The Bone Golem King

Constantine, Duhong! At the mention of these two names, Du Chen and Deboning exchanged a look, both frowning in unison.

Tyr explained, "I've scanned all auras within a twenty li radius. At approximately ten li to our four o'clock, I detected someone using a potent Metallic Sonic Wave to scout ahead. It seems they are heading somewhere, but this Labyrinth of Life is exceedingly disorienting; to advance, one often must retrace their steps. I cannot ascertain their exact destination!"

"Tyr, was anyone else accompanying the individual employing the Metallic Sonic Wave?"

"No, he was alone!"

Tyr's words, of course, held undeniable authority. Du Chen's heart clenched. If it were Constantine, his deception of the Pontiff could easily unravel, as Constantine was intimately aware of the circumstances of his capture! And if it were Duhong... if the Nether Dragon yet lived, then what of Old Foye?

Du Chen urged, "Where is the nearest Bone Golem? We must capture one immediately to ascertain our path!"

Tyr closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them with a wry smile. "The closest one is over five hundred meters away, and the intervening labyrinth is incredibly complex. It would be exceedingly difficult to capture."

Capture it they must, regardless of difficulty!

Du Chen secretly steeled his resolve. Whether the wielder of the Metallic Sonic Wave was Constantine or Duhong, he absolutely had to investigate. He conjured the only Precious Lotus Scripture remaining on his person and unleashed the Green Gourd Beast — all his other Arcane Artifacts were still with Dus, who was impersonating Du Chen, the Divine! Gripping the Green Gourd Beast's small head, he demanded, "Ahead lies the territory of the Bone Golems. Do you possess any means to guide us to one?"

The Green Gourd Beast trembled in fright. "I-how could we Green Gourd Beasts dare trespass into Bone Golem territory? Heh-gah-gah, please, release me!"

This particular Green Gourd Beast had been interrogated day and night recently, leaving it thoroughly terrified!

Deboning snapped, "We are asking if you can navigate Bone Golem territory without getting lost! If you can lead us in, I will slay any number of Bone Golems!"

The Green Gourd Beast stammered, "I already told you! We Green Gourd Beasts never dare to intrude upon Bone Golem territory, so how could I possibly know the way forward? Heh-gah-gah!"

Deboning's weathered face flushed with embarrassment.

Just then, a delicate voice emanated from within the Precious Lotus Scripture. "Mister Alex, are you seeking Bone Golems?" It turned out that when Du Chen retrieved the Lotus, Xue Ji within had awakened. Fortunately, the Lotus was in a minuscule form at the moment, making everything outside appear immense to Xue Ji. Du Chen's face, to her, was like a towering mountain, allowing her to discern only a patch of skin, not its full visage.

Du Chen offered Tyr an apologetic smile, then hastily donned Alex's mask before feeling assured enough to usher Xue Ji forth.

Tyr, having served the Pontiff, had witnessed countless such occurrences. At this moment, he relied on Du Chen to rescue his son, so he simply closed his eyes, feigning blindness and deafness.

Xue Ji sat upon the edge of the Lotus Pedestal, a faint blush gracing her exquisitely beautiful face. She spoke softly, "Mister Alex, my esteemed master once said that the ferocious beasts within the Labyrinth of Life can be considered as pests upon a tree, yet the Bone Golems are an exception. They delight in shimmering Gold Coins and delectable delicacies..." She cast a slightly pained glance at the Green Gourd Beast, "...and in the eyes of a Bone Golem, a Green Gourd Beast is the sweetest of foods. A single Green Gourd Beast's blood is more fragrant and sweet to a Bone Golem than a mother's milk." At the mention of 'milk,' a simile Margaret often used, Xue Ji's cheeks colored faintly.

Du Chen's gaze fell upon the Green Gourd Beast's small head.

Deboning, Andy, and Tyr all eyed the Green Gourd Beast's diminutive head.

It seemed that little fleshy orb, resembling a short-eared, long-haired rabbit, looked quite appetizing!

"Heh-gah-gah, you... you are too cruel!" wailed the Green Gourd Beast. Seeing Du Chen conjure a sharp shard of ice and direct it towards its massive body, the Green Gourd Beast despaired. It simply closed its eyes, its small head drooping onto its large body. "Alright, just be quick about it, don't let me experience the agony of death, heh-gah-gah!"

"Who said anything about killing you?" Du Chen rolled his eyes. He cut a dozen wounds into the Green Gourd Beast's massive body, causing jade-green liquid and a pungent, fishy odor to gush forth simultaneously!

The foul odor spread with astonishing speed, permeating the nearby Labyrinth of Life in an instant. It was certain to attract a Bone Golem soon!

But until then, Du Chen could only wait!

Everyone waited in silence. Tyr continued his vigil. Du Chen glanced at Xue Ji, who was also gazing at him. Their eyes met, then quickly, and by unspoken accord, they averted their gazes.

