617 Enhanced Boundless Blood World
Qin Huai had never encountered such an item, even in Zhang You’s records. Though a king’s combat strength would naturally enhance their domain, it wasn’t enough. The domain sphere presented a unique opportunity to amplify the domain’s strength from an external source.
He carefully inspected the domain sphere in his hand. After considering it for a moment, he swallowed it.
“Ding! Your domain [Boundless Blood World] has been upgraded.”
“Current domain: [Boundless Blood World]”
[Boundless Blood World]: This domain allows one to launch a blood world attack without a medium, effective anywhere in sight. Nothing can stop it.
Qin Huai’s eyes narrowed. Testing his newfound ability, he focused on a large tree outside his window. A bloody blade, several inches wide, seamlessly emanated from the tree, as if it was an extension of the tree itself.
“It works!” Qin Huai exclaimed.
With a light tap on the ground, the earth crumbled beneath. A gray rat, fear evident in its eyes, was launched airborne. With a mere look, a bloody blade materialized, splitting the rat in two.
This newfound capability was a game-changer. Without needing any medium, as long as an opponent was within his domain, he could instantly unleash the blood world attack. The reaction time for any enemy would be nearly non-existent, relying solely on their intuition and agility to evade.
However, this attack had its limitations. Its scope was restricted, with its power and reach equivalent to a rapier’s blade. Still, its potential was undeniable.
Qin Huai took a deep breath, realizing the immense power that could be harnessed from a king realm expert. If he were to engage with more kings, would he be able to endlessly amplify his domains? He envisioned the vast expanse within the dark throne in his mind, capable of holding countless domains.
Lost in thought, he was interrupted by the realization that his king corpse had covered thousands of miles. The bond between them was as strong and clear as ever.
“The design of my system seems flawless, but multitasking is taxing,” he pondered, massaging his temple.
In a battle with an opponent of equal caliber, Qin Huai would need to exert himself significantly more. But he wasn’t concerned since the king corpse had impressive resilience.
Qin Huai then decided, “I’ll send the king corpse to investigate the secret realm of Pingwang first…”
Qin Huai paused momentarily, then directed the king corpse westward, traveling through mountains and cities, following Zhang Youji’s map.
Xiang Mingfeng’s words echoed in his mind: to truly stand firm in the Great You and safeguard Qingzhou, one must reach the king realm. And Qin Huai, with his emperor-like prowess, had already caused ripples in the spirit world.
The world was shifting quickly, and Qin Huai knew his influence was a significant catalyst. Although his emperor-like strength remained hidden, some, like Zhang Youji, were already aware. It was only a matter of time before others connected the dots.
“Time is of the essence,” he mused. With challenges continuously arising and power hierarchies like the six royal clans and the Sacred Heart Sect to consider, Qin Huai felt the pressure. He knew these ancient powerhouses wouldn’t ignore his true potential, especially given his rising assets.
As Qin Huai trekked through the mountains, his mind raced, plotting his strategy. One thing was clear: he had to secure the spirit stones in Pingwang county’s mystic realm.
Eventually, he reached the bronze world ruins, the last place he had seen his mentor, the Emperor of Qingzhou. Though they never formally acknowledged their master-disciple relationship, their bond was evident. Remembering the emperor’s multiple efforts to safeguard humanity, Qin Huai felt a deep respect.
Laying fresh flowers amidst the bronze relics, he whispered, “Master, I’ve been remiss in not visiting sooner. In the years since we last met, I’ve fought the Sacred Heart followers and the Kun Peng clan to protect our people.” He recounted his recent adventures in detail.
After a reflective moment, Qin Huai set off towards the ten counties of East Qingzhou, where a grand dragon nestled by Lingjiang, its magnificence increasing with each passing day.
…
Upon nearing Guiyang City, a dusty windstorm greeted him. Walking alongside Gou Jie, he said, “I’ve never seen Guiyang City weather this bad.”
Gou Jie replied, “This area is desolate, with minimal water and barren land. But its strategic location connecting the north, south, east, and west makes it essential. Despite the harsh conditions, its population is vast, second only to the ten county cities.”
Suddenly, the rhythmic beat of hooves echoed as a group of fierce cavalry emerged through the dust storm. Even amidst the swirling sand, Qin Huai and Gou Jie could clearly hear the crack of whips and the shouts of the riders. Looking northward, they spotted several carriages, one of which was particularly ornate, indicating wealth or nobility.
Soon enough, the group approached Qin Huai and Gou Jie. The leader, a tall figure radiating strength and charisma, asked, “Where did you two come from?”
“From Spirit Gate,” replied Qin Huai.
“Spirit Gate? Judging by your clothes, you must carry at least a hundred nine-dragon coins,” the leader remarked.
Qin Huai paused, recalling that nine-dragon coins were the currency introduced by Empress Li Shao. Each coin was valued at one tael of silver in Great You.
“Are you crossing the city on foot?” the leader asked.
“It’s a form of training, and we also wanted to explore,” Qin Huai responded, noting the hint of surprise on the leader’s face.
Impressed, the leader commented, “You’re quite determined.”
A melodious voice from the ornate carriage added, “Big Brother Mo, invite these two gentlemen into our carriage. The path ahead is treacherous, full of dust and bandits. It’s not safe on foot.”
As the curtain lifted, a beautiful face emerged, her smile as serene as a calm day amidst a storm.
Qin Huai was skeptical. “Given that the ten counties of East Qingzhou are prospering and the cities are fortified, isn’t it strange to have bandits, especially in a central area like Guiyang City?”
The woman hesitated, and even the confident Mo seemed evasive.
“Is there a powerful force behind these bandits? Is the situation so dire that we shouldn’t even speak of it?” Qin Huai probed with a hint of jest.
Instead of answering directly, Mo urged, “Just heed the lady’s advice and join us in the carriage. It’s for your safety. These bandits aren’t ordinary. They’re backed by a formidable power.”
Acknowledging the unspoken message, Qin Huai and Gou Jie exchanged a glance, sensing deeper complexities behind the bandit issue. They decided to join the group, curious about the power play at hand.