Volume One, Chapter 70: The Awe of the Kui Ox

“Not good, he’s going to destroy the bridge!” Wang Tianfang exclaimed nervously.

Zhao Ping hurriedly said, “Master, please intervene! Suppress the spirit race!”

They both knew that if they didn’t act now, it would truly be over.

Jiang Chen glanced at the two men and smiled. “Didn’t you just say you didn’t need my help? Now I don’t feel like intervening.”

Zhao Ping replied, “If the Master is willing to step in, I am willing to abolish my own cultivation.”

Jiang Chen originally thought they would at least apologize, but now, seeing that both were willing to destroy their own cultivation, it was clear they understood the gravity of their actions.

Jiang Chen sneered, “When I return after taking care of this, you two can go ahead and abolish your cultivation.”

He didn’t wish to delay any further; after all, he was here on behalf of Dragon Tiger Mountain.

The spirit clan’s giant octopus had already entwined its tentacles around the bridge, and Jiang Chen soared into the air.

He chanted, “The sun and moon shine grandly, heaven and earth can be set, by decree!”

Ice began to form on the water, but the giant spirit creature seemed utterly unfazed, shattering the ice as quickly as it formed. The speed at which the ice congealed and the speed at which it was broken were matched evenly, and for a moment, Jiang Chen and the creature were locked in a standoff, neither yielding an inch.

But Jiang Chen was not someone it could withstand. Unlike others, his actual combat power far surpassed ordinary expectations.

“Heh, starry sky vast and mighty, all things obey my command!” As soon as Jiang Chen finished reciting the incantation, the struggling octopus suddenly seemed to freeze in place.

When wielded at its strongest, Jiang Chen’s command over all things allowed him to issue orders to any being, living or not; handling the giant octopus was no challenge.

“You should be able to understand the language of humans. I won’t repeat myself. Cease your rampage at once. If you destroy this bridge, I promise your entire race will know no peace,” Jiang Chen declared, feeling somewhat uneasy, as if he was in the wrong—but the words were already said and could not be taken back.

“It was you who bullied us, and now you want me to stop. Why didn’t you consider my feelings when your people acted? My kin have already been frightened to death.” The giant octopus’s voice echoed in Jiang Chen’s mind, and he instinctively glanced at the two troublemakers on the shore.

Jiang Chen collected his thoughts and responded, “I understand your grievance. Afterward, we will deal with those two accordingly. You have my word.”

But the giant octopus replied bluntly, “You humans are all in it together. Once we’re gone, you’ll just ignore what they did, won’t you?”

Jiang Chen narrowed his eyes. “What do you want, then?”

The giant octopus brandished its tentacles. “I’m going to destroy your bridge and teach you that I’m not to be trifled with!”

Jiang Chen sighed, not blaming it, for his own side had been in the wrong first. If not for his master’s orders, he would have left long ago.

“Then my apologies, but if you won’t leave, I’ll have to send you away myself.” He murmured under his breath, and once again, talismans activated above the river. This time, the freezing cold was far more intense, locking the entire surface in solid ice.

Yes, the entire lake was frozen as far as the eye could see.

A chill radiated from the surface, and under the double influence of the talismans, the giant octopus finally ceased its struggle.

“Let me go, let me go! You foul human, if you have the guts, release me and face me one-on-one!” The octopus’s head was now encased in ice, looking for all the world like a barbecued octopus.

At that moment, Kui Niu’s consciousness stirred from within the jade pendant. “Who’s making such a racket, Xiao Chen?”

Jiang Chen replied helplessly, “Could you use a different term? That nickname makes me sound like a palace eunuch.”

“Just ignore it. You can’t reach me anyway. As for the noise outside, tell them to quiet down; I want to sleep,” Kui Niu grumbled from within the pendant.

Jiang Chen thought for a moment. “How about you speak with him? He’s a bit irrational right now, but you two might even be distant relatives from a few centuries ago. Maybe you can talk some sense into him.”

Kui Niu actually took this seriously and turned to look outside, only to see the octopus’s massive head.

“Are you kidding me? What level is he, and what level am I? I’m a creature born of heaven and earth—what is he, to even compare? If I came out, I’d scare him to death!”

Jiang Chen believed him. After all, Kui Niu was a mythical beast. Any of these current demon folk would be terrified at the mere sight of such a creature.

“Don’t just talk—come out and show him. Let’s see if you can handle it,” Jiang Chen said, hoping to use this opportunity to make the giant octopus submit, so it wouldn’t go back and cause more trouble for the humans.

“Hey, little octopus, get lost right now! Or else I’ll come out and smash you to pieces! Move immediately!” Kui Niu bellowed.

The effect was immediate—the giant octopus began to tremble visibly, its unease plain for all to see. Such was the power of hierarchy and bloodline.

Jiang Chen finally spoke in a languid tone, “Are you still thinking of staying? If you don’t want to leave, I can have my friend keep you company for a chat—what do you say?”

Of course, he was only bluffing. He would never actually let Kui Niu out; if Kui Niu were released, the very fabric of the world might collapse. He still wasn’t sure how much power this world could withstand, and he couldn’t take that risk unless absolutely necessary.

Standing at the crossroads of death and escape, the giant octopus was finally overcome by fear. Now it understood why humans said, “A wise man submits to circumstances.” Those who resist don’t last long.

It wasn’t ready to die—especially not just for a moment of anger.

“I’ll go! I’m leaving! Let me go, now!” the octopus pleaded.

With a flick of Jiang Chen’s hand, the frozen surface melted as if touched by spring, fissures spreading as the ice vanished.

Without hesitation, the giant octopus released its grip on the bridge and fled.

“Well done, Kui Niu, you really saved the day. When we get back, I’ll brew a cauldron of elixirs for you—eat your fill and strive to regain your peak strength,” Jiang Chen promised solemnly.

Kui Niu scoffed, “You’re so generous—aren’t you afraid I’ll break free and destroy your world?”

Jiang Chen’s confidence was unshakeable; he believed he could subdue Kui Niu if it came to that.

But what he needed most now was manpower. Heading to the capital alone was too risky—without allies or connections, it would be near impossible to take down the Lin family and swallow their entire enterprise. Even if he managed to kill them, they might rise again like wildfire after the spring wind. He must eradicate them, root and branch.

Kong Shan, supported by others, came before Jiang Chen and bowed deeply. “Thank you, Master, for setting aside past grievances and helping us complete our mission. Thank you, Master.”

“Thank you, Master!”

“Thank you, Master.”

“No need to thank me. Besides, your gratitude is useless—you all know what you’ve done. I have no authority to punish you, but that doesn’t mean others are unaware of your actions.” Jiang Chen glanced toward the distant spirit clan, remembering there was still a water disaster to resolve.