Chapter 6, Yunmeng
Ahead, under the brilliant sunlight, lies the Yunmengze!
Chi Hu Xiu chuckled and patted Xiahou's head, saying: "Your father can kill twenty at a time, but if he encounters two hundred, even your father and all his uncles would have to flee for their lives"
Several giant saber-toothed tigers and other carnivorous beasts lazily lounged by the lake, occasionally lowering their massive heads to lick the lake water with their crimson tongues, only to immediately raise their heads alertly again
The world beyond the mountains and forests
A tremendous roar echoed from afar, and suddenly, in the lakes both near and far, a long neck topped with a small head emerged. Beneath that long neck was a massive body, and the creature, with a neck measuring about 30 meters, looked around in astonishment, letting out a long, resounding cry that reverberated through the heavens and the earth, resembling the sound of a pipe organ.
Millions of enormous waterfowl float upon the glass-like surface of the water. They move with the wind, forming strange symbols on the azure lake. As the wind blows, these symbols instantly change, occasionally fortuitously resembling simple shapes akin to simplified Chinese characters, causing Xiahou's heart to leap in surprise.
The white creature hurried to retrieve the steel sword, looking at its claws that were not suited for wielding weapons, feeling wronged as tears streamed down.
In such a grand scene, how could one not be moved and captivated?
Xiahou and Bai both opened their mouths wide, focusing solely on inhaling, yet not a single word could be uttered.
Less than five miles in front of the mountain peaks lies a vast blue lake, teeming with countless waterfowl. The deep red feathers shimmer in the golden sunlight, while the fiery long beaks occasionally pierce the smooth water's surface, having already caught a fish in their grasp.
The journey southward continued for another three days, and the wind blowing from ahead was already laden with thick moisture. In my ears, I could hear the thunderous long howls approaching. The men in the group had all grown serious in expression. "Yunmeng, Yunmeng!" This term was being repeated incessantly by these brave men.
The tiger-headed creature shook its head helplessly: "Alas, the dragon, without five hundred people joining forces with weapons against him, we ordinary warriors cannot contend with him."
The clansmen burst into laughter, yet they did not mention sending Xiahou back to the village. In their simple minds, a child capable of wielding a steel sword weighing dozens of pounds to cleave through boulders was already considered an adult. An adult man is qualified to venture out and exchange for better living supplies for the village. Wetting his pants was merely a kind reminder; the ferocious beasts in the great marsh are far more terrifying than the fierce animals in the mountains and forests. Even a mountain overlord like the Pixiu would undoubtedly perish if it entered the great marsh before reaching adulthood. Wetting his pants was merely a kind reminder; the ferocious beasts in the great marsh are far more terrifying than the fierce animals in the mountains and forests. Even a mountain overlord like the Pixiu would undoubtedly perish if it entered the great marsh before reaching adulthood
Looking at the Yunmengze before him, Xiahou was filled with beautiful hopes
The tiger-like creature immediately flexed its strong arms, with muscles twitching vigorously. It proudly declared: "Your father alone can kill twenty of them!"
Bai opened his mouth wide, extending his long tongue to lick at Xiahou's face. After leaving Xiahou covered in saliva, Bai excitedly snatched the steel sword from beside him and began to dance wildly. Although Bai was still underage, he possessed the strength of thousands of pounds in his arms, and he wielded the steel sword with such ferocity that it seemed impenetrable. A mass of dark light swirled around him chaotically, but suddenly, Bai lost his grip, and the steel sword slipped from his claws, transforming into a black rainbow that shot out over a hundred feet away with a whoosh.
The boundless expanse appears as if it is covered in oil, with meadows, lakes, and flower clusters. After carefully estimating the height of the peak on which I stand, I gaze at the distant horizon, which is entirely enveloped in this brilliant, vibrant color. The Yunmengze stretches at least several thousand miles. In my ears, the heavy sound of rolling waves carries on the wind; beyond the limits of my sight, there must be a lake as vast as the sea. The Yunmengze is indeed as broad as the clouds and as beautiful as a dream. In my ears, the heavy sound of rolling waves carries on the wind; beyond the limits of my sight, there must be a lake as vast as the sea. The Yunmengze is indeed as broad as the clouds and as beautiful as a dream
A louder roar came from behind the black beast horde. Nearly one hundred enormous creatures, which Xiahou was all too familiar with, were spitting saliva and closely pursuing like the wind.
