C8 Brothers Dawn

Upon sensing the situation within the Voidlands, someone couldn't help but touch their nose. Then, their voice echoed throughout the Voidlands.

"What's there to be excited about? What's yours is mine, and sooner or later, you'll be one of my subordinates too. If I had the materials to create a heavenly cultivation technique right now, I wouldn't even bother with the current offerings."

Upon hearing this, Ling Ji was seething with rage, "I have lived for a millennium, and I have never encountered someone as utterly shameless as you!"

An Earth-ranked cultivation technique and martial skill would be highly esteemed even in the Upper Realm, let alone the Shadowlands, where they are considered incredibly rare treasures. Yet he claimed to be unimpressed. Ling Ji was so incensed she wanted to throttle him.

Xing Yun ignored Ling Ji and turned his attention to Liang Zun, who said, "Master, there's another group of brothers... They wanted us to test the waters first to see if it works. If it's effective, they would like to..."

Xing Yun shook his head in response, "No need for now. And remember, do not divulge anything about being cursed. Otherwise, outsiders might think that joining my ranks requires a curse, deterring potential followers and achieving the exact opposite of our goal."

Liang Zun and Lee Lang had actively sought out Xing Yun to receive the curse, which was infinitely better than waiting on the sidelines. Xing Yun only needed a handful of utterly loyal and trusted lieutenants. Besides, casting the Eternal Soul Curse was time-consuming, and he didn't have time to spare, unless he later managed to create a clone that could survive outside the Voidlands.

"Understood! I shall tell others that Master is too busy to cast the family's spirit curse, so nothing has transpired! It's a benevolent omission," Lee Lang said, understanding the situation, though he couldn't conceal the excitement on his face.

He had complete faith in Xing Yun. Now that Xing Yun had promised to elevate him to the Exalted Realm, his lifespan could extend to thousands, if not tens of thousands of years, giving him the opportunity to reunite with his long-lost family in the future.

The Exalted Realm!

It was a level that countless warriors across the Infinite Cosmos spent their entire lives striving for, a level so esteemed that ordinary fighters wouldn't even dare to dream of reaching it.

In the vast Shadowlands, home to hundreds of millions, True Spirit Realm experts were exceedingly rare. Yet, the memories passed on to them by Xing Yun revealed that he had once achieved the extraordinary feat of elevating his subordinates to the Exalted Realm.

While Liang Zun and Lee Lang were regaining their composure, Xing Yun instructed, "Liang Zun, lead the way. Let's check on your brother's condition."

In a secluded house on the western side of the Keep, a young man bearing a striking resemblance to Liang Zun lay on a bed, his face pale and streaked with tears. "For my sake, my big brother has surrendered his freedom and accepted our family's spirit curse. He's likely to be under someone's thumb for life... I should never have shared my desire for revenge with him," Liang Xing lamented, his eyes closed in deep remorse.

Liang Xing was well aware of Xing Yun's reputation. Had his elder brother not recently spoken so highly of the infamous City Lord, Liang Xing would have found it impossible to think well of him based solely on rumors.

Suddenly, Liang Zun's voice echoed from outside. Liang Xing, mustering his strength, got up with the help of the wall and opened the door. He began to bow to Xing Yun, greeting him with, "City Lord, I am at your service!"

Liang Zun entered the room with Xing Yun and, upon seeing Liang Xing on his feet, expressed his concern, "You should not be up and about with your injuries still healing."

After his words, Liang Zun turned to Xing Yun with an embarrassed apology, "My lord, please excuse us." He then carefully supported Liang Xing, cautious not to offend.

As Liang Xing attempted to kneel in respect, Xing Yun gently stopped him, saying warmly, "Help him back to bed. We need not stand on ceremony when it's just us."

Liang Xing cast a puzzled glance at Xing Yun, his view of the City Lord shifting as he seemed nothing like the wastrel of the rumors. Liang Zun, with a respectful acknowledgment, assisted Liang Xing to settle back onto the bed.

