One-Eyed Monster

Igor clenched his fists in passionate fervor, feeling as if he were in the era of Kayne’s third-generation king’s steadfast defense.

He felt as if he were a great Fighter at that moment, wholeheartedly defending his homeland. He watched Mantai’s army retreating steadily, emitting furious roars in hysteria. He was excited, fanatical, feeling like he could possess everything.

”Defend the entire homeland!” Igor couldn’t help but roar, genuinely immersing himself in the story and passionately cheering as if he were on the battlefield.

His loud roar woke Kadi, who had been dozing off next to him. Kadi shot to his feet, glancing around. ”What is it? What is it? Is someone invading?”

The Great Mentor gave a sheepish look at the scene. He didn’t know what to say; he had never expected Igor to be so passionate about the story.

He thought Igor was just too excited. Though these stories were thrilling and could fill one with fervor, they shouldn’t be enough for people to forget their present situation.

Master Guzan knew that the mountain was being invaded by outsiders, but their objective was unclear. He didn’t even know what objective the Alchemy Workshop had at the moment, or whether they were also coveting the sealed scrolls of this mountain.

Until he had seen Kuyi Tulan, Guzan couldn’t be sure that the Alchemy Workshop wasn’t here for the scrolls this time. After all, he had been away from the Alchemy Workshop for a long time and had long since lost control and understanding of it. He couldn’t determine if the Alchemy Workshop was still on the right track, nor could he confirm whether Kuyi Tulan was still misguided...

Anyway, through the World Setting Technique and the news from Xiso and Kevin, the Great Mentor was aware that several groups of people had come to the mountain, and things were getting busier.

Just as Kadi was on high alert and looking around, a figure suddenly rushed into the Stone House. This person had horns on his head and a sparse, goat-like beard on his chin.

”Kevin, what are you doing here?” Kadi recognized the newcomer at a glance.

It was indeed Kevin. At this moment, he looked solemn, as if something significant had happened outside.

”Master!” Kevin was a bit anxious. ”Quickly leave! Our position has been exposed; it’s not safe.”

”What has happened, Kevin?” Grand Master Guzan still appeared calm. He was not in a hurry; like Kadi and Igor, he too wanted to know what was happening outside. He had initially thought Kevin was attracted by Igor’s rash shout, but now he realized Kevin’s expression was tinged with a bit of anger. From the anger in Kevin’s expression, the Great Mentor sensed that something was amiss; something major must have happened outside.

Indeed, the Great Mentor’s conjecture was soon confirmed. He had barely finished speaking when another figure rushed in hurriedly.

The owner of this figure had a mottled and pale face; his facial skin looked like it was about to dry up and fall off.

This person was Xiso, the brains among the Mountain Monsters of Guru Mountain.

In this brief instant, the Great Mentor’s personal guard, Kevin, and the monster brainiac, Xiso, both entered the Stone House. It went without saying that whatever was happening outside was quickly getting out of hand!

”Is it the Alchemy Workshop?” The Great Mentor, too, grasped the gravity of the situation. He realized that asking more questions about what happened now would be of no avail—the enemy had reached their doorsteps. All they could do now was to keep their calm, analyze the situation, and formulate a contingency plan.

”No, Master. The enemy is unknown. Their target doesn’t seem to be us; they seem to have other intentions.” Xiso knew slightly more than Kevin, so his answer was more intriguing.

”If it’s not the Alchemy Workshop, then it must be those guys from two years ago, aiming for this scroll.” Master Guzan narrowed his eyes, recalling that invasion from two years ago.

That invasion was quickly contained. Although the opponents were aggressive, they failed to understand the World Setting Technique. Dastan and Kuren tricked those guys around Dawn Peak, swiftly defeating them and forcing them down the mountain. At that time, Guzan had anticipated that those guys would certainly make a comeback, but he hadn’t expected them to return so soon—after only two years—and with such aggressiveness.

”What about Joseph and the others?” Master Guzan continued to ask.

”They are still stuck in a bitter struggle,” Xiso replied.

”The problem isn’t just that. Grey Eagle Peak has been completely exposed, and the barrier of Ghost Wind Valley has completely disappeared. It seems tied to the total fall of Dawn Peak,” Kevin added anxiously, fearing that the Great Mentor was not aware of the seriousness of the situation.

”It seems the enemy came prepared.” Grand Master Guzan stood up. He had been sitting with Igor and the others on the ground for a long time, and it was about time for him to stretch his limbs.

”What’s going on?” Igor was utterly confused.

”Mentor, they are now...” Kevin hesitated. It was clear he wanted to ask if the two youths had become disciples of the Great Mentor during this time.

Guzan understood Kevin and answered directly, ”No, Igor does not wish to become an Alchemist, and the same goes for Kadi. However, strangely enough, I feel as though I’ve learned quite a few things.”

”What!” Kevin and Xiso both couldn’t believe it. In this world, there were people who would refuse an invitation from Grand Master Guzan, refuse to become the disciple of Grand Master Guzan! But the current situation didn’t afford them time for such sensitivities; Grey Eagle Peak was in grave danger. Once the peak lost its protection, Moonflow Stream would be completely exposed. At that point, the Great Mentor would be under threat—a sight no Mountain Monster wished to behold.

”Great Mentor, allow me to escort you to the safehouse. We’ll handle the situation outside, and you can focus on persuading the two boys,” Kevin said, reaching out his hand, wanting to assist Master Guzan.

”No need.” Guzan chuckled. ”The mountain needs me right now; it would be wrong of me to hide myself away.”

”Mentor, you can’t joke about this!” Xiso was also getting anxious. He would not allow the Great Mentor to sustain even the slightest injury. Xiso would agree to the Great Mentor meeting Kuyi Tulan, but not to him joining the battle. Grey Eagle Peak had four protectors, plus Kuren who had retreated from Dawn Peak. Even if their opponents were formidable, Xiso felt that five defenders should be enough to give them a hard time…

”What are you all talking about?” Dizzy with confusion, Igor could no longer bear the ache in his neck and finally asked.

”Heh heh heh, young friend Igor, it’s time for us to protect the heritage left to us by our predecessors,” Guzan said.

”Ah, is that so? In that case, I should make a good showing. Take me with you!”

”No, you and Kadi have more important things to do,” Master Guzan said gently.

”Mentor!” Kevin was already very anxious. He felt that he could not allow the Great Mentor to go on like this; he would tie the Great Mentor up and take him to the safehouse if he had to.

But the Great Mentor clearly saw his intentions. With a light tap of his finger, Kevin was barricaded by an invisible wall.

”Kevin, you are in charge of taking Igor and Kadi to that house. This mountain needs me, and likewise, all of you need me. Let’s not discuss this matter further.”

”Yes, sir!” The Great Mentor’s decision carried an undeniable authority, leaving Kevin and Xiso with no thought of resistance. Igor and Kadi even silently moved to Kevin’s side, as if obeying the Great Mentor’s arrangements.

In that brief instant, a loud BANG echoed from outside the Stone House, as if something had dropped from the sky.

Xiso quickly ran out, only to see a large pit had been smashed into the ground outside the house. Next to the pit lay two moaning figures.

”Joseph! Kuren!” Xiso cried out in disbelief.