Chapter 512: The Cult Leader

After the life-or-death battle, Blood Hawk Grand Commander Zhong Ji became extremely generous, continuously supplying Hu Weng's giant bird with extra star cores along the way to maintain its exceptional speed.

Roughly equivalent to the speed of a typical seventh-rank beginner.

And even more cautious.

Whenever they encountered slightly larger alien city-states, they would command a detour in advance.

Although alien squads pursued them, they had prepared ahead and maintained high speed, successfully shaking off all pursuers.

Yet after the battle, Zhong Ji, now completely calm, began to consider the consequences, and his mood instantly grew heavy.

Though they had survived, some Prince Prince Zi Yi clan members had escaped back home.

And this feathered being, who rode Hu Weng's giant bird, had witnessed everything.

Yet he couldn't be killed—he was rented using an identity jade plaque.

The more he thought about it, the heavier his heart became.

He had definitely stirred up a massive trouble!

He couldn't help but let out a long sigh.

Xu Jin heard this and his heart stirred; he turned to Zhong Ji and said, "Grand Commander, you needn't worry so much. Once we return to Blood Moon City, it's our territory—what can the Prince Prince Zi Yi clan do even if they discover something?"

Zhong Ji glanced around, then casually raised a starlight barrier, sighing again helplessly, "Brother, you don't understand the current situation—it's changed."

"Grand Commander, what do you mean the situation has changed? I'm new here and don't understand the current state of affairs—please, Elder Brother, enlighten me."

Zhong Ji had called Xu Jin "brother" multiple times, dropping his surname; Xu Jin thus took the cue and began addressing him as "Elder Brother."

The bond forged by shared combat had already manifested.

Hearing this, Zhong Ji patted Xu Jin's shoulder and said, "Brother, we've shared life and death—when no outsiders are around, just call me Elder Brother!"

This was both an attempt to draw closer and a warning.

It reminded Xu Jin that he was intimately tied to Zhong Ji, but must not publicize it—before others, he was still his superior.

"Elder Brother, rest assured, I understand. But I truly don't understand this situation! When I arrived, wasn't our Xue Xue Shen Jiao said to wield immense influence across the Eight Wilderness Continent?" Xu Jin asked respectfully and cautiously.

It was impossible that a single battle had turned this Blood God Cult's Blood Hawk Grand Commander into a sworn brother of his.

At best, they had formed a bond.

"Brother, you're right—if this were the past, there'd be no issue at all.

Our Blood God Cult's Left and Right Protectors are both eighth-rank, and several Elders, including our Punishment Hall's chief, are also eighth-rank.

We won't even mention sixth-rank; we directly control hundreds of seventh-rank warriors.

Even if the Eight Wilderness Wang Envoy Ju Zhang came, he'd still show us respect—yet a month and a half ago, after the heavens trembled and the human Star River battlefield connected with the continent, the world changed." Zhong Ji said.

"The world changed? In such a short time, how could the world shift so drastically?" Xu Jin asked, puzzled.

"Brother, have you heard of ninth-rank?"

Xu Jin was startled. "Elder Brother, are you saying the aliens have a ninth-rank?"

"I don't know."

Zhong Ji shook his head. "But Elder Mu said they sensed an extremely powerful energy fluctuation half a month ago—he speculated that a ninth-rank might have emerged among the Eight Wilderness aliens."

"A ninth-rank emerged? So many eighth-rank peak experts in the mortal realm haven't broken through yet—how could the aliens, who just arrived, achieve it?" Xu Jin asked, confused.

"I'm puzzled too!"

Zhong Ji shook his head helplessly. "But Elder Mu said that a month ago, over the Eight Wilderness Holy City, more than a dozen brilliant golden lights descended from the heavens, and all the Eight Wilderness aliens—including Wang Envoy Ju Zhang—kowtowed in gratitude, speaking of something called 'Sacred Ancestor.'

Our Punishment Hall has intelligence-gathering duties, but gathering intel on alien territory is extremely difficult.

So our knowledge is limited.

