Chapter 41 : We share the same blood!

Lin Shi's gaze fell upon the two Lin Clan disciples, their bodies bound tightly, their eyes burning with a fiery intensity. A wave of dread washed over him as he realized the role he was being forced to play in this cruel game orchestrated by Lin Yang.

"Lin Shi," Lin Yang's voice cut through the tense silence, his words dripping with sadistic glee, "prove your loyalty by picking up your sword and ending their lives."

Lin Shi's legs turned to jelly, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. How had he found himself in this nightmarish predicament? It seemed like only yesterday he was a respected member of the Lin Clan, devoted to protecting his family's honor.

Yet, fate had a different plan for him. The hushed whispers of the natural world reached his ears, desperately trying to guide him to safety. "In the southwest, roughly half a kilometer away, a grey dove's nest has been destroyed. The male and female are soaring through the sky, filled with anger and frustration."

"In the northwest, just a hundred feet distant, two figures are questing in our direction. They have stolen the prey of a mighty mountain wolf, and the wolf is communicating its fear to its mate."

"In the southeast, a formidable search party consisting of over ten members is closing in on our location..."

Perched upon a rocky outcrop, a black-faced man wore a mask of anguish, his dry lips trembling as he meticulously relayed the information. Nearby, a striking young man reclined lazily, his shoulder-length black hair dancing in the sunlight. His sharp eyebrows and starry eyes added a touch of allure to his enigmatic presence. The macabre scene surrounding him, however, painted a sinister picture.

Littered across the ground were the lifeless bodies of more than ten individuals, their primordial power still emanating from them. These were no ordinary corpses; they were once the elite enforcers of the Lin Family, figures who evoked envy and fear among their peers.

Now, they lay motionless, their strength extinguished by Lin Yang's merciless domination. The black-faced man, haunted by the weight of their deaths on his conscience, felt his heart quiver. These were the pillars upon which the Lin Family relied, and he had become an unwilling accomplice to their demise. Yet, there was no room for resistance, for the net of circumstances had ensnared him tightly.

Lin Shi's brow furrowed deeply as he contemplated his tragic role in this twisted narrative. The very thought of wielding his blade against his own flesh and blood sent chills down his spine. Betrayal gnawed at his conscience, threatening to consume him entirely.

The black-faced man's silent torment went unnoticed by Lin Yang, who turned his attention to the terrain, his gaze sharp as a predator stalking its prey. With his uncanny ability to communicate with the creatures of the skies and the beasts of the land, Lin Yang possessed an edge that made him a force to be reckoned with. He scanned the valley and penetrated the labyrinthine forest, his senses heightened to catch the faintest hint of danger.

Lin Shi, despite his inner turmoil, remained a valuable asset, his gifted intuition aiding their desperate attempts to evade the relentless pursuit of the Law Enforcement Hall's elite enforcers. He had become an unwitting informant, his predictions and insights leading to their successful escapes and unfortunate demises.

Together, they had toppled the mighty warriors of the Law Enforcement Hall, leaving behind a trail of fallen bodies.

After absorbing the information, Lin Shi hesitated for a moment, his internal struggle evident in the forced smile that tugged at his lips. "Young Master, is there no alternative? We have already taken enough lives. Remember, the same blood flows within us..."

"No!" Lin Yang interrupted him abruptly, his voice carrying a resolute tone.

He turned his gaze towards Lin Shi, his eyes filled with an icy coldness as he locked eyes with the stern-faced middle-aged man. A derisive sneer curled his lips as he confronted him.

"What's the matter? Has your heart suddenly softened? Or were you devoid of mercy when you relentlessly pursued me?"

Lin Shi's usually somber face reddened in an instant, his emotions tangling within him like a raging tempest.

"Do you recall how they treated Aunt Ji? It's time for ruthless retribution!" Lin Yang's tone grew colder, his words laced with an icy edge. "Do you truly believe that I, Lin Yang, am still that insignificant wretch you once knew?"

"I am no longer a mere pawn at their disposal, nor am I akin to the chickens, ducks, cows, and sheep they raise for slaughter. They may think they hold control over my fate, that they have the authority to look down upon me and treat me as a disposable piece. But mark my words, I will dismantle their very core until the day I crush their faces beneath my feet and wipe my shoes clean with their insignificance!" Lin Yang's laughter reverberated with an unsettling coldness.

An indescribable chill crawled up from the depths of Lin Shi's heart, causing his entire body to tremble involuntarily. A wave of sorrow washed over him, realizing that the Lin Clan had already suffered enough during these dark days. The loss of elite disciples alone numbered no less than three hundred, an immense blow to the vitality of the Lin Clan.

Lin Yang maintained his frigid gaze on the stone-faced man, his voice dripping with cold disdain as he scolded him.

"Abandon your futile sympathy. If I hear such misguided words escape your lips again, I will personally carry out your demise and your family will bear the repercussions of your actions."

"Yes," Lin Shi murmured, his head hung low, not daring to meet the inky black eyes that bore into his soul.

At this moment, Lin Yang appeared as a treacherous and sinister sword in Lin Shi's eyes. Any misstep could result in the blade swiftly severing his life. The mere thought sent shivers down his spine.

A heavy silence enveloped them, punctuated only by the raggedness of their breathing. Finally, Lin Yang's gaze fell upon the subdued figure of Lin Shi, and he unexpectedly posed a question. "Tell me about Formation Masters. I noticed the shock on your faces when I revealed my knowledge of formations. Is it possible that you are familiar with Spirit Formations?"

Lin Shi's astonishment was palpable, his eyes widening in disbelief as he contemplated Lin Yang's words. "Young Master, could it be that you truly possess knowledge of Spirit Formations?"

Lin Yang nodded serenely, his expression maintaining its calm composure. However, Lin Shi could not contain his excitement, his body trembling with anticipation. The despair that had consumed him moments before evaporated, replaced by an overwhelming sense of reverence. Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined that this ruthless and enigmatic young master was also a Formation Master. The mere prospect of being able to follow such a master was enough to weaken his knees in exhilaration.

Lin Yang's expression held a hint of curiosity as he broached the topic of the Alchemists. "The allure of the tangible is strong among cultivators—a single pill can propel one through the barriers of their realm, even snatch life from the jaws of death at pivotal moments, tipping the scales of combat. Yet, I'm intrigued by the esteemed standing of Formation Masters. What warrants such reverence for their craft?