Chapter 130 South Cave

Gu Xiaoman, clad in black, stood in the courtyard of s12 district in Nanku. She planted her feet, striking a passable martial stance.

"Didn't they say… my awakened ability is mental?"

Gu Xiaoman was puzzled. "Shouldn't a mental ability be like fighting with your mind? Why am I practicing this stuff?"

A metal training dummy stood in the courtyard, forged by Gu Shen using the Iron Throne.

The small courtyard was quite lively at the moment.

Gu Shen, Bai Xiu, Chen Mei, Shen Li, and Zhuang Su and Qi Mo from the Neutralist organization were all present.

"Think about all those fights you had in Backstreet."

Gu Shen said, "Awakened battles are more dangerous than all those fights combined. What mental ability users fear most is… close-combat power types. Imagine, if your mental abilities fail and you are engaged in close quarters by a power type…"

Gu Xiaoman's expression grew serious.

After awakening her ability.

She had proactively requested to begin "cultivation."

Gu Xiaoman had seen those young people in e0 district who had awakened their powers, wielding unbelievable abilities. Some could summon great winds, and others could control flames… Unfortunately, her Annihilation Dream didn't have such "cool" powers to show off.

However, Gu Shen didn't seem to have any intention of teaching her how to directly use her ability.

Instead, he had brought her to this metal training dummy.

The biggest weakness of mental types is "close-quarters combat."

Gu Shen, as the strongest mental type in his realm, bar none—had suffered quite a few setbacks on his journey.

To become a top-tier powerhouse, it wasn't enough to simply be strong in one area. Being the strongest in one's realm meant having no significant weaknesses.

Gu Xiaoman's awakened Annihilation Dream was considered an ability that gradually became more powerful in the "late game."

She had awakened so early, and her talent was so dazzling. While she was still young and her bones hadn't fully developed, as long as she practiced physical techniques diligently enough, she would be the next invincible one in her realm!

"Those fights in Backstreet…"

Gu Xiaoman took a deep breath, her eyes hardening.

She would never forget that memory.

She didn't want to be beaten on the ground again.

"Battles between Awakened ones often start with fists…"

Gu Shen smiled, looking behind him.

"At least, they do for us."

The people behind him, Chen Mei, Bai Xiu, and Shen Li, were all top experts in close-quarters combat.

…

…

When it came to mental cultivation, Gu Shen was an expert.

But when it came to physical techniques.

Chen Mei, Bai Xiu, and Shen Li each had their own strengths. The three of them had different "physical technique schools." Gu Xiaoman began her path of Awakened cultivation, and she was fortunate enough to receive guidance from four "geniuses" from the very beginning.

Shen Li was slightly weaker than the others, but the Little Iron Man's combat talent was enough to place him in the top five of his age group in Nagano.

Gu Xiaoman had a strong will.

Perhaps it was Annihilation Dream that gave her an extremely strong initial spirit, or perhaps she was the future host chosen by the Fire of Wine. She practiced from sunrise to sunset without uttering a single word of complaint.

The three teachers taught different "physical technique philosophies."

She learned quickly, making connections between them.

The last one to take over was Shen Li.

Gu Shen and Bai Xiu were in the corner of the courtyard, watching the child in the courtyard who was constantly punching the metal training dummy, striking with impressive force.

"This little one's 'endurance' is top-notch."

Bai Xiu looked at the girl in black and said softly, "From morning till night, tireless… that's a talent in itself."

Gu Shen nodded.

The mental analysis device's detection of Gu Xiaoman's ability was just the first step—

The real Awakened cultivation had begun.

Her various stats were slowly being revealed.

"I don't know what the physical condition of the previous Annihilation Dream host, Zhou Yu, was like, but Xiaoman's physical quality is simply too good compared to her peers…"

Gu Shen said slowly, "She's punching the metal training dummy, and her fists are bruised. Logically speaking, the force feedback should be quite painful. Even a beginner-level power type would have a hard time persisting for a whole day…"

"Is it because of the Fire Seed selection? Lucky people who are 'chosen' possess extraordinary talents from the initial awakening."

