Fabreius's expression suddenly grew grave! "Compared to the Forty Bloodline, this is much harder than I imagined."

Qiang Jin nodded. Fabreius then shifted his gaze to Duan Fengbuer, who was produced by Gaolou Dasha Ba Agui: "A Hydra Bloodline Warrior? You've only just awakened naturally, haven't you? Otherwise, why would your battle qi possess such little strength? Why are you following Qiang Jin? Do you intend to make him your retainer?"

"What kind of joke is that? Qiang Jin as my retainer?" Duan Fengbuer repeatedly shook his head. "I never considered taking anyone as my retainer. However, it is true that I awakened naturally, which came over a year later than the ritual awakening... *..."

"That explains it. The Hydra Bloodline is one of the ten great bloodlines of the Zhence Dynasty, a formidable one," Fabreius's eyes landed on Chekefulite, scrutinizing him from head to toe.

"These three are all my friends." Qiang Jin stepped forward, feeling a little uneasy. "Duan Fengbuer, Chekefulite, Fen Tu Kuangge."

"Duan Feng? That is not the surname of a Hydra Bloodline Warrior." Fabreius, produced by Gaolou Dasha Ba Agui, refocused his attention on Duan Fengbuer. "You don't hail from a Hydra Bloodline family?"

"My mother comes from the Hydra Bloodline family," Duan Fengbuer bent slightly at the waist. "As for me, I was born into the Duan Feng family."

"Indestructible Sword Body, produced by Agui, I understand now." Fabreius smiled faintly. Bloodline families rarely married their women out. Even if they married a man, it was customary for the man to join the bloodline family. Only a few women, those with little hope of producing descendants with awakened bloodlines, would be married out.

Some women were even married off after losing their fertility. Duan Fengbuer's situation was truly an anomaly.

"Fen Tu Kuangge? You are from the Fen Tu clan?" Fabreius nodded at Fen Tu Kuangge, then cast a curious gaze back at Qiang Jin. What an interesting young man.

Even a bloodline awakened warrior not born into a bloodline warrior family possessed proud confidence. Furthermore, it wouldn't be difficult for him to rejoin a bloodline warrior family. Yet, Qiang Jin called him a friend rather than a retainer, and he didn't seem angry; in fact, he appeared happy and satisfied.

Qiang Jin felt extremely uncomfortable under Fabreius's stare. The scene of their recent battle flashed through his mind. "Uncle, when I watched you fight just now, your battle qi underwent a massive, sudden change. It wasn't just an explosive increase in quantity, but a strange transformation. Just that change amplified the combat power several times over! You seemed to call it Battle Soul?"

Fabreius looked at Qiang Jin with confusion. "When did you arrive here? I didn't sense your presence until you made your move. While I was engaged with the enemy, that is still astonishing enough, isn't it?"

"When you separated after the fight," Qiang Jin respectfully addressed Fabreius. "What is Battle Soul?"

"Battle Soul..." Fabreius gazed at the sky. "I intended to tell you after you became a Demon Subduing Warrior, but telling you sooner or later makes little difference. I was just worried that if you became too obsessed with understanding what Battle Soul is, it would delay your improvement."

"Did you feel it just now?" Fabreius spread his palm, where white battle qi danced. It slowly shifted to red. "What is the difference between this and what happened before?"

Qiang Jin leaned closer to examine the battle qi in Fabreius's palm. "Gaolou Dasha Ba Agui produced it seems alive..." Like it went from being dead to being alive."

"Very good, your perception is correct." Fabreius clenched his five fingers into a fist, and the battle qi retreated into his body. "Battle Soul. For now, just knowing it is alive is enough. It's not like it's alive; it truly is alive! It possesses life; battle qi has a soul too! As for what exactly Battle Soul is... *"

"Fabreius, be careful," a warrior from the Ten Stream suddenly spoke up. "The wilds are unsafe after all. If you wish to understand Qiang Jin, let's return to Auckland or Yongliu, or at least stay within the borders of the Zhence Dynasty. Do not forget, the bounty on your head is higher over in the Lucifer Dynasty."

"That's right! They dispatched the Dark Division Five-Star this time, clearly indicating they aren't certain you've actually emerged, or if this is some kind of bait to lure you out," another member of the Ten Stream chimed in. "Once they confirm everything, things will become much more troublesome and dangerous."

