Guiyuan Pavilion.
Inside the quiet room.
A very sticky black liquid surged continuously in the room.
It seemed to want to break through the room and rush out, but each time it touched the wall, a bright yellow light emitted from the wall, blocking it back. No matter how it crashed, it could not damage the wall in the slightest.
In the room, Luo Yin sat on a futon, quietly watching the black liquid struggle, a thoughtful expression on his face, occasionally jotting down something with a pen and paper in his hand.
“Its life activity is very strong, difficult to kill, and it has a strong influencing effect on living beings, mainly manifested in stimulating the intensity of the Bloodline within living beings. It can over-stimulate, thereby erupting powerful strength far beyond what the body can withstand…”
“However, the price of bearing this powerful strength is the loss of humanity and degeneration into a Bloodline beast. It seems Tianhong Pavilion should be using this characteristic to specifically cultivate the so-called Beast Suppression Army. But by what means do they control these beast-transformed Martial Artists?”
Luo Yin murmured as he wrote.
During this time, he had put most of his energy into researching this black liquid. With his insight and methods, he naturally analyzed a lot of valuable information.
The more he understood, the more he cared about this black liquid.
After all, being able to greatly enhance Bloodline power was truly terrifying.
“To figure this out, I still need to start from the source of this black liquid.”
“Considering all its characteristics, this black liquid is most likely from some powerful exotic beast. But what could it be?”
Various exotic beasts flashed through his mind, but none possessed such terrifying abilities.
“Could it be a powerful ancient beast that went extinct in ancient times…”
After much thought, he found no clues, and finally, Luo Yin could only shake his head slightly.
“It seems I need to retrieve more ancient books and check them.”
As he thought, he suddenly looked outside the quiet room as if sensing something. He organized the recorded information and then pushed the door open.
Outside, a small black sparrow had already shot towards him. He raised his palm, and the sparrow landed in his palm. He took out the hidden letter from its feathers and frowned slightly after glancing at it.
...
Lin Sheng pushed open the door and strode out of the room. At this moment, a hint of cold aura still emanated from him, but it was dissipating at an extremely fast speed, becoming imperceptible within a few breaths until it completely vanished.
He swung his arms, exercising his strong body. Three black rhomboid patterns were clearly visible on his back.
“The third Demonic Mark has been successfully condensed. As I expected, it condensed within three days. I have now reached Forging Tendons Completion. Next, as long as I condense the fourth Demonic Mark, I will be able to enter the Blood Transportation Realm.”
Lin Sheng had a smile on his face. Nothing made him happier than an improvement in his strength.
“I’ve been in seclusion for several days again, it’s time to visit Lord Luo Yin.”
This time, he wasn't in a hurry to continue his seclusion after the Breakthrough. After all, Luo Yin had given him a great gift, and it was only right to pay him a visit.
As he was thinking about what gifts to bring, his gaze fell upon the Spirit Bone Python King, who was chasing several koi in the pond.
During this time, this fellow was no longer as cautious as when it first arrived. It had basically explored the entire residence, and Lin Sheng, being in seclusion, was too lazy to bother with it.
However, he did have Gou Donglai deliver a sufficient amount of Spirit Beast meat every day, making the Spirit Bone Python King feel increasingly comfortable with its life.
“Should I send this guy back?”
Lin Sheng thought to himself. The Spirit Bone Python King, frolicking in the pond, inexplicably shivered. It quickly poked its head out of the pond and immediately saw Lin Sheng staring straight at it. A bad premonition instantly arose in its heart, and it immediately buried its head back in the water.
“Forget it, it was just sent over, sending it back now would be a bit unreasonable.”
He quickly dismissed this idea.
As he was pondering, Lin Sheng suddenly looked up at the courtyard wall, only to see a tall figure standing on the wall, smiling at him.
“You discovered me so quickly. It seems that the dispersal of your cultivation didn’t affect you much.”
The person who arrived was none other than Qi Ning.
With a flicker of her figure, Qi Ning was already close, sizing up Lin Sheng. A hint of surprise appeared in her eyes.
“You’ve actually condensed three Demonic Marks. With the blood qi foundation dispersed by Jin Wu Bone, it seems the fourth Demonic Mark won’t take long to condense.”
“To have such efficiency, it’s also thanks to the Medicinal Pills Lord Luo Yin gifted.”
Lin Sheng said with a smile.
“Alright, I came here to tell you something.”
