Chapter 57: Divine Weapon Token
The carnage on the first floor had yet to subside, but with the death of the youth and the arrival of Gu Ji, the remaining assassins were hardly a concern. Forget threatening Wu Yuan, they couldn't even make it to the second floor.
Inside the room on the second floor, a fraction of Wu Yuan's consciousness remained alert to his surroundings, while the majority was focused on the black pagoda within his upper dantian lobe.
This blood-red mist is nothing short of extraordinary and can be aptly called Evolution Mist. It optimizes the human genome, raising the limit of the body's potential. Wu Yuan vividly recalled the otherworldly experience he had undergone after consuming the Soul Condensing Pill.
The blood-red mist didn't directly bolster physical strength but rather optimized and transformed his body at the genetic level. After getting an initial glimpse of the black pagoda, his subsequent attempts to Visualize it and cultivate his soul further affirmed Wu Yuan's hypothesis. If not for the increase in his body's potential, how could Wu Yuan's physical strength have increased by thousands of catties in just ten days?
In his spare time over the last few days, Wu Yuan had been grappling with how to obtain more blood-red mist from the black pagoda, but to no avail. After all, his soul was still too weak. Although he had unlocked his upper dantian lobe, he was only able to send his consciousness in. He was unable to manipulate the black pagoda or spend extended periods Visualizing it. How could he unravel the secrets concealed within it?
But now, Wu Yuan finally gained some insight into how this blood-red mist was generated. Was it the byproduct of slaughter?
Mm? What's this? Wu Yuan's eyes widened in surprise. As the amount of blood-red mist surrounding the black pagoda increased, a small portion detached itself from the structure, gushing out from his upper dantian lobe.
A wisp of mist swiftly infiltrated Wu Yuan's middle and lower dantian lobes, merging seamlessly into his limbs and bones, eradicating any trace of fatigue. Simultaneously, a flicker of murderous intent welled up from the depths of Wu Yuan's heart.
Could it be? Back at the Vicious Tiger Gang's stronghold, I felt my weariness dissipate with every thug I killed. Was it due to this blood-red mist?
At that time, I hadn't opened the upper dantian lobe. It should be similar to what's happening now, where a wisp of mist may not be potent enough to enhance the body's potential, but it can certainly alleviate the fatigue of my musculoskeletal system. Wu Yuan's mind churned as he made several speculations.
Pull. Wu Yuan commanded his soul to make contact with the blood-red mist surrounding the black pagoda.
It was effortless. Threads of blood-red mist, responding to Wu Yuan's mental directive, promptly departed from the upper dantian lobe and gradually merged into his musculoskeletal system. In an instant, Wu Yuan felt peculiar transformations within his body, accompanied by a tingling sensation coursing through his muscles and bones!
This was the elevation of potential at the essential level, a mystical evolution! Once again, he witnessed it taking place.
Truly... incredible.
He was flabbergasted. All his conjectures were now confirmed.
Visualizing the black pagoda allows me to fortify my soul. And after taking lives, the black pagoda generates a blood-red mist. A small amount of this mist can dispel physical weariness, while a greater quantity can even propel genetic evolution, progressing my body towards the perfect martial body.
The function of this black pagoda and the supernatural nature of this blood-red mist surpassed his wildest imagination!
In my past life, the Human Federation excavated the black pagoda from ancient ruins and rekindled humanity’s interest in martial arts... I touched the black pagoda. Later, just when I was on the cusp of breaking through to new heights, I transmigrated... These occurrences are likely no mere coincidences. Wu Yuan took a deep breath, his sixth sense telling him there was a great secret behind all this.
In his past life, he had never taken theories of immortals and gods seriously. After all, the so-called remnants of immortals and mythological tales had always only ever existed in ancient tomes and legends. He had never seen them with his own eyes. But now?
Is it a mere coincidence that the black pagoda I once witnessed in my past life is identical to the one residing in my upper dantian lobe? Or is there a greater force at play here?
Can the wonders of this black pagoda be deciphered through the lenses of martial arts and scientific understanding?