Xiahou Sheng took a deep breath, the abundant earth-type primordial energy surged, causing him to let out a tremendous howl towards the sky: "Ahーーー !"
The werewolf, saber-toothed tiger, and other groups of beasts fled in a frenzy. In the face of this dark mass of beasts, any small group of animals could only suffer total annihilation; they had no choice but to escape. The black horde of beasts seemed like a dark cloud sweeping across the grassland, causing all creatures to flee in panic wherever it went
Casually grabbing the steel sword, Xiahou took a deep breath and gave Bai's head a firm slap: "Why are you looking so downcast? Starting tomorrow, I will teach you martial arts. I can even teach you the White Tiger True Solution, as long as you can practice it. " Pulling on Bai's two unusually long arms, Xiahou smiled and said: "With your physique, practicing the Long Arm Fist is the most suitable for you."
Xiahou could not be bothered to pay attention to the self-praising father, and simply looked at the golden eagle and asked: "Going to Yunmeng? Where is Yunmeng? Gathering herbs, why not in the nearby mountains and forests?"
Chi Hu Xiu heard the call of his wife, turned his head to take a glance, and suddenly revealed a proud smile on his face. He nodded towards Xiahou, and his steps became noticeably lighter. After walking a few paces, Chi Hu Xiu began to sing a lively tune, prompting a group of Chi Hu tribesmen to join in harmoniously. The singing was bold and resonant, echoing through the mountains and forests. Among the ten large carts in the procession, the antelopes pulling the carts, upon hearing this grand sound, immediately raised their heads and let out a long, resounding cry, creating quite a lively atmosphere. After walking a few paces, Chi Hu Xiu began to sing a lively tune, prompting a group of Chi Hu tribesmen to join in harmoniously. The singing was bold and resonant, echoing through the mountains and forests. Among the ten large carts in the procession, the antelopes pulling the carts, upon hearing this grand sound, immediately raised their heads and let out a long, resounding cry, creating quite a lively atmosphere
Chi Hu hit Xia Hou on the head, laughing heartily: "There are fierce beasts in the Daze, Brother Xiu's A Yi, you better not be scared to the point of wetting your pants"
The humidity in the air grew heavier, and Xiahou could faintly sense the surging vitality carried by the wind. With a loud shout, he leaped into the air, reaching a height of at least 3 zhang, and firmly landed on the highest boulder at the forefront of the mountain. Everyone in the rear ranks witnessed his and Bai's impressive leap and steady stance, and in an instant, a thunderous cheer erupted.
Xiahou jumped down from the carriage, shouldering a steel sword, and with a white horse leading the way, he ran towards the mountain ahead. The yellow light in his eyes flickered, and with each step he took on the ground, it was steady and powerful. The earth sensed the pure and rich elemental force of soil emanating from Xiahou, and immediately offered him selfless support. The ground seemed to have elasticity, allowing Xiahou to stride over a yard with each step, his form solid and heavy, exuding an unstoppable momentum akin to a boulder hurled from a catapult. The earth sensed the pure and rich elemental force of soil emanating from Xiahou, and immediately offered him selfless support. The ground seemed to have elasticity, allowing Xiahou to stride over a yard with each step, his form solid and heavy, exuding an unstoppable momentum akin to a boulder hurled from a catapult
Xiahou laughed heartily; for these 'rough' people, he held a genuine affection in his heart. Regardless of everything, they were his blood relatives throughout his life, and he was the flesh and blood of Chi Hu Xiu. Of course, there was also Bai. Bai, who had grown up in Xiahou's embrace, was, in his eyes, just like family.
Tyrannosaurus Rex! My heavens! He turned around sharply, glancing at his tribesmen who were driving the wildebeests up the mountain, then turned back to look at the ferocious Tyrannosaurus Rex and the Brachiosaurus in the lake. Xiahou nearly stumbled over a giant rock. Fortunately, he had a steel sword in hand, and Xiahou steadied himself with the long sword, managing to stand firm.
Old Jin waved his hand and shouted loudly, "Children, let's set off. The shaman of the Chihu tribe will come back to drink with you." After saying this, without looking back, he led his three hundred subordinates and four hundred members of the Chihu tribe out of the village, making a circle around the village before heading south.
