Returning to his stone chamber in the First Level market, Lin Haoming finally let out a long breath of relief.
This venture had been incredibly risky. Had he been discovered, even Xie Ruolan might have struggled to protect him from the ensuing disaster. Fortunately, no accidents occurred. Looking at the Axe of Mountain Splitting Talisman Treasure in his hand, Lin could already see himself receiving the sect's rewards.
With his trump card secured, Lin rested for two days before leaving the market again. This time, he didn't descend further; he went back to the Stupa Grotto.
---
Returning to the Slaughterhouse
Two Qi Refining disciples guarded the entrance to the Stupa Grotto. They recognized Lin immediately. After all, his feat of killing two supervisors and surviving to become a shopkeeper in the market was legendary in these parts.
Lin flashed the high-authority token given to him by Ling Shengjie and passed through without a word. Coming back to this familiar place, his state of mind was worlds apart from when he first arrived. Even if Zhou Zhiye and Situ Ping appeared before him now, he wouldn't feel a flicker of fear. Having followed Xie Ruolan, he had killed inner disciples far more powerful than them.
As he walked toward the slaughterhouse, the familiar stench of blood filled his nose. Dozens of Mountain Armored Beasts were still being butchered daily. Over a year had passed; many old faces remained, but new ones had joined the ranks.
"Shopkeeper Lin!"
"Supervisor Lin!"
The butchers called out with a mix of awe and envy. To them, Lin was now a high-status figure who had successfully climbed out of the mud. Lin wore a friendly smile, but his eyes eventually locked onto Li Shuntian.
After Lin left, Bao Wenliang had suffered, but Li Shuntian had remained unshakable. Despite his low cultivation, he was still the Second Supervisor here. Even now, he sat on a large rock, watching the others work.
"Senior Brother Lin!" Li Shuntian ran over immediately, his face plastered with a submissive smile, though a hint of panic flickered in his eyes.
"Junior Brother Li," Lin said, deliberately acting superior. "I've been gone so long, why haven't you come to visit me?" He knew Li had joined Situ Ping's faction and had even insulted him behind his back.
"I... I wouldn't dare disturb you, Senior Brother! You're a big shot now," Li stammered, his smile becoming increasingly strained. He was terrified that Lin—and by extension, Bao Wenliang—had come for revenge.
Lin smiled warmly. "Junior Brother, do I look like that kind of person? I've been thinking of you. I'm leaving the sect temporarily to visit your home country, and I thought I'd take you along to see your family."
"This... I..." Li Shuntian wanted to refuse, but the words died in his throat when he met Lin's piercing gaze. He felt a crushing pressure from Lin that he hadn't even felt from Situ Ping. His divine sense swept over Lin, and he was horrified to find that Lin had reached the 9th level of Qi Refining. Li had only just reached the 7th level and felt like an ant in comparison.
"What? Are you afraid Situ Ping won't let you go? Don't worry, if I want to take you, he won't dare stop me," Lin said pointedly.
Li Shuntian realized Lin was here specifically for him and had no intention of letting him go. "I... I will follow Senior Brother's every command," he whispered, knowing his life was now in Lin's hands.
---
The Blood Vow
Lin made a quick stop at Supervisor Ma's office to cross Li's name off the list. Situ Ping didn't even show his face. As they walked out of the Stupa Grotto, Li Shuntian suddenly fell to his knees with a thud.
Lin feigned surprise. "Junior Brother Li, what is the meaning of this?"
"Senior Brother Lin, I have spent years compromising just to survive in the Grotto, even saying things I didn't mean. I hope you can be magnanimous. I truly wish to follow you. Now that I've left the Grotto, I am willing to swear a Blood Vow to obey you forever!" Li said fervently.
Lin was genuinely surprised. For a Qi Refining disciple, a Blood Vow required immense conviction; any hesitation during the process could lead to a fatal backlash. Li was clearly desperate to prove his loyalty to save his skin.
A Blood Vow was an excellent way to control someone. Seeing Lin remain silent, Li Shuntian bit his lip and spat out a mouthful of essence blood, shouting:
"I, Li Shuntian, swear this Blood Vow to follow Senior Brother Lin Haoming from this day forward! If I harbor a second heart, may heaven strike me down with lightning and may I die a miserable death!"