Xing Yun fixed his gaze on Liang Xing and let out a sigh, “It appears you're unaware of why he remains so frail and ill, even after his martial veins were destroyed. He's been afflicted with Soul Poison.”

“Soul Poison?!”

The brothers were as if struck by lightning, with Lee Lang's face draining of color in shock, and even Ling Ji's brows furrowing slightly.

Soul Poison is an exceedingly rare toxin. Once administered, it's difficult for those with low mental strength to detect. While it doesn't physically harm the body, it can relentlessly corrode the soul until it's completely consumed. The victim will gradually weaken, fall ill, and eventually die in a state of dementia.

A realization dawned on Liang Xing, and with a quivering voice, he said, “I should have suspected Soul Poison. How did the City Lord discern this? Gu Yu is truly malicious!”

“My lord is no ordinary being, possessing immeasurable power. Xing, remember your manners!” Lee Lang hastily cautioned.

Upon hearing this, Liang Xing instantly realized that his elder brother and Lee Lang had successfully embraced the family's spiritual incantation. He nodded earnestly, “Understood!”

Liang Zun, with clenched teeth, said, “It's no wonder Miss Lee Xiao'er managed to convince Gu Yu to cease her harassment of my brother with just a few words. It turns out Gu Yu had already secretly inflicted him with Soul Poison!”

At that critical moment, Liang Xing was hanging by a thread. Unable to stand by and watch him suffer, Lee Xiao'er intervened, reminding Gu Yu of the Order of the Celestial Veil's doctrines, prompting Gu Yu to stay her hand.

“Worry not, your chance for vengeance will come. Moreover, I intend for you to strike the blow yourself,” Xing Yun stated with confidence.

Liang Xing's spirits lifted, but he quickly tempered his enthusiasm with a wry smile, “I fear it's a hopeless wish in this lifetime. I am not only crippled but also tainted with Soul Poison. I just hope my brother won't suffer on my account...”

Xing Yun spoke with gravity, “Therefore, I will first rid you of the Soul Poison, then restore your martial veins.”

Liang Xing gasped, “This Soul Poison is no minor affliction; any mishap could rebound onto you. Your willingness alone means the world to me. I am deeply grateful. Should another life await me, I will repay this debt of gratitude for my brother!”

Xing Yun shook his head and firmly stated, "If I say I can cure it, then I can. Just lie down and stay still."

Overcome with joy, Liang Zun exclaimed, "Little brother, quickly lie down and don't move!"

Liang Xing, though filled with doubt, did not dare to disobey and lay down on the bed.

Xing Yun simply extended his right hand, touching Liang Xing's forehead. A stream of Astral Power flowed from Xing Yun's fingertip into Liang Xing's body.

As the Astral Power connected with Liang Xing's soul, a dark purple miasma began to emanate from Liang Xing, steadily streaming towards Xing Yun.

"This is madness..."

Ling Ji's astonished voice echoed from the Voidlands, yet she did not interfere with Xing Yun's absorption of the miasma.

Within moments, Xing Yun had completely drawn the miasma into the Voidlands, where it was transformed into Astral Power by its influence.

"How can this be?" Ling Ji watched the composed Xing Yun in utter disbelief, her mind reeling with shock.

The insidious and undetectable soul poison was effortlessly absorbed and neutralized by a young man of the Profound Rank.

Indeed, it was effortlessly done!

Xing Yun withdrew his hand and inquired, "How do you feel?"

Liang Xing's eyes snapped open, and he rose to his feet, turning to prostrate before Xing Yun, "Thank you, Master, for granting me a new lease on life! I feel clear-headed and free from the agony I felt before. It seems even my martial veins are showing signs of mending!"

Both Liang Zun and Lee Lang echoed their gratitude, "We thank you for your great kindness, Master!"

Xing Yun advised, "The soul poison has been thoroughly eradicated, and I've taken the liberty of nurturing your martial veins. Although your cultivation has been completely depleted, you can still practice and gather spiritual energy. Once I return from the Demonic Spine with the necessary herbs, I will restore your martial veins, and then you will be able to reach new heights."

