Blood Old Demon stood at the prow of the flying ship, his black robes fluttering in the gale, the blood spirit energy swirling around him like a living creature, scattering all the clouds and mist that came his way. The ship was entirely crafted from Thousand-Year Blood Sandalwood, its hull carved with intricate Spirit Gathering Formation Patterns. As it sailed, it emitted a faint bloody scent, yet under the impetus of spirit energy, it transformed into a stream of light, shuttling between layers of mountains.
Inside the ship, dozens of newly admitted disciples sat or stood, their expressions varied—some excited and apprehensive about entering the world of cultivation, some filled with awe and curiosity about the unknown sect, and others harboring hidden ambition and vigilance. Ren Woxing, Ying Wu, and Zhu Feitun stood shoulder to shoulder in a corner, their expressions so calm they seemed out of place.
"All of you, brace yourselves. We'll reach the sect's territory in another half an hour!" Blood Old Demon's voice carried the unique pressure of a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, penetrating the wind and reaching everyone's ears. His gaze swept over the disciples inside the ship, finally settling on the trio of Ren Woxing, a hint of imperceptible approval flashing in his eyes. These three were the most outstanding talents among the newly recruited disciples: Ren Woxing possessing a Dark Elemental Heavenly Spirit Root, his spiritual pressure refined like an abyss, subtly returning to the state of natural simplicity; Ying Wu with a Fire Elemental Heavenly Spirit Root, her aura blazing but controlled, clearly possessing a solid foundation; Zhu Feitun, though only having an Earth-Fire Dual Spirit Root, had a powerful physique and spiritual energy twice as potent as cultivators of the same level, making him suitable for body refinement and artifact forging.
The flying ship sailed on for a while longer when suddenly, a layer of light red barrier appeared in the distant sky, like a blood-colored curtain stretched across the heavens and earth. Fine runes flowed across the barrier's surface, emitting a soul-stirring spiritual pressure. "This is our Blood Demon Sect's mountain protection formation, the 'Blood Spirit Sky Curtain.' Without a token, even a Nascent Soul Cultivator would find it difficult to breach," Blood Old Demon said. He took out a palm-sized blood-colored token from his robes, engraved with ferocious demonic patterns and inlaid with a dark red crystal at the top. He injected spirit energy into the token, and the crystal instantly erupted with a dazzling red light, sending a blood-colored pillar of light shooting towards the barrier.
The previously impenetrable barrier rippled like water, splitting open a gap just wide enough for the flying ship to pass through. The moment the ship entered the barrier, everyone felt a surge of dense blood spirit energy wash over them, several times purer than the outside. Upon inhaling it, their meridians felt slightly warm, and their cultivation bottlenecks seemed to loosen. "What pure blood spirit energy!" a disciple couldn't help but exclaim, breathing deeply in greed.
Passing through the barrier, a vast and boundless valley unfolded before their eyes. Within a radius of millions of miles, four majestic peaks rose from the earth like four colossal pillars supporting the sky. Each peak emanated a unique spiritual pressure, echoing each other yet standing independent. Clouds and mist swirled among the mountains, blood spirit energy flowed like rivers. Countless black-robed cultivators moved to and fro, some flying on magic artifacts, some sitting cross-legged on cultivation platforms, and some forging and refining in workshops, presenting a vibrant scene. The shouts of low-level disciples, the collision of spiritual energy from high-level cultivators, and the clanging sounds of artifact forging intertwined, creating a vivid picture of a demonic sect, dazzling the new disciples. Many showed looks of infatuation.
The flying ship slowly descended and docked in front of a grand hall built against a mountainside. The hall was constructed entirely of blood-colored stone, its roof covered with dark red glazed tiles. Dozens of skull-shaped wind chimes hung under the eaves, emitting eerie "ding-dong" sounds in the wind. Above the main entrance, three powerful characters were carved—"Guest Welcoming Hall."
"All of you, come down," Blood Old Demon was the first to leap off the ship, his voice still carrying authority. "Someone will inform you of the sect's rules and etiquette shortly. Until then, do not leave the vicinity of the Guest Welcoming Hall without permission. Violators will be dealt with according to sect rules!" Having said that, as if in a hurry to attend to urgent matters, he took out a Message Jade Talisman from his robes and crushed it. Then, he transformed into a beam of blood-colored light and hastily flew towards a more magnificent hall in the distance—that was the core area where the Blood Demon Sect handled sect affairs, the "Mission Hall."
