Immortality and cultivation begin with full comprehension.

Chapter 839 The Aftermath of the Demonic Calamity, Sect Restructuring (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
"That's how it should be."

Li Yunjing nodded and said in a deep voice, "Immediately issue my decree!"

His gaze swept over everyone present, and he issued his orders one by one:

"First, the 'Enforcement Hall' should take the lead and, in conjunction with all the peaks, immediately conduct a secret screening within the sect to ensure that no disciple is practicing demonic arts or being corrupted by demonic thoughts."

"Once discovered, they will be severely punished!"

"Second, issue the sect's highest-level 'Demon Extermination Order,' mobilizing all Golden Core stage elders, true disciples, and Foundation Establishment stage inner disciples to form 'Demon-Purification Teams.' These teams will be dispatched to all territories under our sect's jurisdiction, especially newly incorporated areas with weaker control, to wipe out all discovered demonic cultivator strongholds and destroy all demonic cultivation manuals!"

"Third, in the name of the leader of the 'Southern Sky Alliance,' inform all forces within the alliance to share intelligence on demonic cultivators, coordinate actions, and launch a joint extermination campaign throughout the entire 'Southern Sky Continent'!"

"These malignant tumors must be completely eradicated!"

"Fourth, establish a 'Demon Slayer Ranking,' and reward disciples with generous merits based on their contributions to the extermination operation, including but not limited to elixirs, magic weapons, cultivation techniques, and opportunities to enter secret realms for cultivation!"

"Fifth, closely monitor spatial anomalies in various places, especially those areas where spatial rifts or dense demonic energy have appeared, to prevent demonic cultivators from using these places to establish stable interdimensional passages!"

Li Yunjing's orders were clear and decisive, filled with a chilling aura.

"I will obey the sect leader's decree!"

Everyone accepted the order in unison, their expressions solemn.

They all realized the seriousness of the matter. This would be another important battle for the "Divine Firmament Dao Sect" after the Demonic Calamity, concerning the stability of the continent and the future of the sect.

With Li Yunjing's decree issued, the entire "Shenxiao Dao Sect" once again began to operate efficiently, like a massive war machine.

Immediately, a huge "Demon Slaying List" was set up in the square outside the "Hall of Law Enforcement," and a notice was posted announcing the new decree of the sect leader to the entire sect!

The moment the "Demon Extermination Order" was issued, the entire sect was filled with fervor.

Having experienced the devastation of the demonic calamity, all the disciples deeply loathed the demons and their minions.

Now that the sect leader has ordered the eradication of internal evil forces, it is the perfect time for them to avenge their past humiliations and defend the sect's honor.

Led personally by the Golden Core elders, with true disciples as the backbone and Foundation Establishment elites as the wings, each "Demon-Cleansing Squad" cuts through the sky like a drawn sword, heading to various destinations.

These squads are all equipped with "long-range tracking scopes," so anyone with demonic energy will find it extremely difficult to escape detection!

While teams of people went out to carry out demon-slaying missions, the "Enforcement Hall" held a meeting and immediately launched an internal investigation into the sect.

The leader was Xu Xun, an incorruptible elder.

And the one in charge of bringing up the rear was the newly promoted Supreme Elder, Yu Yuanhua!

The swift and decisive investigation uncovered several outer disciples and a few servants who, due to unstable Dao hearts or being trapped by the shadow of demonic tribulation, had secretly attempted to cultivate the remaining demonic arts.

Among them was even an inner disciple in the Foundation Establishment stage who, having been stuck at a bottleneck in his cultivation for many years, couldn't resist the temptation of quick power and secretly cultivated a "Heart-Eating Demon Curse".

With irrefutable evidence, the "Enforcement Hall" showed no mercy, publicly stripping him of his cultivation and expelling him from the sect as a warning to others!
Those who recommended their teachers and friends were also subject to joint punishment.

This move greatly deterred any potential disloyalty within the sect and ensured the purity and stability of the rear.

Meanwhile, there were also frequent reports of successes in the external campaigns against the enemy.

Just as the massive war machine of the "Divine Firmament Dao Sect" roared into action and countless "Demon-Clearing Squads" shot off in all directions like arrows, one squad led by a Golden Core Elder quietly swept through the clouds and sped toward a region called the "Black Fiend Swamp," the former territory of the "Yue Kingdom."

The core of this team consists of Li Yunjing's nominal disciples, Yan Yang and Lin Xuan.

Besides Yan Yang and Lin Xuan, two true disciples at the early stage of Golden Core, the team also had five inner sect elites at the late stage of Foundation Establishment, all of whom were experienced in combat.

The atmosphere inside the "Sky Patrol Ship" was somber.

