Chapter 36

(Thank you to today's generous patron, the vast blue sea...)

As the blood petals danced in the wind, Misaki opened the old diary and read the words of the promise written there.

Chen Hai, at this moment, felt the essence and true energy stored in the secret palace of the puppet's spirit sea surge like a mighty river. However, unlike the martial arts techniques he had practiced before, although the essence and true energy in the secret palace of the spirit sea surged, there was no further change...

How strange, after mobilizing the essence and true energy, why is there no further movement?

At this moment, the broken Raksha blood corpse at his feet seemed to be refined by some mysterious force. The flesh rapidly withered, and the lustrous skin instantly turned into cracked, dry skin, clinging to the bony frame.

It seemed that all the essence and life force had been extracted from the Raksha ghost's corpse in just a few moments.

Chen Hai subconsciously took a deep breath, and a breath filled with life essence was drawn into his abdomen, sinking into the secret palace of the spirit sea between his kidneys.

The Blood Refinement Secret Technique could actually take the life essence of the Raksha ghost and directly absorb it into the spirit sea between the kidneys, just like the essence of heaven and earth. Could it also be used to cultivate true energy?

What kind of evil technique is this?

Is the next step really to mobilize the essence within the puppet's body and fuse it with the life essence extracted from the Raksha ghost's corpse to form true energy?

Chen Hai was also at a loss, but the mysterious symbols formed by the Blood Refinement Secret Spell circled the Raksha mystic form, oscillating and flickering in the depths of the spirit sea, showing no signs of stopping. He could only observe the changes.

But the next change truly frightened him.

He did not expect that after absorbing the life essence of the Raksha ghost into the spirit sea between his kidneys, it did not, as he had anticipated, fuse and be stored in the spirit sea. Instead, it directly reversed into the twelve main spirit meridians and, under the influence of the Blood Refinement Secret Spell, directly fused into the puppet's flesh and bones...

After a long time, Chen Hai touched the puppet's more tightly packed muscles and skin. Not only had all the previous injuries healed, but he also felt a more powerful surge of energy within the puppet's body.

Although the Blood Refinement Secret Spell and the Raksha mystic form had disappeared, the shock in his heart did not subside: Was this the Raksha Blood Refinement Secret Technique that Left Ear decided to teach him at the last moment when the situation in the Blood Cloud Wasteland could no longer be reversed?

This technique was a hundred times more tyrannical than the evil cultivation techniques he had imagined.

Chen Hai, whether through organizing Yao Xing's memories or studying the cultivation insights left by predecessors at the Iron Stream Ridge Dao Academy, had never seen such an extremely tyrannical technique that directly devoured others' life essence to make it one's own in the Taiwei Sect or the many mystic cultivation sects in Yanzhou.

There was actually such a tyrannical and murderous Blood Refinement Secret Technique in the world!

Wouldn't this mean that every time he killed a ghost, the puppet's strength would increase, until it eventually formed a Raksha mystic body?

Would killing people also work?

This is not the Raksha Blood Refinement Secret Technique; this is clearly a tyrannical technique for killing monsters to level up and becoming a demon through slaughter!

Chen Hai remembered Left Ear's warning that the Blood Refinement Secret Technique could only be cultivated in the Blood Cloud Wasteland, and his true body must avoid cultivating this technique.

Although Chen Hai was not sure how powerful the supreme mystic techniques taught to the true disciples of the Taiwei Sect and the thirty-six royal families in Yanzhou were, he could basically confirm that none of them would be as tyrannical as the Raksha Blood Refinement Secret Technique.

Left Ear's warning could not be baseless.

Chen Hai knew that if his true body in Yanzhou were to cultivate this tyrannical Blood Refinement Secret Technique, success would be secondary; if the matter were to be exposed, it would most likely lead to a joint hunt by the major sects and families in the world.

Under normal circumstances, sects rooted in the human race would never allow such a tyrannical and murderous technique to be revealed.

Although the body he occupied, Yao Xing, could not cultivate this technique, there was no such concern in the Blood Cloud Wasteland.

Chen Hai was somewhat looking forward to whether the Blood Refinement Secret Technique could indeed cultivate a Raksha mystic body.

