Chapter 2030: Blood Demon Reappears
Regardless, learning that Yan Liren was safe and had already cultivated to the Great Saint realm was a joyful thing.
"What exactly is the second gradient? What secrets are hidden here?"
Now that Chi Linyuan was alone, it was undoubtedly the best opportunity for Zhang Ruochen to press him for answers.
Chi Linyuan felt quite helpless. He was completely unable to extricate himself and could not attack Zhang Ruochen. Of course, even if he did try to fight, he probably wouldn't be a match for Zhang Ruochen and would only be asking for trouble.
"What? Do you really want to suffer a bit?" A cold gleam flashed in Zhang Ruochen's eyes.
Chi Linyuan's heart trembled, and he quickly said, "The secrets of the second gradient, I actually don't know much. From what Master said, this place is extremely vast, comparable to one of the nine provinces of the Central Domain. It was likely formed from the remnants of a broken world."
"In this world, even Master has some places she dares not set foot in recklessly, such as the blood domain where Senior Uncle was once imprisoned."
Hearing this, Zhang Ruochen's mind stirred slightly. The second gradient was clearly more mysterious than he had anticipated, likely involving some forbidden matters.
"Back then, Blood Queen was struck down into the Endless Abyss. Everyone thought she had died. Eight hundred years have passed—what exactly is Blood Queen scheming?" Mu Lingxi murmured.
Blood Queen was clearly so powerful and ambitious, yet she chose to lie dormant in the Endless Abyss. That was truly strange.
Especially later, when the Nine Emperors and Three Queens of the Kunlun Realm gradually faded into obscurity. If Blood Queen chose to emerge at this time, even Empress Chi Yao might not be able to withstand her. Wouldn't that perfectly satisfy her ambition to dominate the Kunlun Realm?
Hearing Mu Lingxi's murmurs, doubts also arose in Zhang Ruochen's mind, but these matters could probably only be answered by Blood Queen herself.
Kong Lanyou's voice was cold as she asked, "What about those blood beasts outside? What is the purpose of raising so many of them?"
From the moment they entered the second gradient, Kong Lanyou had been concerned about this, because the number of blood beasts was enormous, and many of them were powerful.
If all these blood beasts were released, the entire Central Domain would likely face great trouble.
"The blood beasts were nurtured by Master using secret methods, possessing some traits of the Undying Blood Clan. As for Master's purpose, that is beyond my knowledge," Chi Linyuan said.
Although he was a disciple accepted by Blood Queen, the things he knew were actually very limited. He didn't dare to ask casually; he simply did whatever Blood Queen ordered him to do.
At one time, Zhang Ruochen had thought that the blood beasts emerging from the Endless Abyss were ordinary barbarian beasts mutated by absorbing the blood qi left behind by Blood Queen.
Now, hearing Chi Linyuan's answer, Zhang Ruochen finally understood that things were not so simple. The key to everything still lay with Blood Queen.
At this moment, Zhang Ruochen was not only thinking about those blood beasts but also about the strange changes that had occurred in Xin Mo Qiu Yichi and Shangguan Que.
During the battle at Moyou Valley, Zhang Ruochen had personally seen Qiu Yichi grow four pairs of blood-red wings from his back, very similar to the fleshy wings of the Undying Blood Clan, and possessing astonishing vitality. Otherwise, Qiu Yichi would have been killed by him in that battle.
The same was true for Shangguan Que. As a Spiritual Power Saint King, his physical body should have been extremely fragile, without strong regenerative abilities. Yet, when his chest exploded, it healed quickly, just like the Undying Blood Clan.
As if realizing something, Zhang Ruochen suddenly struck out, slapping Chi Linyuan.
Chi Linyuan was not injured, but a startling change occurred on his body. Blood qi erupted from his back, and four pairs of blood-red wings instantly spread open.
Sure enough, as Zhang Ruochen had guessed, Chi Linyuan's condition was exactly the same as Qiu Yichi's.
Mu Lingxi and Kong Lanyou both showed surprise. Such a change was truly eerie. Moreover, the blood-red wings on Chi Linyuan's back emitted the aura of the Undying Blood Clan.
"Did you and Qiu Yichi also undergo the secret method's baptism?" Zhang Ruochen asked calmly.
Chi Linyuan hadn't expected his secret to be discovered by Zhang Ruochen and had to answer, "Indeed."
"What effect does this baptism have on you? Does it make you crave blood like the Undying Blood Clan?"
Zhang Ruochen asked in a deep voice.
Chi Linyuan retracted his blood-red wings, a look of reverence appearing in his eyes, and said, "Master's secret method is profoundly mysterious. After the baptism, our physical bodies underwent a earth-shattering transformation, gaining a powerful vitality comparable to the Undying Blood Clan, yet without being like them, always craving to drink blood. Of course, if we wish, we can also become stronger by drinking blood."
Hearing this, Zhang Ruochen's heart stirred, surging with shock. Blood Queen actually possessed such a secret method. What exactly did she intend to do?
