A Lonely Journey

Using the contact list in the Judge's phone, Dongfang Yueming transforms into the true Grim Reaper of the night.

There was no conversation, nor any fierce fighting.

Under the overwhelming power of Dongfang Yueming 'Superior Qi Gathering Perfection, those intermediate investigators in the Blood Transformation Realm didn't even have time to react before being instantly annihilated by Dongfang Yueming's true energy.

In their secret hideout, Dongfang Yueming found a batch of blood-red fleshy spheres, emanating eerie energy fluctuations, sealed in special containers. These were the next batch of Variants embryos to be "planted".

"Broken."

As the extremely cold sword energy swept across, all the "Variants seeds" turned into ice powder.

After doing all this, Dongfang Yueming returned to her dormitory and erased all traces of her having gone out.

The next day, early morning.

The sun shone on the streets of Jinling City as usual, but the entire city was engulfed in an unprecedented and devastating earthquake!

Dongfang Yueming woke up in her dormitory bed, washed up, and then went out.

"Have you heard?! Something terrible has happened!"

"Holy crap! I was stunned when I saw the news this morning! The Xiahou Family and the Han Family... the two top families in Jinling City, were wiped out overnight! Even their two indestructible manors were razed to the ground!"

"That's not all! Did you know that a group of military vehicles surrounded our school last night? I heard... I heard that Vice Principal Liu, and several leaders from the Academic Affairs Office, all mysteriously disappeared last night, without a trace!"

In the corridors, in the cafeteria, and on the campus paths, groups of three or five Wuhan University students, their expressions filled with fear, were everywhere.

Overnight, two major families were wiped out, and school leaders disappeared!

For the ordinary martial artists of Jinling City, this was as unbelievable as the sky falling down.

Dongfang Yueming walked calmly past the shocked students with his hands in his pockets, as if the surrounding noise had nothing to do with him.

Just as he was heading towards the academic affairs building, preparing to register for the exchange student quota at Demon Capital Martial University.

Excuse me! Please let me through!

A cool, slightly anxious voice came from behind.

Zhan Qiushui, wearing a trench coat, walked quickly with red-rimmed eyes and an extremely haggard expression.

She had her head down, clearly in a hurry to get somewhere, but suddenly froze.

She stopped, turned around, and looked at Dongfang Yueming's back. A deep doubt and utter disbelief flashed in her bloodshot eyes.

That back view... why does it look so familiar?

Last night, she experienced the darkest moment of her life. After hearing Wolf Fang's cruel remarks about "balance," she was disheartened and had even written an application to leave the Great Xia Night Watchers, which she planned to submit first thing this morning.

However.

The Jinling branch, apart from junior investigators like her and ordinary personnel, was completely wiped out, from senior investigators "Judge" down to all the "intermediate investigators" at the Blood Transformation Realm!

Overnight, the entire leadership of the Jinling Night Watchers was completely wiped out by an unknown and terrifying force!

The outside world only knew about the destruction of the Xiahou Family and Han Family, but Zhan Qiushui knew very well that the massacre within the Night Watchers was the real shockwave that would shake the highest levels of the Great Xia!

The Night Watchers headquarters' envoy is already on his way; she must get there as soon as possible to report.

And ahead.

Dongfang Yueming naturally noticed Zhan Qiushui's complicated gaze, but he didn't even turn his head.

He knew perfectly well that although he had purged the high-ranking members of the Jinling Night Watchers last night, he had not left any evidence to indicate that those people were Variants in order to avoid causing panic among the ignorant civilians.

For people like Zhan Qiushui who still hold onto justice, the less they know about the truth of cannibalism, the safer they are.

If this were discovered by the powerful figures at the top who have already been assimilated by the Variants, then all those who know the truth will surely die.

"This path of resistance is too dangerous and too vast."

Dongfang Yueming said silently in his heart.

He doesn't need comrades, nor does he need understanding. With the system's support, he alone is enough to become the sharpest blade, tearing those monsters hiding beneath the stars and moon off their thrones one by one.

This is destined to be a lonely road, but one that must be walked to the end.

A moment later, Dongfang Yueming arrived at the lobby on the first floor of the teaching building.

This is the registration point for exchange student positions at Demon Capital Martial University.

Dongfang Yueming's purpose in going to Demon Capital was clear: on the one hand, to escape the shallow pit of Jinling and seek the cultivation methods and techniques for the [Meridian Opening Realm] at a top-tier academy; on the other hand, as one of the most prosperous centers of the Great Xia, Demon Capital had far more clues about Variants and high- Night Watchers than a small border town like Jinling!

And Demon Capital Martial University is the most suitable entry point!

A considerable number of people had already gathered in the hall, divided into two registration areas for sophomores and juniors.

According to the school's regulations, this exchange program is only open to second- and third-year students, with only three spots available for each grade.

Moreover, the entry requirements are extremely stringent.

The requirement for sophomores: Must reach the [Blood Nourishing Sixth Layer]!

The requirement for third-year students: They must reach the [Second Level of Blood Refining]!

