Volume Two: Emerging Talents Chapter 0050: The Grand Banquet

More and more martial artists were gathering, as though a grand feast of carnage was about to begin at any moment. He’d been here for quite some time, yet had never truly investigated the matter of the ancient ruins. Experts were appearing in ever-greater numbers; where once those at the Dao Entry stage were rare, now, among any hundred people drawn from the streets, one could be found. The location of the ruins’ entrance was no longer a secret—anyone with a measure of strength could discover it. But now, the entrance had been sealed to prevent anyone from sneaking inside. The powers behind the scenes seized the opportunity to amass wealth: if one wished to enter, life or death was no concern, but an entrance fee would still have to be paid.

Heavenly Cauldron Auction House.

A grand auction would be held here, as well as discussions about how to reach the ultimate destination within the ruins. The Heavenly Cauldron Auction was renowned both at home and abroad—few dared provoke them. Especially this time, with the company monopolizing the event, their formidable background was plain to see. They issued a thousand invitations; only with one could you enter. The invitation was merely a tool—the company cared not who held it, but without it, entry was impossible.

No invitation meant the feast had nothing to do with you.

Holding the invitation in his hand, and listening to Wang Kun and the others, he instantly realized the invitation represented not just entry, but a multitude of hidden dangers. Invitations could be stolen. Taking a deep breath, he could almost taste the thick scent of killing intent wafting through the air.

That night.

He called Ye Meier, as well as Su Ying and Wu Yaoyao, to tell them he’d be busy for a while and might have no cell reception. As for his parents, he’d already let them know. Politely declining Wang Kun and Shao Bing’s offer to accompany him, he decided to go to the Heavenly Cauldron Auction on his own—a test, and a chance to temper himself.

Wang Hao looked slightly dejected. He had been the first to hear the news, but had no chance to participate. He knew that, with his strength, entering such a place would be courting death. He had come to terms with it.

A biting wind swept his cheeks. Dressed in sportswear layered with a denim jacket, and a pair of new sneakers, his face was bright with a cheerful smile, the very image of a sunny youth. The cold wind billowed, and the ancient streets, as if forewarned, had already shuttered their shops. Yet quite a few people still wandered the streets; judging by their auras, they were clearly martial artists.

He had walked barely a hundred meters from his hotel when three men rushed at him from afar. Without a word, they attacked. Frowning slightly, he swung his Black Dragon dagger and kept moving forward. The three men, who had charged in, froze, their eyes wide with disbelief.

With a heavy thud, all three collapsed in unison, a crimson pool spreading beneath them and a clear line of blood marking each throat.

Everyone was stunned by this display; no one had expected Qin Yang to be so powerful. Although rumors had circulated before, they had dismissed them as exaggerations—now they realized their mistake.

Applause sounded. From the distance, a man in black robes approached.

He was wrapped tightly, a mask covering his face. The way he walked seemed vaguely familiar, yet Qin Yang couldn’t place him. “We meet again,” the man said, a cold rasp in his voice, lips curling in a chilling smile.

His eyes burned with hatred, deepening Qin Yang’s confusion—he couldn’t recall making such an enemy in the whole of Xishan County. His eyes narrowed suddenly as a thought struck him: the young master of the Jinghe Group, Shangguan Yu.

“Shangguan Yu?” he ventured.

To his surprise, the man laughed darkly. “I didn’t expect you to recognize me even like this. Yes, it’s me.” With that, he boldly removed his mask, revealing a face covered in festering sores, grotesque and twisted.

It had only been a few days—what could have turned Shangguan Yu into this?

“It’s you. All because of you. If not for you, I wouldn’t be like this. So today, no matter what, you must die.” His eyes flashed with murderous resolve, his aura swelling with power.

He was an advanced Dao Entry cultivator, having also mastered the sinister path of Yin. The air grew thick with a licentious, corrupting energy; several martial artists of weak constitution nearby were quickly overcome.

“How did you do it?” Qin Yang asked coldly, wanting an answer, but Shangguan Yu only sneered, “That’s not for you to know. The dead have no need for answers.”

With that, he lunged at Qin Yang, his arm arcing through the air. His five fingers morphed into sharp claws, blackened with poison and miasma.

Qin Yang’s eyes narrowed, but instead of retreating, he advanced. The power of thunder surged into the Black Dragon dagger as he drew it.

A thrust, a flick, a tremor.

He was shocked—his Black Dragon dagger, indomitable as ever, was now ineffective. Even more surprising was how Shangguan Yu had become so formidable in such a short time.

Shangguan Yu laughed maniacally at Qin Yang’s failed strike. “The shame of last time will be repaid with your life today. And as for that woman, Ye Meier, you needn’t worry—I’ll take good care of her.”

“Seeking death.” Shangguan Yu had tried to provoke him, and he had succeeded.

The once somber air now grew even denser. The intent of slaughter and the will of thunder intertwined above. Qin Yang thrust out both hands, the Black Dragon dagger in his grip flashing with a cold gleam.

Two distinct Dao intents spread from within him, filling the air. Everyone present felt Qin Yang’s terrifying strength, yet this was only the beginning.

He unleashed the Mad Demon Overlord Body; his blood surged, his power doubling. Taking a sudden step forward, the very air trembled with a low hum. The fierce wind striking his body sounded like it beat against steel. He put away the dagger and struck out with his fist.

This punch contained all his strength—a devastating gale blew out in all directions. Even before he moved, his momentum alone stunned everyone.

A young man stood in the distance, watching with a faint smile and clear interest, though he did not intervene. Members of the Dragon Group had arrived early, but had orders to ignore whatever happened tonight—this was a martial world elimination match. Those without sufficient strength deserved to be weeded out. Rumor had it that a figure of great importance was to arrive tonight, a senior at the Profound Connection stage, even stronger than Battle Dragon himself.

With a single, unadorned punch, Shangguan Yu was sent flying, disbelief etched on his face. He had spent a fortune on medicinal herbs, followed ancient prescriptions, and transformed himself into this ghastly creature, yet he was still no match for Qin Yang.

“I can’t accept this,” he roared. “Even if I die, I’ll drag you down with me!” His aura surged once more as he burned his own blood with a secret art—his determination to kill Qin Yang was absolute.

Their battle raged on. Though Qin Yang held his own, he gained no real advantage; a line of blood appeared at the corner of his mouth.

“Rakshasa Seal!”

His face was grave, neither sorrowful nor joyful; in this moment, he seemed the very master of darkness, ruler of all. Behind him, a blood-red Rakshasa manifested, eyes closed in meditation.

The blood Rakshasa sat cross-legged in a sea of blood, as if cultivating, as if lost in slumber.

A towering killing intent arose; all present were shaken to their core.

“When the Rakshasa descends, even the gods perish.”

He crossed his hands, and the Rakshasa’s closed eyes snapped open. Lifting the blood demon, he hurled it forth.

Sensing the terrifying force, Shangguan Yu’s face went deathly pale. It was as though his organs were crushed and ground to pieces.

Blood spurted as his battered body was hurled away.

Qin Yang’s own face was pallid, his gaze sharpening. If Shangguan Yu survived, he would surely bring trouble in the future. With this thought, his eyes narrowed.

He unleashed the Gale Step; the Black Dragon dagger flashed once more from its sheath.

A cold light gleamed—the intention to slay Shangguan Yu was absolute.