Protect Our Patriarch

Wang Anye was quite accustomed to such situations.

When going out to handle matters, shouldn't things proceed smoothly? There's no need for any bumps along the way.

His expression remained calm and composed as he looked at Wang Zongchang and said, "Second Grandfather, now that we've found the Blood Venerable's relic, should we go in and take a look, or notify Great-Grandfather and have him come handle it?"

Wang Zongchang was about to suggest "let's get Fourth Uncle to help," since Fourth Uncle was steady and thoughtful, which made him feel more at ease.

But on second thought, he was working with Wang Anye after all.

Based on his experience, when working with Anye, it was best to follow Anye's rhythm and just listen to him without interfering.

With this in mind, he coughed twice and said, "Anye, you're an adult now and one of the heirs of the clan's main lineage. You can make the decision on this matter yourself."

"In that case, I'll decide." Wang Anye pondered briefly and said, "First, we need to inform Great-Grandfather and the others about the current situation. Second, we can scout the entrance to gather some intelligence for Great-Grandfather. But everyone must be cautious, as the Blood Venerable was no ordinary figure, and his relic is likely not ordinary either."

"Alright, let's do as you say."

Wang Zongchang nodded decisively and began organizing the manpower.

For this exploration of the relic, quality was more important than quantity. Old Yao and Jiang Qingxue, both in the Divine Realm, would definitely go, followed by himself, Wang Anye, Wang Lilong, and Wang Anxin. Additionally, five large wolves would accompany them.

As for the others, they would wait outside for support. The situation inside the relic was unknown, and those with weaker strength would only cause trouble if they went in.

Soon, everyone was ready.

Wang Anye handed out a bunch of life-saving items to the group.

Due to well-known reasons, the Wang Clan's treasury never lacked such items.

However, the life-saving items Anye distributed were of relatively high quality, especially the Life Tree leaves that significantly increased recovery speed. These were given to him by his family every time he went out, and he had accumulated a large pile of them, as he rarely needed to use them himself.

Under Wang Anye's leadership, the group quickly followed the underwater passage created by the Ancestor Dragon, descending to the entrance of the relic.

What greeted their eyes was a massive hall.

The hall was constructed from a material that seemed neither gold nor jade, with an extremely vast internal space. The walls were covered with formations, inscriptions, and mysterious patterns, indicating the meticulous effort put into its construction.

However, time was the most ruthless.

Even though the materials used in the hall were extremely precious, they couldn't avoid the mottled marks left by the passage of time, giving the hall an epic sense of grandeur and antiquity.

But at this moment, what caught everyone's attention was not the hall itself, but the densely packed, cocoon-like blood cocoons that almost filled the entire hall.

The surface of the blood cocoons was covered with purplish-red blood vessels, connected to the hall's ceiling. The thick blood vessels intertwined, looking sinister and terrifying.

As the blood cocoons slightly wriggled, the purplish-red blood vessels rhythmically expanded and contracted, as if they were alive. Through the blood-stained cocoons, one could almost hear the powerful heartbeat.

"Thump!"

"Thump!"

"Thump! Thump~!"

A fierce and bloody aura spread throughout the hall, pervasive and omnipresent.

"This..."

Such a strange and terrifying aura made everyone's scalp tingle.

Even though the weakest among them was in the Celestial Realm, they couldn't help but feel their hearts race and become tense.

The number of these blood cocoons was overwhelming~

Moreover, quite a few of them exuded an exceptionally strong aura, giving off a powerful sense of oppression, far from being ordinary blood nest warriors.

Fortunately, they had two Divine Realm cultivators with them this time, which gave everyone a lot of confidence.

"Everyone, don't be nervous," Wang Anye said calmly. "This is just the entrance. If there's any danger, we can retreat at any time."

Although the Ancestor Dragon couldn't enter due to an oath, it was ready to provide support outside.

As his voice fell, a series of blood-red lights flickered at the top of the hall, as if something had been activated. An icy, emotionless female voice rang out.

