33: Heroes? Evolution points are more important.

The terrifying roar echoing from the depths of the Rotting Bone Forest gradually faded, but the heavy, substantial demonic might still hung over Border Wasteland City like a dark cloud, making it hard for everyone to breathe.

The cheers on the city wall had long vanished, replaced by dead silence and suppressed terror.

The soldiers were deathly pale, their weapon-holding hands trembling slightly, their gazes involuntarily drawn toward the churning darkness deep in the wilderness, as if a primeval behemoth waiting to devour humans lurked there.

Zhao Tianhao suppressed the tremor in his heart, took several deep breaths, and tried to make his voice sound steady: "Quick! Clear the battlefield! Treat the wounded! Reinforce the defenses!" He commanded urgently, his gaze fixed on the imposing figure slowly approaching below the wall.

Lin Jingyu stepped over the shattered corpses of demons and solidified filthy blood, walking back toward the city wall one step at a time.

As soon as he stepped onto the top of the wall, the surrounding surviving soldiers instinctively retreated like a tide, their eyes filled with awe, gratitude, and a hint of indescribable fear.

This man before them was the hero who saved Border Wasteland City, but he was also a human-shaped Vicious Beast capable of tearing apart a Tendon Changing Realm Demon General with his bare hands!

"Lord... Lord Lin!" Zhao Tianhao quickly stepped forward, cupped his fist, and bowed deeply, his voice clearly respectful. "Thank you, sir, for turning the tide and saving Border Wasteland City from destruction! The soldiers and citizens of Border Wasteland City will never forget this great kindness! The City Lord is already waiting at his residence and specifically ordered this humble general to invite you to the City Lord's Mansion; there will surely be a generous reward!"

Lin Jingyu did not stop, nor did he even glance at Zhao Tianhao. He scanned the chaotic battlefield and the still-shaken soldiers, frowning slightly.

"Generous reward?" His voice was flat, carrying a metallic coldness. "Can a reward kill demons?"

Zhao Tianhao was stunned, the prepared flowery compliments stuck in his throat, feeling somewhat awkward. "Uh... well... the City Lord's Mansion treasury is quite rich, perhaps there are Divine Weapons, Sharp Weapons, or rare medicinal herbs..."

"evolution points are more practical." Lin Jingyu interrupted him, his tone completely flat.

He opened his palm, where two items lay quietly: a dark red Scarlet Nightmare Demon Core (Fragment) that still radiated residual heat, and a mass of viscous, scalding chi yans essence blood wrapped in dark gold Qi and blood.

The energy fluctuations emanating from these two items were far more potent and pure than the "rare medicinal herbs" Zhao Tianhao mentioned.

[Ding! Acquired 'chi yans essence blood (Rare)' ×1!]

[Ding! Acquired 'Scarlet Nightmare Demon Core (Fragment)' ×1!]

The cold notification sound rang in his mind.

Zhao Tianhao looked at the two items, his pupils contracting slightly.

He could feel the vast and violent energy contained within them—they were definitely not ordinary things!

This Lin Jingyu, immediately after slaying the Demon General, collected these core items!

What exactly were these "evolution points" he spoke of?

Lin Jingyu ignored Zhao Tianhao's surprise and doubt, putting the items away.

The Yin Corpse Sect token in his arms, instead of calming down after approaching the city wall, began to vibrate more rapidly and intensely!

A powerful, almost greedy intent pointed toward the darkness deep in the wilderness—the core of the Rotting Bone Forest! It seemed as if something it desperately craved was there.

"Demon Nest..." Lin Jingyu muttered softly, a fiery glint flashing in his eyes.

Mountain Guardian was just a Gate Guardian. The entity roaring in the core depths, and the thing this token pointed to... *that* was where the real big fish were! Only there could he obtain massive amounts of evolution points!

"Lord Lin?" Seeing Lin Jingyu look toward the wilderness, Zhao Tianhao's heart sank, and he quickly said, "The City Lord sincerely invites you, please, sir..."

"No time." Lin Jingyu retracted his gaze, his tone decisive.

