Slaying Origin Pellet Realm

A faint, cloying mist permeated the air, thick with the scent of blood as blossoms of crimson bloomed across the ground.

The illusory Spirit-Transforming Needle flickered and struck Duan Wuxin, instantly triggering a surging tide of mental energy within his mind that tore his consciousness to shreds.

"Haa... ugh..."

Veins bulged on Duan Wuxin's forehead as his expression twisted into a hideous mask. The violent mental energy ravaged his mind, and blood began to stream incessantly from his seven orifices—a truly ghastly sight.

"Fifth-grade martial art: Thousand River Moon Reflection Sword!"

Lin Yiqing's Greater Yin True Essence surged within him. His Refined Iron Sword erupted with a brilliant silver radiance, and he struck out with the force of a thousand jun.

Duan Wuxin's face shifted from red to purple. A deafening roar echoed in his brain, and the world seemed to invert, as if his very head were shattering into scattered dust along with his consciousness.

Blood blurred his vision, and through the haze, he caught a glimpse of a single streak of white light...

"Shh!"

Blood geysered from the headless neck. Duan Wuxin's head, eyes wide with shock, rolled heavily onto the ground, landing with a thud that echoed in the hearts of everyone present.

"We... we won!" "We're saved!"

The members of the caravan stood stunned for a moment before breaking into disbelieving chatter.

"Haa!"

Lin Yiqing finally allowed himself to relax and catch his breath. Victory was often decided in a heartbeat, and only now did he dare to ease his guard.

"Hiss, what a little monster. At such a young age, he actually managed to kill a Lesser Origin Pellet Realm expert while only at the late Earth Origin Realm!"

Old Smoke Ghost drew a sharp breath, his gaze fixed on Lin Yiqing with unconcealable shock.

"Retreat! Retreat!"

Seeing the outcome, the black-clad men on the battlefield hurriedly signaled their cohorts to flee into the woods. With Duan Wuxin dead, their morale had collapsed, and the remainder were no longer a threat.

"Uncle Tie!"

A gaping wound ran from Tie Hu's chest to his waist, nearly bisecting him, and the blood pouring out soaked the ground beneath him.

Lin Yiqing rushed to Tie Hu's side. Seeing such a grievous injury, he panicked; it was easy to kill a man, but a hundred times harder to save one.

"It's alright, he's still breathing. Let me handle this!"

Steward Xia walked over to Lin Yiqing, looking disheveled. After this battle, he felt even more awe toward the youth; such a person would surely become the brightest star in the world sooner or later.

The Wanjin Chamber of Commerce caravan was equipped with apothecaries to treat potential poisonings and injuries. Once the fighting ceased, they hurried to bandage and treat the wounded.

Seeing the apothecaries carry Tie Hu away, Lin Yiqing felt a sense of relief. He was a good man, and he did not wish to see him die.

"Steward Xia, the supplies... most of the supplies are gone."

A capable guard, covered in wounds, approached to report. The battle had been incredibly intense, and both sides had suffered heavy casualties.

No one had paid attention to the supplies during the fighting, but now that they were taking stock, they found much of it missing.

"Hmph! Blood Sword Hall, we will remember this grudge. When we return to Yan City, we will settle this account!"

Steward Xia's face flushed red at the news. He clenched his fists and gritted his teeth as he spoke.

"Forget the common goods that were lost. Let's regroup and continue to Wuling City!"

Lin Yiqing fell into deep thought. It seemed the caravan had been split into two groups—one overt and one covert—to transport the goods. He just wondered where the hidden group was now.

That's not right. Perhaps it was him...

Lin Yiqing looked up and cast a subtle glance at Old Smoke Ghost. The man hadn't suffered any significant injuries during such a fierce battle; he had essentially been coasting the entire time.

Furthermore, this man had been mysterious from the very beginning. If he had been carrying a large amount of precious cargo to avoid drawing attention, it would be highly plausible.

Recalling the battle, although Old Smoke Ghost had participated, he had mostly been slacking off. Moreover, the man was clearly an expert who cultivated both Origin Power and mental energy.

Then the transport tool... it must be a Universe Bag!

Seeming to sense Lin Yiqing's gaze, Old Smoke Ghost looked up and met his eyes, a kindly smile appearing on his withered, wrinkled face.

This person is truly unfathomable!

Lin Yiqing gave Old Smoke Ghost a long look. Everything ended here; there was no need to invite unnecessary trouble.

He only wanted to complete his mission and collect his reward.

Lin Yiqing walked to the base of a tree to rest. The benefits of this battle were immense, and he needed to digest them. Not only had his control over his mental energy become more proficient, but his combat experience had also grown significantly.

In a little while, I can attempt to break through to the Heaven Origin Realm.

Feeling the unusual activity of his Greater Yin True Essence, Lin Yiqing thought to himself.

Absorbing the Greater Yin Qi had nearly pushed him to break through to the Heaven Origin Realm directly, so he had been suppressing his cultivation to avoid an unstable foundation.

Now, he no longer needed to worry. After such a long period of tempering, his Origin Power was as responsive as his own limbs.

Perhaps having received word in advance, the manager of the Wuling City chamber of commerce came out of the city to receive the supplies, and Lin Yiqing returned safely to Yan City with Steward Xia and the others.

The only difference was that Old Smoke Ghost was gone on the return trip, which confirmed his suspicion: the man was indeed the true secret transport line for the Wanjin Chamber of Commerce!

"Little Friend Lin, why not stay at the manor for a few more days?"

Steward Xia was somewhat surprised by Lin Yiqing's farewell; he had not expected the young man to approach him to announce his departure immediately after settling the payment.

"No thank you. I didn't get a proper look around Yan City last time, so I'd like to see what it's like first."

Lin Yiqing waved his hand. Since Steward Xia had already settled Tie Hu and the others, he had no further concerns. He intended to find out if there were any places in Yan City that could help him continue to grow stronger.

"Your talent, young friend, is truly the greatest I have ever seen in my life. I intend to recommend you to the Guild Master to become a principal agent of the Chamber of Commerce. What do you think?"

Seeing that Lin Yiqing was leaving, Steward Xia asked hurriedly. If such a prodigy could join the Wanjin Chamber of Commerce, the immense benefits to the organization would be indescribable.

Lin Yiqing smiled faintly and shook his head, then cupped his hands and said, "Many thanks for your kind intention, Steward Xia, but I have grown accustomed to a wild life and have no such plans for the time being."

"Sigh, in that case, I shall not press you further. Please accept this small token of gratitude."

Seeing that he could not persuade the other party to stay, Steward Xia could not help but sigh. If this young man could join their Chamber of Commerce, the Wanjin Chamber of Commerce would likely be able to dominate all of Yan City within a few years.

He then took a golden token and a Universe Bag from his robes and handed them to Lin Yiqing.

The golden token was simple yet imposing in design, covered in cloud patterns with the four characters "Wanjin Chamber of Commerce" engraved upon it. Lin Yiqing did not refuse; he took a brief glance before tucking it into his Universe Bag.

"The Wanjin Chamber of Commerce will always be your friend. Should you have any needs, just say the word. As long as it is within our power to help, the Wanjin Chamber of Commerce will not shirk its duty!"

Looking at Lin Yiqing's still-youthful face, Steward Xia said solemnly.

"Heh, then many thanks for your kindness, Steward Xia. I will be in Yan City for some time, so I may still have to trouble you."

Lin Yiqing smiled, cupped his hands in a salute, and then headed toward the city center with his Refined Iron Dagger in hand.

"Farewell!"