Under such discussions, the three clan heads in the rock building stood up, staring down at the thousands of Gu Masters.
Gu Yue clan head was in the center, Bai clan head and Xiong clan head at his left and right respectively.
The alliance slope gradually quietened down.
Gu Yue Bo held the railings, sweeping a glance at the crowd, before saying, "The three-clan-alliance will pull together in times of trouble. For the Gu battle tournament, in the spirit of competition, competitors shall stop before fatality occurs. Start."
The alliance slope was steeped in silence.
All eyes glanced around, watching and waiting.
Traditionally, every three-clan alliance would host a Gu battle tournament—not only to showcase each clan's strength but also to encourage dialogue and momentarily ease hostilities, creating the conditions for cooperation.
But who would make the first move?
To be the first to step forward and then lose would bring disgrace, not just to oneself but also to the clan elders seated in the stone pavilion above.
Last time, it had been Bai Ning Bing who led the charge. But this time… hesitation filled the ranks.
Then, from the Xiong clan's side, a group of Gu Masters rose. It was none other than Xiong Li's team. The sight immediately drew the attention of many.
With firm steps, the five-man group passed through the Gu Yue section and made their way toward the Bai clan's camp, standing tall before the assembled crowd.
"It's Xiong Li."
"Qing Mao Mountain's strongest man?"
"That's right. It seems that not too long ago, the Gu Yue clan's Chi Shan lost to him in public. His title is unmovable, not even Bai Ning Bing can take it away."
"Damn it, the Gu Yue clan isn't going over, are they trying to bully our Bai clan?"
At the Bai clan territory, there was a mild disturbance. Many people knew Xiong Li's strength, and felt a sense of pressure.
But Xiong Li looked around, and did not move from his spot; instead, Xiong Jiang who was beside him stood out.
Xiong Jiang had a thin body, and at the Xiong clan's area with lots of burly men, he was very striking.
He took a few steps forward, facing the Bai clan's Gu Masters, cupping his fist, "Xiong clan Xiong Jiang, challenges brother Bai Bing Yi."
As soon as he spoke, surprised murmurs rose from beneath the stone structure.
Bai Bing Yi held a status comparable to Chi Shan, Xiong Li, and others. Among the younger generation of Gu Masters in the Bai clan, only Bai Ning Bing surpassed him. For Xiong Jiang to challenge him meant he was clearly aiming to defeat a stronger opponent.
But was he truly capable?
Bai Bing Yi stood with a dark expression. His frame was slight, and his complexion pale—he resembled someone who had just recovered from a grave illness, exuding an air of frailty and delicacy.
Yet, no one dared to take him lightly.
"You, Xiong Jiang dare to challenge me, you have some courage. How do you want to compete? Say it, I'll accept it," He said to Xiong Jiang.
Xiong Jiang laughed darkly, "I specialize in defense, and you specialize in attack. How about this, I defend and you attack. I'll give you three attacking opportunities, and we'll compare the results.
This was not a life and death match, it was only sparring.
But Xiong Jiang had such confidence, he was obviously prepared, and this caused many people to mutter among themselves.
Bai Bing Yi raised his brows, "Xiong Jiang, no matter what Gu worm, you are still a Rank two Gu Master, your cultivation is like that. Do you really think you can block my Water Drill Gu? If I injure you, don't complain."
Xiong Jiang snickered, "We wouldn't know unless we try right? Come."
As he spoke, he activated the Gu within his body.
His skin shifted color, drying and turning green, resembling a lifeless piece of wood.
Simultaneously, his teeth grew longer and sharper, with four prominent fangs protruding past his lips.
Even his irises turned a vivid green.
This was the Rank Two Gu known as the Roaming Zombie Gu. When activated, it transformed the user into a zombie.
Zombies, compared to the living, had tougher bodies that could endure strikes more effectively and recover from injuries more quickly. However, they were vulnerable to fire, lightning, and light, despite possessing strong resistance to water, wind, and poison. Additionally, zombies were weaker under sunlight, performing better in the darkness of night. As such, their strength fluctuated depending on the time of day.
"Even so, I am not afraid," Bai Bing Yi laughed coldly, raising his right arm.
With everyone watching closely, he brought his five fingers together and clenched them into a fist.
At first, a droplet of water appeared on his fingertips.
In the blink of an eye, it expanded into a rapidly flowing stream, spiraling around his hand from his fingers to his palm. Within the span of two breaths, Bai Bing Yi's fist was enveloped by a spinning, light-blue spiral of water. It rotated continuously like a drill.
This was the Rank Two Water Drill Gu. Capable of piercing through rock and metal, it possessed immense offensive power. Very few Gu worms could withstand its force.
"Receive my blow," Bai Bing Yi coughed, throwing out his fist.
