Starting as dockworkers, they swept through Chongqing.

Xilun glanced down at the iron spear in his hand.

The gun barrel was deformed by the blue embers and was no longer usable.

He placed the iron spear at the edge of the corridor and turned to look into the depths of the workshop.

The heavy stone door slowly opened.

A wave of intense heat swept over us along the passageway.

Swain emerged from the firelight, shirtless.

He was not sweating, but his skin had a dark reddish hue, like that of burning steel.

He casually slung the mottled iron spear over his shoulder, its tip still wreathed in tiny strands of lightning.

Bruno followed behind, carrying a cracked iron box in his arms.

"teacher."

Xilun stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

Swain scrutinized him for a moment, his gaze lingering on the corner of Xilun's mouth where he had just gathered the breath of the Styx.

"You've got guts."

"Knowing he was no match for Tinos, he still dared to get close."

Xilun calmly replied, "We can't retreat."

"If we leave our backs to him, we'll only lose faster."

Swain remained noncommittal.

"What if I hadn't intervened?"

"Use the breath of the Styx to corrode his body, then use the force of lightning to pierce his heart."

Swain stared at him for a long time.

"Use that deathly aura less in the future."

"It can kill people, but it can also devour you."

"Yes."

Swain turned around and walked out of the workshop.

"Come back to my cave with me."

Xilun glanced in the direction of the underground furnace.

"Where's the gun?"

"The subterranean fire has stabilized, and the people from the equipment workshop will keep watch."

Swain kept walking.

"In the remaining few days, all we need to do is allow the water veins and the Thunder Heart to gradually merge."

"There's no point in you staying here."

Xilun nodded and followed.

Bruno carried the iron box and walked at the back. Before leaving, he looked back at the drop of solidified molten iron on the stone brick.

A thin, long gunshot mark extended from beneath the molten iron all the way to the end of the corridor.

The teacher just now suppressed Tinos from a distance, seemingly with ease.

But that shot had already left an indelible mark on the entire corridor.

Bruno understood.

After today, the news that Xilun has become Swain's disciple will soon spread throughout the entire Inner Court.

And this junior brother, who has just joined the sect, will experience this for the first time—

What does it really mean to have a top-tier fourth-tier figure as a backer?

-

Swain's cave is located on the north side of Thunderclap Cliff.

Starting from the workshop, you need to pass through two pine forests that are shrouded in mist all year round, and then walk up a steep stone staircase for nearly half an hour.

The closer you get to the cave, the denser the moisture in the air becomes.

Thunder rumbled in the distance.

A large number of ancient black trees resembling iron spears grow on the cliff. Whenever the mountain wind blows, the branches and leaves rub against each other, producing a crisp sound like metal clashing.

Siren followed behind Swain, silently observing the surrounding environment.

The pine forest appears unguarded, but in reality, it conceals dozens of different auras.

Some come from mountain rocks.

Some come from trees.

Several other auras were hidden deep within the mist, their outlines barely perceptible even to his aquatic talent.

Clearly, some kind of large-scale defensive formation has been set up here.

If anyone tries to force their way through, the entire cliff will become Swain's weapon.

"arrive."

Swain stopped in his tracks.

There is a recess in the middle of the mountain wall in front, forming a wide platform.

Behind the platform, there was no magnificent palace, only a cave carved from black rock.

On either side of the cave entrance stood an iron stone spear post, its surface covered with numerous dents of varying sizes.

The marks varied in depth.

The shallowest layer is just a layer of stone powder scraped off.

The deepest part was pierced by the entire spear, and through the hole one could even see the dark forest behind.

Outside the cave, a female cultivator in white robes was sweeping and cleaning.

She looked to be around forty years old, but her demeanor was extremely ordinary, like a commoner who had not yet been baptized.

When Swain returned, she put down her broom and bowed.

"Elder."

Swain nodded.

"Prepare a quiet room."

"He recently moved in."

The woman in white looked at Xilun, her gaze lingering on him for a moment before she smiled gently.

"Is he the third personally instructed disciple?"

"Um."

Swain stepped into the cave.

Xilun followed immediately.

The interior of the cave appears more spacious than the exterior.

Deep-sea crystals emitting a pale blue light are embedded in the rock walls on both sides, illuminating a passageway that is dozens of meters long.

Several narrow water channels were carved into the ground, through which clear mountain spring water flowed silently, carrying away the heat emanating from the depths of the cave.

At the end of the passageway is a circular stone hall.

In the center of the stone hall stood a huge stone table, surrounded by gun manuals, sea beast bones, ores, and some rusted and broken weapons.

