Starting as dockworkers, they swept through Chongqing.

"It's not too late to kill him after he's finished drinking."

Xilun said calmly, "I'm not used to drinking things that others offer me before a fight."

There was a moment of silence in the control room.

The sounds of rain, cannon fire, and screams all seemed to be kept outside the door.

Vera glanced at Siron, then slowly removed her fingers from the potion bottle.

Mason also lowered his head and stopped moving.

Hack was stunned for a moment, his rough face gradually tightening.

He was reckless, not stupid.

Balk slowly stopped laughing.

"Simon, what do you mean?"

Xilun did not answer.

He listened intently to the sounds outside.

Wang Huzi has already boarded the deck.

That guy's aura was rough and heavy, probably at the peak of the second tier, and he was accompanied by two second-tier pirates.

The Ironscale's escorts couldn't hold out for long.

The little green dragon's aura is also waning.

But even in decline, there is a strong resilience.

It's not dead yet.

Balk could not wait any longer.

really.

The next moment, Balk flicked his sleeve slightly.

Three fine needles shot out silently.

They were shot at Vera, Mason, and Harker respectively.

Too close.

That was too sudden.

Vera reacted the fastest, tilting her head to avoid a vital spot, the needle grazing her shoulder.

Mason was already seriously injured and had no way to dodge; the thin needle pierced his neck.

Huck roared and raised his arm to block, the thin needle piercing his forearm.

The three of them changed their expressions at the same time.

Hark's eyes reddened: "Balk!"

Balk had already drawn his short axe.

He didn't look at the three men, but went straight to Xilun.

Because Xilun does not have a central needle.

Even before he made his move, he had already taken half a step back.

This half-step just barely avoided the trajectory of all the hidden weapons.

Balk's murderous intent surged.

"Who exactly are you?"

The short axe tore through the air, slashing diagonally across Xilun's chest.

Siron did not draw his gun.

They didn't hide.

He simply raised his left arm and held it horizontally in front of him.

clang!

The short axe struck his arm, producing a muffled sound like metal clashing.

Balk's pupils contracted sharply.

The axe blade sank into the sleeve, but did not cut through the flesh.

Beneath the tattered fabric, the exposed skin gleamed with a dull metallic sheen.

Beneath the skin and flesh, the bones resembled tempered iron beams, so stable they were almost frightening.

"Bone-Forged Iron Armor?"

For the first time, Balk lost control of his voice.

"impossible!"

"How is this possible... an extraordinary skill!"

Xilun looked up.

Hold the handle of the short axe with your five fingers.

Crack!

Balk felt a terrifying force surging from the other's palm.

That wasn't the brute force of an ordinary second-tier extraordinary being.

It is a holistic burst of energy that originates from the soles of the feet, waist and abdomen, spine, shoulders and elbows.

Like a heavy spear lifted from the ground.

Balk was dragged forward.

Xilun unleashed a powerful right punch.

The punches weren't fast.

But it is extremely heavy.

Natan's powerful movements unfolded along his body; even without a gun in his hand, his body resembled a heavy spear thrusting at close range.

Balk hastily raised his arm.

boom!

He was sent flying backward, crashing into a wooden cabinet on the side of the control room and then slamming hard against the iron wall.

The iron wall is dented.

Hack and Vera were both stunned.

They finally understood that the previously taciturn Simon had been hiding something all along.

They were hidden even deeper than Balk.

Balk coughed up blood, his face contorted in a grimace.

"Superior-level marksmanship?"

He stared at Xilen's face.

Rain and bloodstains splashed into the control room through the cracked porthole, washing away some of the disguise on Siron's face.

The face that was originally unfamiliar gradually revealed a familiar outline in the dim blue light.

As if remembering something, Balk's eyes instantly turned sinister.

"Silon".

"It's you."

Xilun tore off the remaining disguise on the side of her face, revealing her true face.

"have not seen you for a long time."

Huck's eyes widened.

Vera's breath hitched.

Golden Knight.

The North District's reputation has almost surpassed that of many established Tier 2 monsters within half a year.

