A sense of relief flooded Wu Tie's mind.
This was the final response from Suiguke's shattered bones.
It was as if an ancient elder who had witnessed countless upheavals and changes was initially resistant and unwilling to merge with Wu Tie. But when Wu Tie was violently drained by Shi Lingqing, on the brink of death, Suiguke made a decision.
He gave up on escape, gave up on freedom, and gave up on his own "independence," choosing to sacrifice himself for Wu Tie.
Wu Tie still had no idea what he was, where he came from, what he had experienced, or why he appeared in this underground secret realm's grand hall, surrounded by Ox Hero and eighteen golden skeletons "guarding" him.
Suiguke left no evidence of his identity, only a deep sigh, leaving Wu Tie with complicated emotions before completely disappearing.
He chose to perfectly merge with the first phalange of Wu Tie's left index finger.
Wu Tie raised his left hand. Due to the Foundation Building Formula and Foundation Building Pill, his skin was fair and delicate, almost translucent. Through his fair skin, one could faintly see that the color of the first phalange of his merged finger bone had become much deeper.
The feeling this segment of his finger gave people was like a bruise that hadn't completely dissipated after being hit by a heavy object—it was quite obvious.
He breathed heavily, continuously inhaling the glittering magical energy within the air. His whole body felt warm, and new blood was constantly being produced in his bone marrow, quickly flowing into his shriveled blood vessels, his organs, his muscles, and his skin—every nook and cranny of his almost desiccated body.
Wu Tie instinctively began practicing the Foundation Building Formula.
He slowly performed the movements of the Foundation Building Formula, each movement bringing a refreshing feeling. His actions were more agile than usual, and there was an inexplicable spirituality. If when Wu Tie practiced the Foundation Building Formula before, it felt like he was watching a painting through frosted glass, today that blurry glass suddenly shattered, and the painting appeared clear and vivid before his eyes.
With every move, Wu Tie's actions seemed to merge with the surrounding heavens and earth. Harmony and nature, as if he originally belonged to this world, were an integral part of this perfect universe.
The shimmering energy around him grew denser, turning into visible strands of bright light, as thick as fingers, continuously flowing into Wu Tie's body.
Shi Lingqing lay on the ground, gazing blankly at Wu Tie.
Her lips were pallid, and she murmured with great effort, "Elemental energy... Elemental energy manifestation... Being able to manifest elemental energy in the Foundation Building stage... How good is your aptitude? Or is it your cultivation technique? It has reached an incredible level?"
Wu Tie couldn't hear Shi Lingqing talking to herself.
In a state of extreme comfort, he had perfectly practiced the Foundation Building Formula to his current limit.
682 forms!
He effortlessly continued practicing until the 682nd form of the Foundation Building Formula.
Once he broke through the 720th form of the Foundation Building Formula, Wu Tie would be able to let the elemental energy within his body reach its peak level, refine the elemental energy, condense it into Foundation Building Qi, and break through to the second level of the Foundation Building stage.
Previously, he could barely practice until the 493rd form. After fusing with Suiguke, his progress in practicing the Foundation Building Formula had skyrocketed, increasing by a large margin.
Maintaining a position similar to that of an iron bridge for a quarter of an hour, his blood circulated smoothly throughout his body, washing every minute corner. The new blood, fresh and brimming with energy, nourished his body, making Wu Tie clearly feel that his physical strength had greatly increased after experiencing great changes.
Especially his left index finger's first phalange, which was heating up.
The temperature gradually rose, and in the end, Wu Tie felt as if his left index finger was submerged in boiling water.
Of the "elemental energy" inhaled into his body, so-called by Shi Lingqing, about thirty percent was absorbed by this small section of bone. Little by little, compared to the new blood produced in his bone marrow, this drop by drop of blood plasma seemed stickier, heavier, and in terms of properties, it seemed a bit more refined as it slowly oozed out of this bone.
These drops of fresh plasma merged into the circulation of Wu Tie's blood.
The blood throughout his body became even more vibrant and lively, and the effect of nourishing his body increased by more than double.
Wu Tie subconsciously moved his left index finger.
It was marvelous.
The feedback during cultivation told Wu Tie that after fusing with Suiguke, when he practiced the Foundation Building Formula, it was like taking a double dose of Foundation Building Pills—the effect of cultivation was pleasingly good.
