C23 Someone Is Looking for You Tonight

The chasm between independent cultivators and sect disciples is vast from the outset, growing ever more pronounced as they ascend through the ranks. Yet, when a lone cultivator attains the echelons of Martial Extreme or Martial Saint, the playing field changes. At that point, no one is naive; these cultivators have endured countless trials by fire and brimstone, honing their combat prowess through life-and-death struggles—often surpassing their sect-raised counterparts.

The disparity in cultivation techniques and combat achievements can be bridged in the later stages, provided the gap isn't too wide.

This realization made Lin Yaoyang tighten his grip. His innate talent was solid; it was resources he lacked. The Lin Family had his back, but truth be told, their influence barely extended beyond the confines of Qingye Town—hardly a blip on the radar of greater powers.

Outside of Qingye Town, the Lin Family wouldn't even register as a force to be reckoned with. Hence, Lin Yaoyang's insatiable hunger for strength.

With a shake of his head, Lin Yaoyang steadied his resolve. Amidst the gaze of onlookers, he struck decisively, shattering the skull of the Ghost Faced Demonic Spider. He reached in and extracted the Demonic Core—a gem-like orb with numerous smooth facets that naturally formed, each reflecting the world like a mirror, with a wisp of black Qi encircling it like a serpent.

Lin Yaoyang marveled at the Demonic Core's beauty, momentarily lost in its allure. Never in his life had he seen such a marvel, birthed from an Eighth Grade Martial Master Level Demonic Beast.

Today, he beheld its splendor, and he could sense the vast, explosive power concealed within the small core. And he knew, even if he chose not to integrate this Demonic Core into his weapon or treasures, its potential was immense.

He was merely using it as a weapon to ambush others, and its destructive power was catastrophic!

Lin Yaoyang could feel the intense stares from those around him. He was well aware that their fervent gazes weren't meant for him, but rather for the Demonic Core he held in his grasp.

With a scoff, Lin Yaoyang reflected on the mercenaries' insatiable greed. They were nowhere to be found during his battle with the Ghost Faced Demonic Spider. Now that he had vanquished the beast and secured the Demonic Core, their hungry eyes were fixed on him, clearly eager for a share of the spoils.

Without acknowledging their covetous stares, Lin Yaoyang approached the black-robed woman, Demonic Core in hand, and casually remarked, "Hey! How do you reckon we split this? I'm all ears."

The black-robed woman seemed taken aback as Lin Yaoyang approached, but a smile flickered in her eyes when she realized he was discussing how to divide the Demonic Core. Her gaze lingered on the Core, betraying her desire for it, yet after a brief moment, she declined, "I don't want it. You keep it. After all, I didn't exert much effort in slaying the Ghost Faced Demonic Spider. The Demonic Core rightfully belongs to you."

With that, she resumed her cool demeanor and fell silent.

Lin Yaoyang nodded in response, promptly pocketing the Demonic Core. Kou Quan, standing a short distance away, was visibly irked that Lin Yaoyang hadn't even considered consulting him. His facial muscles twitched involuntarily, reflecting his frustration. He had barely contributed to the fight against the Ghost Faced Demonic Spider.

Indeed, it was Lin Yaoyang who had single-handedly crushed the formidable creature.

Now, for Kou Quan to lay claim to a portion of the Demonic Core seemed unreasonable. Not only would Lin Yaoyang likely refuse, but his own Mercenary Team would view him with disdain for even suggesting it.

The risk simply wasn't worth the reward. Kou Quan watched Lin Yaoyang's retreating figure, a fleeting look of malice crossing his features. It was as though he was quietly scheming something sinister.

Unbeknownst to Kou Quan, a black-robed woman stood a short distance away, her gaze fixed intently on him. Observing his demeanor, she arched an eyebrow, her eyes reflecting a knowing glint.

Lin Yaoyang, the central figure in this drama, remained indifferent to the machinations around him. What did it matter if Kou Quan came demanding the Demonic Core? He wouldn't hand it over, simple as that. Kou Quan was in the wrong to begin with, and what could he do about it? Resort to force? Lin Yaoyang, now a Fifth Grade Martial Master with his Black Grade battle achievements, could easily dispatch him. Fear was a stranger to him.

The day waned into night swiftly after the demise of the Ghost Faced Demonic Spider. The camp bustled as tents rose up, the spider's massive carcass lying nearby. Choosing this spot was strategic—the residual aura from the spider's remains was potent enough to deter the weaker Demonic Beasts on the periphery, sparing them from potential nuisances.

Within the sanctuary of his tent, Lin Yaoyang sat in contemplation, feeling the surge of his Fifth Grade Martial Master strength, the Qi within him far more robust and dense than at his peak.

Abruptly, footsteps approached. Lin Yaoyang's expression shifted as his tent flap was swept aside, revealing a puzzled look on his face. The black-robed woman met his gaze and spoke plainly.

"Tonight, sleep with one eye open. Trouble is coming your way."

Her voice tinged with a playful note, she delivered her warning without waiting for a response and strode away.

Initially bewildered, Lin Yaoyang quickly pieced it together. Who else but Kou Quan would seek to bother him? He couldn't help but chuckle. Kou Quan had lost his patience. Indeed, who could resist the allure of a Black Grade cultivation technique and battle record? If Kou Quan had, it would have been time to reassess him entirely.

Lin Yaoyang wasn't the least bit concerned about the possibility of the black-robed woman deceiving him. There simply was no reason for her to do so. Even if her words were false, the worst that would happen was a slightly less restful night for him, which would hardly make a dent in his well-being.

With a cold sneer playing on his lips, Lin Yaoyang lay still in his tent, biding his time for Kou Quan's approach.

Time flew, and before long, it was the dead of night. Lin Yaoyang picked up on faint sounds from outside the camp. His expression shifted, his ears pressed to the ground as he channeled the Power of the Ant King.

A smirk crossed his face. It turned out to be Kou Quan, who had stealthily replaced all the sentries with his own men. Clearly, Kou Quan was gearing up for a confrontation.