Qi Ning didn’t dwell on this topic, but changed the subject, her face becoming serious.
“What is it?!”
Seeing this, Lin Sheng also became serious.
“We received news yesterday that in order to deal with Northern Yan, the organization has reached a cooperation with South Qi.”
Qi Ning said slowly.
“This matter is only known to Dark Star high-ranking officials at the Blazing Star Envoy level and above.”
“Is that so? That’s good news, after all, the enemy of my enemy is my friend.” Lin Sheng showed a hint of surprise, but after a brief thought, he understood the reason.
The balance that had been maintained between the two countries for many years was broken. This time, Northern Yan raised its army with the aim of annexing South Qi.
With the powerful fighting force of the Beast Suppression Army, even a strong country like South Qi was repeatedly defeated and unable to resist, so it naturally sought foreign aid.
And the situation of Dark Star was also not optimistic. Although the Northern Yan Imperial Court’s attention was mostly focused on the front lines, it also had a tendency to integrate various forces within the country. After all, those Sects and aristocratic families were the best nourishment for the Beast Suppression Army, and Dark Star was undoubtedly among the top of these forces.
The reason why there haven’t been large-scale actions against Dark Star with iron-blooded means yet is probably because Dark Star is extremely secretive and has many experts, making it difficult to completely eradicate at once. However, once Northern Yan frees up its hands, it will definitely show no mercy.
Therefore, it was reasonable for the two forces to reach a cooperation.
“It is indeed good news, but today, a mission has been issued from above. This mission is quite important, even the seeds must participate.” Qi Ning’s gaze fell on Lin Sheng as she slowly spoke.
Upon hearing this, Lin Sheng frowned, already understanding.
“Is there a mission assigned to me?”
“Yes, there is indeed a mission assigned to you. This mission is related to the war on the South Qi side and is quite important, so several Dark Star Envoys in the Pavilion have decided that this mission will be led by the seeds. As for how the specific mission will be arranged, it will also be decided by several Dark Star Envoys.”
Qi Ning said in a deep voice.
“In short, this mission requires transporting a type of Ore called Crimson Crystal Stone into South Qi territory. The only difference is the transportation route. Since Shen Jun is not here, your Master should know which route you are responsible for.”
“I understand. In that case, I happen to be going to pay my respects to Lord Luo Yin. I’ll ask him about this mission then.”
Upon hearing this, Lin Sheng nodded.
“Alright, I’ll go with you.”
Qi Ning nodded, and immediately went with Lin Sheng towards Guiyuan Pavilion.
“This mission seems to be going to South Qi, but it’s actually just the border between the two countries and won’t go too deep. Moreover, it’s not the front line, so the danger level isn’t high.
Although Shen Jun only has you as a Disciple, compared to others, this mission might be a bit more dangerous for you. But it doesn’t matter, each team will have two Blazing Star Envoys, which is enough to handle any danger, so you don’t need to worry.”
As the two walked, Qi Ning revealed the information she knew.
Lin Sheng listened carefully, not having much aversion to this mission. After all, while enjoying benefits, one naturally had to bear certain obligations.
Especially as a future seed Genius of Dark Star, if this mission truly had any great danger, it wouldn’t fall on them.
Not long after, the two had arrived at Guiyuan Pavilion. After announcing their arrival, a dedicated person led them to the side hall where they had been last time.
They didn’t have to wait long before Luo Yin strode in with a powerful presence.
“Brother-in-law.”
“Lord Luo Yin.”
Qi Ning and Lin Sheng both stood up and bowed.
“Alright, you’re all our own people, no need to be so polite.”
Luo Yin waved his hand and said gently.
Before the two could say more, his gaze fell on Lin Sheng. After sizing him up, he nodded slightly, a look of satisfaction on his face.
“Not bad, not bad. You’ve indeed comprehended Dragon Elephant Power. It’s a pity you entered Shen Jun’s Sect and cultivated the Supreme Heavenly Demon Scripture. Otherwise, Mad Tiger Devours Elephant Skill might have been more suitable for you, Lin Sheng.”
“However, Shen Jun must have his own considerations for imparting the Supreme Heavenly Demon Scripture to you, so you don’t need to overthink it.”
Hearing what he said, Lin Sheng’s heart stirred.
He naturally knew the great reputation of Mad Tiger Devours Elephant Skill. Like the Supreme Heavenly Demon Scripture, it was also a genuine profound technique.
It seemed that the Dragon Elephant Power he comprehended should have some connection with this Mad Tiger Devours Elephant Skill.