Maintaining the position of an iron bridge for a quarter of an hour, Wu Tie slowly stood up. He had reached his limit. The 682nd form of the Foundation Building Formula was his current limit.
Exhaling a hot breath, among which there were strands of a fishy smell, Wu Tie touched the wound on his neck. The wound caused by Shi Lingqing's nails had disappeared, leaving behind smooth and fair skin, without any scars.
Seriously moving his body, the Foundation Building Formula had thoroughly stretched every joint, every muscle, and every meridian in his body. Wu Tie closed his eyes and sensed his physical condition. He felt an unprecedented comfort throughout his body.
The weakness brought by rapid and substantial blood loss had completely disappeared, and his whole body was filled with strength.
He didn't even cast a glance at Shi Lingqing. With large strides, he walked out of the grand hall and arrived in front of the metal sphere formed by the armor that automatically fell off him. He grasped the metal sphere with both hands, injecting the continuously produced elemental energy from his body into it.
Fine threads of light began to glow on the surface of the metal sphere.
The pale metal sphere rapidly melted and turned into a pale liquid that eagerly covered Wu Tie's hands. After a few breaths of time, the pale liquid covered Wu Tie's entire body, and the tight-fitting armor was once again worn on him.
Wu Tie nodded and smiled. "Old Iron is right. This armor's energy will be depleted. I need to recharge it occasionally."
Turning around, Shi Lingqing had already struggled to get up and gradually walked out of the grand hall.
Suiguke did not cause any substantial harm to Shi Lingqing.
Suiguke merely deprived Shi Lingqing of the vital life essence that did not belong to her but came from the Red Witch. Shi Lingqing herself suffered no loss, only feeling a bit weak due to the sudden surge of power being taken away from her.
However, her movements were unaffected.
Moreover, after a few steps, Shi Lingqing's movements were the same as usual, and her breath became calm and peaceful.
Having obtained the power that did not belong to her, suddenly soared, capable of controlling Wu Tie's life and death, Shi Lingqing's rampant appearance deeply etched into Wu Tie's mind. At this moment, after losing her power, Shi Lingqing became composed and elegant. Every movement of hers was as graceful as a painting.
She got on the sailboat Red Witch came on and searched inside for a while. It didn't take long for her to come out wearing a set of loose red robes. After jumping off the sailboat, Shi Lingqing smiled and walked step by step towards Wu Tie.
Wu Tie gripped his spear tightly and gradually took a step back. At this moment, there was no way Shi Lingqing could harm him, but it was as if an ordinary person saw a venomous snake. Even though they knew it was a venomous snake whose fangs had been pulled out, any normal person would still be cautious and stay far away from such a dangerous creature.
Wu Tie's reaction was normal. Shi Lingqing was more terrifying than a venomous snake.
"Miss Shi, I sympathize with your misfortune," Wu Tie said solemnly. "But it seems that you bear great responsibility for your predicament... In other words, you are not innocent."
Taking a deep breath, Wu Tie put on his mask and pointed his spear at Shi Lingqing. "We have no grievances or enmity between us, so please leave."
Wu Tie glanced at Ox Hero standing not far away, speaking softly. "This is my territory, and you have nothing to do with it."
Shi Lingqing felt Wu Tie's deep caution and alertness.
She immediately stopped in her tracks and knelt to the ground without hesitation, paying her respects to Wu Tie. Her whole body was prostrated, showing her utmost veneration for him.
It seemed like she completely forgot about the previous occasion when, with her increased strength, she beat Wu Tie down on the ground and stepped on his head. She had completely transformed into a pitiable little woman, crying and pleading for Wu Tie's protection, just like a kidnapped jasmine flower lashed by a violent storm.
"Master... Lingqing is just a pitiful little woman. If you make Lingqing leave, Lingqing will truly have no place to die," Shi Lingqing sobbed as she muttered. "If Master is not repulsed, Lingqing dares to ask Master to accept me and serve Master for life, like a willow leaf serving the Master."
"Lingqing does not dare to ask for any status, only to follow the Master and be at the Master's disposal..."
