Chapter 375: A Hefty Bounty

Chapter 375: A Hefty Bounty

Two decades had passed in the two-dimensional world, yet only a mere two to three months had elapsed in the main universe.

Virtual World:

Lin Yuan was exchanging intelligence with Nalan, the vice tower master.

In the two-dimensional world, powerful beings from major forces had mostly formed alliances, including unique and singular life forms.

In the main universe, these eleventh-tier sixth-rank special life forms were terrifyingly powerful. However, in the two-dimensional world, an eleventh-tier peak life form that had not yet fully matured might find itself slain by a ninth or tenth-tier being.

The power ceiling in the two-dimensional world was not particularly high, easily attainable even for an eighth-tier life form.

Given the same power ceiling, an eleventh-tier peak life form could, through its formidable mental will and mastery of techniques, potentially sweep through ten or even a hundred eighth-tier beings of the same level.

But what about a thousand? It's important to remember that over a hundred million powerful beings from the Myriad Races had fallen into this two-dimensional world.

An eleventh-tier life form that had not yet reached its full potential could indeed meet its end if it let its guard down.

Of course, given enough time, an eleventh-tier life form was destined to surpass an eighth-tier one.

Even if they had to start over, the eleventh-tier powerhouses, with their understanding of power, would inevitably rise again.

But they needed time to grow.

The eleventh-tier peak powerhouses needed time, and so did Lin Yuan.

Blessed with his heaven-defying comprehension talent, Lin Yuan was confident that he could surpass these eleventh-tier peak life forms, given the same starting point.

"Galaxy Master Lin, the evolvers of the Human Civilization have established a foothold in the capital of the Morangu Kingdom in this two-dimensional world. Are you interested in joining us?" Nalan asked with a smile.

Although only one person could leave through the Heavenly Gate each time it opened in the two-dimensional world, the Human Civilization evolvers remained united until they had eradicated all other foreign powerhouses.

"Morangu Kingdom?" Lin Yuan raised an eyebrow.

In the vast continent of the two-dimensional world, ancient kingdoms were colossal entities that surpassed gatherings and cities.

So far, Lin Yuan was only aware of twelve such ancient kingdoms, each founded by a Witch Ancestor and ruling over vast territories.

"My current location is too remote, and the Morangu Kingdom is too far away," Lin Yuan shook his head, making up an excuse to decline the offer.

In truth, Lin Yuan had no desire to venture into crowded places.

As one of the twelve ancient kingdoms, the Morangu Kingdom's capital was bustling and prosperous, which meant a high likelihood of encountering other powerful beings from the Myriad Races.

"What a pity," Nalan sighed, not pressing the issue further.

The vast continent of the two-dimensional world was simply too expansive to traverse without the aid of spatial rules, making travel a significant challenge.

Subsequently, Lin Yuan and Nalan continued their conversation, mostly discussing cultivation and the whereabouts of renowned powerful beings from foreign races.

"So far, the Luochuan Gathering, where I'm located, remains safe, with no signs of foreign powerhouse activity," Lin Yuan thought to himself.

Although over a hundred million powerful beings from the Myriad Races had fallen into this world, they were spread across the entire continent, making them seem scarce.

While Luochuan Gathering was indeed a large gathering, it paled in comparison to city-level forces, let alone ancient kingdom-level ones.

The truly powerful beings from the Myriad Races tended to gravitate towards more prosperous areas, where resources were abundant and offered greater opportunities for strength enhancement.

"Galaxy Master Lin, if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to me at any time," Nalan said in conclusion.

"Will do," Lin Yuan nodded.

Luochuan Gathering:

Lin Yuan opened his eyes.

"External forces are unreliable," he sighed inwardly.

Over the years, he had been awaiting news from the utmost powerhouses, hoping that they would be able to refine that 'blank sheet' and rescue him from his predicament.

However, it seemed that the likelihood of that happening was not high.

"My greatest advantage over the eleventh-tier life forms is my comprehension talent," Lin Yuan mused.

Realizing that he couldn't rely on external forces to escape, he turned his attention inward, assessing his strengths.

The eleventh-tier life forms undoubtedly possessed faster thinking and a better grasp of fundamental powers.

But when it came to comprehension talent, even with the High Above advantage, Lin Yuan believed that he far surpassed them.

However, this advantage in comprehension didn't directly translate into combat power, especially during the early stages of cultivation.

In this two-dimensional world's cultivation system, the demand for comprehension talent wasn't significant in the initial stages.

The five major cultivation realms—Witch, Witch King, Witch Emperor, Witch Sovereign, and Witch Ancestor—could be ascended by the eleventh-tier life forms simply by following the cultivation methods of this world.

It was only after reaching the Witch Ancestor realm that comprehension talent became truly crucial.

