Blood and Fire Forging, Canaan for Alliance!

The Black-Corner Region, home to the infamous assassination organization: Shadow Kill Tower!

"Shhh!"

His black robes whipped in the wind, carrying a bone-chilling stench of blood as Lin Chen's figure moved like a ghostly, dark-red bolt of lightning.

He hovered silently above the main headquarters of Shadow Kill Tower.

This nest of assassins, which had entrenched itself in the Black-Corner Region for a century, boasted walls cast from black iron that stood dozens of feet high.

The walls were riddled with poison-tipped crossbow ports and reinforced with defensive runes powered by Tier 3 Dou Skills, yet at this moment, they could not stop his advance any more than paper.

"Sshhh-la—"

Lin Chen flicked his fingertips, and a wisp of dark-red Dou Qi transformed into a blade as thin as a strand of hair.

In an instant, it severed the three hidden perimeter alarm formations of Shadow Kill Tower.

Before the muffled sound of the shattering formations could spread, he plummeted toward the ground like a kite with a broken string.

Wherever the hem of his black robe swept, two Dou Ling-level sentries did not even have time for their pupils to constrict.

A fine, dense bloodstain appeared across their necks, and as their corpses slumped softly to the ground.

The Dou Qi within their bodies had already been drained by an invisible force, transforming into two pale-red streams that flowed into Lin Chen.

"Enemy attack!"

The sentries on the ramparts finally reacted, but the shrill cry had barely left their throats.

A Blood Sea Domain with a diameter of ten feet suddenly erupted from Lin Chen's body!

The viscous, ink-like blood-colored energy churned, coiling around the city walls like a living creature.

Those guards who attempted to draw their bows and loose arrows dissolved the moment their bodies touched the blood-colored energy.

Even their bones were reduced to nourishment for the domain, and wherever the domain passed.

The black iron walls were corroded into dense, honeycomb-like holes, the pungent smell of rust mingling with the stench of blood.

It permeated the entire headquarters.

"You seek death!"

Three formidable auras shot out from the depths of the headquarters; the leader, the Second Master of Shadow Kill Tower, was a three-star Dou King.

The twin crescent daggers in his hands shimmered with a ghostly blue poison as he lunged to stab Lin Chen in the back.

The other two Dou Kings flanked him from left and right, their fist imprints and palm winds, condensed from Dou Qi, forming a pincer movement.

The air was compressed until it emitted a "crackling" explosion.

Lin Chen did not dodge or evade; his Blood Sea Domain suddenly contracted, transforming into a suit of dark-red battle armor that covered his entire body.

The daggers struck the armor, leaving only two shallow white marks.

Instead, they were shattered inch by inch by the power of the domain, and he struck back with a grab.

The blood-colored energy condensed into a giant hand covered in bone spurs, which clamped directly onto the three-star Dou King's skull.

With a crisp "crack," the Dou King's protective Dou Qi shattered like glass.

The Dou Qi within his body surged madly into Lin Chen's Dantian along the giant hand, and his pupils rapidly lost their luster.

The corpse was tossed aside casually, collapsing a pavilion as it landed.

Seeing their companion fall in an instant, the remaining two Dou Kings were terrified out of their wits and turned to flee.

Lin Chen flicked two blood-colored spears from his fingertips, which precisely pierced the backs of the two men.

Pinning them to the ground, the blood-colored energy spread along the spears.

In less than three breaths, the two Dou Kings were reduced to two shriveled husks.

Only a black, hollow void remained at the center of their brows where their souls had been devoured.

"You brat! How dare you destroy my Shadow Kill Tower! This old man will surely grind your bones to dust!"

A roar of fury shook the heavens as the Master of Shadow Kill Tower—the four-star Dou Emperor Mo Tianchou—shot into the sky.

Black Dou Qi churned around him like dark clouds.

His right hand condensed a pitch-black giant blade over a hundred feet long, the blade wreathed in the energy fluctuations of the Tier 3 wind-attribute Dou Skill, "Space-Splitting Slash."

The moment it appeared, it tore through the air, slashing toward Lin Chen with the force of a world-ending catastrophe!

Within the Black-Corner Region, a four-star Dou Emperor was already a top-tier combatant.

This single strike was enough to level a small mountain to the ground!

Lin Chen's gaze remained indifferent as his Blood Sea Domain surged once more.

This time, it transformed into a boundless, endless ocean of blood, shrouding the entire Shadow Kill Tower headquarters within it.

Within the blood-colored ocean, countless blood-colored chains shot into the sky, weaving together into a giant net.

It forcefully caught the pitch-black giant blade.

"CLANG!!"

The deafening sound of metal clashing caused the ground to crack open.

The power of space-rending on the giant blade was whittled away layer by layer by the blood-colored chains, until it finally shattered into pieces!

"Impossible! You are merely a Dou King, how could you possess such power?!"