He looked at Zhao Tianhao, his golden pupils devoid of emotional fluctuation, containing only the purest desire for power and a clear goal. "Tell your City Lord, defending the city was just something I did along the way. What I want is in the wilderness."

Having said that, he no longer lingered. His imposing figure walked straight through the crowd and down the city wall, under the complex gaze of awe and respect from the onlookers.

His goal was clear—the simple small courtyard where he was temporarily staying inside Border Wasteland City.

He needed to rest briefly, digest the power from his recent Breakthrough, and study the Materials he had just acquired to prepare for venturing into the core of the Rotting Bone Forest.

Zhao Tianhao froze in place, watching Lin Jingyu's departing back without a trace of hesitation, opening his mouth before finally letting out a complicated sigh.

He understood that Border Wasteland City, this small temple, could not accommodate this God of Slaughter.

This person's goal had never been power or status, but greater strength!

"Immediately report everything here in detail to the City Lord!" Zhao Tianhao ordered his confidant in a deep, serious voice. "Emphasize: Lin Jingyu's strength is unfathomable, suspected to have reached Peak Bone Forging Realm! His temperament... is extremely dangerous! He has zero interest in the City Lord's recruitment, and his target points directly to the depths of the Rotting Bone Forest!"

"Yes, sir!" The confidant took the order and hurried away.

Zhao Tianhao gazed in the direction Lin Jingyu disappeared, then looked at the heart-stopping darkness deep in the wilderness, muttering, "That 'one' in the Rotting Bone Forest... and this Fiend Star... the sky over the Border Wasteland is really about to collapse..."

Inside the City Lord's Mansion, the Council Hall... the atmosphere was as heavy as a block of lead. Sandalwood smoke curled up, yet it failed to dispel the oppression in the air.

Border Wasteland City Lord Zhou Tianxiong sat in the main seat. He was about fifty years old, with a square face, possessing natural authority without needing to appear angry, and the Aura of a Marrow Cleansing Realm Triple Peak was as steady as a mountain.

His fingers lightly tapped the purple sandalwood armrest, making a dull sound. His brows were tightly furrowed as he listened to Wang Meng, the Deputy Commander and confidant sent by Zhao Tianhao, report in detail everything that had happened on the city wall.

"...This Lin Jingyu first annihilated the Bone-Eating Flying Ant swarm with a single finger, then crushed the Earth-Shaking Rhinoceros with one kick... Following that, he fought the Corpse Demon General Scarlet Nightmare alone, achieving a Breakthrough mid-battle, tearing off its bone wings with his bare hands, shattering its Demon Core with his palm, and beheading it with a palm strike... Immediately afterward, he fought the Gate Guardian Demon General Mountain Guardian alone, forcefully clashing with its bone hammer, and under the pressure of desperation, achieved another Cultivation Technique Breakthrough mid-battle; Indestructible Vajra, unmatched defense... Finally, using Dragon-Elephant Giant Strength, he forcibly tore off Mountain Guardian's arms and shattered its Soul Fire with a punch... Breaking through to Bone Forging Realm Sixth Layer on the spot! The prototype of the Qi and Blood Wolf Smoke was already visible from his mouth and nose!"

Wang Meng's voice carried unconcealed shock and lingering fear; every word was like a heavy hammer striking the hearts of everyone in the hall.

"Hiss—!" The core figures of Border Wasteland City seated on both sides—Sun Miao, the Marrow Cleansing Realm First Layer Enshrinement in charge of internal affairs; Liu Mang, the Pulse Connecting Ninth Layer Commander of the City Guard; and Elder Li Yuankun (Marrow Cleansing Realm Second Layer), representing the city's largest aristocratic family, the Li Family—all couldn't help but gasp! Their expressions changed drastically!

Tearing apart a Tendon Changing Realm Demon General with bare hands? Continuous Breakthroughs mid-battle? Bone Forging Sixth Layer forcefully clashing with Tendon Changing Fifth Layer and tearing it apart alive? The prototype of the Qi and Blood Wolf Smoke?

Every single one of these feats exceeded the limits of their understanding! This was fundamentally not a human! It was a human-shaped Vicious Beast! A monster!

"What... what did he say in the end?" Zhou Tianxiong's voice was a little dry, and the finger tapping the armrest stopped.

