon seeing Xiao Se entering the Stars Forest, Zhou Weiqing also made his move and entered. In his heart he mused: Ruse Sis, let me see how your skill now after the seven years that we haven't met.
Very soon they had both entered deep into the forest, and after a while, Xiao Se's sound resounded from the distance: "Little Fatty Zhou, are you ready?"
"Yes, let's do this." Zhou Weiqing shouted back in agreement. As he said that, he quickly moved from his previous position, vaulting up into a tree.
"Start!" Xiao Se shouted out coolly.
Just as they were starting their fight in the Stars Forest, at the other side, Shangguan Bing'er had also discovered Zhou Weiqing's disappearance.
"Where is Little Fatty Zhou?" Shangguan Bing'er looked somewhat anxiously around for Zhou Weiqing.
One of the Company Leaders said in a low voice: "Battalion Commander, I saw him and Company Leader Xiao walking off just a while back, they are both from your Battalion, there shouldn't be any issue right?"
Shangguan Bing'er's expression changed slightly, but quickly returned to normal again and she said passively: "Alright, no worries, it'll be good to teach him a lesson."
The Company Leader grinned and didn't say anything else. Alas, how would he know that the "him" that Shangguan Bing'er was referring to was not Zhou Weiqing, but Xiao Se.
In the Stars Forest, Zhou Weiqing was waiting quietly deep in a large tree full of leaves and branches, with the Purple Dawn Bow in his grasp. He was like a cheetah awaiting its prey, and in his body, his Heavenly Energy was revolving quietly, and his Heavenly Jewels appearing around his wrist. The six color wheel disk was present in his sight, and his senses were all significantly improved, every slight sound and movement from the surroundings being processed by him.
"Little Fatty Zhou, are you afraid?" At this time, Xiao Se's sound sounded out suddenly, obviously much closer than before. His sound was somewhat drifting, and it was obvious that she was moving at high-speeds.
Zhou Weiqing naturally was not silly enough to reply, as he continued his silent ambush in the tree. The attribute wheel disk in his eyes revolved to the black region representing the Darkness Attribute, and immediately a dark and gloomy aura proliferated his entire body. 12 black shadows silently moved forth from his body, spreading out from the tree and gliding off all around into the shadows. If one looked carefully, he would discover that those black shadows looked very much like vines as thick as a human's arm, but they did not have any actual substance, and they passed by silently and without any disturbance.
This was Zhou Weiqing's first Skill Stored in his Alexandrite Cat's Eye Elemental Jewel from one of the Zong stage Darkness Heavenly Beast, and the skill name was called the 'Touch of Darkness'.
In the Skill-Storing Palace, Zhou Weiqing's Skill-Storing attempts had actually all succeeded. However, it was unlike during the Physical Jewel Consolidating Equipment which had depended on his Darkness and Evil attributes superimposing to succeed. When Zhou Weiqing had first entered the Skill-Storing Palace and saw the sealed Zong Stage Heavenly Beasts, he was actually unbearable frightened. Most of the Zong Stage Heavenly Beasts were extremely huge, and all of them gave forth a terrifying aura.
When Zhou Weiqing attempted a Skill-Storing on a Zong Stage Heavenly Beast, a different phenomenon occurred. The reason why Skill-Storing on the Elemental Jewel usually failed easily was because even if the Heavenly Beast was at its weakest and sealed up, it would still subconsciously resist with all its might. This would affect the Elemental or Heavenly Jewel Masters who were trying to absorb their Skills into their own Elemental Jewels. However, when Zhou Weiqing carried out the Skill- Storing on the Zong Stage Heavenly Beast, according to the normal process, a Zong Stage Heavenly Beast's internal energy resisting would easily shake him away to fly off. However, the reality was that the sealed Heavenly Beasts actually did not resist at all and instead coordinated with him to allow him to Store Skills. As he had continued to do so with several Zong Stage Heavenly Beasts, Zhou Weiqing even felt that those Heavenly Beasts actually seemed to be shivering, seemingly afraid of him.
Chapter 65: Touch of Darkness (1)
Translator: Zen Translations Editor: Zen Translations
After discovering that the Zong Stage Heavenly Beasts were afraid of him and thus coordinated with his Skill-Storing, Zhou Weiqing thought for a long while and realised that without a doubt, this had to be connected to that strange black pearl. The black pearl had often given him the image of the large winged black tiger, and the tiger was also considered the king of beasts, it was likely that all the Heavenly Beasts were afraid its aura.
After only spending 50,000 gold coins, Zhou Weiqing had managed to complete a magnificent feat that many others would fail even with 5 million gold coins. Presently, he was truly a Heavenly Jewel Master at full strength, complete with Skills and Equipment.
The Touch of Darkness at its current basic level could send forth 12 dark tentacles, which could be dispersed around the body in a radius of 25 meters, within this radius, Zhou Weiqing's senses would be tripled by the Skill. At the same time, once he had selected a target, and it was touched by any of the tentacles, the tentacles would latch onto the target at a 1000 jin pulling force under his control. As long as the target's strength was less than 1000 jin, or perhaps it would be more accurate to say if its strength of struggling to break free did not reach 1000 jin, then it would be immediately drawn to Zhou Weiqing in a stunned state.
