Chapter 085
Chapter 85: Qilin Blood
Upon hearing Han Mei Yan’s words, Zhang He fell into silence for a brief moment. Yet, gathering his courage, he eventually asked:
“Might I inquire what exactly the Holy Maiden seeks on this journey? I’m merely weak and insignificant, unsure if I can truly be of assistance.”
“If I say you can help, then naturally you can.”
Han Mei Yan’s languid voice, filled with bewitching allure, caused Zhang He’s mind to drift back and forth between clarity and enchantment.
Slowly, she continued:
“What I seek is none other than the legendary blood essence of the ancient divine beast, the Fire Qilin—known as the Qilin Blood.”
When these words reached his ears, Zhang He vigorously shook his head, struggling to awaken from the captivating spell of the Holy Maiden from the Six Desires Demon Sect.
Looking astonished, he stared at Han Mei Yan and asked:
“Does Qilin Blood truly exist? I always thought it was just a rumor in the martial world.”
“Nonsense. If it didn’t exist, why would I be here?”
Han Mei Yan glanced at Zhang He, explaining:
“Whether the ancient Fire Qilin truly existed remains uncertain. However, there’s no doubt that the Qilin Blood itself is a divine treasure that still exists in this world.”
“In the martial world of Great Wu in the North, the Ni Family, famed for their Dominating Blade, gained their prominence precisely because their ancestor had the incredible fortune to consume Qilin Blood. Surviving the Bloodline Scorching Calamity, the Ni Family preserved the Qilin lineage, thus securing their renowned status in martial dao.”
“Similarly, Shangguan Yun, who bears the Peerless Divine Arm famous throughout the Grand Xuan Martial World, had his arm tempered with Qilin Blood. This made it impervious to blades and spears, resistant to both water and fire, and infused him with the divine Qilin Power, granting him exceptional talent in palm and fist martial dao.”
Hearing this, Zhang He’s gaze flickered, and a deep longing and greed appeared in his eyes.
Zhang He naturally possessed an extremely potent healing ability. Coupled with his cultivation of the Undying Blood Saint Art, he was incredibly difficult to kill. Many martial artists surpassed him in power, yet very few could actually end his life.
This Qilin Blood seemed to be made for him. If he could obtain it, not only would his martial dao greatly improve, but he would also gain mysterious powers from the Qilin Blood, perhaps even achieving immortality, making him unbeatable.
At this moment, Han Mei Yan slightly narrowed her eyes and cast Zhang He a meaningful glance before lightly remarking:
“You appear deeply interested in the Qilin Blood. I promise you here: help me retrieve it, and I don’t mind sharing a bit with you.”
Upon hearing this, Zhang He quickly concealed his desire. A slightly embarrassed smile appeared on his handsome, carefree face as he cupped his hands and replied:
“The Holy Maiden jests. Such a divine object as Qilin Blood—I’m not worthy of it.”
“Then are you saying you don’t wish to help me?” Han Mei Yan questioned.
“Certainly not. I will do my utmost to aid the Holy Maiden in obtaining the Qilin Blood. However… where exactly is this Qilin Blood hidden in Floating Boat City, and how am I to assist you?”
“You needn’t worry about that.”
Han Mei Yan gently shook her head and said:
“Once we pass through the third round, I’ll naturally inform you how to acquire the Qilin Blood.”
Zhang He’s eyes flickered thoughtfully. He glanced around at the Underground Lake, and suddenly he smiled.
“With such petty games, isn’t it simple enough for us to secure a spot in the top ten? Even achieving first place would be as easy as grasping something already in our hands.”
Yet, Han Mei Yan again shook her head:
“The power behind Floating Boat City is formidable. The top three positions are far too noticeable. We should settle for a position neither too high nor too low.”
Hearing her words, Zhang He wasn’t surprised and slowly nodded:
“I shall follow the Holy Maiden’s instructions.”
…
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Soon after, a grand bell suddenly rang out from above the Underground Lake, echoing far and wide throughout the darkness.
Immediately afterward, a deep voice leisurely drifted from afar:
“In five breaths, the second trial will officially begin. Honored guests, please prepare yourselves.”
Hearing this, Li Yuan Ling took a deep breath and rose from her cushioned stool. Her eyes cautiously scanned the surroundings.
Here, hardly anyone knew she was the Princess of Great Li, which meant she had only herself to rely upon. However, this also made her excited and eager to freely unleash her martial prowess.
Across from her, Li Mu Sheng stood calmly with folded arms, observing Li Yuan Ling’s tense yet lovely face. He chuckled lightly and teased:
“Not to discourage you, but can you even hold on for the duration of one incense stick?”
“Could you stop being so discouraging?”
Li Yuan Ling cast Li Mu Sheng a glare and huffed:
“This princess’s martial dao isn’t weak. Grabbing a few dozen jade tokens will be a breeze.”
At this moment, the five-breath interval passed, and suddenly the Underground Lake echoed with the loud grinding of iron wheels, thunderous as they rolled throughout the subterranean space.
Immediately afterward, iron gates swiftly opened and closed, causing currents to surge across the lake’s surface.
In moments, five massive whirlpools appeared in the center of the Underground Lake. These swirling currents churned the water violently, creating an immense wind vortex above the lake’s heart, pulling wooden boats from all sides towards the center.
“Quick, stabilize the boat! Don’t drift near the wooden boat with those two!”
The sword-wielding middle-aged man shouted anxiously. Previously, he had quietly steered their boat, along with another martial artist, away from Li Mu Sheng and Li Yuan Ling. However, the sudden currents and vortex were dragging them closer, causing him considerable alarm.
He had seen the pair’s formidable skills clearly in the first round, so he wished to avoid them as long as possible.
Hearing this, the martial artist nodded and began channeling his martial Qi to stabilize their drifting boat.
But suddenly, from another nearby boat, a shadow swiftly leapt over, sending sharp claw attacks aimed at snatching his jade token.
Forced into action, the martial artist could only brace himself for battle.
At once, fierce struggles erupted across all wooden boats on the Underground Lake. Martial Qi surged chaotically, swords clashed, and shouts filled the subterranean air.
Inspired by the chaos around her, Li Yuan Ling’s earlier hesitation vanished, replaced by eager excitement and determination.
“Watch the candle flame carefully!” she called back to Li Mu Sheng.
Then, with a firm push of her feet, she leapt forward.
Her emerald skirt gracefully fluttered under the flickering candlelight, creating a breeze as she swiftly approached another wooden boat she had targeted earlier.
Li Yuan Ling had noticed the boat carrying two young men and one young woman, none seeming particularly skilled in martial dao—perfect soft targets for her first move.