Chapter 130: The Terror of Dugu Shang

Although he did not fully grasp the implications, this did not hinder Dugu Shang’s wild speculations about Zhou Yi’s future.

"To be assigned here immediately upon entering the island, and to effortlessly defeat the Black Water Daoist—who is considered formidable even in the third tier—suggests that his strength likely places him in the upper echelons, perhaps even at the peak of the third tier!"

Dugu Shang lowered his head, his eyes darting rapidly as countless thoughts raced through his mind. He quickly categorized and analyzed them, while a small, previously unthinkable ambition silently took root in his heart.

"He just arrived and has only ever lived in the small pond of the secular martial world. Even with incredible fortuitous encounters, his internal energy must still be a limiting factor."

"Given this, there are two paths: the cultivation of acupoints and the infusion of acupoints. He can only be following the path of acupoint cultivation, because even if he wanted to pursue infusion, he simply wouldn’t have the massive amount of internal energy required."

Dugu Shang’s eyes grew brighter as his thoughts crystallized.

"To have achieved the strength to dominate the third tier immediately upon entering Peerless Island by following the path of acupoint cultivation—this can no longer be called a miracle; it is simply..."

Dugu Shang felt a surge of excitement. He searched his mind for a long time, yet failed to find a word suitable enough to describe Zhou Yi.

"The acupoint cultivation method is far harder to master for dominating one’s peers compared to the infusion method. It must be that he relies on elemental internal energy or powerful artifacts."

After the excitement subsided, Dugu Shang calmed himself slightly and continued, "Elemental energy is not yet apparent, but as for powerful artifacts..."

Dugu Shang suddenly scrutinized Zhou Yi from head to toe, then lowered his head in deep contemplation. "But I don’t see any powerful artifacts on him. When he fought the Black Water Daoist earlier, there was no sign of any artifacts either."

Dugu Shang remained lost in thought, unable to fathom the truth.

"Could it be!" Suddenly, his face filled with shock. A possibility occurred to him that could explain the current situation, but the moment it crossed his mind, he was shaken to his core. It was unbelievable. Only four words echoed in his mind: How is that possible?

"Could it be that he relies not on artifacts, but on his technique? But how could that be?" Dugu Shang looked up, staring at Zhou Yi in utter astonishment, his dark pupils wide as if he had seen a ghost.

"But if that isn't the reason, what else could it be?" Dugu Shang refused to believe it, yet after ruling out every other possibility, this was the only explanation left for Zhou Yi’s prowess.

Zhou Yi looked on, feeling utterly baffled. Seeing the shifting expressions on Dugu Shang’s face, as if he had encountered something inconceivable, Zhou Yi felt a headache coming on. He had finally found someone who wasn't a robot, but the man seemed to be a fool.

"You..." Dugu Shang looked at Zhou Yi, hesitating to speak. His shock made him momentarily forget that the person before him had just wiped out a group of Black Water Daoists who were stronger than himself—he was a powerhouse.

On Peerless Island, showing reverence to the strong is a vital rule for survival.

"What is it?" Zhou Yi’s question made Dugu Shang breathe a sigh of relief. It seemed the man wasn't completely stupid and could communicate. If he really were an idiot, Zhou Yi would have to find another local to learn about the island, which would take more time. Thus, he replied with a friendly demeanor.

Dugu Shang froze. Seeing Zhou Yi’s gentle expression, his previous thoughts vanished, and the forgotten fear rushed back into his mind. He suddenly remembered that the man before him was a powerhouse—someone who could easily end his life.

On Peerless Island, when facing someone stronger than you, you must learn humility, or your death will be for nothing. In any world, there is one shared truth: if you want to stay alive, you must never provoke a desperate man. And as it happened, the unique environment of Peerless Island meant that everyone who survived there was a desperate soul.

No one dared to claim they would survive indefinitely. While the outside world faced the struggle of daily bread, on Peerless Island, it was a question of whether one would live to see tomorrow. Everyone strived for the same goal: survival. Therefore, no one feared offending others. Since they were all people without a future, what was there to fear? There was only one rule of survival: the strong are the masters, and the weak are the pawns.

The strong could trample the weak at will. If they were happy, they might kill a weakling to celebrate; if they were unhappy, they might kill one to vent. This was perfectly normal here. Heaven knows how much suffering Dugu Shang had endured to survive this long with his mediocre strength. Most importantly, he had strictly adhered to the survival rule: never provoke the strong.

Playing the role of the submissive, the "grandson," had kept him alive until now. He had always played this part well, but just moments ago, overwhelmed by shock, he had forgotten it for the first time. He had actually been so rude as to stare up and down at Zhou Yi—a man strong enough to be considered a master in the third tier of Peerless Island.

"I’m dead! I’m absolutely dead!" Thinking this, Dugu Shang was gripped by overwhelming terror. His body began to tremble, his pupils dilated, and he looked as though he were on the verge of death.

"What’s wrong with you?" Zhou Yi watched, stunned, as Dugu Shang looked at him, lowered his head to think for a moment, and then began to shake like a leaf, as if he had seen a terrifying monster. His legs were trembling so violently that Zhou Yi was left speechless.

Am I really that ugly?

Dugu Shang’s reaction deeply wounded Zhou Yi’s pride and struck a heavy blow to his self-confidence. He couldn't help but touch his own face, feeling quite dejected.

"I may not be remarkably handsome, but I shouldn't be ugly enough to terrify someone!"

Dugu Shang hung his head, his heart cold with despair, silently waiting for the end. But after a long while, the expected attack never came. After a moment of hesitation, feeling anxious, he quietly opened his eyes.

The moment he did, he saw Zhou Yi looking at him with a dejected expression. Instantly, his already anxious heart began to race even faster, thumping against his chest as if it were about to burst out.

"It’s over! It’s truly over!" Dugu Shang thought with a mournful face. Zhou Yi’s dejected expression could only be interpreted as dissatisfaction with him. According to the rules of Peerless Island, he was undoubtedly a dead man.