"He can repair damaged martial veins?" Ling Ji was even more astounded.

If Xing Yun had managed to remove the soul poison with the help of the Great World that held her captive, then repairing martial veins was not something that the Great World could address. That would require a pill, and not just any pill, but a high-grade one like the Pulse Restoration Pill!

The two brothers were overwhelmed with emotion, tears streaming down their faces as they repeatedly bowed deeply in gratitude to Xing Yun, who gently lifted them to their feet.

"Liang Xing implores the Master to grant my family the spirit curse, ensuring our loyalty for all eternity," Liang Xing pleaded earnestly.

Xing Yun shook his head and responded, "You've only just recovered from a serious illness, and with your martial veins damaged, your constitution is too frail to withstand it. I'll address this matter once I return from the Demonic Spine. Liang Zun, the White Tiger Severance and the White Tiger Profound Technique will suffice for the three of you for now."

"I understand! Thank you for your great kindness, Master!"

Liang Zun was ecstatic at the thought of his younger brother being able to practice an Earth-ranked martial skill and eventually receiving the Eternal Soul Curse. With the fragments of his memories about Xing Yun now clear in his mind, he knew for certain that Xing Yun would never shortchange his faithful followers. This meant that his brother, blessed with even greater talent, would surely have the opportunity to ascend to the Exalted Realm!

Xing Yun surveyed the dilapidated house and sighed, "Are you living in such hardship because you fear Gu Yu might be secretly watching you?"

Liang Xing nodded and recounted, "Gu Yu is incredibly cruel. She once claimed to love me but soon after, her affections turned to Yang Wei, her father's new disciple. I couldn't contain my anger and confronted her publicly, embarrassing her, and that led to our current plight. Thankfully, Grandpa Lee has been looking out for us, occasionally bringing us fine wine and food in the evenings."

With a look of gratitude, Liang Xing glanced at Lee Lang, who sighed and said, "We're all in tough spots. You brothers are good-hearted, and your elder brother has been a great support to this old man. It's the least I can do to look after you in return."

Xing Yun gave a slight nod, comforted by the amicable bond among his confidants, sparing him unnecessary concern.

With this in mind, Xing Yun declared, "Let's move Liang Xing into the Keep. My subordinates should no longer have to endure such hardships."

"Yes!"

Liang Zun was filled with gratitude. He also realized that the brothers had been safe for quite some time. After all, Liang Xing had become a cripple and posed no threat to Gu Yu and Yang Wei.

Moreover, if Liang Xing were to die, it could negatively impact Gu Yu's reputation within the Order of the Celestial Veil.

Still, the brothers were like startled birds, always exceedingly cautious.

Liang Xing expressed his concern: "Master, I heard you're planning to go to the Demonic Spine? That place is extremely dangerous. If it's just for my sake, please reconsider..."

Xing Yun reassured him with a smile, "Don't worry. The Demonic Spine is not going to be my final resting place. I recognize your potential; it shouldn't be wasted. We must find the herbs quickly so you can recover your martial prowess."

Xing Yun's trip to the Demonic Spine wasn't just about gathering herbs; he had another crucial objective: to tame a multitude of Hellbeasts to serve as his enforcers!

Apart from those who had taken the Eternal Soul Curse, anyone could betray him. But a Hellbeast tamed by Xing Yun would never contemplate betrayal.

These Hellbeasts could also take the place of the Keep's guards as soldiers, reducing human casualties while enhancing their combat effectiveness and command efficiency.

In the grand hall of the Keep, Xing Yun briefed Liang Zun and Lee Lang on the affairs of the next few days. Then, donning a black robe, he swiftly departed from the Keep.

Once Xing Yun had left the city and reached the western wilderness, Ling Ji, from within the Voidlands, couldn't contain her curiosity any longer and asked, "Have you always been like this?"