Qiang Jin looked at the worry etched on the faces of the Ten Stream members and nodded lightly. Fabreius's moniker among the demons was 'Blood Blade,' so the bounty would naturally be much higher.

"Uncle, let's return to Auckland first."

Fabreius watched Duan Fengbuer finish collecting the identification documents of the Dark Division Five-Star and nodded. "Let's go! Back to Auckland first."

Qiang Jin took the documents handed over by Duan Fengbuer and carefully tucked them away, then headed down the mountain with his bow. The Ten Stream exchanged glances, surprise evident in their eyes. Such a young Demon Subduing Nine-Rank warrior, and with such first-rate archery skills—it was truly astonishing. No wonder Lord Fabreius dared to venture deep into the wilds alone, knowing the potential danger of death, yet making the decision not to leave until he saw someone.

Fabreius watched Qiang Jin’s retreating figure and smiled faintly. A person of that age was truly rare among ordinary warriors. Moreover, he was reportedly a Level Ten Blacksmith, and now possessed excellent archery skills. The prospects for him joining the Flowing Stream Fortress in the future were exciting! Even the skill of a Level Ten Blacksmith alone could alleviate a significant portion of the pressure the Fortress faced from the Blacksmiths' Guild. It was a pity his few friends didn't seem to have skills in alchemy or other areas," Forget it! Fabreius shook his head lightly. Such thoughts were too greedy. If only Qiang Jin could help the Flowing Stream Fortress shake off some of the Blacksmiths' Guild's pressure, the Fortress would have a chance to re-emerge as one of Yongliu's true Eight Great Powers. At worst, they would be suppressed a bit by the Mages' Guild and a few others, but they wouldn't struggle as much as they did now.

Earth Fortress, a small border fortress on the human-demon battlefield of the Zhence Dynasty.

The recent tension in the wilds had caused all nearby fortresses to heighten their vigilance, constantly monitoring the movements of the fortress to prevent any bandit group from suddenly getting reckless enough to launch a sneak attack.

Such incidents had occurred throughout the history of the Zhence Dynasty, the Lucifer Dynasty, and even the Barbarian tribes.

Dusk was always the time when fortress gates were shut tight. Today, however, the gates were wide open at this hour, yet the soldiers stationed at Earth Fortress dared not fully relax their guard, maintaining watch at every post for any movement in the wilds.

General Feng watched the horses speeding across the horizon. With rough hands, he awkwardly adjusted his armor, his expression a mix of seventy percent tension and thirty percent excitement. Unsure where to place his hands, he adjusted his helmet again.

Several Chiliarchs curiously glanced at General Feng. Their general was notoriously ill-tempered; even when high-ranking officials were dispatched from the military headquarters, his demeanor remained no different than during routine drills. Today, he was nervous like a young bride about to be married. What important figure was coming?

The horses galloping on the horizon drew closer. The Chiliarchs' expressions simultaneously sharpened. Qiang Jin and the few others leading the charge seemed unconcerned, but the ten warriors behind them exuded a completely different aura.

The ten warriors spread out in a line, their steady presence radiating the spirit forged through bloodshed and fire. Even while galloping on horseback, they gave the impression that they would charge fearlessly against ten thousand demon troops with just their ten men.

Though only ten in number, they projected an imposing might greater than a hundred. Ahead of these ten rode a single figure, clad in battle robes stained with blood, a long sword swinging with the rhythm of the warhorse, like a returning king.

Who were these people? The Chiliarchs exchanged puzzled glances. The horses stopped before the fortress gate. Fabreius reined in his steed, which reared up, letting out a loud neigh.

"This is Feng Shouquan, the commander of Earth Fortress. I greet Lord Fabreius."

General Feng struck his fist hard against his chest, stepped forward, and bowed ninety degrees deeply. His voice boomed like a massive bell, even stirring his battle qi.

Qiang Jin glanced sideways at Fabreius as he dismounted. This was the influence of a true great warrior; even a general holding command over a fortress afforded him the highest respect.

Feng Shouquan kept his head bowed, his voice slightly trembling. "Lord Fabreius, this junior has already prepared quarters for you... *..."

