Ye Jingyu stared blankly at the shattered arm and fist, where blood gushed out, exposing raw white flesh—a truly gruesome sight… He himself had reached the peak of the Sixth Level, his physical integrity harder than steel; ordinary blades or even Innate Zhenqi could hardly harm him. To have his arm smashed like this by a single punch left him utterly astonished. Chi Yixiu had also reached the Sixth Level, though not its pinnacle—evident by the fact that he was the one forced back by the impact.

So why was he the one injured? Could it be that Chi Yixiu’s physical robustness was actually stronger than his own? “Xiu, why are you so incredibly strong?” After a moment of stunned silence, Ye Jingyu fixed his gaze upon Chi Yixiu.

“He possesses the Innate Earth Spirit Physique; his inherent toughness is far superior to ordinary people. Marvelous, truly marvelous! To think such a constitution exists in this world.

What a pity I lack a cultivation method specifically for Wutu—with this physique, mastering Daoist arts would yield results twice as fast!” Before Chi Yixiu could answer, a head poked up from the ground. Who else but the ever-elusive Liang Xiaoke? “The Wutu Physique?” Everyone stared blankly at Liang Xiaoke emerging from the dirt, utterly perplexed.

Even Zhuge Yishi wore an expression of confusion. “You wouldn’t understand. Just know this: his current defense is unquestionably the strongest.

So, brother, even if your strength surpasses his, your physical resilience still falls short. In terms of sheer toughness, he surpasses even my current self!” Liang Xiaoke explained, his strange eyes appraising Chi Yixiu as if a gourmand were sizing up a roasted pig, contemplating the best place to start carving. Ye Jingyu was startled.

Stronger than Liang Xiaoke currently was? Just how powerful must he be? While Ye Jingyu was processing this surprise, Liang Xiaoke continued speaking.

“Ah, this is simply the perfect meat shield! Tell me, Brother Xiu, can you spare me a mouthful? I only need to siphon off a tiny bit of your blood—just a little sip—and my own resilience will multiply several times over!

My Earth Evasion techniques will also accelerate several times over! I promise, just a tiny drop, nothing more…” As Liang Xiaoke spoke, a pair of fangs elongated from the corners of his mouth… “Scram…” Ye Jingyu responded by delivering a heavy kick to Liang Xiaoke’s backside, sending him flying like a cannonball. “Damn it, Xiaoyu!

After all the good I’ve done for you, it’s just a bit of blood from your subordinate?” Liang Xiaoke shouted curses while still mid-air. Ye Jingyu ignored him, shaking his bruised arm before patting Chi Yixiu’s muscular bicep and saying warmly, “Excellent, truly excellent. I never expected that in just over a year, you would cultivate yourself into a Sixth-Level Warrior!” “This is all thanks to the cultivation methods you provided, A'Yu.

Not only did I reach the Sixth Level, but Qi’s current arm strength is now hundreds of thousands of jin. His Arrow Arts have reached the Third Form, allowing him to loose three arrows simultaneously!” Chi Yixiu stated plainly, a smile flickering across his face. “The Third Form?

Very good, very good…” Hearing that Hu Yanqi had managed to master the Setting Sun Arrow Art to the Third Form, Ye Jingyu felt deeply satisfied. He vaguely remembered examining that set of techniques, recognizing it as extraordinary. Each additional arrow loosed multiplied the overall power; if one could reach the Ninth Form, releasing nine arrows in a celestial sequence, it was said they could shoot down the sun… Of course, whether that last boast was true remained to be verified.

“Meng, and you?” Ye Jingyu smiled as he looked at Hu Yanmeng, his female thrall who had never once allowed him to gain the slightest advantage, feeling a surge of joy within himself. “Swish!” The uncommonly cold Hu Yanmeng did not speak; instead, she raised her hand and fired an arrow, her action serving as her entire explanation. Instantly, an ice-cold arrow materialized before Ye Jingyu’s brow, its biting chill making him shiver.

He tapped his index finger, shattering the projectile, but felt a momentary numbness spread through the tip of his digit. “This much power is enough to slay a Grandmaster. It seems you all have been cultivating diligently this past year!” Sensing the force behind that single arrow, Ye Jingyu allowed a faint smile to grace his lips.

In just over a year, not only had he progressed, but those around him had too. With their backing now, his influence was set to grow substantially. “Ouch, my dear heavens, why is the blood-qi of these fellows all so robust?

Wow, they are all Warriors of the Fourth Level or higher! A'Yu, I have a proposition for you: let each of them donate one jin of blood to me to help me master the Blood Corpse Great Art! Then, even if a Martial God were to arrive, we wouldn’t need to worry!” Liang Xiaoke, having been kicked away by Ye Jingyu, was now perched on a wall, gazing at the neatly lined-up Chi Yizu warriors outside, drool dripping steadily from the corners of his mouth.

Ye Jingyu completely ignored Liang Xiaoke’s proposal. Practice whatever Blood Corpse Art you wish, just keep your intentions away from my people. “Hey, I’m not suggesting killing them, just one jin of blood!

You don’t have to be so stingy, do you?” Liang Xiaoke’s pale face contorted into a picture of misery. This time, not only Ye Jingyu but also Luo Ruofeng and the others chose to ignore him. “Yay, yay, a beauty!

It’s Yao Rao! Why is she here? Could she have finally been moved by my sincerity?

Has she come specifically to see me today?” Just then, Liang Xiaoke, still on the wall, suddenly changed expression. He instantly abandoned the plea for blood, leaped down, wiped his mouth, quickly smoothed down his hair, and dashed towards the outside… Ye Jingyu and the others were momentarily stunned. Why would Yao Rao come?

“Your Highness, what should we do?” Ye Jingyu turned to look at Luo Ruofeng. “It’s of no consequence. Since she is allied with you, what do I have to worry about?” Luo Ruofeng shook his head, showing no intention of retreating.

Ye Jingyu said no more, instructing Chi Yixiu and the others to rest to one side. Meanwhile, Hu Yanmeng pulled out a stack of white cloth and began tending to Ye Jingyu’s injured arm. This action caused Ye Jingyu a brief moment of surprise.

Outside, Yao Rao was still clad in that pink gauze dress, walking forward deliberately. When she saw the tall Chi Yizu warriors stationed at the residence, her expression remained neutral; clearly, she had already been informed that these warriors had traveled from the Southern Barren Forest. “Beautiful Yao Rao, you’ve finally arrived!

I’ve missed you terribly!” At this moment, a figure lunged toward her. Yao Rao didn't even glance at him, sidestepping deftly to avoid the embrace, and continued walking forward. Since she was considered one of Ye Jingyu’s people, she required no summons to enter the Earl’s residence.