57: Playing the old man in the ring 6

The mountain range stretched for thousands of miles, the crimson rocks burning like flames under the setting sun, and the temperature was significantly higher than the outside world.

Following the map's instructions, Ye Huohuo found the area where the Crimson Flame Tiger might appear and began his search.

An hour later, he found his target.

In a valley, a thirty-foot-long crimson giant tiger was resting, its body emitting a scorching aura; it was indeed a Crimson Flame Tiger!

"Prepare for battle."

Qin Jiuge said.

Ye Huohuo concealed his aura and crept closer, and when he was a hundred yards away,

The Crimson Flame Tiger suddenly became alert, lunged to its feet, and its blood-red eyes stared right at Ye Huohuo's hiding place!

"Roar!"

With a sky-shaking tiger roar, the Crimson Flame Tiger turned into a red shadow and pounced!

"Blazing Sun Palm!"

Ye Huohuo advanced instead of retreating, striking out with a palm.

The palm wind collided with the tiger's claws, producing the sound of clashing metal!

Ye Huohuo was forced back three steps, and the Crimson Flame Tiger was also shaken back,

But its ferocity only grew, and it opened its mouth to spit out a burst of crimson flames!

"Phantom Fire Steps!"

Ye Huohuo's figure moved like a ghost, dodging the flames and instantly appearing at the side of the Crimson Flame Tiger.

"Demon King Sword Art, First Style: Daybreak!"

A brilliant sword light lit up, like the breaking of dawn,

Instantly piercing the Crimson Flame Tiger's defense and leaving a deep wound that exposed the bone on its ribs!

"Roar!" The Crimson Flame Tiger cried out in pain and counterattacked frantically.

But Ye Huohuo had already seized the initiative; with sword light like rain and the Phantom Fire Steps, he suppressed the Crimson Flame Tiger, forcing it back step by step.

After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the Crimson Flame Tiger was covered in wounds, its aura withered.

With one last sword strike, Ye Huohuo pierced the Crimson Flame Tiger's heart, ending the battle.

"Not bad."

Qin Jiuge evaluated,

"Your combat awareness has improved, but your sword technique is still not proficient enough; you need to practice more when we get back."

Ye Huohuo nodded and began processing the Crimson Flame Tiger's corpse, taking the inner core, tiger bones, tiger skin, and other valuable parts.

Just as he was about to finish, his expression suddenly changed.

"People are coming—three of them, all in the Foundation Establishment Stage, one of whom is at the Late Foundation Establishment Stage," Qin Jiuge reminded him.

Ye Huohuo immediately concealed his aura and hid behind a giant rock.

A moment later, three figures landed in the valley.

Leading them was a middle-aged man in black robes with a Late Foundation Establishment Stage cultivation and a sinister face.

Behind him were two men, one tall and one short, both in the Middle Stage of Foundation Establishment.

"The Crimson Flame Tiger has been killed!"

The short Cultivator exclaimed upon seeing the tiger's corpse.

The middle-aged man in black robes crouched down to examine the wound:

"A sword wound, a very sharp sword technique. It just died; the killer shouldn't have gone far."

He stood up, scanning the surroundings, and suddenly sneered:

"Friend, come out. Hiding your head and showing your tail is not the style of the Righteous Path."

Ye Huohuo knew he had been discovered, so he simply walked out openly.

"A Disciple of the Qingyun Sword Sect?"

The middle-aged man in black robes' eyes narrowed when he saw Ye Huohuo's clothing.

"Kid, did you kill this Crimson Flame Tiger?"

"Yes," Ye Huohuo said calmly.

"Hand over the inner core and the tiger bones, and I'll spare your life."

The tall Cultivator grinned savagely.

Ye Huohuo narrowed his eyes:

"Are the three of you demonic Cultivators?"

"Smart."

The middle-aged man in black robes didn't deny it,

"Disciples of the Blood Fiend Sect. Kid, don't blame us; blame your bad luck."

The Blood Fiend Sect was a Demonic Path Sect within the Zhao Kingdom and a mortal enemy of the Qingyun Sword Sect.

"And if I refuse?"

Ye Huohuo asked.

"Then die!"

The short Cultivator struck first, a beam of blood-red light shooting toward Ye Huohuo!

Ye Huohuo was prepared; he activated his Phantom Fire Steps, dodging the attack while simultaneously thrusting his sword at the short Cultivator!

"Demon King Sword Art: Daybreak!"

The sword light was like lightning; the short Cultivator was shocked and hurriedly summoned a blood-colored shield.

"Puchi!"

The shield was pierced, and the sword light's momentum continued, piercing through the short Cultivator's shoulder!

