[Blood Book World mutation complete]
[Blood Book World established (locked)]
[Quest Issued]
[Quest: Consume any world of whatever magnitude]
[Quest Reward: Complete the quest to enter the Blood Book World]
[The Primordial Weapon "Soul Transcending Trident" has been released]
Whoa!
Blood was in a daze as he read the notification. Does this mean a new world has been established, but I must complete a quest before I can access it? The thought left him in awe.
Coming to think of it, this was his first official quest—and it was no ordinary task, but a direct passage into a world. Moreover, it was not just any world, but one belonging to this system‑like being.
Surely, there would be many experts within, who possessed advanced knowledge, especially regarding the Blood Path—a path he himself knew almost nothing about.
He had only come to know that name through the Blood Qi description. Without it, he might have remained lost in uncertainty, believing all the while that he was walking the right path.
This was his chance to learn, to grow, and perhaps to leave his peers in the dust. That realization delighted him. His eyes grew resolute as memories of his past suddenly flashed through his mind.
However, Blood sensed that something wasn't right. The quest itself appeared vague.
"Eat up a world of any magnitude?" Blood muttered in confusion.
How could he complete such a quest? Although worlds were rare to find, especially those with human settlements. Nevertheless, smaller worlds existed in abundance throughout the Fief Domain.
No one knew the proper names of these worlds, so they were classified according to the highest realm of sentience found within them.
If a beast of the Bronze Realm dominated a world, it was recognized as a grade-2 small world. If beasts of the third or fourth realm were present in large numbers, the classification rose accordingly.
Besides, beasts were usually the dominant creatures in most of these small worlds, though rumors claimed to have seen other species dwelling within. Few believed such tales as many dismissed them as jokes.
While some of these small worlds contained inhabitants, the majority were barren. They held land, water, and other natural bodies, but were empty in essence—thus earning the name that was most often used: the Empty Worlds.
Small worlds of the Iron Realm, for instance, were called Grade 1 Empty Worlds, or simply Empty Realms.
Blood was skeptical, wondering if this was one of the worlds the Blood Book demanded him to consume. Even so, the question still remained: How would he do it?
His thoughts were suddenly disturbed by the sight before him.
"What the heck?!" Blood exclaimed in fright. He leapt back straight away as a lustrous spear with three protruding spikes appeared, levitating in the air before him.
Its intricate design seemed to radiate the aura of an ancient beast, and a strange nostalgia washed over him, as though he had reunited with a long‑lost companion.
The feeling though was assuasive, soothing his battered spirit, he knew this was the first time he had ever laid eyes on such a weapon.
Without realizing it, the ointment container slipped from his grasp as he reached out, as if compelled to feel its texture.
Tears rolled down his cheeks, each drop striking the ground with such force that it left dents five inches deep.
The trident's structure was warm, almost breathable, crafted with pristine precision. Every element seemed perfectly aligned, durable yet flexible, and most astonishing of all—it was impossibly light.
The entire weapon was gleaming with jade materials. The three protruding spikes were extremely thin, their pointed tips even thinner, while the shaft stretched nearly two meters, smooth as flowing water.
It was extremely light!
Whoever had forged this weapon must have been a master—if any blacksmith could even claim such a feat—for the materials had been entwinned with flawless precision, each element placed as though guided by divine hands.
The weapon seemed impervious to corrosion, its tips pulsing with profound red energy unlike anything he had ever witnessed. Not even the misty energy of this domain could compare, and beneath the trident's core a shorter spike jutted subtly, as though concealed for a deeper purpose.
Its aura was irresistible, alluring beyond measure.
The moment Blood grasped the trident, the surrounding energy immediately began to churn violently, as if enraged.
At once, it surged in full force toward the weapon, enveloping him in a raging swirl that cloaked his entire body from sight.
From the outside, no one could see a thing; the raging swirl had cloaked him in impenetrable red shadow, as though refusing to reveal what transpired within.
Then, in a fierce burst, the trident pulsed, hurling both Blood and Ballock away without care. His firm grip on the trident was torn away, ripped apart by its violent surge, and next; he was flung mercilessly with ruthless force.
Blood grimaced as he rose from the ground, quickly helping Ballock to his feet, gazing at the seemingly enraged trident in horror. To his surprise, Ballock's wounds had recovered faster—the ointment combined with the natural blood mist had accelerated his healing.
Ballock grunted, steadying himself, and gazing toward the strange phenomenon unfolding before them.
The trident's presence continued to warp the domain, its energy surging and shifting without pause for hours. It was as though the weapon itself was summoning the very essence of the domain, calling forth every strand of power.
The sky above them grew heavy, veiled in a mist that was born of its influence, until the heavens themselves seemed draped in red haze.
They stood in silence, as both cultivators watched, patient yet wary, waiting for what would come next.
___
Meanwhile…
"Chief, welcome to my humble abode. We are honored to receive your presence." said a middle‑aged man with auburn hair and deep red eyes, clad in a neat red robe.
He was none other than Salza, master of the Marble family.
"Enough with your sweet words, Ninth Division Commander. It has been over a month since you began sending me trivial reports. I need you to tell me everything essential you have gathered since your investigation began.
"It seems there is something you've deliberately withheld, for it has come to my notice. Now give this old man a comprehensive breakdown." the man addressed as Chief demanded sharply. His stern expression looked unsettling. His dress matched that of the city's forces uniform.
What is this all about? Salza thought mildly as he registered the chief's tone, gazing lightly on the men at the back who had accompanied the chief.
The old man was usually easygoing, but failing to produce significant results for over a month had clearly angered him—enough to make him come down here in person. That alone was punishable, but Salza was already experiencing the chief's leniency.
Besides, the chief rarely addressed him as 'Ninth Division Commander'. He usually called him by name—Salza—except when he had committed an error, the likes too grave to be overlooked.
In truth, Salza had even been secretly given the title of Deputy Chief, a recognition that was quietly agreed upon within the force.
Salza cleared his throat before speaking. "Chief, the reports have been accurate all along. The situation in Sand‑Scale Forest has grown increasingly hostile, just as I reported, though many cultivators have profited from it.
"During these past few days, the forest seemed calm, and the abundant red energy no longer appeared as magnificent as before. The warriors themselves weren't idle—they gained much, with some achieving major breakthroughs.
"The treasures and resources discovered during duty were collected and secured in storage. I apologize for making you worry for nothing. Nothing I have said now was omitted; it is all contained in the previous messages." Salza's words made the Chief pause, his stern face unreadable as he leaned back against the couch, deep in thought.
"Are you certain this is all you have to say? You will not have another chance once I begin." the Chief inquired, his tone flat, his expression was impossible to read.
Salza's heart almost skipped a beat. Does he already know?
The chief always had a way with words, and Salza feared he might have caught wind of the one thing he was indeed hiding. He had thought the matter was well-hidden, only for this to unfold. But at second thought, he realized it was inevitable all along.
Maria was standing in the corner, listened closely, her steps restless with unease.
"Uh‑h…" Salza paused, torn between confession and silence. The problem was not the chief himself, but the men who accompanied him.
To speak now would not only harm Salza, but also his precious son.
He sighed deeply, deciding to say no more. He would bear the punishment alone, leaving his family untouched. Even if the chief suspected the truth—which seemed possible—he would not know that his son was involved.
The Chief shook his head slightly, his sharp eyes catching the wariness in Salza's gaze as he glanced toward the men present. He knew well that Salza was not on good terms with them.
"Alright then," the Chief said in a subtle tone, "tell me about the dual portal that led to your secured site. It seems to be instrumental in your future activities."
Salze's eyes suddenly released a cold glint!