Mason leaned against the iron platform, his neck bluish-black, and chuckled softly.

"I see……"

Balk slowly stood up.

His right arm was slightly twisted; that punch had almost cracked his bone.

But the muscles at the wound site are writhing strangely, forcibly trying to stabilize their shape.

"You dared to board my ship in order to kill me."

Xilun flexed his wrists.

"You're willing to use everyone as a stepping stone just to advance to the third rank."

Balk grinned.

"Isn't that just how the world is?"

"If you don't step on others, others will step on you."

"I've risked my life for those big shots for so many years, and what have I gotten in return? A few words of praise, a few bags of gold coins, and jobs that could send me to my death at any time."

He wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth.

"When my brother died, they even complained that the funeral was too noisy."

"If I don't climb up the ladder, am I supposed to just wait to die like a dog in a ditch at the dock someday?"

Xilun looked at him.

Balk is ambitious.

There is resentment.

There are reasons for that.

But these reasons will not make Xilun let him go.

If an enemy who almost killed you has the chance to advance to the third tier, you must kill them beforehand.

Balk suddenly growled.

His body began to swell.

His shoulders and back bulged, dark red blood vessels protruded from under his skin, his cheekbones stretched outward, and the whites of his eyes quickly became bloodshot.

A precursor to distortion in the second-order extreme state.

He is not yet at the third rank, but he is already able to briefly push his body into a semi-abnormal state with the help of potions and secret techniques.

Hark cursed, "Madman!"

Balk stomped through the floor and lunged at Xiren.

The speed is twice as fast as before.

Xilun's feet were staggered, and his shoulders and back were slightly slumped.

The thunderous sound resounded deep within the bones.

hum!

Balk's momentum stalled slightly.

At that very moment, Xilun strode forward.

Nothing fancy.

Only heavy.

Extremely heavy.

Fist, elbow, shoulder, knee—each impact carries the penetrating force of a heavy armor.

Balk swung his axe wildly, the blade striking Xilun's shoulders, chest, and ribs, splitting the fabric and drawing blood, but he could never truly break through that terrifying iron armor.

Occasionally, an axe would cut into flesh and blood.

The bloodstain was slightly warm.

The wound contracted rapidly, and the muscles writhed and closed.

Balk finally saw it clearly.

"Strange blood-red marks..."

His voice was hoarse.

"How do you possess so many abilities?"

Xilun did not answer.

Suddenly, Balk delivered a knee strike to his abdomen.

Normally, a second-degree black hole would be severely damaged by this, resulting in at least ruptured internal organs.

But Xiren simply exhaled a breath.

The internal organs deep in the abdominal cavity seemed to have already adapted to similar impacts, shifting slightly to disperse the vibrations.

Visceral adaptation.

For the first time, a chill ran through Balk's heart.

He was not facing a second-tier extraordinary being.

It's more like a monster wearing human skin, constantly devouring other species to grow.

Seizing the opening, Xiren delivered an elbow strike to Balk's chest.

Crack!

The sound of ribs breaking was clearly audible.

Balk stumbled back several steps, smashed open the control room door, and fell onto the storm deck.

The battle outside is nearing its end.

Wang Huzi, his face covered in blood, was wielding his sword and hacking down the last few guards.

He turned his head and saw Balk and Xilen. Just as he was about to burst out laughing, he suddenly saw Xilen's face clearly.

"The Golden Knight?"

Before he could finish speaking...

The little green dragon on the side of the boat let out a final shriek.

With its last ounce of strength, it transformed the water into dozens of sharp blades, sweeping indiscriminately across the deck.

Pirates, guards, iron chains, wooden masts—all were cut apart.

A second-tier pirate next to Wang Huzi was unable to dodge in time, and half of his shoulder was sliced ​​off by the water blade. He screamed and fell into the river.

Balk seized the opportunity amidst the chaos and leaped toward the ship's side.

He did not flee to the pirate ship.

Instead, he jumped into the water.

He still has a chance as long as he gets into the Greywater River.

He knows this place well.

They also prepared underwater breathing agents in advance.

No matter how strong Xilun is, it is ultimately a land-based power.

