Although Bai Shi could feel Alexander's gratitude, he had to admit that being hugged by a Warrior Jar was not a pleasant experience.
Bai Shi gently patted Alexander's body.
"It's alright. I wouldn't want to see a warrior's journey end for such a reason either."
"Alright, now that you've more or less repaired your body, you should get some proper rest."
"Once you've fully healed and recovered the remains of those powerful warriors, I'm sure your strength will reach a new level."
"I look forward to the day you reach your peak."
Alexander released his embrace.
"Yes. Then please, bear witness to the growth of me, 'Iron Fist' Alexander."
"One day, I will grow into a hero in my own right!"
"At that time, I will be the first Warrior Jar to become a hero, wahaha!"Alexander laughed heartily. This had always been his dream.
If Alexander could truly achieve it, he would surely be the jar to shatter the people of the Lands Between's impression of Warrior Jars.
He would let the world know that Warrior Jars could become true warriors, true heroes.
Bai Shi looked at the cheerful pot warrior and smiled from the bottom of his heart.
"Yes, I will definitely witness the day you become a hero."
"I wish you success."
---
Alexander had to go to the Wailing Dunes to continue collecting contents, so he took his leave first.
Bai Shi did not leave immediately but stayed behind in Hilbert's laboratory.
He had some things he wanted to try regarding the future treatment of the Scarlet Rot.
"Hilbert, I recently acquired a new power."
"I think it might have a special effect on the Scarlet Rot, but I haven't tried it yet."
"How would one test the effect of a power on the Scarlet Rot?"
Hearing that it might have a special effect on the Scarlet Rot, Hilbert's curiosity was piqued.
What kind of power could it be to have such an effect on Scarlet Rot?
"Hmm, testing that is simple."
Hilbert took out a special container holding a sample of Scarlet Rot used for experimenting with various medicines.
"Alright, let's try it out."
Bai Shi summoned the Flames of the Sun, and the scorching temperature instantly distorted the space around them.
He directed the Flames of the Sun toward the Scarlet Rot, and in an instant, the rot, along with its container, was burned to nothing.
Hilbert thought for a moment.
"Without a doubt, this is a considerably powerful flame..."
"But I can't see the effect."
"I'm not so sure if it has any special effect on Scarlet Rot."
"Fire can inhibit rot, you know that."
"I feel like the flame was just too strong just now. I couldn't observe any special effect."
Bai Shi nodded in agreement. That was true.
That first test revealed nothing; it had annihilated the Scarlet Rot in an instant.
Ordinary Scarlet Rot was relatively easy to manage; it could be burned away with fire.
His highly aggressive Flames of the Sun were too powerful for the Scarlet Rot, rendering the test meaningless.
So, Bai Shi had Hilbert retrieve another sample of Scarlet Rot.
This time, Bai Shi did not use the Flames of the Sun. Instead, he released a warm sunlight onto the glob of Scarlet Rot.
Soon, the glob of Scarlet Rot began to squirm, then it started to grow, constantly spreading outwards.
Bai Shi was startled and wanted to stop what he was doing.
But on second thought, this little bit of Scarlet Rot posed no threat even if it grew.
Since he had now discovered that sunlight did indeed affect the Scarlet Rot, he might as well continue to shine the light on it and see what the final outcome would be.
As the glob of Scarlet Rot grew larger and larger, it eventually grew out of the container, becoming a blanket-like substance covering half of the tabletop.
Under the continuous sunlight, the color of the Scarlet Rot began to fade, and its structure started to change.
It transformed from a dark red to a pale red, and finally to a light pinkish-white.
Then, tender shoots actually began to sprout from within the patch of rot.
Soon, scores of slightly greenish shoots grew out from it, stretching upwards.
And what had initially looked like a patch of ferns and moss was now becoming fibrous, seemingly changing in the direction of a tree.
Seeing this manifestation of the Scarlet Rot, Hilbert was deeply shocked.