Lin Xuan unfolded a map, pointed to the "Black Fiend Swamp" area, and said in a deep voice: "According to the sect's intelligence and the sporadic feedback from the 'Thousand-Mile Tracking Mirror,' there have been abnormal fluctuations in blood energy and subtle demonic energy in this swamp recently, which may indicate the presence of a demonic cultivator's stronghold."

"The environment here is complex, filled with poisonous miasma, making it easy to hide. We need to be extra careful."

“Senior brother, Master once said that such demonic cultivators often rely on quick success methods, their foundations are unstable, but their methods are strange and ruthless, and they may set traps.”

Yan Yang's sharp gaze swept over the large, dark green area on the map that represented danger, and he said, "Should we scout out the perimeter first to confirm the situation before taking action?"

“Junior Brother Yan is absolutely right.”

Lin Xuan nodded in agreement: "Although we have the 'Thousand-Mile Tracking Mirror,' the swamp environment is special, and demonic energy can easily be confused with natural miasma. We need to be careful to distinguish them and avoid alerting the enemy."

The two made a decision quickly!
The other five inner disciples obediently followed orders. Lin Xuan and Yan Yang held extremely high prestige within the sect, both in terms of cultivation level and status.

These inner disciples dared not question it.

Today, the system of the "Shenxiao Daozong" has been reshaped due to the war.

The restrictions on menial disciples have been lowered; as long as one has spiritual roots, regardless of cultivation level, the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" will recruit them.

With a severe shortage of cheap labor, the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" had no choice but to abandon its aloof attitude and lower its requirements.

The requirements for outer disciples have been raised. Only newcomers at the seventh level of Qi Refining can enter the outer sect, which is three levels higher than before.

Inner disciples, on the other hand, must be at the Foundation Establishment stage!
Outstanding inner disciples can serve as stewards, join the "Guardian Army," or enter places like the "Enforcement Hall," "Heavenly Craft Hall," "Heavenly Medicine Peak," or "Seven Star Peak" to become secondary positions such as array masters, talisman masters, alchemists, and weapon refiners.

The selection of true disciples also changed its rules.

Previously, anyone with a top-grade spiritual root, even at the Qi Refining stage, could become a quasi-true disciple and receive treatment far exceeding that of inner disciples.

It's different now.

The minimum requirement for a true disciple is the Foundation Establishment stage!

The upper limit for true disciples remains unchanged, still at the Golden Core realm.

Once you reach the Golden Core realm, you can choose to compete for the position of deputy sect leader or become an elder of various mountain peaks.

Of course, judging from the current situation, Li Yunjing has only served as the supreme leader for a few years. Basically, the true disciples of the past few hundred years should not even think about the throne of the supreme leader.

After these people break through to the Golden Core realm, becoming an elder becomes their only way out.

Several hours later, the "Sky Patrol Ship" landed in a secluded mountain valley a hundred miles away from the "Black Fiend Swamp".

Everyone concealed their auras, and under Lin Xuan's skillful array setup, an invisible "Spirit-Seeking Array" quietly enveloped a large area at the edge of the swamp.

Above the array plate, points of light flowed, and the "Thousand-Mile Tracking Mirror" began to capture and analyze every bit of energy emanating from the swamp.

In the first few days, the energy fluctuations displayed by the array were chaotic and disorderly, mostly the poisonous miasma and death energy of the swamp itself.

However, late on the fifth night, several extremely faint but clearly corrosive and destructive dark red spots suddenly lit up in the center of the array, moving from the depths of the swamp in a fixed direction.

"There's some movement!"

A disciple responsible for monitoring the array plate whispered.

Yan Yang and Lin Xuan immediately gathered around.

The dark red figures moved mysteriously, appearing and disappearing intermittently, eventually vanishing from the edge of the array's detection range.

"This direction... leads to the 'Forest of Rotten Bones'!"

Lin Xuan's eyes narrowed. "That place is the most toxic and poisonous place in the swamp. Ordinary cultivators would never dare to set foot there lightly."

"It seems that the demonic cultivators' lair is likely hidden there."

Yan Yang gripped the longsword crackling with lightning in his hand. "They seem to be on regular patrols, or... out hunting."

"The energy response is not strong, probably at the mid to late stage of Foundation Establishment, and there are about three to four people."

Lin Xuan carefully observed the remaining energy traces on the array plate and pondered, "This might be the outer patrol team."

"If we can take them down quietly, we might be able to extract information about the exact location and internal situation of the stronghold."

"Okay! Let's do it!"

Yan Yang made a quick decision, "Senior brother, the two of us will go and ambush them. The rest of you will stay here to maintain the formation and be ready to provide support at any time!"

"can!"

Lin Xuan nodded.

