One-Eyed Monster

Xiso’s words were resolute.

Although Igor had figured out that Xiso’s confusion stemmed from an emotional problem, he didn’t know who the other party involved was.

But, putting that aside for the moment, their most important problem was how to deal with Kuyi Tulan.

All the monsters on the mountain were already very excited; the temptation to beat up Kuyi Tulan was almost irresistible to them. They wished for nothing more than to rush over to Kuyi Tulan and pummel him.

However, their strength was undeniable. The Alchemy Workshop had made great strides over the years, leading people to suspect that these Alchemists might have secretly struck some agreement with the Fighter. For example, they might have promised the Fighter a piece of Spirit Power-enchanted armor in exchange for a Physique Technique mantra. In any case, the Alchemy Workshop’s combat capability had significantly improved. At least, this group from the Alchemy Workshop was not easy to deal with; dominating them one-on-one was almost impossible. Nevertheless, the monsters on Guru Mountain still wanted to give Kuyi Tulan a good beating. Their hatred for him, a mix of new and old grudges, could not be erased. Even after being influenced by the Great Mentor’s kindness for so long, this feeling remained unchanged.

Therefore, they eagerly awaited Xiso’s return. Xiso was the brains of Guru Mountain; he would surely have ways to deal with Kuyi Tulan.

From the Great Mentor’s and Kevin’s descriptions, Xiso learned what had happened at Moonflow Stream. His pale face showed no emotion, but his silence after hearing the entire account made it clear to everyone that he was deep in thought.

Even Kadi, who was usually restless, kept quiet at this moment, afraid that any disturbance from him might disrupt Xiso’s thoughts.

Igor was puzzled. Why hadn’t the other person involved in Xiso’s emotional problem appeared to question or pester him? Could Xiso have actually resolved this personal issue?

Igor observed carefully but saw no one who seemed emotionally agitated.

There were only two women present. One stood aloof and silent, not uttering a word. The other, much like Igor, looked around nervously, unsure of what to do.

Igor guessed that these two women were undoubtedly connected to Xiso’s emotional problem. He couldn’t understand the complexities of their relationships; that was the world of adults, and he was still just a boy, unable to fathom its mysteries.

The answer would gradually reveal itself. It wasn’t helpful to be anxious now. When the answer finally came out, Igor would know if his guess had been correct.

Waiting for someone to think could take a long time. Even for someone like Xiso, the group’s strategist, considering everything thoroughly required time. However, the monsters on Guru Mountain weren’t idle. They were each accumulating their Spirit Power, making preparations for their next actions. As soon as Xiso announced his plan, they would be ready to act.

This was their principle. It had always been so among experts; they didn’t let their spare time go to waste, always making unseen preparations. These preparations were often the key to their success.

Xiso was now contemplating the viable steps for them, and they, naturally, would not disappoint him. This tacit understanding had developed over many years on Guru Mountain and had made them strong.

Now, it was all a matter of time.

They all remained silent, waiting...

Suddenly, a hawk’s cry echoed in the sky, and a white figure spiraled down.

It was Joseph, their scout, returning.

This development naturally broke the existing silence. Information was vital; with it, they could perfect their plan.

”Great Mentor!” Joseph immediately greeted the Great Mentor.

”What’s the situation? Have Kuyi Tulan and his men started a search?” Kevin inquired, clearly concerned about Kuyi Tulan’s movements.

”Kevin,” Joseph greeted him. ”Unexpectedly, Kuyi Tulan and his main forces are descending the mountain.”

”Main forces?” The Great Mentor was astonished. Isn’t Kuyi Tulan just one of those few Wizards from the Alchemy Workshop? How could he have main forces?

”Descending the mountain?” Kevin and the others couldn’t understand this move. Why would he do that? Isn’t Kuyi Tulan interested in the Spirit Cores they possess? And before, they were clearly interested in Kadi; they were about to make a move on him... Now they’re just leaving like this? It’s illogical!

Joseph continued, ”The Alchemy Workshop doesn’t have many people, but Kuyi Tulan somehow managed to get those Treasure Hunters from the foot of the mountain to follow him.”

”Treasure Hunters?” exclaimed the Great Mentor, incredulous. Those Treasure Hunters Kuyi Tulan brought up the mountain had always stayed around the halfway point and never appeared at Moonflow Stream, so we never saw them.

The news Joseph brought made the monsters on the mountain restless; they couldn’t understand the reasoning behind it.

They had always thought of Kuyi Tulan as someone who wouldn’t give up until he achieved his goals. And, in fact, Kuyi Tulan was indeed like that.

Would such a person really abandon the benefits right in front of him?

Impossible!

They found it hard to believe, anyway.

At that moment, an outsider to Guru Mountain, struggling to move, made his way to the front of the group and spoke loudly.

”Perhaps he’s more interested in something else.”

His words caught everyone’s attention. They all turned towards the speaker and saw it was the man with one arm.

This person was, of course, Soul Guardian Estev.

He was the guardian of this mountain’s secrets and had eventually integrated into the group of monsters, as they were united by distinct individual goals yet a shared, common mission.

”I mean,” Estev continued, ”he might be more interested in what’s hidden in this mountain.” His words reminded everyone that the mountain’s secret had already been stolen.

”If that’s really the case, then we have even more reason to stop him!” the monsters declared.

The secret hidden in Guru Mountain had been taken by the leader of the Black Crow. They had learned this some time ago, but regrettably, they had been unable to stop the dark Willem back then. At that time, they were contending with the Dark Force, and neither the Great Mentor’s avatar nor Xiso and the others had managed to stop Willem.

Kuren said anxiously, ”We can’t go on like this! Descending the mountain is fast. Even though it’s the dead of winter, Guru Mountain has lost its visual Shield. Everything will soon return to its original state, and the snow on the mountain will quickly disappear…” He understood that the original Shield on Guru Mountain was merely a World Setting Technique.

”No, we mustn’t stop them from descending!”

An opposing voice rang out. Surprisingly, its owner was Xiso, the brains of Guru Mountain.