Translator: AnubisTL
"Sect Leader, that man..."
After years of seclusion, the Blood Lotus Sect Leader had emerged to convene all the sect's elders once again.
These elders were once immortal cultivators who had later converted to the Red Moon Dao Path, sacrificing their immortal dao in exchange for a twisted form of longevity.
Around the long table sat elders who appeared physically normal, but whose fleshly bodies had already undergone grotesque transformations.
Their higher cultivation levels allowed them to conceal these mutations within their bodies when not engaged in combat, revealing their indescribably grotesque forms only when necessary.
The Blood Lotus Sect Leader sat at the head of the table, shrouded in darkness, with only a corner of his crimson kasaya visible, radiating an aura of profound mystery.
"Forget him," the sect leader murmured in the darkness. "His interest lies in those useless immortal dao secret manuals. Though we don't know his true motives, his goals don't conflict with our interests."
"Once Limitless True Lord finishes plundering the scripture pavilion, he will depart."
Despite these words, the sect leader's apprehension toward Li Qing had reached its peak.
As long as Li Qing remained, the sect leader's position would remain precarious.
How can one sleep soundly with another snoring beside the bed?
But there was no choice. He knew that in a true confrontation, he would likely be no match for Li Qing.
The Blood Lotus Sect Leader shuddered at the memory of the unfathomable divine abilities Li Qing had displayed at the bottom of the blood pool.
Where did this man come from? Another great domain?
And how did he cultivate such extraordinary immortal dao techniques? It's as if the End of Dao Era has no effect on him.
Could it be that spiritual energy has already begun to recover in other great domains?
His mind swirling with complex thoughts, the Blood Lotus Sect Leader finally sighed deeply. He turned to the elders, who were exchanging uneasy glances, and said:
"Regardless of the circumstances, you must all remain on your best behavior these next few days. No rash actions!"
"I don't want any trouble to erupt before this man leaves."
"Once he's finished reviewing the scripture pavilion's immortal dao heritage, let him depart in peace."
These words made it clear to all the Blood Lotus Sect elders: the mysterious newcomer's power was beyond comprehension.
If even their sect leader feared him so greatly, the Limitless True Lord must be terrifyingly powerful.
In that moment, everyone felt like frogs at the bottom of a well, accustomed to ruling supreme in the Autumn Mountain Domain, only to finally encounter a true force to be reckoned with.
"We will obey the sect leader's orders!"
Everyone valued their lives. The Blood Lotus Sect Leader needed to say no more; they would never provoke the mysterious Limitless True Lord.
Several days later, a convoy of carts laden with strange beast materials slowly approached from the north, entering the Autumn Mountain Domain.
As in previous years, the Black Wind Domain's martial alliance had delivered the strange beast materials on time and as agreed.
At the head of the convoy sat a frail figure, so slender she looked as if a strong gust of wind could topple her.
"Guardian Lin, Precious Lotus City lies ahead," a disciple called out.
Lin Jing, sitting cross-legged on the oxcart beneath a wide-brimmed hat, nodded slightly. "Enter the city," she murmured.
At her command, the convoy slowly rolled toward Precious Lotus City.
At the Blood Lotus Sect's main headquarters in Precious Lotus City, Elder Zhu returned to his hall after meeting with the sect leader.
His expression was dark, clearly in a foul mood.
"Greetings, Elder!"
The Blood Lotus Sect members guarding the hall immediately stepped forward to offer respectful greetings.
Elder Zhu waved dismissively. "I will be entering seclusion soon," he announced. "Do not disturb me unless it is absolutely urgent."
"As you command, Elder!"
Under the respectful gazes of the disciples, Elder Zhu strode into his hall and impatiently tore off his robes.
From his withered body, white serpents emerged, their fangs sinking into his flesh as if devouring Elder Zhu's blood.
"Hiss... Damn it! Why must they shed their skin now?"
Elder Zhu's aged voice dripped with a bloodthirsty desire, violent impulses surging through his mind, threatening to shatter his reason.
The white serpents writhed incessantly, shedding layer after layer of skin at an unnatural speed.
Forcing down his bloodlust, Elder Zhu clenched his teeth, enduring the serpents' relentless bites into his flesh.
"Once the floodgates of desire are opened, closing them again is no easy task."
As an elder of the Blood Lotus Sect, Elder Zhu had cultivated the Red Moon Dao Path to a high level. Theoretically, he should have been immune to the Red Moon Secret Power's side effects, requiring no blood consumption to maintain his physical stability.
Yet ever since he had tasted the blood of a vital energy martial artist, he could never forget that ecstasy.
Especially the blood of powerful, high-level vital energy martial artists—the mere thought of it drove him to the brink of losing control.
A sickly crimson flush spread across his aged face, as if a million ants were gnawing at his flesh.
If he had never devoured the essence blood of vital energy martial artists, he wouldn't be in this state today.
Regret?
He no longer had the energy to dwell on such thoughts. He had to endure the molting of the White Serpent that had taken root within his body.
