201: Killing wolves

“Fellow Daoist Yuan, can you truly not give my Qingming Sect a way out? I am willing to offer all the Spiritual Veins of the Sect!”

Yuan Hui narrowed his eyes, then changed the subject: “I am quite curious why Fellow Daoist Minglang dared to collude with the Demonic Path?”

Upon hearing this, Minglang’s expression was a little desolate, but he did not directly answer Yuan Hui, saying in a hoarse voice: “Things have come to this, there’s no point in saying more. Since Fellow Daoist is unwilling to let me go, let’s settle it with our hands!”

Yuan Hui’s expression did not change because of Minglang’s reply. He said indifferently: “Fellow Daoist Minglang, you dared to betray the kindness of Yuanfu Sect and collude with the Demonic Path. I absolutely cannot tolerate such actions, so it’s better for you to die.”

Minglang sneered, a fierce glint flashing in his eyes: “Yuan Hui, betrayal, laughable! But do you know why I chose this path?”

Yuan Hui frowned slightly. He did not understand why Minglang would suddenly ask back, but he still chose to listen quietly.

Minglang took a deep breath and began to recount his past: “I have cultivated bitterly for many years, and finally reached the Late Stage of Foundation Establishment. Are you telling me to give up just like that? My Lifespan is running out; only the Demonic Path can help me.”

“People from the Six Paths of Heavenly Demons found me. They promised me that as long as I helped them, they would provide me with endless Cultivation resources and opportunities. And all I had to do was help them establish a small Dark Shadow Alliance. Why must you cling to me so persistently!”

Yuan Hui fell silent for a moment after hearing this. He understood Minglang’s difficulties, but he also knew that the rules of the Cultivation world were like this: the strong prey on the weak, and only the fittest survive.

“Hmph, the Demonic Path’s ambition never dies, and you, too, deserve to be killed!”

A decisive glint flashed in Minglang’s eyes: “Since that’s the case, then let’s fight!”

As his voice fell, the atmosphere between the two instantly became tense.

At this moment, the Qingming Sect had already become a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood. The moment their mountain protection Formation shattered, their fate was sealed.

The surrounding Spiritual Qi began to stir, as if warming up for the impending great battle. Yuan Hui and Minglang also began their final preparations, their gazes meeting, as if sparks could fly.

The two quickly engaged in combat, their figures intertwining and flashing in the air, and the collision of their spiritual power produced deafening sounds.

At this moment, Yuan Hui truly displayed the demeanor of a Genius Disciple of the Yuanfu Sect. He Cultivated the Dao of Talisman and Sword.

Yuan Hui held a long sword in his hand, its blade engraved with intricate talismans, shimmering with a faint light, as if containing endless power.

As Yuan Hui’s thoughts moved, the long sword immediately let out a clear Sword Cry. Following that, the talismans on the sword began to light up, and streams of Sword Qi burst forth from the sword, transforming into sharp attacks that whistled towards his opponent.

Minglang was not slow. He wielded a huge battle-axe, which was also engraved with talismans, emitting a powerful aura.

Facing Yuan Hui’s attack, he roared and swung his battle-axe to meet it.

Two powerful forces collided in the air, producing a deafening roar.

Although Yuan Hui’s Sword Qi was sharp, Minglang’s battle-axe was even more powerful. For a time, the two fell into a stalemate.

However, Yuan Hui did not panic because of this. He took a deep breath, and the spiritual power in his body surged wildly, making the talismans on his long sword even brighter.

Suddenly, he chanted a spell, and a dazzling light erupted from the long sword. A huge Sword Qi instantly cut out, directly severing the battle-axe, and continued its unstoppable momentum towards Minglang.

Minglang’s expression changed drastically upon seeing this. He did not expect Yuan Hui to be able to unleash such a powerful attack.

However, he was still an experienced warrior, and his reaction was extremely quick. The moment the Sword Qi was about to touch his body, he suddenly flickered, cleverly avoiding this fatal blow.

The Sword Qi struck the ground, instantly erupting with an earth-shattering roar, and dust rose everywhere.

When the dust settled, a deep sword mark appeared on the ground, a shocking sight. Minglang stood to the side, a hint of fright flashing in his eyes. He knew that if he had been even a step slower just now, he would have probably lost his life on the spot.

Yuan Hui did not give Minglang a chance to catch his breath. He moved his body, transforming into an afterimage, and instantly appeared in front of Minglang. His long sword danced, and Sword Qi crisscrossed. For a moment, the space around Minglang seemed to be filled with Sword Qi. He could only passively block Yuan Hui’s attacks, completely unable to retaliate.

