Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8469: Voodoo (1)

Having extracted the Gu cultivation method from Wen Liren's recollections, Zhao Hai gained a fresh perspective on Gu. This practice stood apart from typical cultivation arts, possessing a truly distinctive nature. Previously, Zhao Hai viewed Gu solely as those insidious bugs implanted into bodies to harm foes. He never imagined the diverse applications it held in this realm.

Zhao Hai exhaled deeply. Implanting a soul puppet within himself proved unnecessary. With his ability to unleash spells in an instant, such a measure offered no benefit. It held zero value for him.

That said, the techniques for breeding battle puppets and crafting parasitic puppets caught his interest greatly. Zhao Hai prepared to dive right in. His spatial domain brimmed with endless spiritual insects. Selecting a suitable area within it and altering the realm's rules to form a dedicated puppet-forging zone required little effort.

Naturally, Zhao Hai's top priority in Gu refinement involved transforming spell bugs into Gu forms. These bugs measured incredibly tiny, almost invisible to the naked eye. While spiritual sense could detect them, doing so demanded hassle. Weaker spiritual senses might miss them entirely. Yet their offensive capabilities shone fiercely, though their frailty posed a severe drawback. Lacking robust defenses, they often detonated prematurely upon nearing targets, triggered by even a single enemy spell.

This vulnerability explained why Zhao Hai avoided relying on spell bugs for primary assaults. Fortunately, the Gu arts offered numerous refinement approaches. These could imbue the insects with immense strength and formidable protection. They might even withstand magical assaults. Such developments thrilled Zhao Hai, as enhancing spell bug durability would dramatically boost their battlefield utility.

Refining Gu, however, demanded considerable effort. The process proved resource-intensive beyond measure. Strengthening a Gu insect required feeding it premium materials of all kinds. Unlike artifacts, these living entities followed unique forging paths.

Magic tools underwent tempering via elements like water and fire. Gu refinement, by contrast, hinged on brutal combat. Hosts of Gu insects clashed fiercely, with survivors emerging as elite specimens. Not every batch needed reducing to a single victor—that scenario bordered on impractical. After investing heavily to raise thousands, allowing a hundred battle-hardened ones to persist made far more sense than forcing further carnage. Crucially, isolating one ultimate survivor often birthed a venomous overlord. Such a being developed near-human awareness and unmatched ferocity. Tempered through endless slaughter, it refused submission to any cultivator. It battled relentlessly, opting for self-destruction in a final, explosive defiance if defeat loomed. Thus, Gu forging emphasized mutual elimination to yield peak warriors— the ultimate battle Gu.

Spiritual puppet cultivation diverged entirely. It began with securing a superior spiritual insect and binding it as a loyal servant. Nourish it with elite substances, then embed it within the host's form. Refinement spoiled this process, as it instilled a murderous aura in the insect. Introducing such a puppet into one's body risked profound shifts in personality. Ultimately, it could trigger Qi deviation—a peril too grave to ignore.

Regardless of type, successful Gu refinement devoured vast resources, all funneled directly into sustaining the insects. Without prior care, mere combat among common bugs yielded nothing but carcasses. Even a lone victor would emerge battered, missing limbs, unfit for true Gu status. Proper Gu demanded prolonged nurturing with abundant nourishments to foster growth. These baseline Gu lacked combat experience, akin to green recruits untouched by war. They offered limited prowess yet instinctively devoured resources, much like drilled troops primed for engagement.

During clashes, injuries were inevitable for these Gu. Their resource absorption, however, proved a boon. Fallen comrades served as premium sustenance, accelerating healing. Gu recovery excelled, regrowing lost parts after devouring remains. Battle-tested Gu resembled seasoned veterans. Selecting a hundred from ten thousand marked the elite tier. Such pinnacle Gu tormented every cultivator they faced.

Yet Gu breeding strained even mighty sects like the Poison Bug Valley, one of the top ten. Producing superior strains taxed their reserves heavily. Disciples relying on standard supplies birthed merely average fighters. Hence, many supplemented Gu with poisons in combat—a tradition that birthed the sect's infamous title.

For Zhao Hai, none of this posed an issue. Resources? A jest. His reserves overflowed to the point of excess; without the stackable spatial storage, containment would prove impossible. Now, he could channel them into forging mighty Gu forces. He felt certain of their overwhelming might.

Zhao Hai dumped heaps of treasures into a dedicated Gu realm, nurturing the insects to maturity. Once ready, he'd pit them in trials, selecting top performers as puppet warriors. Beyond that, he needed to weave Gu elements into his Nine Transformations Golden Lotus Sutra. As his core practice, abandoning it for pure Gu focus would undermine his path.

The ideal path fused venomous insect lore with the Golden Lotus Nine Transformations Scripture. Merging live entities into a foundational art, though, challenged him deeply. Zhao Hai lacked a clear strategy. He resolved to experiment gradually, seeking viable integration.