The disciples dared not delay, and they alighted from the flying ship in an orderly fashion, gathering in the square in front of the Guest Welcoming Hall. The ground of the square was paved with smooth bluestone slabs, upon which simple Spirit Gathering Formation Patterns were carved. Standing on them, one could faintly feel the flow of spirit energy. They waited for about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn when light footsteps were heard from behind the hall, and then a woman in a black robe embroidered with Xuewei flower patterns gracefully approached.
This woman had a graceful figure and exquisite curves. Her black robe clung to her skin, outlining a breathtaking silhouette. Her skin was as white as snow, her eyes held a natural charm, slightly upturned at the corners, sparkling with every glance. Her lips were painted with a light blood-colored rouge, and when she smiled lightly, two small fangs were revealed, adding to her allure. A wisp of faint pink mist, almost imperceptible, enveloped her, making anyone who inhaled it feel weak and infatuated.
"Wow..." Many male disciples were instantly mesmerized, their breathing quickening. Some even instinctively clenched their fists, their faces showing signs of obsession. Even disciples who prided themselves on their composure found it difficult to look away from her, appearing slightly dazed.
The woman walked up to the crowd. Seeing this, the corners of her mouth curled into a playful smile, and her voice was soft and melodious, like a lover's whisper: "Esteemed junior brothers and sisters, it's our first meeting. My name is Liu Wu. From now on, you may call me Senior Sister Liu."
"Senior Sister Liu!" All the male disciples responded in unison, their voices filled with unconcealed excitement, their gazes fixed on Liu Wu, as if afraid of missing even the slightest hint of her charm.
However, amidst these infatuated gazes, Ren Woxing, Ying Wu, and Zhu Feitun appeared exceptionally out of place. Ren Woxing stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze calmly sweeping over Liu Wu, as if the peerless beauty before him was just an ordinary cultivator, causing no ripple; Ying Wu had her arms crossed, her expression cold, her eyes showing a hint of detachment, as if uninterested in everything around her; Zhu Feitun scratched his head, his expression honest, thinking only that this senior sister was good-looking, nothing more, without any excessive thoughts.
Liu Wu, whose expression had been playful, couldn't help but be slightly taken aback by this scene, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes. Her cultivation of the "Xuewei Enchantment Technique" had reached minor completion. Even late-stage Qi Condensation cultivators found it difficult to fully resist her charm, let alone these novices fresh out of the cradle. Yet, these three could remain unfazed. Such composure was rare. "Interesting..." Liu Wu mused inwardly, paying more attention to the trio, but maintaining her seductive smile, she said slowly, "It seems there are a few junior brothers and sisters with extraordinary composure among you. But it's alright, as we interact more in the future, you will come to understand the splendor of the Blood Demon Sect."
"Next, I will lead you on a tour of the sect to familiarize yourselves with the four main peaks. After all, the senior brothers and sisters from the four peaks will be coming to select disciples shortly, so you can make suitable choices." Liu Wu said, turning and walking towards the outside of the square. "Follow me."
The disciples quickly followed, their gazes still occasionally glancing at Liu Wu's retreating figure. Only Ren Woxing, Ying Wu, and Zhu Feitun remained as usual, following at the back of the group at an unhurried pace.
Liu Wu led the group to a high vantage point, where the view was expansive, allowing them to see the entire panorama of the four peaks. She raised her hand and pointed to the four peaks one by one, beginning her detailed introduction: "See that tallest peak? That is the main peak of our Blood Demon Sect—Blood Sky Peak."
Everyone followed her finger and looked up. They saw that Blood Sky Peak soared into the clouds, its summit perpetually shrouded in blood-colored clouds, like a giant bloody canopy. The surface of the mountain was covered with dark red spiritual patterns, crisscrossing like veins, emanating a vast pressure. On the mountain, palaces and pavilions were built against the slopes, arranged in an orderly fashion. The grandest hall was at the very top, its roof inlaid with a massive blood-colored crystal that refracted an eerie light under the sun.
"Blood Sky Peak is the sect's core of power and the inheritance ground, presided over by the only late-stage Nascent Soul mighty figure of our Blood Demon Sect—Ancestor Blood Sky," Liu Wu's voice held a hint of reverence. "The Ancestor has been in seclusion for three hundred years, his cultivation unfathomable. He is the stabilizing force of the entire sect."
