Decaying World

Chapter 234, Part 234 (Thanks to Alliance Leader yublood)

Purgatory and extreme cold?
Lin Hui felt a chill run down his spine. Although he had gotten rid of these two troublesome aftereffects by relying on the power of the wind disaster, he still vividly remembered the pollution of Purgatory.

"Any news about Amamiya Ryuu Taketoshi?"

"Nothing yet, but there's no news of any incidents involving high-ranking priests in Amamiya. I've already asked around to find out," Li Yuanyuan replied.

"Very good." Lin Hui nodded.

“Thirdly, there are some locals who want to join Qingfeng Dao to obtain a Dharma Seal and break through their bottleneck. They are very sincere. They originally wanted to follow the path of Junior Sister Qiu Yiren. Junior Sister Qiu was too embarrassed to mention it to you, so they came to me instead,” Li Yuanyuan said.

"What is your identity?"

"She is the ninth young lady of the Fang family, who runs a wine business in the inner city. She was sent to the Rain Palace in the inner city when she was young, and now she is stuck in the Zhou Tian position, neither rising nor falling. It has been three years."

"Bring her here sometime and explain the specific conditions to her. It's been a year; it's about time to start developing local followers."

Lin Hui didn't actually have much need to develop Qingfeng Dao. The current number of his disciples was sufficient to support him in terms of intelligence and resources.

Once the arrangements are completed smoothly and the background forces are established, he doesn't plan to cause any more trouble. He will live a low-key life, spend his days peacefully, and focus on cultivation.

He has never been an ambitious person.

Often, it's just external pressure that forces him to move forward.

After dismissing Li Yuanyuan, Lin Hui walked alone in the back garden of Qingfeng Courtyard.

This large mansion, which was large enough to house over a hundred people, is now only inhabited by him, Li Yuanyuan, and a few servants.

The overall atmosphere appeared increasingly deserted.

Strolling through a field of golden flowers, inhaling their delicate fragrance, Lin Hui's mood improved slightly.

He often pondered the meaning of life. He believed that spiritual practice was merely a means to protect himself and live a peaceful life, but what was the purpose of such a peaceful life?
For procreation? For family? For the enjoyment of desire? Or for the exploration of the unknown?
he does not know.

He simply felt that he had time to do what he wanted every day, that he wouldn't be forced by external forces to do things he didn't want to do, that he wouldn't have to worry about food and drink, and that he wouldn't be anxious about safety.

I'm already very satisfied with this.

For example, now that he wants to take a walk and admire the flowers in the garden, he has the time to do so.

This is satisfaction.

Then it's time to evolve new martial arts techniques.

The last evolution of the Star Breath Sword Manual took several years. If it weren't for the availability of enough precious medicines to accelerate the process, it probably would have taken another ten years or more to complete.

Judging from the completion of the Typhoon Sword Technique's body tempering, his physique and mental strength have increased by at least two to three times compared to before. Add to that the subtly flashing special effects with unknown results, and the complete Typhoon Sword Technique that has never been fully tested in combat. Even Lin Hui himself doesn't know how strong he can be at full power.

People like Han Sanmian were merely slightly more difficult targets for him. Without other adversaries to compare himself to, he was somewhat unsure of his own abilities.

Therefore, from this perspective, the evolution of the Star Breath Sword Manual this time is definitely more exaggerated than before. If we don't start it in advance, it would be awkward if the evolution was still far behind after the Sword Manual was completed.

Lin Hui stopped and closed his eyes, as the corresponding information of the bloodstain appeared in his field of vision.

'Star Breath Sword Manual: Beginner (Divided into four levels: Yuan I, Ming II, Ding III, Gui IV. Requires condensing the four sacred wind forces and ultimately unifying them to achieve the special effect: Breath of the Stars.)'

'Four Major Categories: Divided into four types—Birth, Death, Heaven, and Earth. Each type requires specific corresponding resources for refinement.'

'Life Form—After entering the beginner level, you must save ninety-nine different types of living beings. Upon completion, you can feel the pulse of life and condense the Sacred Form of Life.'