A broken black spear hangs alone on the stone wall.

The gun barrel was only four feet long, but the cut was extremely smooth, as if it had been severed in an instant by something incredibly sharp.

Sirendo glanced at it.

Swein noticed his gaze.

"The gun I used when I was young."

"It was bitten off by a fifth-tier sea beast."

Xilun's eyes narrowed slightly.

A fifth-tier sea beast capable of biting through Swain's weapon must possess formidable strength.

"Where is that sea monster?"

"He's dead."

Swain's tone was flat.

"My hand was still intact when the gun broke."

"So it was the one that died in the end."

A wry smile appeared on Bruno's honest face.

He had heard this story many times.

The teacher had just entered the fourth rank back then. He went to the deep sea by ship to hunt sea beasts, but unexpectedly encountered a fifth-rank mutant that was in the process of metamorphosis.

Of the thirteen extraordinary individuals who accompanied them, ten died.

Swain, clutching the broken spear, fought his way from the sea monster's mouth into its abdomen, tearing through flesh and blood to escape.

Three days later, the carcass of the badly wounded sea monster drifted ashore.

Swain's name began to spread throughout Star Ring Island from that time onward.

Xilun withdrew his gaze.

He could tell that Swain hadn't left the broken gun to show off.

It's a reminder to myself.

Even the strongest weapons can break.

Ultimately, it is the person holding the gun who decides life and death.

Swain sat down behind the stone table.

"Don't dwell on what happened today."

"Tinos's strength channel was damaged by me, and it will take at least half a month to recover."

"If his teacher causes trouble, I'll handle it."

Xilun nodded slightly.

If an ordinary person said such a thing, it would only be considered a consolation.

What Swain said is the truth.

Tinos's strength far surpasses his.

In the past, even if Xilun had escaped today's conflict, he would have had to constantly be on guard against retaliation.

They might even need to temporarily leave the monastery to avoid Tinos's wrath.

But now, he doesn't need to think about those things.

Swain has taken on the trouble.

This is what it feels like to have someone to rely on.

There's no need to be tolerant at every turn.

There is no need to repeatedly weigh the background of each enemy.

There's no need to worry that after defeating your enemies, someone even stronger will immediately come knocking on your door.

A sense of unfamiliarity arose in Xilun's heart.

Since Lund's death, he had become accustomed to facing all dangers alone.

The Lonte family, the Brotherhood, the Storm Church, pirates, the Sea Demon Temple...

In every conflict, he must first consider the worst possible outcome.

Because if he makes a wrong judgment, no one will clean up the mess for him.

Now, simply because of a single sentence from Swain, Tinos had no choice but to beg for mercy and retreat.

Besides power, identity is also a weapon.

Xilun kept this feeling to himself.

He will not slacken his cultivation because of this.

A powerful backer can shield him from trouble for a while, but he can't help him get revenge.

Moreover, there is no such thing as a reliable support that will never fall.

Lund's death had already made him realize this.

"There are two things to do next."

Swain extended his finger and tapped lightly on the stone table.

"First, you will stay in the cave for the next few days."

"During the reforging of the new spear, I will check your Overturning Sea Skill and Thunderous Spear Technique."

The power within you is too mixed; water, lightning, cold, and death energy—each is enough to affect the flow of your energy.

"In the past, there was no complete inheritance, so we could only rely on willpower to force it."

"Now that you have become my disciple, you must reorganize these things."

Xilun replied in a deep voice, "Yes."

He does not object to people probing his spiritual practice.

Swain had already discerned the presence of the Xuan Yin chill, the breath of the Styx River, and the remnants of the evil god; any further attempt to conceal them would only waste time for both sides.

As for his stats panel and the ability to gain talent by hunting alien species, those are his true trump cards that he cannot reveal.

Unless actively displayed, it should be impossible to detect by physical means alone.

"Once the new gun is ready, I'll introduce you to my other senior brothers."

Swein continued.

"You already know Bruno."

"You also have a senior brother who is away from home most of the year and is not currently on Star Ring Island."

Bruno chuckled, "Don't worry, Junior Brother. Although Senior Brother has a somewhat aloof personality, he's not difficult to get along with. When he returns, there will definitely be plenty of gifts to welcome him."

Swein glanced at him.

"Finish practicing the three hundred shots you owe first, then make promises for others."

Bruno's smile froze instantly.

"Teacher, weren't we still short two hundred shots yesterday?"

"You were distracted while you were watching the festivities at the equipment workshop earlier."

"Add one hundred more."

Bruno opened his mouth, but finally nodded obediently.

"Yes."