Beyond the Witch Ancestor realm, the path forward was uncharted, and one had to forge their own path to continue their strength enhancement.

It was at this stage that Lin Yuan's heaven-defying comprehension talent would reveal its full potential.

In simple terms, before reaching the Witch Ancestor realm, Lin Yuan's cultivation speed would lag behind that of the eleventh-tier peak life forms.

However, once he attained the Witch Ancestor realm, he would surpass and dominate those eleventh-tier peak life forms.

This was the reason Lin Yuan had declined Nalan's invitation, choosing instead to remain in the remote Luochuan Gathering.

As long as he endured the initial stages of cultivation, those eleventh-tier life forms would eventually be crushed under his feet.

Until then, Lin Yuan preferred to avoid excessive contact with the powerful beings from the Myriad Races.

"In these twenty years, I've also cultivated to the peak of the Witch Emperor realm," Lin Yuan thought to himself.

In fact, if he had ventured into more prosperous regions and utilized their abundant resources, he might have already entered the Witch Sovereign realm.

However, doing so would have increased the risk of premature exposure to the powerful beings from the Myriad Races.

As the saying goes, the nail that sticks out gets hammered down. Drawing attention too early could make him a target for those with malicious intentions.

"At the peak of the Witch Emperor realm, my true combat power should be no weaker than that of a Witch Sovereign," Lin Yuan assessed confidently.

Compared to the indigenous powerhouses, Lin Yuan, as an outsider, had a broader perspective and a far superior grasp of power manipulation, leaving his contemporaries in the dust.

Over the years, Lin Yuan's heaven-defying comprehension talent had also enabled him to create a myriad of techniques and combat arts, elevating his killing prowess to astonishing levels.

"The upcoming Witch Sovereign realm, according to my projections, will be a critical stage. It will determine whether I can fully unlock my potential upon reaching the Witch Ancestor realm," Lin Yuan contemplated.

"I still need to draw upon a vast array of cultivation methods from this world as a reference. Otherwise, I might waste a lot of time when I advance to the Witch Emperor realm."

Lin Yuan's thoughts continued to swirl.

The evolutionary path of martial arts was also created by observing and studying countless other evolutionary paths.

As Lin Yuan sank into his musings, a voice suddenly interrupted his thoughts.

"Master."

"Come in," Lin Yuan said, glancing at the door.

Soon, a slender man entered the room.

This slender man was named Charan Gu, the controller of Luochuan Gathering and a Witch King-level expert.

Twelve years ago, when Lin Yuan had reached the Witch Monarch realm, he effortlessly brought Charan Gu under his control, becoming the true master of this large gathering place.

Of course, Lin Yuan's identity was unknown to outsiders, and all of this was done in secret.

"My lord," Charan Gu bowed respectfully.

Only he knew just how terrifying Lin Yuan's strength truly was.

When Lin Yuan had first appeared before him, declaring his intention to take over the gathering place, Charan Gu hadn't taken him seriously. But the events that followed had left him trembling even to this day.

The strength Lin Yuan had displayed far surpassed that of a Witch King. Many years ago, Charan Gu had once caught a glimpse of a Witch Monarch-level expert, but even they didn't seem to compare to Lin Yuan.

"Have you found out anything about the matter I asked you to investigate?" Lin Yuan asked calmly.

Since he had chosen to seclude himself in Luochuan Gathering, it was imperative that he maintained control over the entire area. This was the reason Lin Yuan had brought Charan Gu under his command.

By becoming the true master of Luochuan Gathering, Lin Yuan had at least alleviated some of the challenges in acquiring cultivation resources during the Witch Monarch stage.

However, it was only a temporary solution. As he prepared to advance to the Witch Emperor realm, the vast amount of resources he required was far beyond what Luochuan Gathering could provide.

Thus, not long ago, Lin Yuan had asked Charan Gu to keep an eye on information from the surrounding areas.

"Master, we've located the Cloud Mountain Eighteen Bandits," Charan Gu said in a low voice.

The Cloud Mountain Eighteen Bandits was the name given to eighteen notoriously evil Witch Kings.

These eighteen Witch Kings had all reached the pinnacle of the Witch King realm, committing all manner of atrocities. They carried numerous bounties and warrants on their heads.

When tallied together, the bounty on each Witch King amounted to over two million Witch Crystals, bringing the total bounty on the eighteen bandits to a staggering four hundred million Witch Crystals.

Lin Yuan needed a substantial amount of resources for his cultivation, but where would they come from? The fastest way was through plunder, but that carried significant risks and would draw too much attention.

The safest method he could think of was to accept the bounties offered by the ancient kingdoms and pursue these wanted fugitives.

First, by eliminating these outlaws, he wouldn't face repercussions afterward, and by responding to the ancient kingdom's warrants, his identity would surely be kept confidential.