"Lingqing may lack talent, but Lingqing has a little intelligence that can be used by the Master. In particular, I'm good at making plans. Master will surely become an unrivaled hero in the future, and such a person always needs loyal subordinates at their side, at their disposal..."
"Although Lingqing is not talented, I have some insignificant abilities, and a little cleverness that can be used by Master. When Master is tired or exhausted, Lingqing can bring joy to Master... "
Earlier, when Shi Lingqing's strength surged, she arrogantly demanded that Wu Tie become a puppet who would obediently do her bidding. In just a short period of time, after losing her ill-gotten power, she immediately turned into a pitiful little woman, begging Wu Tie for sanctuary.
Wu Tie stood dumbfounded for a while.
He truly couldn't understand how Shi Lingqing could change like this.
Did she not have even a shred of shame?
How could he accept her?
Look at the fates of Wu Laoda, Luo Lin, Qiao, Ding, Shi Dian, Red Witch, and Jiu Zhangling... Did Wu Tie have the courage?
"I won't accept you. This is my territory. I'll give you some time to leave on your own," Wu Tie sternly warned Shi Lingqing, turning around and walking towards Old Iron.
Old Iron laid motionless on the ground, not showing a hint of life, like a completely useless piece of scrap metal.
Wu Tie's heart tightened. After receiving a series of consecutive heavy blows from the Jiu Zhangling and the others, could it be that Old Iron had really been destroyed?
Wu Tie quickened his pace and pounced at Old Iron.
Suddenly, an extraordinarily powerful and terrifying aura descended from the sky.
Countless crystal clusters around shattered, and small and big pieces of crystal fragments flew everywhere like countless bullets, hitting intact crystal clusters, constantly making ear-piercing impacts and splattering countless sparks.
Wu Tie felt as if an enormous mountain had smashed down on him, groaning and falling to his knees, his legs weak.
Shi Lingqing, who was beside him, was in an even worse situation. Having lost the power she obtained from the Red Witch, her own cultivation was insignificant. She coughed up blood in big mouthfuls, lying flat on the ground like a sheet of paper, stiff and motionless.
Wu Tie laboriously lifted his head and looked up at the sky.
The Ox Hero, who had already died who knows how many years ago, actually bowed down, lowered his head, and surveyed Wu Tie and the others.
His huge eyes were like massive lanterns, spewing out two strong beams of light, quickly scanning over Wu Tie, Old Iron, and Shi Lingqing. His seemingly substantial gaze scanned the entire hall, causing the hall to shatter as well. The last intact golden skeleton sitting on a cushion also collapsed and shattered.
The light beams emitted by Ox Hero grew increasingly intense, like two pillars of fire sweeping across the earth. Wherever they passed, the air violently fluctuated, stirring up waves of violent winds.
A terrifying aura surged out from his body. At this moment, it was as if he had crossed the ruthless river of time, from his once fiery and furious peak era to the present, appearing vividly before Wu Tie.
But he had already died after all.
Dozens of crystal spears pierced through his chest and abdomen, emitting dazzling light. One after another, waves of a destructive aura turned into dim halos, spreading in all directions. Wherever the halos passed, countless crystal fragments solidified and reformed into intact crystal clusters that fell to the ground.
There was a strong fragrance permeating the air, and the smell of strong blood filled the void. The entire enormous cavern seemed to be melting, countless crystal clusters melting one after another. The semi-liquid magma of red crystal flowed slowly on the ground.
Shi Lingqing leaped up suddenly, reaching out towards the location where Ox Hero's body had been.
"No... You belong to me, you belong to me, you must belong to me... How can you..."
Wu Tie sternly rebuked, "Don't soil him... How could you have any right to covet him?"
Shi Lingqing stood dumbfounded for a long time before suddenly bursting into laughter.
"Soil him? Did I soil him? Can't I covet him?" She turned around, arrogant as a princess, tilting her chin and glancing at Wu Tie askew. "Who do you think you are? You filthy thing... Each and every one of you men... You're all filthy things..."
With a strange laugh, Shi Lingqing's eyes suddenly turned completely red. She let out a scream, and her entire body exploded.
A strand of blood-red light shot out, heavily crashing onto Wu Tie's forehead, transforming into the bloody words "Immortal Life" deeply imprinted between his brows.
(End of this chapter)