Born in Blood



Making one-use items in the third Rank was largely easier than making a long-lasting weapon. 

After all, they were built to be destroyed upon usage.

Liam didn't need to make it stable at all. 

Instead, all aspects of the Abyssal Needle were improved. 

Even the sharpness was significantly better than before. 

It could cut through a Rank 3 body with ease, and implode through it right after.

And the explosion aspect was the most terrifying thing about Liam's invention.

A Rank 3 inscribed item was no joke.

And the enhanced Abyssal Needle was truly one of its kind.

It had a wide radius of attack, and its initial explosion could kill dozens of strong cultivators if used correctly.

But that was just the initial explosion.

Long-lasting plumes of corrosive gas were next, which could cover a range of 35 meters and last a solid two minutes.

35 meters!

For scale, that was the size of a baseball pitch. 

Why Liam was allowed to make such an item was due to his solid-stage core.

It just swirled with massive amounts of pure 'Ora' and power.

Through that, Liam just made the Needles act as a conduit for that power.

Everytime Liam finished completing a Needle, he simply poured everything in his core into it.

And that was it.

That was a Rank 3 item.

Of course, that was an oversimplification, but the niche of what the Abyssal Needle was.

When Liam left his quarters, he saw a few new faces in the underground.

Large groups of acolytes were preparing at the entrance of the Chamber, their expressions honed with intent to battle.

Since Jargon was Liam's neighbor (by his own request), he instantly appeared at Liam's side.

"My liege."

Liam gave Jargon a quick nod.

"A new Sect joined?" he asked.

Jargon nodded firmly.

"Raging Wolf. Their Patriarch has been wanting to meet you for a while."

Liam's expression grew a bit bitter.

As such when meeting new people, Liam never trusted them at a first glance.

And, well, he found it a waste of time to interact with other humans.

"Spread these weapons for me. Give one to Krel, Ruth and Adrian. Keep one yourself."

Jargon looked a bit taken aback. 

"A javelin?" he asked, examining the weapon intently.

Liam shook his head as he headed towards the entrance.

"A bomb."

Sweat formed on Jargon's pale face.

Liam quickly taught Jargon how to use the Needles, before leaving towards the entrance of the underground.

Liam was battle-ready.

He had his Dusk Blades.

He had his Rank 3 Abyssal Needle.

He had rested well for his mental energy and core to fill to the brim.

'After two more attacks… and the attack on the Ravenous Leash Sect will finally be over and done with.'

A period of peace would follow soon, Liam hoped.

But he knew that it wouldn't be so.

The giant bounty on his back would ensure that he'd stay hidden for as long as possible.

Even if the Temple gained a higher standing.

It wasn't anything different to what Liam had been through his entire life.

He was sick of it.

Being hunted, chased, suppressed. 

Worst of all, he was still weak.

He was nowhere near the stars.

Just thinking about it made a scowl form on his face.

Pretty soon, Liam merged himself with the Temple's gathered numbers.

Lines were formed based on one's standing in the Temple, and Liam was among the front row.

The air was rowdy, but tense. 

Not everyone was bound to survive. Even with the new forces.

Most acolytes were busy socializing with the Raging Wolf Sect to calm their nerves.

Liam just stuck to the sides and strengthened his Shadow.

As he was stuck in his thoughts, a massive, hulking figure entered Liam's sights, towering over him.

His fierce, iron-like eyes stuck to Liam's.

Ryu, the Berserker Hound.

'He looks like the Iron Giant,' Liam thought, unfazed by the man's gaze.

"...You're Liam Royce?" the man asked with a shocked expression. 

"I thought the Acolytes were playing pranks when they said you're not above twenty."

"The bounty made you sound so terrifying!"

Liam silently stood up and made a respectful gesture, hiding a frown.

Ryu's voice was loud.

So much so, everyone's attention fell on the two.

A crowd slowly formed around the two.

Liam inwardly cursed.

The Elders still hadn't come out, making last minute preparations. 

Liam had to deal with the sixth Elder himself.

"Sorry, sorry, I was just taken aback," Ryu apologized in a way that didn't fit him. 

He stretched his massive hand forward.

"Nice to put a face to the name."

Liam nodded wordlessly, connecting his hand to the man's grip.

He shook once and thought that was it, but the Hound didn't let go.

Slowly, the grip tightened.

Liam realized what was happening.

A toothy grin formed on the Hound's face.

This was a test of strength!

They were going to battle two mid-size Sects shortly… and this Zenith brute wanted to gouge an acolyte's strength?

What a meatbrain!

Liam frowned.

"You see," Ryu said as his grasp pressed harder. "My martial arts lets me know how strong a person's body is."

"And right now, you have a Rank 4 body. I'm already amazed…"

"But it's way stronger than normal."

"Why is that?"

Liam's eyes almost narrowed at the giant.

"Elder Ryu, I'm sure we can save this for another time?"

More people gathered around, amused expressions on their faces.

"No, no, no… this is my way of becoming friends with people."

Some already started betting.

"Bring us a table!" the Hound shouted, his eyes not leaving Liam's. 

"We're gonna arm wrestle!" he exclaimed. 

Liam's scowl turned into a grimace.

"The best way for men to become friends is through their fists. But since that's unfair, we'll settle for this."

A moment later, a table was lodged between the two, along with seats for them to sit on.

Liam was forced to sit opposite to the Hound, adjusting his grip with the giant's.

Only their elbows touched the table.

Ryu smiled widely.

"You ready? You're not allowed to fake it either!"

Liam's eyes were only filled with coldness.