Chapter 38: A Promise Sealed with a Word

A vast, invisible net swept toward the crimson dragon. Once ensnared, the red dragon let out agonized screams, as if blades within the net were slicing its body. Yet Lin Hao, observing the battle from the side, saw nothing unusual—no visible injuries, only the dragon’s cries.

The black dragon manipulated its intangible net, tightening it relentlessly until the red dragon was curled up into a ball. The anguished cries gradually faded, replaced by a feeble curse, “Damn old man, I won’t let you off!” Suddenly, with a mighty roar, the red dragon burst free from its unseen bonds, its body transforming into a streak of red, attempting to escape.

The black dragon reacted swiftly, launching another attack. Its tail lashed out with a thunderous crack, and the red dragon exploded instantly. The force was so immense that the pool erupted into huge sprays of water, splashing onto Lin Hao. Water splattered far and wide, even blasting apart the mountain beside the pool.

The explosion obscured the battle’s outcome, and after carefully scanning the aftermath, Lin Hao realized the traces of both dragons had vanished. Driven by curiosity—wondering who had prevailed, or if both had perished—he advanced for a closer look.

Just as he took two steps, another explosion sounded, and the black dragon reared its head. Lin Hao noticed blood streaming from the dragon’s forehead, clear evidence of injury. The black dragon glanced at the remains of the red dragon, closed its eyes, and dove back into the pool, disappearing.

Lin Hao, startled, hesitated to proceed further, lingering in place until he was certain all was calm. Only then did he move forward, approaching the pool and gazing quietly at the water. All that remained was the red dragon’s remnants; nothing else of value was visible, so Lin Hao stood up.

As he was about to leave, he felt something beneath his foot. Curious, he lifted it and discovered a silver core. After picking it up, the system announced, “Water-attributed dragon core. Consuming it will enhance the strength of practitioners with water-aligned spiritual roots.”

Lin Hao understood at once—it was a water-type core, of little use to him personally, so he stored it in the system’s inventory. Though he couldn’t use it, he thought it might serve as a favor or trade someday. After stowing it, he searched the area but found no other treasures and prepared to depart.

Just then, a distant cry rang out, “Help!” The call startled Lin Hao; he turned toward its source as the voice drew nearer. He remained motionless, waiting.

Soon, a young maiden sprinted toward him. Her eyes lit up upon seeing Lin Hao, and she ran straight toward him, calling out loudly, “Senior Brother, save me!”

Lin Hao frowned at this, recognizing that he didn’t know the female cultivator. She was certainly not from his own sect. Yet she rushed to him, hiding behind his back. Despite not knowing her, Lin Hao’s gentlemanly manners prevented him from pushing her away.

Moreover, she clearly knew Lin Hao. Back at the entrance to Sky Feather Mountain, Lin Hao had made a name for himself; she was a member of the White Robe Sect and had watched his duel with their inner core disciples. Seeing him now, her eyes sparkled with hope—she believed she had found salvation.

Once she steadied herself, she clutched Lin Hao’s sleeve and pleaded weakly, “Senior Brother, save me! Someone wants to kill me.”

Lin Hao glanced at her hand gripping his sleeve, frowned again, and listened to her plea for help without immediate reaction—he offered no heroic assurances. He sized up the situation, about to speak, when voices sounded from afar.

In an instant, several figures appeared before him, weapons drawn, glaring fiercely at the woman hiding behind Lin Hao. She shrank back in fear, pressing closer to Lin Hao.

Lin Hao recognized the three male cultivators—they were from the Crimson Lotus Sect, whom he had seen before on the airship. His mood soured at the sight.

The Crimson Lotus cultivators recognized Lin Hao and their eyes flashed with apprehension, though they quickly suppressed it. One sneered, “Lin Hao, you’d best mind your own business. This is between us and the girl—it has nothing to do with you.”

Hearing this, Lin Hao’s anger flared. He turned slightly, eyeing the female cultivator behind him, then faced the trio, replying, “What if I do interfere today? What will you do about it?”

“You—Lin Hao, don’t let your strength make you arrogant,” one retorted. “If you meddle, the Clear Breeze Sect and our Crimson Lotus Sect will be mortal enemies. There are always stronger forces out there—even if you defeat us, offending Crimson Lotus won’t end well for you.”

Their words carried both threat and fear, but Lin Hao only smirked and mocked, “Isn’t there already enmity between us?”

His remark left them speechless, recalling Elder Hong’s command: if they encountered Lin Hao inside, they were to kill him on sight. Crimson Lotus disciples bore a grudge against Lin Hao, yet, mindful of his strength, their eyes flickered with hesitation. Lin Hao's ruthlessness was well known.

They hadn’t expected to run into Lin Hao while targeting a White Robe disciple. Now, with Lin Hao interfering, they were tempted to give up, standing uncertain and awkward.

The female cultivator, seeing their fear of Lin Hao, gained confidence and relaxed. Looking at Lin Hao, she said, “Thank you, Senior Brother. You must save me. These men are despicable villains. If you help me, I’ll repay you.”

Lin Hao raised an eyebrow, joking, “Repay me? Junior Sister, what kind of reward do you offer?”

Not knowing Lin Hao’s character and still wary of the three men, she bit her lip and drew a spiritual herb from her bosom.

The moment the herb appeared, the system announced in Lin Hao’s mind, “Heavenly Spirit Grass!”

“Heavenly Spirit Grass? What’s that?” The system’s sudden message startled Lin Hao.

“What kind of grass is it?” he asked.

The system explained, “Heavenly Spirit Grass is the primary ingredient for refining Heavenly Spirit Pills. These pills can instantly raise a Foundation Establishment cultivator’s strength by two stages, and the advanced pills have no side effects.”

Lin Hao’s eyes flashed with excitement—this herb was indeed valuable. He looked again at the female cultivator.

She noticed his interest and said, “Is Senior Brother satisfied with this Heavenly Spirit Grass? If so, let it be my reward to you.”

The three Crimson Lotus cultivators saw the Heavenly Spirit Grass and their eyes burned with greed. Hearing her offer to Lin Hao, they grew anxious. One pointed at Lin Hao and shouted, “Lin Hao, are you dead set on opposing our Crimson Lotus Sect today? No matter what, you must leave the Heavenly Spirit Grass behind!”

Lin Hao ignored him, treating his words as nothing. Turning eagerly toward the herb, he replied to the woman, “Agreed, it’s a deal!”

He took the Heavenly Spirit Grass and stored it in his system’s inventory, then faced the three men. Seeing Lin Hao actually accept the herb, their eyes flashed with resentment, and they lunged at him.

Lin Hao reacted quickly, dodging and pulling the female cultivator aside. He faced the trio and declared, “Since I’ve accepted her reward, I must resolve her troubles. The three of you had best leave now—otherwise, your fate is yours to bear.”

“Lin Hao, even if we die today, we’ll take the Heavenly Spirit Grass from you! We don’t believe your strength is that great!” Driven by rage, the three locked eyes and charged at Lin Hao.

Lin Hao unleashed his power, summoning the Lotus of Strange Fire, which blasted toward them, forcing them to dodge in disarray. Seizing the moment, Lin Hao drew his Cloud-Swallowing Sword and flashed past them.

When he returned to his original position, each man bore a bloody gash on his arm.

Lin Hao announced, “Today I show mercy—spare yourselves and leave at once.”

Hearing this, the three men glanced at their wounds with the sense of having escaped death. Their hair stood on end, and they fled in panic.