Chekflit entered the room without a sound, standing quietly in a corner, his back braced against the adjacent walls, his entire body held in a state of vigilance, offering only a slight upward nod.

Qian Jin looked at the three warriors, who shared a unified understanding despite their varied expressions, and smiled gently. Their Doumai (Battle Meridians) had become significantly sturdier. After days of using the medicinal agents and specifically consulting with Adams, who was at least a Grandmaster of Medicinal Agents, their Doumai had been reinforced—if only they had better medicinal herbs, Maitong would have made them even tougher. “What about your Dou Qi (Battle Energy)?” Qian Jin returned to the room, looking at the three with keen interest. Having been injured in the previous major battle, and now recuperated with herbal treatment, their Dou Qi should certainly be showing some reaction.

Fen Tu Kuangge curled his lips into a pleased smile, clenching his fists slightly with vigor: “Peak of the Third Tier of Demon Subjugation. With just a little more time, I should be able to break through to the Fourth Tier very soon.”

“I’m at the Seventh Tier of Demon Subjugation,” Duan Feng Buer said, lounging improperly in his chair: “A good beating, and thanks to your medicinal conditioning and my own insights, I actually broke through a tier this quickly.”

Chekflit clenched his fists deeply, a faint trace of gratitude shimmering in his cold eyes, though his words remained as icy as ever: “Approaching the peak of the Ninth Tier.”

Qian Jin shrugged. In just twenty short days, all three had shown progress in varying degrees. This time, the injuries seemed to have been worth it. The Doumai, which normally required gradual forging and strengthening through the tempering of Dou Qi, could actually be reinforced using medicinal agents after injury—this was a new lesson he had learned through discussions with Adams. “However, I truly feel a bit apologetic to you,” Duan Feng Buer adjusted his posture slightly as he looked at Qian Jin, “Because of us, it seems you genuinely missed the Entrance Examination.”

The Entrance Exam? Qian Jin’s smile carried a touch of faint bitterness. Calculating the time, he had likely indeed missed it.

“It doesn’t matter if I miss the Entrance Exam,” Duan Feng Buer removed his cigarette roll. “I am a First Level Awakened Bloodline Warrior. Any high-tier War Academy will welcome me regardless of my exam scores.”

Fen Tu Kuangge nodded gently twice. In any high-tier War Academy within the Zhence Dynasty, the inclusion of Bloodline Warriors was never refused. Even though Duan Feng Buer’s father was not from a Nine-Headed Serpent bloodline family—he had only inherited and naturally awakened the power from his mother’s Nine-Headed Serpent bloodline, perhaps never reaching Second Level Bloodline Awakening in his lifetime—no high-tier War Academy dared to underestimate him.

Many bloodline warriors from bloodline families skipped attending the introductory Magic and Warrior Academies altogether, receiving comprehensive practical combat instruction at home and heading straight for the advanced academies. The purpose of entering the advanced academies was to learn more about military command capabilities and to scout for outstanding peers among ordinary warriors to bring under their command, serving as support on the Human-Demon Battlefield in the future.

The Human-Demon Battlefield was never one where a single individual could decide the outcome, unless one was an Ultimate Awakened Bloodline Warrior! Of course, the Demon Race also possessed Ultimate Awakened Bloodline Demon Warriors.

Hordes of mages forming massive magic arrays, driven by Demon Crystals and Demon Cores, could unleash devastating forbidden spells capable of heavily wounding or even killing Bloodline Warriors.

The more capable and loyal subordinates a Bloodline Warrior possessed, the greater their spoils of war would be on future battlefields, and the more opportunities they would have to save their own lives.

Many ordinary warriors, possessing strong strategic insight and tactical ability, were willing to join the ranks of various Bloodline Warriors, forming small factions, due to their limitations in personal combat strength and impoverished family backgrounds. It even happened that Bloodline Warriors would join the factions of other Bloodline Warriors.

High-tier War Academies were never merely places to learn combat and killing skills; these matters were often taught in advance by any bloodline family.

High-tier War Academies primarily served to instruct warriors in military matters and to establish a platform for exchange—a platform for talent exchange and for sparring and honing skills among warriors.