These colossal beasts possess immense shock value, as the wildly arrogant black herd charging forward suddenly splits into three to five smaller formations, circumventing the lakes inhabited by these giants and running off in a chaotic manner
As the wind stirs, the patches of green grass and red flowers lower their proud heads, revealing the countless beasts within. Their mottled fur also sways with the wind, shimmering brilliantly in the golden sunlight
Xiahou merely watched the group of well-fed Tyrannosaurus rex lazily dozing in the grass, pondering: "To kill a Tyrannosaurus rex at the age of twelve? Perhaps, I could achieve that"
"Ayi, look, this is Yunmeng." Chi Hu Xiu gazed longingly at the towering Tyrannosaurus rex, each standing over ten meters tall, and said with a hint of regret, "Back in the day, your father actually wanted to hunt them. Then your father's name would have been Chi Hu Can Long, how impressive that would have been"
Over there, Chi Hu Hu said resentfully: "But, Brother Xiu, these barbarians charge out in groups of thousands to seize the prey."
"Who said that a person in the mountains must be familiar with everything in the forest?" Xiahou disdainfully greeted his former special operations instructor, saying, "Look, the counterexample is right here. My father and uncle are both rough men; they can smell a roe deer urinating ten miles away, but if you ask them to gather herbs, the entire village would be poisoned."
Embracing Bai while sitting on the hillside at the village entrance, watching the clansmen bustling about as they prepare to depart with the merchant caravan, Xiahou murmured: "Bai, Jin Diao and the others are indeed cautious. If my father and the others were to go gather herbs, I fear they might mistakenly bring back even the deadly strangleweed thinking it to be a good medicinal herb." In their village, the hunting men carried medicine pouches that were carefully prepared by the shaman after the Amu had gathered the herbs. As for the Xiu, their ability to identify herbs in the wild might not even be as good as Xiahou's.
Xiahou also tidied up his own thoughts, gripping his steel sword, and cautiously descended the mountain with his clansmen. He finally understood that this world was not as simple as he had imagined. Perhaps he should take the opportunity to venture outside the mountains and forests to see just how many surprising aspects this world still held for him and Tushu. Just how strong could those warriors, whom the Chi Hu and Xiu spoke of so highly, truly be? Could they be stronger than his previous self?
The several middle-aged merchants beside the golden eagle were well-informed and experienced. Seeing Xiahou run so swiftly through the dense forest, they all applauded and cheered. The golden eagle, drooling with admiration, exclaimed: "Xiu, you have a fine son. When he grows up, he will surely be the best hero within a thousand miles!" After a moment's hesitation, the golden eagle nodded vigorously and said: "If he can follow the shaman for training, perhaps he could be granted a title in the future."
The Chi Hu Xiu and all the men of the Chi Hu clan burst into hearty laughter, their laughter pure and simple. Their child is promising, and among their kin is a potential future hero, which is enough to bring them joy
The Chi Hu Xiu laughed heartily, saying, "Of course, Uncle Golden Eagle, you should know whose offspring it is; it is my Chi Hu Xiu's offspring." He proudly patted his chest.
Xiahou held Bai's head, cleaning the fleas off it, and squinted as he said: "Father, they don't seem very strong."
Suddenly, countless waterfowl began to rush in all directions, their feet gliding over the water's surface, which immediately rippled with countless waves. A gust of wind swept across the flat ground, and those waterfowl resembled a fiery red cloud, soaring high into the sky, hovering above the lake, and issuing angry protests towards the herd of beasts
Over there, the golden eagle has called out: "Xiu, Huohu, come here. Right at the edge of Yunmengze, we will gather some herbs, fill up ten large carts, and then return."
The pterosaurs howled triumphantly, seemingly purely for the thrill of killing, relentlessly pursuing the flock of birds as they flew away. Along the way, waterfowl continuously fell from the sky, splattered with blood, adding a touch of crimson to the azure, indigo, and deep purple waters of the lake. Meanwhile, the herds on the ground paid no attention to the slaughter above; they lay comfortably in the grass, quietly basking in the sunlight.
