After saying that, Gao Jianfei disregarded the shocking revelation and dashed straight into the haunted house!
Suddenly, like water vapor, it vanished without a trace!
This action earned the collective admiration of everyone in the cabin!
In fact, Gao Jianfei deliberately displayed his 'superpower'. By doing so, he was undoubtedly telling Blank, Mario, and all the sailor mercenaries... "Don't try anything funny behind my back. I'm someone you can never truly understand!"
After entering the ghost den, Gao Jianfei, living a carefree life, chatted with high-level ghosts and prepared delicious food for himself. At the same time, he released a large number of level 1 ghosts to probe the outside, while Li Yun and Song Ying monitored the area around them.
Meanwhile, Scholes' troops, after resting on the island for a few hours and regaining some strength, boarded a ship and left the island.
Before leaving, they did one thing... They took all the supplies from Blanc and Mario's ships and then completely destroyed them, rendering them unable to sail.
Having done all this, Scholes' fleet began to slowly sail away.
They sailed carefully and slowly, and there were always many Vikings on the deck, observing the water with telescopes.
Sometimes, Scholes would also send his men diving to explore.
And so, the work of exploring the waters began in earnest.
However, to Scholes' astonishment, he discovered that Li Yun, Song Ying, and the other women had mysteriously disappeared! Enraged, Scholes also searched the cabin where Blank and Mario were... finding nothing and discovering no flaws!
This event, which could be described as 'paranormal,' left Scholes with immense psychological trauma. He was even afraid to stay on the ship any longer!
Work continues!
After 13 days, centered on that island, Scholes' fleet traversed a total of 300 kilometers of water!
They were very careful, but they didn't get any real breakthroughs from it!
On the 14th day, Scholes finally announced, weakly, "Return to the kingdom!"
Although Scholes was unwilling, the expedition had already wasted dozens of days, they hadn't caught a single polar bear, and hundreds of Viking warriors had died. If he didn't hurry back to report, he feared he would be punished by the king!
"Return to the kingdom!"
Meanwhile, in Gao Jianfei's well-fed and well-drinked ghost den, his exorcism points had recovered to a full 15 points!
"Hmm, this kind of exorcism point is enough for a level 5 ghost! It seems that these Vikings are about to return to their kingdom. I need to send out a level 5 ghost to improve my strength. Who knows what dangers I will encounter after arriving in the Viking kingdom?" Gao Jianfei muttered to himself.
Chapter 498 Xie Xun, the Golden-Haired Lion King!
Chapter 498 The Golden-Haired Lion King Xie Xun!
The Viking fleet had begun its return to the Viking Kingdom. Prince Scholes was a frustrated man. This time, he had mobilized a large force, numbering several thousand, to capture Gao Jianfei, but instead of reaping the rewards, he had gotten himself into a mess… He hadn't captured Gao Jianfei, but had lost hundreds of elite warriors. Moreover, he had wasted nearly a month. Furthermore, Scholes' mission was primarily to capture some wild animals, but the 34 polar bears he had painstakingly raised had vanished, further compounding his predicament.
Of course, Scholes wasn't entirely without gain; he did capture several hundred prisoners. These prisoners, once brought back to the Viking Kingdom, could be handed over to the kingdom's inhabitants for research, used as slaves, or perhaps displayed to the kingdom's children.
Therefore, the captured sailors and mercenaries became Scholes' only bargaining chip to turn the tide, and he treated the prisoners with extra care, not daring to be careless in the slightest. Even the food supply had been increased.
Let's talk about Gao Jianfei next.
He stayed peacefully in his den of idiots. After observing for a few days, he discovered that the Vikings didn't cause trouble for Blanc, Mario, and the others. Li Yun and the others had no problems mingling in that cabin. Gao Jianfei felt much more at ease. He began to plan how to strengthen his own power.
To strengthen oneself, all one needs to do is summon a level 5 ghost with martial arts skills and learn from it.
Currently, Gao Jianfei has exactly 15 exorcism points. He doesn't plan to accumulate any more. Instead, before even reaching the Viking Kingdom, he'll summon a level 5 ghost worth 15 exorcism points to deal with the unknown mysteries and dangers.
“Listen,” Gao Jianfei snapped his fingers and instructed the AI program, “I need a level 5 ghost, a level 5 ghost worth 15 exorcism points.”
"Okay, esteemed user, I also hope you can get a level 5 ghost soon so you can experience the benefits and advantages it brings. Now that you've finally decided to get a level 5 ghost, what are your requirements and conditions? What type of level 5 ghost do you want, and what skills does it excel at?" The AI program's voice remained as proactive, enthusiastic, and attentive as ever.
“A level 5 ghost skilled in martial arts,” Gao Jianfei said.
"Understood." The intelligent program quickly replied, "Then, esteemed user, do you have any specific requirements for this level 5 ghost who is skilled in martial arts? For example, what kind of martial arts should he be proficient in?" the intelligent program continued to ask.
