"It seems that to the Chen family, Linghu Isle is far more important than Yuyang Market."
At this moment, the white-robed figure finally revealed himself—a man with white hair and a face full of wrinkles. He was none other than Lin Mocheng, the patriarch of the Lin immortal clan.
The other figure, emanating an aura of malice, was the infamous Demon Elder Hong, who had vanished years ago. Elder Hong had once blood-sacrificed the Zuo immortal clan to forge the Blood Transforming Demon Blade, only to be severely wounded by Xu Daoyuan.
Unexpectedly, not only had he recovered, but his cultivation had advanced further, opening up 30% of his Purple Mansion Dao Veins.
"Jie jie jie!"
Elder Hong let out a sinister laugh before sneering.
"Since that girl refuses to come out, let's go to Pingyang City. There are 400,000 to 500,000 humans there—perfect for a feast of flesh and blood."
"If I devour them all, I'll likely break through to the Purple Mansion stage."
Hearing such depraved words, Lin Mocheng's expression remained calm. Instead, he replied coldly, "According to our agreement, you help me take Linghu Isle, and I'll help you take Pingyang City."
"Are you going back on your word?"
"Humph!" Elder Hong snorted, then said mockingly, "Linghu Isle has a high-tier second-grade spirit vein and a protective formation of the same level. Even with our combined strength, we'd be left half-dead after taking it. How would we then have the energy to attack Pingyang City?"
"To be honest, blood feasts are abundant across Yang Region. The only reason I agreed to work with you is my grudge against the Chen family. If you won't attack Pingyang City, I'll leave right now."
Lin Mocheng's expression shifted multiple times before he finally let out a cold gaze.
"Fine. Sacrificing Pingyang City would indeed strike the greatest blow to the Chen family."
Seeing Lin Mocheng agree, Elder Hong sneered, his eyes icy.
"You'll help me destroy the Chen family. Aren't you worried that the Chen family will seek revenge later?"
Lin Mocheng paused, then smirked.
"Elias killed four of my Lin family's Foundation Establishment cultivators. This hatred is irreconcilable. Besides, the blood sacrifice will be your doing."
"As for revenge, my lifespan is nearly at its end. After I'm gone, why would I care if the heavens fall? Would they dare exterminate the Lin family and slaughter hundreds of thousands of mortals?"
He cast a wary glance at Elder Hong as he spoke.
Compared to the righteous Chen family, Lin Mocheng felt that Elder Hong was more likely to slaughter mortals indiscriminately. While the thought unsettled him, he quickly suppressed it.
"I've already ordered Moqin to guard Lin City. Even if something happens to me, it should be enough to hold off Elder Hong."
With his worries temporarily set aside, Lin Mocheng's eyes glinted with a crimson madness.
"Chen clan, you will pay the price."
…
Not long after, Meng Xinghe noticed something amiss.
Lin Mocheng's arrangements had been unraveled, revealing that the Lin patriarch had disappeared. Meng Xinghe immediately relayed this information to Tianxu Mountain and sent messages to Linghu Isle and Pingyang City using transmission talismans.
Afterward, he summoned the Foundation Establishment cultivators in Yuyang Market with a grave expression.
"At such a critical time, Lin Mocheng has suddenly disappeared. I suspect he has lost all reason and gone to seek revenge against the Chen family."
"How dare he?" several Foundation Establishment cultivators exclaimed, their expressions changing drastically.
"I've already informed the Chen family," Meng Xinghe said seriously.
"I suspect Lin Mocheng may target Pingyang City, though I can't be certain."
"Here's the plan: I'll head to Pingyang City to check the situation. Stay here in the city and await further news."
"We have an alliance to support each other in defense. If the Chen family's spirit vein is attacked, I urge you all to assist them."
The others nodded solemnly.
"Rest assured, if the Chen family sends for aid, we will act."
…
Meanwhile, Lin Mocheng and Elder Hong flew for half a day before arriving outside Pingyang City.
Notified of their approach, Chen Qinghao immediately activated the Blazing Sun Divine Fire Formation and shouted coldly, "Lin Mocheng, you dare collaborate with a demonic cultivator? Aren't you afraid my Chen family will exact revenge and annihilate the Lin clan?"
"Humph."
Lin Mocheng's gaze turned icy, his voice hoarse as he replied, "I've already stepped down as the Lin clan patriarch. I am but a rogue cultivator now."
"Today's matter is a personal grudge and has nothing to do with the Lin clan."
"Humph." Chen Qinghao snorted, his tone filled with disdain.
"You can explain that to my nephew, Elias."
Both men flinched slightly at the name. Since the end of the beast tide, Elias's reputation as a fearsome killer had spread. He had slain multiple Purple Mansion beasts, and his sharp methods and formidable demeanor were becoming legendary in Chu Kingdom.
Elder Hong's expression turned cold, his face brimming with killing intent. "Enough talk. Let's break this formation together."
He then summoned the infamous Blood Transforming Demon Blade, unleashing a terrifying blade aura that struck the protective formation of Pingyang City.
The Blood Transforming Demon Blade was the life-bound treasure of the Demon Lair, a sect located in southeastern Chu Kingdom and one of the greatest threats to Chu's cultivation world.
Among Chu's three major sects, Purple Abyss Sect and Qingyang Sect focused on defending against the demon beasts, while the strongest sect, Celestial Sky Sword Sect, bore the responsibility of countering the Demon Lair.
The Demon Lair was so formidable that even the Celestial Sky Sword Sect struggled against it. The Blood Transforming Demon Blade was one of its most fearsome weapons, known for its unparalleled killing power. Forging the blade required the sacrifice of 100,000 mortals, and advancing it to the Purple Mansion stage required the blood of a million.
Despite its horrific nature, the blade's power was undeniable. It was even stronger than treasures like the Fiery Void Sword.
Elder Hong, having opened 30% of his Purple Mansion Dao Veins, possessed profound true essence comparable to a cultivator who had broken through to the Purple Mansion stage. His power enabled the Blood Transforming Demon Blade to unleash devastating might, dimming the light of the Blazing Sun Divine Fire Formation significantly.
"This is bad!"
Chen Qinghao's face darkened as he realized the terrifying power of the Blood Transforming Demon Blade. If not for the formation's recent upgrade to high-tier second grade before the beast tide, it would have already been breached within a few moves.
...
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I need POWAAA! Gimme Power Stones :D