This was a skill that Zhou Weiqing had gotten from a huge black big octopus, and it was said that if this Zong Stage Heavenly Beast used it, the Touch of Darkness' radius was up to one kilometer, and once it reached its target, it's sealing strength was more than 100,000 jin strength and it was used to pull in its food instantaneously.
Zhou Weiqing knew from Shangguan Bing'er that the skills would improve and evolve automatically as the number of Elemental Jewel increased, and the evolution rate of the skills for Heavenly Jewel Masters was once again one-and-a-half times that of an ordinary Elemental Jewel Master. As such, if his cultivation in the future reached a certain point, the strength of this 'Touch of Darkness' skill would also naturally become extremely terrifying, and could absolutely be classified as one of the Darkness Attribute's top skills.
After releasing the 'Touch of Darkness' Skill, Zhou Weiqing did not have any more worries; a radius of 25 meters was definitely not small, and as long as Xiao Se entered the region, he would definitely wins. Using archery alone to compete? Only a fool would do that, after all looking at her self-confident appearance it was clear that her archery was definitely very good. Previously since he had never been able to cultivate Heavenly Energy, during the Fresh Recruit Tournament Zhou Weiqing had only been able to make use of the archery that he had learnt previously and brought it to its maximum capacity. As for much more profound archery skills that required the support of Heavenly Energy, he naturally had not learnt them yet.
At this point, Xiao Se was also feeling strange, why did this Little Fatty Zhou not have any sound or movement. Normally, since she had already purposely made some noise for him to hear, even if he did not reply, he should have shot some arrows! As she thought about it, she advanced cautiously forward.
Unfortunately for Zhou Weiqing, after a short bout of self-satisfaction, he became a little depressed. This was because he discovered although this Touch of Darkness skill wasa very good, but after releasing it, it actually consumed a huge amount of Heavenly Energy to maintain it. Although due to the fact that he had not fully activated the target yet, the speed of consumption was still considered not very fast, but with his level four Heavenly Energy, the amount of time that he could sustain it was still quite limited.
What should I do? It seems like it isn't possible to just wait any longer, otherwise, if my Heavenly Energy has been exhausted, I may not necessarily be able to defeat her.
As he thought about that, Zhou Weiqing carefully slid down from the tree, picked up a the stone from the ground, and threw it to the front.
The stone fell in the shrubbery, immediately giving out a light *ping* sound. However, to Zhou Weiqing's surprise, Xiao Se's arrows did not actually shoot forth.
At the other side, the corners of Xiao Se's mouth twitched upwards. Throwing a stone to scout me out? Are you really trying to deceive me with such a small trick? She jumped up gently, grabbing hold of a branch of a big tree and vaulting up, quietly and slowly approaching the area where the sound came from. As an outstanding archer, being calm and steady were essential qualities.
Zhou Weiqing seeing that his previous idea had failed, came up with another suddenly. With his back to a large tree, he suddenly called out: "I am here."
This time, Xiao Se did not hesitate at all, and an arrow whizzed out instantly, accurately hitting the large tree that Zhou Weiqing was hiding behind, giving forth a light *ping* sound. After all, she was also using a Purple Dawn Bow, and the arrow had much inertia behind it, and upon striking the tree, caused it to shake.
Just as Zhou Weiqing wanted to change positions, he suddenly felt an intense sense through the Touch of Darkness skill*, and he immediately froze. *Whiz* *Whiz* Two arrows arrived almost instantaneously in the next moment, hitting the area the previous arrow had struck.
Damned, so strong! Rapid fire arrows plus a double salvo shot at the same time, no wonder she had such self-confidence.
The so-called rapid fire arrow was referring to shooting arrows one after the other at extremely high speeds, and a double salvo shot referred to using a bow to shoot out double arrows at the same time. These were all extremely high-grade archery, and was difficult to master. This was especially so for the the double salvo shot, to simultaneously shoot two arrows accurately at the same time, you could imagine its difficulty.
At this point, Xiao Se was about 150 yards away from Zhou Weiqing, and as she continued shooting, she had jumped down from the large tree, moving quickly towards Zhou Weiqing. Her right hand was moving like lightning, arrows leaping into her hands one after another unceasingly, and being shot out instantly by the Purple Dawn Bow, suppressing Zhou Weiqing completely at the large tree he was hiding behind, causing him to be unable to flee. At the same time, Xiao Se was quickly changing positions all the time, closing in onto him as she circled around to try to get a clean shot off.
Xiao Se's rapid fire arrows were just too quick, even with Zhou Weiqing relying on the increased senses that the Touch of Darkness granted, he was not able to fully grasp their path to dodge them. After all, at a 100 yards distances, the strength of the Purple Dawn Bow coupled with this astonishing rate of fire, with his present skill it was too difficult for him to dodge.
As the distance between them closed quickly, it was only a matter of seconds before the gap had been reduced to 80 yards. Xiao Se's arrows also came faster and faster, and Zhou Weiqing could only depend on his instincts to unceasingly move around the tree, making use of it as cover.