“I can still get in; can’t I take the make-up examination?” Qian Jin shrugged nonchalantly. With the strength approaching the peak of the Ninth Tier of Demon Subjugation, passing the assessment would be effortless. Besides, if all else failed, he could just wait another year. Training in the Endless World likely wouldn't be much worse than a high-tier War Academy, especially with the Torrent Fortress available.

The Warrior’s Guild was the primary destination for many academy graduates or those temporarily retired from the Divine-Demon Battlefield. In a sense, the Warrior’s Guild and the Mage’s Guild were higher-level organizations than the War Academies; many teachers in the War Academies originated from these two guilds.

With a letter of recommendation from Fabredis, joining the Torrent Fortress wouldn't be difficult, and entry into the War Academy could also be achieved through the Fortress.

Qian Jin looked at the three in the room—all appearing nimble and full of vigor—and announced, “If we leave now, perhaps I can still make it back in time for the Entrance Examination.”

“Great idea,” Duan Feng Buer jumped down from the chair he had been squatting on. “I’m truly sick of staying in this ruin day after day.”

Qian Jin glanced at the other two: Fen Tu Kuangge nodded silently, and Chekflit looked entirely as if this was their decision to make. “In that case, let’s go say goodbye to Hua Yanjian.” Qian Jin paused. “We’ve been taken care of here for so long; we should leave them some gifts before we go.” The young warriors followed Qian Jin out of the room, walking down the street pungent with the smell of medicine. Granny Yao had already cleaned up the apothecary early. Seeing the three robust, strong-legged young warriors behind Qian Jin, she froze.

“This… they’re healed already?” Granny Yao’s wrinkles shifted with astonishment, like a blooming flower, as she scrutinized Duan Feng Buer. She had seen them over twenty days ago; their injuries were unusually severe. To recover in two months of bed rest would have been considered good.

Duan Feng Buer thumped his chest, which resonated with a solid dong-dong, his eyes brimming with smiles: “Strong as ever! I didn’t expect to be better in twenty days either; I thought we’d be laid up for at least forty days.”

Qian Jin walked to the pharmaceutical table, skillfully operating various preparation instruments. Strange herbs and animal bones were ground into powder and tossed in. More than a dozen iron cauldrons bubbled and churned, emitting pungent medicinal odors.

“What is this… what are you doing?” Granny Yao stared blankly at Qian Jin’s back. He was a man who usually only made one batch of medicine at a time; why was he making medicine like a madman today? Moreover, these smells didn’t seem to be for bone injuries. The brewed batches of medicine were poured into separate jars, then sealed with wooden stoppers and clay seals.

Qian Jin straightened his bent back, letting out a long breath, and turned to face Granny Yao: “The use of each jar is carved onto it. There are different agents for bone injuries, internal organ damage, or injuries caused by Dou Qi impact. While they won't take effect immediately, the results are quite good.”

Granny Yao could only nod dumbly. This was truly an eye-opener! Normally, it was already difficult for an Alchemist to focus solely on preparing one type of medicine; controlling the water temperature, the timing of adding herbs, and so on, required intense focus.

Preparing two types of medicine simultaneously? That was astonishing! Three types? Perhaps only a Medicinal Master could manage that. Over a dozen types… How could this young man possess such control? Was he truly just an Alchemist? Not a Medicinal Master? “Then, thank you for taking care of us all this time.” Qian Jin bowed deeply. “We are leaving.”

Qian Jin walked out of the room first, taking several familiar turns within the ruin until he reached the small square. The bandits were practicing their daily mock combat, hacking at each other with swords and shields.

Hua Yanjian, with a broken sword hanging at her waist, carried two battle axes of different lengths and slowly approached Qian Jin: “Leaving?” Qian Jin nodded: “The injuries are all healed.”

“Understood, I’ll prepare horses for you.” Hua Yanjian sheathed her broken sword. “Outside, the Ten Great Bandit Groups, the Demon Race’s Dark Unit, the Zhence Black Dragon Guard, and even the Hundred-Service Attendants of the Barbarians are roaming around. Other bandit groups are active too. Be extra careful.”