I heard it was something about 'Sacred Ancestor's True Will'—and there were many of them—that's how they broke through."

Hearing this, Xu Jin's heart turned icy.

He knew it must be Divine Dao True Will—if an Eight Wilderness alien had broken through to ninth-rank, this news would be explosive.

So far, the mortal realm had no knowledge of this.

Certainly not Minister Cheng Cheng Yuexiao.

This information was of critical importance, so Xu Jin probed further: "Elder Brother, I've heard breaking into ninth-rank is extremely difficult—even our Deputy Cult Leader and many other experts in the mortal realm have been stuck at eighth-rank peak for years.

This matter is of great importance, so Xu Jin pressed further, "Big brother, I've heard breaking through the ninth rank is extremely difficult—our vice-patriarch and many powerful figures today have been stuck at the peak of the eighth rank for years."

"Ah, how would I know?"

Zhong Ji shook his head. "But brother, to judge whether a rumor is true, don't listen to what certain people say—look at what they do.

Zhong Ji shook his head, "But brother, you must understand: to judge whether a piece of news is true, don't look at what certain people say, but at what they do."

"Please, Elder Brother, explain this principle—I don't quite grasp it," Xu Jin lowered himself humbly, offering ample emotional value, which pleased Zhong Ji, who continued: "Ever since our Blood God Cult integrated into the Eight Wilderness Continent, these aliens have constantly harassed us.

You know our cultists cross-control many alien soul cores, forcing them to serve us—you'll inevitably do the same in the future!

But the Eight Wilderness aliens are all one family.

These aliens, whose lives we controlled, after their home star domains merged with the Eight Wilderness Continent, shed their celestial restrictions, each breaking past their original limits: fifth-rank ninth layer advanced to sixth-rank, sixth-rank ninth layer to seventh-rank, and even several seventh-rank ninth layer experts reached eighth-rank.

With cultivation breakthroughs came greatly extended lifespans and enhanced combat power—and these aliens grew restless.

Each sought ways to break free from our control.

But it's not easy to escape.

Only two eighth-rank aliens, under Wang Envoy Ju Zhang's influence, had their soul cores released by our Protectors.

All other aliens? Not even a thought.

Under these conditions, the only way for these aliens to break free is to cause the death of their cult brothers—then they naturally shed control.

Each began confiding in, pleading with, and even spreading rumors among other aliens.

Provoking other aliens to attack us, to turn against us.

And many aliens, already harboring deep hatred for humans due to past human campaigns against them, naturally began targeting our Blood God Cult members—some even deliberately provoking us.

Over the past year, such incidents were countless.

But the two Protectors' only order to us was one word: Kill!

Any alien who dared provoke us? Kill without hesitation!

If any cultist suffered losses, higher-ups would lead forces to retaliate and reclaim honor.

If any foreign race dares to provoke us, kill them without mercy!

Even the Jin Zhu aliens had to be countered—if caught, though not killed, they were punished before being released; as for other aliens, there was no one our Blood God Cult dared not kill."

As he spoke, Zhong Ji's eyes gleamed with pride.

Even the Jin Zhu foreign race must be struck back at—when caught, we won't kill them, but they must suffer punishment before being released; as for other foreign races, there isn't a single one the Blood God Sect dares not kill."

Suddenly, Zhong Ji's expression turned gloomy. "But since half a month ago, rumors began circulating that the Eight Wilderness King had broken through to ninth-rank,

the entire cult's atmosphere changed.

It became conservative, cautious!

Not only did we no longer retaliate when cult brothers were bullied—even if a cult brother was killed, we no longer sought revenge.

Even Elder Mu of our Punishment Hall specifically warned me: don't provoke trouble; if aliens provoke you, step back, swallow your anger, and seek revenge later!"

Saying this, Zhong Ji sighed again. "You see, based on the Protectors' and Elders' actions and private instructions, the Eight Wilderness King must have broken through to ninth-rank.

Even our Punishment Hall's Elder Mu personally warned me: don't stir up trouble; if a foreign race provokes you, step back first, swallow the insult, and seek revenge later!