"Third Brother!"

The tall Cultivator roared and pounced like a blood shadow.

The middle-aged man in black robes also moved, a blood-colored flying dagger turning into a stream of light, aimed straight for Ye Huohuo's throat!

One against three, and the opponent had a Late Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivator!

Ye Huohuo was locked in a bitter struggle.

But he fought more bravely as the battle progressed; his Nine Yang Battle Body erupted fully, his spiritual energy was continuous, and his sword technique became increasingly sharp.

"This kid is not simple!"

The middle-aged man in black robes grew more alarmed as the fight went on.

"Third Brother, Fourth Brother, set up the Three Talents Blood Fiend Formation!"

The three stood in a triangular Formation, blood-red Qi filling the air, forming a blood-colored Formation that trapped Ye Huohuo inside.

Once the Formation was complete, Ye Huohuo's pressure increased greatly; the surrounding blood Qi was like a swamp, restricting his movements, and countless blood-shadow illusions interfered with his mind.

"Kid, it is your honor to die under our brothers' Three Talents Blood Fiend Formation!"

The middle-aged man in black robes sneered.

Ye Huohuo's expression was grave.

"Don't panic."

Qin Jiuge's voice rang out,

"This Formation has a flaw. Three steps to the front-left, strike with all your might."

Ye Huohuo didn't hesitate and struck out with his sword according to the instructions!

"Boom!"

The Formation shattered!

"How is that possible?!"

The middle-aged man in black robes turned pale with shock.

Ye Huohuo seized the opportunity, his sword light like a dragon, instantly piercing the tall Cultivator's heart!

"Fourth Brother!"

The middle-aged man in black robes' eyes nearly split with rage,

"I want your life in exchange!"

He erupted with all his strength, fully releasing his Late Foundation Establishment Stage pressure,

A blood-colored long saber appeared in his hand, the saber light like a sea of blood, slashing toward Ye Huohuo!

"Come then!"

Ye Huohuo's Battle Intent boiled,

"Blazing Sun Palm, Sixth Style: Burning the Heavens and Boiling the Seas!"

The scorching palm wind collided with the blood-colored saber light, the valley shaking and rocks crumbling!

Both men were knocked back; Ye Huohuo bled from the corner of his mouth, and the middle-aged man in black robes also turned pale.

"A Foundation Establishment Early Stage with such combat power..."

A flash of wariness appeared in the middle-aged man's eyes, and he suddenly turned into a blood-red light and fled!

"Trying to run?"

Ye Huohuo sneered and gave chase.

But just as he chased him out of the valley, he heard a scream.

Ahead, the middle-aged man in black robes lay dead on the ground with a blood hole in his chest.

A young man in white stood by the corpse, blood dripping from his long sword, smiling at Ye Huohuo.

"Junior Brother Ye, good skills."

Ye Huohuo's pupils constricted:

"Senior Brother... Liu?"

The newcomer was none other than Liu Yanran's brother, the Liu Family Genius Liu Wuhen. He had joined the Qingyun Sword Sect three years ago,

And was now one of the top ten Inner Sect Disciples, with a Great Perfection Foundation Establishment cultivation!

"Junior Brother Ye, there's no need to be nervous."

Liu Wuhen smiled,

"I happened to be passing by and saw you in a fierce battle with demonic Cultivators. I wanted to help, but I didn't expect you to solve it yourself, Junior Brother."

He paused, a strange look flashing in his eyes:

"But you really are a hidden talent, Junior Brother,"

"To be able to kill a Middle Stage Foundation Establishment demonic Cultivator and force back a Late Stage one while only at the Early Stage of Foundation Establishment—such combat power is rare even in the inner Sect."

"It was just luck."

Ye Huohuo said calmly.

"Is that so?"

Liu Wuhen gave him a meaningful look,

"Then the Crimson Flame Tiger's inner core and tiger bones..."

"They are required for a Sect mission."

Ye Huohuo interrupted.

Liu Wuhen's smile remained unchanged:

"In that case, I won't take what someone else values."

"Junior Brother, until we meet again."

He turned into a sword light and departed.

Ye Huohuo watched his back, his expression grave.

"This person is very shrewd."

Qin Jiuge said:

"He was observing in the shadows just now and only appeared to kill the middle-aged man in black robes after you broke the Formation. His purpose is unclear."

"Did Liu Yanran send him?"

Ye Huohuo guessed.

"It's possible."

Qin Jiuge said:

"In any case, be careful."

Ye Huohuo nodded and returned to the valley to collect his spoils.

In the storage pouches of the three demonic Cultivators, there were many Spirit Stones and Demonic Path Materials,

Although he couldn't use them, they could be exchanged for contribution points.