Bai Xiu slowly turned his head, looking at Gu Shen.

He wasn't present the day Gu Xiaoman awakened, but he had heard everything that had happened.

"Why are you looking at me?"

Gu Shen smiled helplessly. "How would I know about these things?"

"…You have divination techniques." Bai Xiu said calmly.

"Please, divination techniques aren't the same as being all-knowing and all-powerful."

Gu Shen changed the subject without panicking, "I'm going to prepare to teach her Spring Breathing in the next couple of days… The Outer Hunt will begin in a few days, and then I'll take her to experience battles between Awakened ones."

"Mm…"

Bai Xiu didn't delve further or continue to ask.

He looked at the little girl in black, constantly punching and moving in the courtyard.

Gu Xiaoman had suffered a lot in the Sangzhou Cave, but fate had been kind to her. She had met Gu Shen and himself.

"Isn't it a little too early to practice Spring Breathing now?"

Bai Xiu said calmly, "Also… does the outside world know that she shares your surname, Gu?"

"For geniuses, the sooner they cultivate breathing techniques, the better."

Gu Shen smiled. "Having the surname Gu isn't a big deal. Does the little one having the same surname as me mean we have to announce it to the world?"

"…"

Bai Xiu sighed softly, looking at Gu Shen with a gentle gaze, as if to say, "You know what I mean."

"It's a good thing she has the surname Gu. The Gu family won't refuse."

Gu Shen still smiled. "Who wouldn't like the future Lord of Wine?"

"The Source Tower will come to snatch her."

"Then let them come." Gu Shen said, "They can try to come and snatch her from East Continent."

"Perhaps they won't wait until Xiaoman goes to East Continent."

Bai Xiu said meaningfully, "The reason why the Four Divine Envoys went south for this Sangzhou Cave mission… was because the Source Tower wanted to conceal the news of the Lord of Wine. They wanted to complete the transfer silently. Now that Xiaoman has been intercepted by us, involving the Lord of Wine, things may escalate to the point where Mr. Tensui personally intervenes."

Tensui's intervention would mean the situation had escalated.

Once the Source Tower gave up on "concealing" the news and made a strong move—

Then the southbound mission would no longer be a clash between the young fourth-level Awakened from various continents.

Those sealed Awakened who had lived for a long time and represented the extreme combat power of the human world would also go south… and even, in the end, the apostles who uphold the Shrines of the Gods would arrive.

For the sake of the Lord of Wine, anything was worth it.

"With Deep Sea monitoring the area around Sangzhou Cave, it's almost impossible for you to secretly send her out."

Bai Xiu said, "The Four Divine Envoys have the Cloud Mirror, and Guang Ming Bi Lei might also be watching. Within this Sangzhou Cave, even if you and I want to conceal our tracks, it will be difficult. It's almost impossible to send her off the island."

Gu Shen looked at Bai Xiu. "So… what do you mean?"

"We have to prepare for the worst."

Bai Xiu lowered his eyes. "The enemy is not just the Four Divine Envoys, it could be Tensui, and even more likely…"

He stopped there.

But Gu Shen understood that it was more likely to be the Sky God, sitting at the top of the Source Tower.

"In a few days, the Outer Hunt will begin. The Metropolis will send new 'mental detection equipment' and building materials to reinforce the outer walls." Gu Shen said, "I'll try to find a chance to send her out…"

"But you're right, we really need to prepare for the worst."

Gu Shen took a deep breath.

His expression was solemn.

The Lord of Wine… could be snatched away by him, and could be snatched away by others.

However, people from other continents might not be so "kind" to Xiaoman.

Bai Xiu stood shoulder to shoulder with Gu Shen. After listening, he was silent for a long time.

After a long time.

"Annihilation Dream is a mental ability with S-level potential."