He had no qualms about becoming a demon; it was just like leveling up by killing monsters. He could easily adopt this mindset and would not feel any psychological burden by treating the Raksha ghosts as monsters to be exterminated.

He saw that there were still a dozen Raksha ghosts patrolling and moving at the bottom of the crack outside the cave. He deliberately made some noise, picked up a pair of black bone war spears that had not been used earlier, and fled in the direction away from the stone valley of the temple.

Chen Hai intended to lure a few Raksha ghosts to a more remote place, defeat them one by one, and again verify whether the Blood Refinement Secret Technique truly had the miraculous ability to level up by killing monsters and become a demon through slaughter.

After continuously killing three Raksha ghosts and absorbing and fusing their life essence, Chen Hai sensed that a visitor had come to the Medicine Garden Armory.

Chen Hai found a hiding place and hid the puppet, whose physical strength had increased by at least ten percent, then cut off his connection with the Blood Cloud Wasteland and returned to the courtyard where he was cultivating in the Medicine Garden Armory.

At this moment, he saw Zhou Jingyuan accompanying Zhao Shan and others walk in, followed by two fierce and brave knife fighters.

"Chen An, Chen Fugian..."

Chen Hai invited Zhao Shan and Zhou Jingyuan to sit in the hall, had a servant bring tea, and listened to Zhao Shan explain the reason for their return to Mengyi. His eyes glanced at the two knife fighters who had come to Mengyi with Zhao Shan.

Although Zhao Shan said that the two were servants sent by Chen Lie to serve the young master, their eyes contained a hint of aggressive sharpness and scrutiny, which they should not have.

In the past, Yao Xing at the Splash Cloud Cliff would call and scold Zhao Shan, Qian Wenyi, and other retainers, and would not even pay attention to the lower-ranking servants. He had no impression of Chen An and Chen Fugian, so he waved them away, leaving Zhao Shan alone to talk with him and Zhou Jingyuan.

"What do you have to say about Chen An and Chen Fugian?" Chen Hai asked calmly.

Although Zhao Shan was sent by Chen Lie to assist the young master, he did not want to take sides between the young master and the young lord. Moreover, in his view, the young master's chances of winning did not seem greater than the young lord's.

Zhao Shan never expected that the young master would immediately see through the problems with Chen An and Chen Fugian. He could not figure out where the problem lay, as the two servants had behaved properly.

"Your uncle sent you to pick people to come to Mengyi. Even if they were unwilling or unhappy, their eyes should not show aggressive sharpness, unless the three of you were sent by your uncle to monitor me."

Chen Hai, seeing Zhao Shan's hesitation, speculated aloud.

"But if your uncle was truly dissatisfied with my actions in Mengyi, he could directly write a letter to scold me or order me to close the Medicine Garden Armory. There was no need to go to such lengths. Besides, although Chen Qing hates me, she would not have such complex thoughts—Zhao Shan, do you think I am right?"

Zhao Shan was almost sweating with cold. He did not expect the young master to see through everything in less than half a cup of tea. The young master had already guessed who was behind the scenes but deliberately did not say it, clearly forcing him to "betray" the young lord Chen Zhang!

Zhao Shan felt as if a massive boulder was pressing down on him, making it impossible to raise his head to look the young master in the eye.

Chen Hai picked up the tea from the table, exchanged a smile with Zhou Jingyuan, and slowly sipped it.

He was no longer the self-destructive and rebellious Yao Xing. If he could not resolve the conflicts at the Splash Cloud Cliff, his previous life on Earth would have been a waste. Moreover, he was now more observant of others' expressions, perhaps due to his cultivation.

In the past, he would not have been so domineering as to crush Zhao Shan's psychological defenses, but now Zhou Jingyuan and others were somewhat worried. To maintain Zhou Jingyuan's confidence in him, he needed to make it clear that Chen Lie supported him, the "nephew," and also wanted Zhao Shan to be reliable while staying in Mengyi.

"Zhao Shan, not knowing who was suitable to assist the young master in Mengyi, the young lord recommended Chen An and Chen Fugian..." Zhao Shan said through gritted teeth.

"Brother Chen Zhang is truly considerate of me; it's really difficult for him."