"The core area of the main peak is divided into three parts: the Blood Sky Grand Hall at the summit, which is where the sect holds major assemblies and ceremonies. The Blood Jade Throne inside is passed down by sect masters of successive generations, and only the sect master is qualified to sit on it. On both sides of the Grand Hall are the Elder Pavilion and the Hall of Bestowing Merit. The Elder Pavilion is for elders of Golden Core stage and above to hold confidential meetings and discuss sect affairs; the Hall of Bestowing Merit houses the sect's core blood cultivation secret manuals such as the 'Blood Sky True Scripture,' and is a crucial place for passing down the sect's lineage."
"In the mid-mountain area, dozens of Blood Jade Cave Mansions are carved out. Each cave mansion is equipped with top-tier Blood Gathering Formations and defensive restrictions. The spiritual energy concentration here is three times that of ordinary areas. Blood Old Demon and the peak masters of each peak reside there." Liu Wu paused, then continued, "And deep within the mountain lies the sect's most crucial resource reserve—the Blood Crystal Treasury. The treasury is divided into three levels. The upper level stores a large number of spirit stones and mid-grade pills, for Inner Sect Disciples and elders to exchange; the middle level displays High-grade Demonic Artifacts, rare spirit materials, and some high-grade pills, accessible only to Core Disciples and Golden Core Cultivators; the lower level seals ancient blood artifacts and forbidden cultivation techniques, immensely powerful but extremely perilous, guarded by four Golden Core Cultivators on rotation. Ordinary individuals cannot approach."
As she explained this, a hint of longing flashed in Liu Wu's eyes: "Disciples who can enter Blood Sky Peak are all exceptionally gifted. Not only do they receive the best cultivation resources, but they also have opportunities to receive guidance from the Ancestor. It is the destination of all disciples' dreams. However, the entry threshold for Blood Sky Peak is also the highest. You will know soon enough."
After introducing Blood Sky Peak, Liu Wu pointed to an adjacent mountain that resembled a solidified mass of blood: "This is Coagulation Blood Peak, presided over by a mid-stage Nascent Soul Ancestor. It is the sect's core mountain focused on the refinement of blood spirit energy, the crafting of blood pills, and the cultivation of blood spirit plants. It can be called the 'Foundation of Cultivation' of our Blood Demon Sect."
"The body of Coagulation Blood Peak is covered with Grade Three Spirit Gathering Formation Patterns. From the foot to the summit, the concentration of blood spirit energy increases incrementally, making it most suitable for disciples to solidify their cultivation and break through realms. In the area from the mountain foot to the mid-mountain, thousands of open-air cultivation platforms are set up, each with a blood spirit stone embedded in its center, for disciples of different levels to use. Outer Sect Disciples can only use the outermost platforms, while Inner Sect Disciples and Core Disciples can enter areas closer to the summit, with cultivation efficiency far exceeding the outer areas."
"At the summit lies a Coagulation Blood Pool, the signature facility of Coagulation Blood Peak. The pool is constructed from Thousand-Year Blood Jade, with a diameter of over ten feet. It is constantly filled with the essence blood of high-grade demonic beasts and the juice of century-old blood spirit grass. The pool water is a thick dark red, with fine blood-colored bubbles floating on the surface." Liu Wu's voice held a trace of envy. "Inner Sect Disciples need to spend 50 Contribution Points to soak for an hour. The pool water can directly penetrate meridians, tempering the physique and blood spirit energy, greatly accelerating cultivation speed; Core Disciples can use it three times a month for free, while the Blood Progeny of each peak have no restrictions and can even request specialized pool water formulations for targeted breakthroughs. It is rumored that a Core Disciple once soaked in the Coagulation Blood Pool for three days and broke through directly from Qi Condensation Level Eleven to Foundation Establishment early stage, demonstrating its incredible efficacy."
"In addition to cultivation facilities, Coagulation Blood Peak is also the sect's core for pill supply. At the foot of the mountain stands a massive Blood Pill Workshop, divided into three floors. Each floor is equipped with precise temperature control formations and spirit gathering formations to ensure a stable environment for alchemy. The first floor is managed by Inner Sect Disciples with assistance from Outer Sect Disciples, primarily refining low-grade pills like Blood Gathering Pills and Blood Coagulation Pills, which are supplied to Outer Sect Disciples for daily cultivation, producing tens of thousands monthly; the second floor is managed by Core Disciples under the guidance of elders, refining mid-grade pills like Blood Origin Pills and Body Tempering Pills, used for Inner Sect Disciples to break through realms or heal injuries. Some high-quality products are sent to the sect's treasury; the third floor is only open to direct disciples and elders, refining rare high-grade pills such as Foundation Establishment Blood Pills and Blood Soul Pills. The success rate is extremely low, but each pill is priceless, serving as a key resource for cultivating the sect's elite forces."