On the surface, Zhang Ruochen remained very calm, as still as an ancient well, and did not continue to press the matter.
The secrets related to Blood Queen were probably something Chi Linyuan could not explain to him. Asking would be pointless.
"If this matter gets out, I'm afraid many people would want to undergo the secret method's baptism, especially those heretical and demonic cultivators," Mu Lingxi said somewhat gravely.
The powerful physical body and vitality of the Undying Blood Clan were well known. Countless cultivators envied them and longed to possess such traits.
Especially since there was no need to develop a dependence on blood, which made it even more tempting.
Zhang Ruochen nodded. That was indeed the case, as could be seen from Chi Linyuan's current state—he was completely willing, not coerced.
Many thoughts flashed through Zhang Ruochen's mind. He looked at Chi Linyuan again and said, "One last question. I saw a blood-red skull in the first gradient, suspected to be related to the Blood Demon. Do you know anything about it?"
"I've heard Master mention this. The Blood Demon has indeed come to the second gradient and seems to be in some secret place now. As for the specifics, I don't know," Chi Linyuan said after a moment's thought.
Zhang Ruochen seemed thoughtful and casually waved his hand. The space domain that had been enveloping the room disappeared, and Chi Linyuan regained his freedom of movement.
"You may leave."
Chi Linyuan breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Crown Prince, please rest well. If you need anything, just give the order."
With that, Chi Linyuan did not hesitate and quickly withdrew, afraid that Zhang Ruochen might change his mind.
"What should we do next?" Mu Lingxi turned her gaze to Zhang Ruochen.
Zhang Ruochen clasped his hands behind his back, walked to the window, and looked up at the sky filled with dense blood fiend qi. He murmured, "Since we're here, let's take it as it comes. The second gradient of the Endless Abyss is full of mystery. I want to explore it. Also, I've noticed a peculiar power here that greatly helps in tempering the physical body. It wouldn't be bad to cultivate here for a while."
"I wonder if Aunt will let us leave this palace?" Kong Lanyou frowned slightly.
If Blood Queen intended to keep them under house arrest, their plans to explore the secrets of the second gradient would have to be shelved. Thus, coming to the Endless Abyss was quite risky, with no certainty of being able to leave.
A sharp gleam flashed in Zhang Ruochen's eyes. "Why should I need her permission to do what I want?"
Regardless, Zhang Ruochen, Mu Lingxi, and Kong Lanyou temporarily settled there.
Blood Queen was very attentive, visiting Zhang Ruochen several times a day, bringing him Heaven-rank sacred pills, Eon sacred medicines, and even food cooked from Great Saint-level barbarian beasts, among other things.
It could be said that only the divine sons and divine daughters favored by the gods in the Heavenly Court might enjoy such treatment.
Unfortunately, no matter what Blood Queen did, Zhang Ruochen never showed any sign of closeness and rarely spoke a word to her.
In the blink of an eye, ten days passed.
In the garden, Zhang Ruochen sat cross-legged on a large bluestone, using the ten blood spirit veins in his body to absorb the strange power drifting in the heaven and earth.
Over the past ten days, aside from occasionally talking with Mu Lingxi and Kong Lanyou, Zhang Ruochen had spent most of his time cultivating.
His physical body was already extremely strong, having long reached the level below Great Saint. Making any further improvement was extremely difficult.
But after absorbing the strange power of the second gradient, Zhang Ruochen found that his physical strength had increased quite noticeably.
With such benefits, Zhang Ruochen naturally would not let them go.
"Hoo."
Zhang Ruochen exhaled a deep breath of turbid air, opened his eyes, and withdrew from his cultivation state.
"I've almost reached my limit. Continuing to absorb the strange power in this world won't have much effect," Zhang Ruochen sighed slightly.
Nevertheless, overall, his gains were considerable. Just for this, he could say the trip was worthwhile.
"Chen'er, are you tired? Mother used one hundred thousand years of jade spirit essence to make a nectar that can nourish the sacred soul. Try some."
Just then, Blood Queen's voice suddenly rang out.
Over these days, Zhang Ruochen had grown accustomed to Blood Queen's uninvited visits.
Zhang Ruochen stood up, jumped off the bluestone, and glanced indifferently at Blood Queen. "You don't need to waste your efforts. I have some questions I want to ask you."
Blood Queen's movements paused, and she slowly put down the plate of pastries she had been holding out, a hint of disappointment flashing in her eyes.
Looking at Zhang Ruochen, Blood Queen asked gently, "Chen'er, what do you want to ask?"
Zhang Ruochen said, "What is your relationship with Underworld King?"
Hearing this question, Blood Queen's expression changed slightly. After a long silence, she said, "It seems you've already met Underworld King. What did he tell you?"
"Underworld King said you are his sister," Zhang Ruochen said, staring intently at Blood Queen.
Blood Queen did not avoid Zhang Ruochen's gaze and nodded slightly. "That's right. Underworld King is indeed my elder brother. We both come from the Hell Realm, descendants of a god of the Undying Blood Clan. However, both Underworld King and I were born from concubines and were not highly regarded, which is why we were sent to the Kunlun Realm."
