25: Wang Hao was attacked en route and turned against his comrades.

At You Shi, Duanyun Peak was dyed crimson by the setting sun. The cliff walls on both sides of the canyon were steep as if carved, with jagged rocks. The narrow path, barely wide enough for one person, wound intricately, its surface covered with gravel and withered grass, requiring extreme caution when traversing. The evening wind whistled through the canyon, carrying a faint scent of blood, making one's heart tighten and exuding an ominous atmosphere.

Lu Chen walked at the forefront, his spiritual sense heightened to the extreme, silently circulating the Concealment Art to carefully perceive the surrounding movements. Ever since he learned of Wang Hao's collusion with the Blood Shadow Sect, he had maintained maximum vigilance. The Duanyun Peak canyon was strategically dangerous, an excellent place for an ambush, and the Blood Shadow Sect members must have been waiting there already. Yu Lan followed closely, the myriad manifestations pendant at her waist slightly warm, emitting a faint green glow, subtly detecting the hidden evil spiritual energy around them. She secretly circulated her spiritual energy, ready to respond to any sudden situation. Lin Xiaoya walked in the middle, tightly gripping the short sword in her hand, her expression tense but still feigning composure. She had already taken out the refined antidote Medicinal Pill and healing Medicinal Pill, placing them within easy reach. Wang Hao walked at the very end, still wearing a gentle smile on his face, but his eyes occasionally swept towards the canyon walls, hiding an imperceptible excitement and ruthlessness, clearly confirming the ambush locations.

"The terrain here is so dangerous, with such high cliffs on both sides. It would be troublesome if someone were to ambush us," Lin Xiaoya couldn't help but whisper, her voice tinged with worry.

Wang Hao immediately chimed in, feigning a relaxed demeanor to comfort her: "Miss Xiaoya, don't worry. Although this place is remote, Yao Beasts or Evil Cultivators rarely appear. We just need to be careful, and we'll be fine." While he spoke comforting words, he sneered inwardly, thinking, in a moment, you will fall into a trap, and then you will have no wings to fly.

Lu Chen remained silent, his gaze growing sharper. His spiritual sense captured three strong, evil spiritual energies emanating from deep within the canyon, perfectly consistent with the aura of Blood Shadow Sect Evil Cultivators. Their cultivation was all around Qi Refining Fourth Layer, similar to Wang Hao's, clearly targeting them.

Just as everyone reached the center of the canyon, Wang Hao suddenly stopped. The smile on his face vanished instantly, replaced by gloom and ruthlessness. He flashed, blocking the canyon exit, his Qi Refining Fourth Layer spiritual energy erupting without reservation. He stared coldly at Lu Chen and the two others: "Lu Chen, Yu Lan, you didn't expect this, did you? Today will be your death day!"

Lin Xiaoya's face turned pale. She looked at Wang Hao in disbelief: "Senior Brother Wang, why... why are you doing this? We treated you so well, how could you betray us?"

"Well?" Wang Hao scoffed, his eyes full of disdain. "You merely treated me as an expendable companion. What you truly valued was always each other. Senior Brother Zhao Lei has shown me immense kindness; how could I stand by and watch you harm him? Moreover, the Blood Shadow Sect promised me generous rewards. As long as I kill you, seize the myriad manifestations pendant and the clues to Wuwang City, I can obtain powerful Cultivation Techniques and resources. Why wouldn't I?"

As soon as he finished speaking, three dark figures shot out from the cliff walls on both sides of the canyon, none other than the Blood Shadow Sect Evil Cultivators. They wore black robes and masks, revealing only pairs of red-glowing eyes. Skull Blood Shadow tokens hung from their waists, and the evil spiritual energy emanating from them was nauseatingly strong.

"Blood Shadow Sect people!" Lin Xiaoya exclaimed, instinctively hiding behind Lu Chen.

The leading Evil Cultivator spoke coldly, his voice hoarse and grating: "Lu Chen, Yu Lan, hand over the myriad manifestations pendant and the clues to Wuwang City, and perhaps we can spare your lives. Otherwise, today you shall be buried here!"

"Wishful thinking!" Lu Chen roared, his Qi Refining Level Three spiritual energy erupting instantly. The iron sword in his hand unsheathed, its engraved "Sharp" Talisman characters glowing golden, and sharp Sword Qi instantly permeated the air. Yu Lan also attacked simultaneously, the myriad manifestations pendant at her waist glowing brightly, forming a green defensive barrier that protected Lin Xiaoya behind her. At the same time, she circulated her spiritual energy, and her jade hairpin transformed into a stream of light, ready to strike at any moment.

"You refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit!" The leading Evil Cultivator snorted coldly, waving his hand as a signal, "Go, kill them, and seize the myriad manifestations pendant!"