Xiao Se's mouth was curled in a cold smirk. In her eyes, she had already won this competition. She still had more than 20 arrows in her quiver, and as long as she reached the distance of 50 yards, with her own cultivation stage of second level Heavenly Energy, it was more than sufficient to shoot through that battered large tree. When that time comes, how would Zhou Weiqing hide without any cover. This would be an easy victory.
However, at this moment, the hiding Zhou Weiqing suddenly got a burst of inspiration, thinking to himself, I'm not just a Heavenly Jewel Master, I'm a Heavenly Jewel Master archer!
Quickly withdrawing the Touch of Darkness, Zhou Weiqing leaned the Purple Dawn Bow onto the trunk of the large tree, though the attribute wheel disk still remained in the black Darkness region.
With a lift of his right hand, a dim icy fog spread, and the Overlord Bow appeared in his grasp as he continued pouring his Heavenly Energy into the Physical Jewel, and after a while the bowstring finally appeared quietly. Zhou Weiqing switched the bow over to his left hand, and with a quick thought focusing on his Elemental Jewel, the Alexandrite Cat's Eye on his wrist moved off, rolled down quietly, and actually fell into the indentation of the Overlord Bow. Immediately, the whole Overlord Bow shone with a bright light from the Alexandrite Cat's Eye.
Chapter 66: Touch of Darkness (2)
Translator: Zen Translations Editor: Zen Translations
At the instance when the Alexandrite Cat's Eye entered the socket on the Overlord Bow, Zhou Weiqing felt his Heavenly Energy drop drastically, and he did not dare to delay any further, quickly drawing the bow and nocking an arrow.
To his surprise, he found that the tensile strength of the Overlord Bow was unexpectedly almost ten times that of the Purple Dawn Bow; even with the strength boost from his Physical Jewel, he barely managed to fully draw the bow to a full crescent. By the time he had managed to do so, his forehead was already full of perspiration from the exertion, and almost a full third of his Heavenly Energy had been consumed.
Under the control of his will, the black light instantaneously spread out from the Alexandrite Cat's Eye Jewel, with black tattoos quickly spreading over the whole Overlord Bow, even down to the bowstring turning black totally. The arrow nocked on the bowstring started to quiver slightly, as if it was almost unable to withstand the huge energy within, and might rupture at any moment.
Taking in a deep breath, Zhou Weiqing turned round suddenly and fiercely, revealing only his right hand and the Overlord Bow, while his body still remained hidden behind the tree. With a quick aim, he released his grip on the bowstring, and the arrow flew out.
It was not possible to directly use the Elemental Jewel Skills on a bow and arrow, but through the Physical Jewel's Consolidated Equipment which had the indentations inscribed, it was actually possible to do so. This was Zhou Weiqing's first time really using his Physical Jewel Consolidated Equipment fused with his Elemental Jewel Skills, and just this arrow alone drained half of his Heavenly Energy.
At the moment when Zhou Weiqing loosened the Overlord Bow's bowstring, he felt as though his entire body had been drained dry, his whole body shivering, and a loud roar resounded through the forest in an explosion. Even with Zhou Weiqing's eyesight, he had still not been able to see the arrow's movement clearly, and had only been able to hear the deafening roar thundering about 70 yards away, and the trembling of the earth transmitted through the feet.
"Damned, is this lighting of fireworks?" Zhou Weiqing was greatly startled and he quickly jumped up to look, and what was in front of him was an incredibly shocking scene.
Just 70 yards away, on the ground, there was a huge hole of about five meter diameter, one and a half metres deep. Around the hole, the surrounding area in a radius of about 30 meters were leafs, wood and various plant parts dropping from the sky everywhere. The 12 black tentacles were tightly wound around Xiao Se's body, and Xiao Se was right in the middle of the huge hole, obviously having been drawn forcefully there by the Touch of Darkness, and she was in a dazed state.
Once the Touch of Darkness had latched onto a target, unless the target was able to break free through sheer strength, otherwise, before Zhou Weiqing's Heavenly Energy ran out, it would continue binding the target.
Zhou Weiqing quickly kept the Overlord Bow, calmly picking up his Purple Dawn Bow and nocked another arrow before walking towards Xiao Se.
After a short bout of being stunned, Xiao Se gradually awoke, the stun duration lasting around 4-5 seconds. This was not just the effect of the Touch of Darkness, but also due to the sheer power of the Overlord Bow's arrow, causing her to be stunned by the impact as well. Zhou Weiqing had really not expected the Overlord Bow combined with the Alexandrite Cat's Eye had such immense power.
This Overlord Bow that was just his first Physical Jewel's Consolidated Equipment had an attack range of almost a whole kilometer, and by itself possessed an explosive effect. This was also the reason why it consumed so much Heavenly Energy from Zhou Weiqing. In addition to the Touch of Darkness, Zhou Weiqing barely had a third of his Heavenly Energy left currently.