“We will,” Qian Jin said gratefully, nodding lightly to Hua Yanjian. If they hadn't been stopped at the Demon Race checkpoint that day, leaving with three heavily injured companions might have been impossible. He truly owed them a massive debt, one he was determined to repay in the future.

“It’s time. I’ve left some medicine for you all; use it if anyone gets hurt in the future.” Qian Jin placed his fist over his heart: “I haven’t forgotten our agreement; you can call on me whenever you need help.” “Naturally,” Hua Yanjian gestured toward the horses being led nearby. “The rain outside has stopped. Pay attention to your surroundings.”

“Speaking of which, female bandit leader,” Duan Feng Buer swung onto his horse and pulled the reins, “You saved me this time. If you ever need help in the future, let me know. Provided, of course, that what you need help with isn't something despicable.”

Hua Yanjian crossed her arms over her chest, accentuating her slender waist and full bust. A faint smile played in the eyes behind her black iron mask: “Do you think I’m that kind of person?” “I guess not,” Duan Feng Buer scratched his head. “By the way, female bandit leader, since we are leaving, we haven't seen your face. Why don't you—”

“Alright,” Hua Yanjian placed her fair fingers on her mask, her tone laced with playfulness: “But I must tell you something first. I swore an oath. The first man to see my face must marry me.”

“Wait!” Duan Feng Buer shivered on his horse, rapidly waving his hands: “Forget it! I won’t look. I haven't even considered taking a wife yet.”

Hua Yanjian kept her hand on the mask and turned her gaze toward Fen Tu Kuangge, who shook his head like a rattle-drum, and Chekflit, who promptly closed his eyes.

Qian Jin felt Hua Yanjian’s gaze and chuckled ruefully: “I already have a beloved wife at home, and more than one, at that. I truly cannot accept such an honor. Please, don't remove it.”

A faint shadow of loneliness flickered in the eyes beneath the black metal mask: “Is that so? More than one already? It seems I’ll really have trouble getting married.”

Qian Jin scratched his head in frustration. Picking up his father later might bring even more trouble, given Hai Qing'er’s temperament… “Let’s go! Let’s go! Female bandit leader, the next time we meet, I hope you’ll be at the level of a Group Leader.” Duan Feng Buer turned his horse toward the exit leading out of the ruins.

The lively ruins fell quiet once more. A scarred bandit watched the four fine horses disappear out of the exit and whispered into Hua Yanjian’s ear: “Boss, are you sure this person can help you?”

Hua Yanjian looked quietly at the scarred bandit beside her: “Have you ever seen a situation where a Bloodline Warrior surrounds an ordinary warrior?”

“N-n-no…” The scarred bandit fell silent for a long moment. “Wait! Yes! The Founding Emperor Fú Lóng Zhen Cè!!” Hua Yanjian immediately smacked the bandit on the head: “That was the founding emperor of the Zhence Dynasty! Besides Fú Lóng Zhen Cè!”

“No one else,” the scarred bandit shook his head faster than Duan Feng Buer had. “Really no one! Whether it’s the Zhence Dynasty or the Lucifer Dynasty of the Demon Race, it has always been ordinary warriors following Bloodline Warriors.”

“Then that settles it,” Hua Yanjian placed her hands on her slender waist. “Qian Jin is not just an Alchemist; his future level will absolutely not stop at the Ninth Tier of Demon Subjugation. And he has a Bloodline Warrior beside him… No! He has two!”

“Two?” The scarred bandit looked at Hua Yanjian blankly: “Boss, did you misread this time?”

“Would I be wrong?” Hua Yanjian stared into the scarred bandit’s eyes. “Do you remember what my bloodline is?” The scarred bandit shrunk his neck: “Heavenly Eye Bloodline…”

“Exactly. I am a Second Level Awakened Heavenly Eye Bloodline Warrior.” Hua Yanjian patted the bandit’s shoulder. “The Heavenly Eye Bloodline possesses the ability to see through everything in the world. While that’s an exaggeration, that Demon Race brat certainly possesses bloodline power…”

“Demon Race!” Several bandits shrieked in simultaneous shock! In the Zhence Dynasty, warriors and the Demon Race only had two paths: life or death. Qian Jin actually had a Bloodline Warrior from the Demon Race as a companion? This was astonishing! But he clearly looked human.

