I Don't Agree to the Terms
Chapter 45: Calamity Arises Overnight

Chapter 45: Chapter 45: Calamity Arises Overnight

"There’s a problem, the sense of danger from the ’Foresight’ kicked in!" The thought emerged in Gu Shanhai’s mind.

He then gritted his teeth, snatched the Gatling gun from Xiang Ting’s grasp and tossed it into his portable laboratory, and went on to snatch the ammunition belt and grenades from the other’s waist.

But as there was no time to spare, he only managed to grab a meager amount.

Only three bullets and one grenade.

However, it was enough for him. Having taken these, he turned and fled.

Though killing was convenient, he noticed that someone was pursuing him. He didn’t want to gamble on whether the tracker was from Xiang Ting’s power group. If so, they were bound to chase after him for killing one of their own. On the other hand, if he didn’t kill the assailant, they were more likely to focus on rescuing Xiang Ting.

Although there was a small chance they would still pursue him, he didn’t want to take the risk or waste time.

Sure enough, after Gu Shanhai left, they didn’t come after him. It seemed Xiang Ting’s cultivation technique of ’Foresight’ had brought about some good karma; someone came to rescue him.

Judging by how Xiang Ting managed to live to nearly ninety years old and could still spray Gu Shanhai with a Gatling gun, he was certainly no fool like Xiang Fang who acted recklessly.

Were it not for being implicated by the ne’er-do-well Xiang Fang, he probably wouldn’t have fallen into this predicament.

However, Gu Shanhai felt no sympathy for Xiang Ting. In others’ eyes, he might be a great benefactor, but when his life was at stake, Gu Shanhai couldn’t care less about what kind of person he was.

"Xiang Ting isn’t just an imperial court official, he could also be an Elder or a highly-ranked Elder in one of the major cultivation sects."

"So, will a bounty be issued for me soon?"

"This... could be an opportunity to take advantage of?"

"But no, forget it, I won’t get greedy. I’ll find a place to study the firearms and artillery I have, acquire some more cannon-type weapons, and then leave."

Gu Shanhai wanted to exploit this world, naturally because this world’s firearms had merged with the cultivation system, surpassing ordinary weapons by far.

He possessed the ’Foresight’ Cultivation Technique, which would allow him to analyze and integrate with his own system more smoothly.

At this point, he understood that the ’Foresight’ Cultivation Technique, in this world, was not some low-end cultivation method – at the very least, it was the foundation of major sect inheritance.

Above that, there could be even more specialized cultivation techniques to amplify firearms or more formidable Qi Refining Methods, but such secret techniques were beyond his reach.

At this moment, Gu Shanhai understood why Xiang Fang didn’t use spells before, because... spells had likely fallen into decline.

After running for about ten kilometers, Gu Shanhai finally stopped to rest. The lack of pursuit meant he was temporarily safe.

"I should have escaped by now, but where to find a cannon? Surely not Fengtai Village." Gu Shanhai pondered for a while. He wasn’t familiar with this place, and with the intense fighting in nearby Fengtai Village, wandering around might lead him into trouble, especially since he had already made enemies. He needed a plan.

Suddenly, it seemed like he was being watched, a faint, almost imperceptible sensation.

"Damn it, I need to reach the Qi Refining Second Level soon. Otherwise, I can’t fully utilize the effects of ’Foresight’." Gu Shanhai guessed that something like divination or causal deduction was trying to track him down, which his instinct from ’Foresight’ had detected.

However, as he had only practiced ’Foresight’ for a month, even with the enhancement from Yunling Technique and Child Skill and his uncanny True Spirit proficiency, there were fundamental rules to follow. His body couldn’t handle a sudden leap to great power, so at best, he had only just begun to grasp ’Foresight.’

Actually, just beginning was enough for now; at least he knew that someone had their sights on him.

"This system is strong in everything but direct combat..." Gu Shanhai complained, then promptly decided to move locations.

It was unlikely that the other party could pinpoint his exact location; at best, they had a rough idea because his ’Foresight’ granted him some ability to mislead and shield against their predictions.

"So I must turn the tables. Otherwise... I could infiltrate their sect and pillage for a bit..."

"Not yet, I need them to make the first mistake."

Gu Shanhai wished to proceed cautiously with cause and effect, but they had come to him – what else could he do?

If he didn’t strike back, he was finished.

As for what came next? The enemy was after his life, so surely he couldn’t sit by and wait for death. When push came to shove, consequences be damned.

It wasn’t that he was a coward; he simply didn’t provoke trouble. But he wasn’t afraid of it either, especially since they had provoked him first.

"Wait for them to attempt an assassination, then find a way to eradicate them completely." Gu Shanhai loathed the idea of killing the small fry only for the big shots to come after him.

Hence, he decided to wipe them all out, family and all, and he vaguely felt that with the vacancy for the Mountain God position, the world had begun to descend into chaos, making it feel like he was facing a calamity again, though it was just the initial signs.

This thought sent a shiver down his spine.

But accordingly, it was also a great opportunity. If he could break through the catastrophe, he would make a fortune. Gu Shanhai had once gone through something similar. His memory wasn’t complete, but he knew he had hidden deep enough to avoid it, missing out on the benefits those who fought received, but also managing to gain something.

"If this truly is a period of calamity, that would explain the mountain ghost from a thousand years ago – it might have undergone a calamity too."

In worlds associated with karma and destiny, such periods of calamity are common; they can last centuries or just a few years.

The duration is uncertain, but the severity of the ordeals is always tremendous, essentially resulting in a great reshuffle.

"I still need confirmation, but during a calamity, karma and destiny become chaotic. There are no signs yet, but if that’s the case, then I won’t hold back."

Gu Shanhai’s plan was simple: he wouldn’t involve others, just target the forces Xiang Ting belonged to.

He would loot them and then leave. Cultivation? After robbing these people who offended him, he would consider it.

"So I need a good person to help me. After several diversions, they will be able to pinpoint my position, and I can set a trap to capture them alive."

He was certain that whoever came would be neither numerous nor powerful. If they had such abilities, they would be vying for the position of the Mountain God instead of chasing him. It was more likely that Xiang Ting would bring a few juniors, not the core strength of their forces.