Soul Hall's Conspiracy, Black Corner's Bloody Wind! (2-in-1 Chapter!)

The clamor of the Holy City of Jia Ma subsided slightly due to Lin Chen's brief period of silence.

Yet, the undercurrents in the shadows were surging more violently than ever.

Every move Lin Chen made in the imperial capital was being watched closely by countless eyes from various factions.

Through various channels, this information spread beyond the borders of the empire at an astonishing speed.

Deep within a gloomy branch hall located on the edge of the Central Plains.

The report regarding the "mysterious youth, bizarre blood domain, purifying Heavenly Flame, and suspected possession of an ancient legacy" was finally presented to those at a higher level.

Inside the dim hall, only a few clusters of ghastly white flames flickered.

They illuminated two figures shrouded in wide black robes.

Their auras were as obscure as an abyss.

The space around them distorted slightly; they were clearly two Dou Ancestor-level powerhouses!

"Jia Ma Empire... to think such a figure would appear in such a remote place."

A voice as raspy as grinding bones rang out, carrying a trace of shock and suspicion.

"Ten years of age, yet possessing the cultivation of a Dou King, capable of suppressing and even slaying multiple Dou Emperors."

"He carries a powerful Heavenly Flame never recorded before, and his alchemy has reached the level of a sixth-tier master..."

"Hmph, if the report is true, this brat must harbor a heaven-defying secret!"

"It is certainly no ordinary legacy!"

The other cold, sinister voice chimed in, its tone filled with both greed and apprehension.

"The Hall is very interested in that Heavenly Flame, and is determined to obtain the power he possesses that can restrain souls."

"The Venerable Elder has ordered that he must be brought back, dead or alive."

The raspy voice said.

"But that brat is extremely strange."

"So many Dou Emperors have fallen into his hands."

"There is no guarantee he doesn't have a trump card!"

"The report says his domain is extremely effective at restraining our Hall's cultivation techniques."

"Although we are Dou Ancestors, it would be unwise to clash head-on. What if there really is some old monster backing him..."

The cold voice appeared quite cautious.

"Hmm... indeed, it is not appropriate for us to test him personally."

"I recall that Yun Shan, the former sect leader of the Misty Cloud Sect in the Jia Ma Empire, is almost completely controlled by Protector Wu, is he not?"

The raspy voice pondered aloud:

"Correct. Protector Wu has been operating in the shadows."

"Now that most of the Misty Cloud Sect is under our control, Yun Shan is about ready to become an obedient puppet."

"Perfect, let him test the waters first."

"Good! Order Protector Wu to accelerate the process and take complete control of Yun Shan and the Misty Cloud Sect."

"Then, have him coordinate with Yun Shan to find an opportunity to probe that Lin Chen!"

"We will provide support from the shadows. If we can capture him alive, that would be best; if not..."

"Then spare no cost to uncover his background and seize the Heavenly Flame!"

"Understood!"

An invisible command, accompanied by a chilling ghostly aura, quietly shot toward the direction of the Jia Ma Empire.

A conspiracy targeting Lin Chen began to be quietly laid out.

Imperial capital, Mite'er Family estate.

Lin Chen naturally sensed those prying eyes in the dark.

But he did not care in the slightest.

In the face of absolute strength, all schemes and tricks were nothing but a joke.

When he returned to his courtyard, Xiao Yi Xian was sitting by a stone table grinding medicinal herbs.

Qing Lin was squatting in the corner of the yard, teasing a small snake she had just tamed.

Seeing him return, both young girls stood up almost simultaneously.

Their eyes lit up instantly, and they hurried over to greet him.

"Brother Lin Chen!"

Qing Lin was the first to rush to his side, her small hand naturally hooking onto his arm.

Her emerald pupils were filled with reliance.

"Are you going to be busy again since you're heading to the Imperial Palace today?"

Xiao Yi Xian stepped forward as well, holding the medicinal powder she had just ground.

Her voice was soft and gentle: "Lin Chen, I've brewed some calming herbal tea for you. Would you like to have some?"

Lin Chen ruffled both their hair, his fingertips brushing against their soft locks.

Looking at their two faces full of affection, his tone softened: "I need to leave the Jia Ma Empire for a while."

