Chapter One Hundred and Nineteen: Liu Shiyu’s Transformation

The shop manager had once said that if one wished to resolve the troubles brought about by the power of the bloodline, the only way was to make a journey to Red Moon City and find the Spirit Kite Princess, who was confined within the palace. She possessed a unique demonic power, and only she could help Cheng Feng quell the uncontrollable surge of his bloodline, melting away this wild force.

If he could fully integrate it into himself, Cheng Feng’s strength would increase dramatically.

Cheng Feng planned to request leave from the Disaster Association two days later and set off for Red Moon City accompanied by Xue Ju. Naturally, Xue Ju was delighted upon hearing this news. With the City Lord’s token in hand, there would generally be no danger upon arriving at Red Moon City.

Cheng Feng was not overly concerned about this; barring any mishaps, the journey should go smoothly.

That day, Cheng Feng left Xue Ju behind to guard the apartment, as recent developments outside had been tense, and it was best she stayed indoors for the time being. Cheng Feng intended to visit the Lightspeed Sword Pavilion, having not trained with Yan Ruying for some time. Taking advantage of the brief window of free time, he hoped to improve his strength.

Yan Ruying, a masterful third-rank ace, specialized in swordsmanship. Each time Cheng Feng trained with her, he gained new combat experience and sword techniques.

With every session, it was clear that Yan Ruying’s strength had grown since their last encounter. She always held back during their training—not just holding back, but rather, restraining herself immensely. As Cheng Feng’s skills improved, Yan Ruying would take the training more seriously, revealing even greater power to once again surpass him.

This cyclical training method propelled Cheng Feng’s progress, making it both obvious and rapid—truly befitting a professional.

Cheng Feng harbored the ambition that one day he might surpass this swordsmanship teacher entirely.

Before leaving, he took a moment to examine his complexion in the mirror. Under the influence of his bloodline power, his face had grown pale, faint blood-red glimmers flickered deep in his eyes, his teeth had sharpened slightly, and his nails had grown longer and pointed.

Though these vampiric traits were not yet fully pronounced, they likely wouldn’t raise suspicion.

Though the thirst for blood sometimes surged strongly, as long as he refrained from activating his bloodline power, he could still control the urge to feed; thus, no serious problems arose.

Cheng Feng mounted his motorcycle and sped through the streets, the summer breeze greeting him as he arrived at the long-unvisited Lightspeed Sword Pavilion.

After locking his motorcycle, he entered through the gates.

The receptionist’s eyes brightened upon seeing him. She greeted cheerfully, “Cheng Feng, long time no see! Training today, huh?”

At the recent promotion tournament held at the Sports Plaza, Cheng Feng had won first place, leaving a deep impression on her as a rising star.

So, whenever she saw him come to train, she always wanted to draw closer to this promising newcomer.

“Yeah, it’s been a while. You’re looking much more beautiful than before,” Cheng Feng replied casually, causing her heart to flutter. Then he asked, “Is Teacher Yan Ruying here today?”

“She is, training with other students.”

“Good.”

Cheng Feng quickly made his way to the training grounds. In sight were numerous rings where students sparred, the clang of combat and clashing swords ringing incessantly.

On Ring Number Five, he spotted Yan Ruying dueling with Liu Shiyu. Their wooden swords clashed fiercely in the air, sparks flying with every strike.

He blinked to confirm he wasn’t mistaken.

Why was Liu Shiyu here?

Cheng Feng had known that Liu Shiyu had trained at the Lightspeed Sword Pavilion in the past. However, after rising to elite status, her skill level had reached the standard of a master, and so she no longer needed to come here.

Yet now, she was back training at the sword pavilion—an exceedingly rare occurrence.

Since knowing her, Liu Shiyu was either on a mission or en route to one, constantly busy hunting monsters with little time for anything else.

Her presence here for training was unprecedented.

Could she have been stirred by something, seeking greater strength?

Cheng Feng thought little of it and climbed onto the ring’s edge, silently watching the duel. He planned to take his turn only after Liu Shiyu’s session ended.

Yan Ruying wielded her wooden sword with such speed that her blade blurred to the naked eye, effortlessly deflecting every attack Liu Shiyu launched.

