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The strength level in the Black‐Corner Region is roughly on par with that of the barren northwestern continent. There, a Dou Huang is already an extraordinary powerhouse, and Dou Zong represents the very pinnacle of strength. The foremost alchemist in the region is Han Feng—a top-tier sixth-rank alchemist, and the only one of his kind—so eighth-rank Alchemist's Insights would be far too extravagant. Gu He's sixth-rank recipes are already quite precious.
Because the Gu Clan controls Central Continent, Qian Renhan cannot return there. Instead, he heads to the Black‐Corner Region—a chaotic refuge for many fleeing from Dou Qi‐waning lands, a place where scavengers like Han Feng seek shelter. The chance of unearthing rare treasures here is far greater than on the northwestern continent.
The Black‐Corner Region's disorder is famed across the lands. High-level cultivation techniques, potent Dou Skills, rare pills, and other wonders find their way here, drawing countless ambitious—often ruthless—figures. During the inevitable cycle of betrayal and plunder, even more treasure surfaces. In essence, the "Black Hole" is a bottomless pit: each auction dispenses priceless artifacts at sky-high prices, and desperate contenders compete fiercely.
Having slain three Dou Zun and claimed their rings' spoils, Qian Renhan's coffers are substantial. His goal in the Black‐Corner Region is to seek an attribute-neutral Xuan-rank cultivation technique; finding an Earth-rank would be mere luck. A dark-attribute Xuan-rank technique is his bare minimum—he might sacrifice Ice or Malevolence but never Darkness.
"Understood, Senior."
Gu He scampered back to his quarters to compile his own Alchemist's Insights. He didn't grasp why Qian Renhan would value Gu He's sixth-rank notes after already lending him eighth-rank wisdom, but for a Dou Zong benefactor who had elevated his alchemy, he had no hesitation.
While Gu He wrote feverishly, Qian Renhan practiced the Thousand Flame Sword Qi, substituting Ice-attribute Dou Qi to forge rein‐iced blades—thus perfecting his own Thousand Ice Sword Qi.
After some time, Gu He bounded over, presenting a storage ring. Qian Renhan claimed it, formed a soul-link, and scanned its contents with soul power. Inside were Gu He's Alchemist's Insights, plus a trove of pill formulas, refined medicines, raw ingredients, and a gold-coin voucher.
Gu He's eyes shone with earnestness. "Senior, this is everything I've amassed. Eighth-rank Insights far surpass a single Dou Skill like the Thousand Flame Sword Qi. I've no intention of exploiting your favor—I only feel indebted. Please accept this; otherwise, I would be too ashamed."
"An honest man."
Qian Renhan mused. Gu He's sincerity stood in stark contrast to the Nalan family, who had courted Qian Renhan's name for selfish gain.
Qian Renhan raised an eyebrow. "You give me these formulas—how will you continue refining pills?"
Gu He smiled confidently. "Don't worry, Senior. I've already memorized every recipe."
Qian Renhan nodded, then soared toward the Black‐Corner Region.
Gu He watched his back, bowed three times, and saw his benefactor off.
Leaving the Jiama Empire behind, Qian Renhan unfurled the map acquired from Nalan Su and entered the vast Black‐Corner Plain. This rich, dark earth yields not only abundant resources but also endless bloodshed and depravity.
Here, beyond the sway of any major power, lies a no-man's-land steeped in chaos and carnage.
Deep within a jet-black forest, two armed contingents stood off. One wore blood-red robes, their faces unnaturally pale as though their very blood had been drained, emanating a sickly, foul aura—and all bore lecherous grins. The other party wore immaculate uniforms, each chest emblazoned with an ornate architectural sigil.
A blood-robed youth licked his lips and sneered, "So you're from Canaan Academy, sweet little things. Don't resist. Enjoy yourselves with us, and perhaps we'll let you live. If not… once we get rough, I can't promise any mercy."
Under this threat, the Canaan Academy students turned deathly white.
Their lead instructor's expression hardened. "Blood Sect, you dare lay hands on our people? Do you not fear Canaan Academy's retaliation?"
Though the Blood Sect isn't the absolute top power in the Black‐Corner Region, it remains a first-class force. They cultivate by draining blood, and under the infamous leadership of Sect Master Fan Lao—known as a mass-murdering demon lord—they strike terror wherever they go.
Not only were the Blood Sect's disciples vicious, they were monstrously perverse and licentious. No woman ever captured by the Blood Sect had ever returned—and the sect didn't even admit female disciples. Their depravity knew no bounds.
"Retaliation? You need proof for that!" the Blood Sect members roared with laughter.
The leader leered obscenely. "Enough talk. Drag these fools back to the sect—men become blood slaves, women become… other kinds of slaves. Don't let a single one escape!"
The next instant, a flash of crimson light streaked through the clearing. The Blood Sect men froze as a thin line of blood tore across the leader's throat. He gurgled, then collapsed, blood spurting out. One by one, his comrades fell.
Behind their ranks, Qian Renhan stood, the Shura Sword in hand, studying its fissures. "So that's why… the sword's cries weren't a hallucination."
Qian Renhan had come to the Black-Corner Region seeking a safe haven—some quiet mountains where he could refine the Emperor Seal Art and test his alchemical theory in peace. He'd set his course for Canaan Academy's territory, since most of the Black-Corner was carved up by rival powers, but around the academy lay a relatively calm buffer zone.
The two factions below were simply unlucky enough to cross his path on the way. As for the Blood Sect attackers—whoever threatened his allies would meet his blade without hesitation.
The Canaan Academy escort paused in stunned gratitude. Their lead instructor bowed respectfully behind Qian Renhan's back. "Thank you for your rescue, Senior."
Though saved, the instructor's relief was tinged with fear. In this land of man‐eating men, there were no good Samaritans. He worried he'd escaped one trap only to fall into another.
Qian Renhan asked quietly, "Where is the Blood Sect's stronghold?"
The instructor hurried to answer, "Due east from here—about five hundred li."
Having the location, Qian Renhan ascended once more, heading straight for the Blood Sect. He needed to repair his Shura Sword—and to increase his strength!
(End of chapter)