As soon as these words were spoken, the smiles on the two girls' faces froze instantly.

The light in their eyes dimmed.

Xiao Yi Xian clutched the hem of her clothes, her lips pressed tightly together.

Her eyes quickly turned red.

Qing Lin tightened her grip on his arm even further.

She rubbed her little head against his arm, asking with a wronged, nasal tone: "Brother Lin Chen, will you be gone for a long time? Can't you take us with you?"

"The places I'm going to next are chaotic and filled with danger.

Your current strength isn't enough to keep up."

Lin Chen crouched down to look them in the eye, his fingertips gently wiping away the tear at the corner of Xiao Yi Xian's eye.

"Once you become stronger, I will take you with me wherever I go."

He took two jade bottles from his Storage Ring and handed them to Xiao Yi Xian.

"These contain the Poison Fiend Pill, which I refined using several types of special, highly toxic poisons."

"They can help you gradually control the poison Dou Qi within your body and assist in raising your cultivation.

Remember to take only one pill a day; don't be greedy for quick results."

Xiao Yi Xian took the jade bottles, her fingertips touching the cold surface, yet her heart felt warm.

She knew these pills were specially refined for her by Lin Chen, and she nodded vigorously:

"I understand, Lin Chen. I will cultivate diligently, and by the time you return, I will definitely be stronger!"

Lin Chen turned to Qing Lin and gently tapped her forehead with his finger:

"I will have people send over some snake-type Magical Beasts for you to form contracts with!"

"You just need to focus on absorbing their power and cultivating well."

Qing Lin was stunned, then she threw her arms around Lin Chen's neck:

"Thank you, Brother Lin Chen! I will definitely study hard, and in the future, I will protect you!"

Lin Chen smiled and patted her back, giving them both a few more reminders regarding their daily cultivation.

Only then did he go to find Hai Bodong and Mite Tengshan to ask them to look after the two girls:

After all, with Dou Emperor-level powerhouses watching over them while he was away, it would save a lot of trouble.

After settling Xiao Yi Xian and Qing Lin, Lin Chen did not leave immediately.

Instead, he headed to the Imperial Palace once more to find Jia Xingtian.

"Master Lin! Why have you returned?"

Jia Xingtian was in the palace's cultivation chamber stabilizing his Dou Ancestor cultivation. Seeing Lin Chen enter, he immediately rose to welcome him, his attitude even more respectful than before.

"I'm taking you somewhere, and I have a great gift for you along the way."

As Lin Chen spoke, he turned and walked outside.

"Does the Imperial Forbidden Ground hide a Nether Sea Flood Dragon?"

Jia Xingtian was taken aback, but he quickly realized what was happening and hurried to follow:

"Are you referring to the Imperial Family's guardian beast?"

"It is indeed in the forbidden ground, but it suffered heavy injuries many years ago and has never been able to recover..."

The two of them traveled through the passages deep within the Imperial Palace.

Finally, they arrived at a secluded forbidden area.

In the center of the forbidden ground was a massive pool of water, the surface as black as ink.

It emitted a faint, chilling aura.

Hearing their footsteps, a low roar suddenly echoed from the depths of the pool.

A massive figure slowly emerged from the water—it was a Flood Dragon over ten zhang long, its scales a dark blue, though they were covered in tiny cracks and its aura appeared quite withered.

"This is the Nether Sea Flood Dragon, a Tier 6 Magical Beast.

Back then, it was heavily wounded by enemies while protecting the Imperial Family, damaging its origin. For all these years, it has been kept alive only by spiritual herbs."

Jia Xingtian sighed, his tone filled with regret.

"We have sought out many alchemists, yet none have been able to heal its wounds."

Lin Chen walked to the edge of the pool and raised his hand, retrieving a medicinal pill from his Storage Ring.

The pill was emerald green, its surface covered in intricate, grass-like patterns.

The moment it was revealed, it emitted a rich aura of life.

Even the surrounding air seemed to become fresher.

Sensing this aura, the Nether Sea Flood Dragon in the pool saw its previously listless eyes brighten instantly.

It let out a series of urgent, low growls.

"A peak Tier 6 pill, the Life-Generating Blood Pill."

Lin Chen spoke calmly as he watched Jia Xingtian's surprised expression.

