Chapter 691 - Locust Soul Orb

Han Wu’s blade soundlessly flashed past the bandits, killing them one after another. Soon, only the deputy remained.

The deputy was using a fan that could unleash strong wind currents that worked both defensively as a shield and offensively as wind blades. Unfortunately for the deputy, it took a long time to unleash the gales, making them predictable. Han Wu easily maneuvered the blade around it, severing the deputy’s tendons.

As the deputy crashed to the ground, he shouted with all his might, “Boss, avenge us!”

His voice resounded like the wind itself. Han Wu quickly severed his neck with the Small Locust Blade. Its durability was low after killing so many bandits, and he quickly let it absorb the Divine Weapons on the ground to increase its rank and refresh its durability.

With his weapon restored, he rushed into the cave. His target was the leader, Zhang Mazi. A large blade came crashing down on him just as he entered the shadowy space. Unable to dodge the attack in time, he hastily used the Small Locust Blade to block it.

The Small Locust Blade suffered a big hit, and its durability dropped to the single digits. It wouldn’t be able to withstand another blow like that. Carefully holding the Small Locust Blade behind him, he warily eyed his ambusher.

The burly man had a full beard of black hair and a face covered in pockmarks—reminiscent of a chimpanzee. In his hand was a large blade. Han Wu recognized the man immediately. This was the bandit leader, Zhang Mazi!

He had assumed that the picture was abstract art, but it seemed it was actually realism! Even if he weren’t a bandit, people would’ve likely assumed him a fugitive on sight. There was no helping the evil look about him.

Zhang Mazi glared at Han Wu. He had actually arrived at the cave entrance long before his deputy’s final cry and bore witness to his brothers’ deaths. However, after seeing how Han Wu fought, he knew that he couldn’t win head-on. Going out would be suicidal.

The only way for him to win was to ambush Han Wu. The best chance was when Han Wu first entered the cave, eyes still adjusting to the darkness. Unfortunately, Han Wu had his guard up, and Zhang Mazi had lost his chance.

“Hey man, let’s talk,” Zhang Mazi persuaded. “We don’t need to fight. You’re here for my bounty, right? How much is it worth? Tell you what, I can show you where we keep the money. You can take everything there.”

Han Wu chuckled. Zhang Mazi had already sealed his fate with that ambush. Not seeing the need for words, Han Wu silently tossed out his Explosive Locust Blade.

Zhang Mazi tried to block it with his large blade, only for it to explode. The explosion blew him back, and Han Wu seized the opportunity to stab his chest with the Small Locust Blade. Zhang Mazi could be seen lying on the ground once the dust settled.

Han Wu stepped forward to grab the large blade, wanting to restore his Small Locust Blade’s durability, only to abruptly stop. While the stab wound from the Small Locust Blade was likely fatal, the bandit had already proved cunning. Thus, Han Wu decided to be cautious and play it safe.

Controlling the Small Locust Blade, he tried to sever Zhang Mazi’s head. The moment the blade neared his neck, the man shot up and swatted it away.

Clutched in his left hand was another dagger, drawn in preparation for Han Wu’s approach. He hadn’t expected Han Wu to be cautious enough to cut his head off before getting closer. Even so, the stab wound was deep, and he couldn’t hold out for much longer. His abrupt movements only hastened his blood loss. After struggling to stay conscious for a few seconds, he fell lifelessly to the ground.

Fearing it was a trick once more, Han Wu directed the Small Locust Blade, which was now down to 3 points in durability, to sever the man’s head. Only after ensuring Zhang Mazi was truly dead did Han Wu sigh in relief. The intense battle had left the Small Locust Blade with a mere 1 durability.

After collecting the Divine Weapons, he absorbed the Common ones into his Small Locust Blade to restore its durability by ranking up. The Faith equipment, such as the fan of the deputy and the blade of Zhang Mazi, were set aside to upgrade any future Divine Weapons.

Having gathered enough essence to unlock his third Divine Weapon, he flipped open the third page of his Divine Weapon Atlas.

“Please don’t be another small blade. Please, I beg you.”

[Locust Soul Orb]

[Faith Equipment]

[Rank: 1]

[Durability: 5/5]

[Effects: Soul Absorption (Faith), (Waiting to be unlocked)]

[Skills: None]

[Description: Formed from the Spirit Locust. Can be used to control souls.]

“Finally, it's not a small blade!”

Spirit Locusts were a new race that came from his recently obtained Soul Microcosm. This new Divine Weapon was clearly different from his Small Locust Blade and Explosive Locust Blade, and he eagerly moved on to choosing its effects.

[1: Intimidation (God): Intimidates any life form that is based on ghosts, demons, monsters, and spirits.]

[2: Spirit Cloak (God): Allows the user to manifest a spirit cloak that can mitigate spirit-based attacks]

[3: Soul Control (God): Allows the control of souls. Requires an object of the deceased as the medium]

The three options were good. The first two leaned more supportive, while the third was more adaptable in that it relied on the type of soul he controlled. If the controlled soul excelled in support, the weapon would become supportive. If the soul excelled in attack, it became offensive.

Han Wu preferred the versatility of the third option and thus chose it. He then decided to test it out by absorbing the soul of Zhang Mazi. For the medium, he chose the man’s large blade.

The soul of Zhang Mazi appeared with his sword. His apparition wore no expression as he waited faithfully for his orders. Han Wu nodded, pleased. It felt good to have an underling.

The responding feedback of the orb only made him happier. As a Faith equipment, it could control two souls at Faith grade or below. Han Wu chose to control the deputy using his fan. The deputy’s soul appeared soon after. The two souls, one black and one white, stood beside him as dutiful guardians.

“Show me where you kept your treasures,” Han Wu commanded.

The two souls obediently led the way.