Before falling into the water, Balk glanced back at Xilen with a venomous look in his eyes.

"See you next time, I'll be at Tier 3."

Pfft!

Water splashed.

Balk sank into the river.

Xilun did not give chase immediately.

He turned to look at the little green dragon that was pinned down by the dragon-locking anchor.

That alien species was already on the verge of death.

Its narrow eyes remained fixed on the humans, filled not with pleading, but with icy hatred.

Xilun walked to the side of the ship and raised his hand to press on a piece of green scale.

The little green dragon struggled one last time.

The water flowed and formed sharp spikes, piercing Xilun's palm.

But he held her with his five fingers.

The cold, dark energy pressed down, causing the water thorns to freeze.

The next moment, Xilun pulled out the Soul-Suppressing Nail and pierced the softest spot below its skull.

Little Green Dragon's body suddenly stiffened.

A nail pierced through its back, pinning it to the ground, leaving it unable to live or die.

Pale gold blood gushed out, splattering all over Xilun's arm.

That familiar burning sensation surged into my palm.

More turbulent than ever before.

It's like a cold river that seeps into your flesh and blood, then spreads along your bones to your entire body.

Xilun seemed to see the entire Greywater River before his eyes.

Ripples caused by falling raindrops.

The arc of the undercurrent turning.

The thickness of the water pressure at the bottom of the ship.

And there's Balk, who's desperately diving down.

[Talent: Water Dividing]

[Source: Xiao Qinglong]

【Features: It can separate and merge water flows, and reorganize and disperse them!】

Xilun closed his eyes.

When he opened his eyes again, a faint blue tinge flashed deep within his pupils.

He stepped off the ship's side.

"Has he gone mad?" Wang Huzi exclaimed in astonishment.

Xilun plunged into the Greywater River.

But he did not throw it into the water.

The water beneath my feet suddenly parted to the sides.

A narrow waterway cracked open during a downpour.

The river seemed to have been sliced ​​open by an invisible blade, revealing the dark water layer beneath.

Xilun fell into it.

The water closed in behind him.

Down the Greywater River.

Balk was diving frantically.

He had a breathing tube between his teeth and was tightly clutching a waterproof leather bag in his arms.

It contains a Tier 3 magic potion.

There are formulations for easily digestible pharmaceuticals.

And there is his real hope of turning things around.

As long as we escape.

As long as we escape!

Suddenly, the water flow behind me changed.

The river water that had been pressing down on him parted to both sides.

A figure caught up at an incredible speed.

Balk turned around, and for the first time, pure fear appeared in his eyes.

"impossible……"

Xilun raised his hand in the water.

The surrounding water suddenly converged, transforming into a giant water palm that slammed down on Balk's legs.

Balk swung his axe and chopped.

The water palms dispersed, then closed again in the next instant.

Minute.

combine.

The water became obedient under Xilun's will.

He used the split waterway to propel himself forward and punched Balk in the chest.

There was no sound underwater.

Only the vibration of the bone fracture traveled out.

Balk's chest collapsed, and large bubbles and blood gushed from his mouth.

He still wanted to struggle.

Xilun gripped his neck with his five fingers, the bloodstains burning hot, his palms seeming to generate some kind of invisible suction.

Balk's blood gushed from his wound, was swept up by the Greywater River, and then quickly flowed towards Xilun.

The second blood seal was completely perfected at this moment.

A burning sensation spread throughout my body.

The power of the Blood Seal was heavier, thicker, and more greedier than before.

Xilun could feel that his recovery ability had taken another leap forward.

Blood flows faster.

The wound closes more securely.

Even the minor internal injuries caused by the shock of the battle were slowly smoothed out by this heat.

The light in Balk's eyes began to fade.

He stared intently at Xilen, his lips moving slightly.

Bubbles escaped from the mouth.

Nothing was left behind.

Xilun let go.

Balk's body sank deeper.

He reached out and grabbed the waterproof leather bag, then tore off several small pouches from Balk's waist.

Then, he looked up.

The power to divide water is unleashed once again.

The greywater river seemed to make way for him.