Wang Meng respectfully replied: "Your subordinate invited him to the City Lord's Mansion on behalf of Commander Zhao, stating that the City Lord would surely offer a generous reward. He... he said, 'Generous reward? Can a reward kill demons? evolution points are more practical,' and he displayed two core Materials from a Demon General. When your subordinate invited him, he simply said, 'No time,' and stated that 'defending the city was just something I did along the way; what I want is in the wilderness,' before leaving."

Dead silence descended upon the Council Hall.

"evolution points? What are those?" Liu Mang couldn't help but ask in a low voice, looking bewildered.

Sun Miao and Li Yuankun also frowned tightly, having clearly never heard of this term.

A sharp light flickered in Zhou Tianxiong's eyes, and his finger started tapping again, the rhythm faster. "Where did he go in the end? The Rotting Bone Forest?"

"Exactly! Moreover... he seems to have an extremely strong interest and... desire for the depths of the Rotting Bone Forest," Wang Meng added.

"Hmph!" A cold snort rang out, coming from Elder Li Yuankun of the Aristocratic Family Li.

His face was sinister, and a trace of barely noticeable greed and apprehension flashed in his eyes. "What arrogance! To dare to refuse the City Lord's invitation like that! Saying what he wants is in the wilderness... I see it as relying on his merit to become arrogant and showing no respect for hierarchy! Although such a ferocious person is powerful, he is difficult to control. Keeping him in the Border Wasteland might bring disaster instead of fortune!"

Hearing this, Liu Mang showed a hint of anger on his face: "Elder Li, your words are wrong! If not for Lord Lin, Border Wasteland City would already be a ruin! He is the benefactor of our entire city!"

"Benefactor?" Li Yuankun sneered. "He defended the city only to slaughter demons; when did he ever take us seriously? Listen to his words—it was 'just something he did along the way'! Such a person only has slaughter and power in his heart, completely lacking reverence!

Now he has set his sights on the depths of the Rotting Bone Forest... The one entrenched there is a terrifying existence that even the City Lord must fear!

What if he provokes 'that one,' causing a Demon King riot and another siege? Who will bear the responsibility? Rely on his so-called 'just something he did along the way'?"

Li Yuankun's words caused Zhou Tianxiong's finger tapping the armrest to stop abruptly, and his gaze deepened.

Sun Miao also remained silent, clearly realizing that Li Yuankun's words had hit upon some hidden worries.

"Then, Elder Li, what is your suggestion?" Zhou Tianxiong slowly spoke, his voice betraying no emotion.

A cold light flashed in Li Yuankun's eyes: "This child is arrogant and untamable. The core Materials he obtained from slaying the Demon General are all rare treasures, containing powerful energy... Rather than letting him waste them or allowing him to stir up trouble... why not..." He didn't finish, but the meaning was obvious.

"Absolutely not!" Liu Mang stood up abruptly, glaring at Li Yuankun. "Elder Li! You are repaying kindness with enmity! Lord Lin just saved the entire city, and you dare plot to seize his spoils of war? And even harm him? I, Liu Mang, will be the first to object!"

"Liu Mang! Watch your status!" Li Yuankun slapped the table and stood up, subtly releasing the pressure of the Marrow Cleansing Realm Second Tier. "I am considering the overall situation of Border Wasteland City! Such a deadly weapon, if used improperly, will only backfire!"

The atmosphere in the council hall instantly became tense!

"Enough!" Zhou Tianxiong shouted in a deep voice. A pressure belonging to the Peak Marrow Cleansing Realm instantly enveloped the entire hall, suppressing the Aura of the two men.

His gaze swept over everyone, finally resting on Li Yuankun, and he said lightly, "I, the City Lord, have my own decision regarding Lin Jingyu. Since he has no intention of being recruited and his goal lies in the Wilderness, let him go. As for the rest..."

Zhou Tianxiong's eyes suddenly became sharp as blades: "He is the benefactor of Border Wasteland City, there is no doubt about that! If anyone dares to commit despicable acts behind his back, don't blame this City Lord for being merciless!"

