Chapter 2227 - 1197: Blood Clothes

Yang Xiao had his own understanding of Elder Sheng’s words; they differed from what the Cannibal Buddha, his adoptive father, taught him, but both had the same starting point: to win personally.

One warned him to have the determination to fight to the end, while the other taught him to win by any means necessary. Neither was superior or inferior, nor was one right or wrong.

If a distinction must be made, the former was more about tempering one’s disposition, while the latter was about imparting techniques.

Now that Yang Xiao had endured many life-and-death battles, he was capable of fully absorbing the experiences of both.

Seeing Yang Xiao’s realization, Sheng Yanlin nodded with satisfaction, always confident in Yang Xiao.

Initially, he thought it was due to the Hundred Demons Coffin Clothes the other possessed. However, after spending time together, he realized it was Yang Xiao himself who intrigued him more than the Coffin Clothes.

This was an unpolished gem; whether in disposition or methods, he was a rare talent. Despite his cunning nature, he maintained sincerity with friends, causing Sheng Yanlin, accustomed to the deceit within the world of martial arts, to feel wistful.

Most people thought Yang Xiao was simply lucky, but Sheng Yanlin knew that Yang Xiao’s progress relied on more than just luck.

He managed to make connections with many masters and elders whose power and influence far surpassed his own, his unique charisma being of utmost importance.

Since the moment they were being chased by the Dharma Sect and Yang Xiao willingly stayed behind to cover Professor Cui, whom he called uncle, Sheng Yanlin knew this lad was trustworthy and could be entrusted with significant matters.

Facts have proven his judgment correct. Currently, under Yang Xiao’s negotiation, he has reached a secret agreement with the Patrol Defense Office, which will assist him in reclaiming the academy.

The hefty price asked by the Patrol Defense Office is another matter that doesn’t concern Yang Xiao.

A deal is a deal; it requires sacrifice to gain. Sheng Yanlin, seasoned in the world of martial arts, was open-minded about these matters.

If the Patrol Defense Office agreed to help him reclaim the academy and restore him to the dean’s position without asking for any benefits, only then would he be suspicious.

He held gratitude toward both the Patrol Defense Office and the Esoteric Sect. He will fulfill his promises, but only after reclaiming the academy.

Of course, he wouldn’t forget Yang Xiao, his feelings for Yang Xiao exceeded those toward the Patrol Defense Office and the Esoteric Sect.

He already planned that once he reclaimed the academy, he would give Yang Xiao a great gift to help him ascend and prosper.

Of course, there’s no need to speak of these matters prematurely; after all, no one knows the outcome yet, and Sheng Yanlin has too much pride to make empty promises now.

His incompetent brother may not be strong, but his character’s devious ruthlessness even made Sheng Yanlin wary. He would surely have a hidden agenda.

But regardless of what Sheng Jingxuan schemes, he must return to cleanse his family. The Yiling Sheng Family, with its century-old foundation, must not be lost in Sheng Yanlin’s hands. Otherwise, he would have no face to meet his ancestors in a hundred years.

"Little Yang, let’s go to the western chamber. I have some things to show you," Sheng Yanlin suddenly suggested.

Using the ability of the Soul-Capturing Mirror, Yang Xiao directly transported himself and Sheng Yanlin to the real world’s western chamber of the courtyard.

He was surprised to find five live humans imprisoned in the tightly closed room, and there was also a box.

The box looked familiar; it was the one sent to him by the Patrol Defense Office, containing the Resentful Eyes Radio.

"These were sent by the Esoteric Elder. They’ve already reforged the radio, which I’ve checked and found perfect. The Esoteric Sect’s craftsmanship is indeed unparalleled in this world." Sheng Yanlin, as the former dean of Upper Three Book House Yiling Academy, praised the Esoteric Sect’s expertise in alchemy and reforging magic artifacts, evidencing its high value.

"So, who are these people?" Yang Xiao glanced at these well-bound individuals, who looked utterly hopeless and pitiful.

"They’re brought here specifically. To control this radio, how could you proceed without test subjects?" Sheng Yanlin, with hands behind his back, addressed them disdainfully: "Don’t feel pressured; these people are despicable. They lured girls for the Esoteric Sect and sold them to the Dharma Sect, causing ruin and deserving their fate."

Upon hearing of their crimes, any trace of pity in Yang Xiao’s eyes vanished. He remembered, back in Xiang Ma Town, ordering the disposal of a similar batch and having their corpses hanged at the town’s entrance as a warning.

"Elder Sheng, is it convenient to do this here...?" Yang Xiao asked.

"Bring the people and items to your Mirror World," Sheng Yanlin instructed.

Soon, Yang Xiao brought the items and people back to the Mirror World, directly arriving at his secret chamber there.

As Yang Xiao eagerly prepared to open the box and examine the radio, Sheng Yanlin stopped him.

"Hold on a moment; first, pick someone to experiment with and test your human skin," Sheng Yanlin reminded him: "Like you saw at the Martyr’s place."

At his words, Yang Xiao didn’t hesitate and squinted to make his selection among the five.

All five were Angel Envoys and their abilities weren’t lacking. Soon, he focused on a middle-aged man.

This man looked fierce, with short hair, dark skin, a robust physique, and even while tightly bound, he remained defiant.

This man’s ability was strong, nearing Ghost Level.

Yang Xiao said nothing more, and with a thought, his left palm turned pitch black. That piece of black human skin adhered to his left hand in an incomprehensible manner, forming a layer of what seemed like charred, black crust on its surface.