With ample resources at their disposal, Han Wu and Qin Shuang continued their research into the Nine Martial Castes’ powers. The deeper they delved, the more they grasped just how intricate and profound those powers truly were.
At present, they were in their treant forms—Han Wu as a Worker Grovekin and Qin Shuang as a Vanguard Centurion Treant. Though they belonged to the same species, their forms were distinct. The Grovekin bore slender branches and a huge crown that could produce a generous yield of fruit. The Centurion Treant, by contrast, had thick branches and a compact crown that prioritized defense. Each form had its own advantages, though both shared common offensive Skills: Branch Bludgeon, Entangling Roots, and Branch Pierce.
The two focused on exploring different skills, exchanging their discoveries. After three days of relentless research, each mastered a new Skill.
Han Wu’s Grovekin acquired the Skill: Grow Nuts. By drawing nutrients from the earth, the Grovekin could produce nuts encased in tough shells. These nuts were not edible but served as ammunition. Swinging their branches, the Grovekins could launch these nuts at foes to deal significant damage. They could also pluck the nuts, coat them in oil, and set them alight, intensifying their destructive power.
Inspired by Han Wu’s findings, Qin Shuang developed a related Skill called Sapcoat. A thick layer of sap now coursed beneath their epidermis. When struck, the sap would burst from the wound and adhere to enemy weapons. The sticky residue would drastically slow their enemies’ attack frequency.
Once the two mastered their respective Skills, the knowledge was instantly transmitted to the rest of their treant army, bolstering their collective power. With their breakthroughs complete, Han Wu and Qin Shuang ended their research.
At Qin Shuang’s enthusiastic urging, Han Wu agreed to accompany her to the market. Like many other young women, she enjoyed browsing small trinkets and decorative pieces. Han Wu indulged her along the way, buying her armfuls of accessories. The market was lively, filled with stalls selling everything from souvenirs and precious ornaments to weapons, pills, and antiques so obscure even the sellers didn’t know their value.
They wandered through the market, using insights from the Divine Civilization to secure remarkable treasures at astonishingly low prices. For instance, Han Wu spent only 300,000 Gold Coins on a can of Dragon Bone Powder, vital for upgrading the half-dragons. The price was shockingly cheap, and countless other rare materials were available for similar bargains.
Han Wu purchased so much that he had to admit this little trip was incredibly rewarding. With these resources, he was confident he could upgrade his half-dragons far faster than expected.
As the two happily shopped, they failed to notice a pair of eyes watching them closely from afar. The observer quickly jotted down a report, tied it to a pigeon, and sent it off.
Soon, Luo Wulei received the pigeon at his residence. The message contained only ten words: “The tiger has left the den. Waiting for the boar.”
Luo Wulei nodded with satisfaction and summoned one of his subordinates. “It’s time for the Palace Master’s stupid son to get some fresh air.”
His subordinate bowed and went to carry out the order.
Before long, a new figure entered the market. On the wide street, eight strong men carried a fat man in lavish clothes down the wide street in a palanquin. His eyes barely showed, squeezed shut by the overwhelming fat bulging around his face, yet he scanned his surroundings with a greedy gaze.
“Hey, that woman is pretty. Her legs are long and slender.
“Oh, she’s good too. Big bosom. I love women like her.
“That little girl looks so pitiful. Why is someone that beautiful begging on the street? Someone, take her to my place and let her warm my bed at night.”
Tang Xiaohu, the Palace Master’s son, barked orders from his palanquin, scanning the market for more targets. Then he spotted another young woman. Her skin was fair, her simple ponytail understated, but her every move radiated a grace no one else could match.
“Stop, stop!” Tang Xiaohu barked. The eight men halted, exchanging glances. They knew their master had taken the bait.
Tang Xiaohu quickly changed his command. “No, don’t stop here. Bring me to that girl in front.”
This was the first time he had ever seen such an otherworldly beauty. He swore to keep her in his harem. The men grunted in response and swiftly carried Tang Xiaohu toward Han Wu and Qin Shuang.
Han Wu frowned when he noticed someone blocking their way. Tang Xiaohu struggled to climb down from the palanquin, but his eyes never left Qin Shuang. “Beautiful lady, may I know your esteemed name?”
Qin Shuang bristled. She had been enjoying her shopping, but her good mood vanished the instant this fat bastard appeared. She turned to walk away, only to be blocked by his guards.
Tang Xiaohu chuckled and flaunted his status. “Wait, don’t leave just yet. Come chat with me at my place. I’m the only son of a Palace Master. You could say I’m far above the rest.”
The surrounding crowd watched silently, unwilling to interfere. Some even shook their heads in pity at the scene unfolding before them.
“Aiya, that young lady won’t escape Tiger Tang’s ruthless grasp.”
“How many has he taken this year? None of the girls captured by him ever had a good ending. I heard one of them couldn’t bear the trauma and drowned herself.”
“Who said the son of a dragon would be mighty? Our Palace Master is so well-respected, but his son is so...”
Qin Shuang caught their murmurs clearly and felt her disgust for Tang Xiaohu deepen. “Scram. Don’t block my way!”
“How dare you be so rude to our young master! Do you have a death wish?” one of the guards barked and stepped forward with a raised hand to slap her.
“Young lady, I advise you to listen, or I will stop playing nice.” Tang Xiaohu quickly stopped the guard to prevent him from harming her face. His eyes locked on her with growing excitement. He truly wanted to kidnap her right then and there.
Han Wu chuckled. “I’d love to see you try.”
Tang Xiaohu turned to him with a scowl. “Who the hell are you? And why are you butting in? Get lost while I’m still feeling generous.”
Han Wu stepped forward and positioned him between Tang Xiaohu and Qin Shuang so that he couldn’t touch her. “What if I don’t?”
Two guards stepped up, shouting, “You imbecile. We’ll take your life right now.”
They then used the Nine Martial Castes’ powers and summoned twenty Lancers behind them. The Lancers thrust their lances at Han Wu, showing no regard for his life.
Unfortunately for them, they had chosen the wrong target.