She Yue murmured inwardly. It seemed there was no other way to escape this place without a fight.
Shen Yue's clone, who stood on high alert, activated his hyper sense, scanning the surroundings. Not long ago, this sensory ability had advanced to the Small Success Realm, allowing him to detect danger even without direct contact. The battlefield's layout unfolded clearly in his mind.
Ahead of the convoy, a group of shadow guards engaged the bandits. Retreat was no longer an option—someone had attempted to escape earlier, only to be mercilessly cut down by the bandits. The message was clear. Anyone who ran would die. The remaining guards understood this well. As the last line of defense for Young Master Su, they knew survival meant doing their duty. Even if it meant death, they would try to protect him.
Observing the situation, Shen Yue gave a slight nod. His clone beside him received the silent command and stepped forward. With a calm and obedient tone, the clone responded in his mind.
As you wish, Master.
In a blink, he unleashed his footwork—Raging Wind Wolf Steps. His movements were fluid and precise, his body darting forward like a hunting wolf. His sword was already unsheathed, its cold gleam reflecting under the moonlight.
The massacre began.
Most of the bandits were at the 3rd or 4th realm of Blood Qi Cultivation. A few reached the 8th, and only one stood at the 9th. For Shen Yue's clone, they were nothing more than paper targets. With the grace of a phantom, he moved through the battlefield. Screams of agony echoed as his blade claimed life after life.
Each strike was clean, each movement calculated. One slash, one kill.
There was no mercy—only silence after steel met flesh.
His expression remained as calm as the ocean before a raging storm. He relied solely on his physical prowess, holding back his cultivation power. Though he was a 3rd realm Qi Absorption cultivator, he had yet to master any flow techniques or martial arts for combat.
But he didn't need them.
His movements were honed through battles soaked in blood, refined by countless hours of slaughter and survival. Every step he took reflected the experience of a true warrior raised on the edge of death.
Shen Yue, watching the scene unfold, was silent but impressed. A small admiration stirred in his heart.
In his thoughts, he muttered, A lone figure under the moon, dressed in red, his face hidden under a conical hat… cutting down all enemies. Even the moon tonight looks crimson—as if bathed in the blood he spills.
He exhaled slowly and raised his gaze to the heavens.
Why must you always force me, he whispered inwardly, glancing at the blood-stained moon.
Within minutes, the weaker bandits were wiped out. Only the higher realm cultivators remained—the 9th and 8th realm Blood Qi warriors and their leader.
The guards around the convoy stared in disbelief. They had struggled just to stay alive, yet this mysterious expert had wiped out nearly a hundred enemies within minutes. Their minds were filled with the same question: Who was this mysterious cultivator traveling with us?
The bandit leader and the remaining elite fighters were shaken. This was no ordinary warrior. Though they had not cultivated Blood Qi, their Qi Absorption rank gave them an edge over typical muscle-strengthening martial artists. Still, they felt an overwhelming sense of danger from this lone swordsman.
Inside the carriage, Su Long, third young master of the Su family, quietly observed the entire battle unfold. He was just at the 1st realm of Qi Absorption, but strength was never his greatest weapon. His true power lay in his sharp, calculating mind.
Hailing from a prestigious merchant family, Su Long knew how to measure people. He had been watching Shen Yue and his clone closely since the beginning. His instincts told him these two were extraordinary. He had a gut feeling that Shen Yue was the leader, and the sword-wielding warrior was either a servant or a protector.
As the clone finished off another bandit, Su Long stepped out of the carriage. The shadow guard quickly moved to shield him, but Su Long raised a hand, signaling him to stop. Without hesitation, he walked toward Shen Yue.
The clone moved instantly, placing his sword at Su Long's neck—calm and precise, ready to kill.
But Su Long didn't flinch.
With steady breath and calm tone, he spoke, I, Su Long, greet you, young master.
