The Ferocious God in the Celestial Master's Mansion

Autumn always arrives exceptionally early at Longhu Mountain. The ancient pines covering the mountain are tinged with a pale yellow, and even the chanting of sutras carries a touch of melancholy amidst the swirling mist.

On the bluestone platform outside the Tranquil Pavilion, Zhang Yulei sat cross-legged. Morning light filtered through the leaves, falling on the golden light flowing around him, reflecting a warm halo. After more than half a year of seclusion, his aura had become increasingly profound. The previously exposed ferocity had been completely contained within his dantian, merging with his powerful qi. Only when his eyes were open did the fleeting sharpness still carry a terrifying edge.

He raised his hand, a flash of lightning disappearing from his fingertips, the crackling sound dissipating in the wind. Under Zhang Qingjing's meticulous guidance, and combining the Threefold Reversal of Life from the San Yi Sect, the harmony of Wudang Tai Chi, and the self-cultivation of Quanzhen Internal Alchemy, he finally grasped the essence of controlling malevolent energy—no longer forcibly suppressing it, but using softness to overcome hardness, transforming malevolent energy into a driving force for his lightning techniques. Now, his lightning techniques are more domineering than before, yet he controls them with ease, no longer risking loss of control.

"Junior brother, Master wants to see you at Chengyun Hall."

A clear voice rang out, and Zhang Zhiwei walked over slowly, gently waving his folding fan, still maintaining his calm and composed demeanor. Only when he got closer did Zhang Yulei notice a hint of undisguised seriousness hidden between his senior brother's brows.

Zhang Yulei's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly stood up: "Senior brother, has something happened?"

Zhang Zhiwei paused, closed his folding fan, and his knuckles turned slightly white: "You'll know when you get there."

His tone was as somber as the dark clouds before a storm, instantly plunging Zhang Yulei's heart to the bottom.

The two walked briskly toward the Hall of Succession. The disciples along the way all had their heads bowed, their expressions solemn, and even their usual whispers had disappeared. The entire Celestial Master's Mansion was shrouded in a suffocating atmosphere.

Inside the Chengyun Hall, the sandalwood incense still wafted, but it couldn't dispel the chill in the air.

Zhang Qingjing sat upright on the Celestial Master's throne, his face so pale it was almost transparent. His once bright and piercing eyes were now bloodshot, and the weariness and anger in them were almost overflowing. Kneeling on the ground in front of him were several disciples covered in wounds, their clothes tattered and stained with blood. They were the outer disciples who had gone down the mountain to gather information.

When Zhang Yulei entered, Zhang Qingjing's gaze fell on him, her eyes filled with a complex emotion that made one's heart tighten.

"Master." Zhang Yulei bowed respectfully, his voice tinged with unease.

Zhang Qingjing didn't speak, but simply waved to the disciple beside her. The disciple quickly stepped forward and handed her a roll of blood-stained cloth.

Zhang Yulei took the strip of cloth, its surface cold and sticky, the pungent smell of blood filling his nostrils. He unfolded it, and when he saw what was written on it, his pupils contracted sharply, and his blood seemed to freeze in that instant.

On the strip of cloth was a line of crooked, blood-stained words, written in a hasty hand, carrying a sense of despair before death: "Second Senior Brother was attacked, the work of Quanxing, his arm and leg were severed, and his Qi meridians were destroyed. It is said that he was avenging Junior Brother Yulei's massacre half a year ago, and also for Senior Brother Zhang Huaiyi..."

At the end of the blood-written words was a blurry bloodstain, clearly indicating that the disciple who wrote this note had used his last breath.

Second senior brother... Tian Jinzhong?

A buzzing sound, as if a thunderclap had exploded, filled Zhang Yulei's mind.

Tian Jinzhong, his second senior brother, was gentle and kind, and always doted on him. When he had a problem with his cultivation as a child, Tian Jinzhong stayed by his side all night, guiding his Qi through his meridians. When his fellow disciples mocked him as an "orphan they picked up," it was Tian Jinzhong who stood up for him and supported him. In the Celestial Master's Mansion, besides his master and senior brother, Tian Jinzhong was his closest person.

How could such a gentle and kind person have his hands and feet severed and his Qi meridians destroyed?

And all of this was because of him? Because of the massacre he committed at Blackstone Ridge six months ago?

"What happened?" Zhang Yulei's voice was terribly hoarse, and his whole body was trembling uncontrollably. He suddenly looked at the kneeling disciples, "Where is Second Senior Brother now? How is he?"

A disciple looked up, his face streaked with tears, and choked out, "Reporting to... Uncle-Master, when we found Uncle-Master Tian, ​​he was already... already on the verge of death. He was ambushed by the Quanxing people in the dense forests of western Hunan. Not only were there Quanxing masters, but also... several other strange individuals from unknown sects. They were ruthless, each move deadly. Uncle-Master Tian fought desperately, but he was outnumbered..."