Mo Tianchou's face was filled with horror, and he turned to flee.

Lin Chen slowly raised his right hand, and the sea of blood instantly boiled.

Countless pillars of blood-colored light rose from the sea, trapping Mo Tianchou firmly in place.

He took a single step and appeared before Mo Tianchou, pressing his palm against the man's chest.

The Blood Scripture operated at full capacity, and the Dou Emperor power within Mo Tianchou surged into Lin Chen's body like a breached dam.

The black Dou Qi on his skin rapidly faded, and his flesh withered at a speed visible to the naked eye.

"No! I am a four-star Dou Emperor, I cannot die!"

Mo Tianchou let out a desperate roar, attempting to detonate his Dantian to perish together with Lin Chen.

But the moment the thought crossed his mind, his soul was forcibly ripped out by a blood-colored force.

He was completely devoured amidst excruciating pain.

Following the fall of Mo Tianchou, the Blood Sea Domain began to shrink frantically.

It swept the remaining assassins of the Shadow Kill Tower, the servants, and even the treasury guards hidden in secret chambers into the domain.

In just half an incense stick of time, this century-old assassin organization was completely reduced to ruins.

Only Lin Chen remained suspended in mid-air, the dark red Dou Qi around his body flickering like flames.

As the last wisp of energy was absorbed, the Dou Qi within Lin Chen surged violently.

He broke through the bottleneck of the seven-star Dou King and climbed straight to the peak of the Dou King realm!

Feeling the power rushing like a river within his Dantian, he slowly retracted his Dou Qi.

The bloodstains on his black robes vanished quietly, as if the massacre that had just occurred had never happened.

The month in the Black-Corner Region was, for Lin Chen, not a aimless wandering.

It was a highly efficient and cold-blooded hunt and cultivation.

He used himself as bait, his appearance as a young child in fine clothes looking exceptionally conspicuous in this lawless land.

In the first few days, there were still many fools like the Black Jackal Squad, blinded by greed, who threw themselves at him one after another.

They attempted to tear apart and devour this seemingly easy "fat sheep."

However, all those who dared to extend their claws toward him, whether it was a Dou Ling.

Or an entire mercenary group led by a low-level Dou King.

Eventually disappeared without a sound into that dark red domain that would suddenly expand and just as suddenly retract.

Their flesh, blood, Dou Qi, and even their souls were transformed into the purest energy.

Greedily devoured by the Blood Scripture, they became the nutrients for Lin Chen's cultivation growth.

The news gradually spread.

In the border areas of the Black-Corner Region, a terrifying legend began to circulate about the "Blood-Clad Demon Child."

It was said that he was a child who appeared harmless, but was actually an ancient fierce demon wearing human skin.

Wherever he passed, not a blade of grass would grow, and anyone who harbored evil intentions toward him would be reduced to dust.

Leaving not even a corpse behind.

Fear began to spread, and by the latter half of the month.

Wherever Lin Chen went, the area would often become deserted.

Those villains of the Black-Corner Region, usually arrogant and domineering, would sense a trace of an unusual aura from afar.

They would flee at the sight as if they had seen a ghost, not daring to get anywhere near him.

When the prey became scarce, Lin Chen took the initiative to strike.

His Spirit Realm soul power acted like the most precise radar, easily locking onto those wanted criminals hiding in deep mountains, old forests, or underground caves.

Or sect traitors and notorious lone powerhouses.

Every one of these people had hands stained with blood, with cultivation levels ranging from Dou Ling to low-level Dou King.

They were the best "resources."

Thus, the Black-Corner Region ushered in an unprecedented "cleansing month."

One notorious villain after another was dragged out from their hiding spots, only to be devoured by the sea of blood in despair and confusion.

Lin Chen's style of action was crisp and decisive; he never wasted words, and every strike was a lethal blow.

Under the Blood Sea Domain, almost no enemy could last for even a single breath.

Under such efficient and cruel hunting, massive amounts of pure energy continuously poured into Lin Chen's body.

The Blood Scripture spun frantically, purifying and refining the energy.

It merged into his limbs, bones, and the Dou Crystal within his Dantian.

His cultivation base surged forward at a speed that would leave anyone dumbfounded!

Five-star Dou King peak... six-star Dou King... seven-star Dou King...

When the month was up, Lin Chen stood upon the ruins of a bandit stronghold he had just cleared out.

As he slowly retracted the surging blood-colored Dou Qi surrounding his body, his aura had already stabilized at the peak of the Dou King realm!

He was only a single step away from the Dou Emperor realm!

Crossing several stars in a single month! If this cultivation speed were to spread, it would be enough to scare countless so-called geniuses to death.

And this was merely the tip of the iceberg of the Blood Scripture's power.

