It didn't take long for the news of the great Kuafu's death to spread throughout the Wu Race. The devastating news brought sorrow across the entire race, as if they had lost a revered ancestor.
Kuafu was a highly respected figure, a giant among the Wu. Countless members of the Great Wu had received his kindness. To them, he was like a father.
And now, he had died protecting the Wu Race. Words could hardly express the depth of their grief.
The entire Wu Race was engulfed in fury.
"Revenge! We must have revenge!"
A furious Great Wu stood and roared, "Kuafu went to negotiate with the Golden Crow for the sake of our race, yet he was murdered and burned into a mummified corpse! This hatred is irreconcilable. We and the Monster Race are immortal enemies from this day forth!"
He could barely restrain himself from rushing out to slaughter every last member of the Monster Race—to personally kill the Ten Golden Crow Princes and avenge Kuafu.
"Everyone, calm down."
Another Great Wu tried to interject. "We didn't witness Kuafu's death with our own eyes. We can't conclusively say that the Golden Crow was responsible."
He swept his gaze across his companions, hoping to bring reason back into the conversation.
But his words only added fuel to the fire.
"Nonsense!"
"Kuafu's body was scorched and mummified. That's the signature power of the Golden Crow's flame! Who else could've done this?!"
"That's right! This kind of flame cannot be faked. It had to be the Golden Crow who killed Kuafu!"
"Ever since the Monster Race rose in power, they've treated our Ancestor Wu like insects. This isn't the first time they've bullied or looked down on us. It must be one of those arrogant Golden Crow Princes who did this!"
"Yes! It's not just Kuafu. Other Great Wu have suffered too. Those monsters think that just because they rule the skies, they're invincible!"
"Stop making excuses for the Monster Race. You are a Great Wu, not some lackey of the demons!"
The rage of the Great Wu was overwhelming. Though there was no direct evidence, the unique scorching flames left on Kuafu's body were proof enough. To them, the identity of the killer was beyond doubt.
"If we retaliate, it'll mean war. The Golden Crow is the child of the Heavenly Emperor. Retaliation will ignite open conflict between our races," one Great Wu said cautiously.
"Then let there be war!"
A towering figure stood up, his entire body exuding murderous intent. It was Hou Yi, one of the most renowned Great Wu, stronger in battle than even Kuafu, and known throughout the realms as a peerless archer.
To him, Kuafu was more than a senior—he was practically a father. Hou Yi was his godson in all but blood.
Now that Kuafu was dead, Hou Yi's grief had transformed into cold, burning hatred.
"Those arrogant Golden Crow Princes hurt our people without remorse, and now they've killed Kuafu? This is unforgivable!"
Hou Yi roared, "The Monster Race may be powerful, but do we fear death? If they dare to kill one Great Wu today, they'll dare to kill an Ancestor Wu tomorrow! And soon, they'll seek to wipe out our entire race!
We are the descendants of Pangu, born of Heaven and Earth. We've never feared a challenge! If war is what they want, we shall give it to them!"
The killing intent in his voice sent shivers down the spines of all present.
"That's right! Kuafu's death will not be in vain!"
"Even if they are children of the Heavenly Emperor, even if that emperor himself lays a hand on our kin, we still demand justice!"
"They want war? Fine. Let them bear the consequences of their arrogance!"
"They may rule the skies, but since when have we feared the sky itself? We can tear down Heaven if we must!"
The crowd roared in agreement. Their minds were made up—they would take revenge. The Golden Crow Princes would die for their crimes.
Those who had previously urged caution now held their tongues. The wrath of the crowd was absolute. To voice dissent now would be to court death.
"But there's a problem," one Great Wu muttered. "The Golden Crows are high in the sky. We can't even get close. How do we kill them?"
"It doesn't matter," said Hou Yi, his eyes cold and focused. "Though they rule the skies, they are not beyond our reach. The Wu Race possesses ancient secret arts. If we pour all our strength into it, we can forge divine bows and arrows capable of striking them down—even from the Nine Heavens above!"
From the next day, Hou Yi's tribe began forging bows and arrows with all their might. They scoured the lands for materials, sparing no effort.
After Nine Heavens and nine nights, they completed eighteen Nine Heavens Black Arrows. Each one brimmed with the power of the void, and their murderous aura pierced the heavens.
"Hou Yi, are you truly going to shoot the Golden Crows?"
A Wu blacksmith asked solemnly, "These arrows are strong, yes—but there's no guarantee they'll kill a Golden Crow. And if you succeed, the Heavenly Emperor will surely be enraged. Even the Ancestor Wu may not be able to shield you."
He looked at Hou Yi with a grave expression, knowing this mission was near suicidal.
"No problem," Hou Yi replied with firm resolve. "Since Kuafu is dead, the Golden Crows must die too. Even if it costs me my life, I'll see justice done. If we do nothing, this heat will continue for ten days, and countless innocents will perish."
His words were resolute. He didn't waver.
But no one noticed the faint trace of demonic aura lingering around Hou Yi's body—as if some sinister power had clouded his judgment.
"Very well. We entrust this mission to you. But remember—these arrows were made with the full wealth and strength of our tribe. There won't be a second chance."
With a sigh, the Wu blacksmith handed over the eighteen Nine Heavens Black Arrows to Hou Yi, his face solemn.
He too knew that war with the Monster Race was now inevitable. The path ahead allowed no retreat.
"Don't worry," Hou Yi said, gripping his bow with unwavering confidence. "My archery is unmatched. No creature can escape my arrow."
With those final words, he turned and strode away—toward his destiny.