What secret in this world could grant a Saint Realm a power so terrifying?
"This world is truly wondrous," Zhou Yan murmured to himself. His gaze then fell upon the drop of blood. It exuded a faint, beautiful crimson glow, yet Zhou Yan was certain the energy contained within it was enough to obliterate a Saint.
"No, my current strength is far too low. I cannot wield the energy within this drop of blood. Otherwise, even a Saint would be forced to drink their fill of regret before me!"
Zhou Yan shook his head. While he *could* access the power within the blood, he couldn't control it.
"Forget it. Regardless, as long as I can obtain a Fourth-Tier Saint-grade martial skill, this blood will have served its purpose."
Zhou Yan chuckled self-mockingly. He knew the power contained within the blood was too immense. To use it would come at a tremendous cost, possibly even preventing him from using Saint-grade martial skills at all.
A smile touched Zhou Yan's lips. "This time, I've struck gold."
He placed the drop of blood into his embrace and turned to leave.
He had obtained the blood.
Energy storms surged from his body, transforming into a black cloud that enveloped him. The storm expanded outwards, quickly covering the surrounding area.
The Third-Tier demonic beasts that had been attacking Zhou Yan were swept into the energy storm. Smoke billowed from their bodies as they let out agonizing screams, struggling within the black haze. They tried to break free, but the black smoke coiled around them like ropes, binding them tightly.
*Bang, bang, bang...*
One by one, the demonic beasts were torn to shreds by the black smoke, reduced to piles of flesh and blood.
These beasts were too weak to resist the black smoke.
*Swish!*
The moment Zhou Yan finished slaughtering the demonic beasts, the power within his body surged. He then shot forward like a cannonball towards the distance.
Black mist coiled around his feet, seemingly capable of piercing the void. He used this mist to rapidly disappear into the distance, vanishing without a trace in the blink of an eye.
Ahead of Zhou Yan, a figure slowly emerged. This figure did not move quickly, but in the darkness, it exuded a deeply unsettling aura. The figure grew increasingly indistinct until it became a mere silhouette, its speed increasing dramatically. Finally, its form completely vanished from its original location, as if it had never been there.
Zhou Yan was gone.
"This world is too magical, like a special realm. To think such a master exists here," the shadowy figure murmured. With a wave of its hand, the silhouette transformed into a pitch-black longsword, hovering beside it. It then sheathed the black sword in its storage pouch, and its form gradually faded into the darkness.
In a patch of barren grass, a figure slowly materialized. This figure was Zhou Yan.
He surveyed his surroundings, a grim expression flashing in his eyes. "Such terrifying restrictive power!"
The restrictive force left him feeling helpless, unable to break free.
"My strength is far too low. Even a Saint Realm expert would likely struggle to rival me in this world. My power is too weak. Only by finding the treasures of a Fourth-Tier Saint in this world can my strength possibly recover, and can I have a chance to become a Saint!"
Determination flashed across Zhou Yan's face. This star space, while a death trap for ordinary people, was a blessed land for a martial artist like him. His cultivation here would be twice as effective with half the effort.
*Whoosh~*
He took a deep breath and then swept away towards the distance.
His immediate task was to rapidly increase his strength and find the treasures of a Fourth-Tier Saint to regain his former power.
"This place seems to hold more than just Saints. There should be Saint Kings, perhaps Half-Saints, or even Saint Emperors."
Zhou Yan murmured to himself. He moved with great speed, leaving the area in an instant and flying towards the southeast.
...
Time flew by, and a month passed. In this month, Zhou Yan had hunted fifteen Third-Tier demonic beasts, reaping considerable rewards. However, his strength remained around the ninth level of the Divine Marquis.
This number was far too small. By his current rate of cultivation, even hunting three thousand Third-Tier demonic beasts would be of little use.
Furthermore, the Third-Tier demonic beasts in this star space were numerous. If he were to hunt them one by one, it would take a long time, and he didn't have that kind of time to waste.
He was eager to find the treasures of a Fourth-Tier Saint.
He also needed to find a suitable place for cultivation.
Zhou Yan took to the sky and flew towards the distance. After flying for a long time, he spotted a mountain peak.
The mountain peak was incredibly tall, nearly a thousand zhang high. At its summit stood a palace, and at the entrance of the palace, a Qilin was carved.
This mountain peak was named 'Qilin Cliff,' a dangerous and treacherous locale. Legend had it that behind the palace, a Qilin tree was hidden, and this tree could help an expert enhance their strength.
However, the mountain range was fraught with peril.
Even some Saint Realm demonic beasts dared not approach. For if they ventured too close to the mountain, they would disturb the Qilin tree, which would then drain their life force.
Zhou Yan stood at the foot of Qilin Cliff, gazing up at the towering peak. After a moment of contemplation, he gritted his teeth and stepped onto the mountain.
*Rumble!*
A thunderous clap echoed through the heavens, and the space around him vibrated violently.
This was the rejection of Zhou Yan by the laws of heaven and earth!
"I want to see what's so extraordinary about Qilin Cliff!"
Zhou Yan snorted coldly. Black light erupted from his feet, emitting a blinding radiance.
Flames ignited on Zhou Yan's legs, and enveloped by the fire, he rapidly ascended the mountain. In an instant, his figure vanished into the peak.
...
This was a barren desert. In the desert lived a peculiar plant known as the Desert Yellow Flower Grass. This plant possessed a certain toxicity and could devour the life of any creature, carrying with it a potent venom.
Zhou Yan looked at the desert, a hint of confusion flickering in his eyes. He couldn't understand why such Desert Yellow Flower Grass would appear here.