Feeling the thick Dou Qi rushing through his body like a great river, and noting that his soul power had also become increasingly condensed due to constant consumption, Lin Chen nodded in satisfaction; the Black-Corner Region was indeed a "good place."

With his goal achieved, he no longer lingered and moved his body.

Transforming into a streak of blood-colored light, he flew straight toward the core area of the Black-Corner Region.

He headed toward that famous place where Jia Nan Academy was located.

His speed was now far beyond what it had been a month ago, and in less than half a day, the massive complex of academy buildings, shrouded under a faint energy barrier, came into view.

Jia Nan Academy was a pure land within the Black-Corner Region, yet it was not entirely ignorant of worldly affairs.

The sensation Lin Chen had caused in the Jia Ma Empire, along with the terrifying rumors of the "Blood-Clad Demon Child,"

had long since reached the ears of the academy's upper echelons through certain channels.

When Lin Chen's unmasked, powerful aura—reaching the peak of the Dou King realm—appeared on the outskirts of the academy, it immediately caused extreme tension among the academy's guard squad.

"Alert! A powerful expert is approaching!"

"What a strong aura! It's a peak Dou King!"

"Look at his appearance... could it be that person from the rumors..."

The guard captain acted as if facing a formidable enemy, nervously crushing a communication jade tablet.

Soon, several tyrannical auras rose from the depths of the academy and rapidly moved to intercept him.

The leader was an old man with a stern expression and a profound aura; it was none other than the Vice Dean of the Outer Academy, Hu Gan.

His strength had already reached the peak of the Dou Emperor realm, and he was followed by several elders at the Dou King level.

"Who are you, sir? What is your business in coming to our Jia Nan Academy?"

Hu Gan looked at Lin Chen, who was hovering in the air, with a grave expression, his heart already churning with stormy waves.

Such a young peak Dou King? And that faint, bloody baleful aura radiating from him was heart-palpitating!

Almost instantly, he matched the youth to that terrifying rumor.

"Lin Chen."

Lin Chen swept his calm gaze over the group and spoke indifferently.

Those two words alone caused the pupils of Hu Gan and the others to shrink!

It really was him! The young baleful star who had turned the Jia Ma Empire upside down and stirred up a bloody storm on the edge of the Black-Corner Region!

"So it is Master Lin who has arrived!"

Hu Gan's attitude immediately became incredibly polite, even tinged with a hint of awe.

A person's name is like the shadow of a tree; furthermore, the other party was a ruthless man capable of refining Tier 6 medicinal pills and easily slaying Dou Emperors.

"I wonder what advice Master has for coming to our Jia Nan Academy?"

"Advice is not the word."

Lin Chen's tone was flat.

"I have heard that Jia Nan Academy is a renowned institution on the continent, with a serene environment suitable for cultivation."

"I wish to register here and request a seat as an honorary elder; I wonder if that is possible?"

"An honorary elder?"

Hu Gan and the several elders were all stunned.

Given Lin Chen's strength and status as an alchemist, he was more than qualified to be an honorary elder; one could even say that Jia Nan Academy would be the one climbing the social ladder.

But his reputation as a baleful star... it made one inevitably feel a bit worried.

"If Master is willing to condescend, our Jia Nan Academy would naturally be delighted!"

Hu Gan only hesitated for a moment before immediately agreeing.

Weighing the pros and cons, befriending this young grandmaster was far more beneficial than detrimental to Jia Nan Academy.

As for his reputation as a malevolent star... in the Black-Corner Region, strength was the only truth that mattered.

"It is just that... this matter must be reported to the Inner Academy's First Elder, Su Qian, to follow protocol."

Hu Gan added.

"Agreed."

Lin Chen nodded.

Hu Gan immediately led the way himself, inviting Lin Chen into the academy and arranging for him to wait in the most luxurious VIP suite.

At the same time, he sent an urgent message to the Inner Academy.

The news reached the Inner Academy, naturally causing another stir.

Upon hearing this, the Inner Academy's First Elder, Su Qian (a Dou Ancestor), did not hesitate at all.

He replied immediately: "Granted! Do everything in your power to satisfy all of Master Lin's requests; you must befriend him!"

The process moved extremely quickly, taking less than an hour.

An Amethyst Badge, symbolizing the status of an honorary elder of the highest honor at Jia Nan Academy, was delivered into Lin Chen's hands.

From this moment on, Lin Chen was considered one of their own within Jia Nan Academy.

After becoming an honorary elder, Lin Chen directly stated a portion of his intentions to Su Qian and Hu Gan.

"I have two juniors with decent aptitude; in the future, I may send them to Jia Nan Academy to cultivate for a period of time."

Lin Chen said.

"I hope the academy can provide some convenience and grant them the best cultivation resources and environment."

"This is their advance payment."

Lin Chen took out two jade bottles.

Su Qian and Hu Gan took the jade bottles with suspicion, opened them, and immediately gasped!