“Uh… my next journey is to the Viking Kingdom. Vikings are born warriors, possessing unparalleled strength, so… I’ll face them head-on! A very powerful level 5 ghost!” Gao Jianfei said decisively.
Speaking of Gao Jianfei's current martial arts proficiency... Tian Boguang's Thirteen Flying Sand and Stones Knife mainly emphasizes knife speed and requires a high level of skill; One Finger Divine Skill is also a relatively yin and soft martial art with a high level of skill.
Now, Gao Jianfei wants to try out that kind of martial arts that can move mountains and rivers! That kind of powerful and masculine martial arts!
"Alright, esteemed user, I understand your request. I will now immediately access the database and filter for Level 5 ghosts that meet your requirements." After the intelligent program finished speaking, it fell silent, clearly working on behalf of Gao Jianfei.
Gao Jianfei waited with great anticipation. It had been a long time since he had pieced together a ghost, and this time, Gao Jianfei rediscovered the tension and longing he felt while waiting for a high-level ghost.
…… …… ……
In the real world outside the Arctic.
The entire United States was in a state of extreme panic and terror.
At Holman Air Force Base, the U.S. military suffered its greatest loss since the founding of the United States! Hundreds, even thousands, of outstanding U.S. soldiers tragically lost their lives.
This incident led to the immediate resignation of US President Obama. Brian, who replaced him, attempted a swift and decisive assassination of Gao Jianfei. After expending enormous resources, Gao Jianfei not only survived the bombing but also appeared that very night, brazenly murdering Holman and Deacon Dale in front of the American public. This event was tantamount to a resounding slap in the face to Brian.
As a result, the FBI, a special U.S. agency, was mobilized, and the White House security detail was increased several times over to protect U.S. political figures and officials.
The United States issued a global warrant for the arrest and pursuit of Gao Jianfei.
In fact, those countries that expressed hostility towards Gao Jianfei are now filled with regret and fear... Even the United States couldn't handle Gao Jianfei, so what can other countries do?
They were unwilling to genuinely cooperate with the United States to deal with Gao Jianfei. They began to appease the US while issuing secret orders... Don't make enemies of someone like Gao Jianfei! Absolutely not!
During the nationwide investigation in the United States, Gao Jianfei seemed to have vanished from the face of the earth. No one could trace his whereabouts, and Gao Jianfei did not come out to "defy the law."
A month later, the United States seemed to have calmed down and returned to its usual order, but underlyingly, the American people were even more terrified. They couldn't sleep or eat in peace until Gao Jianfei was caught!
The people of the Holy Land were just as shocked as the Americans.
The deaths of Dale and Holman quickly reached the ears of the Holy Land's Venerables and various deacons through certain channels. They were somewhat dumbfounded!
Dale and Holman were both exceptionally talented students of the Holy Land. Dale was even a high-ranking Guardian Deacon. Unexpectedly, they were killed by Gao Jianfei in America.
"Everyone, Gao Jianfei is now our Holy Land's mortal enemy! The relationship between us is irreconcilable!" The Venerable lost his usual composure and began to roar, "Mobilize all the students of the Holy Land and all our connections to find Gao Jianfei! Even if you have to dig three feet into the ground, find him!"
Of course, Gao Jianfei, deep within the Arctic, was unaware of the fear and trouble he was bringing to the world. He was currently focused solely on his adventures in the Arctic, truly oblivious to everything else around him.
…… …… ……
Inside the ghost's lair, after three minutes of filtering, the intelligent program finally completed its task and spoke to Gao Jianfei. "Dear user, as you wish, I have found you a level 5 ghost with exactly 15 exorcism points. He comes from a fictional martial arts novel. In that novel, he is the Dharma King of a certain sect, a formidable figure. He has a full head of golden hair, is tall and imposing, possesses both literary and martial talents, and has a fiery temper. He is skilled in an extremely powerful martial art. His entire family was killed by his master, and he didn't hesitate to kill innocent people to lure his master out. He once killed a Shaolin monk, a crime he carried for life. Later, after defeating his master, he returned to Buddhism."
"Oh? Such a powerful person?" Gao Jianfei's interest was greatly piqued after hearing the introduction of the intelligent program.
"Dear user, would you like to immediately summon this Level 5 ghost from the virtual world? This ghost requires 15 exorcism points," the intelligent program prompted.
“K!” Gao Jianfei snapped his fingers and said.
"As you wish, my esteemed user!" The intelligent program's voice had barely faded when jumbled radio waves appeared on the virtual display screen. Only after the waves subsided did a piece of data information appear...
Ghost's name / Ghost's level / Ghost's origin / Gender / Special skills in life /
Xie Xun, the Golden Lion King / 5 / The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber / Male / Lion's Roar (International Level), Seven Injury Fist (International Level)
"Ah? It was him!" Gao Jianfei's eyes lit up instantly!
It turns out to be Xie Xun, the Golden Lion King!
Zhang Wuji's godfather!
One of the four kings of the Ming Cult!
