Chapter 133: The Demeanor of the Invincible, Grandmaster Bai Xuan!
Chapter 133: The Invincible Stance, Grandmaster Bai Xuan!
Chapter 133: The Three-Strike Agreement, Shattered by a Single Fist!
The emergence of the Azure Serpent Python inheritance sent tremors across the Qianshan Army’s maritime territory.
A high-grade inheritance!
If obtained in its entirety, one could immediately ascend to the top ten ranks. This was a premier-level inheritance, representing a golden opportunity to become an unrivaled powerhouse. With experts gathering like clouds, many sought to try their luck, all rushing toward the Qianshan Island sea region!
On the island.
"Too many people have arrived in the surrounding waters recently," said the White-Browed Marquis with a grave expression.
"Indeed, I am growing fearful," Bai Xuanji replied with a bitter smile. "I’ve seen the flags on the sea—the Guiyuan Island, the Black Tiger Sect, the Flying Swallow Archipelago... even the Thousand Islands Alliance has arrived."
"The Black Pirates have also negotiated with us, saying that although the Ten Divine Spears cannot spare their hands, Luo Yun is available and asked if he could come to participate in the inheritance."
There was no deep-seated enmity between the Black Pirates and the Qianshan Army; in the face of the Star-Hunting Pirates, they had maintained a decent relationship. The Whale Hunter was the soul and leader of the current Qianshan Army; only with his return would the Qianshan Army have its pillar of strength!
"The Whale Hunter... Bai Xuan is returning."
"Good!"
...
But this level of strength was also that of a formidable expert, difficult for ordinary people to match.
On another warship, voices whispered. The Whale Hunter had yet to reveal himself.
On many warships, people witnessed the scene as the ocean waves surged violently, as if a great tide were approaching. Only with the return of the Whale Hunter could they face and resolve the mighty enemies gathering on the sea!
In an instant.
Bai Xuanji’s expression brightened.
"Hmm? Why are the waves surging? Is there a tsunami?"
A spirit talisman flew over, landing in the hands of an Immortal Master behind him. He unfolded it, glanced at it, and presented it to the White-Browed Marquis.
Looking out from this high vantage point, one could see over a dozen massive fleets covering the sea, dense and packed—rivaling the entire Qianshan Army fleet—with dozens of Grandmaster-level auras rising into the sky!
At the bay.
On the sea.
"No, a giant wave is coming!"
"If these people want to snatch the inheritance, it makes sense, but they want to receive the inheritance. I fear the Qianshan Army lacks the power to stop them."
"Forget about keeping it for ourselves; even if we obtained the inheritance, we would have no power to resist them."
Many fleets were in a panic as the giant wave swept in, crashing and parting to both sides. It tossed smaller ships like toys in a storm, spinning them around on the surface; countless sailors tumbled about, and some were even thrown into the water!
"A high-grade inheritance... does the Qianshan Army intend to hog it all?"
Boom!
The *Tunhai* vessel plowed through the water, pushing aside the surrounding ships with the giant wave. With a thunderous roar, the residual force rolled out as it finally settled in the sea, slowly coming to a stop not far from the Azure Python Island!
People exclaimed in shock.
But now, the atmosphere was heavy, making the surrounding soldiers break into a cold sweat.
Currently, members of the Bai family were heading over in groups of one hundred to receive the inheritance.
This strength far exceeded that of Qianshan Island, and even if there were ulterior motives between different factions, it was terrifying nonetheless.
This was a critical moment; most factions did not yet intend to wage immediate war with the Qianshan Army and turn the sea into a river of blood.
The White-Browed Marquis looked deeply uneasy.
"The Qianshan Army, the Whale Hunter!"
Those who recognized the figure at the bow murmured.
"Hmm?"
"That fellow Fuyouzi sent word that the Whale Hunter is almost here!"
A Five-River Grandmaster was no longer considered top-tier on the sea; there were many terrifying experts whose every move could shake an entire region.
Just then.
The Bai family members were all invigorated.
"The Whale Hunter! Bai Xuan!"
Bai Xuanji felt a thousand emotions stirring in his heart.
This had once been his boatswain, but in just over a year, the world had turned upside down.
