Chapter 388: Royal Bloodline, Shadow of the Blood Legion (6200)

"Marita? She actually found my territory?"

When they parted last time, Cao Xing gave her a communication device, telling her to contact him when she reached the Gale Snowfield.

Unexpectedly, she had arrived without a word.

Although a bit surprised, Cao Xing was quite happy.

After all, this woman could be considered his benefactor.

The first time, she gave him the [Demon Devouring Box], allowing him to successfully devour demons and gain the powerful Demon Transformation ability.

The second time, she gave him magic seeds, shards of the Moon Crown Pearl, and also… her body…

It could be said that he had received much help from her along this journey.

Thus, Cao Xing directly clicked 'Agree'.

About two kilometers away from the territory, at the border of the furnace's coverage area.

An ordinary-looking carriage drove over.

Cao Xing quickly walked out of the territory to welcome her.

From afar, he could see that the carriage had only one driver and no guards at all.

"So low-key?"

However, thinking of this woman's strength, it wasn't strange.

After all, she was an Archmage; with her own strength, she was the strongest guard.

Meanwhile.

Marita's carriage slowly arrived under the city walls.

Seeing Cao Xing standing in the snow ahead with a large number of soldiers to welcome her.

The curtain of the carriage was gradually lifted.

A mature and beautiful face peered out from within.

It was Marita.

Her waterfall-like brown hair was slightly curled, draped casually over her shoulders, with a few strands gently fluttering in the breeze.

Beneath her curved willow-leaf eyebrows were a pair of eyes as deep as sapphires.

Today, she seemed a bit different from when he last saw her.

Having dressed up carefully, she appeared even more stunning and moving.

The carriage stopped slowly in front of Cao Xing.

Then Marita lifted the carriage curtain.

Vaguely, Cao Xing seemed to see two other figures inside the carriage.

However, before he could see clearly, the curtain was drawn back.

An elegant and moving figure stepped out gracefully.

Today, Marita was wearing a gorgeous black dress.

The hem of the skirt swayed slightly, and the heart-shaped neckline of the dress revealed her fair skin and proud figure just right.

She lifted her fluffy skirt, carefully stepped down from the carriage, her lotus steps moving lightly.

Upon seeing Cao Xing, a complex expression immediately appeared on her face.

There was joy, emotion, and a trace of imperceptible shyness.

"Lord Cao Xing, long time no see."

Cao Xing also smiled and said: "Long time no see, Ms. Marita."

"I am surprised you were actually able to find my territory."

The other warriors also looked at Marita with curious expressions.

It seemed they didn't know that their Lord knew such a distinguished lady with an extraordinary aura and immense power.

Marita said softly: "It took me quite some trouble."

"However, after asking a few Otherworld Lords, they told me the location of your territory."

Cao Xing nodded with a light laugh.

The lady's gaze passed over the city walls, looking at the buildings within the territory, an expression of admiration appearing in her eyes.

She laughed lightly: "Lord Cao Xing, won't you invite me in for a seat?"

Cao Xing was stunned, then immediately reacted.

"It was my negligence."

"Ms. Marita, please, come in."

As he spoke, the city gate opened wide.

Marita laughed lightly, returned to the carriage, and it slowly drove into the territory.

Meanwhile, Cao Xing looked at the warriors beside him and then focused his gaze on Hilda.

"Hilda, I have some business to handle here, so why don't you take our warriors and go meet up with my wife."

"Sarah, you stay."

The Blood Spider Queen nodded slightly upon hearing this, "Okay."

After speaking, she took the Star Country swordsmen and left.

Sarah remained by Cao Xing's side to ensure his safety.

Watching the backs of Hilda and the others disappear, Cao Xing turned around and followed the carriage back into the territory.

The carriage only stopped when it reached the second ring area of the territory.

Because the tavern was located here.

Whenever Cao Xing entertained people from outside the territory, he basically arranged it here.

"Ms. Marita, please step down."

