Outside Heaven Mending Peak, over ten Official Disciples gathered together, led by none other than Zhao Xuhe, Qingchen, and Wang Baifeng.
Among them, only the three had Mid-phase of Qi Refining cultivation.
Zhao stood at the front row, voice loud and clear: "For you fellow disciples to accept my invitation, I feel honored. I thank you all in advance."
Having said that, he bowed to everyone.
"To be frank, I found a cave mansion left by predecessors outside Heaven Mending Peak, but unfortunately, it is guarded by an array which we failed to break."
Qingchen spoke timely, her gentle voice making others shiver: "That's why Qingchen sought you fellow disciples. Together we can break the array and share the treasures inside, and Senior Brother Zhao, being a member of Sanhe Association, has a reputation that everyone knows well; surely he won't let anyone suffer losses."
Zhao Xuhe evidently had some tricks up his sleeve.
He collaborated with Qingchen, while Wang cooperated with them, quickly turning a disorganized crowd into a united force.
Immediately, everyone activated their Flying Light and left Heaven Mending Peak.
The "Sea of Clouds" where Stain Sect resided was vast and boundless; after flying for a quarter of an hour, they landed at a patch of cloud.
"This is the place."
Zhao Xuhe used his Qi to part the cloud sea, revealing an impressive mountain with excellent geomancy, which looked like a coiled old dragon at first glance.
"This place is called Panlong Island (Coiled Dragon Island)," Zhao Xuhe introduced: "I've investigated; it was the cave mansion of Perfected Panlong, a former direct disciple of the sect. The Grand array outside used to be in Foundation Establishment level, but over the years, the Ley Line it was built upon has dried up, and its power is now less than one-tenth of what it once was."
"Everyone, please follow me to break the array."
Zhao Xuhe charged ahead, entering Panlong Island first, and the others naturally didn't dare fall behind, flying in one after another.
When everyone entered into the island, a stealthy figure emerged outside.
"Interesting...."
Watching Panlong Island from below, Lü Yang showed no intent to enter but instead took out four black banners and started to arrange them outside the island.
"Anyway, the repayment deadline is near, and this life's time is running out."
"Why not go for one big score!"
"But with Panlong Island being dangerous and Zhao Xuhe having many companions, going in to compete for opportunities on my own is not an option."
After pondering, Lü Yang thought of a good plan.
Firstly, he believed the saying that there were good people in demonic sect was bullshit, so he was certain Zhao Xuhe's plan to gather people to raid the cave mansion was with ill intentions.
Yet, many cultivators came, including Wang; even if Zhao Xuhe managed to kill them, he couldn't get out unscathed. Given this, Lü Yang could first set up an array outside the island and ambush those who came out.
Wasn't that better than venturing in for exploration?
So Lü Yang spent his last 100 Contribution Points to purchase an Maze array.
The four banners would set up an array that locked and reversed directions in this patch of space. Though this array lacked offensive power, it could trap people inside, preventing escape in the short term.
"The next step is to wait quietly..... No hurry, slow but sure..."
Lü Yang patiently lurked.
.....
"Zhao Xuhe! What is the meaning of this!?"
"You killed us, our Life Lamps extinguished; Stain Sect won't spare you!"
Inside Panlong Island, the scene was a bloodbath.
The Official Disciples who were just working together were now fighting individually, and screams echoed as a blood-red light constantly claimed lives.
At a distance from the crowd, Zhao Xuhe stood side by side with Qingchen.
Their expressions were taunting and conveyed blatant wickedness, a stark contrast to their sincerity earlier.
Hearing the crowd's accusations, Zhao Xuhe merely sneered coldly, his tone sinister: "There's no need to struggle; this place is a meticulously-arranged trap. This 'Blood Demon Soul-Slaying Saber' cost me a full 3000 Contribution Points; today, none of you will escape Panlong Island!"
More lives were claimed as he spoke.
In the sky, the blood-red light flashed, immediately draining their flesh and revealing a crimson flying knife.
"You! Bastard!"
In the crowd, the only person still able to resist was Wang Baifeng, but Zhao wasn't in a rush to kill him, only continually wearing him down.
During the fight, Zhao Xuhe sneered with mockery: "Wang, you truly believe you'll keep your life after taking my money? I bought the Death-Warding Skeletons from you back then for today! Otherwise, had you held many skeletons at the time, it would be hard to take you down."
"Now, all your skeletons are bought by me."
"Once I kill you, the Contribution Points I gave will return to me, meaning I got a bunch of skeletons without spending anything."
"It seems I should thank you, huh!"
Zhao Xuhe's heart-piercing words almost made Wang Baifeng vomit blood, only for Zhao Xuhe to seize the opportunity-- the flying knife flashed and lodged into his chest.
Thud!
Wang Baifeng's lips moved slightly, face full of reluctance, but he couldn't utter a single word before being drained dry, collapsing lifeless on the ground.
With Wang Baifeng settled, the outcome of the fight was already decided.
After a moment, wailing gradually ceased.
"Congratulations, Senior Brother!"
At this moment, Qingchen was also drenched in sweat; the Blood Demon Soul-Slaying Saber drained massively, and Zhao Xuhe's killing spree couldn't have happened without her contribution.
"Thanks, Junior Sister."
Smiling slightly, Zhao Xuhe retrieved the Blood Demon Soul-Slaying Saber, asking: "How is it? With its present power, can it break the restriction?"
Qingchen examined for a moment, frowning slightly: "It seems still lacking....."
Swish—!
The knife entered and exited, Qingchen's charming face was bewildered, gazing in shock at the crimson flying knife embedded in her abdomen, swiftly dried into a corpse.
"Now it's powerful enough."
Holding the Blood Demon Soul-Slaying Saber, Zhao Xuhe nodded in satisfaction, then approached a shut Quiet Chamber deep within Panlong Island.
Without a word, he raised the knife to slash.
"Boom!"
With an earth-shattering bang, the chamber door shattered, revealing its contents—a Jade Box inside.
Zhao Xuhe approached excitedly, opened the Jade Box, only to find two Daoist Scriptures inside.
The first volume titled "Ninefold Dragon Metamorphosis."
The second volume titled "Imperial Dragonrise Scroll."
Staring at the Daoist Scriptures inside the Jade Box, Zhao Xuhe's hands trembled in excitement: "Third-Grade Foundation Method! Indeed, this guarantees me a Foundation eligible for Golden Core Stage. "
"Master truly did not deceive me."
"Master said I cultivated arduously over three lifetimes, accumulating Merit for Perfected Panlong, and now the merit is complete; Perfected Panlong's legacy is my opportunity."
"After today, as long as I diligently cultivate, refine 'True Dragon Qi', and establish 'Imperial Dragonrise' Dao Foundation, I can reclaim my memory and cultivation from tribulation. With the Third-Grade Foundation Method, not only the Foundation Establishment, but Golden Core is also within reach!"
Growing more excited, Zhao Xuhe immediately stowed the Daoist Scriptures.
"Changing cultivation methods means starting over from the beginning, so I must return to my cave mansion and enter seclusion at once. Once I succeed, I can finally become Master's official disciple…"
With hopes for a bright future, Zhao Xuhe activated Flying Light and swiftly flew out of Panlong Island.
However, the next second, Zhao Xuhe's expression changed dramatically.
"Who's there....."
"Boom!"
At that moment, Zhao Xuhe's eyes widened, but all he could see was that a grand Sword Light, like lightning, instantly slashed toward him!