The two slipped into the night like ghosts, relying on their powerful cultivation as Golden Core cultivators and the guidance of the "Spirit Observation Array" to easily avoid the natural obstacles in the swamp. They silently arrived at the possible return route of the demonic cultivator team and lay in ambush.

The wait didn't last long.

About an hour later, four figures shrouded in a faint blackish-red mist flew cautiously towards the "Bone Forest," maneuvering their bone weapons at low altitude.

Their aura was chilling, and their eyes were filled with bloodlust and vigilance; they were undoubtedly cultivators who had practiced demonic arts.

Just as they flew over the two men's ambush point!

"Do it!"

Lin Xuan Zhenren transmitted his thoughts through divine sense.

"boom!"

Yan Yang took the initiative, his figure shooting out like lightning. His long sword burst forth with dazzling lightning, and his move "Thunder Shattering the Sky" went straight for the leading late-stage Foundation Establishment demonic cultivator!
Thunder is extremely powerful and yang, making it the nemesis of demonic energy. Caught off guard, the demonic cultivator's protective demonic light shattered instantly. With a scream, he was pierced by the thunder, and his charred body fell to the ground.

At the same time, Lin Xuan formed hand seals, and countless thick, green vines suddenly rose from the ground, wrapping around the other two demonic cultivators as if they were alive.

Faint purification runes flickered on the vines; it was the "Azure Wood Spirit Locking Spell" that he had painstakingly cultivated, which had an extremely strong binding effect on demonic energy.

The two demonic cultivators were filled with shock and rage. They struggled fiercely, and their demonic energy collided with the vines, producing a hissing, corrosive sound.

Then Lin Xuan pointed his sword, and an extremely condensed sword aura arrived first, like an invisible blade, instantly slicing across the neck of the last demonic cultivator who was trying to escape.

The demonic cultivator froze, his head rolled off, and demonic blood splattered, but he turned it to ashes with a casual burst of true fire.

In the blink of an eye, two of the four Foundation Establishment stage demonic cultivators were killed and two were captured!

Yan Yang and Lin Xuan worked in perfect harmony, their lightning and green wood powers intertwining to completely imprison the remaining two demonic cultivators who were tightly bound by vines, sealing their dantian and divine sense.

"Tell me! Where is your base?"

How many people are inside?

"What is the leader's cultivation level?"

Lin Xuan's voice was icy cold, carrying the pressure of a Golden Core cultivator, directly impacting the minds of the two prisoners.

"Hehe... Long live the 'New Blood Cult'!"

The two demonic cultivators looked terrified, but their minds had been twisted by the corrupting influence of demonic power. One of them sneered, "The Blood Erosion Demon Lord will avenge us! You... Ah!"

Before he could finish speaking, a flash of lightning appeared in Yan Yang's eyes, and a thin electric snake burrowed into his body, causing him to convulse and let out a shrill scream, but he could not faint and endured immense pain.

"Don't... don't kill me!"

Upon seeing this, the other demonic cultivator turned deathly pale, his mental defenses crumbling instantly. He stammered, "I'll tell you! The stronghold is located beneath the 'Poison Dragon Pool' in the center of the 'Rotting Bone Forest'!"

"There are... there are more than thirty people, most of them are at the Foundation Establishment stage, and the leader is 'Blood Hand' Tu Gang, who is at the mid-Golden Core stage!"

"There are also two deputies, who are at the Great Perfection of Foundation Establishment..."

He intermittently described the general structure of the stronghold, the location of the sentry posts, and several strange supernatural abilities of the "Bloodthirsty Demonic Technique" that Tu Gang practiced.

"Middle stage of Jindan..."

Lin Xuan frowned slightly and looked at Yan Yang, "You've just entered the Golden Core stage. Are you confident in dealing with demonic cultivators of this level?"

"Our master often taught us to follow the righteous path with thunder and lightning, and to eradicate all evil!"

Yan Yang, his fighting spirit high, declared: "Although my cultivation is not as profound as yours, I am still willing to fight Tu Gang!"

The experience of the demonic tribulation led Yan Yang to countless life-or-death battles!

With his extensive combat experience and powerful magical artifacts, how could he possibly worry about an ordinary Golden Core cultivator who had no future and was resorting to demonic cultivation?

Having obtained accurate intelligence, Yan Yang and Lin Xuan no longer hesitated.

Two sharp sword energies flashed, and the two captured Foundation Establishment demonic cultivators were instantly killed, their bodies and souls annihilated.

They would show no mercy to such evil cultivators who practice demonic arts and harm living beings.

The sect's decree forbids any easily cultivated demonic arts from spreading in the "Southern Heaven Continent"!
Only by eliminating the root of the problem can this order be completed!
The problem is that those two demonic cultivators were too weak!