Bai Xiu said, "Logically speaking, your Blazing Fire characteristic is the closest to it. You are the most suitable person to teach her to start cultivating…"

Gu Shen was stunned.

"But I think this child is very kind."

Little Bai Xiu asked seriously, "In the future, I would like to teach a part of her 'Awakened cultivation'…"

"…Xiaoman!"

Hearing this, Gu Shen immediately called out, waving his hand to signal Gu Xiaoman, who was practicing her punches against the metal training dummy in the courtyard, to come over.

Shen Li's final lesson had ended.

As dusk fell, the little girl in black was diligently practicing alone in the courtyard. Hearing the call, she was startled for a moment, then immediately ran over happily.

"Gu Shen-gege, did you call me?"

She raised her head, wiping the sweat from her forehead, revealing a smile.

Gu Shen saw that her fists were covered in bruises, and silently flicked his finger, emitting a wisp of fire. The Fire of Life silently seeped into the little girl's skin, slowly dispersing.

He smiled and patted Bai Xiu's shoulder, saying softly, "Call him 'Shifu'."

"…Shifu?"

Gu Xiaoman reacted for a moment, then looked at the young man in white in front of her. She honestly called out, "Shifu."

"Good, remember, your Shifu, Bai Xiu, is an unparalleled genius in East Continent."

Gu Shen squatted down and smiled at Xiaoman, "From now on, follow him and learn well. Let him handle any trouble for you. He's very, very powerful. If you understand, nod your head."

Gu Xiaoman listened in a daze, nodding her head.

Bai Xiu: "???"

His unchanging expression was somewhat astonished at the moment.

He looked at Gu Shen with a complex expression. He had only expressed his willingness to "teach Xiaoman," and Gu Shen had directly called her over to call him Shifu?

However… perhaps this wasn't so bad?

Perhaps it was the affinity brought about by the Fire of Wine selection. Bai Xiu felt that he had a good feeling about the little girl in front of him…

His eyes gradually became gentle.

"Alright, I'll leave the matter of teaching Xiaoman to you."

Gu Shen stood up and said seriously, "Except for 'mental' cultivation, I'll leave everything else to you…"

Bai Xiu took the initiative to teach Xiaoman.

This was simply a pie falling from the sky… He quickly agreed, afraid that Bai Xiu would change his mind in a few seconds!

Gu Xiaoman's talent was very good. Annihilation Dream was a one-in-a-million mental ability. In addition, she had received the favor of the Fire of Wine… But Bai Xiu was even more outrageous—

The Lightning World Walker ability was a bug-level ability, comparable to Blazing Fire in terms of functionality, and even stronger than Judge in terms of direct combat ability!

This was simply a talent that led directly to the Shrine of the Gods!

Bai Xiu's spirit, physical techniques, elemental control… every aspect was perfect.

With such a hexagonal warrior willing to teach Gu Xiaoman, Gu Shen couldn't ask for more.

Of course, he would also teach her wholeheartedly.

One could never have too many good teachers, and it never hurt to have more skills.

"Hey, hey, hey…"

Shen Li stood not far away, seeing this scene, and shouted with a black face, "What does this mean? I also taught her very hard! At least call me 'Shifu' too!"

Chen Mei, who was indifferent to everything, crossed his arms and couldn't help but laugh.

Gu Xiaoman turned her head.

The little girl scratched her head, and said innocently, "Shen-gege, you taught me very well…"

Little Iron Man snorted, "Even if you say that, I won't stop being angry."

"It's just that I always feel that you're a little different from the previous two Shifus." Gu Xiaoman said frankly, a little embarrassed.

Shen Li: "???"

After saying that, Gu Xiaoman bowed to Chen Mei on the other side, and sweetly called out, "Chen Mei Shifu… please be lenient in the future!"

Chen Mei, who couldn't help but laugh earlier, was a little dumbfounded at the moment.

Shifu? How did he become a Shifu too?

He looked at the little girl, then glanced at Gu Shen.