From what he had observed, the form of the Scarlet Rot had completely changed, and it was a massive change!
The Scarlet Rot's previous behavior was more akin to a highly aggressive fungus, but now it was gradually stabilizing and transforming into a plant.
However, the specifics would require further, more in-depth testing to determine its current state.
But it seemed that the Scarlet Rot here, after being bathed in sunlight, had lost its toxicity.
Bai Shi was also astonished.
He had originally thought that when the Scarlet Rot met sunlight, it would be sun-dried to death like mold, but instead, it had directly changed its mode of existence.
But on careful consideration, the Scarlet Rot was originally a law embodying both decay and abundance, in essence, a law of reincarnation.
From decay is born a unique abundance, much like the phenomenon of a whale fall giving life to a myriad of creatures.
Perhaps the Scarlet Rot itself was the means by which this law of reincarnation achieved 'abundance,' rather than the end goal.
The final form of the law of reincarnation was not necessarily Scarlet Rot.
The Scarlet Rot had the effect of forcing living beings to transform. Those that could not survive this culling would become nutrients to nurture the Scarlet Rot, further promoting 'abundance'.
Looked at this way, not only did the Scarlet Rot affect other creatures, but the Scarlet Rot itself would also change due to environmental influences.
Perhaps the sunlight made it feel that it had already achieved 'abundance,' which is why the change occurred.
However, this condition was really quite demanding.
The tiny bit of Scarlet Rot in the container had to grow to cover half the tabletop to satisfy the condition of 'abundance.' It was no wonder the Scarlet Rot in Caelid was expanding without restraint.
Currently, Bai Shi had only seen sunlight as something that could change it.
But that was enough. This power was in his hands.
When Bai Shi used Fengling Yueying to purify Caelid, the region would truly become a land of singing birds and fragrant flowers.
However, all of this was predicated on one thing:
'This sun-bathed Scarlet Rot has indeed become harmless.'
Bai Shi looked at Hilbert and said:
"I'll have to trouble you to study these samples carefully."
"If we can confirm that the Scarlet Rot in this state has lost its aggression and toxicity, then I will handle its treatment in the future."
"Also, don't stop the research on the neutralizing incense and other methods."
Hilbert nodded gravely.
The form of the Scarlet Rot had undergone a drastic change.
This matter was of great importance and must be handled with care.
If it could be reliably managed, it would undoubtedly be a major breakthrough.
---
A knock sounded on the laboratory door.
Bai Shi went to open it. Outside was the Crucible Knight from Redmane Castle.
Upon seeing Bai Shi, the Crucible Knight bowed respectfully and said:
"Lord Bai Shi, Castellan Jerren and the challenger have arrived at the arena."
Bai Shi nodded.
"Then take me there."
The Crucible Knight spread his wings, took Bai Shi's hand, and flew into the sky.
As he was seared by the lingering embers on Bai Shi's body, the Crucible Knight was somewhat surprised.
Because that flame also contained the power of life, much like their crucible power.
However, it was still not quite the same.
...
The Crucible Knight had come, of course, because of 'the Old Man's challenge to Jerren.
Bai Shi had specifically asked the Crucible Knight beforehand to notify him when the fight was about to begin.
Bai Shi had been waiting for this battle since the festival ended.
After some thought, Bai Shi had decided to wait until the two of them finished fighting, and then deal with 'the Old Man'.
Bai Shi would not interfere in their duel; victory or defeat would depend on their own skills.
However, after the fight was over, Bai Shi was going to get involved.
If Jerren was victorious, then he wouldn't need to act.
But on the contrary, if Jerren was defeated in the battle, Bai Shi would not let 'the Old Man' leave.
He would personally step in and finish 'the Old Man'.
Bai Shi could not stand by and watch someone from the Mohgwyn Dynasty act so arrogantly in the Lands Between, especially not 'the Old Man'.
'The Old Man' was Mohg's right-hand man. If he had the chance, he had to eliminate him in advance.
Towards enemies, one must be as cruel and merciless as the harshest winter.
