The art of "Blood Sacrifice for the Sword" had been circulated among the Nine Domains, yet for most people, it remained a profoundly mysterious matter.
To perform a blood sacrifice for the sword, to the common eye, seemed like a demonic practice.
But this art of sword sacrifice was actually the most crucial part of the ancient art of swordsmithing, where the blood sacrificed was that of the divine spirits.
The higher the quality of the sacrificial blood, the better the effect, and the more noble the blood, the better the results of the sacrifice.
Yet among noble blood, none could compare to that of an ancient war dragon, a single drop of Chu Fengmian’s blood was essentially equivalent to a drop of true ancient war dragon blood.
When refining the Red Flame Sword, the edge of the sword instantly became much sharper.
Chu Fengmian picked up the Red Flame Sword; with a swing, the flames within it took on the golden color of dragon fire.
"Although the quality of the Red Flame Sword is fixed and it cannot be re-refined, the presence of these nine power runes, alongside the dragon flame of the sword sacrifice, means that the power of the Red Flame Sword is now no less than many top-tier spiritual artifacts of the Earth grade," Chu Fengmian thought joyfully.
It was his first time refining an artifact, and it was to such an extent, thankfully the materials of the Red Flame Sword were good enough to withstand such a refinement.
Otherwise, if it were the Xuanqing Sword in Chu Fengmian’s hands, attempting to refine it with a blood sacrifice might just burn the Xuanqing Sword to ashes.
The power of the art of sword sacrifice also depended on whether the spiritual artifact could withstand it.
"I finally have a heavy sword now."
Chu Fengmian looked at the Red Flame Sword, his heart filled with joy.
As someone who had once been the top practitioner of the Sword Dao, he had an understanding of the path of the heavy sword; compared to the finesse of light swords, he preferred the dominance of the heavy swords.
The path of the heavy sword was that of a conqueror, a might that compelled others to submission.
"Let’s go, it’s time to return to the academy."
Chu Fengmian felt a surge of joy and realized it was time to return.
His form flickered, and he moved through the desert, flying towards the direction of the military camp.
The army of Prince of Ping Sha had already wiped out the sand bandits, achieving a total victory. Without Mu Yuanhuo backing them, the sand bandits were merely an unruly mob, no match for a real army.
Chu Fengmian returned to the military camp and saw soldiers disregarding others, carrying sand bandit heads, tallying their military achievements.
In the kingdom of Wusheng, military merits were determined by the number of heads collected; these sand bandits, continually doing evil, had prompted the current Emperor of Wusheng to order their immediate execution, with heads eligible for claiming elixirs.
Thus, these soldiers were carrying heads back, some very strong soldiers each having over ten heads.
Chu Fengmian, passing through the crowd, entered the tent of the Prince of Ping Sha.
As Chu Fengmian appeared, many martial artists shouted sharply, but as they recognized Fengmian’s appearance, expressions of joy spread across their faces.
"Master Chu has returned."
Those middle-aged men joyfully exclaimed.
They had seen Chu Fengmian chase after Mu Yuanhuo, and having not returned for a long time, everyone had been very worried.
Now seeing Chu Fengmian return, their faces lit up with excitement.
"Master Chu, you’ve finally come back. If you hadn’t, I wouldn’t know how to explain to Wusheng Academy."
The Prince of Ping Sha also laughed and, on seeing Chu Fengmian return, expressed his joy.
"What about that demon?"
Chu Fengmian didn’t bother with much conversation and suddenly opened a storage bag, releasing the body of Mu Yuanhuo.
Though riddled with countless holes, Mu Yuanhuo’s distinctive appearance was recognizable at a glance.
"Indeed, it was that demon! He’s finally dead. Now, the northwest desert can finally be at peace!"
The Prince of Ping Sha saw the corpse of Mu Yuanhuo and couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
Mu Yuanhuo had always plagued the northwest desert, and now that he was dead, the menace of the sand bandits could finally be resolved.
"Master Chu, truly heroic! This favor, I, the Prince, will remember. If Master Chu ever needs anything from me, just say the word."
"It’s all in a day’s work, Your Highness, no need for such remarks."
Hearing the Prince of Ping Sha’s words, Chu Fengmian knew well what he meant by trying to win him over. Calmly, he bypassed the implication.
He, Chu Fengmian, had lived freely throughout his life, never subjugated to anyone, and naturally wouldn’t be swayed by others.
"If there’s nothing else, I must return to the academy now; there isn’t much time, and I must report back."
Chu Fengmian spoke and walked directly towards the outside, mounted the Black-Scale Horse King, and left.
"This Chu Fengmian, truly a genius. He might even compare to Zhi Lingtian, but such a talent is exceedingly hard to win over."
The Prince of Ping Sha muttered to himself softly.
Originally, he had somewhat dismissed the rumors about Chu Fengmian, thinking it was impossible to find another in the Wusheng Kingdom to rival Zhi Lingtian.
But now, seeing Chu Fengmian, he exceeded the rumors, even more monstrous than Zhi Lingtian had been.
Regrettably, his attempt to win him over was seen through by Chu Fengmian who then left, making the Prince understand Chu Fengmian’s stance more clearly.
A dragon does not dwell with snakes; with Chu Fengmian’s nature, joining any party was out of the question.
The Black-Scale Horse King galloped, and three days later, Chu Fengmian returned to the academy.
This round trip took Chu Fengmian merely a week, much faster than the month stipulated by the Saint of Xuanbei.
The Hall of Tasks— in Wusheng Academy, the place responsible for task assignment and completion.
Although Chu Fengmian’s task had been assigned by the Saint of Xuanbei, to claim his reward, he still needed to complete it at the Hall of Tasks.
The Hall of Tasks, arguably the busiest area in Wusheng Academy, thronged with countless disciples passing through to take up tasks.
Earning Contribution Points by completing tasks was the most straightforward method, and for Inner Sect Disciples, there might be other means, but for Outer Sect Disciples, this was almost the only way.
"Such a strange Inner Sect Disciple, is he a newcomer in this class?"
A few Outer Sect Disciples noticed Chu Fengmian, each of their eyes widening in surprise as they sized him up.
Inner Sect Disciples, among the Outer Sect Disciples, were almost considered exalted beings.
It was extremely difficult for even three disciples a year to advance within Inner Sect of Wusheng Academy. Hence, most Inner Sect Disciples were known to all.
So seeing Chu Fengmian, someone unfamiliar, some Outer Sect Disciples were understandably surprised.