Any secret art or technique that can drastically increase one's strength in this world cannot possibly come without a cost.

At this moment, without any prior rigorous cultivation or training, his own bloodline had already seen immense improvement.

Such strength gained from thin air must inevitably be accompanied by certain hidden dangers and complications.

He had never even heard of this technique, the Marrow-Burning Spirit Offering Art, before. The only person he could currently consult was this mysterious figure who had silently trailed him, harboring unknown intentions.

"A price?"

Chahou Hu chuckled, "Someone has already paid the price for you! Those thirty-six members of the Lu clan have, at most, three years left to live. However—"

Zong Shou inwardly thought, as expected, there was always a 'however' at the end.

Listening intently, he heard Chahou Hu continue, "This method infuses the blood spirit, but it requires a corresponding set of sealing secret arts. If this technique was not performed by an elder of your Lu family, the Burning Sky bloodline within your body will be activated periodically. If you can endure it, all is well. If you cannot, you will perish as flesh and blood exploding! Brother Zong should be cautious; it would be best to ask an elder of your Lu family at the Saint realm to perform the sealing ritual for your blood spirit. Without the accompanying seal, this method is sheer torture, making life unbearable. You will understand the agony yourself in time!"

Zong Shou's brow furrowed. A Venerable of the Lu family at the Saint realm? Where was he supposed to find such a person?

The only one he knew was that Fang Jue. But this individual was merely a vassal affiliated with the Lu family by an external surname.

Furthermore, even if he could locate such a person, he would be unwilling to swallow his pride to plead for help.

With a cold snort, Zong Shou dismissed everything Chahou Hu had said.

Torture? Unbearable agony? How painful could it be? Could it surpass the suffering of his previous dual-meridian body?

It was, however, peculiar that this Asura tribesman seemed extremely familiar with the Lu family's affairs.

While pondering this internally, Zong Shou betrayed nothing on his face, merely nodding slightly, "Thank you for your guidance, Brother Cha. Zong Shou has taken note! I do have one more question, however: why exactly did Brother Cha pursue me today? Is there something you wish to discuss with me?"

To be able to track him without being detected...

Chahou Hu's strength was likely far more profound than he had let on.

"I knew my actions would arouse Brother Zong's suspicion!"

Chahou Hu smiled, his expression placid, "But I, Cha, truly do have something to discuss with Brother Zong. I came this time seeking to join forces with you!"

Zong Shou was momentarily stunned. At this juncture, anyone still qualified to play the game on the chessboard of the Yuanlian World should surely be thinking of forming alliances to counter Zong Shou collectively.

What Chahou Hu proposed was rather unexpected.

After a moment of contemplation, a flash of insight suddenly illuminated Zong Shou's mind.

"The Zhuang Yu Martial Path—was that secretly taught by your Asura tribe?"

It slipped out almost instinctively.

If that were true, then the twenty thousand Xuandu Guards were likely also connected to this person.

Chahou Hu visibly showed a flicker of surprise at the question. He remained silent, his 'radiant' eyes staring blankly at Zong Shou in contemplation.

After a long pause, he let out a soft chuckle, "Brother Zong has a truly keen mind to deduce that. The truth is indeed so. However, I employed certain methods, and General Zhuang remains utterly oblivious to this day, believing some other entity is secretly lending aid—"

Zong Shou listened quietly, and only when the other stopped speaking did he resume, "Brother Cha's status must also be extraordinary? The name Chahou Hu seems not to be your real name? What exactly is your purpose, and what do you seek?"

An Immortal-rank cultivator of unfathomable power would not come to the Yuanlian World without reason.

Judging by his actions, he was covertly aiding Zhuang Yu to overthrow all of them—the foreign races.

Yet, now he sought an alliance with Zong Shou.

Every move was baffling.

Moreover, Zong Shou knew that the surname Cha belonged to one of the Battle Clans within the Asura tribe.

Although handsome, he did not possess the breathtaking, almost unworldly beauty of the person before him.

"Chahou Hu is indeed a real person, but not the one standing before you. As for my purpose, if I said it was to avert a major calamity for my Asura tribe, would Brother Zong believe me?"

Chahou Hu's gaze shifted as he explained, "The Nine Capitals Celestial Court cannot stop them, and the Profound Spirit Society is even less capable. The Extreme Ultimate Sacred Emperor is currently straining every effort to resist the Lu family and is occupied since ancient times. Therefore, our only hope rests on Zhuang Yu! Our Asura tribe doesn't ask that he stop that person, only that he can hold him off for a few years. He indeed possesses that capability—"

Upon hearing this, Zong Shou was slightly moved, glancing at the other party with astonishment.

To hold off that person? To avert a catastrophe?

In an instant, Zong Shou understood everything, and his expression instantly returned to calm.

"Do you now feel that I, Zong Shou, am a more suitable candidate than Zhuang Yu?"

"Precisely!"

Chahou Hu nodded, "I have observed Zhuang Yu for ten years and understand him deeply. Anyone capable of subduing him is certainly no ordinary figure. Over these past few months, the Sovereign has orchestrated affairs masterfully, turning the tide with incredible skill—"

Just as he was about to elaborate further, Chahou Hu's expression shifted slightly, then he chuckled, "It seems Brother Zong's troubles have arrived. This person is in a hurry now, likely hating you to the core. This individual's strength is considerable, also at the peak of the Immortal realm, but a hundred times more formidable than that venomous insect. Brother Dao is truly in a tough spot this time. Never mind, we will discuss this later. Cha will take his leave first!"

He stepped into the distant void and added lightly, "Brother Zong can rest assured. Whether Brother Zong ultimately manages to escape this pursuer safely or not, I will certainly do my utmost to look after the foundation you've built in the Yuanlian Realm—"

The lingering sound of his voice persisted long after Chahou Hu had departed.

Zong Shou frowned, pondering that this man was truly an enigma.

His aura was incredibly fierce, accompanied by a palpable scent of blood, comparable to the scent that pervaded the air when Zong Shou had once slaughtered hundreds of thousands of Dao Sect cultivators.

This person must have also experienced the Asura battlefields, taking countless lives.

Even for an Asura tribesman, this level of malevolence seemed excessive.

Was it wise to take such a being as an ally?

Forget it; he would ponder that another day!

Zong Shou shook his head. At this moment, he had no mental capacity to dwell on such things!

The blood boiling within his body brought forth an intensely sharp and brutal intent that locked firmly onto his spirit.

An aura was rapidly closing in from several worlds away.

"I've caught you!"

In his ear, he heard a guttural snort, much like the roar of a wild beast.

Zong Shou shook his head, and as his will stirred, his inner void manifestation externalized itself.

Forty Star Dragon Pills were widely distributed, scattered in all directions—some nearby, others separated by an entire realm.

Then, a full twenty-eight Extinction Dragon Tooth Swords flew from his sleeves, circling to form the Ten Absolutes Imperial Path Annihilation Array.

Today promised to be the most arduous battle Zong Shou had faced since beginning his martial cultivation.

Since escape was impossible, he could only commit to fighting with all his strength.

The sword array had just stabilized when streaks of spear shadows suddenly pierced the void, plummeting towards their location.

Brilliant silver-white, like a sudden bloom of pear blossoms. (To be continued)RQ