Volume Two: Emerging Talent Chapter 61: Conspiracy (2)

The group moved through the mist-shrouded forest, thick fog enveloping them on all sides. Fortunately, the peculiar fragrance of the Enlightenment Fruit lingered in the air, guiding them to the location of the Enlightenment Tree. What had once been a thousand-strong party was now reduced to a mere hundred. The silence was profound, broken only by the faint glow emanating from the Enlightenment Tree.

From a distance, the first thing to catch the eye was a dilapidated temple. The hall, long neglected, had fallen into utter ruin. The courtyard was deserted, devoid of any signs of life, save for the Enlightenment Tree that soared into the heavens.

As they drew nearer, a heavy sense of unease grew ever more oppressive.

Despite this, excitement was etched across the faces of the others. The Enlightenment Fruit was said to heighten comprehension, even allowing one to unlock a new force of insight. Such a boon would bring a dramatic leap in strength.

Their eyes blazed with fervor and greed.

In this moment, all restraints were cast aside, and everyone surged forward.

Wu Jian swept his arm, and the men in black instantly blocked the advance. "Heh, sorry, but the Enlightenment Fruit is mine."

"Courting death."

Had they not laid eyes on the fruit, perhaps these people would have hesitated, fearful to proceed. But now, with such a treasure before them, who could resist?

Such is human nature—greed is ever-present.

"Brothers, charge! Once we consume the Enlightenment Fruit, our power will grow immensely. Then, we’ll fear no one! Our names will echo throughout the martial world!"

"Exactly! There's no way he can stop all of us!"

Qin Yang remained where he was, his expression detached, observing everything with indifference, as if none of this concerned him.

Yu Chen shot him a cold glare and snorted, "If you don't act now, don't think about taking advantage later."

Leng Qianyou’s icy gaze swept over them. She said nothing, her slender hand gripping a flexible sword as she leaped gracefully, her movements as light as a butterfly.

Zhang Kuang, who had once fought Qin Yang, seemed to hold some fondness for him. "Qin Yang, aren't you going?"

"Don’t worry. This matter isn’t as simple as it seems. Something bigger may be about to happen."

Zhang Kuang’s face changed at his words. He too sensed that something was amiss, especially since the fruits on the Enlightenment Tree did not match the descriptions in ancient records.

Legend had it that the Enlightenment Fruits were snowy white, yet these were all blood-red.

Perhaps they retained the effects of the Enlightenment Fruit, but they were certainly not the same.

"Blood Infant Fruit!"

At Qin Yang’s words, Zhang Kuang’s eyes widened in shock. "What? This is the Blood Infant Fruit?"

"What kind of fruit is that? I’ve never heard of it."

Surprised, Qin Yang found it odd that Zhang Kuang had not heard of the Blood Infant Fruit, for it was infamous. If even someone like Zhang Kuang was unaware, then few in the ancient martial world would know of it. Yet the Blood Infant Fruit had been nurtured here—so who was behind this?

Damn it, this is a mess. Wu Jian must have been saved by that person—or perhaps controlled.

The Blood Infant Fruit, known as the Devil’s Fruit, contained terrifying energy. This tree was indeed the Enlightenment Tree, and it had once borne true Enlightenment Fruit. But someone had discovered it and, through copious blood sacrifices, forcibly transformed the fruit to enhance various powers.

If the Enlightenment Fruit allowed a martial artist to comprehend one insight, the Blood Infant Fruit could unlock two or more.

But this dark method came at a price—the one who consumed the fruit was in grave danger of falling into madness.

Moreover, these Blood Infant Fruits appeared to have absorbed a great deal of blood; ordinary people would be unable to withstand the demonic influence within.

Zhang Kuang’s pupils dilated, his mouth agape with disbelief. He could hardly imagine that so much lay hidden beneath the surface, and that Qin Yang could deduce so much with a mere glance.

To him, Qin Yang became even more enigmatic.

"Most importantly, the person behind all this has yet to appear. Chen Tian and the other two masters are missing. There are only two possibilities: either they’ve been trapped somewhere, or they’ve been gravely injured and are recovering."

"By the way, Zhang Kuang, do you know the way out?"

Zhang Kuang nearly burst into tears. He’d been called here by his sect, especially since Chen Tian and two other masters were leading the expedition. Why would he need to know how to leave?

Chen Tian would have arranged everything. "Can't we just go back the way we came?"

"Uh?" Qin Yang was momentarily speechless. The path back had already collapsed—how could they return? "Why don’t you go check for me?"

Zhang Kuang scratched his head, recalling the giant python they’d encountered on the way in. The icy cavern had merged with the glacier, making the return journey even more impossible.

The battle raged, growing ever more frenzied. Blood was being absorbed by the Blood Infant Fruits. Of a hundred warriors, only a dozen remained. Wu Jian had just two men left at his side. Even Yu Chen and Leng Qianyou had suffered varying degrees of injury.

"Zhang Kuang, stop Wu Jian and seize the Blood Infant Fruit," Qin Yang said, striding forward. Zhang Kuang’s eyes widened. "Qin Yang, didn’t you say these are devil fruits?"

"Heh, and what if they are? It’s not as if there’s no way to counteract their demonic influence."

"What?" Zhang Kuang rolled his eyes. "Damn, if you’re that formidable, why didn’t you say so earlier?"

The two advanced side by side, the crowd parting to make way. Yu Chen blocked their path, body tense. "Hmph, now that the battle is nearly over, you want to snatch the fruit for yourselves?"

"You—" Zhang Kuang began, but Qin Yang stopped him.

"If you think you’re capable of dealing with him, I won’t object. I was having a pleasant chat with Brother Zhang. Why don’t we continue our conversation, and once you’re beaten to a pulp, we’ll step in?"

Yu Chen snorted coldly but stepped aside. After all, facing the formidable Wu Jian, he had little confidence.

"So you’ve come at last. I’ve waited long for this moment. Last time, you ambushed me. This time, I’ll have my revenge," Wu Jian declared righteously, as if he truly had been the victim.

"Ambushed you?" Qin Yang’s face twisted into a mocking grin, his teeth flashing white. Suddenly, his expression grew solemn. "You? Not worthy."

He drew the Fallen Star Blade, polishing the already spotless weapon with a cloth. His movements were gentle, as if caressing not a blade, but a thing of beauty.

"Wu Jian, someone must be behind you. Otherwise, the Blood Infant Fruit would not have appeared." His voice was mild, as if speaking to an old friend rather than an enemy.

"Blood Infant Fruit." The words struck Wu Jian's heart like an iron hammer. He could hardly believe Qin Yang knew of the Blood Infant Fruit, and seemed to understand its origin.

A chill crept over him. Facing a foe whose depths were unknown, he was filled with a deep sense of powerlessness.

"What Blood Infant Fruit? I know nothing of it." He brandished his steel-blue sword, its cold gleam flashing as he lunged at Qin Yang.

"Enough of your nonsense. I’ll end you here and now."