Starting Reward – A Three Thousand Assassin Network

Chapter 30 — Blood Bodhi

As martial family descendants, Ye Dingtian was acutely aware of the Zhao family’s ambitions. Within the Great Xia Dynasty, there were four major martial families: the Ye family in Liangzhou, the Li family in Youzhou, the Zhao family in Qingzhou, and the Xu family in Xuzhou. On the surface, these families seemed to be at odds, but in reality, none truly acknowledged the superiority of the others. Being martial families, none believed themselves inferior to the rest. Yet, with Ye Dingtian’s presence, the Ye family reigned supreme.

“The depth of the Zhao family’s schemes goes beyond what the world has discovered; what they reveal is intentionally displayed for others to see. The Zhao family initially were merchants. Their transformation into a martial family was due to the gratitude their ancestors held towards our Ye family. We aren’t ungrateful; nearly a century has been spent repaying this debt, and that should suffice.”

Ye Dingtian took a deep drag from his cigarette, exhaling a thick cloud of smoke. With the Ye family currently in the eye of the storm, any slight mistake could lead to their downfall. Therefore, every action taken must be cautious, eliminating any external factors unfavorable to the family.

Ye Xue was well aware of the relationship between the Ye and Zhao families. “Grandpa, how should we handle the Zhao family now?”

“After a century of development, the Zhao family has accumulated enough strength. Once this foundation is established, it naturally breeds other ambitions. Ambition is a strange thing; it can make someone immensely powerful. Now, the Zhao family’s arrival is but an exposition. Although they’ve concealed their actions, they cannot evade my gaze. With ambition in their hearts and sufficient groundwork, how could they remain ordinary?

“In the future, matters concerning the trade association can be left aside; those things are merely external. Our Ye family won’t burden you, my daughter, to provide for us. Moreover, the supplies you’ve brought back can sustain the Ye family for a long time.”

Ye Dingtian’s words instantly clarified many things for Ye Xue. She realized that her grandfather not allowing her to return to the trade association meant that the Ye family was facing a crisis.

The arrival of the Zhao siblings made Ye Xue see the ambitions of the Zhao family. It was a pre-emptive layout.

“What a {Zhao} family! They’ve quietly placed someone by my side, and I have no defenses against it. Everything seems so natural, without a hint of a flaw.”

“You’re mistaken, Xiao Xue. Things aren’t as simple as you think. Even that young girl probably doesn’t understand the Zhao family’s plans. She doesn’t seem cunning. Compared to her, that Zhao lad is evidently more formidable,” Ye Dingtian said leisurely.

“Humph, even if he’s formidable, he still suffered a great loss in front of Chen!” Ye Xue looked somewhat proud at the mention of Ye Chen, providing some comfort to Ye Dingtian.

Seeing Ye Xue mention Ye Chen again, Ye Dingtian felt somewhat relieved.

“That’s enough about Chen’s matters. These days, you’ll stay at home and not go anywhere,” Ye Dingtian asserted firmly.

“Grandpa, does that mean I can’t even visit Chen?” Ye Xue inquired.

“When I say ‘anywhere,’ that naturally includes Chen’s place,” Ye Dingtian affirmed resolutely.

“Alright, since there’s nothing urgent, you should rest now. After a whole day outside, you must be tired.”

“Yes, I’ll come to see you again tomorrow!” With that, Ye Xue departed.

Tonight, Ye Dingtian’s words gave rise to many puzzles in Ye Xue’s mind. She needed to sort things out.

Why did Ye Chen move out of the Ye residence? Was it for independent living? What kind of danger did the Ye family face that even the elderly master had to be cautious? What were the Zhao family plotting? Was it merely to target the Ye family and make a pre-emptive layout? Did her close friend, Zhao Ling’er, know about these matters? What role did Zhao Hao play in this matter? Was it truly the Ye family responsible for the destruction of the Divine Flame Sect? If so, why?

