Cultivation: From Poor Peasant to Celestial Lord

Chapter 101: Chapter 85: Burrow Rat General, Team Cooperation

The young man was bare-chested, revealing sturdy, rock-like muscles marred by several fresh, bloody scratches. He radiated the undisguised aura of one at the Third-Layer Perfection of Qi Cultivation, exuding an intense pressure that made him seem like a humanoid Fierce Beast.

”Lü Qing?”

Recognizing the newcomer, Wang Qingli visibly relaxed and raised an eyebrow. ”You’re leading the team? That makes things much easier.”

”Senior Brother Lü? The third-year powerhouse who’s a permanent fixture in the top ten?” Zhang Shan whispered in astonishment, his eyes filled with awe. The name was clearly legendary to him.

Lü Qing strode forward, each step seeming to make the ground tremble. His gaze swept over Wang Qingli’s team, and a flash of surprise crossed his eyes when he noticed the two new faces: Zhang Shan and Chu Bai.

”Well now, Qingli, two new faces on your team? They both look pretty solid.”

”I am Zhang Shan. A pleasure to meet you, Senior Brother Lü,” Zhang Shan said, quickly offering a respectful salute.

”Chu Bai, first year. Greetings, Senior Brother Lü,” Chu Bai said, cupping his fists in a gesture that was neither servile nor arrogant.

”Chu Bai?”

Lü Qing paused, then, as if in sudden realization, he broke into a hearty laugh. ”So you’re this year’s number one freshman! No wonder, no wonder. I’d heard this year’s class had an incredible newcomer, and seeing you today, you certainly have an impressive presence. And you look tough as nails!”

As he spoke, he reached out to clap Chu Bai on the shoulder, his fan-sized hand creating a gust of wind.

Chu Bai didn’t flinch, allowing the hand to land. His body remained perfectly still as he subtly used his Formless Cloud Hand to discharge the force.

”Not bad, kid! You’ve got some real substance!” A flash of admiration crossed Lü Qing’s eyes.

After the pleasantries, Lü Qing’s expression grew serious. He pointed toward a pitch-black, bottomless passage deeper inside the cavern.

”To be honest with you, I just sent some people to scout ahead. There’s a sizable rat’s nest down there, and there might even be a Rat General at the Middle Stage of Qi Cultivation in charge. There are too many of those beasts. With just my team, trying to take it on would be a stretch. We could easily get in over our heads.”

A Rat General at the Middle Stage of Qi Cultivation!

That meant it was a being at the Qi Cultivation Fourth Layer or higher, having already crossed the threshold out of the initial stages. Its power would be on a completely different level.

Everyone’s expression grew solemn.

”So, you’re proposing a collaboration?” Wang Qingli asked, getting straight to the point.

”That’s the idea.”

Lü Qing grinned, flashing a set of white teeth. ”Our two teams can join forces—a perfect offense-defense split. When it’s over, we can divide the spoils based on contribution, or just go fifty-fifty. What do you say?”

Wang Qingli didn’t agree immediately. Instead, she turned to her four teammates.

”You all heard Senior Brother Lü’s proposal.

A Rat General at the Middle Stage of Qi Cultivation is far stronger than any of the rat monsters we’ve faced before. The risk is immense. But on the other hand, a Demon Beast Nest of this caliber might contain not only a Demon Pill, but also associated Spiritual Materials, or even a Storage Bag left behind by someone before us.”

Her gaze was cool, but her tone was democratic. ”Are we doing this or are we pulling out? Let’s hear what everyone thinks.”

”We’re in! Of course we’re in!”

Zhang Shan was the first to speak up, his eyes shining with excitement. ”With Senior Brother Lü and Senior Sister Wang at the front, what is there to fear? If I can get a share of the loot from a Rat General, my cultivation resources for the next while will be all set!”

Zhao Gang licked his lips, twirling the Flying Saber in his hand. ”Fortune favors the bold. We’re already here. If word got out that we ran away from a rat we hadn’t even seen, how could I ever show my face again?”

Although Lin Xiaoyun was nervous, she gave a timid nod after seeing the two main combatants declare their intentions. ”I have no objections. I’ll keep an eye on everyone’s health, anyway.”

Finally, all eyes turned to Chu Bai.

Chu Bai smiled, his gaze sweeping over the deep, dark passage. ”Since my senior brothers and sisters are all for it, this junior brother will naturally join you. Besides... I’m quite curious to see just how strong a Demon Beast at the Middle Stage of Qi Cultivation truly is.”

Seeing the unanimous agreement, Wang Qingli turned back and nodded at Lü Qing.

”We’re in. Since we’re cooperating, let’s follow the standard procedure: a fifty-fifty split on spoils. If any special items drop, we distribute them by need, with the recipient compensating the others for the difference in value.”

”Excellent!”

Lü Qing slapped his thigh, battle lust flaring in his eyes. ”Alright, let’s get ready. In half a quarter-hour, we’re tearing this rat’s nest apart!”