From the fake emperor to the concubine

"The Blood Fiend Sect." A glint of light flashed in Qi Yang's eyes. "That old bastard Xue Wuyai should make a choice soon."

As night deepened, the three figures disappeared into the darkness.

After leaving the Heavenly Serpent Sect, Qi Yang and his two companions did not immediately return to the Demon Heart Sect, but continued their journey towards the Blood Fiend Sect.

The Blood Fiend Sect is located in the Blood Ridge Mountains in the southwest of the cultivation world. It is a medium-sized sect known for its blood-based cultivation techniques. The sect leader, Blood Wuyai, is quite powerful and is considered a prominent figure in the cultivation world.

"Xue Wuyai of the Blood Fiend Sect is cautious and suspicious, and he won't be as easily persuaded as the Heavenly Serpent Sect," Qi Yang said to the two demon clan leaders on the way.

"Then let him see what true blood magic is all about," Blood Eagle sneered. "I want to see just how powerful his Blood Fiend Technique really is."

"Be careful. Xue Wuyai is a very cunning man, and the Blood Fiend Sect is quite powerful," Qi Yang warned. "If things get out of hand, it might alert other forces."

"Don't worry, we know what we're doing," the black dragon said coldly.

The three traveled at a rapid pace and arrived at the outer edge of the Blood Ridge Mountains two days later.

Because of the constant influence of the Blood Fiend Sect's blood magic, the Blood Ridge Mountains are entirely dark red, even the plants have a blood-red hue. A faint smell of blood permeates the air, giving people a sinister and terrifying feeling.

"The environment here is quite suitable for cultivating blood-based techniques." Blood Eagle looked at the surrounding scenery, lost in thought.

"There is indeed a reason why the Blood Fiend Sect has been able to stand here for hundreds of years," Qi Yang nodded.

Just as the three were about to enter the Blood Ridge Mountains, the Black Dragon suddenly stopped.

“Wait a minute,” he frowned. “Someone is watching us in the shadows.”

Qi Yang and Blood Eagle immediately became alert and quietly released their divine senses to search their surroundings.

Sure enough, on a mountain peak about five miles away from them, a hidden presence was monitoring their movements.

"Is it someone from the Zheng family?" Qi Yang's heart skipped a beat.

"That should be it." A sinister smile appeared on the black dragon's lips. "And his cultivation is not weak; he seems to be in the late Foundation Establishment stage."

"Late Foundation Establishment stage?" A hint of excitement flashed in Qi Yang's eyes. "To send a late Foundation Establishment stage expert to monitor him, he must be an important person."

"Should we catch it and take a look?" Blood Eagle was eager to try.

"Of course we should arrest them," Qi Yang said without hesitation. "Since they've delivered themselves to our doorstep, there's no reason not to take them."

The three quietly circled around to the mountain peak, preparing to capture the watcher in one fell swoop.

Meanwhile, Zheng Chengbai, atop the mountain, was unaware that he had been exposed.

He was ordered by the clan leader to monitor the movements of the Blood Fiend Sect. Recently, the Blood Fiend Sect had been engaging in some unusual activities, seemingly in contact with certain forces, so Zheng Tianhao sent him to conduct on-site reconnaissance.

"The Blood Fiend Sect hasn't made any unusual moves these past few days, so it seems the intelligence was wrong." Zheng Chengbai observed the direction of the Blood Fiend Sect's mountain gate through his binoculars. "Observe for another day. If we still don't find anything, we'll go back and report."

Just then, he suddenly sensed something was wrong.

As a cultivator who had experienced numerous life-or-death battles, Zheng Chengbai possessed a keen intuition for danger. This feeling told him that danger was approaching.

"An enemy?" Zheng Chengbai immediately put away his binoculars and quietly retreated.

But just as he was about to leave, a blood-red figure descended from the sky and blocked his path.

"Trying to leave? Too late." Blood Eagle appeared in front of Zheng Chengbai with a cold smile.

Zheng Chengbai was startled, immediately recognizing that the person before him was no ordinary individual. The aura emanating from the other person was definitely that of a Golden Core cultivator!

"Who are you? Why are you blocking my way?" Zheng Chengbai asked, forcing himself to remain calm.

"Who is it?" Blood Eagle sneered. "What use is so much knowledge to a dying man?"

As she spoke, she began to circulate her demonic power, preparing to make her move.

Seeing this, Zheng Chengbai knew he was doomed. But he wasn't one to sit idly by and wait for death. He immediately used the movement technique taught to him by Zheng Yi to try and break through the encirclement.

"Flowing Light and Shadow Step!"

Zheng Chengbai's figure instantly became ethereal, flying down the mountain like a ghost.

But Blood Eagle was faster and caught up almost at the same time.

"Bloodwing Wind Chaser!"

She spread her blood-red wings, her speed increased dramatically, and she caught up with Zheng Chengbai in the blink of an eye.

Sharp claws reached for Zheng Chengbai's back, accompanied by a whistling sound.

Zheng Chengbai didn't have time to turn around, so he could only rely on his instinct to dodge to the left.

"Rip!"

