Chapter 637: It Really Mutated into a Saint Level Bloodline?!
In fact, Cang Xu possessed considerable knowledge of the undead orthodoxy factions.
Ever since becoming a necromancer, he had kept a close watch on them.
Previously, however, his own level and the need for disguise had limited his access to high-level intelligence.
But after the incident on Mystifying Monster Island, he gained access to War Merchant's database, which drastically expanded his knowledge of the upper echelons. War Merchant's database contained detailed descriptions of the orthodox undead faction, the undead Founder You Shen, and his Twelve Saints.
Then, Cang Xu encountered Jian Gui and even journeyed with him into the Underworld River. Though the process was perilous, it indeed deepened Cang Xu's understanding of the undead orthodoxy. He gained not only high-level knowledge but also a tangible grasp of the current realities of a necromancer's existence.
Therefore, Cang Xu understood all too well the formidable power of the smiling Teacher Si Ling before him, who appeared like a gentle scholar.
Within the entire orthodox undead faction, his importance and value were second only to the founder. This was reflected in the wanted list, where his bounty was second only to You Shen's!
"After becoming a necromancer, I began paying close attention to undead orthodoxy. Your appearance has long been etched in my memory. For you are a senior figure, a sage who walks ahead yet still mentors those who follow. My admiration for you knows no bounds! Simply because you have continuously pioneered new necromancy magic, constantly expanding the boundaries of necromancy!"
“We pursue new knowledge, while you create it!” Cang Xu spoke with genuine sincerity, offering Teacher Si Ling a solemn salute.
Jian Gui couldn't help but glance at Cang Xu, seemingly surprised by his eloquence.
Based on Jian Gui's understanding of Teacher Si Ling, Cang Xu's words had struck precisely at the core of the other's pride.
Sure enough, Teacher Si Ling laughed heartily, his face lighting up with genuine delight. “The pursuit of knowledge, that is the hallmark of an exceptional magician. I can see you are a talented magician, destined for even greater heights!”
Then, Teacher Si Ling studied Cang Xu with keen interest. “If I'm not mistaken, you possess a saint level undead bloodline, correct?”
Jian Gui froze.
Cang Xu was stunned too.
After a moment of silence, Jian Gui couldn't help but exclaim: “What?”
This gold level orthodox necromancer now wore a look of utter shock.
Cang Xu also revealed astonishment.
But it was half genuine, half feigned.
The genuine part was that his bloodline had been detected without him sensing any magic fluctuations.
The feigned part was his performance—as if his painstaking disguise had been exposed with a single remark.
In truth, this was precisely the moment he’d been waiting for to reveal his “saint aptitude” to Jian Gui. On one hand, it demonstrated his value, compelling Jian Gui to take notice and extend goodwill. If circumstances allowed, he could even use Jian Gui as a conduit to join the orthodox undead faction directly.
This had always been Cang Xu's plan.
He'd even discussed it with the fishman youngster.
After all, he'd already put it into practice. Enhancing his Hanging Corpse Tree bloodline proved exceedingly difficult. The main obstacle was the lack of sufficient, suitable undead life for the Bloodcore to absorb.
Only the Ghost World, or rather, only the orthodox undead factions on the Main Plane, possessed such stable channels, allowing Cang Xu to indirectly obtain these cultivation resources.
Plans could not outpace change.
Cang Xu hadn't anticipated the revelation of his bloodline secret occurring so swiftly!
He continued his performance.
Cang Xu gave a wry smile and turned to explain to Jian Gui: "Please forgive me, Lord Jian Gui. I deliberately kept this from you."
Jian Gui: “...”
'Your apology, delivered with such righteous conviction, actually sounds quite sincere!'
Cang Xu continued, "After my bloodline mutation, I gradually sensed subtle changes. But I forced myself to endure, trying not to show it outwardly."
“At the time, I was curious, hopeful, and terrified, my fear of loss was overwhelming.”
“That's why I previously schemed to obtain the Undead Bloodline Detection from you.”
"After using that spell, I discovered that through mutation, I had acquired a saint level Hanging Corpse Tree bloodline. I was so thrilled I nearly wanted to announce it to the entire world, but after calming down, many new worries arose."
"After all, those who share hardship may not share prosperity. Moreover, this isn't about sharing prosperity. So, out of caution, I kept this secret to myself."
“Later, I reflected, perhaps my Lord, Charming Blue Goddess, recognized my innate talent and acknowledged my devotion to Her, then bestowed those unique Charming Blue divine spells upon me!”
These words were truly heartfelt. Cang Xu expressed his concern and admitted his mistake with complete sincerity.
Not only that, but he was also reasonable and well-grounded in his arguments.
He further bolstered his persuasiveness by invoking Charming Blue Goddess and the fact that he had become Her believer.
“You... you... you...” Jian Gui opened his mouth several times to speak but couldn't finish a single sentence.
He was utterly shocked!
The Hanging Corpse Tree possessed a saint level bloodline.
Saint level!