Hearing the voice, the lady maintained her elegant pace and slowly stepped down from the carriage.

But this time, two other figures followed her down.

Both figures were wearing simple coats, but their faces were covered with veils, making it impossible to see their specific features.

However, judging by their builds, one could identify them as a man and a woman.

The man seemed young, and when faced with Cao Xing's gaze, he appeared a bit uneasy.

As for the other woman, her face was covered with a white veil, appearing somewhat mysterious.

What surprised Cao Xing was that he couldn't see the information of these two people at all.

They seemed to have used an extremely powerful concealment method, making it difficult for outsiders to detect them easily.

However, Cao Xing didn't overthink it.

He said directly: "Everyone, let's go into the tavern and sit down first."

The three nodded slightly, then entered the tavern one by one.

As for the driver at the door, he remained sitting on the carriage without any intention of getting down.

Cao Xing didn't pay it any mind and also entered the tavern.

The four of them sat down separately.

The bartender, Lachi, was very perceptive and quickly brought four glasses of red wine for the four of them.

The rich aroma of the wine was refreshing.

Cao Xing asked first: "Marita, has the curse on you been resolved?"

Hearing Cao Xing's concerned tone, a look of being moved appeared on the woman's face.

She laughed lightly: "I thought Lord Cao Xing would ask who these two are first."

"I didn't expect you to be concerned about my health first…"

"It seems that I hold quite some weight in your heart."

Cao Xing was stunned, then said: "That is for certain; since we parted that time, I have been worried about your situation."

"But because the Orchid Kingdom is too far from here, I couldn't know your recent situation, so I could only pray for you in my heart."

The lady smiled sweetly, "Your mouth is so sweet~"

Pausing, she said slowly: "Thank you for your concern, my curse is temporarily fine."

[Due to your concern, Marita Vargas's favorability has increased…]

Upon hearing this, a relieved smile appeared on Cao Xing's face.

However, what surprised him was that this [Life Wither Curse] couldn't even be suppressed by a hero-level existence like Qinong.

And Marita had actually resolved it so quickly?

Seeming to know his confusion, the lady said softly: "Actually, it's not completely resolved; it's just that I used a method to temporarily suppress it."

"If I don't find a way to solve it, there is still a risk of it erupting in the future."

A look of realization appeared in Cao Xing's eyes.

It was indeed as he had thought.

This Life Wither Curse was not that simple; even she could only manage to temporarily suppress it.

Cao Xing did not continue to ask this question, but turned to ask: "Have you found out who cast this curse on you?"

Hearing this question, the lady shook her head.

With a trace of worry on her face, she said: "It hasn't been determined yet."

"But according to some clues we have, it points to an organization called the Watchers."

"Watchers?" Cao Xing asked in confusion.

"Yes, this is an extremely ancient organization that hasn't appeared on the continent for many years."

"Information about this organization is also very scarce."

"I only know that in the war a thousand years ago, the Blood Legion that destroyed many kingdoms had the shadow of the Watchers behind it."

"Now that the Life Wither Curse has reappeared, I suspect the Blood Legion may be making a comeback."

"This is a major event for all the kingdoms in the Western Continent."

"Therefore, we have already begun to secretly investigate this force."

Cao Xing nodded in realization.

From Marita's words, he had obtained some key clues.

The Blood Legion most likely had the Watchers behind it.

And the Blood Legion might launch a war that would sweep across the entire Western Continent again.

Cao Xing was quite interested in this force.

After all, many of the residents in his territory had grudges against the Blood Legion.

The Xiaer race, the Centaur race, and the Orchid Kingdom had all been invaded by the Blood Legion.

Blot Brimstone was constantly thinking about revenge.

However, the strength of this Blood Legion must be terrifying!

Judging from the clues revealed by these natives, the Blood Legion had once conquered along the way, destroying many kingdoms, and almost unified the entire Western Continent.

As for the Watchers behind them, they were probably even more powerful.