"It can repair its fundamental damage."

Jia Xingtian's eyes widened, and he could hardly believe his ears.

The Life-Generating Blood Pill! A pill of this caliber was considered legendary throughout the entire Jia Ma Empire; he never expected that Lin Chen could actually refine it!

His voice trembled with excitement:

"Master Lin, this... this is too precious!"

"Take it."

Lin Chen handed the pill to Jia Xingtian.

"Feed it to the beast yourself, and I will help guide the medicinal power."

Jia Xingtian hurriedly took the pill and walked cautiously to the edge of the pool.

The Nether Sea Flood Dragon seemed to know that this pill could save it; it lowered its head submissively, allowing Jia Xingtian to place the pill into its mouth.

The moment the pill entered its stomach, a massive surge of life force erupted within its body.

The Nether Sea Flood Dragon let out a roar of relief, its massive body rolling violently in the water.

Lin Chen raised his hand and pressed it toward the pool, a gentle stream of Dou Qi slowly flowing into the water.

It seeped into the beast's body through its scales, guiding the medicinal power to converge upon its damaged core.

Emerald light circulated within the Nether Sea Flood Dragon.

The cracked scales repaired themselves at a speed visible to the naked eye, and its aura grew increasingly powerful.

Its previous state of lethargy vanished completely.

In its place was the overwhelming pressure belonging to a high-level Magical Beast.

Half an hour later, Lin Chen withdrew his hand.

The Nether Sea Flood Dragon in the pool had fully recovered; its dark blue scales shimmered with luster, and as its massive body swam through the water, the surrounding space trembled slightly.

It lowered its head toward Lin Chen:

"The kindness of Master Lin shall never be forgotten!"

The deep voice resonated; clearly, Jia Xingtian had spoken to it about Lin Chen!

"Thank you, Master Lin! Thank you, Master Lin!"

Watching the Nether Sea Flood Dragon return to its peak, Jia Xingtian bowed repeatedly in excitement.

"With it here, the strength of the Imperial Family will rise by a significant margin!"

"No need to thank me."

Lin Chen waved his hand.

"I have a matter I need your help with."

"Please speak, Master! Whether it be climbing a mountain of blades or descending into a sea of fire, I, Jia Xingtian, will not hesitate!"

Jia Xingtian immediately patted his chest in assurance.

"Go to the Magical Beast Mountain Range, capture some live snake-type Magical Beasts between Tier 4 and Tier 6, and send them to the Mite'er Family for Qing Lin."

Lin Chen said.

"Her Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils require snake-type Magical Beasts to assist in her cultivation; the more, the better."

Jia Xingtian was stunned for a moment, then immediately agreed:

"No problem! I will head to the Magical Beast Mountain Range myself tomorrow."

"I will certainly bring back the best snake-type Magical Beasts!"

For him, a newly ascended Dou Ancestor, going to the Magical Beast Mountain Range to capture a few snakes was nothing more than a trivial task.

With the matter settled, Lin Chen did not linger.

He returned to the Mite'er Family, spoke with Xiao Yi Xian and Qing Lin for a while, and only left quietly after watching them fall asleep.

Before departing, he made arrangements with Hai Bodong to meet in the Black-Corner Region.

He then departed from the Holy City of the Jia Ma Empire alone and silently, without alerting a single soul.

His first destination was the Black-Corner Region, a place synonymous with chaos and slaughter.

Several days later, on the outskirts of the Black-Corner Region.

The atmosphere here was starkly different from that of the Jia Ma Empire.

The air seemed permeated with a faint scent of blood and restless, volatile energy.

The towns were dilapidated, and burly men wielding weapons could be seen everywhere on the streets.

Arguments escalated to drawn blades in an instant; rules were non-existent here, and power was the only valid currency.

A figure appeared on the only road leading to the core area of the Black-Corner Region.

It was a boy who looked to be only ten years old or so, dressed in fine, moon-white silk robes embroidered with intricate cloud patterns that clearly signaled great wealth.

His features were delicate, with black hair and black eyes.

Yet, his gaze held a depth and calm inconsistent with his age, and he wore two Storage Rings with archaic patterns on his fingers, which glinted faintly in the sunlight.