“Of course, he’s a Demon Race member,” Hua Yanjian glanced dismissively at the stunned crowd. “The Demon Race can also have offspring with humans. I just don’t know which Demon Race Bloodline Demon Warrior he belongs to.” “The Boss has good judgment then.” “It’s just that Qian Jin already has a wife, seemingly more than one.” “Exactly, Boss…”

“Are you asking for a beating?” Hua Yanjian put her hands on her hips, and the bandits scattered like birds and beasts, leaving her alone to muse softly: “Does he really have a wife? Or was he just lying?” The continuous heavy rain washed over the land, and washed over the sky.

The freshly washed green grass was even more vibrant and emerald, resembling glittering jade stones. Water droplets clinging to the tips of the grass blades looked like countless pearls reflecting the midday sun. Stepping down sent countless water droplets scattering from the blades. The four inhaled the long-missed fresh air; their bodies felt clean, transparent, and lightened.

Qian Jin was the first to frown slightly, his eyes growing wary. Chekflit’s eyes followed, scanning their surroundings.

Blood! A faint scent of blood permeated the fresh air! It was the smell of freshly spilled blood! The four young warriors smelled that faint trace of blood in the air one after another.

The borderlands were clearly not a safe place right now! Qian Jin watched his surroundings vigilantly. According to the information from Hua Yanjian, the borderlands had long since lost their usual tranquility due to the rampant activity of the Demon Race’s Dark Agents.

A clamor of hoofbeats sounded from a distance. Qian Jin squinted toward the direction of a small hillock and saw six figures burst out from behind it.

Qian Jin narrowed his eyes, focusing his gaze on the six, realizing that none of them were physically sound. Trailing behind them were over a dozen bandits mounted on fine horses! They brandished their swords and swung lassos meant for roping horses over their heads, appearing ready to strike at any moment to entangle the running figures.

Fleeing behind were two young girls, supporting a middle-aged warrior. The middle-aged warrior, clad in leather armor, was gravely injured; a sharp weapon had clearly pierced his abdomen, and blood gushed out continuously with the motion of his muscles, leaving a long crimson streak on the grass recently washed by the rain.

The young warrior running at the very front, who appeared to have the lightest injuries, held a longsword and shield, frequently looking back. Beside him, two sturdy middle-aged warriors clung closely, their weapons quite substantial—especially the shield, which even Qian Jin, viewing it from the perspective of a blacksmith, would have praised.

Unfortunately, in the current situation, the thick, hard shield also became a heavy burden. Not only could it not serve its intended purpose, but it had become a definite encumbrance.

If the two girls hadn't had to support the middle-aged man while running, they might have had a better chance of outrunning the young warrior clutching the heavy shield.

Qian Jin held no doubt about this. The two girls both possessed beautiful, long legs, clad in tight black leather armor that exuded a burgeoning heroism, their developing figures possessing a unique and captivating charm.

The dozen or so shouting bandits also noticed Qian Jin and his group. With a long cry, four bandits separated from the group, brandishing their long spears and charging forward.

Qian Jin exchanged glances with the other three. It truly was the realm of bandits in the borderlands; facing four figures who looked like warriors, they only detached four members to initiate the attack.

It was now impossible to pretend they hadn’t seen anything and leave. The bandits, living lives of unchecked indulgence lately, had only one instinct upon seeing living beings: attack.

Qian Jin unhooked the Moon-Shooting Bow from his horse, drawing the arrow onto the string with a loud creak until it formed a full circle. He loosed an arrow directly at the bandit charging at the front. The arrow, released from the string, spun rapidly in the air, whistling sharply like a child’s toy. P.S.: It's the end of the month, and the lunar calendar is also nearing its end; monthly tickets are about to become yearly tickets... Give some yearly tickets!