In an instant, his entire body began to pale rapidly, as if scales were about to sprout from his skin.
His endurance was nearing its limit. The craving for fresh blood burned with unbearable intensity.
Soon, the voices of Blood Lotus Sect members echoed from the entrance once more:
"Elder Zhu, the martial alliance has delivered this year's strange beast materials. The quantity and quality are complete, with no shortages."
Hearing this, Elder Zhu abruptly raised his head, as if he had heard the most beautiful sound in the world.
"You mean the martial alliance has arrived?" Elder Zhu asked urgently.
The sect member hesitated for a moment before replying firmly, "Yes, but they're preparing to leave after delivering the materials."
Elder Zhu's expression twisted at the news of the martial alliance's imminent departure. He barked, "Go! Stop them! Tell them I demand to see their guardian!"
"As you command, Elder!"
The sect member didn't know why Elder Zhu wanted to detain the Martial Alliance's Martial Artists, but he obeyed without question, immediately rushing out of the hall.
After a long wait, the doors to Elder Zhu's Hall slowly creaked open, and a slender figure stepped inside.
"Elder Zhu, I've already submitted all the strange beast materials for this year. Why have you summoned me again?" Lin Jing asked as she entered, her heart filled with resistance.
Just recently, Alliance Leader Miao and Senior Brother Xi Shan had successfully achieved breakthroughs, forging a new path for the vital energy martial dao!
With their greatly enhanced strength, the Martial Alliance had naturally gathered all the strange beast materials required by the Blood Lotus Sect this year, eliminating the need for Lin Jing to offer her own blood.
However, the moment Lin Jing crossed the threshold, she was stunned by the sight before her.
Elder Zhu was completely entwined with white serpents, while the floor was covered in layers of shed snake skin, creating a terrifying spectacle.
Her delicate features twisted in horror, and the fluffy cat ears on her head stood straight up, their fur bristling.
"Elder Zhu, you..."
A sense of impending doom washed over Lin Jing.
Before she could finish speaking, the massive door behind her slammed shut.
Bang!
A colossal white serpent, its head as large as a washbasin, had materialized behind her.
The serpent flicked its forked tongue, its massive body pressed against the door, its eyes fixed on Lin Jing's slender figure, sending a chill down her spine.
"Elder Zhu, what is the meaning of this?" Lin Jing's expression darkened instantly, and she instinctively channeled her vital energy, preparing for battle.
Sensing the surge of vital energy emanating from Lin Jing, Elder Zhu could no longer suppress his inner desires.
"Guardian Lin, I forgot to mention that this year's quota has increased. What you've brought is far from enough."
"Let me draw some blood from you. I'll take responsibility for it."
As he spoke, several molting white serpents slithered out from beneath Elder Zhu's robes, their targets locked on Lin Jing.
But Lin Jing wasn't foolish enough to believe such nonsense.
Swish!
With a flick of her wrist, razor-sharp claws erupted from her fingertips. She whirled around, aiming to cleave through the sealed door and escape.
Unfortunately, the massive White Serpent behind her wouldn't allow it, using its serpentine body to block the attack.
Lin Jing's face turned deathly pale.
She was already a Martial Artist approaching the eighth vital energy transformation, yet her full-power strike hadn't even scratched the White Serpent's scales.
Today, her chances of survival seemed grim.
Hiss!
Several White Serpents shot forward like arrows, aiming for Lin Jing's slender neck.
But having mastered the footwork techniques of the Limitless Art, her movements were incredibly agile. How could she be caught so easily?
Lin Jing narrowly dodged the serpents' snapping jaws, constantly scanning for a way to escape.
The main door was sealed shut by the giant serpent. Her only remaining path to freedom lay through the ceiling. She would have to smash through the Hundred Serpents Hall's roof and break out.
With this thought, Lin Jing tensed her legs, her vital energy surging violently.
Boom!
Her cat-like form leaped skyward in an instant, hurtling toward the ceiling with incredible speed.
But just as she was about to strike, a massive white serpent tail appeared on the roof beam.
Bang!
Lin Jing, with no time to evade, was struck by a devastating blow, sending her crashing to the ground.
"I personally oversaw the construction of the Hundred Serpents Hall," Elder Zhu's sinister voice echoed slowly, sounding like a death knell to Lin Jing's ears. "As long as I'm here, no one escapes. No one!"
Badly injured and lying motionless on the ground, Lin Jing's vision blurred as her consciousness gradually faded.
Am I going to die here? she thought. I still have so much left undone. What lies beyond the ninth vital energy transformation? What is the Innate realm like?
I don't want to die. I want to see my master. Master, where are you?
Elder Zhu, consumed by bloodlust, paid no attention to Lin Jing's murmurs. He was only focused on savoring the blood of this cat-woman Martial Artist, hoping to accelerate the molting of his White Serpent.
He acted without hesitation, summoning White Serpents that slithered onto Lin Jing's body, their jaws gaping wide as they bit down without mercy.
Master... Xiao Jing misses you.
(End of the Chapter)
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