by KSY
“Don’t tell anyone about this. It will bring you unnecessary problems. OK?” Raymond said in a grave manner. He understood the jealous human heart remarkably well. Many factions would try to kill Ryan if this was leaked.
Raymond took out a book from his Spatial pouch and handed it over to Ryan, whose eyes shone brightly upon seeing the book’s title.
“This Master-slave Contract Martial Skill is called Undead Domination. It is gradeless Martial Skill and fabulously versatile, as it can be used to enslave all kinds of Undead creatures. The only condition is that you must be able to put the Runic seal formed by this Martial Skill onto the souls of the Undead creatures – which means that you first have to subdue them,” Raymond said as he introduced the Martial Skill to Ryan.
Ryan was elated about this Martial Skill, as he finally had all the building blocks required to create an Undead legion. Now he just needed to master the Undead Domination Martial Skill.
“Go and start learning the Undead Domination Martial Skill. After you master it, I want you to go to Desolate Graveyard and enslave a few Undead creatures. Take Thorn and Caius along with you, as they are strong enough to keep you safe in the Outer region of Desolate Graveyard,” Raymond told him.
“First though, I need to see your control over Undead creatures. If I find it lacking, then I will stop you from creating your own Undead legion. Life is more important. Keep that mind,” he went on to caution in a serious tone.
Ryan hurriedly nodded his head, as he knew that his Master was worried about him and still suspected the truth of his words. Ryan expected this as it was very rare for someone to possess an Innate Ability that allowed him or her to have absolute control over Undead creatures.
“Yes, Master,” Ryan said with determination.
Following that Ryan returned to his Cultivation chamber to practice the Undead Domination Martial Skill.
Ch.20
Ryan felt giddy as he headed towards his Cultivation chamber. He had a lot of plans in his mind and the Undead legion would be indispensable for executing them.
Ryan started reading the Undead Domination Martial Skill manual after returning to his Cultivation chamber, and after getting a basic understanding of it, started practicing it.
The Undead Domination Martial Skill allows a Death Martial Artist to form Runic seals that can be used to enslave Undead creatures. The Runic seals formed with the help of the Undead Domination Martial Skill are ten times more powerful and complex than the Runic seals formed with the help of the Evil Spirit Enslaving Martial Skill that Ryan had mastered earlier.
Ryan stood in the middle of the Cultivation chamber with his eyes closed and right hand extended. His right arm was covered in the Aura of Death as he channeled his Death Attribute Liquid Spirit Power into it. Ryan imbued the Death Attribute Liquid Spirit Power in his right hand with Death Elemental Laws as he tried to form Runic seals of the Undead Domination Martial Skill.
It took Ryan one month before he was able to form a single Runic seal of the Undead Domination Martial Skill, but he continued practicing for the next two months until he was able to form hundreds of Runic seals within a minute. His consumption of Death Attribute Liquid Spirit Power was huge, so he’d consume half of his Death Attribute Liquid Spirit Power by forming three hundred Runic seals.
Ryan exited the Cultivation chamber after mastering the Undead Domination Martial Skill, which had taken him a total of three months and went to the mansion’s living room to inform his Master.
Raymond was astonished when Ryan informed him, as it was quite a complex Martial Skill which required a lot of time for mastery.
“Show me the Runic seals,” Raymond said, as he was still unable to digest the fact that Ryan had mastered Undead Domination Martial Skill in three months.
Ryan nodded his head and extended his right hand, which was covered in Death aura as he channeled his Death Attribute Liquid Spirit Power into it. In a few minutes, Ryan had conjured hundreds of Runic seals which were swirling around him at a constant pace.
Raymond nodded his head and said, “Good! It generally takes a year before someone is able to master that!”
A smile appeared on Ryan’s face on hearing that, as he knew Raymond was happy with his performance.
“You can now go to the Desolate Graveyard,” Raymond said with a smile. He had a lot of expectations of Ryan.
“Take this Undead pouch. It will make it easier for you to carry Undead creatures around,” Raymond said as he took a black pouch out from his Spatial pouch.
“Thank you, Master,” Ryan said with a smile as he put the Undead pouch into his own Spatial pouch.
