Decaying World

Chapter 169, Part 169 (Thanks to BJ Hippo God Alliance Leader)

In the hall, as Tao Xuehai slightly raised his right hand, an invisible, icy aura rapidly spread, covering the entire hall.

The sounds outside suddenly diminished, even disappeared. It was as if some sealed lid had suddenly covered the area.

"Teacher, don't worry, this is the power of a relic called a silencing stone. It can temporarily block the sound of us talking," Tao Xuehai explained, putting his hand down.

"Is the relic very effective?" Lin Hui asked curiously. He had heard long ago that this thing had various abilities, none of which were very strong, but the complexity of its functions made it a very good supplement to actual combat.

However, the relics are produced in very small quantities and are mostly controlled by powerful forces. I didn't expect that Tao Xuehai would also have one.

"Fortunately, a new ruin can only produce one relic at most. This is the essence of a ruin, usually its core. Therefore, the number of relics is extremely limited. And based on the value of their function, they are divided into three categories: common, rare, and treasure. If Master wants..."

With a whoosh.

Tao Xuehai threw something out.

The object resembled a small incense burner, with a brass exterior and many strange and inexplicable patterns.

The pattern was clearly not carved, but naturally formed.

Snapped.

Lin Hui reached out and caught it, then used his internal energy to shield it and placed it on a small table to the side.

"Thanks, I was just thinking of studying it." Blood Seal identification or evolution, this thing is a good source of material.

"Why are you being so polite with me, teacher?" Tao Xuehai grinned. Since his return, he seemed to have changed quite a bit. He exuded a much stronger aura of hostility, and his every move was more unrestrained and free, without the previous restraint and repression.

"Let's talk about the insect-based evil weapons again." He returned to the previous topic, "I'm not very clear about imitation evil weapons, but the imitation insect tome I fused with naturally carries the related inherited memories and usage methods. These imitations are also divided into different levels, after all, the strength of the imitation varies, and the materials used, the craftsman's skills, luck, etc., all have a huge impact on the final product. Therefore, the power of imitation insect-based evil weapons varies greatly. Because the imitation of these things is top secret, it is difficult to compare them before a real battle. Since comparison is difficult, it is naturally impossible to classify them into a unified level. So, generally, you can only know how powerful they are after you have actually fought them."

"Does the fusion directly increase strength?" Lin Hui asked. He was also curious about these things; he might encounter similar opponents in the future, so it would be best to understand them first.

"Yes, once fused, one's physique and strength will be permanently fixed. This is the inherent flaw of a replica," Tao Xuehai explained calmly. "However, this disciple has no regrets. This disciple's aptitude is limited, and I cannot be inspired. Although I am capable of practicing martial arts, it takes far too long. Rather than waiting decades for me to achieve mastery and still not be able to take revenge, it is better to fuse now and complete the goal as soon as possible!"

"Are you that confident?" Lin Hui asked in surprise.

"Qinghe Sect has its supporters, and those small and medium-sized families are like stray dogs, only good for kicking someone when they're down. With my current strength, that's enough," Tao Xuehai said confidently.

He looked at Lin Hui, who looked puzzled, and smiled, "Teacher, you may not know this, but evil weapons inherit evil power, and insect scriptures inherit insect mist."

"Insect fog?"

"The so-called insect mist is a highly poisonous mist resembling insects. Those who imitate the insect codex can completely decompose and disintegrate their bodies, turning them into this insect mist and merging into the surrounding mist. In this way, they become omnipresent and immortal. Ordinary attacks are ineffective against us. The strongest point is that as long as there is even a little bit of insect mist left, it can quickly regenerate and restore the body."

He paused for a moment, then continued.

"Therefore, the Insect Codex has a stronger survival ability, while the Evil Weapon has more and more complex special abilities."

"I see," Lin Hui said, understanding dawning on him. "But if you want revenge, what if you encounter the High Priest?"

"It's alright. If there are no others like me, the High Priest can't kill me either. The decomposition of the insect mist can easily neutralize the High Priest's mental and cognitive attacks. And since he can't kill me, the final result will be that he'll be worn down by me!" Tao Xuehai smiled as he looked at Lin Hui. "Most importantly, teacher, guess what I discovered?"

