He was so persuasive that he actually practiced extraordinary

The old man in black robes shook his head: "I don't know. The sect leader's whereabouts have always been mysterious and unpredictable. Only his closest confidants know. Moreover, the sect leader's cultivation method is extremely special. He can conceal his aura and whereabouts, making him difficult for others to detect."

Master Xuanzhen frowned upon hearing this. He knew that to destroy the Black Fiend Sect, they must first find and defeat its leader. But now it seemed that this task would not be easy.

Seeing Master Xuanzhen's expression, the old man in black robes couldn't help but feel nervous. He knew that his life was now in Master Xuanzhen's hands. He took a deep breath and mustered his courage to say, "Master Xuanzhen, I am willing to cooperate with you to destroy the Black Fiend Sect. As long as you can spare my life, I am willing to tell you all the information I know."

Upon hearing this, a cold glint flashed in Master Xuanzhen's eyes. He looked at the black-robed elder, weighing the pros and cons in his mind. He knew that although the black-robed elder was a villain, he had now become a crucial clue for them to destroy the Black Fiend Sect. Moreover, he sensed a hint of genuine remorse in the black-robed elder's tone.

Finally, Master Xuanzhen nodded: "Alright, I can spare your life for now. But you must fully cooperate with us to destroy the Black Fiend Sect. Otherwise, if I discover any wrongdoing on your part, I will show no mercy."

Upon hearing this, the old man in black robes quickly nodded in agreement: "Yes, yes. I will definitely cooperate fully."

Under the sharp gaze of Master Xuanzhen, the black-robed elder felt uneasy and filled with fear. He understood that although he had been spared death for the time being, the future was shrouded in mystery and unpredictable. However, the thought of having the opportunity to atone for his past sins and contribute to the eradication of the Black Fiend Cult filled him with an indescribable excitement.

Master Xuanzhen gazed at the black-robed elder, his eyes filled with complex emotions. He knew that although this elder had committed countless evil deeds, he had now become a key figure in their fight against the Black Fiend Sect. He took a deep breath, trying to make his voice sound calm and firm: "From now on, you will recuperate peacefully in the Taoist temple. I will arrange for someone to look after you, but you must also abide by the rules of the temple and not act on your own."

The old man in black robes quickly agreed, "Yes, yes. I will strictly abide by the rules of the Taoist temple and will never dare to act recklessly."

Master Xuanzhen nodded slightly, then turned to his disciple and instructed, "Zhang Yingying, you are responsible for looking after this old man in black robes. Try your best to meet any of his needs. But also be vigilant to prevent him from doing anything improper."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yingying immediately replied respectfully, "Yes, Master. I will take good care of him."

Afterwards, the old man in black was arranged to rest in a secluded side room. The room was simple, but quiet and peaceful. Zhang Yingying would bring him meals and medicine on time every day, and occasionally chat with him. At first, the old man in black was wary, but gradually, he was moved by Zhang Yingying's sincerity and kindness.

As time passed, the old man in black robes gradually recovered from his injuries. He also began to actively communicate with Zhang Yingying, revealing some information about the Black Fiend Cult. Zhang Yingying recorded this information carefully and promptly relayed it to Daoist Xuanzhen. Based on this information, Daoist Xuanzhen gradually uncovered the Black Fiend Cult's true nature and formulated a more meticulous action plan.

However, just as they were about to take action, a shocking message suddenly arrived—the leader of the Black Fiend Cult had personally come to the Taoist temple to provoke them!

This news shocked and enraged everyone in the Taoist temple. They hadn't expected the leader of the Black Fiend Sect to be so arrogant and domineering, daring to openly provoke them. Master Xuanzhen was especially furious, knowing full well that the leader was deliberately provoking them in an attempt to disrupt their plans.

Upon hearing this news, the old man in black robes also became extremely solemn. He knew that the sect leader's personal arrival must be well-prepared. He worried that his identity would be exposed, and even more so that the Taoist temple would suffer an even greater disaster as a result.

However, Master Xuanzhen did not back down. He summoned all his disciples, preparing to confront the leader of the Black Fiend Sect. Looking at Master Xuanzhen's resolute gaze, the old man in black robes felt a surge of heroic ambition welling up within him. He resolved to help the Taoist temple overcome this crisis no matter what.

As night fell, the Taoist temple was brightly lit. Master Xuanzhen led his disciples, standing ready for battle. The old man in black robes was also positioned in a concealed spot, closely observing the movements outside.