“No need. Just make sure you take care of yourself. Immediately use Lifesaving charms if things get out of control,” Raymond said. Raymond had given Ryan some strikingly powerful Lifesaving Charms after he’d become his disciple – they could even endanger the life of an Ancestor Level Martial Artist. Ryan nodded his head.
“Don’t forget to take Thorn and Caius along with you, as it will be safe for you to move around in Desolate Graveyard with them around. Return within a week or two,” Raymond said and Ryan nodded his head.
“I have already informed Thorn about it and he will meet me in Desolate Forest. As for Caius, he is hiding within my hair,” Ryan informed Raymond, as Caius flew out of Ryan’s hair.
“Take care of Ryan,” Raymond instructed Caius. Caius nodded his head, as he again disappeared within Ryan’s hair.
Ryan left for Desolate Forest soon after. Once he was a little distance from Cloud-piercing Mountain, Ryan deactivated Death Sword’s camouflage ability.
He had to do so as he was already a Mortal Lord, which meant he could now fly. It would look suspicious and attract unwanted attention if a Mortal Elite Martial Artist was to fly around. It might even attract people with bad intentions.
Ryan took a deep breath as he used his Liquid Spirit Power to levitate himself. This was his first attempt at flying after stepping into the Mortal Lord Realm. He’d been unable to do so inside the Cultivation chamber as it was quite small.
Ryan knew the theory behind flying by using Liquid Spirit Power, so he just needed to put the theory into action. After trying for half a day, he was finally able to do it. His ecstasy knew no bounds and he had an idiotic smile for half an hour while he flew in Thorn’s direction. Since Thorn was bound to him via Soul link, Ryan could sense his location.
Thorn had earlier informed Ryan that he’d carved out a territory for himself in Desolate Forest in the past few months. Ryan was stunned when he’d first heard about this from Thorn. Ryan knew that Thorn had most likely undergone numerous life-threatening battles to achieve that feat in Desolate Forest as it was home to numerous powerful existences.
After few hours, Ryan was hovering on the border between the Outer and Inner regions of Desolate Forest. He had a blank expression on his face. The reason was quite simple: Thorn was deep inside the Inner region of Desolate Forest and Thorn was requesting him to visit his territory.
“That brat sure is over confident. He is not even a year old and he is charging around inside such a dangerous territory,” Ryan was furious, as well worried deep down. He knew that the Inner region of Desolate Forest was home to powerful descendants of Ancient Elemental Beasts and Divine Elemental Beasts. It was not wise to mess with such existences. Thorn had the potential to rival them but that was a thing of the future.
“It is natural for him to be this daring as he himself is a descendant of Divine Elemental Beasts. He also has the strength and powers to back it up,” Yama said, as if it was a matter of fact. Ryan thought about Yama’s words and had to agree with them. Thorn was indeed not a weakling.
“Caius, can you help me out with any problems that might arise while we travel through the Inner region of Desolate Forest?” Ryan asked Caius.
Caius readily agreed, flew out of Ryan's hair and sat on his shoulder. Caius formed a barrier around Ryan, which looked simple but was highly toxic in reality. Even
Ancestor Realm Martial Artists would be in Mortal danger if they came into contact with it. Ryan charged into the Inner region of Desolate Forest soon afterwards.
Ryan could sense numerous gazes landing on his body but none of the beings dared to make a move on him, as they could feel the toxicity of the barrier formed by Caius. A smile appeared on Ryan’s face upon seeing their actions. He praised Caius, who puffed his chest with pride.
Ryan traveled for a few hours through the Inner region of Desolate Forest. In them, Ryan saw many terrifying existences, but even these creatures did not even attempt to attack him due to the barrier surrounding him. Ryan felt happy that he had Caius protecting him. Otherwise, he was as good as dead.
As Ryan was flying in the direction of Thorn, Ryan began to feel something was amiss. He felt that the gazes trained on him in this region of Desolate Forest lacked hostility – on the contrary, he could feel their respect for him. Ryan used his Asura eyes to look at these Elemental Beasts hidden in the thick cover of Desolate Forest. They were of either dragon or serpent lineages and most of them were Elemental Beasts in the Immortal Realm.