Soon, under the Crucible Knight's guidance, Bai Shi arrived at the dueling ground.
The two had once again chosen the Wailing Dunes.
It was still night, and the figures on the dunes were blurry until one drew near.
Bai Shi and the Crucible Knight stood on a distant dune, observing from afar.
Jerren, shouldering his flaming greatsword, faced 'the Old Man'.
"You're quite impatient, aren't you?"
"The feast just ended not long ago, and you've already sought me out."
'The Old Man' bowed deeply to Jerren.
"My apologies, but I have no interest in things like feasts."
"The only things I am obsessed with are battle and slaughter."
"The time spent at the feast already made me rather impatient..."
Jerren nodded.
"For a fellow like you, a feast is probably of no interest indeed."
"Am I supposed to thank you for waiting until now, then?"
'The Old Man' straightened up and laughed.
"Hehe, such things matter not."
"Let the slaughter begin..."
With that, he drew his beloved blade from his waist—Rivers of Blood.
Seeing his opponent's eagerness, Jerren also ignited the greatsword on his shoulder with roaring flames.
Jerren charged swiftly towards 'the Old Man'.
'The Old Man' stood his ground, gripping his katana's hilt with both hands, his aura steadily building.
A baleful killing intent surged from his body as he began to command the spirits within Rivers of Blood.
Behind him, a four-armed Asura forged of killing intent materialized from illusion to reality.
This strongest move of 'the Old Man's required time to charge, so against Jerren, he only had this chance before the engagement to use it.
Jerren was still some distance away, but 'the Old Man's move was nearly fully charged. Just as 'the Old Man' took aim at Jerren, about to unleash the strike, he saw Jerren pull a crossbow from behind his back with his left hand.
The crossbow fired several bolts in quick succession, aiming for 'the Old Man's face and body.
The flaming bolts ignited as they were fired from the hand crossbow, illuminating Jerren's iron mask.
'The Old Man' felt a strange hint of mockery in that mask.
The flaming bolts struck 'the Old Man's body one after another. Although their power was mostly negated by his armor and baleful aura, they inevitably affected his technique.
Moreover, 'the Old Man's technique was driven by momentum.
That is to say, he had to follow through with the slash, or it would affect the rest of the fight.
The greatsword swung down, but Jerren deftly dodged it.
Jerren dropped the now-empty crossbow, grasped his flaming greatsword with both hands, and ran to thrust it at 'the Old Man'.
'The Old Man' drew his wakizashi from his side, then stepped onto the blade of Jerren's thrusting sword.
Flames burned under his feet, but 'the Old Man' paid them no mind, pressing forward along the length of the blade.
The wakizashi and Rivers of Blood swung at Jerren in sequence.
Jerren was caught off guard by this unique technique from the Land of Reeds, losing his initial advantage.
Seeing the blades coming at him, Jerren roared, and a violent burst of fire erupted from his body.
The shockwave pushed 'the Old Man' back, giving Jerren a chance to counterattack.
Jerren put his strength into his arms, swinging the blade upwards from below towards 'the Old Man'.
'The Old Man' had judged the distance perfectly, so only the corner of his clothing was scorched by the flames.
But Jerren followed up by swinging a fan-shaped Lion's Fire, which hit 'the Old Man' head-on.
The white hair on 'the Old Man's mask was singed, but he pressed forward instead.
The wakizashi and Rivers of Blood swung repeatedly, clashing against the flaming greatsword.
Jerren continuously blocked with his greatsword, finally waiting for an opening in 'the Old Man's sword dance.
Jerren thrust his body forward, overpowering 'the Old Man,' then immediately lowered his stance and stepped forward, thrusting the greatsword upwards from a low angle.
Giant-Hunt!
The greatsword, wreathed in roaring flames, struck 'the Old Man's chestplate, sending him flying into the air.
'The Old Man' rolled a few times after landing before getting back on his feet.
As soon as he looked up, another Lion's Claw came cleaving towards him.