Therefore, if the Blood Legion really made a comeback.

Then for the entire Western Continent and many kingdoms, it would be an extremely serious matter, possibly even triggering a war that would sweep across the entire continent.

By then… the chaotic times would arrive.

Although heroes emerge in chaotic times, human lives are like grass in chaotic times.

The Survivors had finally adapted, and the death rate had dropped significantly.

Once a war of this scale occurred, it was estimated that no one could stay out of it; everyone would be swept up by the trend, and the death rate would skyrocket!

However, if that situation really appeared, the first to bear the brunt would be those kingdoms.

Thinking of this, Cao Xing did not continue to dwell on this question.

So, he turned his head and asked: "Then Ms. Marita, what brings you to me today…"

Hearing this, the gravity on the lady's face disappeared.

Instead, a smile like a blooming rose appeared.

She said softly: "Lord Cao Xing, have you forgotten the matter you entrusted to me last time?"

Cao Xing recalled it for a moment, and then seemed to realize something, his eyes carrying a hint of uncertainty.

"You mean… the Ascalon royal bloodline?"

The lady nodded with a light laugh, "Yes, I found it."

"And, not only did I find this royal bloodline."

"I also brought it to you."

Hearing this, a look of wild joy immediately appeared in Cao Xing's eyes.

He looked at Marita with burning eyes, his heart even more excited.

Because once this royal bloodline appeared, it meant he could open the treasure of the Ascalon underground palace!

Not only could he find the method to repair the legendary weapon—Magdal, but it might also contain a large amount of treasures.

Just thinking about it made one excited!

Under Cao Xing's fiery gaze, Marita said softly: "Robin, take off your veil and let Lord Cao Xing see you."

As she spoke, the man next to her took off the black veil on his face, revealing a relatively young Western face that looked to be about fifteen or sixteen years old.

His nose was high and straight, his eyes were deep blue, and his facial features were distinct, giving people a sense of ruggedness.

However, this young man seemed a bit embarrassed when facing Cao Xing's gaze.

He lowered his head, not daring to meet his eyes.

Meanwhile, his information appeared before Cao Xing.

[Apprentice Knight: Robin Scott] [Affiliated Faction: Orchid Kingdom]

[Race: Human]

[Level: 19 (Tier 2 Elite Creature)]

[HP: 4620/4620]

[Attack Power: 237 ~ 249]

[Skills: Orchid Kingdom Swordsmanship, Intermediate Riding Mastery, Orchid Bloom]

[Talent: Ascalon Royal Bloodline (Bloodline of a lost kingdom; if the Kingdom's Crown is inherited, there is a probability of becoming the new King of Ascalon)]

…

Good heavens!

It really is someone with the Ascalon Royal Bloodline.

Cao Xing was instantly overjoyed.

"Thank you so much, Marita, you've really helped me out a lot this time!"

Seeing him so happy, a faint smile appeared on Marita's vibrant lips.

She chuckled, "You're welcome."

"However, I also have a small request."

Cao Xing asked, "What is it?"

Marita didn't beat around the bush and said directly, "We will be staying in the Gale Snowfield for a few days, waiting for the merchant guild to arrive."

"For these few days, we have nowhere else to go, so we will need to impose on Lord Cao Xing's territory for a few days."

Hearing this, Cao Xing was taken aback for a moment.

Then he shook his head with a smile and said, "I thought it was some big request."

"Feel free to stay as long as you like; just treat this place as your own home."

Hearing his ready agreement, a gentle smile appeared on Marita's mature face.

Cao Xing looked again at the veiled woman beside her, "And she is…"

Marita said softly, "A relative of mine; she will be waiting here with me for a few days."

Cao Xing felt a slight stir in his heart, but he didn't ask further.

"In that case, I'll arrange a place for you to rest first."

"Tomorrow, I might take Robin to the Ascalon ruins. There's a group of the kingdom's undead there who have been waiting for many years."

Marita glanced at the boy beside her and asked, "Robin, do you have any objections?"