Xiao Se could not believe that everything before her was real. Just a moment ago, she had been completely suppressing Zhou Weiqing, and was just a short step away from victory. All of a sudden, a huge roar sounded out, and before she could react, a large explosion had blown up just a few yards from here, and the corresponding shock-wave had stunned her. She was after all not a Jewel Master, although although she had managed to cultivate to the second level of Heavenly Energy, and her physique was definitely above average, but faced with such a sudden strong explosion, she had been knocked away and stunned. By the time she had awoken, she had already found herself bound by those black shadowy tentacles and she was unable to break free of them, and that Little Fatty Zhou was already in front of her with a drawn arrow pointing at her.
"You've lost." Zhou Weiqing said lazily.
Xiao Se's eyes narrowed as she said: "Are you a Jewel Master?"
Zhou Weiqing nodded, lifting up his right wrist and revealed the glittering, translucent Icy Jade Physical Jewel and said: "More accurately, I am a Heavenly Jewel Master."
Xiao Se shivered slightly, her eyes full of shock, and seeing that Zhou Weiqing was less than 50 yards from her, she said dejectedly: "I admit defeat. Losing to a Heavenly Jewel Master, I guess it isn't an unjust loss."
Quickly expelling the Touch of Darkness, Zhou Weiqing grinned as he also kept the arrow. Just as he was about to go forward to greet Xiao Se and tell her who he was, all of a sudden, the dejected look on Xiao Se's face disappeared, and in a quick flash, her Purple Dawn Bow was drawn and nocked, pointed at Zhou Weiqing. Her speed was just too quick, and with some self-examination, Zhou Weiqing found that even if he used the wind attribute, he would still be slower than her. This was the result of years of repeated training in archery.
Zhou Weiqing quickly halted his footsteps. At such a close distance, it would be impossible for him to dodge an arrow fired from that Purple Dawn Bow.
"You're cheating so shamelessly!" Zhou Weiqing stared at Xiao Se.
Xiao Se's eyes revealed a teasing light, "Did I act shamelessly? Oh, were you referring to my words earlier admitting defeat? How foolish, how can you believe the words of enemies so easily? If this was the battlefield, you would already be dead. Didn't we agree to the terms of the competition? The terms were the person who hit the opposite side would get the win, there was nothing mentioned about admitting defeat orally. You are the one who has lost."
As she said that, Xiao Se lifted her finger lightly, and the arrow flew out at top speed toward Zhou Weiqing. Since she had pointed out Zhou Weiqing's mistake, naturally she would not commit the same mistake.
However, in the next instance, Xiao Se's pupils suddenly contracted and her body stiffened in shock. This was because the arrow that she had thought was a definite win had actually failed somehow. Zhou Weiqing seemed to have vanished into thin air just as Xiao Se released her arrow. He then quickly appeared three yards away, and a silver light flashed around his body. His whole body then quickly leapt forward like a leopard towards Xiao Se.
'Blink', did he use the Blink skill a moment ago? Although Xiao Se was not a Jewel Master, but she was experienced and knowledgeable. She was very clear that this Blink skill was considered the top supporting skill within the first three Elemental Jewels! This was not even considering that he had used a skill from the darkness alignment earlier. Did he really have a dual attribute Elemental Jewel? This was really the main cause for her surprise.
Chapter 67: Touch of Darkness (3)
Translator: Zen Translations Editor: Zen Translations
Xiao Se's response was considered extremely quick, after a short period of shock, she quickly lifted up her Purple Dawn Bow again. After all, she believed that Zhou Weiqing was only at the level of a single Jewel, and it would be impossible for him to keep using the Blink Skill. Under her own rapid fire arrows, he should not be able to continue dodging.
However, at the instance that she lifted up her Purple Dawn Bow, she suddenly felt the surrounding air twist fiercely around her, a blue light descending upon her as she realised that she could no longer move.
Within the time it took to take three breaths, Zhou Weiqing had crossed the 50 yard gap and was now standing in front of Xiao Se, with a big smile on his face, his usual simple and honest smiling face on display. Then, that rascal took out an arrow from his quiver, using the white lime on the arrow to draw a circle in the middle of her chest, before completing the circle with a dot in the middle.
"This counts as my win right?" After he had completed that, Xiao Se discovered that she could move her body again.
"Wind, that was a Wind Attribute Skill you used just now. You, you…" This time, Xiao Se had totally forgotten about winning or losing, and was staring at Zhou Weiqing, her eyes filled with shock and disbelief.
Earlier, when Zhou Weiqing had showed his strength as a Heavenly Jewel Master, although she was rather shocked in her heart, but she could still maintain her calm. After all, if the Empire got another Heavenly Jewel Master, it was definitely a good thing, no wonder Shangguan Bing'er made him her Personal Aide. However, at this moment, seeing Zhou Weiqing in front of her and drawing the mark on her chest, she finally realised that this seemingly foolhardy was unexpectedly even more talented than Shangguan Bing'er! He had actually used two different attribute's Control-Type Skills, and also a support skill one after the other! It was known that no matter Elemental Jewel Masters or Heavenly Jewel Masters, what they were most feared for was not the attack or defensive skills, but this sort of Control Type or Support Skills. However, it was extremely difficult to store these type of Skills, and only Zun Stage Heavenly Beasts and above had these Skills. As such, most Heavenly Jewel Masters had to cultivate to at least six sets of Jewel before they could get these Skills. Seeing Zhou Little Fatty displaying three of them in succession, how could she not be surprised?