Most importantly, he found a blood-colored token in the middle-aged man's Storage Pouch, with the word 'Sha' engraved on it.

"The identity token of the Blood Fiend Sect."

Qin Jiuge said:

"Keep it; it might be useful."

Returning to the Qingyun Sword Sect, Ye Huohuo handed in the mission,

Obtaining five thousand contribution points, and exchanged the demonic Cultivator Materials for another three thousand.

Eight thousand contribution points were enough to exchange for many resources.

He first went to the Scripture Pavilion and used his contribution points to exchange for several sword techniques and movement technique Secret Manuals,

Although they weren't as good as what Qin Jiuge taught, they could serve as a cover.

Then he went to the Alchemy Hall to buy Alchemy Materials and Pill Formulas.

Finally, he used the remaining contribution points to exchange for three bottles of 'Essence Gathering Pills' to accelerate his cultivation.

In the following days, Ye Huohuo entered a state of frantic cultivation.

During the day, he practiced the sword, performed Alchemy, and did Sect missions; at night, he went into seclusion in the cultivation room to push for a higher Realm.

With Qin Jiuge as his Devil King mentor, his progress was astonishingly fast.

One month later, Middle Stage of Foundation Establishment!

Two months later, Late Stage of Foundation Establishment!

Three months later, Great Perfection of Foundation Establishment!

And at this point, only four months had passed since he entered the Qingyun Sword Sect.

This kind of cultivation speed shocked the entire Qingyun Sword Sect!

Elder Qingxuan was both surprised and delighted, personally checking Ye Huohuo's cultivation,

Confirming that his Foundation was solid and not forcefully raised by drugs, he valued this Disciple even more.

Among the top ten Inner Sect Disciples, many began to pay attention to Ye Huohuo; some tried to recruit him, while others were wary.

Liu Wuhen "encountered" Ye Huohuo several times, testing him with his words, but Ye Huohuo handled it skillfully.

Liu Yanran, on the other hand, had been in seclusion, reportedly trying to push for the Golden Core.

One day, as Ye Huohuo was in seclusion in the cultivation room, he suddenly received a transmission talisman.

"All Inner Sect Disciples, gather at the Sect square immediately!"

By the time Ye Huohuo arrived, hundreds of Inner Sect Disciples had already gathered in the square.

On the high platform, Elder Qingxuan's face was grave:

"I just received news that the Blood Fiend Sect has joined forces with several Demonic Path Sects and is preparing to attack our Qingyun Sword Sect!"

The crowd was in an uproar.

"Those demonic scoundrels, how dare they!"

"We'll fight them to the end!"

Elder Qingxuan raised his hand to quiet the discussion:

"According to reports from scouts, the Demonic Path has dispatched three Golden Core Demonic Lords and dozens of Foundation Establishment demonic Cultivators this time; their strength cannot be underestimated."

"The Sect Head has ordered all Inner Sect Disciples to prepare for war immediately!"

"At the same time, an emergency mission is being issued: go to the 'Profound Iron Ore Vein' to stand guard and prevent the Demonic Path from destroying it."

The Profound Iron Ore Vein was an important resource for the Qingyun Sword Sect, producing Black Iron, which was the main material for refining Flying Swords.

"The guarding mission will be in teams of five, voluntary grouping."

Elder Qingxuan said:

"The mission rewards are generous, but the danger is extreme. Sign up voluntarily."

Ye Huohuo did not hesitate and signed up.

Soon, the teams were assigned.

Ye Huohuo was assigned to the third team,

The captain was Lin Waner,

Besides him, the team members included two Middle Stage Foundation Establishment Junior Brothers,

And... Liu Wuhen.

"Junior Brother Ye, we meet again."

Liu Wuhen smiled.

Ye Huohuo nodded:

"Senior Brother Liu."

Lin Waner said:

"Junior Brothers, this journey is dangerous; we must be united. Let's set off now!"

The five of them flew up on their swords and headed for the Profound Iron Ore Vein.

On the way, Qin Jiuge suddenly spoke:

"Kid, be careful of Liu Wuhen."

"I can sense Devilish Qi on him. Although it's faint, it can't be hidden from me."

Ye Huohuo's heart skipped a beat.

Three hours later, they arrived at the Profound Iron Ore Vein.

This was a massive mining site,

Hundreds of miners were excavating, and Qingyun Sword Sect Disciples were patrolling the area.

There were twenty guarding Disciples in total, divided into four teams, patrolling in rotation.

For the first three days, all was peaceful.

Late on the fourth night, a sudden change occurred!

On the outskirts of the mine, blood-red light suddenly shot into the sky!