Due to the need for a large quantity of herbs by the Golden Eagle's caravan to profit from the war, the hunting team led by Chi Hu Xiu was summoned back to the village. After receiving a substantial amount of goods from the Golden Eagle in advance, the brave men of the Chi Hu tribe indulged in strong liquor, boasting and claiming the responsibility of gathering a large quantity of herbs for themselves. Of course, their actual tasks were to serve as guides and bodyguards, while the true gatherers of the herbs were the specialized pharmacists within the Golden Eagle's caravan.
However, from the distant clouds, thousands of enormous pterosaurs suddenly swooped down. They glided silently with their membranous wings spread wide, their massive jaws and claws steadily capturing their prey. The fiery red waterfowl emitted desperate cries, frantically flapping their wings in an attempt to escape this brutal killing ground
"In the Great Marsh, there are fierce beasts, which is why the medicinal herb gathering team requires so many guards?" Xiahou lay in the cart, gazing up at the azure sky, his heart filled with uncertainty: "Yunmeng Marsh, Yunmeng Marsh, this name sounds so familiar. Yunmeng, Yunmeng, is it the Yunmeng of Chu?"
A group of malevolent giant wolves lurked near the lake, greedily eyeing the waterfowl and the beasts drinking at the water's edge, calculating the best moment to strike
The Chi Hu Xiu held a large piece of meat from the Book Beast in its mouth and mumbled, "These barbarians are the most troublesome. Every time we encounter them during a hunt, it’s truly unfortunate. They demand half of the prey upon meeting; if you refuse, they will come at you with violence." Then, Xiu straightforwardly uttered a curse.
A Pixiu that has cultivated the White Tiger's primal energy and is proficient in martial arts? Xiahou squinted his eyes, envisioning that marvelous scene, and suddenly felt a chill run through his body. Such a creature, perhaps, could only be described as a killing machine? Originally, the Pixiu is the overlord of the mountains and forests, impervious to blades and bullets, possessing immense strength, and is one of the most formidable beasts to contend with.
Slaughter, peace, death, and living beings perfectly merge into a magnificent tapestry in Yunmengze
Feeling the forceful caress of Xiahou, Bai let out a comfortable hum, resting his head on Xiahou's thigh, a pair of blood-red fierce eyes fixated on the rear of the antelope, drooling profusely.
The golden eagle patted Xiahou on the shoulder and laughed loudly, "The little hero of the Chi Hu family, look, beyond this mountain lies Yunmeng! The largest marsh in the south, a land rich in resources!"
The Tyrannosaurus rex ran at an extremely fast speed, catching up to the unfortunate black horned beasts within three to five breaths. These Tyrannosaurus rex, which undoubtedly stood at the top of the food chain, swung their massive claws, tearing the horned beasts into pieces in a matter of moments, indiscriminately stuffing large chunks of bloody meat into their mouths. The Tyrannosaurus rex quickly killed enough horned beasts for their consumption and lazily came to a stop. Remarkably, the black herd also halted immediately, stopping less than a hundred meters away from the dining Tyrannosaurus rex, leisurely drinking water and nibbling on the green grass leaves. The Tyrannosaurus rex quickly killed enough horned beasts for their consumption and lazily came to a stop. Remarkably, the black herd also halted immediately, stopping less than a hundred meters away from the dining Tyrannosaurus rex, leisurely drinking water and nibbling on the green grass leaves
The hand gripping Xiahou's shoulder tightened suddenly, and Chi Huxiu said loudly: "However, Father knows that in this world, there are very strong warriors who, at the age of twelve during their coming-of-age ceremony, can hunt beasts more ferocious than the Canglong. A Yi, I will send you to the shaman next year; you must learn well from him."
Suddenly, a thunderous roar echoed through the heavens and the earth, as a dark mass of beasts recklessly charged towards this side from the horizon. With their massive curved horns, robust and powerful bodies, and fierce panting, these colossal creatures stood nearly three meters tall at the hooves, and their terrifying numbers, amounting to hundreds of thousands, endowed this herd with devastating lethality
Several itinerant merchants gazed into the depths of Yunmengze, their faces filled with longing: "There must be countless treasures in there"
At the village entrance, the man let out a loud roar: "May the spirits of the mountain god, water god, and our ancestors bless us, allowing us to reap a bountiful harvest this time." He struck down the head of a pig with a knife, splattering blood all around. The shaman behind him waved a bone staff, with a faint green light flickering in his eyes, resembling ghostly flames. A gust of cold wind gathered from all directions, swirling around the pig's carcass for a while before slowly dissipating
The leaders among several clans, including the Chi Hu and the Hu Hu, gathered around. They simultaneously encouraged, "A Yi from the Xiu family, our branch of the Chi Hu clan is in need of a high-ranking warrior. You must bring us honor. If you can become a high-ranking warrior, the entire village will benefit."