"?" Lin Hui looked at the smile on his face, said nothing, and waited for what was to come.

"This disciple has discovered that even after fusing with the replica of the Insect Codex, I can still continue to practice swordsmanship and improve my strength by enhancing my swordsmanship! Although it's still a bit slower than before, the restrictions aren't as severe," Tao Xuehai said with a bright smile.

Lin Hui was speechless. It seemed that the other party had discovered the flaw in his plan.

His swordsmanship is not part of this world's system at all, and is not influenced by the native system here, which is normal.

"Alright, let's get back to the main topic. I also wanted to remind you, Master, that things might get a bit chaotic in the inner city again soon. My elder sister, the rest of the clan's survivors, and I have joined the Xuan Ying Sect founded by Lord Xue Ying. If you receive a mission from the inner city to search for the Xuan Ying Sect, remember not to cooperate too much. Just find some excuse to stay in town." Tao Xuehai gave his final instructions.

"I understand." Lin Hui nodded, knowing that the other party had come to remind him in good faith. Now it seemed that Xue Ying was indeed not dead. This guy had caused so much trouble before, and now he could still rise from the ashes. He was truly not to be underestimated.

Although the Tao family got into trouble because of the siege of Xue Ying, that was just an excuse. The core reason was the incidental purge within the inner city.

Judging from Tao Xuehai's attitude, it seems that since his clan has been wiped out by certain families in the inner city and Qinghe Sect, he might as well join the enemy camp.

"By the way, I've also brought some of the Illusionary Dragon Lotus that Teacher has been asking for. This is a specialty of my Tao family's medicinal garden. Unfortunately, the garden was completely destroyed when we left, so in the future, there will only be a small amount left. Every little bit used is a little less, so I hope Teacher will take care." Tao Xuehai took out a small wooden box from a cavity in the waist of his armor and placed it on the table.

"Seeing that my teacher remains as dignified as ever, I am relieved. I take my leave."

He stepped back again and bowed.

"Oh, right, I forgot to tell you, teacher, I have some ideas about the Gale Sword Technique."

call!
In the next instant, Tao Xuehai transformed into a whirlwind and vanished without a trace.

Lin Hui then reached out and pressed his hand on the wooden box, gently opening it.

Inside were ten Illusionary Dragon Lotus plants. This medicinal herb, resembling dried chrysanthemums, was the most effective of all the precious medicines he had ever used.

One plant can save one to two years of evolution time for the Blood Seal; a whole box of these can shorten that by nearly twenty years.
With a sigh, Lin Hui carefully recalled that Tao Xuehai had helped him even more than the Wang family had.

'What a grateful child!'

He was filled with emotion.

In this way, the Star Breath Sword Manual is almost complete. Although the Typhoon Sword Technique is still far from being fully mastered, the Star Breath Sword Manual can only be put on hold for now.

But Blood Seal could use his free time to do other things, such as his envisioned safe house. Closing the lid, Lin Hui stood up, and in a flash, disappeared from the council chamber.

He needs to take this medicine as soon as possible to get it working. Otherwise, it would be a real shame if the medicine's effects were lost.

Time passed day by day.

Just as Lin Hui was digesting the Illusionary Dragon Lotus, the Xuan Ying Sect, founded by Xue Ying, indeed started causing trouble.

The Wang family offended their people, resulting in their caravans being attacked several times in succession, and members of the Wang family also suffered a series of misfortunes while traveling.

For a time, the Wang family was in a state of panic. Wang Yueheng's eldest sister, Wang Yueting, used her power as a high priest to mobilize the Rain Palace's personnel to patrol and search everywhere, but it was all to no avail.

There wasn't a single ghost in sight.

During the search, due to the dispersed forces, the Wang family's main branch was also attacked and severely damaged.

If the clan's patriarch hadn't emerged from seclusion in time, the clan's territory might have been leveled.