“Junior thanks Lord for the precious pills. The two pills have benefited Junior greatly.”
Lin Sheng stood up and bowed again. This bow was extremely sincere, coming from the heart.
“Though the pills are good, without matching talent, they are of little use.”
Luo Yin smiled and shook his head, waving his hand, his gaze then falling on Qi Ning.
“Originally, I planned to tell you about the mission in two days, but since you came with Ning-er, it seems you already know about it.”
“Brother-in-law, I’ve already informed Lin Sheng about the mission, but I still need to ask you which route he’s specifically responsible for.”
“You’re quite fast.” Luo Yin smiled somewhat helplessly, and with a flick of his hand, a letter fell into Qi Ning’s hand.
“All the arrangements are on it, you’ll know at a glance.”
Catching the letter, Qi Ning’s gaze fell upon it. After finding Lin Sheng’s name, she immediately stood up and frowned, saying,
“Yuhai Pass. Why would Lin Sheng be responsible for the Yuhai Pass route? Brother-in-law, what’s going on?”
“What else could be going on? I didn’t interfere in this matter, and I doubt the other guys would intentionally do this. So, who do you think made this decision?”
Luo Yin showed an innocent expression and said helplessly.
“Shen Jun…”
Upon hearing this, Qi Ning immediately understood and was momentarily speechless, not knowing what to say.
“What’s wrong, Ning-jie?” Seeing their reactions, although Lin Sheng heard of this so-called Yuhai Pass for the first time, he understood that it was probably not a good place.
“Your mission route is to pass through the border between the two countries from Yuhai Pass. That’s the closest route to the front line among all the routes.”
Qi Ning handed the letter in her hand to Lin Sheng and sighed softly.
Taking the letter, he immediately found his name after Yuhai Pass.
All other locations recorded on the letter had at least two people, but he was all alone, looking quite conspicuous.
“Although Yuhai Pass is indeed closer to the front line, there won’t be any danger if you’re careful. I’ll negotiate with South Qi so that their receiving personnel arrive a bit earlier.”
Luo Yin then continued to speak.
“Additionally, prepare more accompanying personnel. Even if you encounter any danger, it will be enough to handle it, so you don’t need to worry about anything.”
“Okay.”
Lin Sheng nodded, without any intention of refusing.
Although it might be more dangerous compared to other routes, since a decision had already been made by the higher-ups, there was no point in saying more, especially since it was arranged by his nominal Master.
Seeing Lin Sheng agree readily, Qi Ning opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but ultimately did not speak. After all, she was only a Blazing Star Envoy.
Afterward, Luo Yin discussed some specific details and precautions of the mission with Lin Sheng, and only then did Lin Sheng leave.
As for Qi Ning, she stayed behind, seemingly wanting to still fight for Lin Sheng.
Leaving Guiyuan Pavilion, he strolled along the bustling, crowded streets.
Lin Sheng was still thinking about this mission.
He really didn’t expect that he would actually have to get involved in the war between the two countries, which he had felt was quite distant from him.
“It seems I still need to improve my strength as soon as possible.”
Although he seemed to have dispersed his cultivation now, his strength had significantly improved compared to before. Although he hadn’t fought against experts in the late Divine Transformation Realm, he probably wouldn’t be inferior to Martial Artists at Divine Transformation Realm Stage Seven.
Even with his powerful vitality and defensive capabilities, he should be able to protect himself even against experts at Divine Transformation Realm Stage Eight or Nine.
However, after witnessing the terrifying combat power of a Transforming Void Grandmaster, his sense of urgency had never diminished in the slightest.
Compared to the Divine Transformation Realm, a Transforming Void Grandmaster was already a new species, and the gap between them was like the difference between clouds and mud.
“I also need to quickly collect some exotic beasts that enhance spirit and perception. Relying on the Seven Forms Sect’s channels is too slow. It seems I still have to start with the Dark Star channels.”
Strolling on his way back, Lin Sheng had already decided that upon returning to his residence, he would find high-level Spirit Beasts that focused on spirit and perception and post them as Dark Star commissions.
With a decision made, he quickened his pace, weaving through the crowd, and in just a stick of incense’s time, he arrived at the entrance of his residence.
At this moment, the residence’s main gate was open, and a tall, strong young man with a majestic posture was sitting by the stone table in the courtyard.
Gou Donglai stood beside him, restless, seemingly unsure of what to do.