Chapter 53: Chapter 53: The Stalker

Zhao Mushen said lightly, “The average Barbarian knows nothing of this, but after the Barbarian Race declared war on Daqian, their higher-ups began throwing captured Daqian Martial Artists into the Bloodline Secret Realm. Those with poor luck were simply unable to withstand it and died on the spot.”

“As for the lucky ones, their constitution is altered, merging with the Barbarian bloodline. In the end, they appear to gain benefits, but the moment their power erupts, Barbarian marks surface upon their bodies—Barbarian marks that stem from the bloodline!”

Xu Yang’s heart suddenly tightened!

Barbarian marks were the unique symbol of the Barbarian Race!

If a human developed Barbarian marks—even if they still looked human—they’d still be viewed differently.

Some would go so far as to see them as Barbarians.

Not accepted as a Barbarian by the Barbarians, and seen as a Barbarian by the humans!

If he returned to Daqian… the consequences were self-evident!

In that moment, how could Xu Yang not understand Wuo Longyue’s intentions?

It’s not arrogance, but given his strength and means, he would certainly not be among the unlucky ones.

Even the Bloodline Baptism wouldn’t kill him.

But the result would be the emergence of Barbarian marks!

At that point, he’d be unable to return to Daqian, and forced to remain with the Barbarians!

Destined to refine pills for the Kunwu Division for a lifetime!

Such malice deserves death!

“Of course, it’s not absolute!” Lv Xiu suddenly interjected, “There are some humans who possess unique bloodlines, or who have cultivated special cultivation techniques. Even if Barbarian marks appear, they can completely refine and assimilate them; with such methods, not only would the Bloodline Baptism hold no peril, it would greatly benefit a Martial Artist!”

“Especially for the physical body.”

Hearing this, Xu Yang couldn’t help but blink.

Perhaps he didn’t need to refuse after all!

Celestial Refining Divine Scripture, Celestial Refining Divine Tripod!

This cultivation technique and treasure are unimaginably defiant existences.

Could mere Barbarian bloodlines and Barbarian marks possibly endure them?

Absolutely impossible!

In this, Xu Yang held a profound confidence.

Wuo Longyue, you want to see me neither man nor barbarian, is that it?

I simply refuse to let you have your way!

I’ll take your Barbarian bloodline power and strengthen myself with it.

Leave you with nothing—losing both your bride and your army!

At this, much of the fury in Xu Yang’s heart instantly dissipated.

The Barbarian Bloodline Trial—he still had to go.

Xu Yang smiled faintly, folded his fists, and said, “Thank you!”

“Take this.”

“If you really encounter danger, crush it and I’ll know at once, and do my utmost to come.” Lv Xiu handed Xu Yang a Jade Talisman.

Xu Yang hesitated for a moment, but chose to accept it!

Just in case!

Moreover, since he’d decided to seek the Cyan Jade Yin Yang Pendant, he’d still need to cooperate with Lv Xiu and Zhao Mushen in the future.

As for Zhao Mushen’s earlier attitude, he simply chose to ignore it.

From the perspective of the Cyan Gang Sect survivors, some dissatisfaction was only natural!

Xu Yang put away the Jade Talisman, nodded slightly, and left swiftly.

Watching Xu Yang’s figure vanish into the darkness, Lv Xiu exhaled, looked to Zhao Mushen, and asked, “Mr. Zhao, what do you think?”

The coldness faded from Zhao Mushen’s face. He said in a low voice, “This kid is no ordinary sort. While merely at the Early Stage of True Void, his strength can rival True Void Perfection. Using a secret technique, with a single move he slew an elite Martial Artist of the Demon Ape Army!”

“From what I can sense, his foundation is incomparably solid, and his Spiritual Power is as condensed as that of the Yin Realm; at sixteen years old, his potential is truly terrifying. Don’t even mention those two young ones who escaped with us; even his mother in her prime was no match for him!”

“And his mind is steady and mature, his decisions cool and unflinching, but most crucially, it’s the confidence and conviction he carries!”

To overturn the Royal Mansion and seek vengeance on Zheng Xuan—he’s not just making empty boasts!

This, Zhao Mushen saw clearly and felt keenly.

Lv Xiu’s eyes showed surprise. Clearly, she hadn’t expected Zhao Mushen—who’d just been so dismissive—to turn right around and praise Xu Yang so highly.

“These sixteen years, he can’t have had it easy in King Beixuan’s Mansion.”