"Beep! This is the great Blood Dawn Sanctuary! Several humans have been detected entering the sanctuary's defense system monitoring range! Retrieving information... No registration found, confirmed as intruders!"

"Warning! Warning! All intruders must exit the sanctuary immediately, or we have the right to take all necessary measures to expel or suppress you."

So there was indeed a Spirit Artifact present.

But it made sense. Even a blood nest sub-base had a Spirit Artifact, so how could the Blood Venerable's lair not have one?

For a moment, everyone except Old Yao and Jiang Qingxue, who were unaware of the situation, turned their eyes to Wang Anye.

Especially Wang Zongchang, whose eyes were filled with anticipation.

In his eyes, Wang Anye was a Spirit Artifact maiden killer. As long as Anye took action, there was no Spirit Artifact maiden he couldn't handle.

"Spirit Artifact Senior, please don't act rashly," Wang Anye stepped forward without disappointing anyone, politely cupping his hands toward the ceiling. "It's been a hundred thousand years since the fall of the Shenwu Royal Dynasty. The world outside has undergone earth-shattering changes."

"A hundred thousand years! Shenwu is gone?" After a fluctuation of blood-red light, the Spirit Artifact's voice seemed to carry a hint of complexity. "Did the Holy Emperor old dog ultimately fail to stop the outer region's Holy Demons?"

"Uh... I'm not very clear on the specifics, but I believe they were stopped," Wang Anye explained. "Otherwise, our world would have long been overrun. As of now, our human race is still fighting against the outer region's demons on the battlefield, but there's a historical gap in between... We don't know what exactly happened back then."

"In that case..." The Spirit Artifact's voice stuttered as if retrieving information, and after a while, it said, "The Holy Emperor old dog likely used an ultimate measure to perish together with the elite forces of the outer region's Holy Demons. The great Blood Venerable once said that the Holy Emperor old dog had many methods, including a little-known ultimate measure with terrifying power."

"What about the Blood Venerable? We heard he was captured and publicly executed," Wang Anye probed.

"Rumors, those are rumors!" The Spirit Artifact's voice sounded angry. "The great Blood Venerable merely went into temporary seclusion in the Blood Dawn Sanctuary as a strategic move! Once a great research project succeeds, he will have the power to overthrow the Holy Emperor old dog's tyrannical rule. And our great Blood Dawn Sanctuary will bring new hope to humanity, making humans truly a great and immortal race!"

This Spirit Artifact seemed somewhat fanatical.

But its words made everyone present, including Old Yao and the Red Enchantress Demon Envoy, tense.

The Blood Venerable was a True Immortal-level existence. If such an ancient monster were still alive, it would be a terrifying catastrophe.

Even if he only had a wisp of his soul left in this so-called Blood Dawn Sanctuary, it wouldn't be easy to deal with.

"Is the Blood Venerable Senior still around? We came to express our gratitude..." Wang Anye probed, "Our clan once acquired a blood nest base, known as the 3795 Blood Nest Base, and discovered some high-quality blood Gu within it, which allowed some clan members to achieve bloodline ascension. I, myself, have used a Marrying Blood Gu King."

His Marrying Blood Gu King was secretly acquired by Wang Shouzhe. However, the remaining Marrying Blood Gu outside was too scarce and difficult to obtain. Even though Wang Shouzhe had been secretly collecting them, he hadn't found many over the years.

It was Fang You'an who managed to acquire one and gave it to Wang Yingxuan.

"Indeed, I also used a blood Gu and awakened a Xunfeng-type bloodline," Wang Zongchang corroborated, "So our clan does have some ties with the Blood Venerable Senior."

The Red Enchantress Demon Envoy was secretly shocked.

No wonder the Changning Wang Clan was so extraordinary; it turned out they had long obtained a blood nest relic. But this Wang Clan was bold enough to use Marrying Blood Gu on their clan members, unafraid of losing control!

Even in their Demon Dynasty, few clans dared to do such a thing.

"Huh?"

The Spirit Artifact was clearly surprised by this revelation.