While saint level was merely one step above gold level, within the transcendent hierarchy, they represented entirely different standings.
Gold level was considered mid-tier, while saint level was already high tier.
Jian Gui himself was only gold level.
Moreover, he knew full well that his bloodline's limit was precisely there. Meaning he'd be stuck at gold level for life.
But what about Xu Jia (Cang Xu)?
His bloodline mutation had actually granted him a saint level undead bloodline!
Could someone truly ascend to a higher bloodline through mutation?
This was incredibly rare!
Incredibly rare!
“His aptitude was clearly mediocre before, yet after one round of bloodline mutation, he possesses a saint level undead bloodline?”
“Why him? Why not me?”
The bitterness was palpable.
Envy and jealousy filled Jian Gui's heart.
Once, he had looked down on Cang Xu, dismissing him as insignificant. So what if he became a Charming Blue believer? He'd never reach gold level in his lifetime!
But now, it was Jian Gui looking up to Cang Xu.
A saint level Hanging Corpse Tree bloodline... If the blood concentration was strong enough, Cang Xu could very well become a saint in the future.
Saint level!
Wasn't that the transcendent level of the Twelve Saints?
Of course, the Twelve Saints held a unique status within the orthodox undead hierarchy. Not every saint level necromancer could be called one of the Twelve Saints.
But in truth, not all twelve were even saint level themselves. And Jian Gui had never once laid eyes on a saint level necromancer outside the orthodox factions.
Witnessing a nobody suddenly turn the tables and secure a future brighter and grander than his own. Jian Gui's pride shattered.
Yet he quickly adjusted.
“Hahahaha,” he laughed.
“Xu Jia, you underestimate me terribly. I can only rejoice for you!”
"But you're right. As a rogue necromancer, the slightest misstep could get you hunted down. Your caution is absolutely necessary."
"Oh, right. You may no longer be a rogue necromancer. With this bloodline, our orthodox faction will offer you ample opportunity to join us."
At this point, Jian Gui cast an imperceptible glance toward Teacher Si Ling.
In that instant, he understood: Teacher Si Ling had been hidden and elusive, yet suddenly revealed himself. It must be that Teacher Si Ling was curious about Cang Xu. After secretly casting spells, he sensed Cang Xu's potential, prompting his enthusiastic appearance.
Teacher Si Ling was indeed famously fond of mentoring juniors, but there was a prerequisite—the junior had to at least be worthy of mentorship!
While Jian Gui observed Teacher Si Ling, the latter was observing Jian Gui.
Seeing Jian Gui's respectful congratulations, Teacher Si Ling sensed his broad perspective and magnanimity, which deepened his favorable impression.
His scrutiny of Jian Gui, however, served primarily to understand Cang Xu from this angle.
From Jian Gui's initial shock, swift comprehension, and subsequent congratulations to Cang Xu, Teacher Si Ling's estimation of Cang Xu also rose.
On one hand, Jian Gui's magnanimous demeanor not only demonstrated his own broad perspective but also indicated that Cang Xu had cultivated a good rapport with Jian Gui, capable of gaining the support of other necromancers.
On the other hand, this was Teacher Si Ling's first meeting with Cang Xu.
To rapidly deepen his understanding, gleaning information through Jian Gui became a convenient, efficient, and crucial avenue.
After all, Jian Gui was already one of their own within the undead orthodoxy lineage.
Witnessing Jian Gui's trust in Cang Xu, Teacher Si Ling inevitably found his own trust in Cang Xu growing.
Despite this being their first meeting, Cang Xu's recent explanation made Teacher Si Ling far more inclined to believe it was genuine.
Through this brief encounter, Teacher Si Ling had already sketched out Cang Xu's profile in his mind—the latter was likely an exceptional wild necromancer, possessing a magician's heart. His passion for pursuing knowledge earned Teacher Si Ling's admiration and respect for such a young talent.
More crucially, he hadn't been corrupted by negative energy. Interacting with one of their own like Jian Gui was a pleasant experience. Upon discovering the saint level bloodline, he received the heartfelt blessings from Jian Gui. That's fantastic!
Though rare, the mutation of a bloodline into a saint level lineage was indeed possible.
Cang Xu's explanation was sound and logically consistent; Teacher Si Ling detected no flaws.
Teacher Si Ling's smile grew even warmer: “Come, let us visit the Mother Nest and tour the Charming Blue Divine Domain.”
Only then did Cang Xu appear to “suddenly realize,” exclaiming in surprise, “So... it was your idea, Teacher Si Ling, for Lord Jian Gui to go to the Mother Nest!”
Jian Gui rolled his eyes: "You just figured that out? As if I'd ever willingly seek death."
He was delighted.
Genuinely pleased.
Amid his envy and admiration, he suddenly realized: "Huh? I've placed a trap on Xu Jia's body. Yet he still chose to save me, proof our bond is strong."
“The better his potential, the stronger he'll be when he reaches the saint level. Then I'll have a saint level ally!”
“Thinking about it this way, it's absolutely brilliant!”
“Everything is under my control.”