The sky was filled with the loud cries of waterfowl, slowly spiraling down. The scattered herds of beasts also gradually gathered, and it seemed that the great marsh was about to regain its tranquility
The golden eagle chuckled: "Little child, Yunmeng is indeed Yunmengze, the largest wetland in the south. Hey, there are medicinal herbs in the mountains, but there are a few rare items that can only be found in the great marsh, which are lifesaving treasures. Selling them to severely injured soldiers can fetch ten times the price."
In a lush green meadow, countless lakes of various sizes, in shades of azure, indigo, and deep purple, are scattered about, deep enough to submerge a person's head. Countless flowers are in full bloom, with blossoms the size of a human head, radiant like clouds at dawn, vibrant like young maidens, layered and sprawling across the landscape. Ahead lies an endless expanse of green, azure, indigo, deep purple, and a myriad of colors. To the left, there is an endless expanse of green, azure, indigo, deep purple, and a myriad of colors. To the right, there is still an endless expanse of green, azure, indigo, deep purple, and a myriad of colors. Ahead lies an endless expanse of green, azure, indigo, deep purple, and a myriad of colors. To the left, there is an endless expanse of green, azure, indigo, deep purple, and a myriad of colors. To the right, there is still an endless expanse of green, azure, indigo, deep purple, and a myriad of colors
The seven hundred-strong contingent marched southward for half a month, carefully avoiding two large tribes along the way. It was during this journey that Xiahou first encountered tribes that were even more "primitive" than his own people. These individuals belonged to the category of true primitive savages; they were not tall in stature but were extremely ferocious. From a distance, standing atop a mountain and gazing at them, one could see their bare bodies moving with the agility of monkeys through the dense forest. It seemed they had yet to develop the awareness of wearing clothes or using weapons
Suddenly, Chi Hu Xiu had arrived beside Xia Hou, tightly embracing his shoulders
However, in this world, are there really such powerful individuals who can kill beasts even more formidable than the Tyrannosaurus Rex at the age of twelve? Is genetic mutation not possible?
Old Jin tightened the white cloth tied around his wrist and smiled at Xiahou: "A Yi from the Xiong family, you came along? Hey, what a brave kid, at such a young age, daring to follow us down to Yunmeng!"
Xiahou let out a soft whistle, lifted the steel sword, and tapped it lightly on the head of the little white creature. The two of them, one person and one beast, followed closely behind the main group, ignoring the calls of Amu from behind, and walked straight ahead
After walking for a while, Chi Hu and Huo Hu suddenly turned back, grinning as they patted Xia Hou on the shoulder. With one hand, they lifted Xia Hou and tossed him onto the large cart at the front. Bai let out a scream and also jumped onto the cart, proudly using both paws to touch the rear of the draft horned horse, which startled the horse so much that it trembled all over, nearly collapsing to the ground. Thus, another round of shouting and cursing ensued. Bai let out a scream and also jumped onto the cart, proudly using both paws to touch the rear of the draft horned horse, which startled the horse so much that it trembled all over, nearly collapsing to the ground. Thus, another round of shouting and cursing ensued
Turning his head to glance at Bai, who was drooling profusely while staring at the rear of the wildebeest, Xiahou couldn't help but chuckle: "Fierce beast? What qualifies as a fierce beast? Bai is truly a fierce beast." He stroked the smooth scales on Bai's back and added in his heart: "At the very least, when he wants to eat meat, he is a true fierce beast"
Xiahou looked at Chi Hu Xiu in surprise, thinking to himself, to take down a Tyrannosaurus Rex by oneself? This father really has some ideas
The clansmen erupted in cheers: "The spirits of the mountain god, water god, and our ancestors are well-fed, blessing us with abundant harvests." Four hundred brave warriors of the Chihu tribe simultaneously drew their weapons and howled towards the sky. The varying pitches of their howls resembled ghostly wails, frightening the small animals in the nearby dense forest into a frenzy, while countless birds took flight from the branches, flapping their wings and emitting cries in the sky