After hearing this, Xu Jin's expression turned solemn again. At first, he thought Zhong Ji was merely venting—but now, he realized Zhong Ji's analysis was logical.

Under these circumstances, the Eight Wilderness King, Envoy Ju Zhang, might indeed have broken through to ninth-rank.

With a ninth-rank present, the entire battle dynamic changes.

This intelligence is extremely vital.

Xu Jin had already decided: as soon as he had a chance, he would immediately report this crucial discovery to Minister Cheng Cheng Yuexiao.

To avoid suffering great losses due to ignorance!

Xu Jin had already decided: as soon as he had a chance, he would immediately report this important discovery to State Advisor Cheng Cheng Yuexiao.

Xu Jin still offered Zhong Ji emotional value: "But Elder Brother, must we endure this passivity forever? Not fight back when struck, not retaliate when insulted, not avenge even when brothers die?

Won't our cult brothers be crushed under this oppression?

Xu Jin still offered Zhong Ji emotional validation: "But big brother, are we really going to keep enduring like this? Never fight back when struck, never speak up when cursed, and not even avenge our dead?"

"Who says otherwise!"

Zhong Ji sighed, then suddenly lowered his voice, leaning close to Xu Jin: "But this situation can't last forever—likely within a month, a turning point will emerge."

"Turning point?" Xu Jin feigned confusion.

Hearing this, Zhong Ji glanced again at the soundproofing starlight barrier, then whispered: "Brother, this is top secret!"

"Elder Brother, I swear I'll never tell a third soul."

Zhong Ji nodded, then added, "Actually, even if our cult brothers knew, it wouldn't matter!

It's said—the Cult Leader is coming!"

Zhong Ji nodded, yet added, "Actually, it doesn't matter if the sect's brothers find out."

Xu Jin's expression hardened.

The Blood God Cult's Cult Leader had always been elusive—even his true identity was unknown.

The Cult Leader Yu Shen wanted by the Star-Picking Tower was merely an alias he used years ago.

His true appearance, identity, and cultivation level remained completely unknown.

Now, hearing the Cult Leader was coming, Xu Jin's curiosity surged: "Elder Brother, I've heard so many legends about the Cult Leader—but I've never seen him. What does he look like? What's his cultivation level?"

He had no idea what the True One truly looked like, what identity he held, or what his cultivation base was.

Upon hearing now that the Blood God Sect's Sect Master was coming, Xu Jin's curiosity surged: "Big Brother, I've heard so many legends about the Sect Master, but I still don't know what he looks like or how high his cultivation base is."

The Lord has always existed in legend.

"So does that mean we might get to see the Lord?" Xu Jin asked.

"As long as the Lord arrives, you'll naturally have the chance to see him."

Zhong Ji's expression turned thoughtful. "I've heard tales of the Lord for a long time, but I've never seen his true face."

"Yet his cultivation base can be guessed at to some extent."

"Please, Elder Brother, enlighten me," Xu Jin said again, his face filled with worship, offering ample emotional value.

"Brother, use your head and think carefully."

In this short while, their bond had grown close; Zhong Ji clapped Xu Jin on the shoulder, looking exasperated. "Brother, think about it—the Protectors and Elders all say that when the Lord arrives, our situation will improve."

"Logically, only a ninth-rank can confront another ninth-rank."

"The Lord, who has never shown himself before—if he descends, he must descend with ninth-rank power!"

"Only then can he stand against the King of the Eight Wildernesses!"

Here, Zhong Ji's expression suddenly changed. "Moreover, only if the Lord descends with ninth-rank power can he fully reclaim authority!"

"Sigh—if the Lord descends, it's good, but the sect's turmoil may just be beginning."

One must admit, Zhong Ji's analysis was truly sharp.

If what he said was correct, then the Blood God Lord must break through to ninth-rank before descending, if he is to alter the Blood God Sect's awkward position on the Eight Wildernesses Continent.

As for Zhong Ji's second point, Xu Jin didn't quite grasp it, so he asked again.