The ancient scriptures speak of devilish cultivation methods that advocate the consumption of human blood to bolster one's power. This black pagoda, though eerie in appearance, does not seem to align with these devilish teachings!
Wu Yuan was certain that the corpses of those he had slain showed no anomalies. As for the act of devouring souls, Wu Yuan was unable to determine whether such a thing had happened.
Gao Yu mentioned the existence of relics left behind by immortals. Though his explanation was vague, his use of the term 'immortal' carries significant weight. Perhaps, immortals and gods truly do walk among us.
It was impossible to explain his transmigration and the black pagoda without discussing immortals and gods.
I am currently unable to fathom the secrets of the black pagoda due to my lack of power.
The world of the Middle Land is vast and profound. Its inhabitants have a long-standing history of martial arts, and with the power of their genes, their potential far exceeds the denizens of my previous world. Beyond the Land Rankings lies the Heavenly Rankings!
Wu Yuan had always been ambitious. How powerful were the Heavenly Rankers? Scant records existed, but Wu Yuan had a burning desire to reach that level someday.
The genome of humans from the Middle Land is very strong. Drawing from my past life’s experience, I have incorporated the Tiger Leopard Bone Training Technique and the Dragon Marrow Cleansing Technique into my training regimen, resulting in a tremendous surge in my strength.
And now, I have this blood-red mist. If I obtain a continuous supply of it, allowing me to attain a truly perfect human body, how terrifying would my physical constitution be?
A single-arm strength of 300,000-400,000 catties? No, it was far more than that, beyond imagination! Even Wu Yuan couldn't predict the heights of such strength!
However, I must not succumb to arrogance and lose myself. I must continue to tread with caution while I cultivate. Wu Yuan quickly composed himself.
Firstly, were there any links between the blood-red mist and the act of slaying enemies? Secondly, how exactly was the blood-red mist created?
Was the blood-red mist contained within the black pagoda, only revealing itself in response to his act of killing the enemy as a reward? If the blood-red mist was indeed related to murder, then did its manifestation depend on the quantity of foes, or did it account for their strength? These were all things that Wu Yuan had to understand in time.
Black pagoda. Studying the black pagoda, Wu Yuan noticed that the release of blood-red mist had gradually subsided, enveloping the pagoda in a swirling ring. With a mere thought, he could draw these swirling mists out of his upper dantian lobe.
The existence of the black pagoda, it seems to be encouraging me to fight? To slaughter? Wu Yuan fell into deep thought.
Deep down, he relished the thrill of battle! However, would he mindlessly butcher the weak without consideration, indulging in needless bloodshed just to grow stronger? Wu Yuan knew he could not!
I am no saint, harboring no aspirations to save the world. But neither am I a devil! I practice martial arts for strength, to pursue the ultimate limits of human biology. It's not just for the sake of power!
A martial artist needed obsessions, but also a moral bottom line! Without obsession, one could not dedicate oneself to the martial path day after day for decades. Without a moral bottom line, one would eventually lose oneself to infinite desires.
Wu Yuan only attempted to draw the surging mist away from the black pagoda, but refrained from cultivating. The current circumstances did not permit it.
"Young Master, all enemies have been eradicated." Gu Ji, carrying his saber, arrived at the only intact room on the second level. Accompanying him was Wu Xiong.
Wu Yuan opened the door and stepped forward. A trace of fear lingered on his face, yet his demeanor had regained its composure. Taking steady steps, he bowed respectfully, "I am grateful, Uncle Ji, and Uncle Wu, for your assistance."
Gu Ji and Wu Xiong couldn't help but admire Wu Yuan. They didn't belittle the 'fear' Wu Yuan had displayed in the past two days. In their view, Wu Yuan was just a fourteen-year-old youth who had never experienced the horrors of battle. The fact that he could adapt so swiftly spoke volumes of his courage. An ordinary person would have fled long ago, consumed by terror.
"It’s no trouble, protecting Young Master is our duty," Gu Ji said softly.
"Young Master, the remaining enemies have all been eliminated," Wu Xiong took over, "However, the interrogation doesn't look promising. This group of assassins was exceptionally ruthless. The only one that Mr. Ji managed to capture alive bit into a poison pill and committed suicide."