"Hey, Company Leader Xiao, you've lost. This time you won't go back on your word again right?" Zhou Weiqing lifted his hand in front of Xiao Se's eyes and waved it around, though in truth, the pride in his heart was long gone.
After using those few skills in succession, the Heavenly Energy in his body was nearly totally exhausted, but he was only facing an ordinary person who was not even a Jewel Master. Of course, there was a small factor that he could not unleash his full power onto Xiao Se or risk killing her, but it was also a sign that his usage and application of the skills were still very lacking, and he needed a lot more practice.
Blink, Zhou Weiqing's first Spatial Attribute Skill, and even being at the most basic first jewel stage, Blink still allowed him to instantaneously teleport anywhere within a three meters diameter instantaneously. It seemed very simple, but this skill was not the Top Support Skill for the first Three Jewels for nothing, and was indeed a formidable skill that could save his life many times over. Indeed, without this skill, he would have lost earlier.
The 'Fetters of Wind', this was Zhou Weiqing's first Wind Attribute Skill, and at the basic first jewel stage, it was able to lock onto a target within 50 yards instantly, as long as the target's Heavenly Energy did not surpass him by more than five levels, he would be bound for three seconds. If the targets' cultivation was even lower than his, he would be bound for an additional second for every level of Heavenly Energy he was lower than Zhou Weiqing.
Although both the Touch of Darkness and Fetters of Wind were control type skills, but they both had pretty different effects. In terms of effective range, the Touch of Darkness had a radius of 25 meters, but the Fetters of Wind was that of 50 meters. However, the Touch of Darkness could affect multiple targets as well as inflicting some additional supporting effects, but the Fetters of Wind was a pure single target control ability.
It could be said that the Touch of Darkness was is inferior to the Fetters of Wind in terms of just pure single target control ability, but adding on its enhanced senses and other functions, it was on the whole slightly stronger than the Fetters of Wind. This is the superiority of one of the Greater Attributes.
Do not think that both these skills were overlapping and thus useless. With his present level of cultivation, Zhou Weiqing required an adjustment time of over five seconds after using any skill before using it again. However, once he changed attributes, this issue would disappear. Furthermore, there was also the difference in range and requirements that different situations would allow him to use different skills.
Of course, this did not mean that Zhou Weiqing was so intelligent in planning all of that during his process of Skill Storing. The main key was that he had did his Skill Storing on all the Zong Stage Heavenly Beasts; and of course, would such a Heavenly Beast have any trash skills?
Xiao Se looked at Zhou Weiqing with a changing complexion, before she finally sighed and threw away the Purple Dawn Bow in her hands, and turned around to walk away.
Lost, she had lost, not just to Shangguan Bing'er, but also to this Zhou Little Fatty. With these two Heavenly Jewel Masters together, how could she possibly compete with Shangguan Bing'er? Xiao Se was at this moment feeling very bitter and depressed in her heart. It seemed like no matter how hard she worked, she just could not compare with others' talent!
"Are you just going to walk away like that!" Zhou Weiqing picked up Xiao Se's Purple Dawn Bow and pursued her quickly, blocking her way.
Xiao Se looked at that simple and honest looking, but truly sly, Zhou Little Fatty, and said angrily: "I've already lost, what else do you want?"
Zhou Weiqing said leisurely: "If I did not remember wrongly, we were gambling on the outcome of this competition."
Xiao Se's look changed, "What do you want?"
Zhou Weiqing took a step forward, grinning as he said: "I suddenly remembered what you gambled – anything that I asked."
Xiao Se took a step back and her brow furrowed: "Don't stand so close to me. I will honour my gambling debts. Speak."
Just as she finished speaking, all of a sudden, Zhou Weiqing took another step forward.The distance between them was originally less than one yard, and this step forward caused both their bodies to be pushed up against each other. Before Xiao Se could react, Zhou Weiqing had moved his head forward and kissed her.
Xiao Se was totally shocked by that kiss, and almost subconsciously reacted with a quick slap. Zhou Weiqing seemed to expect it coming, and with a quick duck, he managed to dodge Xiao Se's slap "Ru Se Elder Sis, you cannot go back on your agreement, this is my condition for your gambling loss."
Xiao Se had already awoken back to reality, her jade-like face flushed red in embarrassment. However, she stared at him with her eyes widened: "What did you call me?"
Zhou Weiqing took two steps back again and grinned as he said: "Ru Se Elder Sis, stop trying to act! Uncle Xiao only has one daughter, others might not know this, but how can I not know? I am Zhou Weiqing!"