“We have most likely entered Thorn’s territory. These Elemental Beasts must be his followers,” Earl said in with excitement. A smile appeared on Ryan’s face.
“It’s good that he has so many Elemental Beasts that look up to him,” Ryan said. He understood now why Thorn was so reluctant to leave Desolate Forest. He had during the past few months asked Thorn numerous times to come and live in Divine Martial Sect instead, but Thorn had refused each time.
Ryan increased his speed as he charged towards Thorn’s location. After a few more hours of traveling, Ryan again felt something was amiss.
“Don’t you guys think that Thorn's territory is a little too big for his age?” Ryan asked. He was shocked because Thorn’s territory spread over hundreds of square kilometers.
“I also have the same question,” Yama said.
“Me too,” Earl said.
They were equally shocked, as such big territories were generally under the control of Elemental Beasts that had the Cultivation Level of Immortal Emperor Realm or higher. Thorn just had the Cultivation Level of Immortal Beast Elite Realm, so how could he have such a big territory? This question was echoing in their minds, but they knew that they would get the answer to this question only after meeting Thorn.
After flying for another six hours, Ryan finally reached a lake whose other end was not visible. On the backdrop of the lake, he could see a mountain range. It all looked like an Immortal paradise. Ryan could sense that Thorn was deep within the lake, so he sent a Mental-message transmission to Thorn about his arrival.
Ryan saw thousands of Elemental Beasts of dragon and serpent lineages living along the banks of the lake. They were all curiously looking at Ryan, who was shocked to see the sheer number of Elemental Beasts. He had never seen so many Elemental Beasts at the same time. Some of them were colossal in size and had terrifying auras around them. Ryan could tell that these Elemental Beasts most likely had the Cultivation Level of Immortal King Realm or Immortal Emperor Realm or even higher. Ryan was unable to think straight for some time, as this scenario was so far beyond his expectation.
The water in the lake that had been peaceful suddenly became chaotic as if a big explosion had occurred underneath. Massive waves started to form on its surface. Ryan had an odd expression when he saw the changes happening in the lake: he could already guess the reason behind it.
Soon a colossal Elemental Beast emerged out of the lake. It was like a ghost, as it had no presence, but it was none other than Thorn. Ryan and Caius looked at him with stunned expressions. Thorn had thoroughly changed within these past eight to nine months. His body was tens of kilometers in length and as thick as a big river. Ryan’s size was minute in comparison with it. The thorn-like structures that grew on his scales gave off a very sinister aura which would make anyone’s hairs stand on their ends. The two horns on his head were engulfed in Hell’s Fire flame.
The Elemental Beasts surrounding the lake all bowed a little upon Thorn’s appearance. Thorn gave a low roar as if asking them to relax. They relaxed soon afterwards and continued with whatever they’d been doing before his arrival.
After meeting Thorn, Ryan understood the reason he had so many powerful followers. Ryan had activated his Asura eyes to look at Thorn. He was able to tell Thorn’s cultivation with a single glance. His Cultivation Level was at Late Immortal Emperor Realm. Even now, Thorn could easily fight with Elemental Beasts that were a sub-realm higher, at Immortal Sage Realm, as he possessed Asura Physique and Hell’s Fire flame.
The most unbelievable thing was Thorn’s Cultivation Level which he perceived via the Soul-link between them. It was still at Immortal Elite Realm Cultivation Level.
“Thorn can decide what he wishes to share with you as you guys have formed an Equal contract. There must a reason he is doing that – ask him,” Earl said.
Everything soon became clear to Ryan. He looked at Thorn with a questioning look and Thorn quickly explained that he’d just wanted to surprise Ryan with the sudden rise in his Cultivation Level! Thorn then stopped hiding his Cultivation Level from Ryan, so Ryan was able to perceive his actual Cultivation Level via their Soul link. A smile soon bloomed on Ryan’s face. It would be wrong to say that he was not happy with the sudden surge in Thorn’s strength and powers!
“How is Thorn able to increase his Cultivation Level so easily?” Ryan could not help but ask.
“It is most likely due to both his bloodlines having original-grade bloodline purity,” Earl suggested as he looked at Thorn with astonishment. He could not think of any other explanation.