Forced to act, 'the Old Man' dove towards the sand to one side, only to be hit by the Glintblade Phalanx Jerren cast while he was rolling.
'The Old Man' created distance, panting as he stood up again.
In a battle of masters, the slightest mistake could lead to a massive disadvantage.
Jerren's combo just now nearly killed 'the Old Man' on the spot. If not for the cursed blood he had been granted previously, he probably wouldn't have the strength to fight anymore.
'The Old Man' felt the hole in his chest that Jerren had pierced through and couldn't help but marvel at Jerren's diverse moveset.
Swordsmanship, weapon arts, fire, magic—they were coordinated exceptionally well...
But, all he needed was his blade and his self.
Everything else was merely an impure, external thing.
'The Old Man's body began to burn with cursed blood, and Rivers of Blood was covered in Bloodflame.
'The Old Man' had once challenged Mohg and had let him personally experience his blade and madness.
As a result, he earned Mohg's admiration and embarked on the true path of the Asura.
"It seems I did not choose the wrong opponent this time..."
"You are indeed strong. I am very pleased."
"Since you are an opponent worthy of being slain, then I shall slay you in earnest."
Jerren looked at the unsettling figure before him, his brow furrowing beneath his mask.
The Giant-Hunt had already pierced his chest, and the Glintblade Phalanx had not missed; it had definitely hit.
Why could that fellow stand up as if nothing had happened... and even seem to have gotten stronger?
Before Jerren could figure it out, 'the Old Man' was already rushing over at a speed far greater than before.
Jerren had just blocked the wakizashi's attack when Rivers of Blood, dripping with cursed blood, came at him again.
He barely managed to shift his sword to block Rivers of Blood, but the Bloodflame on the blade splattered onto him.
'The Old Man's Bloodflame was not as intense as Mohg's and couldn't burn a person to ashes in seconds, but it was not to be underestimated.
As the Bloodflame burned him, Jerren let out a roar of pain.
But 'the Old Man's assault continued.
It was still the same dual-wielding, the same style, but the enhanced physical prowess and the Bloodflame were beginning to make it difficult for Jerren to parry.
Jerren quickly realized he couldn't continue like this, so he switched from defense to offense, swinging his greatsword.
At the cost of having his chest plate split open, Jerren created a small amount of distance.
As his palm slapped his chest, the incantation 'Flame's Protection' was cast by Jerren.
Another kind of fire began to burn within him, immediately suppressing the spreading Bloodflame.
'The Old Man' sheathed his wakizashi and frantically swung Rivers of Blood, unleashing the weapon art known as Corpse Piler.
Several blades of cursed blood flew towards Jerren, forcing him to dodge pathetically.
But though it was pathetic, Jerren discovered that he was not without a chance of victory.
His opponent seemed to be gradually losing his mind after entering that strange state.
Although his fighting skill had not diminished, his decision-making was becoming less precise.
Jerren clashed with 'the Old Man' again, observing his every move and confirming that his judgment was not wrong.
Soon, Jerren deliberately exposed an opening, luring 'the Old Man' in.
'The Old Man' indeed fell for it. Seeing Jerren's opening, he immediately raised Rivers of Blood, intending to cut him in two.
But Jerren produced his staff again and charged into 'the Old Man's embrace.
The Carian Slicer, like a dagger, instantly swept back and forth inside 'the Old Man's body, severely damaging his organs.
Realizing he had been tricked, 'the Old Man' ignored Jerren's attack and continued to bring down the Rivers of Blood in his hands.
The armor on Jerren's back was like paper before the sharp blade and was instantly torn apart.
A horrific wound was carved into his back, and he was just moments from collapsing.
Jerren spat out a mouthful of blood under his mask.
His opponent's physique was superior to his after being enhanced, and his skill was impeccable. Trading wounds like this was indeed a bit of a stretch.
However, that last exchange had successfully grievously wounded 'the Old Man', forcing him to exit that state.