During Yuan Hui’s attack, he gradually found his opponent’s weakness. He gritted his teeth, gathered immense power in his battle-axe, and fiercely swung it at Yuan Hui.

Yuan Hui was prepared. He shifted his body, cleverly avoiding the axe. At the same time, his long sword counterattacked, and a sharp Sword Qi went straight for Minglang’s throat.

Minglang’s expression changed drastically. He tried his best to swing his axe to block, but his skin was still cut by the Sword Qi, bleeding profusely.

Minglang’s expression changed drastically. He tried his best to block the sword light. However, he was ultimately struck by the sword light, and his body flew backward like a kite with a broken string.

Yuan Hui did not give Minglang a chance to catch his breath. He quickly chased after him and swung another sword.

This time, Minglang was unable to resist. He was pierced through the body by Yuan Hui’s long sword. The sword tip protruded from his back, blood splattered, staining the courtyard of Qingming Sect red.

Minglang’s body trembled violently, his eyes filled with disbelief and endless rage.

“Colluding with the Demonic Path is a crime punishable by death! From today onwards, Qingming Sect is exterminated. The remaining Disciples will be escorted back to Yuanfu Sect for disposal and further investigation!” Yuan Hui’s voice was cold and firm, echoing over the Qingming Sect.

His long sword was still tightly gripped in his hand, and the bloodstains on the sword tip dripped onto the ground, like beautiful but tragic flowers.

Minglang was on his last breath, but he still stared intently at Yuan Hui’s figure, unwilling in his heart! He could not understand how his Qingming Sect, which he had personally founded, could end up like this.

He understood even less why Yuan Hui would so decisively order the extermination, leaving no room for reprieve.

Minglang’s eyes were filled with resentment and hatred. He struggled to open his mouth, wanting to say something, but could only let out a weak groan.

His gaze swept around, seeing the Disciples who had once fought alongside him, now subdued by Yuan Hui’s subordinates, standing helplessly to the side.

Minglang’s heart was filled with despair and helplessness. He knew he was beyond saving.

He struggled to stand up, but found that his body was no longer under his control.

Just then, a black figure suddenly rushed out from the side, heading straight for Yuan Hui. Yuan Hui was startled and quickly swung his sword to meet it. The black figure and Yuan Hui fought fiercely, producing deafening metallic clashes.

Minglang clearly saw the identity of the black figure: it was his trusted Disciple—Night Shadow! Night Shadow had been hiding in the shadows, waiting for an opportunity. Now, he finally made his move, wanting to avenge Minglang.

However, Yuan Hui’s strength was ultimately immense. Although Night Shadow was incredibly brave, he still couldn’t contend with him. After a few rounds, Night Shadow was already severely wounded, his robes stained with blood.

“There’s still another expert!” Yuan Hui roared, striking Night Shadow to the ground with a single sword.

A glint of defiance flashed in Night Shadow’s eyes, then he slowly closed his eyes.

Minglang watched this scene, his heart feeling as if it were being cut by a knife, but he could no longer stand up.

Minglang died, and Qingming Sect fell.

However, Yuan Hui felt little joy in his heart. There were many more matters to deal with afterward. Although Qingming Sect’s collusion with the Demonic Path was true, this time he had acted to destroy Qingming Sect.

But as the leader of Yuanfu Sect stationed at Fayi Mountain, Yuan Hui’s actions ultimately could not be as reckless as those of the Demonic Path.

Although Qingming Sect was destroyed, the aftermath was extremely complicated. He had to ensure that all of Qingming Sect’s Disciples were properly settled, and at the same time, prevent the Demonic Path from taking advantage of this opportunity to stir up greater conflicts.

Yuan Hui immediately summoned his trusted subordinates to discuss the subsequent handling methods. After some deliberation, they decided to establish a disposal agency responsible for resettling Qingming Sect’s Disciples and investigating any potential remaining Demonic Path remnants.

This was only a temporary solution. How to deal with it? Yuan Hui still had to think carefully about the follow-up.

He could not relax his vigilance because of this. The threat of the Demonic Path had not disappeared; on the contrary, it might become even more cunning and secretive.

Chen Cuo did not participate in the subsequent aftermath. At this point, the overall situation was settled, and he had contributed a Formation Breaking Talisman. Now was the time to get his investment back.

He then concealed his figure and went to Qingming Sect to search for resources.

He moved silently through the buildings of Qingming Sect, like a ghost, undetectable by anyone. His gaze was as sharp as a hawk, sweeping every corner, searching for precious resources.

As a Cultivation Sect on par with Tianshui Sect, Qingming Sect naturally accumulated countless treasures and resources.