He walked at a leisurely pace, his steps neither hurried nor slow.

He moved as if strolling through his own private garden, seemingly oblivious to how he appeared.

Here on the edge of the Black-Corner Region, he looked like a lamb wrapped in gold and silver, voluntarily wandering into the territory of starving wolves.

Sure enough, it wasn't long before several malicious gazes were cast from the dense woods on either side of the road.

They locked onto him tightly.

"Boss, this kid looks like a fat sheep!"

A tall, thin man licked his lips, his eyes staring greedily at the Storage Rings on Lin Chen's hands.

"That clothing, those rings—he must be a whelp from some big family!"

"A little brat daring to come to the Black-Corner Region alone? He probably wouldn't even know if he were sold off!"

Another man with a face full of flab sneered, cracking his wrists until his joints popped with a "click-clack" sound.

"The Black Jackal Squad is going to strike it rich this time!"

The leader was a burly man with a scar across his face, possessing the strength of roughly a five-star Dou Ling.

He held a certain reputation for ferocity even on the outskirts of the Black-Corner Region.

He squinted as he sized up Lin Chen, a cruel smile curling his lips: "Enough talk. Surround him, don't let him run! Take him alive, drain his Storage Rings dry, and then interrogate him about his family—we might be able to squeeze them for even more!"

Five men darted silently out of the dense forest.

They spread out in a fan shape, surrounding Lin Chen in the center.

They released their Dou Qi without reservation.

A fierce aura pressed down toward Lin Chen, attempting to intimidate the seemingly weak child with sheer presence.

"Kid! Stop right there!"

The scarred man barked, taking a step forward as his Dou Ling-level pressure enveloped Lin Chen.

"If you're smart, hand over those rings and come with us quietly, and you might just keep your miserable life!"

He expected the child to tremble or even burst into tears.

Yet, Lin Chen merely slowed his pace and looked up at him.

In those deep, black eyes, there was not a shred of fear.

Instead, there was a hint of faint amusement, as if he were looking at a few pieces of prey that had walked right into his trap.

"I waited for ages, and only you pieces of trash showed up?"

Lin Chen's voice was crisp, yet it carried a cold, piercing quality that rang clearly in everyone's ears.

"It seems if I want to catch a decent fish, I'll have to wait a little longer."

As soon as these words were spoken, the expressions of the Black Jackal Squad members shifted instantly.

The scarred man was incensed; he had not expected this seemingly fragile child to dare speak to him like that!

"You little bastard! You're courting death!"

The scarred man roared, raising his fist and smashing it toward Lin Chen.

His fist was wrapped in dense Dou Qi and accompanied by a whistling wind; he clearly intended to knock the child unconscious in a single blow.

However, the moment his fist was about to make contact with Lin Chen.

A dark red domain suddenly erupted from the center of Lin Chen's position!

A thick, bloody aura instantly permeated the air.

It was as if the entire space had transformed into a blood-red purgatory, the cold will to slaughter surging toward the five members of the Black Jackal Squad like a tidal wave!

"What... is this?!"

The scarred, burly man's fist froze in mid-air, the rage on his face instantly replaced by terror.

He could clearly feel that his Dou Qi was completely unable to circulate at this moment.

His very soul trembled violently under this pressure:

"A... Dou King?! How is this possible! How could a mere child be a Dou King?!"

The other four were so frightened that their faces turned deathly pale and their legs went weak.

They didn't even have the strength to flee.

Under the suppression of the domain, they were like lambs waiting for the slaughter, devoid of any power to resist.

A dark red light flashed through the domain.

Accompanied by a few short, sharp screams, silence was quickly restored.

In the middle of the road, Lin Chen remained standing where he was.

His moon-white robes were spotless, as if nothing had just happened.

As for the five members of the Black Jackal Squad who had surrounded him, they had vanished without a trace.

Not even a drop of blood remained, as if they had never existed at all.

Lin Chen brushed off the corner of his garment and cast his gaze toward the deeper reaches of the Black-Corner Region.

The aura there was even more chaotic and far more dangerous.

He whispered to himself, his voice carrying a hint of chill: "Han Feng... your Sea Heart Flame, I have claimed it."

This was one of the objectives of his journey!

Having said that, his figure moved forward once again!