After the onslaught by Rem, Ram, and Shendu, the once lush grassland had transformed into scorched earth.
"Let's go back; those people are already dead," Shendu said softly.
Currently, Blackbeard, Van Augur, Burgesd, Doc Q, Lafitte, and the horse named "Stronger" were all scorched black, their vital signs completely extinguished.
Ram and Rem were momentarily frozen.
Wasn't a burial necessary?
Ron had emphasized in their daily training that, regardless of the strength of the enemy, cutting off their heads ensured a decisive victory.
"Well..."
Recalling the devastating attack, Rem and Ram reluctantly nodded.
Half an hour after the three of them departed, Blackbeard gasped for fresh air and snapped his eyes open. He quickly surveyed his surroundings, relieved to find that Rem and the others had already left, except for a Marine approaching in the distance.
Simultaneously, Doc Q and the skinny horse came to their senses.
"The situation was critical just now. I could only save you and Stronger first," Doc Q explained in a deep voice.
Just in time, Doc Q administered a special drug to Blackbeard and Stronger. It induced a temporary state resembling death, with suspended breathing and cardiac arrest. Even under careful examination, no flaws could be found, allowing Blackbeard to deceive Shendu and return with his life.
However, as Blackbeard attempted to speak, he involuntarily spat out a mouthful of blood. He glanced down, perturbed by the sight.
Blackbeard examined his severely burned body, noticing that his abdomen had been pierced by the Shendu's "Electric Eyes."
"It's good to be able to survive. If it wasn't for Van Augur, Burgess being a meat shield, and the characteristics of the Dark Fruit, I would have died just now," Blackbeard admitted. As he spoke, an excruciating pain surged through him, causing him to writhe on the ground. This pain was a side effect of the Dark Fruit's ability: while it could absorb the abilities of Rem and Ram, it doubled the pain inflicted on the user.
Despite the agony, Blackbeard refrained from crying out, his silver teeth on the verge of shattering.
"Let's leave here first; we must not encounter the Marines in this condition," Doc Q suggested, tossing Blackbeard onto "Stronger" and swiftly departing.
As they left, Blackbeard raised his head, mustering the last bit of strength to gaze in the direction of the tavern. His eyes gleamed with a strong murderous intent.
At Wanjie Tavern, Shendu lay on the bar, recounting the hardships of the past years. Fortunately, the tavern was secluded, sparing it from potential complaints from nearby residents.
"He's alive?" Dhendu abruptly stood up, his face registering surprise. During the last half-hour, he had kept a constant watch on the plain, fearing unexpected developments. To his amazement, an unforeseen event had indeed occurred.
"Have they escaped by now?" Ron asked, smiling.
Shendu nodded and transformed back into an ordinary person, seemingly ready to pursue them. His posture indicated that if Blackbeard's gang wasn't dealt with today, he wouldn't give up. Despite Burgess' demise, the Holy Lord remained uneasy, as they were all part of the same group, and the entire crew would likely meet a similar fate.
"Forget it, if they go to the civilian area, you'll only cause unnecessary trouble by killing them," Ron said softly. "Don't worry, they won't leave this island anytime soon. If you come here often, there must be a chance to deal with them."
Wary of Shendu being exposed to Marine scrutiny, Ron didn't want Sengoku blocking the tavern's doors daily, demanding answers. Additionally, he had another motive for wanting the Holy Lord to frequent the tavern.
Twelve Talisman.
Twelve abilities, each at a powerful level.
Especially the Tiger Talisman, capable of splitting the holder into two bodies of good and evil. Ron wondered, if used on Rem, wouldn't it double the happiness of Ram?
"Alright," Shendu agreed. "From now on, I will come to your place to drink every day. If you don't believe me, you won't be able to squat with him."
As he spoke, he left a few gemstones on the counter and got up slowly. "It's getting late; I won't disturb your rest. I'll come for a drink tomorrow."
"Welcome next time," Ron smiled, seeing him off.
Shendy nodded and walked out of the tavern, his figure gradually fading away in the night until it disappeared.
As Ron cleaned up the bar and was about to close the door, the system's mechanical voice sounded in his mind:
[Ding, the customer Shendu has finished confiding.]
[Ding, the customer involved in the confidant: Devil Xiaolong, will visit the tavern in the near future.]
[Customer Shendu: Monkey Talisman, Dragon Talisman, Rabbit Talisman, Pig Talisman... Host can choose any one of them.]
Ron stroked his chin, contemplating. With Conqueror's Haki, Fire Dragon Scale, and Black Little Tiger, he had various means of attack. In this case, it might be better to address his current shortcomings.
Ron pondered for a moment before saying softly, "Choose the Rabbit Talisman."
As he spoke, an octagonal runestone engraved with a rabbit pattern materialized in Ron's hand. Clenching the charm, a burst of dazzling light erupted. In the next second, Ron traversed from the tavern to the bedroom in the backyard instantly. During the transition, he even managed to close the door, remove his clothes, and settle onto the bed.
"Not bad," Ron nodded in satisfaction.
But suddenly, there was movement by the window. Alert, Ron got up to check, only to find himself frozen in place at the sight before him.
A tall figure gracefully entered through the window. Bathed in dim moonlight, a snow-white and curvaceous body unveiled itself. The slender legs, clad in black nylon fabric, accentuated a well-defined mermaid line and vest line, and the two prominent features on the chest couldn't go unnoticed.
"Gion?" Ron uttered with a wry smile.
What on earth was this woman doing here tonight?
Gion smiled and said, "Didn't you agree that I'd come to you tonight?"
Before Ron could react, a pair of plump lips pressed against his. Though men typically think with their heads, sometimes a head without a brain takes over. At this very moment, Ron made the kind of mistake any man might make.