"There's no time to lose. Before Tu Gang realizes the patrol team is missing, let's set off immediately and strike at the heart of the enemy!"

Lin Xuan said in a deep voice, his eyes sharp.

Although he was more composed than Yan Yang, his decisiveness in killing was in no way inferior.

The five quickly reunited and, following the path given by the surrendered demonic cultivator, cautiously made their way deeper into the "Rotting Bone Forest".

The miasma in the forest grew increasingly dense, the dark green poisonous fog almost solidified, and the air was filled with a strange smell that was a mixture of decay and a sweet, fishy odor.

Various venomous insects and strange snakes hid under the withered branches and fallen leaves, making rustling sounds.

Those five elite inner disciples, who were in the late Foundation Establishment stage, had also undergone the trials of the demonic tribulation and were now displaying outstanding qualities.

They tacitly dispersed to the flanks and rear of Yan Yang and Lin Xuan, forming a small defensive formation. Each held a magical artifact, vigilantly watching all the movements around them, while trying their best to conceal their aura.

Fine arcs of electricity flickered around Yan Yang's body, subtly purifying the approaching poisonous miasma.

Lin Xuan's fingertips were surrounded by a faint aura of green wood, allowing him to sense the subtle changes in the surrounding plants and avoid some hidden natural poisonous barriers or possible warning restrictions in advance.

About half an hour later, a deep pool shrouded in an almost impenetrable dark green poisonous fog appeared before everyone's eyes.

The pool water was as black as ink, with bubbling bubbles constantly rising to the surface, emitting a stench that made one dizzy. It was indeed the "Poison Dragon Pool" mentioned in the intelligence report.

The pool is surrounded by jagged rocks and sparse vegetation, with only some brightly colored fungi that are obviously poisonous growing there.

According to intelligence, the entrance to the demonic cultivator's stronghold is located in an extremely hidden cave at the bottom of this pool, which is also concealed by an illusion array.

"I'll break the illusion array first. Senior brothers and fellow disciples, get ready. Once the illusion array is broken, follow me and charge in!"

Yan Yang transmitted his voice, his eyes blazing with fighting spirit.

Speed ​​is of the essence in warfare; we must strike the enemy with lightning speed to catch them off guard.

"Alright! Everyone get ready!"

Lin Xuan nodded, signaling the five inner disciples to get ready.

The five immediately swallowed "poison-avoiding pills" and elixirs that would temporarily boost their magical power. The magical artifacts in their hands glowed with spiritual light, ready to be unleashed.

Yan Yang took a deep breath, his golden core circulated wildly within him, and pure lightning magic power poured into the longsword in his hand.

He let out a low shout and shot towards a seemingly ordinary stone wall by the pool like a real lightning bolt!

"Thunder!"

The dazzling lightning, like a sharp blade tearing through the darkness, struck the stone wall fiercely!
The expected rock collapse did not occur. Instead, the stone wall rippled violently like water, and a formation pattern shrouded in dim light appeared instantly. Under the violent power of the thunder, it quickly twisted and collapsed!
The illusion array was forcibly broken, revealing a deep cave entrance behind it, just wide enough for two people to pass side by side. A bloody demonic aura, even more concentrated than the pool water, surged out from it!

"Enemy attack!"

Almost at the same instant the illusion array shattered, a furious and piercing roar came from deep within the cave entrance!

Clearly, the demonic cultivators inside were not entirely unprepared.

"kill!"

Without hesitation, Yan Yang and Lin Xuan transformed into streaks of light and rushed into the cave entrance!
Five inner disciples followed closely behind, filing in one after another!

The passage was narrow and damp at first, but after walking for about ten feet, the view suddenly opened up!
This is a huge underground space that has been artificially created, and it is even more spacious than expected.

The walls were inlaid with phosphorescent stones that emitted a ghastly green light, making the entire space look like a ghostly realm.

In the center of the space was a nauseating pool of blood, where thick, dark red blood churned and bubbled, soaking the remains of countless demonic beasts and even humans. The intense stench of blood and resentment was almost tangible.

There are some simple stone chambers and caves scattered around.

At this moment, dozens of cultivators dressed in black robes and surrounded by demonic energy swarmed out from all directions. Leading them was an exceptionally tall and burly man with ominous dark red arms. His eyes were bloodshot and his face was ferocious. He was none other than "Blood Hand" Tu Gang!
The demonic energy emanating from his body at the early stage of the Golden Core realm was violent and chaotic, carrying a strong bloodlust.

Beside Tu Gang were two assistants whose auras were clearly stronger than those of the other demonic cultivators and who had reached the Great Perfection of Foundation Establishment. One held a white bone banner, and the other had long, narrow, black fingernails like daggers.

