ALL NOVEL Chapter 533: Identity Theft
[Sure, bring me to the scariest Gu there is in this sect. I'll show you how one deals with Gus!]
"What?! Are you sure?!"
[Yes.]
I clearly have no idea what I am saying or doing, to be honest. But I gotta admit it felt nice to say that. The guy seems unsure and is shivering just thinking about it.
"A-alright, I will."
Thus continues my visit around the Gu sect. This time around, I have a guide. Weirdly enough, people are staring even more now than before. Ah, I'm guessing this guy is the loner kind.
It makes sense when he's afraid of Gus and literally everyone here is a Gu Trainer. Seriously, why is he still here in the first place?
[Where are we even going anyway?]
"The Gu ancestors."
[That almost sounds like we are going to visit some really old and venerable Gus.]
"That's what it is."
[Oh? Wow, that's cool. Oaky, what are they like?]
"Deadly, scary, Gu-like, nightmarish—"
[I meant more like personality-wise.]
"That, I wouldn't know. I've never tried to go inside."
[Guess we'll just ask them then.]
He gives me a peculiar glance, not sure what that is about. Before long, we reach a hole in the ground. It's quite big and it seems to be protected by some kind of glowing barrier. It seems to be the entrance to an underground cavern.
[What is this?]
"This is a land of trial. Anyone can enter and try to get the approval of the Gu ancestors. So far no one has succeeded."
[Wow. What about the barrier?]
"It keeps them inside. Well, I've heard that the Gu ancestors are powerful enough to escape should they desire, but they are bound to this land thanks to an old pact."
[Oh? That sounds awfully serious. So, what do they do?]
"Nothing. They are the last line of defense of the sect. I was expecting this, but it seems we have done the trip for nothing."
[What do you mean?]
"Well, I have heard some say that sometimes a Gu ancestor will hover around the entrance to try and bait someone to enter. Now, it seems you won't see them."
[Are these Gus all about poison like the rest or do they have special abilities?]
"Gus are only ever about poison…"
I know a few masters that would beg to differ, but they are from my old memories. These are too vague for me to start arguing.
[Alright, let's go.]
I simply jump down the whole.
"Y-you! Are you crazy?!"
[No, why?]
"Hurry and come up! You'll die inside for sure! This isn't a place for anyone to be!"
[What are you talking about? Alright, time to go.]
I start whistling as I begin walking. It's kinda well made, to be honest. After the jump there is a soft-landing spot, then it turns into a tunnel that leads downward.
At first, I'm expecting this to be completely dark, but somehow there is a bit of light. It seems to come from glowing lichen in the rock crevices.
This is cool but strange. I thought all Gus disliked light. Then again this one is more of a soft afterglow than a real light.
That's when I hear a THUD. Turning around, he is there. Ordinary-looking, shivering all over, his face is livid, he has trouble walking, but he is there. A man that has a Gu phobia just jumped in here? How?!
[You followed?]
My plan was to grab a Gu from this place and bring it back to slowly cure him by getting used to the creature over time, well accelerated. I truly didn't expect that.
"I had to."
I can see that he is about to shit himself, but I also see the resolve in his eyes. Whatever drives him right now is extremely powerful. But, what is it?
[Why?]
"I won't let anyone else die to a Gu because of me."
[Is that so? So you'll die with me too instead?]
I see him panic for an instant before he seems to calm down.
"Yes. So, we should really go back. Believe me, this place is not one that we want to be at."
Oh? How interesting. I have no clue what this guy's backstory is, but I bet it isn't as simple as he makes it out to be. Otherwise, he would have long run away. Well, that's just my guess anyway.
Not that it matters in any case. Still, it means one thing. This rehabilitation plan of mine may actually be easier than expected.
[Alright, let's go. Make sure you stay close to me so I can heal you.]
I may not be the strongest, but poison is literally a condiment for me. I can heal others too as long as it's not an insta-kill. This is just going to be a fun time.
I see him become more and more distressed.
"No, we should really not…."
Time to have some fun with him.
[Remember when you were wondering where I had come from?]
He nervously nods.
[I'll tell, you a secret. I was coming out of the god realm directly. There is a link between both worlds in the temple. Well, not that anyone would believe it I'm guessing…]
"What?!"
Okay, I guess I overshot that one. There is no way he would just believe me on that one and…
"Are you the Eternal Gu Breeder?! Is that why you suddenly appeared after I began praying?! Ah, so that's why you aren't afraid to be here! This explains everything! Am I dreaming right now?! Is this really possible?!"
[You aren't dreaming. But, I won't be able to stay that long so move your ass.]
"Of course! Right away! How should I address you?!"
[Just keep the same attitude man, no big deal.]
He keeps murmuring no big deal shellshocked. Somehow he doesn't show any trace of fear. He's just happily following me.
"This is insane! I didn't even know gods could manifest on the earth realm. This means that you are the best god of them all for the others don't bother at all! Ah, but even for someone as powerful as you, there is a time limit. I'll do whatever you want me to do without hesitating!"
[Good, let's find us a Gu ancestor real quick.]
Well, it is true that I am limited by time since I need to get to the water sect. Then about the god part…it's not my fault if he's misunderstanding the situation, right? The real god wouldn't blame me for that, right?
I'm getting a bit worried now….