Coming in to scavenge at this time was also a consensus reached with Yuan Hui; he could pick up some bargains. His main targets for this trip were the Scripture Pavilion, the Spirit Medicine Garden, and the Sect’s treasury.

He couldn’t take everything; he only needed what was necessary for him, which were the Materials for refining the Five Elements Spirit Ring and the Materials for making Puppets.

Inside Qingming Sect, he soon felt the rich Immortal Qi, but at this time, the Sect was already in chaos, with shouts of killing everywhere, ruins everywhere, and a strong smell of blood.

However, the buildings themselves were ancient and solemn. Every stone and every leaf revealed traces of time, protected by Formations, but they were not damaged by ordinary Disciples, who were too busy fleeing for their lives.

He first came to the Scripture Pavilion, which contained countless ancient books and Secret Manuals.

He carefully selected some usable Secret Manuals related to the Five Elements Spirit Ring and Puppet Craftsman production, while also taking other valuable books into his Storage Pouch.

Next, he came to the Spirit Medicine Garden. The Spirit Medicine here was dazzling, some of which were rare varieties Chen Cuo had never seen before.

At the same time, he also collected some Spirit Medicine he deemed valuable, just in case.

The treasury door was tightly closed, but Chen Cuo was not afraid. With a gentle swipe, a Lock Breaking Talisman appeared in his hand and was instantly affixed to the treasury door.

As the talisman lit up, the treasury door opened with a bang, revealing the dazzling treasures inside.

Just then, a gray light suddenly shot towards him. Chen Cuo twisted his body to dodge and grabbed the gray light in his hand.

The gray light flickered in his hand, seemingly wanting to escape, but Chen Cuo held it tightly with a powerful will, not giving it any chance to escape.

He felt that this gray light contained a strange power, both mysterious and powerful, as if it contained some ancient wisdom.

Chen Cuo’s heart stirred. He remembered the descriptions of treasury guardian beasts in ancient texts.

It was said that every treasure in the treasury was guarded by a guardian beast, and this gray light was probably the beast spirit guarding these treasures.

He gazed at the gray light in his hand, trying to communicate with it. He felt the beast spirit struggling in his hand, trying to break free from his restraint.

Chen Cuo took a deep breath, and suddenly said in a deep voice: “Hmph, I didn’t expect to find another gain today while searching for treasures.”

“What kind of guardian spirit are you? Tell me, and I will spare your life, otherwise I will make your spirit and body perish!”

The gray light flickered more violently in his hand, as if hesitating.

Chen Cuo was not in a hurry. He waited quietly. He knew that the wisdom of beast spirits far surpassed that of ordinary people. Generally, such guardian beast spirits are bound to a treasure and are born only after years of accumulation. Seeing that this gray light beast spirit has taken shape and can think independently, it must have been formed for a long time. He wondered how Qingming Sect obtained such a high-grade treasure, yet stored it so carelessly in the treasury.

After a long time, the gray light finally quieted down, as if making some decision.

Chen Cuo felt the power in his hand become gentle, and the gray light no longer struggled, but pointed to a corner deep inside the treasury.

Chen Cuo smiled slightly. Following the gray light’s guidance, he came to a corner deep inside the treasury.

There was an ancient jade box placed there. The jade box was inlaid with various patterns arranged to form a special Restriction, shimmering with dazzling light.

His eyes were fixed on the various patterns inlaid on the jade box.

These patterns were not only intricate and complex but also arranged in an orderly manner, as if containing some mysterious power.

They shimmered with dazzling light in the faint illumination, making the entire jade box exude a mysterious aura.

“It’s actually an ancient Restriction. I wonder what’s stored inside this box?” Chen Cuo murmured.

He gently stroked the surface of the jade box, trying to feel the power emanating from the Restriction. He ran his magical power over the jade box, as if he could feel the patterns vibrating slightly. “I must unlock this Restriction.” Chen Cuo secretly decided that this item was not simple.

Then Chen Cuo prepared to put it away, and the beast spirit also leaped into the jade box, and together they were stored in his Storage Pouch.

He continued to slowly scavenge for other treasures.

Chen Cuo was not greedy. He only selected the Materials needed for refining the Five Elements Spirit Ring and making Puppets, and then left the treasury.

By the time Chen Cuo left the treasury, he could already see the Disciples of Yuanfu Sect coming to clean up the mess!

Chen Cuo then concealed his figure and returned to the main hall to face Yuan Hui. Yuan Hui merely glanced at him a few times, and they both understood each other tacitly, not mentioning his earlier disappearance.