The claws grazed his shoulder, leaving several deep scratches on his clothes.

"That was close!" Zheng Chengbai was secretly shocked; the opponent's strength was even greater than he had imagined.

But before he could regain his footing, another attack came from the side.

The black dragon appeared to his left at some point, its hand gathering dark green poisonous mist, which enveloped him.

"Covered in poisonous fog!"

The poisonous fog instantly enveloped Zheng Chengbai, and the stench made him frown.

Even more terrifying is that this poisonous fog seems to be able to corrode spiritual energy; his protective spiritual energy began to dissipate rapidly after coming into contact with the fog.

"Damn it! What kind of poison is this?!" Zheng Chengbai exclaimed in shock.

He quickly held his breath and circulated his spiritual energy to try to dispel the corrosive effects of the poisonous fog.

But the Black Dragon's poisonous skills were so formidable that a Foundation Establishment cultivator like him could not easily withstand them.

Soon, Zheng Chengbai felt dizzy and his movements became sluggish.

"Now you know how powerful it is?" the black dragon sneered. "My poisonous mist specifically targets a cultivator's meridians. Once hit, forget about fighting, you won't even be able to escape."

"Who exactly are you people?" Zheng Chengbai asked through gritted teeth.

"Still talking so much even when you're about to die," Bloodhawk said impatiently. "Just finish him off already."

As she spoke, she was about to strike.

"Wait," Qi Yang's voice came from afar, "Don't kill him yet, I need to see who this person is."

Qi Yang strode over and carefully examined Zheng Chengbai.

Although his face was somewhat bluish due to poisoning, Zheng Chengbai's facial features were still very distinct. Moreover, the clothes he was wearing were clearly the Zheng family's standard attire.

"Interesting, they're actually from the Zheng family." A gleam of surprise flashed in Qi Yang's eyes. "And they seem to be of high status."

"The Zheng family?" Blood Eagle and Black Dragon both became interested.

"That's right, and if I'm not mistaken," Qi Yang carefully recalled the information about the Zheng family, "this should be Zheng Chengbai!"

"Zheng Chengbai?" Blood Eagle asked疑惑地, "Is this person important?"

"Of course he's important!" Qi Yang said excitedly. "This guy is a key figure in the Zheng family. He once single-handedly subdued both the Green Leaf Valley and the Heavenly Serpent Sect's branch. And it's said he's deeply favored by the Zheng family's patriarch."

"That important?" Black Dragon also became interested. "Wouldn't capturing him mean making a fortune?"

"It's not just making a fortune, it's like winning the lottery!" Qi Yang was so excited he almost jumped up.

He originally only intended to win over the Blood Fiend Sect, but unexpectedly encountered Zheng Chengbai on the way. This was simply a godsend!
"You...you are Qi Yang!" Although Zheng Chengbai was poisoned, she was still quite lucid and recognized Qi Yang's identity.

"Oh, you still recognize me," Qi Yang sneered. "Zheng Chengbai, I didn't expect we'd meet here."

"What do you want?" Zheng Chengbai asked warily. "What do I want?" Qi Yang laughed heartily, "Of course, I want to invite you to be a guest of our Demon Heart Sect."

"Don't even think about it!" Zheng Chengbai gritted his teeth. "Even if I die, I won't let you succeed!"

"Die? Who said you were going to die?" Qi Yang waved his hand and said, "How could I bear to let such an important hostage like you die?"

As he spoke, he gave the black dragon a wink.

The black dragon understood and immediately increased the concentration of the poisonous fog.

The stronger toxicity made Zheng Chengbai unable to hold on any longer, and he fainted after everything went black.

"Done." The black dragon dispelled the poisonous mist. "This guy will be unconscious for at least a day and a night."

"Very good." Qi Yang nodded in satisfaction. "This is truly a pleasant surprise."

"Are we still going to the Blood Fiend Sect?" Blood Eagle asked.

"Of course we'll go!" Qi Yang's eyes gleamed. "And now that we have Zheng Chengbai as leverage, the Blood Fiend Sect won't dare to refuse us so easily."

The three of them carried the unconscious Zheng Chengbai and continued their journey toward the Blood Fiend Sect.

Qi Yang was in an extremely pleasant mood throughout the journey.

Capturing Zheng Chengbai means they have gained a crucial trump card in their confrontation with the Zheng family.

Whether used to threaten the Zheng family or to exchange for something, Zheng Chengbai's value is immeasurable.

"With this guy, our chances of success have increased even more," Qi Yang thought to himself.

Soon, they arrived at the gate of the Blood Fiend Sect.

The Blood Fiend Sect's mountain gate was much more magnificent than the Heavenly Serpent Sect's, decorated with blood-red hues everywhere, giving it a chilling and menacing feel.

"Who goes there?" the gatekeeper shouted sternly.

"Qi Yang, the sect leader of the Demon Heart Sect, has come to pay his respects to Sect Master Xue Wuyai," Qi Yang replied loudly.

Upon hearing Qi Yang's name, the gatekeeper's expression immediately changed.

Qi Yang is currently enjoying great popularity in the cultivation world. Although his reputation is not good, his strength should not be underestimated.