Now, victory and defeat would be decided in the next move.
The two stood facing each other, each able to feel the soaring fighting spirit of the other.
'The Old Man' stood sideways, took a large step forward with his right foot, its tip pointing at Jerren. He held Rivers of Blood horizontally above his head, the blade facing the sky.
But his left hand was not on the hilt with his right; instead, he gripped the blade with the knuckles of two fingers, steadying it.
Then, 'the Old Man' became as if dead, not moving a muscle, his aura completely solidifying.
Seeing this unprecedented technique, Jerren's heart grew vigilant.
But it had come to this; he could not retreat.
In a battle to the death, one could only stake all one's courage.
Jerren took a deep breath and charged towards 'the Old Man'.
His flaming greatsword had a reach advantage in a thrust compared to his opponent's katana. As long as he judged the distance correctly...
Jerren's flaming greatsword thrust towards 'the Old Man'.
However, with a flash of blood-red light, 'the Old Man's Rivers of Blood had already swung down. The tip of the blade sliced down from Jerren's shoulder, instantly gutting him, before the blade sank deep into the dune.
Jerren looked in disbelief at the katana in 'the Old Man's hand.
'Why... did the attack range suddenly get longer?'
'The force and speed too...'
'Could it be that gripping the blade with his left hand was also for speed...'
In the last moment before losing consciousness, Jerren saw 'the Old Man's right hand holding the sword.
His hand, which had been gripping tightly below the tsuba, now held only the very end of the hilt with two fingers.
'It's the length of the hilt...'
Jerren collapsed, and the flaming greatsword that had pierced 'the Old Man' fell with him.
'The Old Man' swayed, also finding it difficult to stand.
However, he still had the strength to cut off Jerren's head.
'The Old Man' raised Rivers of Blood.
But the next second, as if sensing something, 'the Old Man's body instantly dissolved into cursed blood and vanished from the spot.
---
'The Old Man's figure reappeared in a corner of the Wailing Dunes.
Feeling the severe injuries on his body, 'the Old Man' laughed heartily.
"This trip was well worth it."
"Indeed, only by fighting an opponent of similar strength can one experience the thrill between life and death."
Against weak opponents, 'the Old Man' had no desire to kill at all.
So he would seek out powerful opponents and fight them to the death.
'The Old Man' had always won, and this time was no exception.
It was a pity that such opponents were becoming harder and harder to find...
Just as he was thinking, a sense of crisis suddenly overwhelmed him.
The next second, a blinding spear descended from the sky, piercing through 'the Old Man'.
"Aargh!"
The scorching flame spear burned him, but it wasn't over yet.
The spear continued to expand, and a sphere of destructive light swallowed 'the Old Man' and his screams.
The terrifyingly high temperature vaporized everything, and even cursed blood could not save him.
Watching the miniature sun rise over the Wailing Dunes, Bai Shi nodded.
The power was quite impressive.
Bai Shi walked to where 'the Old Man' had been. Now, only a 'shadow' remained.
This was 'the Old Man', or rather, this was what was once 'the Old Man'.
Bai Shi carefully inspected the area, confirming that 'the Old Man' had been erased from the world.
It was just a pity about Rivers of Blood, of which only a little melted slag remained.
Bai Shi used to be quite fond of that weapon.
But if it was gone, it was gone. It had Mohg's mark on it anyway, who knew when he might track him down with it.
Besides, he had too many weapons to use them all.
Just now, he had given Jerren four or five Flasks of Crimson Tears and cast a layer of Sunlight's Cure on him, which was just enough to save his life.
Only after that did he chase after 'the Old Man'.
He had to admit, the battle between 'the Old Man' and Jerren was truly spectacular.
Mainly because their strength was evenly matched, so both sides fought with all they had.
It was a pity that Jerren's level was just a tiny bit lower.
Speaking of which...
Bai Shi thought back to 'the Old Man's final move, and a flicker of interest sparked within him.
That explosive technique was quite unique.