"They severed Uncle Tian's hands and feet, and destroyed his Qi meridians. Before leaving, they left a message saying... that this was to teach Longhu Mountain a lesson, to retaliate against you for killing their people, and also to force Uncle Zhang Huaiyi to show himself..."

The disciple's words, each one like a sharp knife, pierced Zhang Yulei's heart.

Revenge on him?

Just because he killed those wicked Qingyun Sect disciples and Quanxing demons, these people turned their anger towards the innocent Second Senior Brother.

Zhang Yulei's teeth were clenched so tightly they were grinding together, his eyes were bloodshot, and an uncontrollable surge of ferocity was erupting from the depths of his dantian. Compared to the ferocity he felt at Black Stone Ridge six months ago, it was even more violent and turbulent, as if it were about to completely devour his reason.

"brute!"

A roar erupted from Zhang Yulei's throat. His Qi instantly went out of control, and the Golden Light Mantra unleashed itself uncontrollably. Within the golden halo, purple lightning was faintly mixed, and the crackling sounds made the entire Chengyun Hall tremble.

"Yulei, calm down!" Zhang Qingjing shouted suddenly, forming a hand seal and sending out a surge of powerful energy to suppress the violent energy within him.

This time, however, Zhang Yulei's ferocity was more violent than ever before. The moment Zhang Qingjing's Qi made contact, it was shaken and forced to retreat repeatedly.

"Master!" Zhang Zhiwei's expression changed drastically. He quickly stepped forward to support Zhang Qingjing, and at the same time, he circulated his Qi throughout his body. The Golden Light Mantra was fully unleashed, merging with Zhang Qingjing's Qi and pressing down on Zhang Yulei.

"Junior Brother, don't be impulsive!" Zhang Zhiwei's voice was filled with anxiety. "Junior Brother Tian is still waiting for us to rescue him! If you lose control now, you'll only give those people the opportunity to succeed!"

Save...save my second senior brother?

Zhang Zhiwei's words were like a thunderbolt, shattering Zhang Yulei's mind, which was filled with hostility.

He snapped back to his senses, looking at his master and senior brother with their worried faces, and at the disciples kneeling on the ground weeping. The crimson in his eyes gradually faded, replaced by endless coldness and killing intent.

He took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the surging anger within him, clenching his fists so tightly that his knuckles turned white from the force.

"Where is Second Senior Brother now?" Zhang Yulei's voice was eerily calm, as calm as the calm before a storm.

Zhang Qingjing wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth and said in a deep voice, "I have already sent people to bring him back to the mountain, and he is being treated in the side hall. However... his hands and feet have been severed, and his Qi meridians are completely destroyed. Even if a Great Luo Golden Immortal came, he... would be powerless to save him."

There was no way to reverse the situation...

These four words were like a bucket of cold water poured over Zhang Yulei's head, but they couldn't extinguish the anger in his heart.

He turned abruptly and walked out of the hall.

"Yulei, where are you going?" Zhang Qingjing called out hurriedly.

Zhang Yulei continued walking, his voice icy and chilling: "Go find the Quanxing people."

"Are you insane!" Zhang Qingjing roared. "The Quanxing Sect set up such a huge trap just to lure you out! Going out now is like walking into a trap!"

"So what?" Zhang Yulei stopped and turned to look at Zhang Qingjing. His eyes showed no fear, only overwhelming killing intent. "They injured my second senior brother, severed his limbs, and destroyed his Qi meridians. This is an irreconcilable feud! I, Zhang Yulei, am not one to swallow insults! They dared to harm the people of Longhu Mountain, dared to harm my senior brother, and I will make them pay for their crimes in blood!"

"Even if it's a den of dragons and tigers, I'll brave it! Even if I die, I'll drag those beasts down with me!"

His voice was firm and resolute, carrying a resolute and ruthless edge.

Zhang Zhiwei looked at him, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes. He knew that Zhang Yulei, though seemingly calm, actually possessed a ruthless streak. Now that Tian Jinzhong had suffered such a calamity, he would certainly not let it go easily.

"Junior brother, I'll go with you," Zhang Zhiwei suddenly said.

"No!" Zhang Qingjing immediately objected. "Zhiwei, you are the future of Longhu Mountain; we can't take that risk!"

"Master," Zhang Zhiwei turned around, looking at Zhang Qingjing with a firm gaze, "Junior Brother Tian is my junior brother, and Yu Lei is also my junior brother. They have suffered such a great injustice, how can I, as their senior brother, sit idly by? Quanxing has gone too far. If our Longhu Mountain cannot even protect its own disciples, how will we have the face to stand in the world of supernatural beings in the future?"

He paused, then added, "Besides, Yu Lei's violent temper has just subsided. If he goes alone, he might lose control again. I'll go with him so we can look after each other."

Zhang Qingjing looked at the two disciples before him. One had a burning flame of revenge in his eyes, while the other's expression was resolute and unyielding. He knew he couldn't stop them.