Fortunately, strangely enough, according to what Lin Hui learned from his elder brother, the Wang family somehow persuaded the higher-ups of the Rain Palace to send three elders in seclusion to help defend the clan's territory, which is how they repelled the subsequent attacks from the Xuan Ying Sect.

Although he failed to completely destroy the Wang family, Xue Ying's fearsome reputation only grew stronger.

*
*
*
A week later
Lin Hui sat cross-legged in the training room, looking at the blood-stained words below his line of sight, a hint of relief on his face.

'Star Breath Sword Manual: Remaining evolution time: 4 years, 3 months, 19 days.'

The effect of ten Illusionary Dragon Lotus instantly reduced the time from 23 and a half years to only 4 years.

He can easily complete this in just a few months.

'Truly a top-grade treasure from a great clan,' Lin Hui sighed inwardly. If he had a few more disciples like Tao Xuehai, he could probably use his Blood Seal freely—how exhilarating that would be!

The Star Breath Sword Manual can immediately unleash a blood seal, which is good news, but there is also bad news.

That is, the amethyst used for body tempering is almost used up.

He had tried body-tempering pills that could be effective against the Typhoon Sword Technique, but none of them worked.

It's safe to assume that the Qinghe Sect is keeping an eye on the Amethyst Ruins. Going directly to mine there would likely expose us and alert the Qinghe Sect.

Lin Hui pondered a solution. He had compared the effects of the amethyst on the Typhoon Sword Technique's body tempering, and it could accelerate the process by at least 70% to 80%.

The Typhoon Sword Technique is already extremely slow to master; without the amethyst, the speed would be unimaginable.
'It seems I still have to start with the Benevolent Heart Sect. If I can get in touch with their closed circle of precious medicines, I won't have to worry about these things anymore.' What he lacks right now is precisely such a circle of people who can purchase high-end precious medicines.

He had previously asked his elder brother for help in finding an introduction, but the trading circle Liu Wujun introduced had limited access to relevant drugs. After buying some Ganoderma lucidum and Ziyunzhi, there was no further follow-up. After all, what medicinal herb garden would cultivate aphrodisiacs in large quantities?

Such things are completely unnecessary in the inner city, where everyone's physical strength is terrifying and their endurance is incredible.

There is absolutely no need for aphrodisiacs.

So Lin Hui set his sights on the Charity Church.

This is also why he cooperated so well in completing the three prerequisite tasks for the Good Heart Teaching.

And now.
Lin Hui looked away from the bloodstain and took out his own silver four-sided token from his waist.

A gentle application of internal force.

Suddenly, a faint silver light appeared on the four code names representing him on the token, but it quickly went out.

The next second, a somewhat familiar male voice came from the token.

"So? Have you decided to proceed with the final official mission?"

The voice belonged to Long Ji, who was also Lin Hui's sole contact superior.

To ensure secrecy and security, the structure of the Good Heart Sect is always based on single-level communication.

You can only connect to the level above you at any level; you cannot skip levels.

"Tell me, what's the official mission? You said you'd help me choose an easy one, do you still stand by that promise?" Lin Hui said in a low voice.

“Of course, I’ve already prepared everything for you,” Long Ji said with a smile. “The mission is simple: go to Xingdao City and kill someone.”

"Who is it? Am I alone?" Lin Hui asked.

"Of course, you're not alone. There are two others with you. You're just joining them; the leader is someone else. As for who we'll kill, you'll find out when the time comes. What I can tell you is that the Good Heart Sect has a clear conscience in its actions. Those we kill must have their reasons for dying." Long Ji's tone gradually became solemn.

"When should we depart? That way I can make the necessary arrangements," Lin Hui asked.

"We were just waiting for everyone to form a team. You're the last one. Once everyone's there, we can set off in about five days. The meeting point is at the edge of Mutao Cliff in the misty area outside Cloud Edge Town. You'll be able to sense the presence when you get there and then find the exact location," Long Ji explained.

"Okay!" Lin Hui replied.

Xingdao District is a place he has never been to before. This time, he will finally get to see what it's like.

(End of this chapter)