"Furthermore, a vast blood garden has been opened on the mountainside, divided into outer, middle, and core zones, cultivating blood-attribute spirit herbs of different grades. The outer zone cultivates annual low-grade spirit herbs like Blood Spirit Grass and Coagulation Flower, which are watered and pest-controlled by Outer Sect Disciples, yielding two harvests monthly for the refining of basic pills; the middle zone cultivates century-old mid-grade spirit herbs like Blood Vine and Blood Ginseng, nurtured by Inner Sect Disciples, requiring Spirit Gathering Formations and beast dung for fertilization, yielding one harvest annually for the refining of mid-grade pills; the core zone cultivates thousand-year high-grade spirit herbs like Xuewei and Blood Lotus, nurtured by Core Disciples and direct disciples. Their growth cycle lasts decades and requires constant care by dedicated personnel. Once mature, they are exclusively used for refining high-grade pills or cultivating even rarer spirit plant varieties." Liu Wu looked at the crowd and said solemnly, "Do not underestimate Coagulation Blood Peak. Whether you wish to break through realms quickly or learn the art of alchemy, this is the best choice. Its importance is self-evident."
After introducing Coagulation Blood Peak, Liu Wu pointed to a distant mountain perpetually shrouded in blood mist and intense flames: "That is Blood Refining Peak, also presided over by a mid-stage Nascent Soul Ancestor. Geothermal magma runs through the entire peak, making it the sect's exclusive mountain for artifact forging and high-grade blood pill refinement. It can be called our Blood Demon Sect's 'Armory' and 'Top Alchemy Chamber.'"
"On the east side of Blood Refining Peak, a massive Blood Furnace Workshop has been built, containing ten geothermal blood furnaces. Using magma from the depths of the earth as heat and mixing it with beast marrow to temper ores, artifacts ranging from low-grade blood blades and blood shields to mid and high-grade blood-patterned demonic artifacts can be forged here. The workshop is divided into four stages: mining, tempering, shaping, and inscription, with clear division of labor, all managed by artifact forging elders. Outer Sect Disciples can only do menial tasks like carrying materials and clearing waste materials in the outermost area; Inner Sect Disciples can observe the forging process of low-grade demonic artifacts; Core Disciples can independently operate the geothermal blood furnaces and participate in the forging of mid-grade demonic artifacts; Direct Disciples are capable of forging High-grade Demonic Artifacts, with some exquisite pieces directly sent to the sect's treasury for use by elite forces."
"The west side houses the Blood Cauldron Alchemy Chamber, with eight thousand-year blood cauldrons, each possessing immense alchemy power. The chamber is also equipped with temperature control formations and spirit gathering formations, specializing in refining rare high-grade pills such as Foundation Establishment Blood Pills and Blood Soul Pills. The alchemy success rate here is much higher than that of the Blood Pill Workshop on Coagulation Blood Peak. Inner Sect Disciples can assist in alchemy, Core Disciples can independently refine mid to high-grade blood pills, and Direct Disciples can use rare materials to customize pills and even receive direct guidance from alchemy elders."
"It is worth mentioning that at the foot of Blood Refining Peak, a Blood Filth Valley has been opened, equipped with a purification formation. It is specifically used to process waste materials such as slag from forging and residue from alchemy. At the same time, the purification formation can extract residual blood spirit energy and mineral essence from the waste, achieving secondary resource utilization. This not only prevents miasma from polluting the sect area but also saves some cultivation resources, killing two birds with one stone." Liu Wu said with a smile, "If any junior brother or junior sister is interested in artifact forging or alchemy, Blood Refining Peak is definitely your best choice."
Finally, Liu Wu pointed to a mountain covered in blood-colored vines and blood-sucking spirit plants, a hint of pride in her eyes: "That is Xuewei Peak, where I reside, presided over by a mid-stage Nascent Soul Ancestor. It is the exclusive dwelling for female cultivators in the sect and a core secret realm for cultivating enchantment techniques and stealth assassination techniques."