Soon, a cold wind blew by, and the leader of the Black Fiend Sect appeared before the Taoist temple with a group of followers. He was dressed in a black robe, his face sinister and terrifying, his eyes flashing with a fierce light. He looked at the people inside the temple, a mocking smile playing on his lips: "Master Xuanzhen, I didn't expect you would actually dare to accept the challenge. Today, I will make your temple flow with blood!"

Upon hearing this, Master Xuanzhen roared, "Black Fiend Cult Leader, how dare you be so arrogant! Today, we will eliminate you, this villain, and rid the people of this scourge!"

With that, he led his disciples out and engaged in a fierce battle with the Black Fiend Cult members. The old man in black robes also took the opportunity to secretly assist the Taoist disciples in fighting against the Black Fiend Cult members.

In an instant, flames flew everywhere within the Taoist temple, and shouts of battle were deafening. Although the old man in black robes had not fully recovered from his injuries, he exerted all his strength, constantly helping the disciples of the temple. His appearance caught the Black Fiend Sect members off guard, and they retreated in disarray.

However, the leader of the Black Fiend Sect was no ordinary person. Seeing the situation was dire, he immediately unleashed his evil techniques, launching a fierce attack on Daoist Xuanzhen. Although Daoist Xuanzhen possessed profound cultivation, he was unable to withstand the sect leader's relentless onslaught and gradually fell into a disadvantageous position.

Seeing this, the old man in black robes was extremely anxious. He knew that if he didn't help, Master Xuanzhen's life would likely be in danger. So, he gritted his teeth and decided to risk everything to intervene.

He flashed and instantly appeared beside Master Xuanzhen. Wielding his longsword, he launched a fierce attack on the sect leader. The sect leader, caught off guard by the black-robed elder's sudden intervention, was struck in the shoulder by the elder's sword.

The cult leader screamed and retreated violently. He looked at the old man in black robes, a hint of fear flashing in his eyes: "You...you dare to betray me!"

The old man in black robes sneered, "I have never truly pledged allegiance to you. Today, I have come to eliminate you, this villain!" With that, he once again swung his longsword, launching a fierce attack on the cult leader. Although the cult leader was furious, he was also intimidated by the old man's strength and dared not easily advance.

The black-robed elder's longsword ripped through the night sky like lightning, aiming straight for the cult leader's throat. A flicker of fear flashed in the cult leader's eyes as he retreated hastily, barely dodging the fatal blow. He roared, his hands forming a seal, and a surge of black energy erupted from his palms, instantly transforming into a giant black python that lunged at the black-robed elder.

Upon seeing this, the old man in black robes felt a chill run down his spine. He knew that this giant black python must have been transformed by the cult leader using evil techniques, and its power was astonishing. He dared not be careless in the slightest, and quickly adjusted his inner energy, gathering all his strength to prepare for a counterattack.

The giant black python opened its blood-red maw, revealing sharp fangs, and lunged at the old man in black robes. The old man ducked low, his longsword rising from below, the tip aimed directly at the python's vital spot. With a soft "thud," the sword pierced the python's body, blood splattering everywhere.

The giant black python, in pain, let out a shrill roar, its body twisting wildly in an attempt to shake off the old man in black robes. The old man in black robes gripped his longsword tightly, ignoring the python's struggles, and with all his might, he plunged the longsword deep into the python's heart.

Finally, after a series of violent convulsions, the giant black python dissipated into a wisp of black smoke. Upon seeing this, the sect leader's expression changed drastically. He hadn't expected his prized technique to be broken by the black-robed elder, and a surge of fear and anger welled up within him.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, the old man in black robes launched a counterattack. His figure was as elusive as a ghost, and his longsword flashed, creating a crisscrossing array of sword energies. Although the sect leader possessed profound cultivation, he gradually began to find himself overwhelmed by the old man's fierce attacks.

Seeing this, Master Xuanzhen immediately seized the opportunity and commanded his disciples to attack the sect leader. In an instant, sword energy crisscrossed the temple, and shouts of battle shook the heavens and the earth. Under the combined assault, the sect leader gradually showed signs of defeat.

However, the cult leader was, after all, a cunning and treacherous man. Seeing the situation was dire, he immediately used a stealth technique, transforming into a wisp of black smoke and escaping. Master Xuanzhen and the black-robed elder immediately gave chase.

The night was thick and dark. The wisp of black smoke that the cult leader had transformed into quickly dissipated in the night sky. Master Xuanzhen and the old man in black robes gave chase, but could only watch helplessly as he escaped. The old man in black robes panted heavily, his heart filled with a mixture of regret and relief. He was regretful that the cult leader had escaped; he was relieved that the Taoist temple had at least been temporarily saved.