"Brother, sigh—you're incredibly strong in battle, but your brain's not sharp!"

"From now on, follow Elder Brother. Strive to break through to seventh-rank as soon as possible."

"I'll guarantee you wealth and honor," Zhong Ji said, thumping his chest.

"Absolutely!"

"From now on, if Elder Brother points east, I won't dare turn west!" Xu Jin vowed.

Hearing this, Zhong Ji nodded in satisfaction. "Brother, look—while the Lord has been absent these years, our sect has grown rapidly, splitting into several factions. Even our own superior is one major faction!"

"Not to mention the two Protectors—they hold even greater power."

"Under these circumstances, if the Lord returns with only eighth-rank cultivation, our sect will collapse instantly!"

"Only a ninth-rank Lord can suppress all factions and consolidate power!"

"Elder Brother, brilliant!"

"Sigh—a time of turmoil, a time of turmoil!" Zhong Ji sighed. "So, as long as we can hold out for a month, once the Lord descends, the matter of killing the Prince Prince Zi Yi royal family won't be an issue."

"Indeed!"

As Xu Jin nodded, he added another crucial piece of intelligence for his report to Imperial Tutor Cheng Cheng Yuexiao: the Blood God Lord is about to descend—and very likely as a ninth-rank Blood God Lord.

"Brother, cultivate hard! With the battle strength you just showed, once you break through to seventh-rank, even seventh-rank peak won't be your match. Then, our Blood Vultures will have even greater confidence," Zhong Ji said.

At these words, Xu Jin instantly understood: Zhong Ji's intense attention, his confidences, his brotherly address—these weren't just due to their past shared battles, but because of Xu Jin's value.

Xu Jin's displayed battle strength in his previous fight had been strong enough to make Zhong Ji want to recruit and befriend him.

Now, Xu Jin had only one question left.

What exactly had the Great Hong Emperor told Zhong Ji about him?

Half a day later, when a large, square, distinctly human city appeared in view, Zhong Ji and the surviving Blood Vultures relaxed completely.

Blood Moon City had arrived!

Once inside Blood Moon City, they were completely safe!

Even if the Prince Prince Zi Yi royal family did pursue them, within the city they'd still have room to maneuver.

A Police Inspector squad approached, ready to question their identities, but Zhong Ji simply hurled a token at their faces and drove them off with curses.

"Can't you even recognize a face?" Zhong Ji cursed as they entered the city.

Clearly, the Blood Vultures still held great prestige in Blood Moon City.

"Come, brother—Elder Mu specifically said that if you arrived, you were to be brought directly to him!" Zhong Ji said.

Hearing this, Xu Jin's heart tightened.

Elder Mu of the Punishment Hall likely knew his true identity.

Elder Mu of the Punishment Hall was the Great Hong Emperor's true confidant.

Fifteen minutes later, Zhong Ji led Xu Jin into the deepest chamber of Blood Moon City's Punishment Hall.

The Punishment Hall exuded stern authority, dominated by black and crimson hues; stepping inside instantly sent a chill through the soul.

At the hall's rear stood Elder Mu—tall, thin, like a bamboo stalk—standing with his hands behind his back. After Zhong Ji and Xu Jin announced themselves, the tall, slender Elder Mu turned to look at Xu Jin and said, "You are Qi Jin?"

"Your servant pays homage to Elder Mu!"

"The Deputy Lord says you're exceptionally skilled in reconnaissance and investigation?" Elder Mu said.

This was the identity the Great Hong Emperor had assigned to Xu Jin.

Hearing this, Xu Jin nodded reluctantly. "The Deputy Lord flatters me—I've merely had such experiences before."

"Having had such experiences is enough!"

"Good—recently, my Punishment Hall has a major unsolved case, extremely important. I dare not entrust it to anyone else."

"But I trust the Blood Vultures."

As he spoke, Elder Mu handed Xu Jin a set of case files.

Xu Jin was stunned.

What kind of twist was this?

Didn't Elder Mu know he was a fraud?

Why was he being treated as if entrusted with a vital mission from the start?

(End of Chapter)