Li Yuankun's expression shifted slightly. Feeling the warning in Zhou Tianxiong's words and the unfathomable pressure, he could only lower his head reluctantly: "...Yes, City Lord."

Zhou Tianxiong withdrew his gaze and looked towards the Wilderness outside the hall, his eyes complex. How could he not share Li Yuankun's concerns?

But the strength and potential Lin Jingyu displayed were too terrifying! Rashly making him an enemy carried greater risks!

"Closely monitor Lin Jingyu's movements, especially his whereabouts after entering the Wilderness! Report immediately if there is any unusual activity!" Zhou Tianxiong ordered Wang Meng. "Furthermore, in the name of the City Lord's Mansion, publicly commend Lin Jingyu for his merit in defending the city, bestow one thousand taels of gold, a superior residence, and a suit of Hundred-Refined Fine Iron Armor... Although he may not value them, the gesture must be sufficient."

"Understood!" Wang Meng accepted the order.

"You may all leave." Zhou Tianxiong waved his hand and closed his eyes tiredly.

Border Wasteland City had just avoided a disaster of annihilation, only to welcome a more uncertain Ominous Star and a potentially greater storm.

He needed to think carefully.

Li Yuankun stood up and excused himself. As he turned, the gloom and greed in his eyes deepened.

Mountain Guardian Heavy Armor... Corpse Bear Soul Fire... and that Scarlet Nightmare Essence Blood Demon Core... How could such treasures fall into the hands of a rootless brat? The City Lord may have scruples, but his Li Family... might not!

Inside the simple small courtyard.

Lin Jingyu sat cross-legged, completely unaware and uncaring of the undercurrents surging within the City Lord's Mansion. Several items were placed before him: a dark red Scarlet Nightmare Demon Core (fragment), viscous and hot chi yans essence blood, a palm-sized, extremely heavy, gray-black armor fragment covered in natural stone patterns (Mountain Guardian Heavy Armor), and a cluster of faint green flames (Corpse Bear Soul Fire) sealed within dark gold Qi and Blood, quietly burning and flickering.

The System panel floated in his consciousness:

[host: Lin Jingyu]

[Realm: Bone Forging Realm Sixth Tier (0/90000)]

[Cultivation Technique: Indestructible Vajra Divine Art (Minor Achievement), Dragon Tendon Tiger Bone Art (Major Achievement), Primordial Unity Qi Art (Beginner)]

[Martial Skill: Star Shattering Finger (Initial Achievement), Dragon-Elephant Suppressing Prison Strength (Major Achievement)]

[Movement Technique: Phantom Step (Major Achievement)]

[evolution points: 27511]

[Materials: chi yans essence blood (Rare)*1, Scarlet Nightmare Demon Core (Fragment)*1, Mountain Guardian Heavy Armor (Rare)*1, Corpse Bear Soul Fire (Essence)*1]

Lin Jingyu slightly raised an eyebrow.

There were quite a few good things, but most required special processing to maximize their utility.

What he lacked most right now was time... and the professional means to process these items.

"Directly absorbing the essence blood is too risky... the Demon Core fragment's energy is too mixed... the Heavy Armor fragment is temporarily useless... the Soul Fire..." Lin Jingyu's gaze finally settled on the cluster of faint green flames. Feeling the pure Soul Energy within, his heart stirred.

The Indestructible Vajra Divine Art wards off all evil; perhaps... he could try forcibly Refining a trace of it to boost his Mental Energy?

Just as he was about to try, the Yin Corpse Sect Token in his embrace suddenly jumped!

An extremely intense Thought, filled with greed and craving, like a shark smelling blood, locked tightly onto the cluster of faint green Corpse Bear Soul Fire!

"Hmm?" Lin Jingyu's eyes narrowed. This token... wants this?

With a slight shift of his mind, he took out the token.

The originally cold metal token was now slightly warm. The twisted Rune on the side facing the Soul Fire was emitting a faint black light, and an invisible suction force emanated from it, enveloping the cluster of Soul Fire.

The faint green Soul Fire seemed to have received some kind of summons, beginning to sway and fluctuate violently. Traces of pure Soul Fire Origin were stripped away, transforming into tiny green light spots that slowly drifted toward the token's Rune!