Seeing this, Xiren gained a clearer understanding of Bruno's character.

Honest and steady.

He seemed somewhat slow-witted in front of Swain.

Such people are unlikely to make enemies easily, but once they identify an enemy, they will not resort to underhanded tactics.

"second."

Swain’s gaze returned to Siren.

"If anyone tries to pressure you in the monastery because of your status, just say my name."

"Within the inner courtyard, I dare not say that no one can defeat me."

"But not many people dare to touch my disciple."

This statement, though plain, carries an undeniable air of dominance.

Xilun paused for a moment, then nodded slightly.

"clear."

Swain frowned.

"I'm not telling you to bully others because of your power."

"I don't like cleaning up other people's pointless messes."

"But if someone provokes you, you don't have to tolerate it."

Xilun said, "As long as no one touches my things, I won't cause trouble."

Bruno's lips twitched slightly upon hearing this.

Today, Tinos tried to steal something, but he almost got sprayed in the face by Xilun's black death aura.

Given this junior brother's personality, his so-called "not provoking trouble" probably just means he won't make the first move.

Once someone crosses the line, there will be little room for maneuver.

Swain clearly understood, but said nothing more.

Those who cultivate themselves but lack sharpness will not go far.

He valued Xilun not only because of Xilun's aptitude for mastering the Azure Thunder Spear Technique in seven days, but also because of Xilun's composure and ruthlessness when facing powerful enemies.

Such a person, as long as they are not corrupted by their own power, will surely achieve great things in the future.

The woman in white quickly tidied up the quiet room.

Led by Bruno, Xilun arrived at the east side of the cave.

The quiet room was not large, containing only a stone bed, a wooden table, and a ceramic jar filled with clear water.

The wall is engraved with simple water-gathering patterns, and the moisture in the air is noticeably denser than in the No. 3 Quiet Room of East Lake.

"This used to be where I lived."

Bruno handed a black wooden plaque to Xiren.

"The method for controlling the formation is all contained in the wooden plaque."

"There is a small thunder pool behind the cave, but you can't go in without the teacher's permission."

The lightning in the Thunder Pool is too intense; an ordinary third-level cultivator would have their flesh charred after waiting for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.

"The west side is the shooting range, and you can use the iron and stone gun emplacements freely."

"Meals will be delivered daily. If you have any special needs, you can tell Aunt Bai who just spoke."

Xilun took the wooden plaque.

"Thank you, senior brother."

Bruno waved his hand.

"We're all fellow disciples, no need to be so polite."

After saying that, he seemed to suddenly remember something and lowered his voice to say:

"The teacher has a strong temper and speaks bluntly, but he's very protective of his own. If you encounter trouble in the future, don't try to handle it all by yourself like you did today."

"Thinos may be arrogant, but he is indeed quite powerful."

"If he really unleashes the Azure Ember Flame completely, even with your blood-stained cotton clothes, you'll be bedridden for at least half a month."

Xilun said, "That deathly aura was enough to make him lie down as well."

Bruno glanced at him and remained silent for a long time.

"never mind."

"Just keep it in mind."

He turned and left, intending to practice the three hundred shots Swain had been sent off with.

Xilun closed the stone door to the quiet room and placed the wooden plaque on the table.

The cave returned to quiet.

In the distance, the occasional rumble of thunder and the booming sound of Bruno's spear striking the stake could be heard.

Xilun sat down cross-legged.

The memory of my fight with Tinos today resurfaced in my mind.

The beginner level of the Azure Thunder Spear Technique can indeed conceal the power of thunder.

The standard iron spear was too light and too fragile.

He could only use the water's force to conceal his true purpose, unable to fully infuse the explosive power of the Great Thunder Breathing Technique into it.

If the new spear is completed, with the Blue Tide Sword transformed into a water vein, the Thunder Spirit Stone bearing the thunder energy, and combined with the original toughness of the Golden Spear and the burst of Crimson Star, the power of today's spear strike can be increased by at least 50%.

More importantly, it requires flexibility and adaptability.

In the past, Xilun's shooting technique was too straightforward.

When facing an enemy weaker than oneself, this method can quickly crush them.

However, when facing formidable enemies like the Innocent Prince, Fisher, and Tinos, who possess complete lineages, being too direct means being easily predictable.

The Azure Thunder Spear Technique compensates for some of its shortcomings.

However, the body itself still has problems.

Xilun closed his eyes and began to circulate the Overturning Sea Technique.

The energy flows slowly along the skin, muscles, and tendons.

As the tide passed through his left shoulder and chest, a slight stagnation occurred. This was a lingering injury from the battle with the Pure Prince that had not yet fully healed.