"Two juniors at the early stage of Golden Core, leading a few Foundation Establishment wastes, dare to trespass on my 'New Blood Sect' branch altar?"

"It's really courting death!"

Upon recognizing the newcomer's cultivation level, Tu Gang's initial shock and anger subsided, replaced by a cruel killing intent. He could tell that although the other party was also at the first or third level of the Golden Core realm, he was young and likely a sheltered flower nurtured by his sect. How could he compare to a demon who had fought his way up from the bottom?
"You evil heretic, who poisons and harms living beings, today is your death day!"

Yan Yang was too lazy to waste words, and pointed his long sword directly at Tu Gang, with thunderous sword energy about to burst forth.

"Form ranks! Leave no one alive!"

Lin Xuan remained calm. With a command, the five inner disciples immediately moved and formed a Five Elements Battle Formation, as they had practiced, to block the Foundation Establishment stage demonic cultivators who were trying to surround them.

Despite being outnumbered, they managed to stabilize their position in a short period of time by using combined battle formations and superior magical artifacts.

"Arrogant! Take them down!"

"I want that Lei Xiu brat alive; his essence and blood will be a great tonic!"

Tu Gang grinned maliciously, his palms suddenly turning blood red, and he lunged at Yan Yang with a stench.

The two Foundation Establishment Grand Perfection deputies also made their moves at the same time. The White Bone Banner waved, and streaks of foul black energy shot towards Lin Xuan. The other person was ghostly, and his pitch-black fingernails brought out streaks of cold light as he attacked the inner disciples who were forming an array.

The war broke out instantly!

"Just you?"

Yan Yang met Tu Gang head-on, and lightning and blood shadows collided fiercely!
Tu Gang's "Blood Devouring Demonic Technique" is indeed bizarre. His blood palm is not only powerful but also has a corrosive force that can erode the opponent's magical shield and the spiritual light of magical artifacts.

However, Yan Yang's thunderous power naturally countered demonic energy, and each of his sword strikes was extremely powerful and yang, constantly dispersing and purifying the power of the blood palm.

The two figures clashed, and the sounds of thunder and blood explosions were deafening. For a time, they were evenly matched.

On the other side, Lin Xuan appeared to be handling the demonic cultivator's deputy, who was waving the white bone banner, with ease.

He did not confront the foul black energy head-on. His figure was elusive, and his hands moved in various hand seals. Tough green vines continuously emerged from the ground, either entwining and interfering with the black energy or forming wooden shields to resist it.

At the same time, he would occasionally flick out emerald green spiritual light from his fingertips, accurately targeting the demonic cultivators who were trying to bypass the battle formation to attack the inner disciples, and each time he was able to force them back or even injure them.

His presence was like a stabilizing force, holding the entire battle situation in check.

The five inner disciples were under immense pressure, facing an attack from demonic cultivators several times their size, and relied entirely on their exquisite battle formation and individual bravery to hold on.

Amidst the clash of swords and the roar of spells, demonic cultivators were frequently slain, while inner disciples were wounded and injured, yet the battle formation remained intact.

"Why is this kid so difficult to deal with?"

Tu Gang, unable to break through the defenses, grew increasingly impatient.

He hadn't expected this young swordsman to be so troublesome; his lightning power was incredibly pure, and his swordsmanship was exceptionally sharp.

A fierce glint flashed in his eyes, and he suddenly forced Yan Yang back a step, spitting out a large ball of essence blood containing his own origin.

"Blood Demon Great Handprint!"

The essence blood instantly transformed into a gigantic blood handprint that blotted out the sky, accompanied by a chilling howl and overwhelming murderous aura, slamming down towards Yan Yang's head!

This attack was far more powerful than the previous ones; it was Tu Gang's desperate move!
"Well done!"

"Thunder roars through the heavens!"

Yan Yang showed no fear. Instead, he let out a long roar, and lightning surged around him. The long sword in his hand seemed to transform into a real heavenly thunder, drawing the surrounding spiritual energy to gather wildly. A nine-colored lightning pillar, several times thicker than before, shot upwards and collided violently with the blood-red handprint!

"boom!!!"

The enormous explosion nearly collapsed the underground space, and the violent energy shockwave spread in all directions, blowing away many Foundation Establishment demon cultivators who were nearby. Most of the blood in the blood pool was evaporated!

As the light faded, Tu Gang was seen with a deathly pale face, staggering backward. The enormous bloody handprint had dissipated, and he had clearly suffered a severe backlash.

Although Yan Yang's breathing was slightly disordered and his sword-wielding arm trembled slightly, his eyes remained bright and sharp, clearly indicating that he had gained the upper hand in the previous exchange!
"impossible!"

