Liu Meng returned to her cave dwelling, only to be greeted by yet another scene of busy activity.
At the entrance, over a dozen burlap sacks were piled together. From within came the occasional muffled groan—unmistakable proof that "the goods" had arrived.
Several maids were already bustling about, dragging the captives from the sacks and delivering them into the prison cells deep inside the cave.
This was the second batch of people that Ye Xun had delivered. The number wasn't large—not even a hundred—but the previously empty cells were now crammed to the brim, crowded to the point of suffocation.
At this rate, once the remaining few hundred were sent over, there wouldn't be any room to even set foot inside. Clearly, expanding the prison was becoming an urgent matter.
Just as she was about to summon her maids, a familiar figure came hurrying in from outside—the recently unburdened Qingyue, having finished her errands.
"Master!" Qingyue walked quickly to Liu Meng's side, respectfully offering a wooden box.
"The century-old darkwood, coldpool iron, and centipede venom—all have been gathered."
Liu Meng gave a satisfied nod. Qingyue's efficiency pleased her greatly. She tucked the tray away into her storage pouch, then gave her next commands:
"Good. Now, there are two more tasks I need you to handle."
"Please, Master, instruct me." Qingyue bowed her head, listening intently.
"First—the cells are insufficient. Take some people, and carve out more in the depths of the cave. The larger, the better.
Second—go into the surrounding mountains and capture a few live beasts. The fiercer, the better. I will have use for them."
"Yes, Master!" Without hesitation, Qingyue accepted her orders and left at once.
Liu Meng, meanwhile, returned to the vast hall, seated herself alone atop the dais, and sank into thought.
Her newest clone, "Liu Six," had already been summoned.
Now, two paths lay before her.
The first—depart immediately for that ancient secret realm, the one that only mortals could enter.
Opportunity waits for no one. If she were late, the treasures within might already fall into someone else's hands.
The second—have Liu Six cultivate the Blood Banquet Technique, raising her strength first.
This way, there would be another Qi Refining cultivator stationed within the cave—another hand to deal with enemies, another shield for her true body. Another hidden card in her deck.
After long consideration, she chose the latter.
The secret realm's chance was enticing, but ultimately illusory, full of unknown dangers and variables. Her own safety was the root of all plans.
In this perilous Demonic Sect, even the slightest carelessness could invite death. A little more strength meant a little more ability to survive.
Miss this secret realm, and there would be other chances. But if her true body fell into danger—there would be no chance to regret it.
Just then, heavy footsteps echoed outside the cave.
Qingyue returned, several Qi Refining maids following her, together dragging in several beasts bound by restrictive seals.
A white-browed tiger with glaring eyes. A massive black bear, as large as an ox. Each radiated savage, violent ferocity.
"Master, the beasts have been brought back." Qingyue panted slightly, a trace of guilt on her face. "Only… one green wolf proved too cunning. I slipped in my handling, and accidentally killed it."
She gestured to the last being dragged in—a fresh wolf corpse, still faintly warm.
Liu Meng was surprised by Qingyue's speed, but quickly waved her hand. "No matter. Bring the dead one as well."
"Yes."
The maids dropped the beasts in the hall's center before respectfully withdrawing, leaving their master alone once more.
From the shadows, Liu Six stepped forth. She gazed at the bound, struggling beasts without the slightest ripple in her eyes.
Drawing the short blade from her waist, her figure blurred—
Puchi!
Blood sprayed high. The mightiest tiger among them didn't even have time to roar before its head went flying.
As its body collapsed, the Blood Banquet Technique activated on its own, unleashing a torrent of crimson energy far greater than anything harvested from mere mortals.
It poured into Liu Six's body.
Boom!
Just one beast's essence was enough to shatter her mortal shackles.
Qi Refining, First Layer!
Even though she had experienced it once before, Liu Six was still astonished by the sheer potency of the demonic art.
Like the Profound Yin Technique, one glance was enough to know its vile nature. Yet its effects were terrifyingly strong.
What's more—the essence of a feral beast was even purer and more vigorous than that of a human!
Without pause, she proceeded to slaughter the remaining beasts one by one.
With each death, her cultivation surged higher. Soon, she broke through again—
Qi Refining, Second Layer!
Exhaling slowly, Liu Six turned her gaze to the final wolf corpse. Her brows furrowed.
The living beasts were all consumed, yet she was still just shy of Qi Refining's Third Layer.
It would be a pity to stop now.
But—it was already dead. Could the Blood Banquet Technique still function?
Uncertain, she decided to try.
She stabbed her blade deep into the wolf's heart.
To her surprise, the art stirred once more!
The energy drawn forth was thinner than from a living beast, but still pure and potent.
With that final push, the barrier shattered—
Qi Refining, Third Layer!
She had succeeded!
Withdrawing her blade, Liu Six felt the surging power racing through her veins. A sudden clarity struck her.
The Blood Banquet Technique's essence wasn't slaughter.
Slaughter was only the means.
Its true core was devouring—plunder.
Just like the Profound Yin Technique. Its so-called training and dual cultivation were merely methods. Its essence was harvesting… extraction.
Su Meier had scattered her disciples like seeds into the outside world. Let them grow, let them ripen.
But one day—she would reap them all without mercy.
At that thought, Liu Ming's heart tightened with dread.
Liu Meng… was just another seed.
No matter how bright her radiance, her life and death rested in Su Meier's palm. She could be uprooted at any moment.
Depending solely on her was impossible. He needed more—stronger—backing.
[A new day has come. A new clone may be summoned.]
The system's familiar chime rang out on cue.
Suppressing his tangled thoughts, Liu Ming began the summoning without hesitation.
[Summoning clone…][Random appearance generated.]
Another girl's face surfaced in his mind, delicate and beautiful.
Slightly surprised, he did not dwell on it, simply naming her:
"Liu Seven."
Moments later, Liu Six—freshly advanced to the Third Layer—appeared in a streak of light.
She wasted no time, immediately taking the newly summoned Liu Seven with her.
Together, they vanished into the distance.
Their destination—the ancient secret realm that only mortals could enter.