"No rush. First, to your main tent," Fabreius gripped the Tian Lu Sword. "There are matters to discuss."

Who was Fabreius? Why did the General show him such respect? The Chiliarchs exchanged bewildered glances, watching Fabreius and the others enter Feng Shouquan's general's tent.

"Qiang Jin," Fabreius sat in the seat of honor reserved for guests. "Bring out the item."

The item? Feng Shouquan looked confusedly at Qiang Jin approaching. What item was it? Why couldn't it be shown outside, but had to be presented here?

"General," Qiang Jin carefully took out the evidence of the Dark Division Five-Star from the leather pouch at his waist and respectfully placed it on the General's desk. "This is for you."

The Dark Division Five-Star? The backside of General Feng that had just touched the chair seemed to have been stabbed by an awl or a knife. He jumped up high, staring blankly at the unique identification document of the Dark Division Five-Star on the table—a special document that absolutely could not be forged.

The Dark Division Five-Star! The most secretive, brutal, and fierce enforcers of the Demon Royal Family’s inner circle! Even deploying them on the main battlefield was considered an elite unit within an ace army. A Five-Star high-ranking Demon Martial Master was dead just like that.

General Feng stared numbly at the evidence of the Dark Division Five-Star on the desk. One Dark Division Two-Star had nearly cost three young warriors their lives, and now, while retrieving Fabreius from the wilds, they had incidentally brought back the evidence of a Dark Division Five-Star's demise.

Feng Shouquan slowly raised his stiff gaze to Fabreius, his excitement and shock unable to subside for a long time. He truly lived up to his reputation, Lord Fabreius! He had actually slain a Demon Martial Master of the Dark Division Five-Star rank!

"Don't look at me," Fabreius swept his finger toward Qiang Jin beside him. "He deserves credit too. Otherwise, it would have taken me longer."

"... " Feng Shouquan stared blankly at Qiang Jin. The Dark Division Five-Star and Two-Star were absolutely not on the same level of strength. Rumor had it that within the Dark Division, there was a huge disparity between each star rank. Last time, killing a Two-Star almost cost them their lives; how could he have a share in killing a Five-Star this time?

Feng Shouquan squeezed his eyes hard. At this age, let alone ordinary warriors, even bloodline awakened warriors might not fare better!

"Just give all the credit to him," Fabreius nodded lightly. "General Feng, you carry on with your duties. Qiang Jin, come with me... *..."

"Lord Fabreius," Feng Shouquan raised his hand, opening his five fingers. "This credit, you also share in..."

Fabreius tilted his head and asked faintly, "Do you think I care about military merits?"

Feng Shouquan lowered his raised hand and scratched the back of his head repeatedly, embarrassment coloring his cheeks. "It was my oversight. With your status, why would you care about military merit? I will immediately dispatch someone to arrange your lodging."

Qiang Jin followed Fabreius outside the tent and asked softly, "We aren't leaving immediately?"

"We'll stay one night," Fabreius patted Qiang Jin's back. "I haven't had much rest these past few days. We'll recuperate here."

"That works too," Qiang Jin nodded and stepped out of the main tent. "I have some things to attend to; I'll find you later."

Fabreius waved his hand and followed the soldier sent by Feng Shouquan toward the quarters.

Lei Wei! Qiang Jin clenched his fists and rapidly traversed the military camp. Although he suspected Lei Wei had already left, now that he was back, he had to check and see if he was truly gone. If he hadn't left..."

What was that? Qiang Jin's eyes lit up as he saw the Song family twins supporting Song Xinghe on a walk nearby. He jogged a few steps toward them. "Uncle Song, out for a stroll?"

Song Xinghe nodded gently and sighed, "Yes, though injured, one still needs some activity."

Qiang Jin twisted his neck, scanning the surroundings, and asked casually, "Where is Lei Wei?"

Song Xinghe looked at Qiang Jin in surprise, not expecting this young warrior, upon his return, to inquire about Lei Wei's condition. Song Axiao whispered, "He didn't linger long after arriving at the camp that day; he left quickly."

"Is that so?" Qiang Jin forced a dry laugh, noticing the rare vigilance pass over his eyes. This Lei Wei was certainly no fool; he gave his orders and left immediately, showing remarkable decisiveness.