The three Evil Cultivators attacked simultaneously, fully unleashing their Blood Shadow Art. Dark red spiritual energy condensed into palm winds, carrying a strong bloody scent, and assaulted Lu Chen and Yu Lan. Where the palm winds passed, gravel flew, and withered grass withered, clearly containing potent poison and corrosive power. Wang Hao also attacked at the same time, but instead of attacking Lu Chen, he lunged towards Yu Lan, his eyes full of greed: "Miss Yu Lan, hand over the myriad manifestations pendant, and I can spare your life!" He knew the preciousness of the myriad manifestations pendant and wanted to seize it for himself, offering it to the Blood Shadow Sect and Zhao Lei in exchange for more benefits.

Yu Lan's eyes were cold. Her jade hairpin transformed into a stream of light, accurately piercing towards Wang Hao's wrist. Wang Hao was prepared, dodging to the side, while simultaneously circulating his spiritual energy, his fists striking towards Yu Lan's chest with fierce power. Although his cultivation was inferior to Yu Lan's, he had the advantage of a sneak attack, and for a time, he was locked in a stalemate with Yu Lan.

Lu Chen faced three Blood Shadow Sect Evil Cultivators alone, under immense pressure. The Evil Cultivators' Blood Shadow Art was sinister and domineering; their palm winds were fierce and contained potent poison. He could only rely on the Lightning Movement Technique to nimbly dodge while counterattacking with his iron sword inscribed with Talisman. During the fierce battle, one Evil Cultivator suddenly unleashed a secret technique of the Blood Shadow Art. A dense blood mist rose around his body, rapidly spreading and enveloping the entire center of the canyon. Visibility instantly dropped, and it carried a dizzying poisonous gas.

"Not good, it's blood mist!" Lu Chen's heart tightened. He quickly activated the Poison Resistance Art, forming a barrier of spiritual energy within his body to resist the erosion of the poisonous gas. At the same time, he recalled the Concealment Art given by Elder Li Ping and immediately circulated the Cultivation Technique, completely concealing his aura and blending into the blood mist, avoiding the Evil Cultivators' sight.

The Evil Cultivators, having lost track of Lu Chen, immediately became flustered. They could only attack wildly, their palm winds colliding everywhere in the blood mist, yet consistently failing to hit their target. Lu Chen moved through the blood mist, his spiritual sense keenly capturing the Evil Cultivators' positions. The "Sharp" Talisman on his iron sword glowed brightly. Seizing an opportunity, he suddenly burst out from behind one Evil Cultivator, his blade accurately piercing a vital point in their back.

"Pfft!" The Evil Cultivator screamed, their evil spiritual energy instantly becoming chaotic, and they fell heavily to the ground, losing their combat ability.

Seeing this, the other two Evil Cultivators felt fear and wanted to retreat, but Lu Chen entangled them. He circulated the Water Element Sword Technique, integrating the weak water vapor gathered around him into his sword force, forming pale blue water flow Sword Qi that attacked the Evil Cultivators. The water flow Sword Qi happened to counter the sinister poison of the Blood Shadow Art. The Evil Cultivators' palm winds were struck by the Sword Qi, instantly dissipating, unable to form an effective defense.

During the fierce battle, Lu Chen accidentally struck one Evil Cultivator's Storage Pouch. The pouch broke, and a tattered small booklet fell out. He caught a glimpse of it from the corner of his eye; the cover read "Blood Mist Dispersion Art." His heart stirred, and he immediately picked it up, the Cultivation Technique instantly integrating into his mind. The Blood Mist Dispersion Art was a Cultivation Technique specifically designed to break the Blood Shadow Sect's blood mist. By simply activating a specific spell with pure spiritual energy, one could dispel the blood mist and even backfire on the Evil Cultivators.

"Excellent!" Lu Chen was overjoyed. He immediately circulated the spiritual energy within his body according to the Blood Mist Dispersion Art's method, silently chanting the spell. Instantly, a pure white spiritual energy erupted from his fingertips, spreading towards the surrounding blood mist. Wherever the white spiritual energy passed, the dark red blood mist receded like a tide, quickly dissipating completely, and the visibility in the center of the canyon was restored.

Deprived of the blood mist's cover, the remaining two Evil Cultivators became even more flustered. Lu Chen pressed his advantage, using water flow Sword Qi and Talisman sword force alternately. Before long, he defeated both Evil Cultivators; one was killed, and the other was severely wounded and captured.

On the other side, Yu Lan and Wang Hao's fierce battle was also nearing its end. Yu Lan's cultivation was already higher than Wang Hao's, and with the myriad manifestations pendant's enhancement, her defense was solid, and her attacks were fierce. Wang Hao gradually fell into a disadvantage, his body covered in wounds, bleeding profusely. When he saw that all the Blood Shadow Sect Evil Cultivators had been dealt with by Lu Chen, he completely panicked, knowing that the tide had turned, and wanted to turn and flee.

