Shadow Redemption

In the West City Shantytown, the night was as dark as ink, and the foul air seemed to have solidified, more deathly silent than usual. Even the barking of wild dogs had disappeared, leaving only the whimpering of the wind passing through the dilapidated shacks, like the whispers of lost souls.

Nightmare's figure seemed to be completely integrated into this darkness. His Divine Sense was like invisible tentacles, carefully perceiving every trace of energy fluctuation in this area.

Soon, he locked onto his targets—more than one!

Besides the basement of the abandoned house from before, there were two other places emitting similar, cleverly concealed scents of blood and chilling Devilish Qi! These three strongholds subtly formed a triangle, enclosing the largest open space in the shantytown.

And on that open space, although it seemed to be haphazardly piled with trash and debris, Nightmare keenly detected that beneath the ground, several obscure runic lines were buried. Together, they formed the prototype of a huge and evil blood sacrifice Formation!

Those missing people were probably imprisoned in these three strongholds, serving as “live batteries” to maintain the Formation's operation and await the final sacrifice!

“What vicious methods…” Nightmare's eyes were filled with icy coldness. Using the lives of the entire shantytown as the foundation of the Formation, and hundreds, even thousands, of living people as sacrifices, just to break open that damned Seal!

He had to act quickly! Every moment of delay could mean someone dying from their life force being drained!

His first target was a stronghold on the outermost side of the triangular Formation—a seemingly ordinary, dilapidated tavern that sold low-quality alcohol. The people here were relatively complex, and a slightly larger commotion would not immediately alert the core area.

Deep in the quiet night, the tavern had long since closed. Only faint, suppressed crying and the sound of chains dragging could be heard from the backyard.

Nightmare silently climbed onto the tavern roof like a gecko, his Divine Sense penetrating downwards.

The backyard had been converted into a temporary prison. Dozens of emaciated, dull-eyed Mortals and low-level Cultivators were chained and crammed into several dirty iron cages. Two Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivators from the Holy Cult were boredly guarding the entrance, yawning.

“Damn it, guarding a bunch of pigs every day, what bad luck!”

“Stop complaining. In two more days, when the ‘heavenly timing’ arrives, we’ll throw these blood sacrifices into the Formation core, and our mission will be complete. The Holy Cult will surely reward us then…”

“Heh heh, that’s true… I heard we might even get a share of the Demon Lord's aura this time, maybe even Breakthrough to Golden Core with it…”

The two conversed in low voices, their tone filled with disregard for life and greed for power.

On the rooftop, Nightmare's eyes turned completely cold.

He slowly raised his hand, palm facing down.

Within his Dantian, the Wind-Devouring Demonic Vine seedling gently swayed. An invisible, formless **Poison Mist**, yet containing extreme paralysis and mental erosion, mixed with a trace of the demonic vine's devouring intent, silently diffused downwards like ink dropped into clear water, enveloping the entire backyard.

The two Foundation Establishment Cultivators were still dreaming of the Golden Core Stage when they suddenly felt their eyelids heavy and their minds muddled. Even the thought of raising their spiritual energy became sluggish.

“Wh-what’s happening…” One of them managed to speak, his voice slurred, before he softly collapsed to the ground, losing consciousness. The other followed suit shortly after.

The numb prisoners in the cages also began to nod off, falling into a deep sleep. However, their complexions actually became a little rosier. The demonic vine's Poison Mist had deliberately avoided them, instead devouring the negative energy that permeated the surroundings and weakened their vitality.

Nightmare's figure drifted into the courtyard. Without even looking at the two guards, he channeled Demonic Essence from his fingertips, easily severing the iron locks on the cages.

He did not wake the prisoners; it was not yet time. Alerting the enemy would only cause the Holy Cult to act prematurely, leading to more deaths.

He quickly left an extremely subtle Demonic Essence mark on each prisoner. This mark could, at a crucial moment, briefly stimulate their life force, resist a single extraction of blood sacrifice power, and guide them towards an escape route.