Tu Gang was both shocked and furious.

Just as he lost his composure, Lin Xuan, who had seemed to be only providing support, made his move!

This is the opportunity he's been waiting for!

"Binding God!"

Dozens of hair-thin, almost transparent "Shadowless Demon Vines" that had been lurking at the edge of the blood pool, using the foul air of the blood pool to conceal their aura, suddenly sprang up, like countless spirit snakes, and instantly wrapped around Tu Gang's legs, waist and even arms!
The powerful binding and sucking force attached to the demonic vine erupted, frantically drawing out Tu Gang's demonic energy and life force!
"What the hell?!"

Tu Gang struggled in terror, but the demonic vine was incredibly resilient, and the more he struggled, the tighter it wrapped around him, and the stronger the suction became!
"die!"

How could Yan Yang let go of this opportunity to kill? He forcefully gathered his true essence, merged with his sword, and transformed into an extremely condensed purple lightning bolt. As if teleporting, it pierced through Tu Gang's protective demonic light and passed right through his heart!

"Uh……"

Tu Gang's body stiffened abruptly as he looked down in disbelief at the charred, bowl-sized hole in his chest, where the demonic heart had been completely annihilated by the lightning.

He opened his mouth, but no sound came out. The crimson in his eyes quickly dimmed, and his tall body fell backward like a collapsing mountain, his breath gone.

"not good!"

"Run!"

With their leader executed, the two Foundation Establishment Grand Perfection level deputies were instantly terrified.

The one holding the white bone banner was caught off guard by Lin Xuan, who pierced his brow with several green wood needles.

The other was cut in two by Yan Yang's lightning sword after he had recovered his breath.

Seeing that their leader and deputy had all died, the remaining demonic cultivators' morale collapsed. They let out a shout and scattered in all directions.

However, under the pursuit of Yan Yang, Lin Xuan, and the five inner disciples who formed a battle formation, they were wiped out in no time, with none escaping.

The battle ended, and the underground space was filled with a strong smell of blood and burnt flesh.

Although all five inner disciples were injured and had exhausted their magical power, their faces were filled with the excitement and pride of victory.

They successfully wiped out a stronghold guarded by a Golden Core demon!

"Quickly clean up the battlefield, confiscate all demonic scriptures and resources, and completely destroy this blood pool and all demonic facilities!"

Lin Xuan gave the order and at the same time took out healing pills and distributed them to the injured disciples.

Yan Yang walked to Tu Gang's corpse and searched it carefully. He quickly found some demonic resources and the jade slip of the "Bloodthirsty Demon Transformation Technique" in Tu Gang's storage ring. He also found a bone token similar to the previous one and a more detailed map.

The map not only marked "Black Fiend Swamp," but also clearly marked three other suspected strongholds or contact points located in other areas of the former "Yue Kingdom." Next to it, there was even a simple assessment of the defense forces and the time of the next secret meeting!

"Brother, look!"

Yan Yang handed the token and map to Lin Xuan, his eyes gleaming. "This fish is bigger than we thought!"

"This is not an isolated outpost, but a network!"

"good."

Lin Xuan took the map, examined it carefully with a solemn expression, and slowly nodded: "It seems that our 'demon-clearing' journey has only just begun."

"We must immediately send the intelligence back to the sect and request instructions on the next steps."

"Perhaps we should follow this line and continue to investigate, striving to uproot this 'New Blood Cult' network in the former territory of Yue!"

"Immediately send this information, along with the captured map and tokens, back to the sect via emergency communication talisman!"

Lin Xuan made a quick decision and gave instructions to an inner disciple whose injuries were relatively minor.

The disciple accepted the order and immediately took out a jade talisman engraved with intricate runes and shimmering with spiritual light. After infusing it with his divine sense, the jade talisman transformed into a stream of light, pierced through the soil, and vanished in an instant.

"We cannot stay here any longer."

Yan Yang looked around at the chaotic underground space. "Although the demonic cultivators have been wiped out, there's no guarantee that there won't be other unexpected incidents."

"Let's leave here first, find a safe place to rest, and at the same time discuss our next steps."

Everyone nodded and quickly collected all the valuable spoils, especially the jade slips that recorded demonic techniques and items that might reveal information.

Subsequently, Lin Xuan personally took action, using the Azure Wood True Fire mixed with purification runes to completely burn and purify the filthy blood pool along with the remains within it.

Yan Yang then summoned lightning to destroy all the magical facilities and any remaining restrictions in the underground space.

After doing all this, the seven quickly evacuated from "Poison Dragon Pool" and temporarily settled in a secluded cave far from the swamp.