Gao Jianfei had read the novel *The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber*, and among the male characters portrayed in the novel, the one who left the deepest impression was undoubtedly Xie Xun! Even the protagonist Zhang Wuji, with his fragile and sentimental personality, was far inferior to Xie Xun's domineering and mighty nature!
The Golden-Haired Lion King truly lived up to his name. He possessed the destructive power of a lion, and as the king of beasts, the lion unleashed its furious power with its "Lion's Roar." During the Eagle Sect's grand ceremony to establish its authority, he used the "Lion's Roar" to injure countless people, kidnap Zhang Cuishan and Yin Susu, and seize the Dragon-Slaying Saber! This not only made people feel his cruelty but also his majesty.
"Hey, I'm very satisfied this time! It seems that a level 5 ghost is still pretty awesome!" Gao Jianfei felt overjoyed.
"Dear user, would you like to immediately assemble Xie Xun's soul?" the AI program asked again.
"Alright, let's put it together right away!" Gao Jianfei said excitedly.
Thus, a progress bar covered Xie Xun's information on the virtual display screen.
Currently, Gao Jianfei is a level 5 exorcist, and can recover about 1 exorcism point per day. However, piecing together Xie Xun's soul requires 15 exorcism points. Therefore, it will take about half a month for Gao Jianfei to meet Xie Xun in the Ghost Den and learn his two ultimate skills... Seven Injury Fist and Lion's Roar!
Having finished this matter, Gao Jianfei recalled the Level 1 ghosts who had been sent out to scout the situation back to the ghost den and listened to the intelligence they had gathered that day.
According to the Level 1 Ghost, the fleet is currently en route back to the Viking Kingdom. However, Scholes' fleet differs from those of Blanc and Mario... Scholes' fleet uses wooden boats, relying on manpower and wind power, making it relatively slow; while Blanc and Mario's fleets are powered by fuel, making them much faster. Therefore, Scholes' fleet will need approximately 10 days to return to the Viking Kingdom. If they encounter bad weather, the journey will take even longer.
Upon learning this news, Gao Jianfei felt relieved. He figured that by the time Scholes' fleet returned to the Viking Kingdom, Xie Xun's soul would be almost completely pieced together. This would allow Gao Jianfei to use this crucial moment to enhance his martial arts skills.
And so, Gao Jianfei happily stayed in his secluded den, while the external fleet's voyage became something completely unrelated to him. As long as Li Yun and Song Ying were not in mortal danger or harassed, Gao Jianfei felt no pressure whatsoever.
After a 14-day voyage, the fleet finally arrived at the Viking Kingdom!
It was a lovely afternoon.
Before the fleet docked, it slowed down. Li Yun, Song Ying, Blank, and Mario all saw the exterior of the Viking Kingdom through the ship's windows.
This is an amazing, even awe-inspiring, kingdom!
To be precise, it was a very large island! Through observation, Song Ying deduced that the island's area was roughly equivalent to that of the capital city of Z country!
One-third of the island is covered in ice and snow, while the remaining two-thirds are oases.
Ancient, thick city walls encircle the island, adorned with numerous flags and imposing, strong Viking warriors.
At the main entrance of the island, there is a pier where thousands of wooden boats are moored near the giant pier, creating a spectacular sight.
Blank, Mario, and the others, whose blood runs with an adventurous spirit, have temporarily put away their fear of the unknown. They are all facing this city, which modern civilization calls a ruin, yet which is remarkably well-preserved, with utter shock and awe.
This is truly a miracle in human history!
The fleet docked.
Before the fleet docked, Gao Jianfei, who was in the Ghost Den, also learned from the Level 1 Ghost's report that the destination had been reached.
Without saying a word, Gao Jianfei changed into a sailor uniform and a human skin mask, making his face filthy and dark. Then, in a flash, he left the ghost den and blended into the cabin where Blank and Li Yun were being held.
"Oh!" Everyone gasped when they saw a dirty 'sailor' suddenly appear.
Gao Jianfei said in a low voice, "Alright, don't do anything strange. It's me! Now, let's enter the Viking Kingdom together! Everyone, please don't give anything away! Don't worry, with me here, you don't need to worry too much about safety!"
Upon hearing Gao Jianfei's voice, everyone felt reassured! A sense of security welled up within them!
At this moment, several Vikings opened the cabin door and said in a rough accent, "Alright, you outsiders, you should feel honored, because you have come to the great Viking kingdom! Come out!"
After a shout from the Viking warriors, Gao Jianfei and his men were driven out of the cabin.
The sunlight outside is dazzling, and it feels very comfortable on my skin.
The ships had docked, and the Viking warriors, led by Scholes, disembarked one after another. Gao Jianfei also observed the magnificence of the Viking kingdom up close, and he was secretly amazed. Moreover, the thought of stirring up trouble in this kingdom and plundering the Vikings' wealth and pets filled him with a strange excitement.
After the Viking warriors, accompanied by their pets, entered through the main gate of the island, Gao Jianfei and the other 'captives' were then herded in.
Behind the wide city walls lies a grand yet primitive city!