Xiong Jiang raised both arms, forming a shield with them.
The water drill struck his arms, sending water spraying in all directions.
For a few moments, the two forces clashed evenly.
Then, the drill's spinning suddenly intensified, and Xiong Jiang was knocked back five or six steps.
He landed on the ground but quickly flipped his body and got back on his feet.
His arms had been severely damaged by the impact, with torn muscles revealing pale bone underneath.
Many of the Bai clan's Gu Masters erupted in cheers at the sight, though a few showed concern and frowned.
"Hehehe..." Xiong Jiang chuckled slyly, unfazed by his injuries.
As a zombie, he felt no pain—his nerves were completely dulled.
Bai Bing Yi remained standing where he was, but then his pale expression changed.
Suddenly, he coughed up a mouthful of blood.
The cheering among the Bai clan's Gu Masters abruptly stopped.
"What happened?!" someone exclaimed.
"It's the Shadow Bond Gu!" Bai Bing Yi stared deeply at the ground, where Xiong Jiang's shadow was distorted at a creepy angle, pasted on top of the snow. It connected both Xiong Jiang and Bai Bing Yi together.
"It seems I win, brother Bai. With this Shadow Bond Gu, no matter how much injury I suffer, you will take 10% of it. I specialize in defense, but you are a pure attacker, and you have poor health, so even 10% of the damage is deadly to you," Xiong Jiang said plainly.
Bai Bing Yi wiped the blood traces off his lips, staring deeply at Xiong Jiang for a while before saying, "Good. Very good. You planned well with such great tactics. I lost."
He admitted defeat on the spot.
"Too unscrupulous."
"Absolutely cunning and shameless!"
"To think he had a Shadow Bond Gu, senior Bai Bing Yi was completely outplayed."
Bai clan's Gu Masters exploded into a series of discussions.
Xiong Jiang cupped his fist, "I'm flattered. If we really fought, the final winner would still be brother Bai. The Shadow Bond Gu's range is limited, it can only bully close-ranged Gu Masters, I hope brother Bai can take good care of me in this upcoming wolf tide!"
"Of course." Bai Bing Yi's expression softened a little, and nodded.
The Bai clan's Gu Masters gradually fell silent as well.
On top of the stone structure, the senior members of the three clans who had been watching quietly nodded in approval.
The Gu battle was meant to be a friendly match, not a brutal fight.
By revealing his trump card, Xiong Jiang had helped foster mutual trust and understanding.
Both his and Bai Bing Yi's conduct throughout the duel reflected well on them.
Though they might not openly admit it, many of the Bai clan's Gu Masters developed a sense of respect for Xiong Jiang.
After all, the strong were respected.
"Xiong Li's group had a good start," Gu Yue Bo lightly praised.
"Hehehe." Xiong clan head beside him laughed lightly, Xiong Jiang had given him face.
Bai clan head at the other end had a tough expression.
But Xiong Li's group did not quit while they were ahead, the five left the Bai clan's area, and came to the Gu Yue clan.
"After challenging the Bai clan, they are challenging the Gu Yue clan now?"
"Oh no, Xiong Li himself is stepping up now!"
Gu Yue clansmen were slightly nervous, many of their gazes were gathered on Chi Shan, Mo Yan and Qing Shu.
But who knew Xiong Li shouted loudly, "Who is Fang Yuan, please stand up. I heard you could chase away the River Swallowing Toad alone, why don't we have a contest of strength!"
Instantly, the crowd exploded.
Xiong Li stood up, yet he did not challenge Qing Shu, Chi Shan or Mo Yan, but instead pointed out a newbie junior.
"Fang Yuan, who is Fang Yuan?" Some of the other village's Gu Masters had never heard this name before.
"Chasing away the River Swallowing Toad alone, oh my god, that's a Rank five Gu, is he so absurd?" Some shot glances of shock and curiosity.
Gu Yue clan's Gu Masters took the initiative and opened up a path, and Fang Yuan who was among them was exposed.
Without anything hindering their vision, Xiong Li and Fang Yuan stared at each other.
Xiong Li's lips curled to an angle, saying with a very manly elegance, "I hope Fang Yuan would generously teach me."
"This Fang Yuan, who in the world is he, he doesn't have three heads or six limbs anyway."
"Chasing away the River Swallowing Toad is also by coincidence and luck, it is nothing hard.
Heh, being targeted by this muscled man Xiong Li, he is in big trouble now."
"Fang Yuan, you can't avoid it anymore. Sigh, in that case, just hope for the best and go ahead and battle!" Chi Shan sighed in his heart.
"Oh, is that so…" Fang Yuan shrugged with a plain expression, "Then I admit defeat."
The moment he said so, the crowd all went dumbfounded.