Liu Shiyu’s swordsmanship was by no means weak; her strikes carried both speed and power, each swing accompanied by a piercing whistle of wind.

But for some unknown reason, every sword she unleashed was met and parried with ease.

Watching from the sidelines, Cheng Feng frowned.

Something felt off. Liu Shiyu’s technique was not as precise as before; instead, it seemed disordered, which explained why the battle was so one-sided.

At first, Liu Shiyu matched Yan Ruying blow for blow, but as time passed, she grew increasingly strained, gradually falling under Yan Ruying’s control.

Suddenly, Yan Ruying launched a precise strike, knocking Liu Shiyu’s wooden sword aside. Then she swung her sword horizontally, the slicing sound sharp and threatening, aimed at Liu Shiyu’s neck.

The moment the wooden sword touched the skin, it stopped.

Seeing Yan Ruying’s serious expression, Liu Shiyu attempted to speak, “Teacher, I—”

“No need to say anything. I know why you came back to train with me—to become stronger.”

Yan Ruying lowered the wooden sword from Liu Shiyu’s neck, her tone somber: “But you must have noticed, right? Your strength hasn’t improved; you’re only getting weaker. You can’t compare to before. You know why—your mind is too unsettled.”

Liu Shiyu fell silent for a moment, then slowly picked up her sword, her voice tinged with determination: “Teacher, give me one more chance. Let’s spar again… this time, I’ll be serious.”

“No need.”

Yan Ruying showed no intention of continuing and sighed, “In your current state, no matter how many times we fight, the outcome won’t change. Go wash your face, calm yourself, and then come back.”

Liu Shiyu hesitated but eventually laid down her sword and left the ring, heading to the restroom.

As Liu Shiyu departed, Yan Ruying turned her gaze to Cheng Feng, who had been watching all along. “You brat, coming here without letting me know. Has winning the promotion tournament gone to your head?”

Cheng Feng scratched his head. “No way. If I managed to win, it’s all thanks to you, Teacher...”

“Sounds good.”

Yan Ruying took back her wooden sword and lit a lady’s cigarette. “How long has it been since you last came?”

Cheng Feng walked over to her naturally and glanced toward Liu Shiyu’s direction. “Do you think Liu Shiyu was stirred by something? That’s why she suddenly wants to become stronger?”

Yan Ruying looked at him. “You were also at the Black Night Yasha battle a few days ago, right? You should know the reason.”

Cheng Feng pondered. “Her brother?”

Yan Ruying’s tone darkened. “Looks like you met that man too.”

“Brother Shen!”

---

Shen Changqing walked the streets, greeting acquaintances with nods or brief hellos.

No matter who it was, every face he encountered bore no surplus expression, as if indifferent to everything.

He had grown accustomed to this.

This place was the Demon Suppression Division, an organization maintaining stability in the Great Qin Empire, primarily tasked with slaying demons and monsters. Of course, it had other minor roles as well.

Simply put, everyone in the Demon Suppression Division had blood on their hands.

When one becomes accustomed to life and death, many things lose their significance.

When Shen Changqing first arrived in this world, he felt uneasy, but over time, he adapted.

The Demon Suppression Division was vast.

Those who remained within were either formidable experts or possessed the potential to become such.

Shen Changqing was the latter.

The division was divided into two roles: Guardians and Exorcists.

Anyone entering the division started at the lowest rank as an Exorcist, then advanced step by step, with the ultimate hope of becoming a Guardian.

Shen Changqing’s former self had been a trainee Exorcist, the lowest rank among Exorcists.

With memories of his past life, he was very familiar with the division’s environment.

Before long, Shen Changqing stopped before a pavilion.

Unlike the other grim and murderous places in the division, this pavilion stood out like a crane among chickens, presenting a rare tranquility amidst the bloodiness.

The pavilion’s door stood open, with occasional people moving in and out.

After a brief hesitation, Shen Changqing stepped inside.

Upon entering, the atmosphere changed abruptly.

A mingling of ink fragrance and faint bloodstains filled the air, causing his brows to furrow instinctively—but they soon relaxed.

The scent of blood on everyone in the Demon Suppression Division was nearly impossible to wash away.