Going to the Heart’s Eye Pavilion Again!

The three men’s attention was drawn to a plump figure in a richly embroidered robe adorned with three-clawed python designs. He hustled over, moving in a manner that was almost comical, resembling a rolling motion.

“I am the owner of this establishment,” the rotund man declared, bowing. “My apologies for the earlier oversight in your reception. Our offerings vary based on our clientele. Here’s a more traditional menu.” The owner offered a sheepskin scroll with trembling hands to Qin Huai.

Perusing the menu, Qin Huai read aloud some familiar dishes. “Chives and eggs, braised beef, rice wine…” He glanced up. “We’ll have one of each.”

“Very well! Your food will be prepared right away.” The owner signaled the waiter, and the two quickly retreated to the kitchen.

The restaurant’s mood shifted. The other patrons, who had previously been eyeing the trio hungrily, now cast uncertain and wary glances before resuming their seats.

Back in the kitchen, the waiter’s anxiety was palpable. “Why spare them? Among us, we have bone pattern realm experts. You, a third level, and me, a fifth level, even trained under the Ghost Ox Sect…”

“Hush!” The owner interrupted, his complexion ghostly. “Do you know who that pretty boy is?”

“Who?” the waiter asked, confusion evident.

“The Qingzhou Alliance’s leader.”

The waiter’s face blanched, knees buckling. “What have I done? You have to help me.”

“Don’t panic. I didn’t sense any intent to harm from him. And don’t even consider escaping. If he wishes us harm, there’s nowhere we could hide.” The owner knew that there was no need to instruct him anymore. With renewed purpose, he started preparing the ordered dishes.

…

Back in the dining area, Qin Huai and Zhang Youji were sipping tea, seemingly at ease. Zhang Youji abruptly snapped his fingers. An invisible ripple emanated from them, seemingly creating a barrier around their table.

“It’s a soundproof seal. Easier for a private chat,” Zhang Youji explained. “It seems Qingzhou City has reached a new level of depravity. Tales of families turning against each other out of avarice and hunger are all too common now.”

Qin Huai nodded gravely. “The temptation of power, especially shortcuts like the blood heart technique, can make people lose their humanity. It’s even more addictive.”

Zhang Youji’s expression darkened. “The Sacred Heart Sect is a grave menace. Its disciples are monsters in human guise.”

Qin Huai raised his cup. “Regardless, I am grateful for Daozi’s support in these troubling times in Qingzhou.”

“Brother Qin, you give it too much weight,” Zhang Youji began, his tone light. “To be honest, I came here to challenge myself… To see if I could take down a king realm expert at my current level. But witnessing the chaos and madness in Qingzhou City… It’s been an enlightening journey. The depths of the Sacred Heart Sect’s depravity surprised even me.”

As they talked, a delicious aroma wafted over, drawing their attention. Dishes were laid before them, and both men eagerly started their meal, intoxicated by the rich flavors.

Seeing someone absent from their table, Zhang Youji inquired, “Shouldn’t Brother Wang be joining us?”

Qin Huai chuckled. “Brother Wang has his quirks. It seems I’m the only one who truly understands him.”

Zhang Youji nodded. “Experts often have their eccentricities.”

Their meal concluded, and Qin Huai called out, “Waiter! Our bill, please.”

The waiter, drenched in sweat, rushed over. “Sir, it’s an honor to serve you!” His nervous gaze fixed on Qin Huai.

Qin Huai, with a playful smirk, replied, “Do I look like the sort who dines and dashes?” As he searched his robe for money, realization dawned. He really didn’t have any money on him.

Ever since the incident in Qingzhou, money was no longer of much use to Qin Huai. There was nowhere to spend money. In addition, his clothes had been torn to shreds after a few battles, so there was no money in the new robes.

The waiter, sensing an opportunity to avoid conflict, interjected frantically, “It’s on the house! Truly!”

He was afraid that Qin Huai would have their heads. The leader of the Qingzhou Alliance was a ruthless person who had forced all the geniuses of Qingzhou to submit to him. Even the important figures of the Sacred Heart Sect were helpless against him.

The waiter’s legs went limp, and he almost knelt in front of Qin Huai. Seeing this, Qin Huai knew that the people here had most likely recognized him.

Qin Huai studied the man. There was no hint of the foul odor associated with those who practiced the blood heart technique. And, Qingzhou City still had regular food available. He reasoned, “This waiter must have had compelling reasons to remain in such a twisted city.”

Placing a reassuring hand on the waiter’s shoulder, Qin Huai said, “Act with humanity.”

The waiter’s eyes filled with tears. “You…”

“We’re listening,” Zhang Youji assured, “Speak freely. No one around can hear us.”

Gathering his courage, the waiter began, “I was once a chef for the Ghost Ox Sect. I used that association, portraying myself as a mere disciple of the sect, to ensure my family’s safety when we relocated to Qingzhou for a better life.

“But the city transformed overnight.” He paused, grief evident. “I’ve been masquerading as a Ghost Ox Sect disciple, scavenging from the estates of deceased influential figures to sustain myself. But my family… they’re gone.

“I’ve remained here, hoping to witness the fall of that king.” His voice was heavy with emotion. “I want Qingzhou City restored to its former self. Only then can I face my departed family with a clear conscience.” He looked up with pleading eyes. “How long do you think I have to wait?”

Qin Huai, sensing the desperation in the man’s voice, replied reassuringly, “Not long at all. Just watch.”

The waiter nodded, wiping away his tears. As the three figures retreated into the shadows, a talisman materialized in the waiter’s hand, given to him by Zhang Youji. It was said to clear debts and offer protection when needed.

In the enveloping darkness, Zhang Youji let out a somber sigh. “Sacred Heart Sect…”

Understanding the weight of those words, Qin Huai stayed silent.

…

The first light of dawn was obscured by a gentle drizzle. Inside the Heart’s Eye Pavilion, the white-robed king concentrated on the scarlet blood bead, engrossed in his meditation.

Whoosh!

Suddenly, he sensed an intrusion. Without hesitation, he lashed out, only to be met with a sudden counterattack. Blood splattered onto his face, a small trail seeping from the corner of his mouth.

“You still dare to come?!” he roared, invoking his boundless blood world technique. Blood blades materialized from the ground, leaving no avenue of escape.

Within moments, he found his target: the maimed body of a king. With a precise strike, he sent the corpse hurtling away.

Almost immediately, blades infused with blood energy sought to finish off the enemy. Their dance in the air was deadly and swift, slashing the king’s limbs from his body.

Yet, to the white-robed king’s astonishment, strands of blood from the amputated limbs refused to dissipate, instead radiating with a brilliant golden hue. The connection remained unbroken.

“Let’s see how you recover this time!” The white-robed king laughed coldly. Blood blades rose up around him, wanting to sever the connection.

Clang!

When the blood collided with each other, the blood from the severed limb flashed with a golden light, but it did not move at all. Instead, the white-robed king’s blood blade was split into two.

Ding! You have acquired the [Boundless Blood World] domain fragment. Progress on [Boundless Blood World] domain fragment is (2/100)!

“What…” Stunned, the white-robed king watched as the limbless figure levitated, propelled by an unseen force. It vanished from his view with alarming speed.