Hiss... Amidst the faint sounds, the Soul Fire Origin was rapidly swallowed and absorbed by the Rune! The faint light on the token's surface seemed... to have solidified slightly?

The cold, deathly silent Thought transmitted also seemed to have grown stronger by a fraction.

[Ding! Detected special item 'Yin Corpse Sect Token' absorbing pure Soul Energy! State has undergone a minor change! Information unlocked: 0.1%...]

A System notification, never seen before, popped up!

A sharp light burst forth from Lin Jingyu's eyes! This token was indeed strange! Absorbing Soul Fire could unlock information? And it seemed... it could grow?

Without hesitation, he moved the cluster of Corpse Bear Soul Fire directly closer to the token!

Buzz!

The faint light on the token flared brightly! Like a hungry black hole, it erupted with powerful suction!

The faint green Soul Fire shrank and dimmed at a visible speed, being completely swallowed in just a few breaths!

[Ding! 'Corpse Bear Soul Fire (Essence)' has been completely absorbed by 'Yin Corpse Sect Token'! Token state updated! Information unlocked: 1.5%! Obtained vague directional guidance: Rotting Bone Forest Core Area, southwest direction, convergence point of Corpse Fiend Yin Veins!]

[Warning: This token contains unknown High-Level Restrictions and malevolent Thought. Absorbing Soul Energy may accelerate the awakening of the Sealed Entity within. host, please use with caution!]

After consuming the entire cluster of Soul Fire, the token became warm and smooth like jade. It was no longer cold to the touch, but carried a hint of warmth. The Rune became clearer and deeper, faintly emitting an ancient Aura that made one's heart palpitate.

The Thought transmitted to Lin Jingyu, besides pointing toward the southwest of the Rotting Bone Forest Core, also contained... a kind of almost fawning flattery and craving, as if thirsting for more Soul Energy nourishment.

Lin Jingyu rubbed the now smooth token, feeling the clear directional guidance and the greedy Thought transmitted by the token. A cold arc curved up at the corner of his mouth.

"Rotting Bone Forest Core... southwest direction... Corpse Fiend Yin Veins..." he murmured. Flames burned in his eyes, more intense than before—a sheer craving for massive evolution points and unknown power!

"It seems this trip to the Demon Den has gained another compelling reason."

He put away the token, his gaze sweeping over the remaining Materials, finally settling on the Mountain Guardian Heavy Armor fragment.

Exceptional defense? He didn't need armor; his Physical Body was the strongest armor! But... crush it into powder and integrate it into External Cultivation, boosting defense?

Lin Jingyu suddenly tightened his five fingers! Dark golden Indestructible Gold Light instantly enveloped the gray-black, heavy armor fragment!

Crack! Crunch!

A grating sound of shattering rang out! Under the terrifying power of the Indestructible Vajra Divine Art (Minor Achievement), this rare armor fragment, capable of withstanding Marrow Cleansing Realm attacks, was forcibly crushed, squeezed, and ground down like a fragile tile!

The dark golden Qi and Blood acted like furnace fire, enveloping the gray-black particles that had been ground into fine powder, forcibly Refining and integrating them into his own skin and muscles!

A heavy, solid Aura, carrying the stability of the earth, slowly integrated into his Indestructible Vajra Body.

The dark gold luster beneath his skin seemed to become deeper and more restrained, faintly revealing a rock-solid texture.

[Ding! Absorbed 'Mountain Guardian Heavy Armor (Rare)' powder! Indestructible Vajra Divine Art (Minor Achievement) defense slightly improved! Physical Body base defense permanently +5%! Body flexibility slightly decreased (negligible)!]

Feeling the barely perceptible yet genuine increase in his Physical Body's defense, Lin Jingyu nodded in satisfaction. Every little bit counts!

He stood up, walked to the window, and looked toward the direction of the Rotting Bone Forest, where the darkness was churning deep in the Wilderness.

"That guy in the Demon Den, and what the token wants to eat..." He clenched his fist, his knuckles producing a dull, thunderous crack.

"That should be enough for me to Breakthrough to the Bone Forging Ninth Tier."