Elder Xuanyang said solemnly: "That is true. If someone really is willing to slaughter mortals just to fight over the relics of the Taishang Daoist, our Qingyun Sect will certainly not stand by and watch. This mission is dangerous, so you must proceed with caution."
Ye Wuji nodded earnestly: "This disciple will bear Master's teachings in mind."
Elder Xuanyang gave a few more instructions regarding precautions, then told Ye Wuji to go back and prepare to set off early the next morning.
Returning to his small courtyard, Ye Wuji began packing his gear, checking his reserves of magical artifacts and medicinal pills. His Azure Edge Sword had already been re-refined with the spiritual power he gained after reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, increasing its power considerably. The talisman gifted to him by Zhao Linger was carefully put away, saved for a critical moment. In addition, he brought along some healing pills and pills for restoring spiritual power.
Early the next morning, the mission team gathered in front of the mountain gate. Elder Xuanyang led the group, with the two Golden Core stage disciples being Han Tianrui and another female disciple named Zhang Changshuang; both were standouts among the core disciples. Among the ten Foundation Establishment stage disciples, aside from Ye Wuji, there were several he knew, such as Wang Zheng, Lin Tianyu, and a few other inner sect elites.
"Is everyone ready?" Elder Xuanyang swept his gaze over the crowd. "This mission is dangerous, but it is also a great opportunity for all of you to perform meritorious service. If you can uncover the truth and resolve the crisis, the Sect Master will surely reward you handsomely."
The group replied in unison: "We are ready!"
Elder Xuanyang nodded and led everyone onto a massive flying magical artifact—the Qingyun Vessel. This was one of the top-tier magical artifacts of the Qingyun Sect, jointly forged by several Golden Core stage elders. It could accommodate dozens of people at once, flew at extreme speeds, and was equipped with both defensive and offensive formations, making it practically a mobile mini-fortress.
"Set sail!" At Elder Xuanyang's command, the Qingyun Vessel slowly rose into the air and then rapidly flew toward the direction of Qingshan County.
During the flight, Ye Wuji sought out Lin Tianyu to ask his thoughts on the mission.
"Senior Brother Lin, weren't you sent off on a secret mission? How is it that you're also participating in this operation?"
Lin Tianyu smiled bitterly: "The original mission was canceled, and the Sect Master happened to specifically name me for this operation. To be honest, I'm also very curious about these demonic beast attacks, especially the unsettling possibility that someone is manipulating them from behind the scenes."
Ye Wuji said in a low voice: "I suspect this is connected to that attack three months ago. The Fire Wolf King from back then was searching for a mysterious old man and the 'Hunyuan Pill', and now they're mentioning the 'relics of the Taishang Daoist'. It's very likely the work of the same group."
Lin Tianyu pondered: "That's quite possible. However, what kind of faction could control so many demonic beasts to act simultaneously? That requires immensely powerful magic and a special beast-trolling secret technique..."
While they were discussing this, Han Tianrui walked over.
"What are you two discussing?" Han Tianrui wore a smile, but his tone carried a trace of undeniable authority.
Ye Wuji quickly bowed: "Senior Brother Han, we were just speculating about the mastermind behind these demonic beast attacks."
Han Tianrui nodded: "I just got some information from Master. These demonic beast attacks are likely related to a demonic sect called the Blood Fiend Sect."
"The Blood Fiend Sect?" Lin Tianyu asked in surprise, "Isn't that one of the top three demonic sects?"
"Indeed." Han Tianrui's expression grew grave. "The Blood Fiend Sect specializes in blood sacrifice techniques and secret methods for controlling demonic beasts. According to intelligence, over the past six half-months, the Blood Fiend Sect has been active around Qingshan County, seemingly searching for something."
Hearing this, Ye Wuji couldn't help but associate it with the mysterious old man who had given him the Hunyuan Formula: "Could it be that they're searching for the relics of the Taishang Daoist?"
Han Tianrui's gaze flickered: "How do you know it's the relics of the Taishang Daoist?"
Ye Wuji was startled, immediately realizing he might have slipped up. As Elder Xuanyang's chief disciple, Han Tianrui might know the origin of the Hunyuan Formula, but he wasn't sure if he should tell everyone about this matter.