Master Xuanzhen looked at the old man in black robes, a hint of appreciation flashing in his eyes. He understood that without the old man's help tonight, the Taoist temple would have faced unpredictable consequences. He stepped forward and gently patted the old man's shoulder: "Thank you for your help tonight. The entire Taoist temple will remember your kindness."

The old man in black robes shook his head: "You flatter me, Daoist. I'm merely making amends for past mistakes." He looked up at the night sky, a strange sense of melancholy welling up inside him. Once, he too had been a member of the Black Fiend Sect, but now he stood on the opposite side, an enemy of his former comrades. All this change seemed to have happened in the blink of an eye.

Master Xuanzhen said nothing more, fully aware of the complex emotions in the black-robed elder's heart. He turned and instructed his disciples to clean up the battlefield and repair the damaged buildings. The black-robed elder silently joined in, knowing that from this moment on, he had truly become a part of the Taoist temple.

However, just when everyone thought everything was settled, an unexpected situation occurred. The cult leader hadn't actually escaped; instead, he had transformed into an injured man and quietly infiltrated the Taoist temple!

That night, the moonlight was dim, and the stars were sparse. The lights in the Taoist temple had been extinguished, and everyone had returned to their rooms to rest. The old man in black robes lay on his bed, tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep. He had a persistent feeling of unease, as if something was about to happen.

Suddenly, he heard light footsteps. He immediately sat up alertly, held his breath, and listened intently. The footsteps grew closer, seemingly heading towards his room. The old man in black robes felt a chill; he knew the visitors meant no good!
He quickly got out of bed, dressed, and drew the long sword from the bedside table. Just then, the door was gently pushed open, and a figure staggered in. The old man in black robes looked closely and saw that it was a man covered in blood!
The man collapsed to the ground as soon as he entered, muttering, "Save...save me..." The old man in black robes was startled and immediately went to check on his injuries. He saw that a deep, bone-revealing wound had pierced through his chest, and blood had stained his clothes red.

The old man in black robes was filled with doubt. Who was this man? Why was he so badly injured? He had no time to think further and immediately took out healing medicine from his robes to stop the bleeding and treat the man's wounds. The man seemed to be unconscious, letting the old man in black robes do as he pleased.

After a while, the man's breathing gradually calmed down. The old man in black robes breathed a sigh of relief; it seemed his life had been spared for the time being. Just then, the man suddenly opened his eyes, staring intently at the old man in black robes. His eyes were filled with terror and confusion: "You...who are you? I...how did I get here?"

The old man in black robes felt a jolt in his heart and immediately realized that this man was very likely the cult leader! He was both surprised and delighted; surprised that the cult leader was so cunning, and delighted that he finally had a chance to capture him. He tried his best to make his voice sound calm: "Don't be afraid, I am a disciple of the Taoist temple. You were injured, and I saved you."

The man seemed to believe the old man in black robes, and he breathed a sigh of relief: "Thank you... for saving me..." However, a cunning glint flashed in his eyes. The old man in black robes felt a chill; he knew the cult leader hadn't truly let his guard down. He had to find a way to make the cult leader completely expose his identity!

So he deliberately said, "Your wounds are deep and you need to rest for a while. Just stay here and recover, I'll take care of you." With that, he got up and left the room.

The old man in black robes didn't go far, but hid in a corner outside the door, secretly observing the movements inside the room. Just as he expected, after he left, the man immediately struggled to sit up and looked around. His eyes were filled with vigilance and doubt, as if searching for an escape route.

The old man in black robes sneered inwardly and immediately turned to find Master Xuanzhen. He knew that he couldn't capture the cult leader alone. He needed Master Xuanzhen's help to capture him in one fell swoop!
He arrived outside Master Xuanzhen's room and gently knocked on the door. Master Xuanzhen opened the door and, seeing the old man in black robes, immediately asked, "What's wrong? What happened?" The old man in black robes whispered, "Master, the sect leader didn't escape. He disguised himself as an injured man and infiltrated the temple. He's in my room right now!"

Master Xuanzhen was shocked upon hearing this: "What? The sect leader actually infiltrated the Taoist temple? This... what should we do?" The old man in black robes said in a deep voice: "Master, don't panic, I have already discovered his whereabouts. Let's go and capture him now!"

With that, he turned and left. Master Xuanzhen immediately followed behind him, and the two arrived together outside the black-robed elder's room. The black-robed elder pointed to the door: "The sect leader is inside." Master Xuanzhen nodded, gesturing for him to step back. Then, he took a deep breath and abruptly pushed open the door! (End of Chapter)