'Destruction Form—After entering the beginner level, one must destroy ninety-nine different types of living beings before one can condense the Holy Form of Destruction.'

'Celestial Form—After entering the basics, one must adopt the perspective of the embodiment of divine will to stably govern the atmosphere above a planetary region exceeding one million square meters.'

'Terrain—After the initial introduction, you need to adopt the perspective of the Earth as a natural entity and manage a stable planetary geographical environment exceeding one million square meters.'

'So complicated?' Lin Hui had thought it would be the same as before, where he could just stay at home and cultivate successfully. But looking at it this way, it seems that the process requires him to try four different routes and condense four different holy forms.

This sword technique no longer appears to be something that can be mastered simply through closed-door, arduous practice.

"It seems I'll have to carefully consider how to begin my cultivation journey."

With a slight thought, Lin Hui decided on the evolution project centered on the Star Breath Sword Manual.

The bloodstains on the back of his hand gathered and then dispersed.

Soon, new information emerged.

*
*
*
Tu Yue · Moon Tower.

"Have you found any trace of the missing elders?"

On another moon tower where the Tai Su Yuan Pan is located.

In the spacious circular hall at the top of the tower, a huge, moon-white disc slowly rotated, and silver cracks resembling tree roots spread across the ground, reaching nine evenly spaced, different points on the disc.

At each of the nine tree root connection points, there is a spacious, high-backed, emerald-colored chair.

Eight figures in black robes sat in chairs, but one seat remained empty.

"It's pretty much confirmed. At the same time that the Hongyin army arrived, the eighth one went to the fog zone to act alone. He wasn't going to fight against the Tianyan Army general, but had other plans," one of them said in a low voice.

“That’s right. Although we’ve only found a trace now, which is a bit late, it’s all worth it as long as we can clear up the misunderstanding with the Tianyan Army,” another person said.

It's definitely not that we couldn't beat the other side and had no other choice but to find another excuse to try and get rid of this.

This idea was a consensus among everyone present.

It's been a year, and neither Tai Su nor Hong Yin intends to continue. Hong Yin has lost three generals, and Tu Yue has replaced three veterans. Both sides have suffered heavy losses.

However, the generals of the Tianyan Army can return and be resurrected using their remaining flesh and blood, which puts them at a significant disadvantage. "Hongyin has also reported the same thing; they are already withdrawing their troops. Mother is about to return, so there's no point in them staying any longer. The original objective is no longer achievable. So, in a way, we've actually won," someone whispered.

"Good. Now that the battle is stable and about to end, who is willing to go and investigate Han Sanmian's disappearance next?"

Among the eight people, an elderly man who seemed to be the leader asked in a low voice.

"The other side was able to kill Han Sanmian. We alone might not be enough to bring them to justice. Even if Lao Ba is a clerical worker and not very strong, he is still a Blood Ancestor of the same rank as us," someone said.

"Then I'll ask again, who is willing to go? Judging from the remaining traces, there are currently two suspects: Elder Chen of the Chen family of Jiyutian who briefly disappeared at the time, and the mysterious person from the Lin family who fled to Heiyun and is suspected of impersonating Lin Hui."

"The former disappeared from the battlefield for about an hour, which corresponds to the time Han Sanmian blocked. The latter suddenly unleashed a powerful strength that surpassed the level of the Palace Master while being pursued, but it is still questionable whether he can defeat Han Sanmian. However, the reason why this person is a suspect is that Han Sanmian had been paying close attention to and monitoring him before. So even if Lin Hui is not the murderer, he is very likely to be closely related to the murderer."

The aged male voice analyzed.

“What you say is absolutely right, sir.”

"This speculation is indeed reasonable."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

"Hou Xihan, you once gifted Lin Hui a moth carriage. Do you know anything about this man?" Suddenly, an elder remembered something and looked at Hou Xihan, a new elder who had only been promoted a few years ago.

