Because Xu Zimo and the others had been brought in by him, no matter what happened, he wouldn’t be able to escape responsibility for Yao Yang’s death.
"Brother Shi, don’t mind it. Shouldn’t we pay something to help you become the Lord of the Blood Race?" Xu Zimo said with a smile.
"Alright, I’ll remember that," Shi Yan nodded and replied calmly.
"Tomorrow, there will be a baptism. That will be the closest moment to the Myriad Dao Red Lotus. You only get one chance."
"Then tonight, let’s just take a look at the forbidden area. We won’t go in," Xu Zimo said.
Earlier, the God Emperor had acted decisively. After killing Yao Yang, he had left no trace behind.
After spending the entire afternoon on the mountain, Shi Yan found some robes of the Divine Blood Lineage for Xu Zimo and the other two to wear.
They were still red robes, but the embroidery at the cuffs was purple.
As night began to fall, the group left the mountain and headed toward the interior of the Blood Race.
Ever since the Divine Blood Lineage had fallen from power, those who once associated with them kept their distance, afraid of causing misunderstandings with the other two lineages.
So when the three walked through the Blood Race’s domain, no one came to greet them.
Fortunately, no one came to mock them either. Xu Zimo could clearly sense how far the Divine Blood Lineage had declined.
Passing through corridor after corridor, Xu Zimo saw that the Blood Race’s territory was vast and boundless.
Along the way, he saw many different kinds of people.
The cultivation methods of the Blood Race were very different from those of ordinary beings.
They didn’t absorb the energy of heaven and earth or the essence of the sun and moon. Instead, they absorbed blood.
Thanks to their superior physiques, they could completely absorb the power within blood.
Of course, when it came to enlightenment, all beings were the same. In the later stages, raw power alone was not enough to break through the pulse gates.
After walking for nearly half an hour, the group finally arrived at the so-called forbidden area of the Blood Race.
The forbidden area was surrounded by deep forests and tall grass, with clan members patrolling all around, making it impossible to approach.
Looking up, they saw the walls of the forbidden area rising nearly a hundred meters high, towering into the sky, making it impossible to see what was inside.
No one knew what material the walls were made of; they were entirely a dark purple color.
They emitted a faint purple glow, giving off a heavy and oppressive feeling.
Xu Zimo carefully examined the surroundings but found nothing of value. He could only decide to wait until tomorrow to explore the inside.
Since the Divine Blood Lineage had one slot available, Shi Yan decided to register Xu Zimo under that name.
The most important item for the baptism was the Myriad Dao Red Lotus.
It was said that the Blood Race’s baptism used the Myriad Dao Red Lotus to harness the power of the Nether Blood Sea, transforming the bodies of clan members.
Although this process consumed a lot of energy, the results were significant.
It was said that the Blood Race only held such a baptism once every hundred years.
If Yao Yang hadn’t reminded him yesterday, Shi Yan might have completely forgotten about it.
…
The night passed without incident. Early the next morning, just as dawn broke, many members of the Blood Race had already risen and begun gathering.
Today was the day of the baptism. According to the rules, this was the only time clan members could enter the forbidden area.
Although the chosen participants benefited the most from the baptism, even those who merely entered the forbidden area would be bathed in its residual light.
The Blood Race had a long history, but from a broader perspective, they weren’t actually a large clan.
Aside from a few members living outside, most of the young members of the two lineages were gathered here.
Since the baptism primarily benefited the younger generation, only the Eight Elders were allowed into the forbidden area, other members did not need to enter.
A vast procession marched toward the forbidden area, where the gates were now open.
Atop the nameless peak, Shi Yan looked at a group of children behind him, the last remnants of the Divine Blood Lineage.
Solemnly, he said, "Wait for me. If your big brother comes back alive, he will become king of the Blood Race."
The children saw them off from the peak. They didn’t even qualify to enter the forbidden area.
Shi Yan turned back, then walked toward the forbidden area with Xu Zimo and the others.
"Feiyang, if you come back this time, don’t leave again," Shi Yan said.
"I won’t. Besides, I’ve got nowhere else to go," Ye Feiyang laughed loudly beside him.
The group chatted casually along the way, and finally arrived at the entrance to the forbidden area. A long line of people was waiting to enter.
"Shi family brat, has your Divine Blood Lineage picked its baptism candidate yet?"
Just as the four approached, an elder nearby spoke.
The elder wore a light cyan royal robes, and his hair was balding at the sides of his head. What was left was all white.
"He’s one of the Eight Elders of our Blood Race, Mo Dianfeng," Shi Yan whispered. "He belongs to the Demon Blood Lineage."
"Thank you for your concern, Elder. We’ve already chosen our baptism candidate," Shi Yan replied with a smile, pointing to Xu Zimo.
The Third Elder looked Xu Zimo over, frowned slightly, and asked, "Who is he? I’ve never seen him before."
"Ever since our Divine Blood Lineage fell, you Elders probably haven’t been paying much attention," Shi Yan replied with a grin.
The Third Elder’s face looked slightly awkward. After all, the Elders bore some blame for the lineage’s decline.
The fall of the Divine Blood Lineage was not a topic to be discussed within the Blood Race.
"If that’s the case, then let him join the group. The rest of you follow the main group inside," the Elder said, waving his hand.
Shi Yan nodded and led the three others to queue up for entry.
Xu Zimo, meanwhile, stood to the side with the Third Elder. Many other young men around his age were also standing nearby.
These were presumably members of the other two lineages, waiting for the full group to arrive before entering together.
As Xu Zimo approached, a nearby youth gave him a disdainful look.
"This baptism only happens once every hundred years, and they gave the slot to someone like you? What a waste. Hey kid, want to sell your spot to us?"
Hearing the youth’s words, Xu Zimo smiled and asked, "Sure. What will you give me in exchange?"
"You’ll gain our friendship. How about that?" the youth laughed loudly.
"What’s the point of friendship with a pile of dogshit? Not afraid of getting my hands dirty?" Xu Zimo replied.
"Don’t be ungrateful, kid. You should know your Divine Blood Lineage’s current position," the youth warned coldly.
"I’ll remember you," Xu Zimo said as he patted the young man’s shoulder with a grin.
The youth furrowed his brow, about to erupt, but when he noticed the Third Elder nearby, he held back in the end.
…
A few more clan members joined the group, and Xu Zimo glanced around, there were about thirty people in total.
Once everyone had gathered, the Third Elder led the group toward the forbidden area.
"Stick close to me once we’re inside. It’s not safe in there," the Elder warned.