In this way, he could also receive a substantial reward, perfectly in line with Lin Yuan's expectations.

This didn't even include the wealth the Cloud Mountain Eighteen Bandits carried on their persons.

"I understand," Lin Yuan nodded.

The Cloud Mountain Eighteen Bandits had recently committed another heinous crime and were being pursued by a Witch Monarch-level expert. They had fled to the surrounding areas, ending up near Luochuan Gathering.

As the local power, Charan Gu, who had been managing this place for many years, quickly locked down the approximate region where the bandits were hiding.

"Master, if you plan to deal with the Cloud Mountain Eighteen Bandits, please be cautious. They have cultivated a combined strike technique. Working together, they can even force a Witch Monarch to retreat," Charan Gu warned in a low voice.

The bounty on the Cloud Mountain Eighteen Bandits totaled nearly four hundred million Witch Crystals, a sum that even Witch Monarchs would covet.

However, over the years, these bandits had roamed free, evading capture. More than one Witch Monarch had pursued them, only to return empty-handed.

A small number of Witch Monarchs had even been injured by the eighteen bandits, suffering significant losses.

Charan Gu held Lin Yuan's strength in awe, but when facing such fierce opponents, one could never be too careful.

Dongyuan City.

This was the closest city to Luochuan Gathering and a rare large-scale metropolis.

On the bustling streets, Lin Yuan strolled casually, his appearance and figure altered significantly.

Since he intended to hunt down the Cloud Mountain Eighteen Bandits, Lin Yuan had naturally accepted the bounty beforehand.

It would be problematic to kill them first and then try to claim the reward afterward; it might raise suspicions.

Blood Rain Tavern.

This establishment was an official bounty office established by the Blood Rain Ancient Kingdom.

It specialized in issuing warrants for heinous criminals, and anyone could also post a bounty on someone here.

As Lin Yuan entered the Blood Rain Tavern, he was promptly greeted by an attendant.

"Are you here to accept a bounty or to post one?" The attendant who approached Lin Yuan was a hunchbacked elder with profound eyes that quietly observed him.

"I'm here to accept a bounty," Lin Yuan replied, giving the hunchbacked elder a brief glance.

Although the elder tried to conceal his strength, Lin Yuan instantly recognized him as a Witch Monarch-level expert.

However, he wasn't in his prime; he was an elderly Witch Monarch, nearing the end of his life.

In this two-dimensional world, there was no concept of understanding rules. The foundation of one's strength was their physical body.

Thus, once they entered their twilight years and their vitality waned, their power would decline rapidly.

It was said that upon reaching the Witch Ancestor realm, one's vitality would become unified, and even at the moment of death, their vitality could be maintained at its peak.

"Which bounty are you interested in?" the hunchbacked elder asked.

"The Cloud Mountain Eighteen Bandits," Lin Yuan replied. Only by accepting the bounty on the Cloud Mountain Eighteen Bandits here at the Blood Rain Tavern could Lin Yuan smoothly claim the reward after completing his task.

The reward would be issued directly by the Blood Rain Tavern in the form of Witch Crystals, the universal currency of the twelve ancient kingdoms, ensuring a smooth transaction.

Hearing Lin Yuan's response, the hunchbacked elder was slightly taken aback and couldn't help but ask, "Are you sure you want to accept the bounty on those particular individuals?"

Each member of the Cloud Mountain Eighteen Bandits was a pinnacle Witch King, and their combined strike technique was enough to challenge even a Witch Monarch.

To accept their bounty, one would need to possess at least the strength of a Witch Monarch.

But the young man before him...

"The Cloud Mountain Eighteen Bandits," Lin Yuan repeated.

"The current bounty on the Cloud Mountain Eighteen Bandits stands at sixty million Witch Crystals. If you wish to accept their bounty, you must submit ten thousand Witch Crystals as a 'deposit'," the hunchbacked elder informed him.

But now?

"Six thousand Witch Crystals?"

"Half a year ago, the Cloud Mountain Eighteen Bandits raided a treasury belonging to the Northern Prince of the Blood Rain Ancient Kingdom. Enraged, the Northern Prince offered his own Witch Crystals to increase the bounty on their heads to six thousand," the hunchbacked elder explained, giving Lin Yuan a meaningful look. "The fact that they were able to breach the Northern Prince's treasury so effortlessly suggests that their strength may be even higher than we imagined."

"Are you sure you still want to accept their bounty?" the hunchbacked elder asked.

"Yes," Lin Yuan replied calmly, his expression unchanged.

The Cloud Mountain Eighteen Bandits' strength might be higher than expected, but even if all eighteen of them advanced to the Witch Emperor realm, with Lin Yuan's strength comparable to a Witch Emperor, he could easily crush them.

