Chapter 1026: Chapter 1026: Loose Cultivator Chapter 1026: Chapter 1026: Loose Cultivator The several overseas cultivators in dire straits actively sent out distress signals to Huang Xiaolong. Clumsily, they brandished their weapons, unleashing flashes of blade and sword light, while simultaneously throwing out various talismans.

Each of the diverse talismans transformed into different forms, some into azure fires, others into defensive shields, some into Wind Blades, and yet others into ice spikes…

Even so, all they did was slow down the pace at which the three sea snakes were about to devour them.

The scales of the sea snakes were as solid as fortified walls, impenetrable to attack; from the snakes’ mouths, bursts of demonic power shockwaves akin to bombs occasionally erupted.

“Are you kidding me? These three sea snakes haven’t even cultivated to the point where they can transform into a human shape, so why is their demonic power stronger than mine? This is infuriating,” Qingqing grumbled indignantly.

Indeed, the three sea snakes’ cultivation realms were inferior to Qingqing’s, yet their demonic power was even stronger.

“There’s nothing strange about it. The spiritual energy overseas is abundant, far surpassing the scare cultivation resources of the Central Continent. Different platforms yield different standards,” Huang Xiaolong analyzed simply.

“Oh come on… let’s not discuss these matters right now. Little Long, why don’t you make a move and rescue these people? They’re about to get bitten to death by the snakes!” Song Yuru became somewhat anxious.

Ying Aoshan spoke, “Little Long, will you save them?”

“Of course, I’ll save them. Do I seem like a person who does nothing when facing death?” Huang Xiaolong replied calmly. “Besides, as newcomers, we do need an experienced guide.”

“Then hurry up! They’re about to die!” Song Yuru urged anxiously.

“Big wife, what are you so anxious about?” Huang Xiaolong said with a slight smile, lifting his right hand.

Whish~~~~!

A streak of sword light flew out from his hand!

Huang Xiaolong had many flying swords obtained from killing and looting, and at this moment, he casually threw one out.

The sword howled mightily, shooting out like a meteor chasing the moon!

Thud! Thud! Thud!

Three sprays of blood shot into the sky; the heads of the three sea snakes had been simultaneously severed.

The massive and ferocious bodies of the snakes twitched a few times before collapsing to the ground, motionless.

“Er~~~”
The overseas cultivators were momentarily stunned before looking up in awe at Huang Xiaolong, who sat atop a crane in the sky.

Swoosh~~~!

The flying sword circled around and returned inside Huang Xiaolong’s body.

Following that, the five cranes descended onto the island.

Huang Xiaolong stood before the group of overseas cultivators, surveying them with interest.

There were six overseas cultivators in total, five males and one female, wearing robes made from special materials that emitted a unique plant fragrance. At first sight, they all appeared to be in their twenties, but upon scanning them with his divine sense, Huang Xiaolong found that these people were each at least a hundred years old.

Perhaps, such an age was nothing significant in the world of overseas cultivators.

Song Yuru, Ying Aoshan, and the three little demons looked on curiously at the six overseas cultivators.

“Thank you, senior!” The six overseas cultivators bowed deeply to Huang Xiaolong all at once.

That had really been a close shave; if it weren’t for Huang Xiaolong’s intervention, they would definitely have met a grisly death. What shocked them further was the extent of Huang Xiaolong’s strength, which was terrifying beyond belief!

One flying sword had beheaded three snakes effortlessly, with a grace that seemed untouched by worldly concern!

‘Could he be a late-stage Divine Skills expert? If not, at the very least, he must be at the mid-stage of Divine Skills! Amazing! Truly amazing!’ The overseas Loose Cultivators were thoroughly horrified.

At their level, they rarely came in contact with cultivators of Divine Skills, let alone those in the middle or late stages!

Moreover, Huang Xiaolong’s arrival atop a crane, exuding the manner of a master, led them to believe he was an ancient figure, with an actual age much older than he appeared.

However, the modern attire of Huang Xiaolong and his group did strike them as somewhat incongruent. Nevertheless, many overseas cultivators occasionally emulated the modern fashion styles of the Central Continent, so it was not something unacceptable.

“Senior?” Huang Xiaolong was taken aback.

“Yes, senior. Thank you for saving our lives,” the sole female cultivator said, her voice laced with nervousness and fear. “Senior, those three sea snakes were slain by you, please take them.”

These sea snake demons had been cultivating for hundreds of years, and their entire bodies were made of valuable material. Cultivators could use them for artifact refining, and their snake blood could be used to create talismans of decent quality.

This time, several overseas cultivators teamed up to hunt snakes, but unexpectedly, instead of the single sea snake demon they anticipated, three suddenly burst forth. This miscalculation plunged them into a dire situation and cost the lives of a few of their number.