While Zhao Hai pondered fusing Gu with the Golden Lotus Nine Transformations Scripture, a brilliant white glow erupted from Blood Lake Island's teleportation array. Moments later, a figure materialized upon it. Scanning his surroundings, the newcomer strode toward the island's heart.

Attired as a scholar—a style common among rogue cultivators—he blended seamlessly. Such independents varied wildly: some dressed for personal flair, others to intimidate and hint at hidden prowess. His garb raised no eyebrows.

This scholar was Wen Liyi. Learning of Wen Liren's demise, he tied up loose ends and hastened to Blood Lake Island. His goal: probe Zhao Hai's status and ensure his elimination. Even if Zhao Hai had fled, the Poison Bug Valley's reach would drag him back for slaughter.

Confidence swelled in him; Zhao Hai remained ignorant of his shadow existence. That secret bound only the brothers. No outsider knew, easing his approach as he advanced unhurriedly.

He recognized Zhao Hai from the jade slip Wen Liren shared, complete with an image. In truth, he knew all of Wen Liren's contacts. Frequent identity swaps demanded it; ignorance would spell disaster. Over years, this ritual had ingrained itself deeply.

He also pinpointed Zhao Hai's lodging effortlessly. Uncertainty lingered on whether Zhao Hai lingered. Poison Bug Valley disciples marked slain foes with Qi traces for vengeful pursuits, yet none appeared here—a baffling anomaly. Thus, confirming departure proved elusive, complicating his hunt.

Reaching the inn's front desk, Wen Liyi drew a warm smile from the keeper. "Esteemed guest, seeking lodging? Our premium rooms await—spotless, with fresh linens for utmost comfort. How long might you stay?" The keeper's charm effortlessly built rapport.

Wen Liyi returned the smile. "Your hospitality flatters, keeper. Actually, I'm seeking a companion. We planned to rendezvous here on Blood Lake Island for a joint task. He mentioned staying at this establishment. Might he have relocated? Please check—this is him." With a gesture, an illusion of Zhao Hai shimmered into view.

The keeper's face brightened at the sight. "Ah, you mean Mr. Nie? He's occupied a room here several days, likely awaiting your arrival. It's Room C-3. Feel free to seek him out." Truth mattered little to the keeper; violence on Blood Lake Island invited Bloody Massacre Sect's wrath. He divulged the details without hesitation.

Joy flickered across Wen Liyi's features. "Gratitude, keeper. I'll proceed." He entered the inn promptly. The keeper shrugged it off, resuming his ledgers. Wen Liyi headed directly to District C, reaching it swiftly and locating Room C-3 in moments. He approached the door and rapped softly.

A voice called from within, "Who is it?"

Wen Liyi cleared his throat. "It's me, your old friend."

The door creaked open slightly.

Zhao Hai peered out warily. "Friend? We have no prior acquaintance."

Wen Liyi flashed a disarming smile. "Perhaps I misspoke. I'm here on behalf of our mutual contact."

Zhao Hai's eyes narrowed.

"Open up, let's discuss inside," Wen Liyi urged smoothly.

After a pause, Zhao Hai stepped aside. "Enter, then. But explain yourself quickly."

Wen Liyi slipped in, door shutting behind.

The room felt ordinary, yet tension hung thick.

Zhao Hai turned, arms crossed. "Speak. Who sent you?"

Wen Liyi chuckled softly. "No need for alarm. I bring a proposal from the Poison Bug Valley."

Zhao Hai's gaze sharpened. "Poison Bug Valley? I've no ties there."

"Lies won't help. We know of your deeds against our kin."

Suddenly, Wen Liyi struck, unleashing a swarm of venomous insects.

Zhao Hai dodged fluidly. "Ambush! Foolish move."

The clash erupted in a frenzy of spells and bugs.

Wen Liyi pressed relentlessly. "Die, intruder!"

Zhao Hai countered with precise bursts. "Your overconfidence seals your fate."

Insects swarmed, but Zhao Hai's barriers held firm.

Wen Liyi's attacks grew frantic. "Impossible! How do you resist?"

Zhao Hai smirked. "Your Gu are mere toys to me."

A fierce exchange followed, room shaking from impacts.

Wen Liyi gasped for breath. "Who are you truly?"

Zhao Hai advanced unyielding. "Your doom."

With a final surge, Zhao Hai overwhelmed him.

Wen Liyi crumpled, defeated. "Mercy... wait."

But Zhao Hai showed none, ending the threat decisively.

The skirmish concluded swiftly.

Zhao Hai surveyed the mess. "Another fool from the shadows."

He sealed the room, pondering the sect's persistence.

"They won't cease easily," he muttered.

Yet resolve hardened within. "I'll crush them all."

Returning to his studies, Zhao Hai delved deeper into Gu arts.

The incident fueled his caution.

Resources flowed anew for his puppets.

In the end, strength would prevail.