“Yes, you are correct, Earl,” Yama said.
“Generally, it is not possible for a hybrid beast to possess two bloodlines with original-grade bloodline purity, but in very rare cases such an outcome is possible. Such Elemental Beasts have very high potential and their Cultivation Level increases quite fast until they reach the peak of the Immortal Realm,” he explained after observing Thorn for some time. Ryan also found this explanation provided by Yama reasonable.
Thorn used his Transformation ability to reduce his size. His colossal body shrank in size at a speed visible to naked eyes. He was now ten meters in length and one meter thick, and then coiled around Ryan as if giving Ryan a big hug. Ryan too hugged him back with a big smile. Caius also happily patted Thorn, who greeted Caius with a low roar. Thorn was happy to see Ryan and Caius.
Caius re-entered Ryan’s hair after greeting Thorn, as he knew now he didn’t have to protect Ryan. Instead, he could again start cultivating Poison Elemental laws. Caius spent most of his time cultivating Poison Elemental laws. It was clear that he wished to increase his strength and powers quickly, and to do so directly depended on his understanding of Elemental Laws, as it does for all Plant spirits and Tree spirits.
The Elemental Beasts were shocked to see their leader who was known for his violent temperament acting all coy in front of a human. They all felt they were seeing a dream, but none of them voiced any concerns since they knew that the human was most likely their leader’s partner. Thorn hadn’t told his followers anything. He’d just asked them not to attack the human that was going to enter his territory.
“Little Thorn, you’ve given me one of the biggest shocks of my life,” Ryan said as he slowly stroked Thorn's head.
“Roar!” Thorn gave a low roar as he puffed his chest with pride. Ryan laughed upon seeing this. He was happy to know that Thorn was still a child at heart. He patted Thorn for some time, as he’d missed him a lot in the Divine Martial Sect.
“Thorn, what were you doing under the lake?” Ryan asked curiously. Thorn was a Death Fire Dual Attribute Elemental Beast, so he should detest water.
Thorn sent Ryan a Mental-message transmission. It contained some underwater images of the lake, and after seeing them Ryan understood everything. The lake contained numerous underwater volcanoes which were a source of exce
ptionally pure Fire Elemental Energy.
“Is the Fire Elemental Energy down there sufficient for you?” Ryan asked with concern, as Thorn’s current requirement of Elemental Energy was not small. If it was inadequate, then he would have to think of some way to get more Fire Elemental Energy for him.
“Roar!” Thorn gave a gentle roar as he nodded his head, as if he was trying to tell Ryan that he had sufficient Fire Elemental Energy.
“Just tell me of your needs and I will try to fulfil them,” Ryan said as he gently patted Thorn.
Thorn quickly nodded his head. He knew that Ryan belonged to powerful faction, so he knew that Ryan was not making empty talk.
“Let’s head to Desolate Graveyard,” Ryan said to Thorn. Thorn used his Transformation ability again and increased his size until he was twenty meters in length and two meters thick. Ryan sat on Thorn’s head and then Thorn started flying in the direction of Desolate Graveyard.
Thorn flew unbelievably fast and his forward movement caused sonic booms. So his speed can be imagined. A vacuum-like situation was created in his wake, but Thorn formed an energy barrier around Ryan to shield him from the ginormous pressure generated by his forward movement.
It took Thorn only fifteen minutes to reach Desolate Graveyard. Ryan was astonished by his speed, as he was certain it would have taken him around twelve to fourteen hours at least.
Thorn landed on the outskirts of Desolate Graveyard, which was very different indeed from Ryan’s expectation. Desolate Graveyard being a big Death land was covered by dark clouds made of Death Elemental Energy, which ensured that no sunlight ever shone on it and the Death land was totally obscured in darkness. Desolate Graveyard had an excessive amount of Death Elemental Energy, which made it heaven for Death Attribute beings.
Thorn once again used his Transformation ability and reduced his size, until he was only about thirty centimeters in length and as thick as a human finger. He flew into the right sleeve of Ryan’s shirt and coiled himself around Ryan’s wrist. Ryan smiled upon seeing how well-hidden Thorn was. No one would ever dream that something as dangerous as Thorn was hiding within his sleeve.
