Occult Blood Gem, A Fierce Pursuit

=====================

UPDATE: I've removed Nine Sword Unison which was just previewed in the last chapter. For more details, I've upvoted yesterday's concerned comment and replied to it in greater length, so you can head there. (Actually no longer 'yesterday' at the time I finished this chapter, kinda funny)

In other news, the seven devils of Shrek selection and tournament should begin soon. I'm trying to move through unnecessary canon so hopefully you guys don't mind the rush.

================

Outside of a lavishly decorated building stood Xin Qing. He was wearing the second year uniform after passing the advancement exam, adding to a sense of elegant charm.

The building in front of him was where an event called the Treasure Appreciation Festival would be held. Simply speaking, it was a way for people who have uncommon items or valuable resources to invest in one of Shrek's students and causing the latter to owe them a favor. Initially, Xin Qing was very hesitant to go as he valued his freedom, but Zi Xuan had constantly reassured him that it was not as binding as he thought.

Standing here now, Xin Qing had a small frown on his face, but it quickly left as he saw Yuhao and Wang Dong approach him. With his iconic smile, he greeted them while maintaining a somewhat playful tone. This was because he saw Wang Dong's discomfort as Yuhao dragged him along to greet Xin Qing.

Wang Dong was quite a hot-headed person and greatly relied on his instincts. He always felt some kind of dark shadow looming over Xin Qing, shrouding him in mystery. This is why he always told Yuhao to avoid the former, but it fell on deaf ears. Yuhao was quite grateful towards this mysterious friend of his, seeing Wang Dong's fear as irrational.

The duo asked Xin Qing if he wanted to go with them, but between his own indifference and Wang Dong's antipathy, he decided not to. Wang Dong did not hesitate and immediately dragged Yuhao away. Xin Qing let out a small chuckle at his behavior, thinking to himself, 'Am I such a scary person, nowadays?' Xin Qing had often been with Ma Xiaotao and rarely attended classes towards the end of the year. However, it seemed as if people were more scared of him than they had been previously.

Unlike how most would think, the time he spent with Ma Xiaotao had actually worsened his reputation. This was because the girl had her own nickname: the 'Blazing Flame Demon.' In combination with his own status as the 'Sword Sadist,' they had become known as the duo of the 'Satanic Pitchfork.' It was only that Xin Qing himself was unaware of his new identity.

No longer minding the actions of others, Xin Qing entered the building. It was not long before he saw a female clerk at the desk. After he filled out his information, she gave him a strange red card. He learned from her that the card represented Shrek's evaluation of him and was also the highest-tiered card she had ever seen, holding a near infinite amount of credits to exchange for treasure.

Xin Qing was very satisfied with it and began to tour around the building, looking for a worthwhile treasure.

Perhaps it came as no surprise, but Xin Qing did not see anything he wanted enough to exchange a favor of his own. It was likely a result of his own standards being so high consequence of being a god-like existence in his former world.

He had long acknowledged he was no longer the same powerful expert, however, it was not something that he could simply forget about as a sense of arrogance was deeply ingrained into his bones.

With a gentle sigh, he began to leave the hall when he heard a loud clamoring a small distance away.

"Why can't I put my treasure up? I do not recall there being discrimination against the types of treasure you can sell?"

Off in the distance, was a small girl with an adorable face complaining towards one of the staff. She had medium-length pink hair that framed her face as well as two purple eyes that shone with a dark luster. Despite the high quality of her clothes, they were slightly ragged.

The staff of such a prestigious venue would not be incapable, as he calmly spoke, "Miss, although the treasure you have put forth is of high value, it is a cursed object with unknown origins. Although we wish to connect traders and Shrek, we cannot sell such a dangerous object to their students as it would be a breach of trust. I hope you understand."

Despite how she was fiercely protesting a few moments ago, she sadly nodded at the man's words. From this, it could be seen that she was usually a rational little girl, however circumstances had forced her to act impetuously. She reached out towards a black-colored jewel that radiated an intense aura of both life and death.

Seeing this, the previously apathetic expression of Xin Qing had vanished and was replaced by a fervent joy. 'Occult Blood Gem!,' he shouted in his thoughts, 'How is such a priceless treasure here.' Xin Qing's surprise was well justified as the Occult Blood Gem was a treasure that countless experts in his old world would fight over. Although the old Xin Qing had no uses for it, to the current Xin Qing, this was perhaps the greatest windfall.

Quickly analysing, he thought to himself, 'If I can get my hands on that Occult Blood Gem, with some preparations, I can immediately complete my Nine Eclipse Body Art and create my second life-bound sword. With a firm resolve in his eyes, he whispered, "I must have it."

It was this whisper that alerted both the staff and the little girl of his presence. Seeing his second-year student uniform, the little girl's eyes lit up. In her cute voice, she said, "Student of Shrek, I can give you this gem but when you become strong, you must help to defend my Clan."

This caused Xin Qing to frown. This was too binding for him. He shook his head saying, "Little girl, I am afraid I cannot do that. How about you just give it to me, it is cursed after all."

Seeing his refusal, the girl 'hmphed' and took away the gem, saying, "No! This is my Clan's treasure! Even if I die under its curse, it will not be gifted away!"

Xin Qing's eyes opened slightly more, surprised by the girl's bold declaration. Feeling a familiar sense of tyranny from them, he no longer looked down on the little girl. Still, however, he had his values. "Girl, I am afraid I really cannot afford to spend a lifetime guarding your Clan. Is there another way?"

The little girl tapped on her chin as she thought. Slowly, she spoke, "There is. If you can get one of those powerful people from your academy to heal my family, then you will not need to defend us."

As Xin Qing asked for specifics, he learned that their family was afflicted by the curse of the Occult Blood Gem. Thinking further, he understood why. The Occult Blood Gem was produced when a group of powerful cult worshippers sacrificed themselves on a particular lunar cycle, having only fanatical worship and no doubt in their hearts. As a result, the treasure was incredibly rare and was likely not known to most.

Not knowing how such a treasure was formed, it was natural for even very powerful people to fall to it as they had no clue on how to counteract it. However, Xin Qing was different. He had led many excursions against those of the Devil Race and was very familiar with it. Even then, he had never seen such a high-quality Blood Gem as it was no longer blood red but pitch black.

Thinking up to this point, he said, "Little girl, I have the method to completely remove the curse on your family. If I am able to, you will hand me the gem."

Seeing there were no loopholes for him, she agreed. She told him that her family lived a few hours away, and that she had snuck out to sell it and save their lives as everyone else was incapacitated.

The little girl might not have noticed it, however, how could Xin Qing miss this small detail. If all the stronger people in her Clan were impacted by the curse, why was this weak girl not? Xin Qing looked deeply at her.

After he was led out the building by the little girl, he stopped and looked around.

The little girl was curious and asked what happened when she was abruptly taken into Xin Qing's arms as he fled quickly with his sword. Not a moment later, black figures fell from the trees and chased in fierce pursuit.

Looking back, Xin Qing said, "Assassins." Although his tone was peaceful, there was a bubbling feeling of both anger and excitement rising from within him.