For ordinary martial arts students, reaching the Fifth Level of Blood Nourishing by the time they enter their second year is already considered qualified; reaching the sixth level is definitely genius.

The atmosphere inside the academic affairs hall was tense yet enthusiastic.

A blood and qi testing device, about half the height of a person, was placed in the center of the hall. Students queuing up were stepping forward one after another, placing their palms on the crystal sensor plate of the device.

"Ding--Test passed, Qi and Blood levels meet standard: Blood Nourishing Sixth Layer."

"Drip--Insufficient Qi and Blood, Fifth Level of Blood Nourishing Peak, Unqualified, Removed!"

As the cold, mechanical female voice continued to announce, some were happy while others were sad. This was an opportunity to go to the Demon Capital Martial University for an exchange program. Once selected, it would be like having one foot in the top Martial Dao circle, with a limitless future ahead.

Soon, it was Dongfang Yueming's turn in the line.

The instructor in charge of the assessment glanced at him and urged impatiently, "Put your hands on it, circulate your qi and blood, hurry up."

Dongfang Yueming remained calm as he placed his palm on the crystal plate.

With a thought, he locked the vast, Qi Gathering Perfection true qi within his body deep within his dantian. Then, through meticulous control of his own qi and blood, he precisely extracted a wisp of qi and blood power from his blood and input it into the testing device.

"Ding--Test passed, Qi and Blood levels meet standard: Blood Nourishing Sixth Layer."

The instructor glanced at the screen and nodded slightly. "Your cultivation level is up to par. Next, demonstrate your blood technique. Punch that test sandbag over there."

Dongfang Yueming walked to the sandbag and took a deep breath.

You can't use the Heaven Grade, or even the Profound Grade.

He briefly recalled the few most basic Yellow Grade fist techniques that he had previously merged with.

"True Yang Fist"

He deliberately made his movements appear somewhat clumsy, and his qi and blood were disguised as if he had just broken through to the next level. He then punched the sandbag with a moderate amount of force.

"Bang."

The sandbag made a dull thud and shook a few times.

The instructor glanced at the dents on the sandbag and noted them down: ""True Yang Fist", Major Accomplishment Mastery. You've passed. Go wait over there."

Dongfang Yueming withdrew his fist and turned to walk to one side of the hall.

Two students who had successfully passed the assessment were already standing there; they were the true top students among the second-year students—two at the Seventh Level of Blood Nourishing!

One of them was Xiahou Ying, the former eldest daughter of the Xiahou Family.

Xiahou Ying was dressed in a smart tracksuit. Although her face was still a little pale, her eyes showed a maturity and indifference beyond her years.

When she saw Dongfang Yueming walking towards her, a hint of extreme astonishment still flashed uncontrollably in her usually calm eyes.

Why would he come?

A storm raged within Xiahou Ying's heart.

Others may not know, but she witnessed firsthand how this seemingly ordinary "Blood Nourishing Sixth Layer" effortlessly blasted Xiahou Yuan, who was at the Third Level of Blood Refining and had already transformed, into a pile of minced meat with a single punch in the abandoned building!

What bothered her even more was that last night in the dark and gloomy underground slaughterhouse of the Han Family, when she was in despair, the extremely cold sword energy that suddenly appeared and silently cut the alloy chains and removed the toxins from her blood and qi.

Although she didn't see the person, their nonchalant and even disdainful manner of doing things made her instinctively think of Dongfang Yueming.

"Who exactly is he? Why is he hiding his strength at Jinling Martial University, and even pretending to be at the Blood Nourishing Sixth Layer Realm when he went to Demon Capital? What is his purpose?"

Xiahou Ying stared intently at Dongfang Yueming, trying to discern something from his calm face.

Standing next to Xiahou Ying was another boy at the Seventh Level of Blood Nourishing.

The boy was tall and handsome, and his Lin Feng. He was obviously very attentive to Xiahou Ying. When he saw that Xiahou Ying was staring at Dongfang Yueming who was walking over, a hint of gloom and jealousy flashed in Lin Feng's eyes.

"Junior Sakura, there's no need to look. That guy who barely made it to the Blood Nourishing Sixth Layer Realm by luck is just there to make up the numbers. The competition at Demon Capital Martial University is incredibly fierce. If an ordinary person like him goes there, he'll only be utterly crushed by the real geniuses."

Lin Feng deliberately leaned closer to Xiahou Ying, adopting a superior senior brother demeanor, and chuckled in a low voice, "Don't worry, once we get to Demon Capital, I'll definitely protect you. My cousin has already made a name for himself at the Demon Capital Martial University, and then..."

"Shut up. Don't bother me."

Xiahou Ying didn't even glance at him, her voice as cold as ice. Having experienced the destruction of her family and the collapse of her faith overnight, she now felt nothing but utter disgust for this self-righteous fly.

Lin Feng's smile froze on his face, and the gloom in his eyes deepened.

"Now, the selection results for the second-year group are announced!"

Fifteen minutes later, the assessment mentor came over with a list.