"Sect Master Qi, please wait a moment, I'll go inform the Sect Master." The gatekeeper disciple hurriedly ran into the mountain gate.

A short while later, an elder from the Blood Fiend Sect came out.

"Sect Master Qi, I've long admired your name." This elder's attitude was somewhat better than that of the Heavenly Serpent Sect. "The Sect Master requests your presence; please follow me."

Led by the elder, the three entered the Blood Fiend Sect.

The Blood Fiend Sect's architectural style is very distinctive, with blood-red decorations everywhere, and even the air is filled with a faint smell of blood.

For Qi Yang, who cultivates bloodline techniques, this environment actually felt familiar.

Soon, they arrived at the Blood Fiend Sect's council hall.

Xue Wuyai was already waiting there. He was a middle-aged man in his fifties, with a robust build, ruddy complexion, and shrewd glint in his eyes.

Several elders of the Blood Fiend Sect stood beside him.

"Sect Leader Qi, it's been a long time." Xue Wuyai stood up to greet him, his attitude being more enthusiastic than that of Poisonous Serpent Lord.

"Sect Leader Blood, you're too kind," Qi Yang returned the greeting with a cupped hand. "It's been a long time; Sect Leader Blood, your cultivation has improved once again."

"Not at all, not at all. Compared to Sect Master Qi, I am far inferior," Xue Wuyai said politely, then turned his gaze to Xue Ying and Hei Jiao, "And these two are?"

"These are Fairy Blood Eagle and Fellow Daoist Black Flood Dragon," Qi Yang introduced. "They are both senior masters with unfathomable strength."

Xue Wuyai carefully examined the two of them, secretly surprised.

With his keen eyesight, he could naturally tell that both of them were experts at the Golden Core stage, and that their auras were extremely dangerous.

Qi Yang was able to invite two experts at the Golden Core stage to help him, so it seems he does have some trump cards up his sleeve.

"Please sit down, please sit down." Xue Wuyai warmly invited everyone to take their seats.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Qi Yang prepared to get down to business.

But just then, hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside.

"Sect Master! Sect Master! Something's happened!" A disciple rushed in in a panic.

"What's the matter that you're in such a panic?" Xue Wuyai scolded with displeasure.

"Sect Master, the Zheng family has arrived!" the disciple said breathlessly. "The leader is Zheng Tianhao, and he's brought many experts with him!"

"What?!" Xue Wuyai's expression changed drastically. "Zheng Tianhao has come in person?"

Qi Yang was also shocked when he heard the news.

Why would Zheng Tianhao come to the Blood Fiend Sect at this time? Could it be because of Zheng Chengbai?

But he quickly realized that Zheng Chengbai was operating in secret, and the Zheng family couldn't have discovered his disappearance so quickly.

So Zheng Tianhao's visit to the Blood Fiend Sect is likely for other reasons.

"Interesting." Qi Yang sneered. "Sect Master Xue, it seems today will be quite lively."

Xue Wuya's forehead began to sweat.

Qi Yang had just arrived when Zheng Tianhao showed up, leaving him caught in the middle, unable to move forward or backward.

"Sect Master, Zheng Tianhao says he wants to see you, and his attitude is very firm," the disciple continued to report.

“Let him wait,” Xue Wuyai said through gritted teeth. “Just say I’m entertaining important guests.”

"But Sect Master, Zheng Tianhao said that if you don't go out to see him immediately, he's going to break in."

Upon hearing this, Xue Wuyai's expression turned even more unpleasant.

Zheng Tianhao is forcing him to make a statement.

"Sect Leader Xue, why don't we go out and meet this Clan Chief Zheng?" Qi Yang suddenly suggested.

"Xue Wuyai hesitated."

"What? You dare not?" Qi Yang provoked. "Or has the Blood Sect Master already sided with the Zheng family?"

"Nonsense!" Xue Wuyai roared. "How could my Blood Fiend Sect easily submit to another?"

“Then let’s go out and take a look.” Qi Yang stood up. “I want to see what this Chief Zheng is capable of.”

Xue Wuyai knew that he had been outmaneuvered by Qi Yang, but he had no choice but to grit his teeth and deal with it.

"Alright! Let's go out and meet him together!" Xue Wuya said through gritted teeth.

at the same time.

Inside the time acceleration array on the third level of the Cloud Rising Cave.

Zhang Yunfan sat cross-legged, his spiritual energy circulating slowly around him. Under the effect of the time acceleration array, although only three months had passed outside, he had been cultivating here for nearly three years.

For the past three years, he has been practicing the cultivation techniques taught to him by Zheng Yi day and night, and with the nourishment of the spiritual spring, his cultivation has steadily improved. From the ninth level of Qi Refining to the Great Perfection of Qi Refining, and now he is only a step away from the Foundation Establishment stage.

"Hoo," Zhang Yunfan slowly opened his eyes and exhaled a long breath.

He could sense that his cultivation level had reached a critical point. The spiritual energy in his dantian churned and surged like boiling water, poised for a qualitative change at any moment. (End of Chapter)