The boy's shoulders trembled; he seemed a bit afraid of Marita.

He replied tremblingly, "No… no objections, Your Highness Marita…"

Marita nodded slightly.

Cao Xing continued, "Alright, then, I'll take you to your resting place."

After saying this, Cao Xing led them out of the high-level tavern.

He then arranged two high-level residences for them.

It could be said to be high-spec treatment.

After settling Marita in, Cao Xing checked the time again.

It was almost twelve o'clock noon.

There were 5 hours left until the 'Zhuo Mas Claw' challenge ended, at which point the Zhuoma Giant Beast would appear.

He glanced at the current points leaderboard.

[Four Great Regions Points Leaderboard]

[First Place: Cao Xing (Cumulative Points 153321)]

[Second Place: Bai Zhi (Cumulative Points 12935)]

[Third Place: Bolte (Cumulative Points 12732)]

[Fourth Place: Taylor (Cumulative Points 10552)]

[Fifth Place: Wei Jianyi (Cumulative Points 9876)]

[Sixth Place: Cheng Lu (Cumulative Points 8752)]

[Seventh Place: Wu Xinghu (Cumulative Points 7352)]

[…]

…

Cao Xing's points were almost more than ten times those of the second place.

It could be said that at the current pace, even if he didn't do anything for the next eight days, it would be impossible for anyone to surpass him.

In the chat channel, the Survivors had long since become numb to Cao Xing's terrifying point growth rate.

They also knew that it was impossible for anyone to surpass Cao Xing; the gap was just too large.

So, everyone was now fighting for the top three spots on the leaderboard.

The competition could be said to be quite fierce.

In just one morning, Bai Zhi had pushed Bolte out.

Cao Xing thought to himself, "According to Muxue's speed, she gets about 90,000 points a day. Including the Zhuoma Giant Beast reward, it's about 110,000, which is more than I earned fighting all day yesterday."

"And if she and I split our forces to fight, the efficiency should be even higher."

Thus, Cao Xing pressed the communication device and asked, "Muxue, how is the battle situation on your side?"

A voice quickly came from the other side, "Ah Xing, we have already dealt with four Zhuoma Giant Beasts and are now preparing to find the fifth one."

Her tone carried some joy and excitement.

Today was her first time fighting alone, and so far, everything was going very smoothly.

A faint smile appeared on Cao Xing's lips.

"Well done, Muxue."

"Now, separate those Star Country Swordsmen and have them search for new locations of the Zhuo Mas Claw."

"Then, I will lead them, and we will fight on two fronts."

The other side quickly understood Cao Xing's meaning and immediately relayed the information to everyone.

About twenty minutes later, one of the Star Country Swordsmen named 'Lin' reported, "My Lord, I have found a Zhuo Mas Claw about twenty kilometers away from the territory."

Cao Xing quickly replied, "Alright, I'll be right there."

After saying this, Cao Xing remounted Dabai and took Sarah to the place where the Star Country Swordsman was.

Although he had left Marita behind, she was a powerful existence of at least Tier 7, and a mage at that.

Cao Xing had just glanced at her information; Marita also had hidden means, so her specific attributes could not be seen.

But a powerhouse of this level, if she were to take action, could probably cause heavy losses to his territory with a single high-level spell.

However? As an old acquaintance, she shouldn't do anything untoward.

Moreover, even if something happened, Francesca was still there.

With her current strength, she should be able to hold off a Tier 7 Archmage for a while.

At least he didn't have to worry about that.

The Mammoth took heavy steps as it moved forward.

However, since Liu Muxue was not by his side, Cao Xing looked directly at Sarah beside him.

"Sarah, give me your hand."

The Dark Elf was a bit puzzled but still extended her palm.

The next moment, she suddenly felt her hand gripped by Cao Xing.

Then, she was pulled directly onto the back of the Mammoth.

In Sarah's surprised gaze, Cao Xing supported her slender waist with both hands and placed her in front of him.