Like a meteor streaking across the sky, representing an peerless genius!
At this moment, many high-ranking officials of the Qianshan Army came to greet him, and they saw that figure step out and arrive on the island.
"Captain Xuanji, Master."
Bai Xuan nodded to the few.
Now was not the time for reminiscing. The enemy was surrounded by experts, and fleet after fleet of forces were arriving on the sea, all aiming to seize this high-grade inheritance.
The Four-River Grandmaster named Ye Shuangxing hurriedly stepped forward and bowed, "I have long heard of the Dragon Head’s great name; it is an honor to finally meet you!"
Seeing Bai Xuan address the White-Browed Marquis as his master, he clicked his tongue in secret, relieved that he had not offended them or betrayed the Qianshan Army.
"Wait, is that not Bai Xuan?"
"Bai Xuan is the Whale Hunter?"
In the distance, many sailors of the *Kaiyang* were dumbfounded.
Bai Yuanjiu’s jaw nearly hit the floor; he stood there in shock, and a moment later, he let out a roar.
"Damn it, so Bai Xuan is the Whale Hunter! When will I ever be promoted to leader of the second fleet?"
Many within the Bai family were stunned.
On the sea, many gazes narrowed, filled with astonishment.
"This Whale Hunter... is so young?"
They had never seen the Whale Hunter’s true face, but at this moment, Bai Xuan no longer concealed it!
...
"Are these people on the sea here to seize the inheritance?"
Bai Xuan looked toward the sea.
The sea was already densely packed with at least a dozen factions, each fleet led by experts.
Whenever a high-grade inheritance appears, it attracts many masters; after all, there were no shortage of factions wanting to try their luck or snatch it from the inheritors.
To block them all was extremely difficult.
"Yes, these experts are terrifyingly powerful. I can feel Grandmasters like clouds; the Qianshan Army cannot cope with this," the White-Browed Marquis said with extreme gravity.
He had confidence in Bai Xuan, but at this moment, they were facing endless experts from the sea, making it impossible to fight them all!
"I believe we must filter who can enter this island to receive the inheritance and who has grievances with the Qianshan Army and cannot enter... By dividing them, we won't be besieged from all sides," the White-Browed Marquis whispered.
He already anticipated that in such a situation, no one would immediately fight to the death, and there was no point in total resistance.
The Whale Hunter had arrived; some could enter, others could not—that was enough.
Avoiding a massive war was the best outcome!
"I understand."
Bai Xuan nodded.
Having traveled long and hard to get back, he understood the situation within moments.
He could see the auras and spiritual lights of the experts in those fleets on the sea, and he had already made his choice!
Hearing this.
"As long as you understand."
The White-Browed Marquis felt comforted.
No matter how strong one is, a head-on collision at this time would not work. In his view, to preserve the greatest strength and interests of the Qianshan Army, the Whale Hunter could not suffer any mishaps; it was better to be cautious.
At this moment.
Bai Xuan took a few steps forward and stepped out. A tiger’s roar echoed in the wind, and in an instant, wind currents swirled around him as he stepped into the void.
"I am the Dragon Head of the Qianshan Army, the Whale Hunter, Bai Xuan!"
Bai Xuan’s voice boomed like thunder.
At this moment, many experts from the various fleets on the sea turned their gazes toward him.
Whether they were ordinary sailors, soldiers... or Grandmaster experts, or even reclusive powerhouses, countless eyes watched from the sea.
These gazes carried pressure, but to Bai Xuan, it felt like a breeze, nothing worth worrying about!
"Within the Qianshan Island sea region, all inheritances belong to the Qianshan Army. If any visitors are willing to join our army, they may obtain the qualifications for the inheritance."
Bai Xuan’s voice was very calm.
"If you are unwilling? That is also fine."
"I will give you a chance!"
"Three strikes!"
"If any among you can survive three strikes from me, you may take your people to the inheritance and attempt to obtain the 'Azure Python Dragon Transformation Technique'!"
As these words were spoken, they swept across the entire bay, causing countless experts to narrow their eyes, revealing expressions of utter disbelief.
Boom!
A moment later, countless clamors rose from the fleets, like boiling seawater, spreading rapidly.
