When Yan Jin and Zhang Li returned to the Treasure Pavilion encampment, the first light of dawn was just breaking across the sky. Wei Xi was still pacing anxiously, waiting for his brother. The moment he saw Yan Jin, relief flooded his face.
"I'm fine. Go and rest up," Yan Jin said, his voice reassuring.
"Yes!" Wei Xi replied with a nod, heading off to his sleeping quarters, exhaustion finally catching up with him.
Yan Jin spent the rest of the night in quiet contemplation, assessing the profound changes within his body. The transformation had been dramatic. He had grown taller, now standing at an imposing 195 cm, with muscles that were denser and firmer, and his strength had increased exponentially. He had also added a new halo to his purification, bringing him one step closer to becoming a purified king.
The Heretical God Eye had altered the way his blood circulated, intensifying the effects of his triple bloodline. His nine-neonate Hydra bloodline allowed him to mimic the characteristics of other bloodlines by adapting his physique accordingly. So far, he had assimilated the Gwi, Kun Peng, and Behemoth bloodlines.
From these bloodlines, he had gained various abilities. Enhanced healing allowed him to devise self-sacrificing strategies, knowing he would recover quickly. Bloodline absorption, which had once provided significant physical enhancements, had become less useful as he moved towards a more energy-centric fighting style.
He would need to readapt his combat techniques and archery to incorporate his new attributes.
The Gwi bloodline gave him the ability to read his opponents and control the flow of battle. Recently, he had acquired extreme speed from the Kun Peng and extreme strength from the Behemoth, making him a formidable opponent in both speed and power.
His energy, though not attuned to any specific element, resonated with the nature of ice, adding a cold, calculating edge to his attacks. Combined with his soul energy, which gave him an advantage in combat, Yan Jin knew he had the potential to dominate any battlefield.
Now, it was time to prioritize and synthesize these new abilities, refining his fighting style to fully harness the power of his bloodlines and his newfound strength.
--
Yan Jin had spent a full week locked in his room, running countless simulations and combinations. His powerful soul allowed him to engage in mental practice, envisioning different scenarios and circumstances for his archery techniques.
After seven days, he had finally outlined what he called "Hydra Archery." Just like the Hydra, whose strength lay in its versatility, this archery style would adapt to any situation. Confident in his plan, he was eager to put it to the test.
As he rose from his meditative state, his stomach rumbled intensely, reminding him that he hadn't eaten in days. Scara, his companion, fluttered around, signaling its own need for fresh air. After a quick shower, Yan Jin dressed in a black robe, a ribbon covering his eyes, his long hair draping over his shoulders. He donned a regal cape, giving him a noble and imposing appearance. Content source m-vl|em|p,yr
By the time he finally stepped out of his room, it was already midday. The halls and building were eerily quiet, likely because most people were either on military drills or patrols. Yan Jin thought to himself as he headed toward the barracks in search of lunch.
The town was livelier than Yan Jin had experienced on his first night there. The streets were bustling with merchants and mercenaries trading blood beast body parts, weapons, and blood tools. Peddlers and beggars filled the streets, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of a metropolitan city.
"Sir! Come in, come test our drinks!" one vendor called out.
"Wood tiger claws for sale!" shouted another.
"Roasted beans, for sale!"
Yan Jin bought some roasted beans and shared them with Scara as they strolled through the town. It was the most relaxed he had felt in a long time. For once, there was no child to escort, no one hunting him, and no one trying to kill him. He indulged in all the street food, listened to music, and even had tea at a local shop.
By the time he returned to the Treasure Pavilion encampment, the sun had already set. Zhang San was waiting for him anxiously, pacing back and forth. As soon as he spotted Yan Jin at the entrance, he ran toward him.
"You fool, where have you been? Do you have any idea how much mess you've caused my sister?" Zhang San said, trying to grab Yan Jin's shoulder.
With a quick sidestep, Yan Jin dodged the incoming touch and replied menacingly, "Don't touch me."
Zhang San felt the killing intent in Yan Jin's voice and paused. "Come with me, it's urgent," he insisted.
"What's actually happening?" Yan Jin asked, his tone calmer but still cautious.
"Because you asked for a spot, the other generals are trying to bully my sister. Come and say publicly that you don't want the spot," Zhang San explained, clearly frustrated.
"Is the spot your sister's or not?" Yan Jin questioned, confused by the situation.
"It is, but as the leader of the support unit, she has never used her spots for the Babel Tower until now, so they're trying to force her to give it up," Zhang San said, detailing the situation.
Yan Jin considered the implications of what Zhang San was saying. It seemed that his request had inadvertently sparked a power struggle. He hadn't intended to cause any trouble, but now it was clear that his presence was putting Zhang Li in a difficult position. The other generals were using this as an opportunity to challenge her authority.
"Let's go," Yan Jin said firmly, realizing that this was something he needed to address personally. Zhang San led the way.