Du Chen mused inwardly, *This Old Hag's experience in the Labyrinth of Life is truly invaluable! If not for her last time, Deboning and I might have perished within this very labyrinth! What a pity, what a pity that Xue Ji is also an Old Hag. Otherwise, I would find a way to bring her to Durkes City!*

"Miss Xue Ji, we are currently pursuing several adversaries, and these esteemed individuals are my companions..." Du Chen casually glossed over his situation, then inquired, "Do Bone Golems possess any peculiar characteristics?"

Xue Ji curiously observed Andy, then glanced at Tyr, and recounted, "Bone Golems are relatively powerful ferocious beasts within the Labyrinth of Life. Their intellect is no less than that of humans, and their strength ranges between Eighth and Ninth-rank. They generally operate alone. Their forms closely resemble human skeletal structures, and their entire bodies are incredibly tough. The best method to deal with them is to meet force with force, to shatter their bones..."

As she spoke, a rapid *thump, thump* of footsteps echoed through the labyrinth.

Xue Ji exclaimed, "A Bone Golem approaches! Xue Ji dares not burden her Benefactor, so I shall return to your sacred artifact now. If Benefactor intends to capture a Bone Golem alive for directions, merely threatening them with blazing fire will suffice!" She retreated into the Precious Lotus Scripture.

Du Chen rubbed his nose, thinking, *This Old Hag's character seems decent enough! Her temperament bears a slight resemblance to Aunt Sherine's. Could it be that Margaret's direct disciples are not as detestable as the Water's Embrace Divine Servants?*

A humanoid shadow appeared at the tunnel's entrance. Just as Xue Ji described, this Bone Golem resembled a human skeleton; at first glance, it was simply a bare skeletal frame advancing towards them.

Deboning's eyes lit up!

The group immediately surrounded it, cutting off the Bone Golem's retreat, intent on capturing it at once to inquire about the path!

Yet this particular Bone Golem seemed somewhat different from Xue Ji's description. It eyed the Green Gourd Beast, smacking its lips, *Gaba, gaba!*

"Green Gourd, my favorite!" It rotated its head, surveying its surroundings. "But this Green Gourd seems to be a trap! Yes, a trap, it appears I am about to have some bad luck!"

Its skeletal head oddly formed a smile, surprisingly endearing! Heaven knew how it managed to vocalize or how its hard bones could contort into such human expressions. It was as perplexing as how Du Chen still couldn't fathom how a bare skeleton could eat.

"Esteemed sirs, do you intend to dispatch me, or perhaps exploit me? If it is the latter, we can sit down and discuss terms; the price is negotiable!" It raised three bony fingers. "My business dealings have always been fair and just, honest with all, young and old, guaranteeing your satisfaction! Believe me, within the Labyrinth of Life, a Bone Golem willing to cooperate for profit will undoubtedly be far more useful than one you forcibly coerce or slay!"

As it spoke, it seemed quite pleased with the surprise it had elicited from the group. Like a shrewd trader, it extended a bony hand, requesting a handshake!

"Sean Abdulla, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance! You may address me by my nickname, Sean!"

"King Sean, the Bone Golem King?" The Green Gourd Beast paled dramatically, shaking its small head wildly. "Heavens, you've actually used my blood to lure the most infamous scoundrel in the Labyrinth of Life... take me and run! Oh no, you can eliminate him! Heh-gah-gah! Quick, dispose of him, and all the wretched souls in the Labyrinth of Life will thank you!"

Du Chen rubbed his nose. *The turn of events is somewhat beyond my expectations!* He did not shake Sean's hand, instead coolly assessing the Bone Golem King before him!

Sean narrowed his eyes, chuckling, "Believe me, you won't regret it! Within the nearby labyrinth, I can fulfill any request... provided the price is right! Consider this: if you were to capture me and force me into something, I would be highly likely to deceive you. But if you exchange some small gifts for my assistance..." He offered a slight bow, "...then Sean shall provide the most exquisite service!"

Du Chen stared at the Bone Golem King for a good while, but Sean's hollow eye sockets held no trace of human gaze.

Waving a hand to snatch the Green Gourd Beast's small head, Du Chen asked, "You claim he is the most infamous scoundrel in the Labyrinth of Life. What misdeeds has this fellow committed?"

The Green Gourd Beast stared fearfully at Sean. "You should ask what evil deeds he *hasn't* done; then I could answer you! Heh-gah-gah, he's done every rotten thing imaginable, except harm himself!"

Sean's skeletal head sagged in dejection and sorrow. "Oh, Green Gourd, has my reputation truly fallen so low? At the very least, you should have heard this saying: 'In Sean's presence, you can purchase anything, even Sean's own head – provided the price is right!'"

The Green Gourd Beast nodded, confirming the statement.

Du Chen furrowed his brow and asked, "If I desire a map of the vicinity, what price must I pay?"

"Then, if Sean may presume to ask, what is your purpose for this map? Are you heading somewhere specific, or seeking someone in particular?"

"That is none of your concern!"

"Very well, respecting a client's privacy is one of Sean's excellent habits! Please provide me with something to draw a map on!" The Bone Golem King mimed taking a pen to draw, while also reciting his price. "Your human Gold Coins are useless within the Labyrinth of Life, but I am fond of shiny things: Diamonds, Jewels, crystal shards... I demand all such items you possess!"