267: escape route

The Elder flicked his sleeves. "Alright, I've said what needs to be said. The dangers and opportunities within are for you to grasp and strive for yourselves. I won't delay your tempering any longer."

As his voice fell, the two from the Five Elders Gate no longer hesitated.

They leaped up and occupied two green stone platforms. Although the beauty was pleasant to look at, they knew which was more important.

Yu Qingyan took a light breath and tapped the ground with her toes. Her figure rose like a fluttering purple butterfly, her skirt tracing a pale purple arc as she landed steadily on the leftmost green stone platform.

Ye Hao and Li Pingan glanced at each other and also leaped onto the green stone platforms cleanly.

Once the five of them were seated cross-legged, a soft green light suddenly lit up on the stone platforms.

The green light spread along the edges of the platforms, emitting a faint hum. The next moment, the five green stone platforms, as if pulled by an invisible force, slowly began to sink into the blood pool.

The viscous, dark-red essence blood surged as if alive, spreading upward through the gaps in the stone platforms. It gradually submerged their waists, abdomens, and chests, eventually leaving only five heads exposed outside the blood pool. The suffocatingly intense smell of blood was clearly perceptible at their noses and mouths.

The moment the essence blood completely enveloped their bodies, the five of them simultaneously felt an indescribable, sharp pain sweep through their entire beings.

That pain did not come from external tearing, but originated from the burning and wrenching of every inch of skin, every bone and sinew, and every single cell within their bodies. It was as if countless tiny needles were darting through them, or as if scalding lava was rushing through their veins, making them unable to stop themselves from clenching their teeth as fine beads of cold sweat broke out on their foreheads.

The brows of the two prodigies from the Five Elders Gate twisted into knots, their expressions extremely unsightly.

Thanks to their Sect's Legacy, they had long heard of the dangers of the ten thousand demon blood quenching pool. When the Elders mentioned it, they only spoke of it as a supreme Opportunity for Body Refining, but never detailed that the pain of this initial stage would be so terrifying.

They hadn't expected it to be this painful right at the start.

Their Qi was in disarray, and they could only barely hold on by circulating their spiritual power to resist. They wondered how the Xuanxu Tower Master had managed to endure for two days back then.

Although Yu Qingyan's breathing was also somewhat hurried, her skin took on a faint crimson glow. In her perception, that bone-eroding pain actually... actually turned into an indescribable tingling pleasure.

It made her unable to resist biting her delicate lips, yet the corners of her mouth rose slightly uncontrollably, and a somewhat dazed look of pleasure appeared on her face.

If this appearance were seen by the Cultivators of the Tiangong Pavilion, their jaws would surely drop in shock!

Who would have thought that their pure and noble Senior Sister, who was always cold and distant, would show such a suggestive expression amidst the violent aura of the ten thousand demon blood quenching pool?

"Mng~"

Yu Qingyan couldn't help but let out a soft cry, already feeling some anticipation for the sensations to follow.

"It seems this ten thousand demon blood quenching pool is indeed extraordinary. It's a good thing I accepted the invitation back then."

Among the five, only Li Pingan remained as calm as a light breeze and passing clouds, as if the intense pain and violent aura around him had nothing to do with him.

While the other four had already closed their eyes to concentrate and resist the impact of the blood pool with all their might, he slowly opened his eyes and glanced at his Junior Brother, Ye Hao.

This level of pain was nothing more than a daily occurrence for him. Having tempered his body through various extreme methods for years, he could still maintain a clear mind even under such intense pain. Even if he were to face an enemy right now, his punching speed would not be hindered in the slightest.

It seemed... that Elder had already departed.

Only they remained in the entire room.

Soon, his gaze inadvertently swept over to Yu Qingyan on the far left. Seeing her strange expression—neither in pain nor struggling, but rather with a faint hint of a smile—he was surprised.

Li Pingan's heart stirred slightly. After hesitating for a moment, he still tentatively spoke up and asked:

"Miss, do you also follow the path of martial arts?"

Yu Qingyan was currently immersed in that tingling sensation when she suddenly snapped back to her senses upon hearing his words. She opened her eyes and gave Li Pingan a fierce glare.