"That is the Whale Hunter? What an arrogant expert! Three strikes? Does he think that because he defeated Luan Shan, he can sweep across the East Sea?"
"Is he Duan Haiyuan? So overbearing... This is not a place for one family or one surname; the winds and waves of the sea have no eyes, and we are all free to come for the inheritance."
"Three strikes—it’s just a spar. Thinking we can’t even take that is laughable."
Many experts looked in this direction, deep in thought; some sneered, while others grew solemn.
The Whale Hunter had a reputation, and he had consistently stayed within the top hundred of the Heavenly Rankings; it was rare to see an expert of this caliber.
However.
With so many experts here, claiming to sweep them away in three strikes showed absolute confidence—a will that looked down upon the world!
"Truly arrogant."
Many felt dissatisfied and angry, feeling personally offended.
But others felt a sense of reverence, looking at the figure in the sky, feeling that majesty sweeping out, making the entire sea boil!
Below.
"...That is not what I meant when I spoke to Bai Xuan."
The White-Browed Marquis heard these words, and his heart skipped a beat.
His intention was for Bai Xuan to screen some people and divide the various forces on the sea.
Some could enter, others could not... that would demonstrate the power of the Qianshan Army!
But now?
With one sentence, Bai Xuan was incomparably overbearing, like a wild gale sweeping across the bay!
I cannot suppress you with my own power?
You are welcome to come and try!
"Three strikes..."
Although the White-Browed Marquis felt a jolt, a surge of intense emotion rose within him.
The sea was filled with experts, many of whom possessed auras that made even him palpitate.
But he knew his disciple's character; he was not one for baseless arrogance. If he said this, it proved...
"Bai Xuan is certain that among these fleets and countless experts, no one can take three strikes from him?"
The White-Browed Marquis felt his heart pounding with immense hope!
...
"Three strikes are enough."
Bai Xuan’s figure flashed, descending from the sky.
He was very calm and not in a rush; this was nothing to him. Given his current strength, few on the sea were his match.
With the Beast Furnace in hand, he did not fear group attacks.
His current combat power had increased several times over since he left. His blood energy could erupt to the Nine-River level, and with the *Fu Hai* spear and Dao essence, he had yet to truly engage a top expert.
In his eyes, these experts could all be swept away!
...
When a high-grade inheritance appears, basically most of the nearby forces in the sea region will rush over.
Either they obtain it themselves, or if someone else does, they snatch it—which is often easier than seeking the inheritance from scratch.
In this sea region, experts were like clouds, and within half a day, several more powerhouses had descended!
"Why is no one going in?"
An old man with flowing white hair and a deep expression stood on a massive warship. Around him, eight rivers of blood energy were churning.
The ship was ancient, adorned with flowing talismans—a powerful vessel.
Behind this warship were dozens of large ships, a fleet that had brought out their Ancestor.
This was a formidable force on the East Sea, Guiyuan Island, which once had a Grandmaster with blood like the sea.
Times had changed, and their strongest was now this ancestor, an Eight-River Grandmaster!
"Ancestor, half a day ago, the Whale Hunter said that only a master who can survive three strikes from him may enter the island."
A middle-aged martial artist spoke hurriedly.
For half a day, no one had made a move because the Whale Hunter had declared that within three strikes, life or death would be decided.
Many knew this expert had defeated and killed the Six-River Grandmaster Luan Shan, and it was said he hadn't taken much time.
This made many below that level afraid to act, choosing instead to watch from the sidelines.
"Luan Shan? He is nothing; his inheritance is weak and crippled, otherwise he wouldn't have been easily subdued by Duan Haiyuan," the old Grandmaster snorted. "I shall test him!"
He stepped out, and with a boom, he arrived on the island. With a low shout, dozens of Bai family soldiers were blown away!
"Guiyuan Island, Long Fenghua, here to seek guidance from the Dragon Head of the Qianshan Army!"
His voice boomed, causing many experts nearby to look over; countless ships on the sea turned their gazes toward him.
...
"Oh? After half a day, someone has challenged me."
Bai Xuan opened his eyes.
"Bai Xuan, you must be extremely careful," the White-Browed Marquis said.