"Ahhh? You are Zhou Weiqing that little mucus brat?" Xiao Ru Se's face was full of shock. However, in the next instance, she had drawn out her sword from her waist, pointing it at Zhou Weiqing, saying coldly: "Who are you trying to deceive. Zhou Weiqing that little mucus brat should be 14 years old this year, look at yourself, do you think you can pass as 14 years old?"
Chapter 68: Touch of Darkness (4)
Translator: Zen Translations Editor: Zen Translations
Zhou Weiqing did not dodge, his face showing helplessness, "Ru Se Sis, I can't be blamed for having an early good growth!" As he said that, he subtly shot a glance at Xiao Ru Se's rather flat chest.
"What are you staring at! If you continue looking, this old mother 1 will dig out your eyes! If you cannot produce any evidence supporting your claim, I will catch you and bring you back to the camp to handle according to military law." At this time, Xiao Ru Se had become very flustered, almost forgetting that Zhou Weiqing was a Heavenly Jewel Master. Although her disposition was always very calm, but after just experiencing all these various shocks, added to the fact that Weiqing had kiss her face, how could she possibly maintain her calm?
Zhou Weiqing lowered his head, and both his hands started to take off his belt.
"What are you doing?" Xiao Ru Se's long sword shot forward, arriving just in front of him.
Zhou Weiqing had an expression on as if he were suffering from injustice: "Didn't you just ask me to produce some evidence? When we were younger, you led me to the riverside to play with water, and you've seen the red birthmark I have on my ***2, let me show you as proof." As he said that, he did not wait for Xiao Ru Se to reject the plan, and that little rascal had turned around and pulled down his pants, revealing his big white ***.
Indeed, on the left side of his ***, there was a bright red birthmark.
Xiao Ru Se was clearly stunned for a moment, as she blushed deeply, then she quickly turned around as she said: "Quickly wear your pants, so ugly!"
Zhou Weiqing quickly put on his pants again, and said with a smile: "Ru Se Sis, now do you believe me."
Xiao Ru Se stole a quick glance back and saw that he had already worn back his pants, and sheathed her long sword while asking surprisedly: "Are you really Zhou Weiqing that snot nosed brat? That isn't right! Weren't your meridians blocked?" As she said up to here, she suddenly stopped talking.
"I used to be a trash last time, that doesn't mean I'll always be a trash." Zhou Weiqing said nonchalantly. "Ru Se Sis, when I was young and was discovered to have blocked meridians, none of the children of the same age would pay any attention to me, only you were willing to bring me around to play. After we separated, seven years have passed! At that time, I was always thinking of you, thinking how good it would be if you really were my real biological older sister."
As he said that, Zhou Weiqing's eyes reddened with emotion. In his 14 years living, there were only two people who he was the closest to – one was his mother, and the other was Xiao Ru Se. It can be said that during Zhou Weiqing's childhood, Xiao Ru Se occupied an enormous component.
"Little snot nosed brat, you're already too big to continue crying so much like that! You have really changed so much, even this elder sister did not recognize you. Zhou Little Fatty, Zhou Little Fatty, I should have known that it was you!" Xiao Ru Se stretched out her arms, and hugged the taller Zhou Weiqing, just like in the past when she protected him.
In Xiao Ru Se's arms, Zhou Weiqing only felt that her front was very hard, and did not know if she had padded it. Her body did not have a girl's effeminacy, only a clean light smell that felt especially comfortable.
However, after hugging for few seconds, Xiao Ru Se suddenly awoke to reality and shoved Zhou Weiqing aside. "Little brat, you knew that it was me earlier right? Hmph, and you still dared to break my Purple Dawn Bow, and make fun of me? Is your skin itchy?"
Zhou Weiqing was given a scare: "Elder Sis, listen to my explanation. I had not recognized you at that time!"
"I don't believe you. I was so angered by you just now. Let me first vent my anger then we'll speak."
"Ahhhhhhhh!!!"
One hour later…
Zhou Weiqing and Xiao Ru Se were sitting together under a large tree, as Zhou Weiqing told her about the recent events; him swallowing the black pearl, how he ran to to sign on in the army, as well as the events after that in detail. He regarded Xiao Ruse as one of his closest, most intimate friends, and naturally did not conceal anything from her, even telling her about Shangguan Bing'er's relations with him.
"No wonder she treats you so differently, I had not expected that, you actually did that to her…Hahaha…" Xiao Ru Se suddenly laughed out loud, startling Zhou Weiqing into jumping up.
"Elder Sis, what are you laughing at?"
Xiao Ru Se rubbed her belly which was aching from her excessive laughter, before saying: "This repays any enmity I have with her. Shangguan Bing'er snatched my position of Battalion Commander although she does not know anything about directing or commanding an army. I never expected that she'll be taken advantage of by a brat like you. Oh well, rich waters should be kept in our own fields 3, after all she is a Heavenly Jewel Master. Who knew that she would actually become the sacrificial offering to Awaken your Heavenly Jewels, little snot nosed brat, I hadn't expected that your luck was so good."
Zhou Weiqing said with a woebegone expression on his face: "Elder Sis, I have already enlisted in the military, can you not call me Little snot nosed brat anymore?"