After another flash of blood-red light, its voice became noticeably friendlier: "The 3795 Blood Nest Sub-base was an elite base. I remember issuing an order on behalf of the Blood Venerable to have all the high-level blood nest warriors from this base form a battle group and head to the battlefield to fight the outer region's demons."

"Also, congratulations on passing the blood Gu's test and becoming true blood warriors. I can indeed sense the aura of blood warriors on you."

Simply using the Marrying Blood Gu carried a high risk of losing one's mind and becoming a combat tool. Therefore, in the blood nest, those who couldn't resist the Marrying Blood Gu's erosion and lost their minds would be used as combat tools and vessels for nurturing more Marrying Blood Gu.

Those who successfully absorbed the benefits of the Marrying Blood Gu would become true warriors of the Blood Dawn, categorized into different levels based on their qualifications, with resource allocation accordingly.

"Although you unintentionally inherited the legacy of the 3795 Blood Nest Sub-base, according to the rules of the Blood Dawn, you have automatically become members of the Blood Dawn Sanctuary and will follow the leadership of the great Blood Venerable."

Wang Anye and Wang Zongchang were momentarily speechless.

The terms seemed rather domineering.

But on second thought, it had been over a hundred thousand years, and the Blood Venerable was likely long gone, making these terms effectively obsolete.

However, based on the records in the surviving texts, the Blood Venerable had many fervent followers back in the day. Even after his suspected demise, those people continued to cause significant trouble for the Shenwu Royal Dynasty.

This also indicated that the Blood Venerable might have been a person with great charisma; otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to rally so many people to become his loyal followers.

"By the way, Spirit Artifact Senior hasn't mentioned where the Blood Venerable Senior is," Wang Anye casually probed.

"The great Blood Venerable had originally faked his death through a meticulous and thorough plan, hiding in our Blood Dawn Sanctuary, and was secretly researching a revolutionary technology, waiting for the dawn," the Spirit Artifact seemed to consider these two as insiders and revealed a secret. "But later, he heard that the frontline situation was unstable, and the Holy Emperor old dog was struggling to hold off the outer region's Holy Demons in the Endless Sea. Based on his stance as a fellow human, after much consideration, he decided to lead the blood nest warriors to assist."

"I was left in the Blood Dawn Sanctuary to continue incubating and strengthening the blood nest warriors, ready to send them to the battlefield at any time upon the Blood Venerable's command."

"Could it be?" Wang Anye glanced at the blood cocoons in the hall, which were filled with a strong, eerie, and terrifying aura, and frowned. "Are these the blood nest warriors prepared for the battlefield?"

"This is the tenth batch of blood nest warriors, ready for deployment. The previous nine batches have already been sent to the battlefield," the Spirit Artifact said. "But I never received any high-level blood commanders sent back by the Blood Venerable. Only those granted authority by the high-level blood commanders can command this tenth batch of consciousness-submerged blood nest warriors."

The Blood Venerable was likely already dead on the battlefield.

Wang Anye and Wang Zongchang exchanged a glance, reaching the same conclusion in their hearts.

"If we become members of the Blood Dawn, what benefits do we get?" Wang Zongchang asked eagerly.

"You have already automatically become members of the Blood Dawn," the Spirit Artifact said. "You will follow the great Blood Venerable and overthrow the Shenwu Royal Dynasty to establish a new order."

"Can we command these blood nest warriors?" Wang Anye asked.

"You are only junior members and need to earn merits to gradually advance to high-level blood commanders and receive military authorization from the Blood Venerable to gain command over this army," the Spirit Artifact explained.

"Spirit Artifact Sister, the times have changed," Wang Anye said. "Both the Blood Venerable Senior and the Holy Emperor Senior have sacrificed themselves in the fight against the outer region's demons. Moreover, even if we are just junior members of the Blood Dawn, according to the sequence principle, we are the only two blood warriors and should have succession rights, right?"

"Junior members are not included in the succession principle. I suggest you earn merits to advance, and once you become high-level blood warriors, we can discuss it," the Spirit Artifact, though intelligent, was still bound by rules.