"The body of Xuewei Peak is shaped like a blooming Xuewei flower and is perpetually enveloped in faint pink enchantment mist. This mist not only aids female cultivators in practicing enchantment techniques but also confuses enemies, serving as a defensive measure. Scattered throughout the mountain are many Xuewei Cave Mansions, divided into outer, middle, and core zones according to disciple rank. Each cave mansion is equipped with an independent cultivation room and storage room. Blood Xuewei flowers, blood vines, and other blood-sucking spirit plants are planted outside the cave mansions, which not only beautify the environment but also assist in condensing blood spirit energy during cultivation."
"At the summit is the Female Cultivator Pavilion, a place for female cultivators to hold meetings and exchange cultivation insights. Inside are many secret manuals on enchantment techniques and assassination techniques suitable for female cultivators. On the mountainside is a Shadow Valley, concealed by dense blood vines. The valley is equipped with concealment formations and illusion formations. Low-level female cultivators practice basic enchantment and assassination techniques here. High-level disciples can learn advanced techniques in the middle and core zones of the valley, such as our Xuewei Peak's trấn mountain secret techniques, the 'Xuewei Enchantment Technique' and the 'Shadow Kill Technique.' They can also practice surprise attacks and stealth techniques using the dummy targets set up in the valley to improve their combat capabilities."
"In addition, at the foot of the mountain, a Xuewei Workshop has been built to process the blood-sucking spirit plants grown on the peak, extracting their blood spirit energy to produce Xuewei Paste and Blood Vine Ropes. Xuewei Paste can aid cultivation and accelerate the condensation of blood spirit energy; Blood Vine Ropes are excellent binding tools in combat, extremely tough and difficult to break free from. Some exquisite products from the workshop are sent to the sect's treasury, and it also provides exchange services for exclusive cultivation materials for female cultivators." After Liu Wu finished her introduction, she clapped her hands and said, "Alright, I have explained the situation of the four peaks in detail. Each has its own characteristics and advantages. The choice now depends on you. The senior brothers and sisters from the four peaks are already on their way. Please wait here for a moment, I have some matters to attend to and must take my leave." With that, she waved to the crowd and turned towards the Mission Hall. Her seductive figure left many male disciples still savoring the memory.
The disciples waited at the high vantage point for about the time it takes for half an incense stick to burn when four different auras arrived from a distance. Then, four cultivators slowly approached. The one at the forefront was a young man in a white and black robe, embroidered with golden dome patterns—the symbol of Blood Sky Peak. He had handsome features, an ethereal aura, and dense, heavy spiritual pressure, indicating considerable cultivation. Beside him was a charming woman in a pink and black robe, embroidered with Xuewei flower patterns, a fellow disciple of Liu Wu. While her allure was not as natural as Liu Wu's, she possessed a unique charm. On the other side stood a burly young man in a black robe, carved with patterns of flames and hammers, a disciple of Blood Refining Peak. He was tall, with well-defined muscles, his eyes sharp as blades, exuding a fierce aura. The last one wore a dark red and black robe, embroidered with Coagulation Formation Patterns. He had a steady demeanor and a profound aura, identifying him as a disciple of Coagulation Blood Peak.
The leading disciple from Blood Sky Peak approached the crowd, his gaze sweeping over them like a hawk's. His voice was clear but carried an irrefutable dignity. "I am Lin Feng, a Core Disciple of Blood Sky Peak. I am here to select disciples on behalf of the Peak Master. The rules are simple: only those with Qi Condensation Level Ten or above, and possessing a Heavenly Spirit Root or Dual Spirit Root, are eligible to join Blood Sky Peak. Others need not harbor any illusions."
Upon hearing this, a collective gasp arose from the crowd, and many disciples showed looks of disappointment. The requirement of Qi Condensation Level Ten or above, coupled with the talent of a Heavenly Spirit Root or Dual Spirit Root, was undoubtedly a very high threshold. Among the dozens of disciples present, very few could meet this standard.
Just as everyone was feeling dejected, a calm voice rang out: "I am interested in your Blood Sky Peak. Are there any conditions that might impress me?"
Everyone turned to look. It was Ren Woxing, who slowly stepped out from the crowd, his hands behind his back, his expression serene, showing no fear of Lin Feng's imposing pressure.