"Trying to run? Too late!" Yu Lan snorted coldly. The myriad manifestations pendant glowed brightly, and a green spiritual energy beam shot towards Wang Hao's back. Wang Hao was caught off guard, struck by the beam, and screamed, falling heavily to the ground, his spiritual energy chaotic and unable to move. He struggled to get up, but Yu Lan stepped forward, pressing her jade hairpin against his neck, her eyes filled with cold killing intent.

"Spare me! Miss Yu Lan, Senior Brother Lu, I was wrong, I won't dare again! Please spare my life!" Wang Hao cried out in terror, his face pale, begging for mercy, his eyes filled with fear.

Lu Chen walked up to him, his eyes cold, without a trace of pity: "You colluded with Evil Cultivators, betrayed your companions, and resorted to unscrupulous means for profit. For what happened today, your crime is unforgivable!" He turned to the severely wounded Evil Cultivator and asked coldly: "What else are you Blood Shadow Sect doing setting up an ambush at Duanyun Peak? What conspiracy does Wuwang City hold?"

The Evil Cultivator's eyes were sinister. Refusing to speak even in death, he suddenly bit down on the poison tooth in his mouth. Black blood oozed from the corners of his lips, and he instantly died. Lu Chen frowned, regretting that he couldn't get more information from the Evil Cultivator.

Wang Hao's fear intensified when he saw the Evil Cultivator commit suicide. He begged for mercy again: "Senior Brother Lu, I know the Blood Shadow Sect's conspiracy! They plan to hold a blood sacrifice in Wuwang City, using living people as offerings to activate the core of an ancient relic and seize the treasures within! Please spare my life, I'll tell you everything I know!"

Lu Chen's eyes flickered. A blood sacrifice? It seemed the Blood Shadow Sect's ambitions in Wuwang City were considerable. He wanted to press further, but Wang Hao's eyes suddenly flashed with ruthlessness. He abruptly pulled out a black Talisman from his embrace, intending to activate it for self-detonation, taking them all down with him.

"Careful!" Yu Lan reacted extremely quickly. With a flick of her jade hairpin, she struck Wang Hao's wrist, and the Talisman fell to the ground. At the same time, Lu Chen kicked Wang Hao away. Wang Hao crashed heavily against the cliff wall, spitting blood, completely losing the ability to resist.

"You were quick enough to run," Lu Chen snorted coldly, picking up the Talisman from the ground. He discovered it was a self-detonation Talisman of immense power. If activated, all three of them would have been severely injured.

Wang Hao lay on the ground, his eyes filled with venom, but he was powerless to resist. Yu Lan was about to strike him down, but Lu Chen stopped her: "Spare his life; he might be useful later." He tied Wang Hao up and threw him into his Storage Pouch, intending to take him back to the Sect and hand him over to Elder Li Ping for disposal, so he could expose Zhao Lei's collusion with the Blood Shadow Sect.

Lin Xiaoya walked to Lu Chen's side, her face still somewhat pale, but she let out a sigh of relief: "Fortunately, we detected his scheme in advance, otherwise the consequences would have been unimaginable."

"Indeed, thanks to Senior Brother Lu's vigilance," Yu Lan nodded, her gaze towards Lu Chen showing a hint more appreciation. She put away her myriad manifestations pendant, noticing that the jade pendant's glow had dimmed somewhat from the power it had just exerted, indicating a significant depletion of spiritual energy.

Lu Chen surveyed the battlefield, collecting all the Storage Pouches and Cultivation Techniques dropped by the Blood Shadow Sect Evil Cultivators, including the "Blood Mist Dispersion Art" booklet. He mused inwardly: The Blood Shadow Sect set up an ambush at Duanyun Peak and mentioned a blood sacrifice in Wuwang City. It seems their influence in Wuwang City far exceeds imagination, and the danger of this trip is greater than expected.

The three organized their supplies and continued towards Wuwang City. The battle in Duanyun Peak canyon made them more vigilant and also made them realize that to find the Myriad Manifestations Art in Wuwang City and expose the Blood Shadow Sect and the Zhao family's conspiracy, they must be even more cautious and improve their own strength.

Along the way, Lu Chen began to study the Blood Mist Dispersion Art. This Cultivation Technique could not only break the Blood Shadow Sect's blood mist but also purify evil spiritual energy, making it extremely useful against Blood Shadow Sect Evil Cultivators. Yu Lan circulated her spiritual energy to restore the myriad manifestations pendant's depleted spiritual energy, while Lin Xiaoya carefully prepared Medicinal Pills for the two of them, reminding them to rest.

The sun gradually set, and night fell. The three found a safe mountain cave to rest. Lu Chen sat cross-legged, circulating the Breathing Technique to consolidate his cultivation while also digesting the Profound Truth of the Blood Mist Dispersion Art. He secretly resolved: no matter how many dangers Wuwang City held, he would persevere, find the Myriad Manifestations Art, help Yu Lan get revenge, and stop the Blood Shadow Sect's conspiracy. What he didn't know was that the Blood Shadow Sect's blood sacrifice was imminent, and a greater crisis awaited them in the Wuwang City relic.