"Enemy attack!"

The alarm sounded, and all guarding Disciples immediately assembled.

Outside the mine, dozens of blood shadows appeared,

The three leaders had terrifying auras; they were Golden Core Demonic Lords!

"Juniors of the Qingyun Sword Sect, hand over the ore vein, and we will spare your lives!"

A blood-robed Demonic Lord sneered.

Lin Waner's face was pale:

"Three Golden Cores... we can't stop them."

"Even if we can't stop them, we must!"

A middle-aged deacon grit his teeth,

"I have already sent out a distress signal. As long as we hold out for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the Sect's reinforcements will arrive!"

"Kill!"

The battle erupted!

The demonic Cultivators had the advantage in numbers, and with three Golden Core Demonic Lords, the Qingyun Sword Sect Disciples instantly fell into a disadvantage.

Ye Huohuo killed a Middle Stage Foundation Establishment demonic Cultivator with one sword strike and was about to support his companions when he suddenly heard the sound of something breaking through the air behind him!

He instinctively dodged to the side, and a blood-colored flying dagger grazed his shoulder!

"Liu Wuhen, you!"

Ye Huohuo turned around and saw Liu Wuhen looking at him with a cold sneer.

"Junior Brother Ye, my apologies."

A red glow flashed in Liu Wuhen's eyes,

"Someone wants you dead, so I have no choice but to comply."

"You're a demonic spy!"

Ye Huohuo said sharply.

"Smart."

Liu Wuhen didn't deny it either,

"A Core Disciple of the Blood Killing Sect, lurking in the Qingyun Sword Sect for three years, all for today."

He summoned a blood-colored long saber:

"Junior Brother Ye, to be able to die by my hand is your honor."

"With just you?"

Ye Huohuo sneered and erupted with all his strength, his Great Perfection Foundation Establishment cultivation showing no reservation!

"What?!"

Liu Wuhen was shocked,

"When did you..."

"Demon King Sword Art, Second Style: Moon Sever!"

A crescent-shaped sword light cut through the night sky, instantly shattering Liu Wuhen's blood-colored long saber and, without losing momentum, slicing him in half at the waist!

Liu Wuhen's eyes widened, and he died with his eyes open.

This scene shocked everyone present!

"Brother!"

A shrill female voice rang out.

Liu Yanran descended from the sky, and seeing her brother's corpse, her eyes were full of venom:

"Ye Huohuo, I want your life in exchange!"

Her aura erupted; she was actually at the Early Golden Core Stage!

"How is that possible?!"

Lin Waner exclaimed,

"She was only at the Foundation Establishment Stage three months ago. How could she have formed her core so quickly!"

"System, activate all my trump cards!"

Liu Yanran roared in her heart,

"Today, Ye Huohuo must die!"

[Activating: Early Golden Core Stage Cultivation Card (Remaining time: the duration of an incense stick)]

[Activating: Temporary authorization for Heaven Rank Cultivation Technique 'Blood Sea Demonic Technique']

[Activating: Projection of Lifebound Treasure 'blood soul banner']

Liu Yanran's aura surged, reaching the Middle Stage of Golden Core,

A large blood-colored banner appeared in her hand, the surface of the banner churning like a sea of blood, with countless wronged souls wailing!

"Ye Huohuo, Die!"

With a wave of the blood soul banner, a towering sea of blood surged toward Ye Huohuo!

"Careful!"

Qin Jiuge warned,

"This sea of blood can corrode spiritual energy; it'll be trouble if even a little bit touches you!"

Ye Huohuo used his Phantom Fire Steps to the fullest, weaving through the sea of blood, but the sea of blood was too vast, and there was no way to avoid it!

"I'll risk it!"

Ye Huohuo grit his teeth, his Nine Yang Battle Body erupting fully, and the fourth Seal was released!

Golden light shot into the sky, forcing back the sea of blood!

"Nine Yang Battle Body?!"

A flash of greed appeared in Liu Yanran's eyes,

"System, I want his Physique!"

[Forced deprivation requires the target to lose the ability to resist. It is recommended to severely injure the target first.]

Liu Yanran nodded and waved the blood soul banner again, and countless blood souls condensed in the sea of blood, pouncing on Ye Huohuo!

Ye Huohuo was caught in a bitter struggle.

Although he had the Nine Yang Battle Body, the gap in cultivation was too large; Middle Stage Golden Core versus Great Perfection Foundation Establishment was a qualitative difference.

"Master, what should I do?"

Ye Huohuo asked urgently in his heart.

"Wait."

Qin Jiuge said:

"She is overdrawing the System's power; her time is limited."

"As long as you can hold out for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, she will surely be defeated."