These questions surrounded Ye Xue, leaving her bewildered.

…

On the other side, at the Luo Shen Residence by the Luo Shen Lake.

Tonight, a particular individual appeared here, holding black and white swords. This person was the Black and White Xuanjian.

At this moment, Ye Chen stood by the railing beside the lake, gazing at its dark surface.

“Young Master, I wonder why you’ve called for me?” Black and White Xuanjian was puzzled. Normally, Ye Chen wouldn’t summon them, and Tian Yan was equally perplexed.

“I need you to go to Qingzhou, keep a close eye on the Zhao family, and secretly investigate what they’re planning. You possess the Eight Lingering abilities, and only you can handle this task,” Ye Chen said softly, squinting his eyes.

“The Zhao family? Why would the Young Master focus on them? As far as I know, this family doesn’t have any Transcendent Realm experts!” Tian Yan asked in confusion.

“The Zhao lad conceals himself well; it’s natural you didn’t notice. After all, the Zhao family has a heritage spanning over a century!” Today, Ye Chen met Zhao Hao for the first time and was shaken by his abilities.

“That lad practices a hidden cultivation technique. On the surface, he seems at the latter stage of the Xiantian Realm, but in truth, he’s at the peak of the Profound Realm, just a step away from breaking through to the Celestial Realm!”

“What! He’s only twelve years old!” Tian Yan wore a look of disbelief, and even Black and White Xuanjian was exceptionally shocked.

Indeed, at only twelve years old, reaching the peak of the Profound Realm and about to step into the Celestial Realm showcased an unbelievably remarkable talent.

It was worth noting that Ye Chen’s eldest and second brothers, both pride of the Ye family, had consumed numerous resources. Yet, in their twenties, they only reached this realm.

“He thinks he’s hiding it well, but he can’t escape my perception. He harbors an extremely violent thunderous power within, which, once unleashed, can instantly kill an ordinary Celestial Realm expert.”

“Would the Zhao family be unaware of such a peerless genius?” Tian Yan shook his head. “Definitely not. If that’s the case, the Zhao family’s intentions are not small.”

“Even I was kept in the dark about this. Seems like the Zhao family’s concealment techniques are extraordinary.”

“Indeed, that’s why I specifically want to send Black and White Xuanjian to Qingzhou.” After speaking, Ye Chen produced a fruit emitting a red light from his hand and handed it to Black and White Xuanjian. This fruit was the Blood Bodhi.

He had obtained this item from the system many years ago and had never revealed it to the world until now.

“What kind of fruit is this? It emits red light on its own; it’s truly miraculous.” Watching the fruit emit red light in the dark night, Tian Yan asked in confusion.

“This fruit is called the Blood Bodhi. It’s formed from a drop of the Qilin’s blood. It heals injuries, adds a century’s worth of cultivation if there are no injuries, but after consuming a second one, it only heals injuries without adding power.”

Even so, this information left Tian Yan and Black and White Xuanjian immensely shocked. A century’s worth of cultivation could instantly elevate an ordinary martial artist to the Profound Realm. For an ordinary martial artist without such opportunities, reaching the Profound Realm in a lifetime was a challenge. Yet, this single fruit could effortlessly create a Profound Realm expert.

“With the current complex situation in the world, there are hidden dangers. Going alone to Qingzhou, be cautious. Although you’ve already broken through to the Transcendent Realm, never underestimate any family. We’re unaware of the depths of their foundations in the Ye family. Before departing, this fruit is the only assistance I can offer you. But remember, if you encounter danger, prioritize your own life. Your death would be a significant loss to me.”

Those words deeply moved Black and White Xuanjian. After twenty years, he once again felt the long-lost warmth.

“Yes, Young Master!”

Though it was just three simple words and no assurance, Ye Chen could hear the resolute tone.

After taking the Blood Bodhi, Black and White Xuanjian vanished from the spot in a flash.