Inside the bottles were not medicinal pills, but two drops of dark red liquid containing incredibly pure energy!

This was "Blood Source Essence," which Lin Chen had condensed by refining his own lifeblood and Dou Qi using the Blood Scripture, fused with a trace of the purifying power of the Red Lotus Karma Fire.

Although not a pill, its effects were miraculous for nourishing the lifeblood and solidifying the foundations of even a Dou Emperor or a Dou Ancestor.

Its value was immeasurable!

"Rest assured, Master! Your juniors shall be the most distinguished disciples of our Jia Nan Academy!"

Su Qian promised excitedly.

"All resources will be supplied to them as a priority!"

This "payment" was simply too heavy!

"Furthermore,"

Lin Chen continued.

"I hear that several elders in the academy have been stuck at the peak of the Dou Emperor realm for a long time?"

Upon hearing this, Su Qian and Hu Gan exchanged glances, their hearts skipping a beat.

Seeming to guess something, their breathing became rapid.

"That is correct... I, as well as several elders of the Inner Academy, have all been trapped at this stage for many years..."

Hu Gan's voice was dry, filled with boundless anticipation.

"I need to refine a batch of Break Sect Pills in the near future."

Lin Chen's tone remained indifferent.

"You provide the materials; for one set of materials, I will take action once, guaranteeing the production of one pill, and it will be of the highest grade."

Boom!

Even though they had guessed it, when Lin Chen said it himself, Su Qian and Hu Gan still felt their brains roar.

Ecstasy instantly overwhelmed them!

Break Sect Pill! Guaranteed success! And the highest grade at that!

For those who had been trapped at the peak of the Dou Emperor realm for decades or even a century, what a temptation this was!

"Master! Is this true?!"

Su Qian's voice trembled.

"Naturally."

Lin Chen nodded.

"However, after the pills are refined, I will need to ask the elders who successfully break through to do one thing for me."

"Never mind one thing! Even ten, or a hundred! As long as it does not violate the academy's bottom line or commit heinous acts, we will not shirk our duty!"

Hu Gan was so excited he nearly jumped up, immediately rushing to answer.

Su Qian also nodded heavily, his eyes filled with determination.

With the opportunity to break through to the Dou Ancestor realm right before them, any price was worth paying!

"Good."

That was exactly the answer Lin Chen wanted.

"Go prepare the materials. Once you have gathered one set, you may come find me."

Over the next few days, the upper echelons of Jia Nan Academy were completely occupied.

Su Qian and Hu Gan mobilized the entire academy's strength, even borrowing from or trading with friendly factions.

Spare no expense, they gathered two sets of the precious materials for refining the Break Sect Pill at the fastest possible speed!

This meant they hoped to see two people break through!

Lin Chen had no objections to this, and he remained in the alchemy room specially prepared for him in the Inner Academy.

He opened the furnace to refine pills once more.

It was the same Red Lotus Karma Fire, the same smooth, flowing, and flawless refinement process.

Two rounds of alchemy, one pill per set of materials, resulted in two round, flawless, and brilliantly patterned top-grade Break Sect Pills.

The entire upper echelon of Jia Nan Academy was shocked!

A one hundred percent success rate! Every single one was a top-grade pill!

This was no longer the work of a master; it was nothing short of a miracle!

Hu Gan and another elder of the Inner Academy, who had been stuck at the peak of the Dou Emperor realm for years, could not wait to consume the Break Sect Pills.

Under the protection of Lin Chen's Red Lotus Karma Fire, both of them successfully broke through one after the other.

They triggered a massive tide of heaven and earth energy!

Within a single day, Jia Nan Academy had gained two new Dou Ancestors!

The entire academy was in an uproar! Everyone was filled with joy and excitement!

Once Hu Gan and the other Inner Academy elder stabilized their Dou Ancestor realms, they came before Lin Chen at the very first opportunity.

They bowed with immense respect, their attitude even more reverent than that of students toward their teachers.

"Our ability to break through to the Dou Ancestor realm is entirely due to the Master's grace! If the Master has any commands, we will not hesitate even if it means death!"

The two spoke in unison, their tones resolute and firm.

Lin Chen looked at the two newly ascended Dou Ancestors and finally revealed his objective.

"I want you to accompany me to kill someone."

"Who?"

Su Qian asked in a deep voice, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

Never mind killing one person; even if they were asked to raze a major sect in the Black-Corner Region right now, they wouldn't even frown.

"The Medicine Emperor, Han Feng."

Lin Chen slowly spat out the name.

Upon hearing this, Su Qian and the two newly ascended Dou Ancestors did not hesitate at all and agreed immediately!

"Very well!"

"Rest assured, Master, we will exhaust all our strength to slay him!"

The two new Dou Ancestors and Su Qian agreed in unison, their murderous intent surging without a hint of hesitation!