Xiao Ru Se gave a hmph as she said: "No matter how big you are, in my eyes you are still that little snot nosed brat. What are your future plans though? Why didn't you tell Uncle Zhou about you becoming a Heavenly Jewel Master? He has dreamed of this day for so long."
Zhou Weiqing shook his head and said: "I do not want to go back. When I was still a trash, I was tortured so much by that strict father, if he knows that I have became a Heavenly Jewel Master, how can I have a good life?"
Xiao Ruse said with a faint smile: "Little Brat, I think it is more that you do not want to give up Shangguan Bing'er right."
Zhou Weiqing did not try to conceal the fact and nodded as he said: "Yes I do not want to give her up. Although it was a misunderstanding that day, I was the one who hurt her! If it had been Princess Difyua, she probably would have killed me then. Yet, Shangguan Bing'er not only did not kill me, but also taught me how to cultivate. Elder Sis, I really really like her."
Xiao Ru Se looked at Zhou Weiqing; she did not know why, but she suddenly felt a bitter and sour feeling in her heart. After an awkward silence, she finally said faintly: "If you like her, then go ahead and pursue her. With our Little Wei's 4 abilities, are you still afraid that you can't successfully chase her? Although Shangguan Bing'er is not much of a military commander, but she is really a good person. In the future, Elder Sis will not oppose her."
"Elder Sis, are you alright?" Zhou Weiqing looked at her doubtingly.
Xiao Ru Se was startled in her own heart. Yes! What's wrong with me? I am older than Weiqing by seven years!
"Why wouldn't I be alright. Let's go, it's time that we head back already. Otherwise, your beautiful Battalion Commander will be worried about you."Xiao Ru Se made use of the chance to get up and prepare to move off, in order to cover the blush on her face.
Zhou Weiqing also stood up quickly, holding Xiao Ru Se's hand and said with a grin: "Elder Sis, if I had known earlier that Xiao Se was Xiao Ru Se, then I would have wished that you were the one who ran over on the day that my Jewel Awakened."
"Bah! You even dare to tease your Elder Sis, do you think that I will not punch you!" Xiao Ru Se lifted her hand and thwapped Zhou Weiqing on the head, which he dodged with a large grin. As they ran towards the military compound, he said: "Does Elder Sis know? When I grew up, when father told me that my fiance is Princess Difyua, I told him that I did not want Princess Difuya, but I wanted Ru Se Elder Sis instead."
As he spoke those words, Zhou Weiqing ran off quickly, leaving Xiao Ru Se alone standing there for a while, before she followed. This time, she really felt the sense of disquiet in her heart.
Initially, after she had parted with Zhou Weiqing, she had gone all out in training in an attempt to complete her father's wish. However, she had fallen just short at the age of 16, and had not succeeded in Awakening her Power Jewels. Ever since that time, she dressed up as a man to enter the military school to study. She had also trained hard in archery, and two years ago she had finally achieved something, managing to join the army with honours and had worked hard up till today. You could even say that there were only 2 men in her life who were most intimate to her, one was naturally her father, and the other was Zhou Weiqing.
Chapter 69: Super Right Leg (1)
Translator: Zen Translations Editor: Zen Translations
"En…" A sudden stuffy and stifled cry awoke Xiao Ru Se from her thoughts; it was clearly Zhou Weiqing's voice, and she hurried towards the direction the voice came from. When she saw Zhou Weiqing again, she was extremely surprised. "Little Wei, what happened to you?"
At this moment, Zhou Weiqing was rolling around on the ground, his military uniform had been thorn a lot by the thorny undergrowth, revealing his arms as well as the shining titanium alloy internal armor.
His breathing was ragged and heavy, and what made Xiao Ru Se's heart tremble was the fact that both his eyes had turned bloodshot, and his whole body's muscles had ballooned out, causing him to look as if he was a whole size bigger than before.
"Elder Sis, I am feeling so uncomfortable." Zhou Weiqing's voice was so hoarse, sounding just like an old man, while his body was twitching unceasingly. The most unusual thing was that although he was lying down on the ground, but his right leg was actually raised up high and curled upwards, and you could clearly hear his bones of his right leg moving and grinding from within, as if a heavy hammer was smashing the bones open and reforging them.
"Little Wei, what's going on?" Xiao Ru Se wanted to go forward and support him, but a strong force actually emitted from Zhou Weiqing's body suddenly, causing her to back up several steps before falling down.
With a ripping sound, Zhou Weiqing had torn off the clothes on his upper body due to the excessive pain, with only the internal armour remaining on his body tenaciously. On his granite-like, muscled body, the black tattoos were surging forth again just like tiger stripes, and on his forehead, a clear black 'King' word reappeared as well.
At this moment, the entire Stars Forest seemed to have quietened; just a moment ago the forest had been extremely lively with insects crying and birds warbling, and they had all stopped suddenly. The silence in the forest was almost deafening, and made it seem rather eerie, with only Zhou Weiqing's heavy breathing breaking the silence.