Shen Yue wasn't surprised. From the beginning, he had sensed Su Long's intellect. He had also heard of him—known in the outer city as a calculative genius and son of the Su family head. With a faint gesture, Shen Yue signaled his clone to lower the blade.
Su Long remained composed outwardly, but inside, a wave of cold sweat ran down his spine. He had gambled everything on this move.
But he hadn't misjudged.
Su Long smiled slightly and extended his offer, Young master, I ask for your help to finish off the gang leader. In return, the Su family will treat you as a valued friend. We are the largest merchant group in the outer city. You will be granted VIP access with 20% discounts on all purchases. If you ever step into the inner city, our connections can also assist you there.
Shen Yue's interest was piqued. Such benefits would prove useful in this unfamiliar world. He nodded slightly.
If the third young master of the Su family shows such goodwill, how can I refuse?
Su Long's smile widened.
Meanwhile, the gang leader saw his doom approaching. He hurled his subordinates at the shadow guard in a desperate move and turned to flee. But before he could take a single step, a cold voice echoed behind him.
You can't run.
In the next instant, his head flew from his shoulders.
The clone wiped the blood from his blade. The remaining elite bandits were swiftly finished off by the shadow guard.
The shadow guard's heart trembled. He had once believed he could hold his own against any enemy, but watching this mysterious man, he knew better. The bandit leader, despite his cultivation, was killed with a single strike. This cultivator… was far beyond his realm.
The clone approached Shen Yue and bowed deeply.
Done, young master.
Shen Yue nodded in satisfaction.
Good.
Silently, he issued a command to the system.
System, extract.
A mechanical voice echoed in his mind.
System has extracted:
– Blood Qi Cultivation: 4th Realm ×104
– Blood Qi Cultivation: 5th Realm ×126
– Blood Qi Cultivation: 8th Realm ×3
– Blood Qi Cultivation: 9th Realm ×1
– Qi Absorption Cultivation: 3rd Realm ×1
He opened his cultivation window and checked the results:
Cultivation:
– Muscle Strengthening Realm – 3rd Grade (0%)
– Beast Qi – 2nd Rank Beast
– Qi Absorption Realm – 5th Grade (7%)
A smile appeared on his lips. His Blood Qi cultivation had made a leap, and his Qi Absorption had finally reached the 5th stage. Just like that.
Su Long, who stood nearby, sighed in relief and gave a soft command to the guards to rest for one hour before resuming the journey.
He turned toward Shen Yue.
Young master… how should I address you?
Shen Yue replied calmly.
You may call me Shen Yue. And this is Mr. Wolf.
Su Long had never heard of these names before but didn't pry. Instead, he respectfully invited Shen Yue into the carriage.
Shen Yue agreed and entered along with his clone.
Su Long served his best tea to both of them. His eyes lingered on the two cultivators. Both were formidable… and not to be taken lightly.
With a smile, he asked casually, May I know your purpose here, Young Master Shen?
Shen Yue took the tea cup, sipped gently, and replied, Good tea. I came to check on my family… to see if they're doing well.
Su Long smiled knowingly.
As I thought… Young Master Shen is indeed a gentleman.
Shen Yue chuckled softly.
And so are you, Su Long.
Both shared a quiet, knowing smile. Clone 1 nodded and added, The tea is indeed very good. I like it.
Shen Yue teased him.
Oh? So you like tea too? I thought you only loved swords.
Clone 1 replied softly.
Master, you know me best.
Tch, you really aren't fun at all.
Clone 1 simply smiled.
One hour passed, and the carriage resumed its journey.
Shen Yue closed his eyes and said he would enter the soul world to practice martial arts and read through his memories. He instructed the clone to wake him when they reached their destination.
Hours passed.
When they arrived, the clone gently called to him mentally.
Shen Yue opened his eyes and looked out the window. The scenery stirred a deep nostalgia in his heart.
So familiar…
He stepped out and whispered to himself.
Wait for me… I'm coming, Mother, Sister.
His clone stepped beside him silently, also smiling.