Without the relevant authority, no amount of persuasion would work.

"Can I view the internal map of the Blood Dawn Sanctuary?" Wang Anye asked again. "I'm afraid of wandering into places I shouldn't."

The Blood Dawn Sanctuary seemed vast, with the hall itself having an expansive feel, and several obvious tunnels leading deeper.

Who knows how large it is inside?

If possible, it would be best to obtain the map. More intelligence would help Great-Grandfather make decisions.

"As you wish, junior blood warrior," the Spirit Artifact said, projecting an outline of the Blood Dawn Sanctuary, marking various locations. "The hall you are in is called the Expedition Hall, and further in is the Dawn Passage..."

The Spirit Artifact detailed the map, solemnly highlighting a location and warning, "Do not go to this place; it is the research base of the great Blood Venerable. Even high-level blood warriors are not authorized to approach..."

"And here is the Blood Refuge, a super refuge built by the Blood Venerable to prevent the apocalypse. Even a True Immortal would find it hard to breach. Then here is... here is..."

The Spirit Artifact explained in detail, listing all the "forbidden areas" like a caring elder sister, advising, "As newcomers, there are many places you cannot wander into, and you must not approach or touch the blood cocoons, as it will trigger the automatic defense mechanism. Without high-level blood commanders, no one can control them, and no one can save you."

"Even Spirit Artifact Sister doesn't have the authority to control them?" Wang Anye asked curiously.

"I am just a Spirit Artifact, responsible for assisting the Blood Venerable and high-level blood commanders in managing the Blood Dawn Sanctuary," the Spirit Artifact said honestly. "I only have command over a small portion of defensive blood cocoon warriors, but not the organized high-level blood cocoon warrior squads, so you must not wander."

"Understood, thank you, Spirit Artifact Sister," Wang Anye nodded. "I'll just take a walk around, and if there's any forbidden area, Spirit Artifact Sister, please remind me."

"With your current authority, you can access less than ten percent of the areas; most places are forbidden to you," the Spirit Artifact said. "But rest assured, I will remind you at any time."

As expected!

Wang Zongchang and Wang Anxin exchanged glances.

Anye truly lived up to his reputation as a Spirit Artifact maiden killer; with just a few moves, he had gained the initial trust of the blood Spirit Artifact.

The Red Enchantress Demon Envoy watched with growing fear.

Wang Anye was too abnormal, defying common sense. If he continued like this, wouldn't he easily empty the relic?

No, no! If he continued, it would spell big trouble for her, and her master would never let her off!

Thinking of the Yin Snake Demon Concubine's ruthless methods, the Red Enchantress Demon Envoy steeled her heart and discreetly pointed a finger.

An obscure energy wave silently shot out, striking the largest blood cocoon like lightning.

Simultaneously, she quietly retreated, moving swiftly and silently like a ghostly wraith, heading deeper into the Blood Dawn Sanctuary.

Her lineage was adept at stealth and allure, and her mastery in movement techniques was naturally exceptional. In the blink of an eye, she vanished without a trace.

Even though Old Yao had been keeping part of his attention on her, he couldn't react in time to stop her.

"Roar~"

At that moment, a roar erupted from within the struck blood cocoon, as if a terrifying presence had been awakened.

A monstrous intent surged, sweeping through the entire Expedition Hall in an instant.

Everyone present turned pale.

"Hahaha~"

The Red Enchantress Demon Envoy laughed wildly in her heart.

Wang Anye, no matter how lucky you are, you can't escape my trap. Stay outside and enjoy yourself while I go claim the Blood Venerable's legacy.

Wang Anye, your dear Red Enchantress Sister really must thank you~

If it weren't for you smoothing everything out, how could your dear Red Enchantress Sister have so easily infiltrated the Blood Venerable's lair, obtained the map, and learned the location of the Blood Venerable's most important legacy?

This definitely counts as overachieving!

It's like flying at lightning speed!

Once I acquire the Blood Venerable's legacy and report back to my master, the rewards will be substantial. With this achievement, my position in the True Demon Hall is bound to rise.

...