Chapter 104: Analysis

Slowly watching Zuo Yuan’s figure fade into the distance, Su Yi’s mind kept replaying their recent conversation. Though he had learned some things, many doubts had also arisen. Yet, his reflections on his interactions with Zuo Yuan left him with a strong impression.

Judging from their walk and discourse, whether it was Zuo Yuan’s approachable manner or simply Su Yi’s inability to sense any oppressive aura from him, Su Yi found himself not intimidated by the might of a Dou Wang expert. The deep-seated trembling that usually emanates from such power was virtually absent.

This feeling struck Su Yi as oddly unreal, but perhaps it stemmed from the time he had spent with Mei Ya and Mo Ben. Mo Ben was always mysterious yet low-key; Mei Ya held a notable status but never acted arrogantly or overbearing. Even when displaying her strength, her attitude remained unchanged. These experiences made Su Yi think that Dou Wang experts might be more approachable than he expected.

Still, he reminded himself that nothing could be taken for granted. On this continent, where strength dictated respect, a strict hierarchy—both overt and covert—held sway. While strong individuals might show grace, it was ultimately their own prerogative to define their demeanor.

Though the strong he had encountered so far carried no airs, Su Yi would never forget the mysterious black-robed elder he had met not long ago. That man, despite facing some misfortune, was undoubtedly a formidable figure. Yet his methods were cruel and ruthless. Had it not been for the awakening of the sinister soul within Su Yi himself, he might have already become a soulless puppet.

Speaking of that dark soul, Su Yi kept his distance from it in both respect and fear. Though he knew little of its origin, the violent emotions it unleashed made clear it was no benign presence. Its murderous urges and desire to dominate showed not a trace of noble bearing. Such a malevolent being was undoubtedly the hardest to contend with.

As the saying goes, a gentleman may be deceived by appearances, but a fiendish, evil power cares little for reputation or face. Such a one acts unscrupulously, with malice and cunning, leaving no escape for opponents. Their dealings are unrestrained, unconcerned with rules or morals.

“If I remember correctly, the name of that evil soul is ‘Blood Emperor.’ Just by the name, it’s clear it is no gentle spirit. It should have a considerable reputation. Yet in recent years, I haven’t heard of any bloodthirsty demon in the empire. What could be the truth?” Su Yi furrowed his brow, puzzled, muttering to himself.

This question had troubled him for some time. From what he had sensed, the Blood Emperor was undoubtedly a powerful cultivator. After all, this soul had entered his body in a spiritual form. Su Yi had never read or heard that Dou Wang or even Dou Huang experts could survive as souls after physical destruction, let alone invade another’s body.

Therefore, even if his assumptions were flawed, this Blood Emperor must once have been a practitioner at the Earth Rank level.

“It is said that when Earth Rank cultivators reach the Dou Zun stage, their souls can leave their bodies. I never knew whether that was true... Could it be that the evil soul within me belongs to this category?” Su Yi’s heart grew uneasy whenever he pondered this. If the soul truly possessed such power, despite its injuries, it would be extremely difficult to subdue. Frankly, Su Yi wouldn’t dare to imagine facing such a foe now—victory would be nearly impossible.

“But I have no choice. If I do nothing, this evil soul will eventually consume my consciousness and seize control of my body,” Su Yi exhaled slowly. He did not believe the evil soul would remain dormant inside him. If he were in its position, he might harbor the same ambitions. How much more the fierce Blood Emperor?

Rubbing his furrowed brow, Su Yi sighed and slowly turned back, heading to see Mei Ya. As he walked, he sorted through his thoughts: such a formidable soul, rivaling the empire’s top ten elites, yet scarcely any mention of it—only two possibilities remained.

One: the Blood Emperor was a figure from many years ago, so long ago that even newcomers like himself had never heard of him, and records and rumors had faded. Two: the Blood Emperor was not from within the empire at all, but from beyond its borders.

Regarding the first possibility, Su Yi was skeptical. Signs suggested the Blood Emperor had died years ago, and this seemed connected to the mysterious black-robed elder.

The second possibility explained more. A figure comparable to the empire’s top ten elite yet unknown to most would either be a recluse or an outsider. Though Su Yi had been in the empire only a few years, he knew the three great empires on the continent were conservative and xenophobic, having no dealings with the chaotic lands beyond.

Aside from competitions between the empires and the Dou Qi Academy, there was little exchange. So, the Blood Emperor was unlikely a hidden recluse and more likely a powerful figure from outside the empire.

Yet, these were mere guesses. The truth needed verification. Su Yi’s insights were limited; it would be better to ask someone well-informed.

This thought gave Su Yi a headache. He hesitated whether to inquire of Mei Ya, who, with her talent and power and her influential backing, likely had access to much information. Maybe she knew something of the Blood Emperor.

But to ask Mei Ya, he would need a reason. No one casually inquires about such a ruthless villain—and Mei Ya was sharp-minded. Su Yi doubted he could easily deceive her.

After much contemplation, Su Yi sighed quietly and decided to stick to his previous plan—not to trouble Mei Ya with this matter. She had aided him greatly over the years; if possible, he would keep her free from this burden.

Lost in these thoughts, Su Yi raised his head and found himself near the hall where Mei Ya stayed. He paused briefly, then stepped forward to meet her and report on his farewell to Zuo Yuan.

Before he could reach the entrance, a graceful maid hurried over and blocked his path, wearing an apologetic smile and speaking in a flattering tone: “Brother Su Yi, please wait…”

“What’s the matter?” Su Yi was surprised to be stopped before seeing Mei Ya.

Noticing his slight frown, the maid quickly explained, “Please don’t misunderstand, Brother Su Yi. The young lady feels tired and wishes to rest. She asked me to tell you not to come in.”

Su Yi nodded without suspicion. The maid had no reason to lie. Mei Ya’s fatigue caught his attention, and he wondered if it was related to that letter.

But Mei Ya was unwilling to say more, and Su Yi could do nothing. Truthfully, he had never seen Mei Ya’s expression when reading that letter—though he wanted to help, he understood now that without power, his aid was limited.

Mei Ya had reached the peak of the tenth-grade Dou Long level and possessed strong backing. Yet even she frowned over this matter. What could a mere tenth-grade Dou Qi warrior like himself do? Idealism and courage were meaningless if they couldn’t truly assist.

Shaking his head with a sigh, Su Yi glanced once more at Mei Ya’s quarters, then bid farewell to the maid and slowly walked away.

...

Several days later, in the afternoon, Su Yi left his small room and arrived at the auction grounds. Wandering along the cobblestone paths, observing the bustling activity and passing crowds, a strange feeling welled up in his heart.

“Tomorrow I leave. It’s strange how mixed my feelings are...” he murmured softly. In the past days, he had pondered many things and wrestled with when to depart. Finally, he resolved to leave Changling City early the next morning, heading east in search of the so-called Blood of Heaven and Earth. With his current inability to cultivate Dou Qi, staying longer was pointless.

Having spent so much time at the auction, Su Yi wished to explore once more before leaving. As he reached an area near the main gate, a guard approached, bowing slightly and speaking respectfully, “Su Yi... Captain, we finally found you!”

The guard was sweating and panting, clearly having run all the way. His face showed apprehension. Su Yi smiled faintly and said, “I’m no longer the captain. You don’t need to call me that. Why are you looking for me?”

“Yes, yes!” The guard nodded hastily. “Actually, someone outside is looking for you.”

“Oh?” Su Yi was curious. He had no close ties in Changling City. Who could it be?

(Chapter 104 update complete! Thank you for your support!)