"I... I was just guessing," Ye Wuji said vaguely. "I heard Master mention before that the relics of the Taishang Daoist have always been targets pursued by various major powers in the cultivation world."
Han Tianrui seemed to accept this explanation, nodding as he said: "That is true. Back then, after founding the Taishang Dao, the Taishang Daoist left behind quite a few precious cultivation techniques and treasures, including the 'Hunyuan Pill', which can enhance one's cultivation and prolong life. The whereabouts of these treasures have always been unknown, and now that rumors of a clue appearing in Qingshan County have surfaced, the various major powers are naturally growing restless."
"If this really is the work of the Blood Fiend Sect, then I'm afraid we're in for a brutal battle on this trip," Lin Tianyu said with a solemn expression.
Han Tianrui was unimpressed: "Strong as the Blood Fiend Sect may be, our Qingyun Sect isn't easy to bully either. Besides, this time we have Master personally leading the team, aided by two Golden Core cultivators. If they dare to engage us in a direct confrontation, they are bound to regret it."
Despite saying that, Ye Wuji noticed a flash of worry in Han Tianrui's eyes, making it clear that things were not as simple as he made them sound on the surface.
Just as the few of them were talking, the Qingyun Vessel suddenly shook violently, followed immediately by the sound of an alarm.
"Enemy attack!" the disciple guarding the Qingyun Vessel shouted a warning.
The group quickly rushed onto the deck, only to see dozens of gigantic flying demonic beasts in the distance lunging toward the Qingyun Vessel. These demonic beasts resembled bats, but were the size of calves, with a wingspan reaching over a zhang. Their fangs were terrifying and jagged, radiating a chilling aura.
"Blood-Winged Demonic Bats!" Han Tianrui recognized this type of demonic beast. "These are spirit beasts unique to the Blood Fiend Sect—it really is them!"
Elder Xuanyang quickly issued his orders: "Activate the defensive formation! Han Tianrui, Zhang Changshuang, prepare to engage the enemy! Everyone else, take your positions and stay alert!"
A pale blue light barrier lit up around the outer perimeter of the Qingyun Vessel, forming a hemispherical protective shield. The Blood-Winged Demonic Bats crashed into the barrier, making a sizzling sound, but were unable to break through.
"Mere Blood-Winged Demonic Bats are no match for our Qingyun Sect's magical artifact," Han Tianrui sneered.
Right at that moment, a chilling laughter suddenly echoed from the clouds in the distance: "Little juniors of the Qingyun Sect, just as expected, you've rushed right over."
The clouds parted to reveal a middle-aged man dressed in blood-red robes. His expression was sinister, his eyes flashed with an eerie red light, and his entire body was wreathed in a dense aura of blood fiend energy. Following closely behind him were over a dozen cultivators in the same attire, each with distinct auras, yet all exuding formidable pressure.
"Blood Fiend Sect Elder, Xue Wuxin!" Elder Xuanyang's expression turned grave. "It really is you lot causing chaos!"
Xue Wuxin let out a cackling, eerie laugh: "Old man Xuanyang, long time no see. Your Qingyun Sect is still as meddlesome as ever; it looks like I'll have to teach you a proper lesson today!"
Elder Xuanyang snorted coldly: "Xue Wuxin, your Blood Fiend Sect murders the innocent and drives demonic beasts to attack villages, violating the conventions of the cultivation world. If you know what's good for you, stop right now, or don't blame my Qingyun Sect for showing no courtesy!"
Xue Wuxin dismissed it with contempt: "Conventions? Those are just methods used by you righteous sects to keep us in check! Why should I, in my actions, care about those hypocritical conventions? Since you lot had the courage to come today, don't even think about leaving alive!"
With that, he waved his hand, and the Blood Fiend Sect disciples behind him immediately summoned their respective magical artifacts, attacking the Qingyun Vessel. At the same time, the flock of Blood-Winged Demonic Bats launched another charge, their dense attacks landing on the protective shield of the Qingyun Vessel and causing the light barrier to ripple.
"Prepare for battle!" At Elder Xuanyang's command, the offensive formation on the Qingyun Vessel activated, firing dozens of sword qi beams toward the enemy.