The tendons in the limbs also vary in thickness.

The tendons in my arms, honed through years of holding a gun and practicing the Thunderous Breathing Technique, are significantly stronger than those in my legs.

This makes him powerful when swinging his gun, but he is always a half beat slower when turning, changing steps, and finishing his stance.

In the past, he relied on his natural affinity for water to gain extra stability on the surface.

Stability does not equal flexibility.

This weakness will be magnified when facing an enemy that moves extremely fast and constantly changes position.

Xilun silently channeled his energy.

The tide washed over the large ridge again and again.

Time passed slowly.

For the next three days, he hardly left the cave.

Practice the Overturning Sea Exercise in the early morning.

In the afternoon, under Swain's guidance, I disassembled the Azure Thunder Spear Technique.

At night, he would use the Moon Memory Meditation Method to repair his mental depletion and try to envelop the lightning energy released by Lei Ling in a water film.

Swain's teachings were completely different from those of the Tide Sound Lecture Hall.

He doesn't talk about too many complicated theories.

He would often just stand aside and watch Xilun practice a hundred shots before pointing out the most fatal problem.

"The right leg slowed down by half a breath."

"You're using too much force in your shoulders."

"The water flow has stopped; forcibly hiding mines will only hurt yourself."

"Don't use your eyes to find your opponent."

"Go and feel the water vapor."

Every time a problem was pointed out, Swain would personally demonstrate it with his mottled iron spear.

His movements were not fast.

Xilun, however, often needs to recall the events dozens of times before he can see the differences.

On the evening of the third day, Xilun fired thirty consecutive shots at the shooting range.

Gunshots flashed back and forth.

Moisture clung to the gun, but not a single drop dispersed.

The tiny, hidden lightning energy appeared and disappeared intermittently, eventually leaving thirty white spots of uniform depth on the side of the iron-stone spear post.

Swain glanced at it.

"It's better than before."

For the average person, this might not be considered praise.

Bruno knew that for his teacher to say such a thing meant that Xilun's progress in three days had surpassed that of most disciples who had practiced hard for months.

Xilun put away his gun.

Just as he was about to readjust his breathing, he suddenly heard hurried footsteps outside the cave.

The woman in white walked into the shooting range carrying a letter stamped with a beluga whale's mark.

"Mr. Celen."

"Someone from the White Whale Trading Company at the foot of the mountain has come and said it's time to escort the caravan."

Xilun took the letter.

The letter contained very little information.

Meet at the Ximen White Whale Warehouse at 5:00 AM tomorrow.

The caravan will be traveling by water for the first time, heading along the Baishi River to Yinsui Town outside Shenwan Lake.

Waterways are faster.

It is also more dangerous.

There was also a sentence that Byrne added in the lower right corner of the letter.

Last night, a small boat that was sent ahead to scout the way went missing downstream of the Baishi River.

All that remained on the ship were large pieces of plank crushed by the giant object and several scorch marks that looked like they had been burned by lightning.

As Xilun stared at the words, the thunder spirit within him, which had been dormant for several days, suddenly trembled slightly.

A streak of bluish-white lightning flashed across his chest.

Things quickly returned to calm.

-

Four o'clock in the morning.

The mountains remained shrouded in deep darkness.

Xilun ended his meditation and slowly opened his eyes.

Outside, the sound of rain was faint and dense.

Water droplets flowed down the stone trough at the top of the cave and into the water channel at the corner of the wall, making a crisp sound in the silence.

He got up and stretched.

After three days of treatment, the lingering stinging pain in my left shoulder has lessened considerably.

The power of the Overturning Sea Technique flows smoothly along the tendons of the limbs, much more so than before.

However, the tendons in his legs are still slightly stiff, causing a momentary, almost imperceptible slowness when making sudden turns.

Swein did not stop him from participating in the escort last night.

Make him remember only one thing.

Do not enter the center of Shenwan Lake.

There was an extremely ancient aura deep within that body of water, suggesting it might not be just an ordinary third-tier sea beast.

Xilun wore the Sea Demon Blood Cotton Coat as the innermost layer, and then put on a long black coat for easy movement on the outside.

Regarding weaponry, he did not borrow any more standard iron guns from the armory.

Yesterday, Bruno learned that he was going out and temporarily lent him a long spear made of black iron.

The gun is nine feet long and weighs 480 pounds. Its toughness far exceeds that of standard weapons from the weapons workshop.

Although it cannot be wrapped around the waist like a golden spear, it can at least withstand a normal level of lightning bursts.