Page: Chased

The auction ended and the four pills went to different hands. The first pill went to the Chen's, the second was won by the Hu's, the third was from the merchant Union's representative and the last was to another mysterious man. At the last bid, the amount went over 500's. Many were curious about the last bidder however only a few knew his identity. Those from the Chen's and Hu's who have high cultivation, they have a good speculation that the mysterious man was an elder from the Six Star sect.

Inside the room where Long Bai was waiting, the manager just arrived holding a cosmic pouch on his hand.

"Sir, I have brought your shards. We already deducted the auction fee. Please feel free to check."

"No need, we trust someone who does his business well. We'll take the contents now."

Before Alchemist Mo in disguise can take out the number of shards inside the cosmic pouch, the manager interrupted.

"Sir, you don't need to take out the shards. Please take the cosmic pouch. I hope this small gesture from the auction house is enough to continue a good relations with you."

"Hmm. We won't be too polite then. I'll be contacting you in the future when another opportunity arises. Take these three Berserk pills. They are all high grade. This is our thanks for a smooth transition. We'll be going." Alchemist mo in disguise was actually reluctant to hand over the berserk pill but was ordered by Long Bai. It was to maintain good relations and to have them expect something in the future.

"We'll see you out then. Please take care."

Long Bai and Alchemist Mo was out of the establishment when they both felt that they were being watched and followed.

"Senior Mo, we are being followed. Let's proceed as normal as possible. We'll separate from here and when there's a chance, try to shake them off at the alchemy tower. You know places there where you can remove your disguise without having any problem. I'll lead the others to the slums. You don't need to worry, I can take care of myself. Here, I have two more berserk pill with me. This is only for emergency. Go!"

The two went to opposite directions, one to the a place where the vast number of people can become a cover while the other place was secluded and almost empty.

Long Bai still remembered the place as if it was yesterday. Four masked men tailed him until he lead them to an empty alley. Long Bai scanned them and everyone of them were on the early layers of the visceral stage. Add the fact that they are armed, it was a true dangerous situation.

Bai was at disadvantage in terms of strength but the high grade berserk pill in his hand can give him a boost of strength to the first layer of visceral tempering. Without waiting, he took the pill and felt the chaotic energy stimulating his body.

[System alert: You ingested a high grade berserk pill. You have gained the strength of the first layer of the visceral stage for 10 minutes.]

Now, a short conversation is what's left. Knowing the identity of the pursuers was also needed while inquiring also about their motive. Long Bai initiated the talk.

"Who are you and why are you following us?" It was the basic questions that can be easily answered. He was hoping for some info for future references.

"We're interested with the things with you. We know you are the owner of the pills auctioned which means that you have more with you. If you give us all your belongings, we'll leave you alive."

It was a threat. This means that these thugs might be from an organization or someone with a good backing. Although such case is obvious, there's no choice for Long Bai if they really want to target his life. To show a firm resolution, the only answer is to retaliate!

One of them slowly approached Long Bai but the latter did not wait any chances. A moment of hesitation can turn everything upside down. Long Bai took out his grade 1 sword, took stance and then made a mad but silent dash towards the approaching man. The man was startled and tried to defend himself but it was just too sudden.

!

Before the man can move, there was a cracking sound coming from his lower abdominal area. The sword that was embedded in his body was pulled out while he was slightly pushed by Long Bai causing him to fall to the ground.

"Ahck! My essence core! You..you!"

(Splurt!) Before he could say more, his head rolled to the ground. The three companions were stifled by the scenario and the decisiveness of the mysterious person in front of them. One of them was not able to handle the terror and recklessly charged onto Long Bai. The two who was behind had no other choice but to follow and give assist to their companion.

The three men were truly in the visceral, early stages but somehow they lacked much in skills. Unlike Long Bai who have both martial and movement skill, this became an advantage in the fight. No matter how much the idea of the three overpowering Long Bai if they can't follow his speed, all will be for naught.

That is what happened to the three at the end. Not more than 5 minutes have passed and four bodies are lying on the floor, lifeless; one with a severed head, another with a stab on the forehead while the remaining two had their hearts carved with a thin slice. Long Bai checked their belongings but nothing was there except their weapons. The bodies were piled up then burned while Long Bai took off his disguise. Before someone would notice the fire, Long Bai went back to the market with his usual looks then went straight to his home.

Upon reaching, on the entrance was alchemist Mo waiting. Looking at his relieved expression, Long Bai handed the last mystic pill that the didn't sell at the auction.

"Here, senior Mo. You deserve this pill with all the efforts you did to help me. I will be on closed door cultivation for a month. Please take care of the matters outside while I'm cultivating." Long Bai went straight to his room and began to check his status. Senior Mo on the other hand kneeled in delight by the rewards he received. This even further his resolve to serve Long Bai.

Inside his room, Long Bai sat and assessed himself. This was the first time that he killed a person and yet there was no conflicting emotions. Instead, he felt relieved, relieved for staying alive. Long Bai opened both of his palm and yet there was no shaking present. They were calm as the waters in a lake. There was a saying that Long Bai had picked up from a movie line stating 'you'll never know if you're capable of killing a person until you're in that position'. Now he knows that he's capable but would it be the same back on earth? Could this situation have to do with the different nature of this world?

Long Bai learned something new about himself which he would never know until today. Since there was no issue currently, he has now settled his mind and went proceed to the next agenda, that is to complete the core. With the cosmic pouch on his hand, he brought out all the shards out and laid it in front of him. Glistening with yellow shine, the yellow crystals looked like a small hill, almost half of his height while on a lotus position.

[System notice: You began absorbing the rich essence for your core development. Core development is resumed.]