“We’ll need to find out more when an opportunity arises.” Zhao Mushen frowned slightly.

“Do you think what he just said is true?” Lv Xiu suddenly asked.

Zhao Mushen’s pupils shrank as he met Lv Xiu’s serious gaze, his own expression growing grave.

A fourth-rank Alchemist!

If that’s true…

Hiss—!

“Damn it!”

Zhao Mushen suddenly cursed under his breath, gritting his teeth. “That kid won’t reveal his background. For him to be living here, anyone in the Kunwu Division who knows his real situation must be among the higher-ups. With my current strength, I wouldn’t dare act recklessly here—otherwise, if I grabbed someone to question them, I’d be found out for sure!”

Lv Xiu couldn’t help but chuckle softly.

“You… After all these years, there are some things you need to let go of.”

Lv Xiu shook her head slightly and turned, saying as she walked away, “No matter whether he’s an Alchemist or not—he has the strength to reclaim the Cyan Jade Yin Yang Pendant. When the time comes, don’t forget what you promised.”

The corner of Zhao Mushen’s mouth twitched, and with a grim face, he followed after her.

“After all these years, even if there’s only a sliver of hope left, what’s dying on the way? At least we won’t disappoint the forebears of the Cyan Gang Sect!”

The desolate words echoed; Zhao Mushen said nothing.

The two gradually vanished into the darkness.

That night, Xu Yang didn’t sleep a wink!

Everything gleaned from Zhao Mushen and Lv Xiu’s words turned the endless hatred long-buried in his heart into a raging inferno, surging all through him!

“No matter how hard the road ahead, I will never give up!”

…

“Mr. Xu, it’s time to set out.”

Outside the room, Wuo Ling’s voice interrupted Xu Yang’s cultivation.

Opening his eyes, Xu Yang exhaled a foul breath, rose, and walked out.

A half month had passed since that night when Zhao Mushen came privately.

Today was the precise day of the Kunwu Division’s Bloodline Trial.

“Let’s go.”

Xu Yang left his room and nodded to Wuo Ling.

The two left the courtyard, heading out of the manor together.

The secret realm for the Bloodline Trial was located outside the great city of the Kunwu Division, in a hidden place. All those participating were either direct descendants of Kunwu, or possessed notable merit, or showed outstanding potential.

There were about three to five hundred people!

To have such qualifications, everyone was an elite; at worst, each would gain some rewards, and in the future become fresh blood among Kunwu’s future powerhouses.

“Do you know of the Barbarian God’s Grand Sacrificial Ceremony?” Xu Yang asked offhandedly.

“Sacrificial ceremony?”

Wuo Ling looked at Xu Yang in surprise, then replied, “I know a bit. It’s our Barbarian Race’s grandest event—when the four great clans hold a joint sacrificial ceremony to gain the Barbarian God’s blessing. They also bring many gifts to the royal clan!”

“Afterwards, the royal clan presides and, through the Barbarian God’s ritual, opens the Barbarian Race’s most astonishing forbidden land: the Red Sand Blood Desert.”

Xu Yang asked in curiosity, “What sort of place is the Red Sand Blood Desert?”

Though he’d learned a little from Lv Xiu, he still didn’t know much about it.

Wuo Ling replied, “It’s a bizarre blood-red desert. They say our ancestors, the Barbarian Gods, gained immense power there. Danger lurks everywhere, but so do countless opportunities. I haven’t participated yet—only know that the Red Sand Blood Desert represents our Barbarian Race’s hope for resurgence.”

A flicker of disappointment flashed in Xu Yang’s eyes. Clearly, only the higher-ups knew the full truth.

Still, even Wuo Ling’s few words proved the Red Sand Blood Desert was anything but ordinary.

When the time comes, if he asks Wuo Longyue for a spot, it shouldn’t be an issue, right?

Xu Yang dared not be certain.

The dangers within were grave. Wuo Longyue might not let him enter lightly; if something went awry, Kunwu might be left with only Wuo Huai as an Alchemist.

But for now, it was too soon to dwell on this. When the cart reaches the mountain, there will be a way!

They left the manor, hurrying toward the city outskirts.

Halfway there, Xu Yang suddenly frowned, glancing aside without giving anything away.

Swish!

A blurred figure flashed by the alleyway’s entrance and vanished.

“Someone’s following me?”

A trace of suspicion flickered in Xu Yang’s eyes.

This was just too strange.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep