I'm modifying myself into the ultimate demon.

Chapter 123 Modified Blood Energy, Lady Bell!

Qinghe Town, on the banks of the Qinghe River.

Raindrops fell through the misty fog, striking the villagers who had turned into mummies.

The stage is still there, and so is the Red Bridge.

Countless wet paper money was scattered on the ground.

Da da da.

A series of crisp footsteps approached, and Hongwu, carrying a gray oil-paper umbrella, came over. She didn't cross the red bridge into the mountain, but instead went to the incense table in front of the stage.

He took an incense stick, lit it, and inserted it into the incense burner.

puff.

Hongwu knelt before the incense table, bit her finger, and dripped a drop of blood onto the burning incense stick. Then she made a mysterious hand seal and muttered some incantation.

suddenly--

Click!

Hongwu's body cracked as if her bones were possessed, her face contorted, and she gave a sinister smile.

"Grandma, the villagers who came to offer incense yesterday have all set off. The adults' bridge-crossing ceremony is complete. Can we cross the bridge soon?"

There was no one around, but Hongwu stared devoutly at the incense on the altar.

Not long after, a sinister sound actually came from the flickering incense smoke.

"There's no rush. The bridge-crossing ceremony has been in preparation for a long time, and we need to find an auspicious day. Let's cross the bridge next month. Besides, once the adults have come down the mountain and crossed the bridge, they will need incense offerings. One Wuqiao Town is not enough."

Hongwu said, "Many villages under the jurisdiction of Wuqiao Town still have villagers living there, numbering in the thousands."

"It's still not enough. You need to think of another way, lest you disappoint the adults again. If the adults think you're useless, you should know what will happen."

Upon hearing this, Hongwu trembled violently. "How much more incense do you need, sir?"

“Honghe County has a total of 36 townships, and they all used to worship the Red Lantern Ghost. That Red Lantern Ghost has truly lived a comfortable life for so many years. He has accumulated countless spiritual powers. Now it’s time for him to return some of his power. It takes the incense offerings from at least four townships to maintain the needs of the adults.”

Four townships...

Hongwu frowned slightly and said, "The master has not yet come out of the mountain. If I were to seize the incense offerings of four townships in Honghe County, I'm afraid that the Red Lantern Ghost would not let me go. Hongwu is not afraid of death, but she is afraid of failing and ruining the master's plans."

"It doesn't matter. The reason why the Red Lantern Ghost was able to get so much incense offerings back then wasn't entirely because she stole it. She also got help from the previous magistrate. In Honghe County, whatever deity you worship or what incense you burn, the imperial court's words still carry some weight. High and low ranks represent orthodoxy, which makes it easier to promote."

Hongwu immediately understood her mother-in-law's intention, a glint of joy flashing in her eyes. "Mother-in-law wants me to seek help from the county magistrate, to directly post notices everywhere, demanding that the villagers convert their worship to our magistrate. But the current county magistrate, Wen Yuantu, is already dead..."

"The new magistrate, He Zhizhou, will be taking office in a few days. He Zhizhou is from a prominent family and has the blood of a noble family. However, he is very fond of a certain object, which I have hidden under the incense burner. Take the object to He Zhizhou. He will help you. Allocating four townships to you will be a piece of cake."

“Grandma is so thoughtful, I understand. I have something else to say. Little Black, Little White, and the white baby... they were all killed by a ghost.”

"Then kill that ghost. Don't let it get in the way of the master."

"Yes."

After the conversation ended, Hongwu's bones cracked a few times before returning to normal.

"Mother-in-law is truly farsighted, coming up with such a wonderful idea." Hongwu smiled and flipped open the incense burner. Sure enough, she saw a very flat black wooden box underneath. Upon opening it, she found a palm-sized black leather piece inside.

The material is unusual; I don't know what it is.

"For a scion of a prominent family to be interested in this kind of thing, it seems he has ulterior motives. I will go to the county town to find He Zhizhou in a few days and settle the matter of the master's funeral as soon as possible."

……

"Xiao Mo, do you mean... something big is about to happen in Honghe County? The Red Lantern Goddess might not be able to withstand it?"

In the living room of the Chen residence, Chen Yinfu turned deathly pale upon hearing Chen Mo's words, his face filled with disbelief. Lin Yulan and Zhou Liang, standing beside him, also wore expressions of horror.

They are native to Honghe County and have grown up worshipping the goddess since childhood. They have always regarded the Red Lantern Goddess as a protective deity of this area, who is omnipotent.

But when Chen Mo said that the Red Lantern Goddess might be about to fall, it was hard to accept.

Lin Yulan said, "Second Brother, you mustn't be exaggerating. Her Majesty has been watching over us for decades without ever having any problems. How could Her Majesty possibly fall?"

Chen Mo was filled with mixed emotions and didn't know how to express them. He only said, "I can't say for sure whether it will collapse or not, but Honghe County is likely to change drastically. It's always good to make some plans early. Father, do you know which of the nearby major cities is safer?"

Given Chen Mo's current status as the fourth most powerful figure in the Red Lantern Bureau, Chen Yinfu did not doubt that Chen Mo was exaggerating, and simply said, "The safest place is naturally the city of Nanyang Prefecture."

Chen Mo also felt that the prefectural city was the safest place. "Does our family have any businesses or acquaintances in the prefectural city?"

Chen Yinfu said, “In my younger days, I went to the prefectural city a few times to do business under the protection of your Uncle Zhou. I did get to know a few familiar friends. However, this place is a full two thousand miles away from the prefectural city. Even by carriage, it would take seven or eight days to go there. Moreover, the journey is long and bandits are rampant. Our Chen family is large. If we were to relocate, the caravan would be huge, making us even more vulnerable to bandits.”

Chen Mo considered for a moment and said, "Then let's send a portion of the people first. I'll find a seventh-level martial artist to escort us along the way. Uncle Zhou, if we have a seventh-level martial artist as our escort, will bandits dare to covet us on the way?"

Zhou Liang said, "With a seventh-level martial arts master as a guard, there will naturally be no trouble along the way. Moreover, I have experience in escorting merchants. Those bandits are not after people who want to kill, but only after money. As long as we pay some bribes along the way, it will be much easier."

Chen Mo made up his mind and said, "Then I'll trouble Uncle Zhou to take some of the family members to the prefectural city first. Father, Mother, you take Second Aunt and the others first."

Lin Yulan was somewhat reluctant and didn't think the matter was that serious, but she still trusted her second son, so she didn't say much and instead looked at Chen Yinfu.

After a moment of contemplation, Chen Yinfu made a decision, "Since Xiao Mo has said so, our Chen family naturally cannot put all our eggs in one basket. Let Brother Zhou take Xiao Ru, Xiao Wu, and Xiao Yu'er to the prefectural city first. I still need to stay here to deal with the many properties and shops in Honghe County. Turning these shops into cash will require finding buyers, which will take a lot of time."

Chen Mo didn't object; on the contrary, he felt that his father's thinking was very correct.

In chaotic times, evil spirits abound, making it extremely difficult to earn even a few coins. Especially in the prefectural city, money is needed everywhere, and without sufficient savings, one will find it impossible to move an inch.

Chen Mo agreed, "Then we will do as Father wishes. Uncle Zhou, find a few trustworthy and capable men and make preparations. Remember, this trip to the prefectural city needs to be kept secret, and we need to find a suitable pretext."

"I understand. Just tell them you're going to the prefectural city to run a business on behalf of Master. I'll go and select the people to make the arrangements right away." Zhou Liang nodded and hurriedly left the living room.

Zhou Liang naturally had no objections to Chen Mo's arrangements. He had been a镖师 (bodyguard/escort) in his early years, but he only became a target after losing a shipment. Now, having obtained Chen Mo's internal martial arts techniques, his strength had increased, and he saw hope of breaking through the limitations of internal martial arts. Escorting his family north to the prefectural city was naturally a piece of cake for him.

As soon as Zhou Liang left, Lin Yulan asked with utmost seriousness, "Erlang, tell your mother the truth, is the matter really that serious?"

Chen Mo nodded emphatically: "It's only worse than I described. Last night, several of our incense masters died. Even He Miao, the Right Envoy, was killed by the ghost while hiding in the incense hall. Last night, over a thousand villagers died in Wuqiao Town. It has now been designated a forbidden area by the Red Lanterns. But Your Majesty hasn't taken any action, which shows... Your Majesty is afraid of that ghost, or perhaps you're not confident."

hiss!
Lin Yulan took a deep breath, her face pale and her body trembling. She simply couldn't believe... that the high and mighty Red Lantern Goddess could also be afraid.

Chen Yinfu was a man of his own mind. “Alright. Xiao Mo is now the fourth-ranking figure in the Red Lantern Gang. Many things are top secret. It’s not appropriate for us to ask too many questions, lest we cause trouble for Xiao Mo. Yu Lan, go and inform Xiao Ru and the others that you will also go to the prefectural city.”

Lin Yulan refused, saying, "If you stay, I'll stay too."

Chen Yinfu was taken aback. "I'm staying here to sell off the family's shops and properties. What are you staying for? Don't cause me any trouble."

Although Lin Yulan was getting on in years, she was usually a flexible and considerate person, but at this moment she became stubborn. "So many shops, so many businesses, how can you manage them all by yourself? I usually manage many of the shops, and I know the accounts better than you do. If I stay, I can help you sell them faster."

Chen Yinfu was furious, saying, "That's just womanly sentimentality."

"Say whatever you want, I'm not leaving."

“You, you… Hey. Yu Lan, Xiao Mo has always been careful with his words and actions. Now that he has spoken, it means that Honghe County is really about to change. It’s dangerous for you to stay. Why force yourself?”

Lin Yulan looked at Chen Yinfu and said, "I'm going to force you."

Chen Mo: "..."

Seeing the two elders start arguing, Chen Mo didn't interrupt and got up to leave the courtyard.

Anyway, I'm still alive, and a round trip to the prefectural city will only take about half a month. Nothing should happen during that time. Let the two elders argue as they please...

After leaving the central courtyard, Chen Mo took a detour to the north courtyard. Before even entering, he heard Xiao Yu'er crying inside, calling out for her older sister, Xiao Yu. Chen Wu and his second aunt were comforting her.

Chen Mo didn't go inside; instead, he went directly to Shuiyun Residence to find Ma Tie and Qiu Lan.

"Uncle Zhou is going to the prefectural city to do business these next two days, and he'll be taking Second Aunt, Xiao Wu, and Xiao Yu'er with him to broaden their horizons. If you two want to go, you can come along."

These two people were also considered close to Chen Mo.

Qiulan had always served him, so there's no need to elaborate. Ma Tie had also been helping him with everything since he transmigrated; he was a sensible and trustworthy person.

Now that Honghe County is about to undergo a major transformation, Chen Mo naturally couldn't bear to abandon these two while seeing off his family.

Upon hearing that they were going to the prefectural city, Ma Tie immediately showed a look of longing. "I've heard that the prefectural city is magnificent and bustling with commerce, and has all sorts of things. I'd like to go and have a look. However, I have to stay here to take care of the young master, so I won't go."

Chen Mo turned to look at Qiu Lan, "Qiu Lan, what about you?"

Qiulan said, "I want to stay and follow the young master too."

In fact, Qiulan was younger than Ma Tie, about the same age as Chen Mo. A girl of this age was naturally full of curiosity about the dazzling world of the prefectural city, but she also knew that as a servant, she didn't know how she would survive without the young master.

Seeing that the two were determined, Chen Mo did not force them. He then planned to have them accompany their father to the prefectural city in the next batch.

After dismissing the two men, Chen Mo returned to the main room, closed the door, and sat down to cultivate in seclusion.

"The side effects of the Ghost Transformation haven't completely disappeared, but it's certain that the blood energy is effective. I need to continue training my family's bloodline to unleash even more blood energy."

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

That morning, Chen Mo was still in his room refining his family's bloodline.

After three days of arduous training, the blood energy generated within his blood vessels increased by more than 50% compared to before. While regulating the flow of blood, the blood energy also flowed throughout his body along with the blood vessels, and then it could be injected into the meridians of the whole body, blending with true qi to complete the circulation of the eight extraordinary meridians.

Extremely magical!

"At first glance, blood energy appears to be a special kind of energy derived from the bloodlines of aristocratic families. It is invisible and colorless, and far more powerful than true qi. It has a higher energy density and various wondrous uses. Moreover, it seems to be able to merge with true qi?"

Although the Ghost Bone Fusion Technique also involves cultivation techniques related to the bloodlines of aristocratic families, its core purpose is not to stimulate bloodline power for combat, but to stimulate bloodline power and then use it to fuse with ghost bones to resist their erosion.

Therefore, Chen Mo didn't know much about the specifics of using blood energy. Fortunately, he was already a peak ninth-level martial artist with a wide range of knowledge. He was able to figure out some of the key points.

"I'll try to blend them together."

As the blood energy flowed into the meridians, it collided with and immediately merged into the Mingyu True Qi, allowing the Mingyu True Qi to perform various wondrous functions.

"As expected... Blood energy seems to be a higher-dimensional energy, which has a dimensional reduction effect on true qi, a lower-dimensional energy. It's not difficult to combine them."

In about fifteen minutes, the blood energy in Chen Mo's body had completely merged with Mingyu's true energy, and the eight meridians were circulating smoothly.

With each cycle completed, Mingyu's true energy grew stronger, enhancing her body's strength and speed far beyond what she had experienced before.

Chen Mo raised his right hand and gently pressed it against the ground from a distance.

boom!
The ground shook instantly, leaving a two-inch-deep palm print.

"The bloodline of a noble family is indeed powerful. This is something that I couldn't do with just Mingyu True Qi before. I'll try the Thunderclap Force."

Chen Mo then reversed the Thunderclap Force, infusing it with his blood energy. Sure enough, he discovered that the Thunderclap Force had also undergone some kind of transformation.

Raise your right hand, with your index and middle fingers together.

Point a finger at the ground from a distance.

puff!

The bluestone brick floor was immediately pierced with a two-foot-deep hole.

"The bloodline of aristocratic families can be used like this... I originally thought that once blood energy was activated, true qi would be useless. I didn't expect true qi to have a bridging effect. The amount of blood energy is actually very small, and its radiation effect is limited when used alone in combat. But through true qi, the effect of blood energy can be amplified."

"If I could refine all my true energy into blood energy... I can't even imagine what terrifying power it would unleash."

Chen Mo felt as if he had discovered a new continent, and he fussed over it several times.

Finally, I gained a deeper understanding of blood energy: blood energy is an invisible energy produced from accompanying blood, which can enhance physical strength and speed, as well as enhance true qi. It can also be used independently.

Chen Mo then tested Iron Shirt and Thousand Threads again.

The results were equally amazing.

"So this is how blood energy is used. But... I have a modification function. Can I modify all my true energy... into blood energy? If so... my combat power will at least double."

With this in mind, Chen Mo opened the control panel.

The cheat code seemed to understand its meaning and directly displayed the core information.

[This can consume 14000 points of Original Essence to modify your True Qi into a state compatible with Blood Energy. It's almost equivalent to your True Qi being Blood Energy.]

[Should we make changes?]

Chen Mo was speechless when he saw the number 14000.

He finally discovered it.

The cheat code's functions are indeed outrageous, but it's ruthless when it comes to exploiting others. If it can get all the benefits in one go, it will never do it in two.

You know how to exploit people.

Chen Mo remembered that for the deconstructor to advance to the next deduction level, it needed 50000 original solution essences.

Are you that afraid that I'll advance to the deduction stage?
Although I was a little reluctant, I thought about how Honghe County was on the verge of collapse, and that Hongwu... would come looking for me in a month.

I feel so insecure.

Chen Mo had no more hesitation: "Modify!"

hum!
A wave of dizziness washed over him, and his remaining 14000 points of Original Essence instantly dropped to zero. Immediately afterward, a series of sharp pains surged through his head. It felt like a craniotomy; the pain forced Chen Mo to clutch his head and grit his teeth, enduring the agony.

After a long while, the pain slowly subsided.

The panel information has changed.

[Edited successfully]

Your inner energy is now completely compatible with your blood.

[Currently available original solution essence: 0]

Looking at that conspicuous testicle, Chen Mo felt a pang of heartache. He then sat cross-legged in meditation and circulated his inner energy. To his horror, he discovered... his weapon had been completely replaced.

The original true energy has all turned into invisible and colorless blood energy.

As blood energy circulates through the meridians, the resulting enhancement effect is so powerful that it makes muscles and bones tingle and joints resonate.

In short: Awesome!

This isn't true qi flowing at all.

It's going absolutely crazy!

Chen Mo slowly raised his right hand, bringing his index and middle fingers together, and slightly activating the blood energy within his body.

Boom!

His blood surged violently, rapidly gathering at his fingertips before shooting out fiercely towards the ground. Not only did it create a two-meter-deep hole, but the entire room shook as if it were about to collapse.

"So strong!"

Chen Mo slowly stood up, his six senses and six consciousnesses undergoing a fundamental transformation.

The side effects of transforming into a ghost were also eliminated due to the powerful blood energy flowing through the body.

He is agile and vigorous, full of energy and strength.

"I wonder how Guo Ziyu and the others use blood energy, whether it's like me... where all my true energy is transformed into blood energy. I need to ask them and find another method specifically for refining blood energy."

Chen Mo changed his clothes and walked out of the main room, only to find a lot of people standing outside the door.

Second Aunt, Chen Wu, Xiao Yu'er, and their parents were all there.

Qiulan came up and said, "Master and Madam have been here for a while. Knowing that the young master is in seclusion practicing martial arts, they did not disturb him."

Seeing the solemn atmosphere, Chen Mo thought something had happened. "Father, is something wrong?"

Before Chen Yinfu could speak, the shortest of them, Chen Yuer, snorted, "Second brother really doesn't care about his own sister. Today is the day we go to the prefectural city, and it was you who suggested it. But you've forgotten."

I……

Chen Mo slapped the back of his head and laughed, "Oh dear, look at my memory. It's all because I've been busy practicing martial arts. Come in and sit down, everyone. Qiu Lan, bring paper and pen." After welcoming everyone into the living room and settling them down, Chen Mo had Qiu Lan bring paper and pen, wrote a letter, and then handed the envelope to Ma Tie: "Go to the incense hall immediately and give this letter to a man named Lu Chengzhuang."

For the sake of safety, Chen Mo chose Lu Chengzhuang to escort his family to the prefectural city.

Since Shao Siming doesn't care about the fate of the Incense Hall anymore, it's fine for Chen Mo to use Lu Chengzhuang himself.

Ma Tie took the letter and left in a hurry.

Chen Mo held Xiaoyuer in his arms, perhaps genuinely fond of this adorable little girl, and said a few more words to her. He also instructed Xiaoyuer to listen to Chen Wu and her second aunt when they arrived in the prefectural city.

Chen Yuer nodded emphatically: "Yes, Second Brother, don't worry, I will be obedient when we get to the prefectural city."

Chen Mo gave a few more instructions to the Chen family and his second aunt, then turned to Zhou Liang and said, "Uncle Zhou, you don't need to rush back when you get to the prefectural city. Stay there and help his second aunt and the others settle down. I will personally bring my parents over to meet you in the next batch."

Zhou Liang agreed: "This world is chaotic, and I know how to behave. But you, Second Young Master, need to be careful staying here. Although you are in a high position now, don't try to stand out in everything."

"I know."

Before long, Ma Tie and Lu Chengzhuang hurriedly arrived. Lu Chengzhuang had changed his robe, taken a broadsword, and was carrying a bundle.

Clearly, after reading the letter and learning about Chen Mo's arrangements, she came without hesitation.

The family was awestruck by Lu Chengzhuang's imposing and powerful appearance. Lu Chengzhuang then entered the living room and respectfully bowed to Chen Mo, saying, "Your subordinate, Lu Chengzhuang, greets Left Envoy Chen."

Chen Mo nodded slightly: "You know everything?"

"Understood. Chen Zuoshi's family is going to the prefectural city to do business, and I will be responsible for escorting them. Rest assured, Chen Zuoshi, as long as I, Lu Chengzhuang, am still alive, I will never let anything happen to Chen Zuoshi's family!"

Chen Mo nodded slightly: "Come, let me introduce you. This is my Uncle Zhou, Zhou Liang. This is my second aunt Zhang Ru, this is my second brother Chen Wu, this is my youngest sister Chen Yu'er... I'll leave all this journey in your care. When you return, I will not treat you unfairly."

Lu Chengzhuang was a sensible and unpretentious man who greeted each member of the Chen family with respect. Afterwards, they had a reunion dinner and then set off.

Chen Mo stood at the entrance of Shuiyun Residence, watching several carriages and guards leave.

Especially when Chen Yuer left, she was very reluctant to part with him. She came up and hugged Chen Mo, and even kissed him on the cheek. Finally, she slowly got into the carriage. Even after the carriage had driven away, Xiao Yuer lifted the curtain and kept waving to Chen Mo.

"Second brother, you must take good care of yourself. Little Fish will be good."

Then there was Chen Wu's voice, "Second Brother, I will protect our family. I will practice martial arts diligently."

And then there was the second aunt's voice, "Second Young Master, take care."

Zhou Liang's voice said, "Second Young Master, please take care. Master, Madam, please take care."

As the carriage drove further and further away, it kicked up a cloud of dust.

Those words, spoken by others, still echoed in Chen Mo's ears.

Perhaps due to his martial arts cultivation and transformation into a ghost, Chen Mo was fierce and decisive, not easily moved. But at this moment, he was actually moved. He truly felt the unbreakable bond between family members.

Lin Yulan was also reluctant to part with her. Chen Yinfu, in particular, couldn't help but shed tears as he watched his wife and children leave before his eyes.

After a long while, Chen Yinfu finally spoke, "Xiao Mo, you should continue your seclusion. Your mother and I will not disturb you any longer. We'll go back and sell all the shops and properties in the family as soon as possible. I'll let you know once we've sold them all and have the money."

Chen Mo nodded: "Take good care of yourselves. If it's not necessary, don't leave the city."

After seeing his parents off, Chen Mo secluded himself at Shuiyun Residence for two more days.

After thoroughly mastering the use of blood energy, he went to Qingfu Residence to find Guo Ziyu.

Guo Ziyang, Guo Songyang, and Qingniu are still missing. However, Guo Ziyu is quite surprised to see that Chen Mo's complexion has improved a lot. "Young Master Mo looks much better. It seems that the erosion of the ghost bone has been temporarily suppressed. Is it because you took the Bloodline Pill I gave you?"

Guo Ziyu did not believe that Chen Mo could integrate the bloodline of aristocratic families, and only attributed it to the effect of the elixir.

Chen Mo didn't explain. He raised his right hand, put his index and middle fingers together, and gently tapped the big tree in the courtyard a few meters away.

boom!
An invisible and colorless force suddenly shot out, instantly punching a huge hole in the tree that was half a person's embrace.

hiss!
Tang Tongshan and Tang Qi, who were standing to the side, gasped and looked at Chen Mo with a different expression.

"Blood energy! This is the blood energy activated by the bloodline of a noble family! How is this possible..."

"Moreover, this is a refined blood energy attack technique. Even after stimulating my bloodline for many years, I, Tang Tongshan, can only unleash a small portion of blood energy power. It needs to be combined with true qi before use. It cannot be used for a solo attack... The herb that Young Master Mo bought in his early years is actually so miraculous?"

Tang Qi rubbed his hands together: "My goodness, it seems that all of Young Master Mo's true energy has been transformed into blood energy. Even in our Tang Family Fortress... very few people can do that. By the way, where did Young Master Mo buy that herb from years ago? Do you still recognize the seller?"

Not to mention Tang Qi, even Guo Ziyu looked at Chen Mo with curiosity, eager to find out the origin of that herb.

Without him...

Chen Mo's move was truly outrageous.

Guo Ziyu had never heard of such a thing.

If such herbs truly exist, even at an exorbitant price, we must find a way to buy and consume them.

Seeing their expressions, Chen Mo knew that his previous guess was correct, and said, "I met a peddler in the black market back then. Later, I discovered the miraculous properties of this herb and went to look for the peddler many times, but I never saw him again."

Tang Qi repeatedly said, "What a pity, what a pity, it's such a pity."

Guo Ziyu remained calm: "Perhaps this peddler is some kind of reclusive master, and that's why he has a destiny with Young Master Mo. We, on the other hand, do not have such an opportunity. Everyone has their own destiny, and it cannot be forced."

Chen Mo smiled and said, "It's all thanks to Miss Ziyu's help that I had the opportunity to fuse with the bloodlines of a noble family. By the way, after fusing the bloodlines, I only cultivated the Ghost Bone Fusion Technique. Does Tang Family Fortress have a special method for tempering blood energy in combat?"

Chen Molu's move wasn't to show off his superiority, but rather to reveal the secret of the method.

"Please wait a moment." Guo Ziyu entered the room, then took out a booklet and handed it to Chen Mo. "Actually, there are no specific fighting methods. This booklet describes the general principles of activating bloodlines. After all, everyone's bloodline is different, and how to refine the fighting methods requires each person to comprehend them on their own based on the general principles."

Based on his own experience, Chen Mo felt that Guo Ziyu's words made sense and were not fabricated.

He took the booklet and flipped through it.

It is indeed a general method for stimulating bloodline power, but it does not involve specific training methods or fighting techniques.

It seems that each person needs to consider their own circumstances and gain their own insights.

But this general outline is still of great use to Chen Mo.

It describes the methods for stimulating blood energy, as well as the subsequent blood fire and true fire, and above true fire, there are three more levels of stimulation. All of this is explained in great detail.

After a quick glance, Chen Mo cupped his hands in thanks: "Thank you, Miss Ziyu. May I study this book for a few days?"

"Of course. If you encounter anything you don't understand, you can ask me anytime."

Chen Mo thanked him and agreed, then relayed Shao Siming's reply, and finally said, "I'm afraid things are about to change in Honghe County. Should I go and inform Elder Tang?"

Guo Ziyu frowned. "No need. Old Tang left a message saying he can't come out recently. By the way, Tang Qi has already had the blacksmith in Qingwu County next door reforge the Guan Dao magic weapon you got from Shen Yujun last time. In another half month, it will be made into a broadsword. Then you can use it."

Chen Mo nodded in agreement, exchanged a few pleasantries with everyone, and then took the booklet back to Shuiyun Residence to go into seclusion.

Twenty-odd days have passed in a flash.

Chen Mo spent most of his time in seclusion at Shuiyun Residence, occasionally taking a stroll around his home and the incense hall when he had some free time, and nothing particularly happened during that time.

Knowing that Hong Wu was coming to find him again, Chen Mo dared not be careless and worked himself to the bone all the way.

Blood energy, ghost bones, ghost objects...

Not a single one could be left behind.

That morning, Chen Mo, having finished his overnight seclusion, breathed a long sigh of relief in his room.

"I have finally extracted all the blood energy from the aristocratic bloodline. Every drop of blood has been squeezed dry. I should have reached the Great Perfection of Blood Energy. Next, I can activate the second layer of blood fire in my bloodline."

“The bloodline of a noble family is indeed extraordinary; cultivation takes quite a long time.”

Although that's what he said, the progress was actually quite abnormal.

Many scions of prominent families might not be able to achieve this even after ten years of hard work.

Chen Mo only spent a month on it.

Two days later, Chen Mo emerged from seclusion.

A guest arrived at the door.

Tang Qi.

"Take a look at this knife, what do you think?"

Chen Mo's eyes lit up when he saw the redesigned Guan Dao.

It was four feet long, with a straight blade, slightly curved, broad and heavy, resembling an enlarged Tang sword. Its silvery gleam was dazzling.

Chen Mo took it and weighed it; it probably weighed seventy or eighty pounds.

Ordinary swordsmen wouldn't dare use such a heavy broadsword, but for Chen Mo... it was just right.

"A fine knife! Thank you for your help, Young Master Tang Qi."

"I'm glad you're happy, Young Master Mo. Miss said that you are now our key figure, and all resources will have to give way to you."

Chen Mo chuckled and said, "Miss Ziyu is too kind."

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Tang Qi said he had other important matters to attend to and hurriedly left.

Chen Mo carried the knife to the central courtyard and brandished it a few times.

The more you use it, the more comfortable it becomes.

Moreover… after Chen Mo activated his blood energy, he was able to resonate strongly with the sword. It was as if the sword itself contained an extremely rich power of aristocratic bloodline. When wielded, its power increased greatly, becoming as easy as using an extension of his own arm.

"With this sword, my combat power has increased once again. Even without using the power of the ghosts, I might not be afraid of that Red Dance. However... I still need to test it out."

Clang!

Chen Mo sheathed his long sword.

The knife was too heavy to be hung on the belt buckle, otherwise it would have torn off my underwear. So I had to add a buckle to my back and carry it on my back, which made it much lighter.

Seeing Chen Mo carrying a large sword on his back, Qiu Lan felt that Chen Mo's fierce and violent aura had intensified. If she didn't know the young master, Qiu Lan wouldn't dare to approach Chen Mo.

"Qiulan, I'm going out for a while. Remember to offer incense regularly."

Chen Mo went out the door carrying a broadsword.

Now that his strength has greatly increased, the gloom in Chen Mo's heart has dissipated considerably.

He hurried to the entrance of the ancestral hall of Xianghuotang and happened to see Lu Chengzhuang there as well.

Lu Chengzhuang returned a few days ago; the journey was smooth. Chen Mo heard from Lu Chengzhuang that his second aunt and the others had bought a large house in the prefectural city and settled down. Chen Wu went to a martial arts school to learn martial arts, while Chen Yuer also started her formal education in the prefectural city and had begun to read and write.

"Left Envoy Chen, what brings you to the hall today?"

Chen Mo walked to the entrance of the ancestral hall and said, "Go and activate the killing formation inside the ancestral hall. I'll test how effective this killing formation is."

Lu Chengzhuang was startled, not understanding why Chen Mo would want to test that killing formation for no reason. "Left Envoy Chen, this killing formation was set up by Shao Siming, and its power is unparalleled. Even a peak ninth-level martial artist would have no chance to fight back. Why take the risk..."

Before he could finish speaking, Chen Mo glared at him fiercely, and Lu Chengzhuang hurriedly scurried off to activate the killing formation.

Click!

The twenty-four large incense burners in the massive ancestral hall roared to life, transforming into streams of incense that activated the array diagram within the hall. As the incense smoke traveled through the array diagram, the killing formation was suddenly activated.

A powerful killing intent swept across the entire ancestral hall like a tidal wave.

The oppressive atmosphere brought a sense of overwhelming pressure, like a mountain. The ground even began to shake.

Lu Chengzhuang was startled and quickly retreated outside the door, his face filled with horror. He thought the killing formation was simply too abnormal. Even if twenty of him were tied together, they wouldn't be enough to withstand a single move from this killing formation.

However, to Lu Chengzhuang's astonishment, Chen Mo suddenly raised his hand, joined his index and middle fingers together, and charged towards the killing formation like a wild beast, then pointed his two fingers forward sharply.

"Break it for me!"

boom! !

A terrifying surge of energy erupted from his fingertips, striking the killing formation with tremendous force. This caused the ancestral hall to shake and the earth to tremble.

The next moment, the array diagram suddenly became incredibly bright, and terrifying forces rushed towards Chen Mo from all directions.

"Left Envoy Chen..."

Lu Chengzhuang instinctively cried out, but before he could finish speaking, he saw more than forty powerful energy lines appear around Chen Mo, blocking the attack of the killing formation and finally severing the incense from the twenty-four large incense burners.

Wow!

The terrifying killing formation receded like a tide. It seemed to have wilted, and there was no further movement.

Lu Chengzhuang stared in disbelief, thinking to himself: Is this Left Envoy Chen... even human?

Chen Mo paid no attention to Lu Chengzhuang's thoughts, but simply clenched his fists, thinking to himself: Back then, Hong Wu silently bypassed this killing formation and killed He Miao. Now, with my Thousand Threads, I easily broke through this killing formation. It seems that even if she comes knocking on my door, I will have the strength to fight her.

This doesn't even include the power of the ghosts.

Over the past month, Chen Mo's ghostly power has increased to a higher level. The three life images in his mind are almost complete.

If we were to use the power of ghosts...

A moment later, Chen Mo stopped and slowly walked out of the ancestral hall. "Replace the large incense sticks in the large incense burner to prevent the incense offerings from being ruined."

Lu Chengzhuang nodded in agreement and called the servants to replace the large incense sticks. Then Chen Mo took Lu Chengzhuang to the west courtyard for tea.

"Has anything unusual happened at the temple recently?"

As Lu Chengzhuang poured tea for Chen Mo, he said, "The workers downstairs said that since the incident in Wuqiao Town, none of the villages under its jurisdiction have been worshipping the goddess anymore."

Chen Mo nodded: "You already reported this before. Shao Siming designated the entire Wuqiao Town as a forbidden area and then ignored these matters. Are there any other strange occurrences?"

Lu Chengzhuang said, "Besides Wuqiao Town, the nearby Shuideng Town, Hexing Town, and Bailu Town have also seen cases of people not worshipping the goddess. Our men went to deal with it, but they all died. This matter has also alarmed the yamen, but the newly appointed magistrate of the yamen did not say much."

Chen Mo was taken aback. "The newly appointed county magistrate?"

"Yes, his name is He Zhizhou. He is said to be from a prominent family with a very powerful background."

Just then, Liu Changchun rushed in, covered in sweat and panting: "Left Envoy Chen, something terrible has happened."

Chen Mo asked, "What is it?"

Liu Changchun said, "I just received news that the newly appointed magistrate has ordered notices to be posted everywhere, allowing the villagers of Wuqiao Town, Shuideng Town, Hexing Town, and Bailu Town to freely worship their gods. Our men went to check these four towns, and found that the villagers have all switched to worshiping a girl named 'Lingdang'. I took some people to confront the magistrate, but he ignored us."

Chen Mo was greatly shocked.

I had a feeling the building was about to collapse, but it actually happened.

Bell Girl...

It must be the girl sitting in the white sedan chair.

Before Chen Mo could think further, another clerk rushed over to report: "Left Envoy Chen, the newly appointed magistrate has sent an invitation, asking you to come to the county office for a meeting. He says he wants to clarify the matter of the incense offerings in the four towns."

"Bring me the invitation."

Chen Mo took the invitation and saw that it did indeed concern the incense offerings of the four towns.

As the Left Envoy of the Incense Hall, Chen Mo wielded considerable power. It was quite reasonable for the county magistrate to invite him to discuss this matter. Moreover, given his position, Chen Mo couldn't openly refuse, otherwise the Lesser Master of Ceremonies would hold him accountable.

But Chen Mo felt that something was wrong.

He Zhizhou was from a prestigious family, unafraid of ghosts, and possessed great strength. Only someone as powerful as him would dare to openly defy the Empress's orders and allow the four towns to freely worship other deities.

The claim of free worship is just a pretext.

It seems that the girl with the bell and He Zhizhou made a deal.

After a moment's thought, Chen Mo stood up and said, "Liu Changchun, go to the Red Lantern Temple and inform Shao Siming. I'll go to the county government office to see what He Zhizhou's intentions are."

(End of this chapter)