The five inner disciples hurriedly healed their injuries and restored their magical power, while Yan Yang and Lin Xuan carefully studied the newly captured map.

The map is drawn with great detail. The three marked locations are located in the former Yue Kingdom, namely the "Desolate Wasteland of Bones", the "Weeping Blood Valley", and the "Shadow Soul Ravine".

The small print next to it indicates that the "Bone Wasteland" stronghold is similar in strength to the "Black Fiend Swamp," and is guarded by a demonic cultivator in the early stage of the Golden Core realm; "Weeping Blood Canyon" is marked as a "resource transfer point," with the guarding force unknown; while "Yin Soul Ravine" is the most special, with the words "Branch Master's Residence, Peak Mid-Golden Core Realm, Forbidden!" clearly written next to it.

"Peak of the mid-stage Golden Core realm...that's at least the fifth or sixth level of the Heavenly Realm!"

Yan Yang frowned. "And it's a branch leader. It seems that the 'New Blood Cult' is more tightly organized than we imagined."

"It's too risky for the two of us to deal with a sixth-level Golden Core cultivator."

Lin Xuan pointed to the line connecting "Bone Wasteland" and "Blood-Weeping Canyon" on the map, as well as a date marked next to it, and said in a deep voice: "Look here, there will be a supply exchange or gathering in 'Blood-Weeping Canyon' in seven days."

"This might be our opportunity."

"If we can intercept this handover, we can not only disrupt their resource supply, but also perhaps obtain more intelligence about 'Shadow Soul Valley' and the entire network."

"Does Senior Brother mean that we shouldn't go for the strongest 'Soul Ravine' or directly attack the 'Bone Wasteland', but instead choose the 'Blood-Weeping Canyon' which seems to have relatively weak defenses as our next target?"

A realization flashed in Yan Yang's eyes.

"Exactly."

Lin Xuan nodded, “‘Blood-Weeping Canyon’ is not as important as the branch altar as a transfer point, so the permanent forces there should not be too strong.”

"If we can set up an ambush in advance, taking advantage of the enemy's unpreparedness, we have a greater chance of success."

"Moreover, the demonic cultivators involved in the handover are likely from the 'Bone Wasteland' or even the 'Soul Valley,' making them an excellent source of intelligence."

"Alright! Let's do as you say, senior brother!"

Yan Yang clapped his hands in agreement, "There's no time to lose, let's set off immediately to ambush near 'Weeping Blood Canyon'!"

"This place is no less than a thousand miles away from 'Weeping Blood Canyon', we need to set off as soon as possible."

Half a day later, the group had recovered most of their injuries and magical power, and immediately boarded the "Sky Patrol Ship" to quietly head towards the area where "Blood-Weeping Canyon" was located.

To avoid alerting the enemy, they put away their "Sky Patrol Ship" when they were still hundreds of miles away from the canyon and once again approached on foot, relying on concealment spells and terrain cover.

The "Weeping Blood Canyon" gets its name from its blood-red landscape and the howling wind that sounds like weeping. The canyon has steep cliffs on both sides and jagged rocks, with only a narrow passage running through it. It is a strategically important location that is easy to defend and difficult to attack.

Lin Xuan once again demonstrated his superb array formation and reconnaissance abilities.

Instead of entering the canyon directly, he found a cliff with excellent visibility and easy concealment several miles outside the canyon entrance, and set up the "Spirit-Seeking Array" and the even more hidden "Concealment Array" again.

At the same time, he dispatched the five inner disciples to be stationed at several key points around the canyon, using the "Thousand-Mile Tracking Mirror" and the "Shadow-Gazing Talisman" issued by the sect to monitor the movements in the canyon from multiple angles.

Waiting for it to start again.

This time, time was even tighter, with only five days left until the date marked on the map.

Under intense surveillance, a discovery was finally made on the evening of the third day.

A group of about ten cultivators, dressed in uniform black outfits and exuding a fierce aura, escorted several trucks covered in black cloth and pulled by some kind of tamed demonic beasts, quietly entering the "Weeping Blood Canyon".

These people moved in unison, with sharp eyes. Although they tried their best to conceal it, the murderous aura they exuded, which came from rigorous training, and the faint fluctuations of demonic energy they emitted, showed that they were by no means ordinary rogue cultivators or members of small forces. They were more like the direct elites of the "New Blood Cult".

"Judging from their direction of movement and their discipline, they don't seem to be here for a handover; it's more like they're here to set up defenses or clear the area in advance."

Lin Xuan observed the images transmitted back by the "Spirit Observation Array" and analyzed them.

"So, the team actually responsible for the handover hasn't arrived yet?"

Yan Yang guessed, "Or perhaps this is part of the handover process itself?"

"possible."

