Patriarch Xuan Tiangang of the Profound Sword Sect, along with the several dozen elite experts he brought, had been completely wiped out before the gates of the Slaughter God Pavilion. The news swept through the entire Canglan Realm like a hurricane, leaving countless powers shocked into silence. The name Lin Che of the Slaughter God Pavilion was no longer a story of a rising star but a legend potent enough to send chills down the spine of any sect.
Three days after the battle, the entire Slaughter God Pavilion remained immersed in the fervor of victory and busy activity. Taking inventory of resources, compensating the families of the fallen, rebuilding defenses… As the newly appointed Vice Pavilion Master, Shi Jin was bustling without a moment's rest, yet his expression was filled with vigor.
Meanwhile, Lin Che sat alone in meditation within the newly opened top-floor quiet chamber of the "Slaughter God Pavilion." He needed time to digest the vast amount of information that had flooded his mind during his struggle with Lü Bu's remnant soul and to understand the secrets behind this "Hidden Slaughter God."
"System," Lin Che called out silently in his mind, his gaze steady, "come out for a chat. What's the deal with this 'Marquis of Wen, Lü Bu'? The legacies of the first ten Slaughter Gods were explicitly unlockable. Why is his hidden? And why were the unlock conditions so… bizarre?"
He clearly remembered the quest requirement: to strike the final blow at "the moment of Xuan Tiangang's most desperate, most resentful destruction."
[Ding! Host's query detected. Regarding the 'Eleventh Slaughter God—Lü Bu', his state of existence is fundamentally different.]
The system's electronic voice carried a trace of gravity.
[The first ten Slaughter Gods have relatively complete legacy imprints. They largely accept the system's host selection mechanism, seeking qualified 'inheritors'.]
[As for Lü Bu, the obsessions of 'Arrogance' and 'Destruction' within his remnant soul far exceed the others. He never believed he needed a 'successor'. What he needs is a 'temporary host' worthy of his strength.]
Lin Che's eyes sharpened. "Temporary host? He doesn't fully accept me?"
[Not a complete lack of acceptance.] The system explained. [He acknowledged the host's decisiveness and the 'plundering' nature displayed at that critical moment. This aligns with his Dao. However, he did not truly entrust his 'legacy'. What the host currently possesses is the 'right to use' his power, not 'ownership'.]
"Right to use?" Lin Che frowned slightly. "So, this power isn't fully mine? The danger of him trying to take over still exists?"
[Correct. Lü Bu's remnant soul remains concealed deep within the legacy. When the host aligns with his philosophy or faces extreme peril, he may offer assistance. Conversely, if the host proves 'unworthy', he is highly likely to attempt possession again.]
[This forced fusion quest was a 'risk hedging' option provided by the system during the crisis.]
Lin Che fell silent for a moment, then smiled casually. "Risk and opportunity coexist. Fair enough. So, I have to keep growing stronger—strong enough to make him feel that keeping me confined is far less interesting than watching me climb to the peak."
[Theoretically feasible. But the difficulty is extremely high. It is recommended that the host adopt a strategy of 'cooperation' and 'suppression'.]
"Understood." Lin Che nodded. Power itself was neither good nor evil; the key lay with the wielder.
Just then, a respectful voice came from outside the chamber: "Pavilion Master, Vice Pavilion Master Shi Jin requests an audience. He reports that the inventory is complete."
"Enter."
Shi Jin entered, holding a jade slip. Though fatigued, his eyes were bright. "Pavilion Master, the gains far exceed our estimates. They are enough to elevate our strength by several levels! However… the allocation of resources requires your decision. Also, regarding compensation for the fallen…"
Lin Che took the jade slip, scanned it, and had a plan. "Shi Jin, what do you think we should do next?"
Shi Jin straightened up. "The Profound Sword Sect's forces here are eradicated. We should solidify our foundation and establish the Canglan Realm as our impregnable rear base."
"The rear must be secure," Lin Che stood up, "but waiting passively has never been my style. We cannot wait for them to deliver a sharper knife. We must strike first."
Shi Jin's heart stirred. "You mean… to expedition to the Profound Heaven Realm?"
"Correct." Lin Che's eyes blazed. "Their main sect must be in upheaval. Now is the best time for our counterattack! It also paves the way for finding Su Qingyao…"
A flicker of tenderness passed through Lin Che's eyes.
Shi Jin took a deep breath. "But… the Profound Heaven Realm is unfamiliar, filled with experts. If you lead the expedition, our foundation here…"
"This is my instruction to you." Lin Che patted his shoulder. "After I leave, the Pavilion is in your hands. Do not be stingy with resources. Prioritize elevating our brothers' cultivation. That is our foundation."
"The Floating Flower Palace is our ally. Palace Master Meng Qingcheng is one of us. They will serve as our branch here. Consult with her and Holy Maiden Luo on major decisions."
Shi Jin knelt. "I will not fail this trust! I will guard our foundation awaiting your return!"
"Rise." Lin Che gave him a communication talisman. "This is linked to my mind. Use it in emergencies. In my absence, you are the master here. Act decisively."
Three days later, at the Pavilion square, the teleportation formation glowed. Lin Che, in black robes, stood before it. Luo Jiayin in red stood beside him. Meng Qingcheng and her disciples, and Shi Jin with the entire Pavilion, saw them off.
Lin Che nodded to Shi Jin and Meng Qingcheng.
"Let's depart."
He took Luo Jiayin's hand and stepped into the light.
The light faded, the formation stood empty.
Shi Jin clenched his fist. "From today, Level One alert! All members cultivate diligently! By the Pavilion Master's return, our prestige will resound through both realms!"
[Ding! Main Quest 'Sword Pointed at the Profound Heaven' begins! Objective: Arrive and establish a foothold. Rewards: Map, Faction Chart, 50,000 Slaughter Points.]
A new journey had begun.
Deep in his consciousness, Lü Bu's remnant soul seemed to ripple with pleasure at the battles to come.