Chen Hai laughed as if nothing had happened. He did not mind exposing Chen Zhang's vigilance and difficulties to Zhou Jingyuan, as such conflicts were almost inevitable within the great families.

Zhou Jingyuan also laughed. He now knew to be wary of Chen An and Chen Fugian and not let them know the true secrets of the Medicine Garden Armory. For the time being, Zhao Shan could still be trusted. He smiled and said to Zhao Shan, "Brother Zhao, calling Chen Zhang 'young lord' seems inappropriate now."

"Yes, it was Young Master Zhang who recommended Chen An and Chen Fugian to serve the young master." Zhao Shan sighed slightly, changing the titles he used for Chen Hai and Chen Zhang, and repeated what he had said.

Zhao Shan knew that as long as the family head Chen Lie was alive, he did not need to worry about Chen Zhang tearing off his mask. However, since he had "betrayed" Chen An and Chen Fugian, he could now focus on assisting the young master in handling the affairs of Mengyi and not hope for any favor from Chen Zhang in the future.

Chen Hai laughed heartily, seeing Zhao Shan's attitude, and knew that before Chen Lie's attitude changed, he did not need to worry about any changes from Zhao Shan.

Zhou Jingyuan was also very pleased. He and Chen Hai discussed inviting Zhao Shan to take charge of the Medicine Garden Armory, and in return, the armory would provide him with expenses equivalent to thirty points of sect merit each month.

Since he believed that Chen Hai was not an ordinary person, he would not be stingy with the first direct relative he could win over from the Chen family. As for Chen An and Chen Fugian, feeding them enough to avoid starvation was already a courtesy.

---

---

"Chen An, Chen Fugian..."

Chen Hai invited Zhao Shan and Zhou Jingyuan to sit in the hall, had a servant bring tea, and listened to Zhao Shan explain the reason for their return to Mengyi. His eyes glanced at the two knife fighters who had come to Mengyi with Zhao Shan.

Although Zhao Shan said that the two were servants sent by Chen Lie to serve the young master, their eyes contained a hint of aggressive sharpness and scrutiny, which they should not have.

In the past, Yao Xing at the Splash Cloud Cliff would call and scold Zhao Shan, Qian Wenyi, and other retainers, and would not even pay attention to the lower-ranking servants. He had no impression of Chen An and Chen Fugian, so he waved them away, leaving Zhao Shan alone to talk with him and Zhou Jingyuan.

"What do you have to say about Chen An and Chen Fugian?" Chen Hai asked calmly.

Although Zhao Shan was sent by Chen Lie to assist the young master, he did not want to take sides between the young master and the young lord. Moreover, in his view, the young master's chances of winning did not seem greater than the young lord's.

Zhao Shan never expected that the young master would immediately see through the problems with Chen An and Chen Fugian. He could not figure out where the problem lay, as the two servants had behaved properly.

"Your uncle sent you to pick people to come to Mengyi. Even if they were unwilling or unhappy, their eyes should not show aggressive sharpness, unless the three of you were sent by your uncle to monitor me."

Chen Hai, seeing Zhao Shan's hesitation, speculated aloud.

"But if your uncle was truly dissatisfied with my actions in Mengyi, he could directly write a letter to scold me or order me to close the Medicine Garden Armory. There was no need to go to such lengths. Besides, although Chen Qing hates me, she would not have such complex thoughts—Zhao Shan, do you think I am right?"

Zhao Shan was almost sweating with cold. He did not expect the young master to see through everything in less than half a cup of tea. The young master had already guessed who was behind the scenes but deliberately did not say it, clearly forcing him to "betray" the young lord Chen Zhang!

Zhao Shan felt as if a massive boulder was pressing down on him, making it impossible to raise his head to look the young master in the eye.

Chen Hai picked up the tea from the table, exchanged a smile with Zhou Jingyuan, and slowly sipped it.

He was no longer the self-destructive and rebellious Yao Xing. If he could not resolve the conflicts at the Splash Cloud Cliff, his previous life on Earth would have been a waste. Moreover, he was now more observant of others' expressions, perhaps due to his cultivation.

In the past, he would not have been so domineering as to crush Zhao Shan's psychological defenses, but now Zhou Jingyuan and others were somewhat worried. To maintain Zhou Jingyuan's confidence in him, he needed to make it clear that Chen Lie supported him, the "nephew," and also wanted Zhao Shan to be reliable while staying in Mengyi.