"This person is indeed a prodigy, comprehending extraordinary martial arts and secret techniques at such a young age. I admire him greatly. I truly didn't see his hidden strength back then. What if Han Sanmian had known Lin Hui's hidden strength all along? Would he have..."

Hou Xihan's guess immediately drew nods of agreement from everyone.

If the Blood Heart were to devour something, that would indeed be possible.

"This person is related to you, Hou Xihan. Why don't you make the trip yourself and arrest him?" the old voice said in a deep voice.

“If this person is truly connected to the murderer, even though my strength far surpasses Han Sanmian’s, I am not confident.” Hou Xihan shook her head slightly.

"The chief of the Extreme Desire Heaven will personally go with you to handle this matter."

Ning Qianzhi?!
Everyone's breath caught in their throats for a moment.

A person's name is like the shadow of a tree.

Since the establishment of Tu Yue, Ning Qianzhi has personally dealt with and killed several veteran defections.

This person's strength is said to be close to that of a marshal. Even if the other seven elders of the Extreme Desire Heaven attacked together, they might not be his match.

Over thousands of years, this powerful enemy who has been defeated and devoured has numbered countless, making his strength as deep and unfathomable as an ancient well.

"Then I'm all set." Hou Xihan nodded.

"This time, Chief Ning is the main force. Your main responsibility is to record his words and actions after arriving at Black Cloud. Tu Yue's recent movements have made me uneasy. Black Cloud is different from Tu Yue. Those three are high in the sky, and each of them is stronger than Tu Yue. They are also on the front line against Hong Yin and the Mist God Group. We must be careful with every move they make. If we accidentally break a taboo and are swallowed by the elders there, we will have no way to hold them accountable." The old voice continued.

"Yes." Hou Xihan's expression hardened, and she quickly nodded in response.

"Besides monitoring Ning Qianzhi, there's one more thing you need to do," the aged voice continued.

"Please speak," Hou Xihan said in a deep voice.

"Find out whether Lin Hui is really him. If he isn't, then forget it. But if he really did grow to this level on his own in just a few years, find a way to dig out what's behind him. Don't let Ning Qianzhi kill him directly. Save his life and bring him back."

"understand!"

And at this very moment.

On the other side, in the realm of extreme desire.

Ning Qianzhi knelt on one knee and bowed to the white-clad woman on a crystal throne to pay his respects.

"Mother, I am about to set off for Black Cloud. What are your instructions for this trip?"

Judging from his appearance alone, Ning Qianzhi is handsome, with a golden ratio figure and a cold temperament. He wears pure white armor with gold trim, and a long white cloak trails behind him. The colorful crystal between his eyebrows emits a faint light, which complements the white hair draped behind him.

The woman on the crystal throne looked like an ordinary farm girl, with unattractive features, slightly dark skin, and a figure like that of an average person. Her hands even had the rough texture of someone who had done farm work.

But at this moment, sitting on the throne, she inexplicably exuded a tremendous sense of oppression that blended into her surroundings.

“I am about to return. The marshal avatar of Hongyin has already withdrawn, but I do not intend to return to the city. I will meet you halfway on your way to Black Cloud,” the woman said casually.

"You...you're going to come along too!?" Ning Qianzhi was startled and couldn't help but look up at the woman.

"What? I can't go? There are so few interesting things in this world, most of them are just meaningless repetitions, but this Lin Hui is somewhat interesting."

Tu Yue laughed.

She has lived for nearly ten thousand years and has seen almost everything in the world countless times. She can often understand the whole picture by observing just a single leaf.

This is also why she has no interest in most things.

It was only Han Sanmian's death that caught her attention, and then she unexpectedly discovered this little guy, Lin Hui.

Judging from the various traces around this little guy, there are probably some secrets hidden within.

The thrill of exploring the hidden places stirred up Tu Yue's long-dormant emotions once again.

The death of a mere elder was of no consequence to her.

In fact, she wouldn't care even if the entire Extreme Desire Heaven and the Primordial Plain disappeared.

But what was interesting was that it gave her a slight idea to go to the Black Clouds to explore the unknown.

(End of this chapter)