Gu Shen looked at the little girl with an approving gaze.

The future is bright, the future is bright!

This little one is so sensible, she knows how to take advantage of the situation… quite like himself when he was young!

This wasn't over yet. After calling out, Gu Xiaoman looked back at Gu Shen, her eyes full of longing and innocence. "Gu Shen-gege, I heard you say earlier that Awakened ones usually have 'sealed objects'. What are those? After becoming a disciple, can I get a sealed object?"

"Good, very good…"

Gu Shen was very gratified.

This child even knew how to ask for gifts.

Bai Xiu's expression changed slightly. He felt that things seemed to be developing in a strange direction.

Gu Shen said gently, "A sealed object is a small object with 'Awakened characteristics'. Awakened ones often use 'sealed objects' to fight enemies and protect themselves… Of course, after becoming a disciple, Shifu will give you a sealed object."

After saying that.

He looked at Bai Xiu.

Bai Xiu was silent for a few seconds, then took off the bracelet hidden in his sleeve.

"A-level sealed object, 'Thunderous Hand Beads', a total of seven beads, seven remain."

Bai Xiu said softly, "This thing is used for self-defense. If you encounter a desperate situation, touch it with your mental power… you can detonate it immediately. Detonating one will leave no survivors below the third level."

Gu Xiaoman gasped. She took the bracelet, turned around, and looked at Chen Mei.

Chen Mei's face no longer had a smile.

If he had known this would happen, he should have left this small courtyard after class and stayed away from Gu Shen and Gu Xiaoman!

"A-level sealed object… called 'Hundred Blast Knuckle Duster'. After wearing it, it can greatly increase strength and apply a 'burning' effect to the target."

After a little thought, Chen Gongzi of the Nanwan Group took out his most commonly used sealed object…

Gu Xiaoman's talent was indeed good enough, and he was actually happy to be this Shifu. As for giving gifts, that was actually nothing.

He could see that Bai Xiu really wanted to be Gu Xiaoman's Shifu.

As for himself, he was probably just an "honorary Shifu". Now, giving out a sealed object could make him the honorary Shifu of the future Lord of Wine and form a relationship with Gu Shen—

This deal was actually very cost-effective.

"Thank you, Chen Mei Shifu."

Gu Xiaoman still called out very sweetly. This time she looked at Shen Li, "Shen Shifu?"

"???"

Shen Li, who was gloating, was dumbfounded.

"No, how did I become a Shifu? Just call me Shen-gege!"

Little Iron Man wanted to escape, but he couldn't.

In the end, he took out the bell hanging around his neck. This was a spiritual protection artifact that he had been wearing for a long time. Before meeting Gu Shen, this sealed object protected his soul from being affected by the Gluttony state.

But now, he no longer needed it.

Gu Shen had solved his problem of "mental breakdown."

Shen Li stroked the bell, a little reluctant. "My wealth can't compare to the previous two. Since you called me Shifu… I'll give you this sealed object. It can protect your 'spirit' from being affected."

"Thank you, Shen-gege!"

Gu Xiaoman sincerely took the object, and then followed Shen Li's previous request, changing the address back.

Finally, she returned to Gu Shen with a full load.

Gu Shen looked at her with a smile.

She also looked at Gu Shen with a smile.

The small courtyard was silent for a few seconds…

Gu Shen: "You wouldn't…"

Gu Xiaoman said seriously, "Gu Shen-gege, can I call you Shifu?"

Gu Shen: "???"

Bai Xiu, Chen Mei, and Shen Li all showed gratified smiles.

Gu Shen squatted down to face the usually precocious Gu Xiaoman and smiled, "No need to call me that, Gege will also give you a sealed object…"

Gu Xiaoman smiled even more happily.

But the next second, Gu Shen reached out and held Gu Xiaoman's hand, saying seriously, "Xiaoman, be good… you're too young, these sealed objects are too dangerous, you can't control them yet. Here, I'll keep them for you."