Having done all this, Nightmare repeated the process, infiltrating the other two strongholds, using the same methods to stun the guards and plant life-saving marks on the prisoners.

The entire process was as swift and silent as a ghost.

However, just as he finished dealing with the last stronghold and was about to leave quietly—

A sudden change occurred!

Beneath this last stronghold, an even more secret **small prison** was hidden! The prison was made of special Spirit-Restricting Stones, which had previously blocked his Divine Sense probing!

And at this moment, something seemed to have happened inside the prison, as a faint muffled sound and energy fluctuation emanated from within!

“Who?!” Nightmare's expression changed slightly, and he instantly became alert.

He silently approached the hidden entrance, his Divine Sense forcefully penetrating the Spirit-Restricting Stone's barrier.

Inside the prison, it was not ordinary Mortals who were held, but three Cultivators wearing Sky Patrol Alliance uniforms! One of them seemed to have just attempted to break the Restriction on his body, triggering a backlash, with blood spilling from the corner of his mouth. The other two nervously supported him.

The cultivation of these three was not weak: two Early Golden Core Stage, and one Peak Foundation Establishment! Looking at the emblem on their uniforms, they were actually **Enforcement Emissaries** of the Sky Patrol Alliance!

How could they be here? And captured alive by the Holy Cult?

Countless thoughts flashed through Nightmare's mind instantly.

Just then, the injured Early Golden Core Stage Law Enforcement Emissary seemed to sense something and suddenly looked up. Although he couldn't see Nightmare outside, he low-voiced, “Friend outside! Have you come to rescue us? We are Enforcement Emissaries of the Sky Patrol Alliance, ordered to infiltrate and investigate the Holy Cult’s conspiracy, but unfortunately, we were captured! If Your Excellency can help us escape, the Sky Patrol Alliance will surely offer a generous reward!”

The other two also showed expressions of anticipation.

Nightmare's eyes flickered. Save them? Or not?

Saving them might allow him to use the Sky Patrol Alliance's power against the Holy Cult, but the risk was immense. Once exposed, he would immediately face a double pursuit from the Holy Cult and potentially any internal spies within the Sky Patrol Alliance.

Not saving them, letting them fend for themselves… After a moment of deliberation, Nightmare made his decision.

He pointed his fingers like a blade, pure Demonic Essence condensing at his fingertips, carefully breaking the Restriction on the prison door. This Restriction was quite complex, connected to the great blood sacrifice Formation, and forcibly breaking it would immediately trigger an alarm.

But Nightmare's understanding of Formations and Restrictions far surpassed those of his Realm, coupled with the highly corrosive nature of Demonic Essence, he quickly found the key nodes.

With a soft 'puchi' sound, a gap in the Restriction was silently broken open.

He pushed open the prison door, revealing his figure.

The three Sky Patrol Alliance Cultivators first rejoiced upon seeing Nightmare, then, feeling the undisguised pure Devilish Qi on him, their expressions instantly turned to suspicion and uncertainty.

“You… you’re a Demonic Cultivator?!” The young Peak Foundation Establishment Cultivator exclaimed in shock, instinctively taking a step back, his eyes filled with vigilance.

The injured Golden Core Cultivator, who was leading them, was much calmer. He suppressed his injuries, stopped his companions, and cupped his fists towards Nightmare, saying, “Many thanks, Your Excellency, for your rescue! May I know Your Excellency’s esteemed name? Why…”

“No need to ask further.” Nightmare coldly interrupted him, his voice hoarse and deep, “I can save you, and I can also kill you. If you want to live, do as I say.”

He flicked his finger, and three demonic seeds, containing the demonic vine's paralyzing toxin and a trace of Divine Sense information, instantly entered the three individuals' bodies.

The three stiffened, feeling a cold power residing in their Dantian, capable of taking their lives at any moment. At the same time, a stream of information flowed into their minds: about the Holy Cult's blood sacrifice plan, the heavenly timing, the world-breaking cone, and some map information.