"We'll continue to wait; the target hasn't fully appeared yet."

Lin Xuan kept his composure.

Another day passed, and at noon on the fourth day, another group of people appeared on the surveillance footage.

This team was small, consisting of only five people, but their aura was even more eerie and chilling.

The leader was a cultivator wearing a dark red robe, his face shrouded in the shadow of a hood, and the energy fluctuations emanating from him had reached the second level of the Golden Core stage!

Behind him followed four late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators, each holding a sealed jade box.

"They are from the 'Wilderness of Bones'!"

"That red-robed cultivator must be the demonic cultivator who oversees the 'Bone Wasteland'!"

Yan Yang's spirits lifted as he recognized the demonic energy, which shared the same origin as Tu Gang's but was even more refined.

The red-robed cultivator led his men to meet up with the leader of the group of black-clad cultivators who had entered the canyon earlier. The two sides seemed to exchange a few words in hushed tones. Then, the group of black-clad cultivators began to unload the supplies from the trucks, while the red-robed cultivator's attendant handed over the jade box he was carrying.

"They are exchanging supplies!"

"Those jade boxes likely contain something even more important, such as key resources for cultivating demonic arts or higher-level demonic arts manuals!"

Lin Xuan judged.

"The time has come! Make your move!"

Yan Yang let out a low shout, exchanged a glance with Lin Xuan, and the two of them instantly transformed into two streaks of light, like eagles pouncing on their prey, swooping down from the cliff onto the two teams of demonic cultivators in the canyon!
"Enemy attack!"

"Formation!"

The group of black-clad cultivators reacted extremely quickly. Almost at the same time Yan Yang and Lin Xuan appeared, they shouted loudly, and the ten of them instantly formed a battle formation filled with killing intent. Strands of black energy connected and transformed into a huge black shield to block their path.

The red-robed Golden Core demon cultivator suddenly looked up, and two scarlet beams of light shot out from under his hood, locking onto the two charging figures with a chilling killing intent.

"Thunder descends from the heavens!"

Yan Yang was in mid-air, his longsword already unleashed, and countless silver lightning bolts, as thick as a child's arm, poured down like a torrential rain, covering the entire black-clad cultivators' battle formation!

The power of thunder collided violently with the black shield, producing a series of explosive sounds. The shield shook violently, and black energy surged, clearly indicating that it was under tremendous pressure.

"Green Wood Trapped Dragon!"

Lin Xuan's target was that red-robed Golden Core cultivator.

He pressed his hands to the ground, and the rock walls on both sides of the canyon instantly cracked open. Countless thick, metallic-looking blue vines burst out of the ground, like giant pythons that had come to life, wrapping around the red-robed demonic cultivator from all directions and sealing off all his space to dodge.

"Hmph! A little trick!"

The red-robed demonic cultivator snorted coldly. Without any visible movement, a thick cloud of blood mist suddenly burst forth from his body. The blood mist was highly corrosive, and upon contact with the giant green vines that were wrapping around him, it immediately emitted a hissing sound, and the vines withered and turned black at a speed visible to the naked eye.

But Lin Xuan's magic is not limited to just one level!
Just as the red-robed demonic cultivator dispelled the vines, the hidden array patterns that had been set up on the canyon floor suddenly lit up, and an invisible gravity field instantly enveloped the area where the red-robed demonic cultivator and his four followers were located!
"A gravity rune array?!"

The red-robed demonic cultivator's body suddenly sank, his movements momentarily slowing down.

The four Foundation Establishment followers let out a muffled groan and almost lost their footing.

"Thunderous Sword Strike!"

Seizing this fleeting opportunity, Lin Xuan forcefully broke through the shaky black shield, becoming one with his sword, transforming into a streak of extremely concentrated purple lightning, ignoring the obstruction of those black-clad cultivators, and stabbing straight at the heart of the red-robed demonic cultivator whose movements were restricted!
This sword strike contained his latest understanding of lightning speed, and it was faster than any other sword!
"not good……"

The red-robed demon cultivator's pupils contracted sharply, and in his haste, he only had time to condense the blood mist in front of his chest to form a small blood-red shield.

"Crack!"

The purple lightning sword light collided with the blood-red shield, producing a slight tearing sound.

The crimson shield shattered in an instant, but the sword light, still powerful, pierced through the red-robed demonic cultivator's chest!
"you……"

The red-robed demonic cultivator looked down in disbelief at the charred sword hole in his chest, his demonic energy dissipating like a burst dam.

The light on his dark red robe dimmed rapidly, and his hood slipped down, revealing a pale and distorted middle-aged face.

The leader was instantly killed!

The remaining demonic cultivators were thrown into chaos!
(End of this chapter)