If it were anyone else, perhaps they would have been afraid of Zhou Weiqing's fierce appearance, but Xiao Ru Se was not. She grit her teeth tightly and threw herself forward a second time, grasping Zhou Weiqing's head and shouting to him loudly: "Little Wei, calm down, you need to calm down. Focus your Heavenly Energy and use it to calm your internal breathing."
Zhou Weiqing was currently feeling his heart being filled with a cruel, tyrannical, ruinous aura, giving him the urge to tear everything around him into shreds, with both his hands contorted into a claw shape as his bones were cracking. His hands had also grown to double the usual size in this short amount of time, with sharp claws faintly protruding out. The black tiger striped tattoos on his body became more and more obvious, and it felt as if he had inexhaustible strength surging forth from his body unceasingly…
His head being hugged by Xiao Ru Se, Zhou Weiqing subconsciously lifted his tiger claws and firmly grasped Xiao Ru Se by the shoulder, opening his mouth and was about to bite her on the neck.
Xiao Ru Se being held by his tiger claws, felt her whole body go numb, and found that she was not able to move at all, and her mind also fell into a blank.
Just as Zhou Weiqing was about to bite down, he suddenly stopped. Xiao Ru Se also awoke at that instance, and she could actually clearly feel his hot breath on her neck, making her skin crawl and shiver.
"No, No I cannot. You are Ru Se Elder Sis." Zhou Weiqing muttered in a hoarse voice as he breathed heavily, and he quickly loosened his grip on Xiao Ru Se and shoved her backward. However, his head was grasped by her again.
"Little Wei, if it makes you feel better, you can go ahead and bite. Elder Sis is not afraid." Xiao Ru Se extended her hand resolutely and placed it in front of Zhou Weiqing.
Zhou Weiqing's bloodshot eyes were filled with a cruel light, which seemed to become more intense. However, he managed to restrain himself and not bite down. In his heart, he had a very intense uneasy feeling, the feeling that if he took that bite, he would lose his Ru Se Elder Sis forever.
That intense feeling made him able to suppress the strong negative feelings that had risen within him, though the cruel, tyrannical aura in his eyes did not diminish, but at least they did not continue increasing. Xiao Ru Se continued hugging his head, as he took in big gulps of air, panting hard for breath.
"You… What are you two doing?" All of a sudden, a surprised voice resounded out of nowhere. In a flash of light, a person appeared right next to them. 1
It was Shangguan Bing'er who had just arrived.
Earlier, when she had heard that Zhou Weiqing had been brought away by Xiao Se, she had not thought much about it. After all, Zhou Weiqing was a Heavenly Jewel Master, and how could Xiao Se be of a match to him? However, the Fresh Recruit Tournament had already ended, and yet both of them had not returned, and Shangguan Bing'er was feeling rather restless and uneasy in her heart. Although in her heart she claimed that she still abhorred and hated that Zhou Little Fatty for taking her first night, but she herself did not know that deep in her innermost feelings, Zhou Little Fatty had already inscribed his shadow there. This was a possible situation, when a girl had given her first time to someone, naturally she would form a profound impression of him, furthermore she had been spending every day with Zhou Weiqing for the last few months.
She decided to go around and look for them to assuage her feeling of unease. Relying on her new Physical Jewel Consolidated Equipment, the Wind Wielding Boots, she entered the Stars Forest at lightning speed, and just a moment ago, the roar that Zhou Weiqing had issued had drawn her to the scene.
From a distance, she saw Xiao Se and Zhou Weiqing, but she had never expected to see the scene before her – Xiao Se was hugging Zhou Weiqing's head unexpectedly, looking extermely intimate… In her understanding, Xiao Se was a man! A man hugging another man? This…
As she got closer, only then did Shangguan Bing'er realise that something was very wrong. When she saw Zhou Weiqing's fierce appearance with the tiger striped tattoos and the huge expanded muscles, and his terrifying bloodshot eyes, the trembling feeling in her heart spread over her entire body instantaneously. Was this not not just the circumstances that he was in when he took away her most precious thing a few months ago?
Xiao Ru Se saw Shangguan Bing'er standing there stunned, and immediately cried out angrily: "Silly! What are you doing standing there like that? Help me to hold him down quickly! You are also a Heavenly Jewel Master, what's going on?"
"I, I do not know…" Shangguan Bing'er squatted down in panic, although in the heart she was frightened of Zhou Weiqing's present appearance, but she did not want to just walk away.
As she squatted down, Shangguan Bing'er immediately saw how much pain Zhou Weiqing was in, how his whole body was wrecked in convulsion, and quickly called out: "Zhou Little Fatty, Zhou Little Fatty, calm down a little."
All this while, Zhou Weiqing had been semi conscious and not very aware of what was going on, but all of a sudden he heard a familiar sound, and an incomparably familiar smell, and his body stiffened, suddenly moving on its own accord; springing loose from Xiao Ru Se's embrace, and with a low roar his two tiger claws had grasped onto Shangguan Bing'er's shoulders.
Shangguan Bing'er could have easily dodged it, especially since she had the Wind Wielding Boots. However, she chose not to do so, and in that instance, the thought in her mind was unexpectedly that if she died in his hands, that would be okay.