As Golden Core stage cultivators, Han Tianrui and Zhang Changshuang immediately leaped into the air to engage the experts of the Blood Fiend Sect. The remaining Foundation Establishment stage disciples were responsible for defending the Qingyun Vessel and holding off the attacks of the Blood-Winged Demonic Bats.
Ye Wuji and Lin Tianyu guarded the left side of the Qingyun Vessel, tasked with clearing out the approaching Blood-Winged Demonic Bats. Ye Wuji summoned his Azure Edge Sword, the blade wrapped in colorful spiritual power, and every swing of his sword cut down a demonic bat. Lin Tianyu's sword technique was even more refined, often eradicating several demonic bats with a single stroke, balancing offense and defense perfectly.
The battle raged fiercely, with neither side able to gain the upper hand for the moment. Although the protective barrier of the Qingyun Vessel was constantly weakening, it could still hold out for a while. The battle between Elder Xuanyang and Xue Wuxin was the most intense; both were late-stage Golden Core cultivators with boundless spiritual power and fierce moves, causing spatial tremors with every clash.
Just as the battle reached a stalemate, Ye Wuji suddenly felt a strong palpitation in his chest, as if some danger was about to descend. Instinctively, he looked back toward the right side of the Qingyun Vessel, only to see a blood-red figure silently approaching the craft, holding a blood-colored banner and preparing to cast some sort of secret technique upon the vessel.
"Enemy sneak attack!" Ye Wuji shouted, leaping into the air with his Azure Edge Sword aimed straight for the blood shadow.
That person clearly hadn't expected to be spotted and was slightly taken aback, but reacted instantly, waving the blood banner to counter. Countless blood-colored threads shot out from the banner, entangling toward Ye Wuji like living things.
"Careful, that's the Blood Fiend Sect's 'Soul-Devouring Blood Banner'! Being wrapped in it will drain your life force!" Wang Zheng shouted a warning from nearby.
A chill ran through Ye Wuji's heart. He channeled the defensive secret method within the Hunyuan Formula, causing five-colored spiritual light to form a barrier in front of him, blocking most of the blood threads. Even so, a few wisps of blood thread managed to pierce through the defense and wrap around his left arm. In an instant, a heart-rending pain struck him, as if his life force was being forcibly ripped away.
"Hmph, a mere early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator dares to block me?" the blood shadow sneered. "Today, I'll let you taste the might of the Blood Fiend Sect!"
In this critical moment, Ye Wuji pushed the pain aside. Wielding his sword in his right hand, he executed the ultimate technique of the Thirteen Qingyun Swords, "Qingyun Severing Firmament". Sword qi surged like a dragon, heading straight for the opponent's throat.
That person clearly hadn't expected an early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator to unleash such a fierce sword strike, and scrambled to dodge, pulling back the blood banner to temporarily halt the attack on Ye Wuji.
"Not bad at all," the man sneered, the eyes behind his mask flashing with dangerous light. "Since that's how it is, don't blame me for being ruthless!"
His figure flashed with astonishing speed, instantly closing in on Ye Wuji and striking out with a palm. The palm glowed with blood-red light, seemingly containing some terrifying secret technique.
Ye Wuji knew he was no match for him, but retreating now meant letting the enemy succeed and destroying the defense system of the Qingyun Vessel. At this life-or-death moment, he threw caution to the wind and advanced instead of retreating. His Azure Edge Sword, carrying all of his spiritual power, collided directly with that blood palm.
"Boom!" With a loud crash, Ye Wuji was sent flying backward like a kite with a broken string, slamming heavily onto the deck of the Qingyun Vessel and coughing up a mouthful of blood. But his desperate counterattack was not without effect; the blood shadow's mask was shaved at the corner by the sword qi, revealing a young and sinister face.
"Wuji!" Seeing this, Lin Tianyu rushed over to support him, using his sword to drive the blood shadow back before helping Ye Wuji up. "Are you alright?"
Ye Wuji coughed up another mouthful of blood and shook his head: "No... nothing serious... Who was that person?"
"A 'Blood Shadow Guard' of the Blood Fiend Sect. They are all Xue Wuxin's personal disciples—immensely powerful and vicious in their methods," Lin Tianyu said with a grave expression. "If you hadn't risked your life to block him just now, they might have destroyed the Qingyun Vessel's defense system, and the consequences would have been unthinkable."