"Uncle Song, you two continue your walk. I still have something to do."

"Qiang Jin..." Song Xinghe looked back at Qiang Jin's retreating figure, wanting to speak but stopping. "Alas..." Forget it... The Lei family is not easy to provoke."

Qiang Jin turned back, smiling. "What? Do I look like I have killing intent on my face?"

Song Xinghe shook his head silently. There was no killing intent on his face, nor in his words, not even between his brows. This was merely an instinctual feeling developed from years of dealing with different people. When two young men who previously had a poor relationship suddenly showed concern or interest in each other, it usually signaled no good news.

"Thank you, Uncle. I know what I'm doing." Qiang Jin leaned back against the outside wall, hands clasped behind his head, gazing up at the sky. Last time, he was lucky enough to discover that Lei Wei had sent subordinates to track him; otherwise, he might have already been killed by the Greatsword Bandits in the wilds. Next time, he might not be so lucky. Instead of passively waiting to be attacked, he preferred to take the initiative and eliminate the venomous snake that threatened his life beforehand.

Song Xinghe quietly watched Qiang Jin's back and shook his head gently. Having wandered outside for many years, he had met many people, but never a young man like this. He was always so composed and calm, not a pretense of composure but something emanating from his very bones.

When he returned to the room Fabreius was using, it was already dinner time. The Ten Stream and Fen Tu Kuangge and the others were gathered around a large table, enjoying a meal of relief.

Fabreius put down his chopsticks, rose, and swept his gaze over everyone present. "Qiang Jin, didn't you want to know what Battle Soul is? Let's all go together."

Battle Soul? Qiang Jin quickly put down his chopsticks. The memory of the battle between the Dark Division Five-Star of Qingquan Mountain and Fabreius still filled him with awe at the immense power.

"Battle Soul? I'm interested in that too," Duan Fengbuer eagerly stood up, grabbing the Erbu Spear beside him, and smiled at Fabreius. "It sounds quite powerful."

Fen Tu Kuangge looked at Duan Fengbuer and shook his head slightly. Bloodline awakened warriors usually received guidance from the powerful figures in their families, so they naturally knew what Battle Soul was. Only bloodline awakened warriors like Duan Fengbuer, who didn't come from a bloodline family, would be ignorant of it.

Qiang Jin? Fen Tu Kuangge followed behind the group, looking at Qiang Jin's back and shaking his head lightly. It was strange that an ordinary warrior possessed such formidable strength yet didn't know what Battle Soul was. Could he not be a descendant from that ordinary warrior family?

Passing through the training ground, Fabreius led the way out of Earth Fortress's barracks and stood on the outskirts outside the Zhence Dynasty's interior territory. The recently risen moon shone quietly upon the land, and the chirping of insects occasionally broke the silence in the surrounding grass.

"What is Battle Soul? Originally, I intended to tell you only after you broke through to Demon Subduing Nine-Rank, becoming a Demon Subduing Warrior, or even stronger." Fabreius turned to look at Qiang Jin, who was being kept twenty meters away by the Ten Stream. "Now, watch closely. This is Battle Soul!"

Fabreius tilted his head slightly and suddenly spread both arms wide. Red battle qi, visible to the naked eye, erupted outward from his body. The green grass beneath his feet instantly withered under the intense heat of the battle qi, making him resemble a small sun appearing under the moonlight.

This outward-spraying red battle qi began to writhe and coalesce. Qiang Jin's brow furrowed deeply. The battle qi before was infinitely powerful! But that was just battle qi, or rather, it was an inanimate object.

Now, this battle qi carried a vibrant sense of life! Like the bursting green life across the land when spring follows winter.

The battle qi surrounding Fabreius writhed and rapidly ascended, rising a full two zhang (about 6.6 meters) from the ground, gradually... gradually... forming a giant phantom composed of a wolf's head and a human body made of battle qi.

Qiang Jin's eyes widened to their absolute limit, his fingers tightly clenched into fists, screaming inwardly: That's the feeling! Yes! On Qingquan Mountain, the battle qi emanating from Fabreius was filled with this aura of life! But there was no strange phantom like this one—this two-zhang-high phantom, wolf-headed and human-bodied, exuding boundless wildness and strength!

Seeking monthly tickets at the end of the month.