“This… this is…” The three Enforcement Emissaries' expressions changed drastically, surprised and angry. “How dare they be so audacious!”

“Your lives are mine now.” Nightmare's tone was icy. “I can temporarily suppress the Restrictions in your bodies, giving you a chance to recover some of your strength. When the heavenly timing arrives in three days and the blood sacrifice begins, I want you to create chaos internally, destroy the blood sacrifice nodes as much as possible, and rescue those prisoners.”

“In return, after the matter is done, I will lift the demonic seeds and let you leave. Otherwise…” Nightmare did not finish, but the icy killing intent conveyed everything.

The three Enforcement Emissaries exchanged glances, their faces grim. As Sky Patrol Alliance Enforcement Emissaries, they were now implanted with demonic seeds by a Demonic Cultivator and coerced… But that blood sacrifice plan was truly too horrifying. If it succeeded… The leading Golden Core Cultivator gritted his teeth, “Alright! We agree! We will do our best to disrupt the blood sacrifice! But Your Excellency must also keep your promise!”

“Naturally.” Nightmare said indifferently, waving his hand to send out several streams of Demonic Essence, temporarily suppressing the Restrictions planted in their bodies by the Holy Cult, and leaving behind a few Medicinal Pills for healing.

“This place is not suitable for long stays; take care of yourselves.” With that, Nightmare's figure flickered and disappeared from the spot, as if he had never appeared.

Leaving behind three Sky Patrol Alliance Enforcement Emissaries with complex emotions, and a Holy Cult stronghold that had been thoroughly disrupted.

Leaving the shantytown, Nightmare did not feel relieved.

The chess pieces had been laid, but how much effect they would ultimately have remained unknown.

He needed more assurance.

With a thought, the System interface unfolded in his mind.

【villain points: 14800 points】

It was time to use this “deposit.”

“System, filter for items or one-time Divine Abilities that can be exchanged with current villain points, capable of causing large-scale chaos or possessing powerful stealth and burst effects.”

The light screen flowed, listing dozens of items, with prices ranging from hundreds to tens of thousands of points.

Nightmare's gaze quickly swept over them.

【Earth Fiend Yin Thunder Pearl】(One-time): Upon detonation, releases a large amount of Earth Fiend Yin Thunder, with wide coverage and power comparable to a full-strength attack from a Middle Golden Core. Requires 800 points to exchange.

【Hundred Ghosts Night Parade Talisman】(One-time): Summons a large number of low-level ghost spirit phantoms, creating illusions and chaos, with some interference to Divine Sense. Requires 1200 points to exchange.

【Blood Shadow Escape Talisman】(One-time): Burns essence blood to instantly escape a thousand miles, ignoring most Golden Core Stage blockades. Requires 1500 points to exchange.

【…】

Although these were useful, they were not enough.

His gaze finally fell on two items.

【**Illusory Mirage Pearl**】(Low Grade Earth Rank): Can create a realistic illusion covering several miles, and can simulate any energy fluctuation below Nascent Soul Stage (superficial), lasting for the duration of one incense stick. Requires 6000 points to exchange.】

【**Explosive Essence Demonic Pill**】(Low Grade Earth Rank): After consumption, Demonic Essence surges by one minor Realm within half an hour (up to Peak Golden Core Stage), followed by a severe period of weakness. Requires 5000 points to exchange.】

These were them!

“Exchange for Illusory Mirage Pearl and Explosive Essence Demonic Pill!”

【Exchange successful! Consumed 11000 villain points! Remaining villain points: 3800 points.】

A pearl emitting a hazy glow and a dragon-eye-sized Medicinal Pill surging with Devilish Qi appeared in the System space.

Nightmare's heart settled slightly. With these two items, plus the hidden chess pieces, the operation in three days finally had a bit more certainty.

He raised his head, looking towards the direction of the City Lord's Mansion and the mountain range, his eyes gleaming with cold light.

The storm was coming.

And he would be the most dangerous variable in this storm.