"My Lord…"

Sarah turned her head, her face flushed.

Cao Xing smiled without saying a word.

The Mammoth carried them as it galloped through the snowfield.

Holding the slender Dark Elf in his arms, embracing her delicate waist.

Along the way, Sarah kept her head lowered, huddled in Cao Xing's arms, appearing very embarrassed.

Although her relationship with Cao Xing was no longer just that of a lord and subordinate, being held in his arms in broad daylight while riding Dabai together was a first for Sarah, and she felt incredibly shy.

This situation did not last long.

A dozen minutes later, Cao Xing arrived at the destination.

And when Sarah saw the Star Country Swordsmen waiting ahead, she quickly broke free from Cao Xing's arms and jumped down.

Cao Xing shook his head with a smile.

Meanwhile, Braum, Xiao, Victoria, and Isabelle were already here waiting.

As well as the snake woman Ilena and the beast-ear girl Herlie.

It was the same original team that had dealt with the goblin camp.

Seeing Cao Xing, they all respectfully said, "Greetings, My Lord."

Cao Xing nodded slightly and said, "Your efficiency is quite fast."

"Then now, let's start the battle immediately!"

The group looked down at the Ice Nest army below, their eyes burning with fighting spirit.

Then, they charged down with the momentum of a violent storm!

Sarah was still to deal with the 'Zhuo Mas Claw' alone.

Transforming into a streak of black lightning, she rushed directly onto the head of the Zhuo Mas Claw and slashed wildly.

This woman in battle mode was a completely different person.

It was a completely different style from the delicate girl who had just been held in Cao Xing's arms.

And the swordsmen below also engaged the Ice Nest Monsters in a head-on battle.

This time, it took about an hour and a half to take down these ten thousand plus Ice Nest Monsters.

Cao Xing calculated in his heart.

"It seems that, including travel time and searching for the Ice Nest Monster army, I need about two hours to wipe out one army."

"And Muxue's side is a bit faster than me, but it also takes about an hour and a half to wipe out one Ice Nest Monster army."

"All in all, although the speed has decreased, the speed of acquiring points has increased."

"This is equivalent to saying that in four hours, I can wipe out at least four Ice Nest Monster armies, which is 52,000 points."

"Not bad, not bad. Splitting the forces really increased the speed a lot."

Thinking of this, he nodded with satisfaction.

Then, as usual, he picked up the Zhuo Mas Claw and the items dropped by the entire Ice Nest Monster army.

[Obtained: Ice Dragon Core (Orange) * 1]

[Obtained: dragon rock ore (Gold) * 1317]

[Obtained: Ice Dragon Mark * 167196]

[Obtained: glacier shard * 78238]

[Obtained…]

…

Cao Xing ordered, "Everyone, disperse and continue searching for the location of the Zhuo Mas Claw."

Hearing this, everyone immediately took action.

For the rest of the afternoon, they were in constant battle.

When the time reached 4:50 PM,

On the points leaderboard,

Cao Xing's cumulative points had reached 231,179.

This meant that he had gained another 130,000 points today.

If you count the 20,000 points from the Zhuoma Giant Beast, Cao Xing could earn at least 150,000 points today.

Compared to yesterday, that's an increase of a full 50%!

This is equivalent to 50 high-level unit recruitment scrolls; one can imagine what kind of concept that is.

In the chat channel, the Survivors were deeply shocked once again by Cao Xing's growth rate, which was even more terrifying than yesterday.

"This is ridiculous! Great Lord Cao Xing's points are growing too excessively!"

"Indeed, 130,000 points in one day… I could exchange for over a thousand Tier 3 Imperial Soldiers."

"I work hard fighting with a legion all day just to get one or two thousand points, and yet Great Lord Cao Xing is over a hundred times mine; it's truly infuriating to compare people!"

"Who isn't? I'm so damn envious. If I had Great Lord Cao Xing's scraps, I'd make a fortune in a day!"