「Three days later, at noon.」
The scorching sun blazed like fire. Under the intense heat, a thick mist of water vapor rose from the surface of Li Shui Lake, and the air shimmered with visible distortions.
Vast schools of dead fish floated to the surface, releasing waves of an incomparably foul stench.
BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ—
Green-headed flies swarmed the dead fish, forming a buzzing black cloud that was nauseating to behold.
"Everyone in Team Three, head southeast and hold your position. Team Four, you're responsible for the northern corner..."
A steady, commanding voice rang out.
The Commander stood on the shore, issuing orders in a systematic manner.
Multiple squads of fully armed guards moved on command. Holding rifles with fully loaded magazines, they sealed off every corner of Li Shui Lake, all staring tensely at the water's surface.
Dozens of Postnatal Realm Star Martial Artists floated above the guards' heads.
They emitted a formidable Power of Stars, which coalesced into an almost tangible pressure.
Using this stellar pressure, they enveloped the Li Shui Lake shore, instantly forming the perceptual Domain unique to Star Martial Artists.
Any disturbance beneath the water would be detected immediately.
The situation was now critical, the danger imminent!
"Elder Li, Hall Master."
On the shore, the Commander nodded a greeting to the two who had just arrived.
"Tsk, this stench... It's overpowering..."
The library's Hall Master covered his mouth and nose, frowning deeply as he asked, "Just how many schools of fish has that Bloodthirsty Demon Insect at the bottom of the lake eaten?"
"I'm afraid the entire ecosystem of Li Shui Lake has been destroyed."
The Commander shook his head bitterly and gazed at the lake. "Judging by the density of the blood and fish carcasses floating to the surface, we've tentatively identified a few key areas.
But the problem is, underwater isn't our home turf. Once someone enters the water, even a Star Martial Artist at the Late Stage of the Postnatal Realm will find it difficult to fight effectively."
"The Commander is absolutely right."
Hearing this, Elder Li nodded slightly, understanding the Commander's predicament.
Fighting underwater was by no means a wise move.
It would be extremely disadvantageous for them.
For one, the underwater environment was strange and unpredictable.
Even Star Martial Artists skilled in water combat wouldn't dare to venture too deep rashly.
For another, aquatic Star Beasts were empowered underwater.
Home-field advantage, an affinity for water... Just these two factors alone could increase the beasts' strength severalfold, making them far more dangerous than on land!
Even with the advantages of being Innate Realm experts, Elder Li and the others didn't dare to dive deep into the water.
One careless move, and a watery grave wasn't out of the question!
"Elder Li, you're vastly experienced and knowledgeable. Is there any way to lure this beast out?" the Commander asked, his expression grave and worried.
"Rest assured, Commander. Since I've come, I'm not just here to watch the spectacle."
Elder Li stroked his white beard, gazing at the bloodstained lake in the distance. "The method to lure it out is actually quite simple. The answer can be found right here on the lake's surface."
"The lake's surface?"
The Commander and the Hall Master were both stunned, completely baffled.
'What does he mean by that?'
'Could the solution really be part of the problem itself?'
They followed Elder Li's gaze and looked out at the lake.
The surface of Li Shui Lake was covered in floating carcasses, the water stained red like a mirror of blood.
But...
'What did this have to do with luring the creature out?'
Seeing their confused expressions, Elder Li smiled faintly and continued to explain:
"Have you two considered something? This Demon Insect is naturally bloodthirsty, greedily devouring any blood it can find... So why is it now only slaughtering the fish and not absorbing their blood?"
"Hm? You mean..."
Upon hearing this, the library's Hall Master suddenly understood. He slapped his forehead and exclaimed:
"The Demon Insect is no longer satisfied with ordinary blood?"
"Correct. The Hall Master is as well-read as he is intelligent."
Elder Li nodded in approval. "The fact that the Demon Insect is slaughtering fish without drinking their blood means it desires more potent blood for nourishment.
What we need to do is simple: we just need to bring a few Low-tier Star Beasts here, slit their throats on the shore, and let them bleed out. That will be enough to lure the beast from its lair!"
"An excellent plan! Thank you for the insight, Elder Li!"
The Chief Commander standing beside them nodded and cupped his hands in thanks.
He then turned and immediately dispatched guards to carry out the mission of capturing Star Beasts.
Elder Li and the Hall Master remained where they were, watching the bustling figures on the shore with expressions as grave as still water.
After all, using blood to lure out the monster was only the beginning.
How they would deal with the Bloodthirsty Demon Insect next... that was the true main event!
... ...
「Meanwhile.」
「The Library.」
"Old Qin, by the way, how come you haven't been going to the Jianghai Martial Arts Academy lately?"
Xia He and Qin Yang were leaning against the first-floor railing, expertly slacking off together.
As he spoke, he turned his head toward Li Zixuan, who had appeared nearby. Serene and composed, she was sitting quietly at a round table, engrossed in a book with an extremely focused expression.
This time, however, Qin Yang had little reaction to her presence, not even sparing her a sideways glance.
This couldn't help but puzzle Xia He.
'Not long ago, Qin Yang was following her around like a madman...'
'How come he's suddenly so uninterested today, not caring in the slightest?'
"Why would I go to the Martial Arts Academy for no reason?"
Qin Yang rolled his eyes, casually brushing off Xia He's probing question.
"You're the one who's been making a big deal out of it. When have you ever seen me inside the academy?"
"You... Hiss... I..."
Xia He sucked in a sharp breath at that, instantly rendered speechless by the retort.
'Come to think of it, he was right!'
'I've never actually seen Qin Yang go inside the academy grounds with my own eyes.'
'That time he 'intercepted' her, it was only on the road, not at the academy. There was no real proof at all.'
"I... Damn. You're ruthless, kid."
Xia He grunted and turned his head to look away.
The two continued to bicker.
Li Zixuan, reading in the distance, looked up at the sound and glanced over.
'Is that the librarian from last time?'
Li Zixuan frowned slightly. She still had some recollection of Qin Yang.
After all, the way he had abruptly asked for her name last time had left an indelible impression.
'Oh well, it's none of my business.'
Li Zixuan shook her head and went back to focusing on her book.
The book in her hands was precisely the *True Understanding of the Qingfeng Swordsmanship*.
In the past, Li Zixuan wouldn't have given such a simple, easy-to-understand Entry Level book a second glance.
But now, she was reading it with great relish.
'It really does have so many things in common with One Sword Opens the Celestial Gate!'
Li Zixuan's eyes swept over the annotations and explanations in the book, and she grew more and more shocked.
'The Swordsmanship my teacher taught me was actually derived from these basic forms of the Sword Dao!'
'As expected of Teacher! To think he could create such an exquisite and unparalleled Sword Skill using only common, basic principles of the Sword Dao!'
Li Zixuan's heart pounded in her chest, her admiration for her esteemed teacher's talent growing even stronger.
'I wonder when I'll get to meet Teacher again...'
Just then, in the distance, Qin Yang ended his break from slacking off and was about to get back to work.
Suddenly, a terrifying, bloody aura washed over him from outside the library!
'That's... from the direction of Li Shui Lake?'
A strange look appeared on Qin Yang's face as he gazed out the window.
Immediately after, the system's prompt rang in his mind:
"Ding! A Blood Demon has been detected! Extreme danger!"
"Host, please flee as quickly as poss—no, Host, please immediately dispatch the Empress's disciple to slay the Blood Demon!"