A moment later, Xilun returned to the side of the Ironscale.

A moment of deathly silence fell over the deck.

Wang Huzi stood at a distance, holding a knife, his expression shifting between anger and uncertainty.

More than half of the pirates he brought were killed or wounded.

Little Green Dragon is dead.

Balk has also disappeared.

The Golden Knight returned from the water, carrying Balk's leather bag in his hand.

Wang Huzi stared at Xilun for a few moments, then suddenly grinned.

"It's windy today, I'm not going to fight you for it."

After he finished speaking, he actually turned around and ordered the pirates to retreat back to their ship.

Vera leaned against the shattered hatch, the poison needle in her shoulder removed, and looked at Siron with a pale face.

Huck sat on the deck, his arms blackened, panting like a broken bellows.

Mason did not come out.

He died in the control room, his eyes half-open, but his expression was calm.

Siren did not pursue Kingbeard.

This is not the best time.

There are still too many uncertainties on the Greywater River.

He first cut off the materials left behind by the little green dragon.

The remains of the water beast, with its blue scales, short horns, and spine, and its heart still gleaming with a pale golden light.

"After this little azure dragon died, it actually produced so many extraordinary remains..."

Xilun seemed to be deep in thought, and subconsciously opened the waterproof bladder.

Inside were three sheets of finely folded prescription paper and several pieces of extraordinary material wrapped in oilcloth.

One of the sheets of paper clearly shows the preparation steps for the simplification agent.

The other one records some of the material requirements for the third-tier Aberrant Potion.

The heart of a water beast was prominently featured.

Xilun's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly packed his things away.

"I see.……"

The rain gradually subsided.

The greywater river surface became murky and calm again.

If it weren't for the corpses lying haphazardly on the deck, the broken iron plates, and the still-bleeding remains of the little azure dragon, the tumultuous hunt just now would have seemed like a nightmare.

Vera whispered, "Where's Balk?"

Xilun wiped the blood from the back of his hand.

"He's dead."

Huck's throat bobbed.

He wanted to know how he died.

In the end, I didn't ask.

Xiren picked out a few truly non-toxic bottles from the cleansing potions left by Balk and tossed them to Vera and Hark.

"Detoxification."

The two accepted it in silence.

There was no thank you, nor was there any refusal.

At this point, everyone knew that being able to leave alive was already a stroke of luck.

The Ironscale can still move.

Although severely damaged, the core remained intact.

Siren ordered the remaining sailors to count the corpses, cut the grappling hooks connecting the pirate ship, and threw the bodies of Balk's trusted men into the river.

Wang Huzi's boat had already sailed far away, leaving only a faint trail of black smoke trailing on the water's surface after the rain.

He disembarked on a remote tributary, changed back into the clothes he had already hidden, and disappeared into the depths of the reeds with his leather bag and supplies.

Inside the ship.

He sat down on the edge of the bed, took out all the spoils of war, and checked them one by one.

Easily digestible pharmaceutical formulation.

The Little Green Dragon is an extraordinary relic material.

The heart of a water beast.

There are also several secret accounts that Balk has accumulated over the years.

After reading it, Xilun slowly let out a breath.

Exhaustion seeped from the very marrow of my bones.

Today's battle, from the water beasts to the pirates, and then to Balk, has barely given us a moment to breathe.

If it were six months ago, he might not have been able to hold on until the end.

He lit the incense to purify his mind and drank the potion of tranquility.

Then, Bai Yi sank inward.

The soothing technique left by Susie slowly unfolded deep within her mind.

The chaotic thoughts gradually quieted down.

I could almost hear the sound of rain from the Greywater River.

But the sound of rain gradually faded into the distance.

Instead, there is a profound tranquility.

The core of its spirit is like sinking to the bottom of a lake under the warm moonlight.

Physical injuries, internal organ tremors, and muscle and bone fatigue are all gradually soothed during this deep meditation.

The bloodstain was slightly warm.

The talent for dividing water also subsided within the body, like a thin blue stream lying deep within the bones and blood.

Xilun closed his eyes.

Breathing is steady.

The recovery speed is astonishingly fast.