"A sacrificial warrior?" Wu Yuan exclaimed, taken aback.
The difficulty of raising a sacrificial warrior could not be compared to merely raising a powerful disciple. Survival was an instinct ingrained in all creatures. Hence, sacrificial warriors were precious, and not to be easily expended.
"They may not all be sacrificial warriors. Perhaps the one I captured happened to be one," Gu Ji said in a low voice, "Or perhaps he chose suicide, fearing torture and knowing that death was inevitable."
Wu Yuan and Wu Xiong nodded in agreement. That made sense. Once captured alive, such assassins were seldom allowed to live. After extracting information through interrogation, they were typically executed.
"Nevertheless, we did manage to glean some clues from them, particularly from the body of the first-rate Adept," Wu Xiong continued, "It appears that they received prior intelligence, subsequently dispatching experts from the Wingborne Sect's territory to Li County in batches. They had lain in wait, seeking an opportunity to assassinate you, Young Master."
Li City sat within the heartland of the Cloudstride Sect's territory. However, given that the Cloudstride Sect only had authority over three provinces and lacked firm control over rural areas, it wouldn’t have been overly challenging for the Wingborne Sect to quietly send in teams of experts, especially if no expense was spared.
"They received prior intelligence?" Wu Yuan mused, seizing the crux of the matter.
"Young Master, once we arrive at Southdream City, I shall inform our sect and strive to get to the bottom of this matter," Gu Ji declared.
Wu Yuan gave a nod of agreement. Such was the advantage of having a powerful faction at one’s back. Even the strongest martial artist would feel powerless when facing such circumstances alone.
"Young Master, if the Wingborne Sect managed to receive the intelligence and carry out an assassination, other powers such as Great Jin may also take action," Gu Ji stated gravely. "Our original path is no longer safe. To add to that, the ship is severely damaged. As soon as we reach the next ferry port, we will go ashore. There is no need to report to the local authorities. We can procure horses directly from the checkpoint and continue our journey overland."
"Though it may be more exhausting, it is considerably safer," Gu Ji concluded.
Traveling by water was convenient and swift, but there were only a few routes, which made it easy for enemies to lay ambushes and carry out assassinations. By going overland, the choice of routes was plentiful.
"Very well. Uncle Ji, I will follow your arrangements," Wu Yuan concurred.
Gu Ji cast a brief glance at Wu Xiong.
"Young Master, Senior Ji, I will head down to check on the cleaning situation in the cabin," Wu Xiong said tactfully, bowed, and left the second floor. Only Gu Ji and Wu Yuan remained in the room.
"Young Master, may we have the honor of meeting the stealth weapons expert who aided us in the fight?" Gu Ji asked in a low voice.
"An expert in stealth weapons? Was such a person present?" Wu Yuan appeared genuinely surprised. "I've been hiding in my room the whole time and had no knowledge of this."
Gu Ji was taken aback. Observing Wu Yuan's expression, which did not seem to be feigned, he explained, "An expert in stealth weapons aided us just now, which enabled us to swiftly eliminate the first-rate Adept. Young Master, are you truly unaware of their presence?"
"I had no idea," Wu Yuan shook his head, looking completely shocked. "Did the sect arrange for other experts to protect me during this journey?"
At this, Gu Ji became even more puzzled. He shook his head, "Young Master, it seems that the hall master or perhaps the sect has other arrangements. This stealth weapons expert may not be willing to reveal themselves, but with their protection, you'll be even safer.”
"Mm." Wu Yuan nodded, seemingly more at ease.
"Right." Gu Ji flipped his palm, "While tending to the aftermath of the battle, we retrieved a number of items. With Young Master's character, you might not care for the other objects, but I believe this one will be useful to you."
"Oh?" Wu Yuan looked down. Resting in Gu Ji's palm was a palm-sized rectangular metal token. It was faint blue and very thin, bearing the engraving of a sharp sword on its face. The words 'Divine Weapon' were inscribed on it.
"Divine Weapon Token?" Wu Yuan's eyes lit up.
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