"Here's the bounty order," the hunchbacked elder said as he handed a piece of paper to Lin Yuan. "Bring back crucial body parts of the Cloud Mountain Eighteen Bandits to claim your reward."

Without further persuasion, the hunchbacked elder followed the tavern's rules and provided Lin Yuan with the necessary information.

Lin Yuan took the bounty order and left the Blood Rain Tavern.

Lin Yuan's figure appeared in a vast primeval forest. "According to the information obtained by Charan Gu, the Cloud Mountain Eighteen Bandits were last seen entering this forest," he murmured to himself, gazing at the lush ancient trees before him.

For ordinary Witch Emperor-level experts, or even those at the Witch Emperor realm, finding the Cloud Mountain Eighteen Bandits in such a vast forest would be extremely challenging.

The Cloud Mountain Eighteen Bandits had been on the run for many years and were undoubtedly highly vigilant. Any slight movement would attract their attention.

However, Lin Yuan was different. As a tenth-tier evolver, although many of his abilities were suppressed, his sensitivity to auras remained intact. Even at a considerable distance, he could still perceive their presence, an 'advantage' shared by all powerful beings who had descended upon this two-dimensional world.

"It shouldn't take more than half a day to search the entire area."

Lin Yuan's figure disappeared from the spot, moving silently and swiftly as he began scouring every corner of the primeval forest.

In a valley within the primeval forest, the Cloud Mountain Eighteen Bandits had gathered.

"Hahaha! With the treasures we obtained from the Northern Prince's treasury, we brothers have truly struck it rich!" The eighteen bandits wore triumphant smiles on their faces.

The Northern Prince of the Blood Rain Ancient Kingdom was a prominent figure among the twelve ancient kingdoms. His treasury would tempt not only Witch Kings but also Witch Emperors and even Witch Sovereigns.

"Big Brother, with the resources from the treasury, at least three to five of us will be able to reach the Witch Emperor realm. From then on, the reputation of the Cloud Mountain Eighteen Bandits will soar to new heights!"

The sixth member of the group, Old Six, couldn't contain his excitement as he looked at the rugged man standing beside him.

The rugged man had a hint of ferocity in his eyes, but he, too, wore a satisfied expression.

The Cloud Mountain Eighteen Bandits, composed of only eighteen Witch Kings, had already made a name for themselves by evading capture from numerous Witch Emperors of the Blood Rain Empire. If they added three to five Witch Emperors to their ranks, they would be able to roam freely throughout the entire Blood Rain Empire, as long as they didn't provoke those at the very peak.

"Alright."

"It was all thanks to Big Brother's treasure that we managed to escape the Northern Prince's forces."

"Without that treasure, we would have been finished, no matter how much stronger we were." The second-in-command, Old Two, shook his head.

"Yes."

"It was all thanks to Big Brother."

"If it weren't for Big Brother's treasure, we would have been dead by now."

The other members quickly chimed in, expressing their agreement.

Raiding the Northern Prince's treasury was no easy feat. If it weren't for the bronze compass that their leader possessed, which could miraculously show them an escape route in times of dire straits, they would have been slaughtered by the Northern Prince's forces long ago.

How could they have possibly escaped to this place?

"Hahahaha!"

The leader, a rugged man, laughed heartily, exuding self-satisfaction. "The Northern Prince is nothing. From now on, follow me, and even the royal treasury of the Blood Rain Empire will be like an open door to us, easily accessible."

"Long live Big Brother!"

"I've never regretted following Big Brother!"

The rest of the bandits immediately flattered their leader.

"Right, Big Brother."

"What should we do next?"

"Even though we're far from the Northern Prince's territory now, we mustn't let our guard down."

Old Two spoke up, his tone serious.

"Let me take a look."

The rugged man nodded, acknowledging the wisdom of his companion's words.

The Cloud Mountain Eighteen Bandits had survived this long not because of their strength but due to their caution.

After a moment, the rugged man took out a bronze compass from his bosom.

Suspended in the center of the compass was a copper needle that always pointed the way to safety.

Whenever they found themselves in a desperate situation, the leader would take out this bronze compass. The needle would guide them to safety, allowing them to slip away from their pursuers time and time again.

"Oh, compass, compass."

"Which way should we brothers go to continue our carefree lives?"

The rugged man held the bronze compass in his hands and dripped a drop of blood onto it.

Suddenly, the copper needle hovering in the center of the compass began to spin rapidly.

The rugged man patiently waited for it to stop.

They were familiar with this process, and it usually didn't take long for the needle to settle on a direction. They would then follow the indicated path to safety.

However, as time passed, half an hour went by, and the rugged man and his seventeen companions were perplexed.

The bronze compass in front of them continued to spin relentlessly, refusing to stop.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end