He sighed, a hint of weariness flashing in his eyes, and slowly said, "So be it. If you want to go, then go. Just remember, be careful in everything you do, and don't act rashly. The Quanxing sect has far-reaching connections behind it, and it's not as simple as it seems on the surface."

He took out two jade pendants from his robes and handed them to the two men: "These are protective jade pendants from Longhu Mountain. They can withstand three full-force attacks from experts at the Qi Refining and Spirit Transformation realms. Taking them might save your lives."

Zhang Yulei and Zhang Zhiwei accepted the jade pendant and bowed, saying, "Thank you, Master."

"Go." Zhang Qingjing waved her hand, her voice slightly hoarse. "Remember, Longhu Mountain will always be your support."

The two turned around and strode towards the outside of the hall.

Sunlight streamed through the gates of Chengyun Hall, casting two tall, imposing figures upon them. One exuded a chilling killing intent, while the other remained calm and composed.

But no one saw that as Zhang Qingjing watched their departing figures, a deep worry flashed in her eyes.

He knew that this trip would be extremely dangerous.

What worries him even more is that the resentment in Zhang Yulei's heart, though forcibly suppressed, is like a buried ember that will reignite once the right opportunity arises.

The side hall was filled with the fragrance of medicine.

Tian Jinzhong lay on the hospital bed, his face as pale as paper. His once healthy limbs were now just bare stumps, the wounds wrapped in white cloth, still oozing blood. His breath was weak, like a candle flickering in the wind, his eyes tightly closed, his brows furrowed, as if he were enduring immense pain.

Zhang Yulei and Zhang Zhiwei stood by the bed, looking at him like this, and their anger burned fiercely again.

"Second Senior Brother." Zhang Yulei's voice choked with emotion. He reached out, wanting to touch his cheek, but was afraid of disturbing him.

Just then, Tian Jinzhong slowly opened his eyes. His eyes were cloudy, but when he saw Zhang Yulei, a faint light flashed in them.

"Yu... Yu Lei..." Tian Jinzhong spoke with difficulty, his voice so weak it was almost inaudible, "Don't... don't go... Quanxing... has a conspiracy..."

"Second Senior Brother, don't worry." Zhang Yulei grasped his hand, his voice firm, "I will definitely avenge you! I won't let any of those beasts get away!"

Tian Jinzhong shook his head, wanting to say something, but he was too weak and fainted again.

"Second Senior Brother!" Zhang Yulei exclaimed.

The physician standing by rushed forward to take Tian Jinzhong's pulse. After a moment, he sighed, "Uncle Tian's injuries are too severe, and he has lost too much blood. It's a miracle that he has lasted this long. However... his Qi channels are completely destroyed, and he will probably be bedridden and useless in the future."

Like a useless person...

These four words struck Zhang Yulei's heart like a heavy hammer.

He suddenly stood up, the killing intent in his eyes almost tangible.

"Quanxing!" Zhang Yulei's voice was icy cold. "I, Zhang Yulei, will fight you to the death!"

He turned and walked out of the hall, his steps firm and without the slightest hesitation.

Zhang Zhiwei watched his retreating figure, gripped the folding fan in his hand tightly, and a sharp glint flashed in his eyes.

Quanxing, you've messed with the wrong people.

How dare you bully the disciples of Longhu Mountain?

How dare you trample on the majesty of the Celestial Master's Mansion?

This time, you will pay a bloody price!

The two left the side hall and headed straight for the mountain gate.

The clouds and mist of Longhu Mountain surged behind them, like a lurking beast ready to devour them at any moment.

Meanwhile, in the dense forests of western Hunan, the Quanxing stronghold was brightly lit.

Leading the group was the Quanxing Elder who had escaped from Black Stone Ridge that day. He was sitting in the main seat with a ferocious smile on his face.

"The people at Longhu Mountain should have received the news by now, right?"

"Elder is wise!" a subordinate said obsequiously. "That brat Tian Jinzhong, with his arms and legs severed and his Qi meridians destroyed, will surely enrage Longhu Mountain. That Zhang Yulei, with his fiery temper, will definitely come knocking on our door!"

"Very well." Elder Quanxing sneered, a glint of malice flashing in his eyes. "The grudge against Black Stone Ridge will be settled today! I want to see just how capable Zhang Yulei really is!"

He paused, then continued, "Pass the word down: lay a trap, and wait for Zhang Yulei and Zhang Zhiwei to walk right into it! This time, we'll make sure they never leave alive!"

"yes!"

The men responded in unison, their eyes gleaming with bloodlust.

As night deepened, danger lurked everywhere.

A storm sweeping through the world of supernatural beings is quietly beginning.

Zhang Yulei and Zhang Zhiwei, on the other hand, are facing this storm head-on, forging ahead without hesitation.

Blood debts must eventually be repaid in blood.