From Sword to Slaughter: Evolution

At this moment, Lin Luoluo wore a mask that concealed her face. The mask, made of paper, was something she had obtained from a nearby village.

In Thunder Leopard City, there was no official wanted notice for her. Many warriors walked the streets wearing conical hats or masks, so her disguise didn't stand out.

Thunder Leopard City was also known as the "City of Freedom" in the Dilong Empire, and Lin Luoluo made her way into the city.

"Have you heard? The guards at the slave camp in Spay City were all killed."

"Even Qiu Tianqiu was slain!"

"A large number of slaves escaped…"

"They say a woman did it."

"That's incredible, just one woman..."

As Lin Luoluo strolled through the streets of Thunder Leopard City, her keen hearing picked up on the conversations around her, many discussing the recent events in Spay City.

Beneath her mask, her expression momentarily shifted, but she quickly regained her composure. Compared to Spay City, Thunder Leopard City was much safer, and with so many people donning hats and masks, it would be difficult for anyone to track her down.

Her primary reason for coming to this city was to find higher-level cultivation techniques and martial skills. The ones she was currently using were relatively low-tier.

"Lin San's cultivation technique, Golden Crow Scorches the Sky, was better than Lin Luoluo's current techniques," Ye Fan mused to himself.

However, that technique wasn't suitable for her. Otherwise, Ye Fan would have considered teaching it to her. Fortunately, Lin Luoluo had amassed a considerable amount of gold coins, enough to purchase some valuable techniques from the market.

Soon, Lin Luoluo arrived at a large shop and began her search. It didn't take long before she found what she needed:

[Eighth-Tier Martial Technique: Water Dragon Strike], [Eighth-Tier Martial Technique: Water Dragon Shield], and [Eighth-Tier Martial Technique: Infinite Ice Spikes].

While ninth-tier martial techniques were rarely available for sale, some high-end shops still carried eighth-tier techniques.

Purchasing these three techniques cost her over two million gold coins.

"Thank you for your patronage! We hope to see you again!" the shopkeeper said, his tone polite and full of gratitude. After all, selling three high-level manuals in one transaction was a rare event.

"Hmm," Lin Luoluo responded coolly as she turned to leave.

"By the way, are you looking for a ninth-tier martial technique manual?" the shopkeeper called out, hesitating before speaking.

"Do you have one?" Lin Luoluo paused and turned, her tone neutral.

Ninth-tier martial techniques were considered extremely rare. Whenever one appeared on the market, it was quickly snatched up.

"We don't have any in stock at the moment, but I can offer you a lead on how to obtain one," the shopkeeper replied.

"What's the lead?" Lin Luoluo asked, her voice still calm.

"Your voice sounds quite young," the shopkeeper commented absentmindedly, noting the ethereal quality of her tone.

Lin Luoluo's brow furrowed, her eyes growing cold.

Realizing his misstep, the shopkeeper immediately backpedaled. "I didn't mean anything by it. I apologize."

"Tell me about this lead," Lin Luoluo demanded, her icy demeanor unwavering.

"There's a secret realm," the shopkeeper began. "Secret realms often contain ancient martial manuals."

"Secret realm?" Lin Luoluo's brow furrowed further.

"Yes. Recently, rumors have spread about an ancient secret realm opening near White Dragon Mountain. Many teams are currently recruiting strong martial artists to explore it."

"Ninth-tier techniques are incredibly rare nowadays, not to mention anything above that, like Saint-tier techniques. But in these ancient secret realms, it's possible to find them," the shopkeeper explained.

"And you're telling the truth?" Lin Luoluo narrowed her eyes.

"Of course. But I have a favor to ask in return," the shopkeeper said, lowering his voice. "If you go and happen to find any ninth-tier techniques you can't use, I'd like to buy them from you. I offer higher prices than other buyers."

"Understood," Lin Luoluo responded before exiting the shop.

She quickly rented a courtyard house in the city. The wealth she had accumulated—much of it from the storage rings of Qiu Tianqiu and Wang Qiang, both ninth-tier martial artists—was immense.

In the privacy of her courtyard, Lin Luoluo began to study the martial manuals she had purchased. Her natural talent for comprehension, combined with the enhancement from holding Soul Sever, made her progress shockingly fast.

In just three days, she had completely mastered the three new techniques.

"Her speed in mastering martial techniques is truly remarkable," Ye Fan thought, watching Lin Luoluo with a hint of admiration.

"What exactly is this secret realm? Is it like the ancient ruins?" Ye Fan pondered, recalling what the shopkeeper had said.

Once Lin Luoluo had finished her training, she left her residence and headed for the largest martial center in Thunder Leopard City.

These centers existed in every major city, serving as hubs for martial artists to receive and post missions. Thunder Leopard City, being one of the larger cities, had an especially active martial center.

As Lin Luoluo entered the center, she saw a massive gathering of martial artists in the hall. A noticeboard displayed countless missions.

"Secret Realm at White Dragon Mountain opening soon!"

"Martial artists wanted!"

"Requirement: Tier Six or above!"

Many mercenary groups were recruiting fighters for the secret realm.

"Seeking elite martial artists, Tier Eight and above! Leader is a Martial Master!"

This caught Lin Luoluo's attention. Higher-tier groups tended to be stronger.

"Can I join?" Lin Luoluo asked, stepping forward.

"You can, but you'll need to pass a test," the mercenary replied, eyeing her curiously.

Though her paper mask lent her an air of mystery, the powerful aura radiating from her made it clear that she wasn't an ordinary martial artist.

He handed her a card. "Come to this location at six tonight."

"Thank you," Lin Luoluo said, accepting the card and leaving.

"Who was that masked person?"

"Seems like it's a woman, right?" people whispered.

Ye Fan, listening to the murmurs, couldn't help but comment, "Hard to tell if it's a guy or a girl with that mask on, huh?"