"Xiahou Ying and Lin Feng, you two have the highest cultivation levels and excellent proficiency in blood techniques, so you directly qualify for two spots."

As the instructor finished speaking, the students around him who had not been selected cast envious glances at him.

"As for this last spot..." The mentor frowned slightly as he looked at the two remaining names on the list.

"Dongfang Yueming, and Zhao Fei! You two are both at the Blood Nourishing Sixth Layer, and both have mastered a Yellow Grade Blood Technique at its Major Accomplishment. According to the rules, when cultivation and martial arts are equal, the winner will be decided through a real combat duel!"

The instructor pointed to an empty space in the center of the hall, "You have five minutes to prepare, then you can go on stage."

"Yes, mentor."

A boy with a buzz cut and an arrogant look stepped out from the crowd. He looked at Dongfang Yueming, clenched his fist, and his bones made a "crackling" sound.

Zhao Fei.

Dongfang Yueming looked at his opponent, a barely perceptible glint of something unusual flashing in his eyes.

This person was 'sponsored' by Variants.

On the other side.

Zhao Fei looked at the somewhat frail-looking Dongfang Yueming in front of him, his heart filled with disdain.

"A poor kid with no connections dares to compete with me for a spot?"

Zhao Fei was secretly pleased with himself. Ever since he obtained that opportunity, his cultivation had begun to advance by leaps and bounds!

He even felt that his physical strength far surpassed that of others of the same level.

"Let's finish this quickly and show him what a true genius is!"

Five minutes later, the two stood in the center of the field.

"Begin!" the instructor commanded.

"Boom!"

Zhao Fei showed no intention of testing him and directly unleashed the full power of his Blood Nourishing Sixth Layer.

"Mountain-Crushing Fist!"

He roared, his fist carrying a muffled whistling sound, like a cannonball fired, aimed straight at Dongfang Yueming's face! The speed and power of this punch had indeed subtly exceeded the scope of an ordinary Blood Nourishing Sixth Layer.

The students who were watching gasped in surprise.

"What formidable fist techniques! Zhao Fei has been hiding his true strength well!"

"It's over, Dongfang Yueming probably can't withstand this attack."

Lin Feng crossed his arms, a mocking sneer curling at the corner of his mouth.

However, faced with this powerful punch...

Dongfang Yueming didn't even lift his eyelids.

He didn't unleash any terrifying energy, nor did he use any mysterious movement techniques. He simply waited until Zhao Fei's fist was about to strike him...

With an extremely ordinary, even somewhat "panicked" posture, he turned sideways and threw a punch.

"True Yang Fist"

It is also Yellow Grade martial art.

Their fists collided violently in mid-air!

"Snap--!"

A sickening cracking sound echoed clearly throughout the hall!

Under everyone's incredulous gaze, Zhao Fei's arrogant face instantly twisted into extreme pain!

"Ah--!!!"

Zhao Fei let out a shrill scream as he was blasted away by this seemingly ordinary but actually extremely concentrated force, crashing heavily onto the floor.

One move!

The entire hall fell silent.

Everyone stared wide-eyed, unable to believe what they were seeing.

"This... this is the Major Accomplishment True Yang Fist?!"

"Impossible! How can there be such a huge difference between two people at the Blood Nourishing Sixth Layer?!"

Lin Feng's smile froze completely on his face, and a look of horror flashed in his eyes.

Xiahou Ying, standing not far away, watched Dongfang Yueming's calm back as he withdrew his fist, her expression becoming increasingly complicated.

"He didn't even use one ten-thousandth of his strength..." Xiahou Ying was secretly shocked. "What exactly does this monster want to do in Demon Capital?"

"Dongfang Yueming wins! He secures the last exchange student spot!"

The tutor, recovering from his shock, loudly announced the results.

at the same time.

Thousands of miles away from Jinling City lies the most prosperous center of martial arts in the Great Xia Martial Dao — the Demon Capital!

The top floor of a black skyscraper that pierces the clouds, with a defense level even more stringent than that of a military region.

Great Xia Night Watchers Headquarters.

A meeting room with no windows, only a huge holographic projection screen.

A man dressed in a pure black military uniform, with a badge on his chest that shimmered with dazzling starlight, stood in front of the screen with his hands behind his back.

A star-level Night Watchers, codenamed "Demon Blade".

His face, as hard as if carved by a knife and axe, was now covered with a chilling frost.

The screen displayed top-secret intelligence regarding the turmoil in Jinling City last night.

"The Xiahou Family and Han Family were wiped out..."

Demon Blade's voice was deep and resonant, like a volcano about to erupt.

"This is nothing, just two pig farms. But..."

He turned around and looked at the several trembling senior investigators standing below the conference room.

"Why are all my mid-level investigators and ' Judge ' stationed in Jinling City...?"

"They were all wiped out overnight?!"

The meeting room was deathly silent; no one dared to speak.

Demon Blade took a deep breath, a cruel, bloodthirsty glint flashing in his eyes.

"Since someone dares to declare war on the Night Watchers, let him pay the price!"