Jing Wen's earnest declaration of loyalty was like a pill that settled Steward Li's nerves, convincing him deep down that Jing Wen could be drawn into his circle of trusted confidants.
Moreover, seeing that Jing Wen was only at qi refining fourth layer, Steward Li felt inclined to look after him.
After pondering for a moment, Steward Li said, "You've only just broken through to qi refining fourth layer. Join the Reconnaissance Squad for now."
"The Reconnaissance Squad?" Jing Wen's heart gave a sudden jolt, and a barely perceptible trace of helplessness crossed his face.
He knew the Reconnaissance Squad's duties all too well: spending every day out in the field, searching for traces of cultivators.
Although its missions were relatively safe, the contribution points they earned were pitifully few.
Jing Wen had actually reached qi refining great perfection long ago. He had hoped to accumulate more contribution points by completing difficult missions, giving himself a legitimate explanation for future increases in his cultivation.
He had never expected Steward Li to assign him to the Reconnaissance Squad.
Steward Li instantly caught Jing Wen's unusual reaction. A flicker of puzzlement crossed his eyes as he asked, "What's wrong? From that reaction, don't tell me you haven't learned the Heavenly Eye Technique?"
Startled, Jing Wen quickly collected himself and nodded. "Steward, I've devoted myself entirely to improving my cultivation these past few years. I spent all day studying combat spells and simply couldn't spare the time to learn auxiliary ones."
Steward Li frowned slightly and took a small sip of tea. "The Heavenly Eye Technique is essential for reconnaissance. Make time to learn it over the next few days."
Jing Wen nodded in agreement, then suddenly straightened his back and said solemnly, "Steward, if there are any hunting missions, please let me take part."
Steward Li's brows knitted tightly, his eyes full of confusion. "You haven't even started the Reconnaissance Squad's missions, and you're already thinking about hunting missions?"
With an earnest expression, Jing Wen stepped forward and said, "Steward, I understand that you made this arrangement for my own good.
"But I've never had any experience in actual combat. I want to take part in more hunting missions to gain some.
"That way, I can both serve the Black Fiend Cult and better repay your kindness."
After hearing this, Steward Li's tightly knitted brows gradually relaxed, and a gratified smile appeared on his face. "Good! It's rare to see a young man with such drive.
"Gaining more experience will do you a world of good in the future."
Steward Li thought to himself, This lad Jing Wen knows how to conduct himself.
I'll have to keep an eye on him during missions and protect him discreetly. I can't let him lose his life.
After all, nurturing a loyal subordinate is no easy task.
"Since you're so determined, we'll do as you ask.
"Focus on learning the Heavenly Eye Technique over the next few days. Once you're ready, I'll arrange for you to join the hunting missions," Steward Li said.
"Thank you, Steward!" Jing Wen bowed respectfully, a barely perceptible gleam flashing through his eyes.
After taking his leave of Steward Li, Jing Wen passed through the Capital's bustling streets and soon returned to the residence where he had once lived.
Four years had passed like a white steed flashing past a crack in the wall. Everything before him remained, yet nothing was as it had been.
The bronze rings on the vermilion gates were mottled with rust. A gentle push brought a creak, its grating sound echoing through the silent courtyard.
The once-vibrant garden was now overgrown with weeds, with a few withered flower stalks swaying precariously in the wind.
The former splendor of this grand residence with its three successive courtyards was gone, and an air of decay permeated every corner.
Jing Wen raised his hand and pushed open the gate. Amid its creaking, memories surged like a raging tide and engulfed him in an instant.
The brief three months he had spent with Red Rose had left an indelible mark on his heart.
During that time, Red Rose had cared for him in every possible way, just like a true mother.
In the end, she had sacrificed her own life for Jing Wen, giving him the Baleful Bead.
Red Rose had been gravely wounded then, but for a cultivator, even a fatal injury was not necessarily beyond saving.
Had every effort been made to treat her, regardless of the cost, she would very likely have survived.
Yet she had resolutely chosen to leave Jing Wen the chance to live.
That kindness was like a brand, seared deep into Jing Wen's heart.
With Red Rose's memory in his heart, Jing Wen entered the room where he had once lived.
The room reeked of decay. Dense cobwebs covered the corners, and the dust piled on the tables and chairs spoke of the long passage of time.
Jing Wen waved his hand gently. Pale blue light flowed from his palm as he activated the Dust-Cleansing Technique.
In an instant, the dust vanished without a trace, restoring some of the room's former tidiness.
Then Jing Wen sat cross-legged on the bed and took the Jade Slip recording the Fiendish Demon Art from inside his robes.
The Jade Slip felt warm and smooth in his hand, faintly exuding an uncanny aura.
He steadied his mind and calmed his breathing, carefully recalling the essential instructions within the Jade Slip.
Changing his primary cultivation art did not require him to start again from qi refining, first layer. He only needed to gradually convert the spiritual power circulating within him from the Burning Blood Art to the Fiendish Demon Art.
However, this conversion had to proceed step by step. The slightest carelessness could send his spiritual power flowing backward and damage his meridians.
"Whew..."
Jing Wen exhaled deeply, his eyes half closed, and formed an unusual hand seal with both hands over his knees.
He cautiously mobilized the spiritual power within him, beginning to circulate it slowly along the unique pathways recorded in the Fiendish Demon Art.
Each time his spiritual power passed through a new meridian, it brought a stab of pain, but he did not so much as furrow his brow.
Gradually, a strand of dark red spiritual power flickered into view around him, like a slithering blood snake.
Even the air around the bed seemed to thicken, carrying a faint, rusty scent of blood.
Several days flashed by like a white steed passing a crack in the wall, gone in an instant.
Jing Wen slowly opened his eyes. A dark red gleam of blood flashed through them, and though his aura was restrained, it carried a more substantial baleful qi.
He lowered his gaze to his arm. A faint, cold metallic sheen covered his skin, and a light tap produced a soft ringing sound.
"The fourth layer of the Fiendish Demon Art..." he murmured, sensing the changes in his spiritual power.
Although his cultivation had declined slightly, his spiritual power was purer and more condensed, each strand containing astonishing explosive force.
Jing Wen sank into thought. The spiritual power condensed by the Fiendish Demon Art is far superior in quality to that of the Burning Blood Art. That must be why practicing this art can greatly increase the chances of reaching foundation establishment.
As he pondered, he reached for the Sound Transmission Talisman beside him. A flash of spiritual light passed, and the information on the talisman entered his mind.
He immediately formed a hand seal and cast the Dust-Cleansing Technique.
In an instant, a soft halo enveloped him. The dust scattered and vanished, leaving him spotless once more.
Pushing open the door, Jing Wen stepped outside.
Steward Li had informed him in advance that the Black Fiend Cult would conduct a capture operation today.
Naturally, he would not miss it. Broadening his knowledge was secondary; more importantly, he could use this opportunity to earn contribution points and give himself legitimate grounds to improve his cultivation.
"A blood sacrifice..." Jing Wen murmured, a flicker of barely concealed curiosity in his eyes.
With his current cultivation and standing, he had encountered only the tip of the Black Fiend Cult's iceberg. Only by continually growing stronger could he uncover the truth behind this mysterious organization.
And today might just offer an opportunity to earn contribution points.
The corners of his lips rose almost imperceptibly as he set off toward the assembly point.
Before you continue