His heart was filled with both worry and pride. Bai Xuan had been practicing here, and he had guarded the area personally to ensure no one disturbed him.
Now, it was time for Bai Xuan to fight!
Outside.
"I wonder if the Whale Hunter will accept the challenge."
"Idiot, the Whale Hunter said it himself; how could he not accept? I wonder how many strikes the fight will last."
"True, if the first person can break through three strikes, the challengers will surely follow one after another."
"Even worse, some might launch a sneak attack, trying to kill the Whale Hunter. If that happens, the sea will run red with blood, countless people will die, and the Qianshan Army will be completely defeated!"
Many watched this scene.
Boom!
A figure appeared, and Bai Xuan looked down from above.
"You are the Whale Hunter?"
The old man named "Long Fenghua" narrowed his eyes. "Such a young Grandmaster. Is it just you who dares to block the way here, stopping all the comrades on the sea?"
Old men like him naturally looked down on the youth from the bottom of their hearts.
What of being young?
Without experience, without accumulation, he could be easily defeated!
Bai Xuan didn't even listen to him, speaking calmly:
"Within three strikes, life or death is decided. Otherwise, if everyone comes to challenge, it becomes meaningless."
"Do you understand?"
Bai Xuan looked down.
The three-strike agreement was a spar for him, but not for his opponents.
Because if they kept their lives, or didn't even suffer serious injury, many would take pride in challenging the Whale Hunter.
Some might even use it to temper their own strength.
"Tempering strength is fine, but I don't have that much time right now."
Bai Xuan was very calm.
On this sea, there were at least dozens of Grandmasters, with more arriving constantly. If everyone could challenge him repeatedly, wouldn't he have no time for anything else?
"Life or death decided?"
The old man’s expression darkened.
At this moment, people on the sea were watching, and someone spoke with a sneer.
"It’s just a scare tactic."
"Indeed, at this level, no matter how strong he is, how could he possibly kill someone in three strikes?"
Many watched.
They naturally understood...
This rule was set to prevent experts from challenging him at will, wasting the Whale Hunter's time, so he had laid the terms out first.
"What does life or death matter? This old man does not care. You may strike!"
The old man shouted.
Boom!
His blood energy surged, and eight rivers flowed instantly. The power was terrifying, circulating endlessly!
In a flash, those eight rivers transformed into a massive dragon head, wrapping around him almost entirely.
It was a phantom of a dragon head, yet it looked lifelike, its eyes closed, teeth interlocked—ferocious and terrifying!
"Hiss! An Eight-River Grandmaster!"
"I didn't expect the first challenger to be an Eight-River Grandmaster. This seems to be the Heavenly Dragon Eight-Tone Visualization from Guiyuan Island, representing a grand sect inheritance not found in the East Sea!"
On the sea, many recognized the old man’s identity. This move was absolutely terrifying; eight blood energy rivers condensed and combined into a single roar!
"Life or death decided? Then let it be! Take this move, Heavenly Dragon Eight-Tone, Roar!"
The old man’s blood energy surged in reverse. With a boom, the dragon head opened its mouth and let out a fierce roar!
Rumble!
Under this roar, visible sound waves appeared, vibrating with enough force to crack or even shatter a warship; its power had reached an extreme!
"This attack of mine is enough to shatter the body of a peer-level Grandmaster. How could this youngster resist?"
The old man was extremely conceited.
He struck with a killing blow, intending to finish Bai Xuan instantly, without holding anything back!
But.
At this moment.
Bai Xuan closed his fingers, and quietly, azure dragon scales appeared on his skin.
"No need for the *Fu Hai* spear."
Bai Xuan was very calm.
He was exerting force in his palm.
It had been exactly three months since he last increased his strength—
He threw this punch.
The roaring dragon-sound, which had been like a storm, shattered in an instant. It was as if half the sky had been smashed; the air cracked, and a vacuum appeared.
The punch landed, vibrating for hundreds of meters. With a thunderous boom, a look of astonishment appeared on the old man’s face.
"How is this possible..."
Boom!
His blood energy scattered, and as the punch landed, in an instant, he was blasted into a mist of blood!