"Zhao Shan, not knowing who was suitable to assist the young master in Mengyi, the young lord recommended Chen An and Chen Fugian..." Zhao Shan said through gritted teeth.

"Brother Chen Zhang is truly considerate of me; it's really difficult for him."

Chen Hai laughed as if nothing had happened. He did not mind exposing Chen Zhang's vigilance and difficulties to Zhou Jingyuan, as such conflicts were almost inevitable within the great families.

Zhou Jingyuan also laughed. He now knew to be wary of Chen An and Chen Fugian and not let them know the true secrets of the Medicine Garden Armory. For the time being, Zhao Shan could still be trusted. He smiled and said to Zhao Shan, "Brother Zhao, calling Chen Zhang 'young lord' seems inappropriate now."

"Yes, it was Young Master Zhang who recommended Chen An and Chen Fugian to serve the young master." Zhao Shan sighed slightly, changing the titles he used for Chen Hai and Chen Zhang, and repeated what he had said.

Zhao Shan knew that as long as the family head Chen Lie was alive, he did not need to worry about Chen Zhang tearing off his mask. However, since he had "betrayed" Chen An and Chen Fugian, he could now focus on assisting the young master in handling the affairs of Mengyi and not hope for any favor from Chen Zhang in the future.

Chen Hai laughed heartily, seeing Zhao Shan's attitude, and knew that before Chen Lie's attitude changed, he did not need to worry about any changes from Zhao Shan.

Zhou Jingyuan was also very pleased. He and Chen Hai discussed inviting Zhao Shan to take charge of the Medicine Garden Armory, and in return, the armory would provide him with expenses equivalent to thirty points of sect merit each month.

Since he believed that Chen Hai was not an ordinary person, he would not be stingy with the first direct relative he could win over from the Chen family. As for Chen An and Chen Fugian, feeding them enough to avoid starvation was already a courtesy.

---

---

"Chen An, Chen Fugian..."

Chen Hai invited Zhao Shan and Zhou Jingyuan to sit in the hall, had a servant bring tea, and listened to Zhao Shan explain the reason for their return to Mengyi. His eyes glanced at the two knife fighters who had come to Mengyi with Zhao Shan.

Although Zhao Shan said that the two were servants sent by Chen Lie to serve the young master, their eyes contained a hint of aggressive sharpness and scrutiny, which they should not have.

In the past, Yao Xing at the Splash Cloud Cliff would call and scold Zhao Shan, Qian Wenyi, and other retainers, and would not even pay attention to the lower-ranking servants. He had no impression of Chen An and Chen Fugian, so he waved them away, leaving Zhao Shan alone to talk with him and Zhou Jingyuan.

"What do you have to say about Chen An and Chen Fugian?" Chen Hai asked calmly.

Although Zhao Shan was sent by Chen Lie to assist the young master, he did not want to take sides between the young master and the young lord. Moreover, in his view, the young master's chances of winning did not seem greater than the young lord's.

Zhao Shan never expected that the young master would immediately see through the problems with Chen An and Chen Fugian. He could not figure out where the problem lay, as the two servants had behaved properly.

"Your uncle sent you to pick people to come to Mengyi. Even if they were unwilling or unhappy, their eyes should not show aggressive sharpness, unless the three of you were sent by your uncle to monitor me."

Chen Hai, seeing Zhao Shan's hesitation, speculated aloud.

"But if your uncle was truly dissatisfied with my actions in Mengyi, he could directly write a letter to scold me or order me to close the Medicine Garden Armory. There was no need to go to such lengths. Besides, although Chen Qing hates me, she would not have such complex thoughts—Zhao Shan, do you think I am right?"

Zhao Shan was almost sweating with cold. He did not expect the young master to see through everything in less than half a cup of tea. The young master had already guessed who was behind the scenes but deliberately did not say it, clearly forcing him to "betray" the young lord Chen Zhang!

Zhao Shan felt as if a massive boulder was pressing down on him, making it impossible to raise his head to look the young master in the eye.

Chen Hai picked up the tea from the table, exchanged a smile with Zhou Jingyuan, and slowly sipped it.

He was no longer