Although Zhang Ruochen had already guessed this was the case, hearing Blood Queen say it herself still stirred some waves in his heart. That god of the Undying Blood Clan was truly formidable—sending two descendants to the Kunlun Realm, both of whom had turned it upside down.
Calming his emotions, Zhang Ruochen asked again, "Why did you have Shangguan Que steal my previous life's corpse?"
Undoubtedly, this second question was what Zhang Ruochen cared about most.
Blood Queen had gone to such great lengths to have Shangguan Que do this; there must be a special reason.
As if she had long known Zhang Ruochen would ask this, Blood Queen smiled slightly. "Mother will take you to a place, and you'll understand."
"Aunt, where are you taking Cousin?"
Kong Lanyou's voice rang out.
Zhang Ruochen turned around and saw Mu Lingxi and Kong Lanyou approaching from the side.
Blood Queen glanced at the two of them. "You're not outsiders either. Come along."
With that, Blood Queen waved her hand, and a blood light appeared, enveloping the three of them. She then vanished from the garden with them.
When they reappeared, they were in front of a dark cave.
This cave was at the foot of a towering, majestic mountain. Looking up, they could see strange dark red flames burning on the mountain's surface.
"Rumble."
At the mountain's peak, terrifying thunder and lightning existed, emitting a strong aura of destruction—a scene of utter apocalypse.
Through the dense thunder and lightning, they could vaguely see a massive creature coiled at the summit, like a god or demon overlooking the world.
For some reason, upon arriving here, the Ice Phoenix bloodline within Mu Lingxi trembled violently, as if drawn by some force.
"What is that?" Mu Lingxi's voice trembled slightly as she stared at the blurry giant creature on the mountaintop.
Blood Queen also looked up and said calmly, "That is a fallen blood phoenix. The entire mountain has been soaked through by the blood phoenix's blood, causing all life on the mountain to perish. The blood flames on the mountain have been burning for who knows how many years."
"How could a divine-level blood phoenix have fallen here?" Zhang Ruochen murmured to himself.
Even with Blood Queen's protection, Zhang Ruochen could still feel the terrifying divine might. From this, one could imagine that this blood phoenix must have been extremely powerful in life.
In the history of the Kunlun Realm, the Phoenix Clan was extremely powerful, rivaling the Divine Dragon Clan, and had given birth to many gods. However, the era was too distant, and it had long been forgotten.
Blood Queen said, "The second gradient of the Endless Abyss holds many mysteries. Even I have not fully grasped it. It involves many taboos. You are still too weak now; knowing too much will do you no good."
As she spoke, Blood Queen stepped into the dark cave.
Zhang Ruochen turned to look at Mu Lingxi, reached out to hold her delicate hand, and said softly, "Don't think too much. As long as I'm here, nothing will happen."
"Mm."
Mu Lingxi nodded and shifted her gaze away from the massive creature on the mountaintop.
A blood phoenix that had cultivated to godhood had fallen here for some unknown reason, which had indeed struck her deeply.
Glancing at Blood Queen ahead, Zhang Ruochen and the other two quickly followed.
In a place like this, if not for Blood Queen leading them, they wouldn't have been able to get close at all. This made them all very curious about the secrets hidden in the cave.
From the outside, the cave appeared pitch black, but once inside, they found faint fluorescent light dispelling the darkness.
The cave was very deep, winding and twisting. They walked for a long time without reaching the end.
"Blood Queen, it's been less than a month. Why have you come here again?"
A very deep, resonant voice sounded from the darkness.
Zhang Ruochen's gaze shifted and finally locked onto a tall figure emerging from the darkness.
This man was over two meters tall, half a head taller than Chi Linyuan, and extremely burly. His muscles bulged like coiled flood dragons.
He was bare-chested, with a resolute face and an unmatched domineering aura between his brows, inspiring fear.
"Such a strong Nine-Step Saint King." Zhang Ruochen was secretly shocked.
He could sense that the burly man's cultivation was at the Nine-Step Saint King Lin Dao realm, just one step away from the Great Saint realm. He contained extremely terrifying power within him, with tens of millions of sacred dao rules flowing on the surface of his skin, as if he could shatter a star with one punch.
Among the Nine-Step Saint Kings Zhang Ruochen had encountered, few could match this man, let alone surpass him.
Blood Queen glanced indifferently at the burly man, emitting a faint but terrifying pressure, and said coldly, "Blood Demon, since when do my affairs concern you?"
"Heh, just asking casually. No need to get angry. Who are these three? I recall you never bring anyone here," Blood Demon said with a sheepish laugh.
A strange light flickered in Zhang Ruochen's eyes as he carefully examined the burly man. He had asked Chi Linyuan about the Blood Demon not long ago, and now he was meeting him so soon.
Another person who should have long been dead appeared alive before him. Many things were becoming increasingly perplexing.
...
Finally managed to write today's chapter. Sweat! ()