After glaring at him, she quickly closed her eyes again, her hands forming seals as she did her best to compose herself and restrain the strange expression on her face.

If Chen Xuan were present, he would have to sigh; one really couldn't blame his Disciple.

Who could have imagined this woman would have such a personality?

Inside the private room on the fifth floor of the Demon Suppressing Tower, the candlelight flickered!

Daoist Yunche sat upright before a desk, the brush in his hand suspended. Ink slowly dripped, leaving clear characters on a yellowed register.

[Li Pingan, Ye Hao, Disciples of the Dao Seeking Sect from the Flame Continent. Excellent talent, extraordinary constitution!]

[Yu Qingyan, descendant of the Tiangong Pavilion, a Core Disciple of the power created by the Heavenly Venerable Mogong.]

On the register, besides the names of the three, were also recorded seven or eight names from various parts of the Nine Provinces. All were prodigies who had traveled to the Rain God Continent in previous years and were fortunate enough to be invited to participate in the ten thousand demon blood quenching pool.

However, on the register, there was not a single record of any Prodigy from the Five Elders Gate—not even one.

"Knock, knock, knock—"

The crisp sound of knocking broke the silence of the private room.

"Come in."

Daoist Yunche flipped his wrist, sheathed the brush, and after closing the register, he casually placed it into his storage ring. His tone was calm and indifferent.

The one who pushed the door and entered was precisely the Elder who had guided the five earlier. He bowed and respectfully replied:

"Reporting to the Tower Master, all five have entered the blood pool and begun their tempering."

Daoist Yunche nodded with satisfaction, a flicker of approval flashing in his eyes.

"Very good."

"Pass down the order. For the next two days, no one is permitted to step onto the third floor of the pavilion. Those who violate this will be severely punished."

"Yes, milord!" The Elder bowed in acknowledgement, slowly backed out, and gently closed the door.

Daoist Yunche sat quietly for a moment, then as if remembering something, he stood up to straighten his robes and walked alone toward the eleventh floor of the Demon Suppressing Tower.

When Li Pingan and Ye Hao visited the Demon Suppressing Tower for the second time, the Elder had taken them on a floor-by-floor tour. The tenth floor imprisoned Yao Race members of the Deity Transformation Realm.

At that time, Ye Hao had asked: What about those above the Deity Transformation Realm?

At that time, the Elder had not answered!

The eleventh floor was not as gloomy and oppressive as one might imagine; instead, it was elegantly and quietly decorated. A handsome scholar dressed in green robes was sitting by the window, holding an ancient book. On the desk before him sat a pot of clear wine and two jade cups, with two beautifully featured maids in light clothing serving him and pouring wine.

This person was the only Void Refining Realm member of the Yao Race imprisoned in the Demon Suppressing Tower—Yan Shu!

His true form was a black snake that had cultivated for several hundred years. Because he loved reading, he had given himself such a scholarly name.

Seeing Daoist Yunche enter, Yan Shu did not stop flipping through the book. He merely glanced up at him, the corners of his mouth curving into a smile.

"Want a taste? This batch of wine is much better than before. This is more like how one should treat a guest."

Daoist Yunche walked straight to the opposite side and sat down, ignoring the offered wine cup. He said in a heavy voice, "There's no need for wine. I've come this time to inform you that in five days, the plan will be initiated."

Yan Shu slowly turned a page, his tone indifferent. "I didn't expect time to pass so quickly."

"Don't forget what we agreed upon," Daoist Yunche reminded him.

Yan Shu put down the ancient book, picked up the wine cup, and took a sip, smiling. "Rest assured, Tower Master, we of the Yao Race have always been the most honorable. There is no reason to stab a Fellow Daoist who cooperates sincerely in the back. Even if the plan fails when the time comes, if you are willing, you can also come with us to the Yao Domain Continent to lie low."

Daoist Yunche shook his head. "We'll talk about those things later. Even if you really do fail, I have already prepared a way out for myself."

"In this Nine Provinces Continent, I can go anywhere."

Yan Shu laughed. "As expected of the Tower Master, truly thoughtful and thorough."