Now, even though the snake demon had been slaughtered, they didn’t dare covet the carcass. After all, in the world of overseas cultivators, killing at the slightest disagreement was common, especially where interests were concerned–life was cheaper than paper!

Huang Xiaolong had saved them, yet they dared not do anything untoward. A single misstep could lead to obliteration of body and soul.

In the world of overseas cultivators, for the weak to associate with the strong was akin to keeping a tiger’s company.

“For me?” Huang Xiaolong was astonished.

“Yes, Senior. Although this sea snake demon’s carcass may not catch your esteemed eye, please still graciously accept it,” the six overseas cultivators implored anxiously.

Song Yuru, Ying Aoshan, and three little demons standing behind Huang Xiaolong almost laughed.

Was Huang Xiaolong really that terrifying? Why did these cultivators act like mice in the presence of a cat before Huang Xiaolong?

Naturally aware of the key issue, Huang Xiaolong glanced at the several corpses lying nearby, then shook his head. “Enough, no more words. I don’t want these snake carcasses. You’ve all made sacrifices–how could I have the heart to crush you further? Besides, such snake demons aren’t rare; I could hunt them anytime I wish.”

Hearing Huang Xiaolong speak so, the six overseas cultivators showed expressions of gratitude and surprise.

“Many thanks, Senior. You truly have a righteous and noble character,” one readily flattered Huang Xiaolong.

Immediately, the overseas cultivators took out some talismans and skillfully began to process the snake carcasses.

These talismans had storage capabilities, with space sealed within them. After chanting a spell, they could store the snake carcasses within that space. However, such talismans were single-use only. Once used, they were spent.

They also took out fire talismans to burn the bodies of their companions, collected the ashes, and stored them safely.

For the deaths of their companions, these overseas cultivators did not appear overly saddened–perhaps in their world, life and death were common occurrences.

Once the overseas cultivators had finished tending to their tasks, Huang Xiaolong asked, “Which sect do you belong to? It seems you’re somewhat ill-equipped; don’t you even have a single flying sword?”

“That’s…” Several overseas cultivators wore embarrassed expressions.

“Not hiding anything from Senior, we are all Loose Cultivators,” one cultivator replied with a troubled sigh, “without any backing.”

“Oh? Loose Cultivators?” Huang Xiaolong asked with enthusiasm. “What’s the story with Loose Cultivators? Tell me about it.”

“Ah?!”

The overseas cultivators were all dumbfounded!

You are so powerful, and yet you don’t even know these basic facts?

“Senior, you must be joking,” one cultivator stuttered awkwardly.

“Speak up. I just arrived from the Central Plains and am not familiar with the situation in the world of overseas cultivators. Go ahead, consider it a way to repay the life-saving debt,” Huang Xiaolong said with a light smile.

He didn’t mind sharing his origins with the overseas cultivators.

“What?!” The cultivators were severely shaken upon hearing this!

When did people from the Central Plains become so powerful?

Wasn’t it said that the spells in the Central Plains were in decline, the Spiritual Energy had dried up, and no strong cultivators were emerging anymore?

Could it be a mistake?

“This… this… Senior truly has exceptional talent. Even in the Central Plains, you were able to cultivate to such an extraordinary level; it’s downright admirable,” a cultivator exclaimed. “Senior, in the world of overseas cultivators, Loose Cultivators are the least secured, with the bleakest prospects and in the most danger. Our resources for cultivation are extremely scarce, and whenever we encounter Disciples of sects, at the slightest disagreement, they would oppress, rob, or even kill us Loose Cultivators. Because we lack a backing. We can’t compete with Disciples for resources and can only scavenge what they leave behind.”

As they spoke, the faces of the Loose Cultivators darkened with sorrow.

“How pitiful,” Song Yuru sighed. “Is this the so-called law of the jungle?”

“Although there are some Loose Cultivators who manage to cultivate to an impressive level and stand on equal footing with the experts from large sects, those are few and far between. Most Loose Cultivators either fall prey to the sect Disciples or perish in the process of seeking fortunes. Senior, generally, sect Disciples deem such snake demons beneath them. But for us Loose Cultivators, they represent a fortune.”

“I see,” Huang Xiaolong nodded. “No matter the world, having a powerful backer is indeed important.”

After a pause, Huang Xiaolong smiled, “What’s your plan now? Where are you headed?”

“Senior, we plan to go to a nearby marketplace to trade these snake carcasses for some Spirit Stones to continue our cultivation,” one Loose Cultivator respectfully informed him.

“Marketplace? It must be as lively as the village fairs back home! Great, that sounds fun! I’ll go with you!” Huang Xiaolong said excitedly.

…