From Five Animal Exercises to being hailed as a saint and ancestor

The flickering candlelight illuminated three faces with different expressions in Shangguan Hong's room.

The arrival of Luo Wuyai, the Seventh Lord of the Underworld, brought crucial intelligence.

This makes the situation clearer, and also more serious.

"Chiyan Army Lord, Chixiao."

When Luo Wuyai uttered this name, a rare, cold flame flickered in his empty, sorrowful eyes.

It was a complex emotion intertwined with deep-seated hatred and fear.

"One of the black-robed deacons of the Heavenly Dao Sect, and the most beloved disciple of Lin Shouzhen, the former master of the black-robed Daoist sect, 'Sword Master Mingxin'."

He spoke slowly, his voice like that of someone recounting an ancient and cruel legend.

"The Sword Master of the Bright Heart, a great power in the Throne Dao Realm, was upright and incorruptible throughout his life, taking it upon himself to protect the order of the Heavenly Dao Sect and punish evil."

"In his eyes, the Heavenly Dao Sect is the only truth and light in this world, perfect and beyond question."

"Chixiao was once his most cherished disciple, with exceptional talent and extraordinary genius."

"However, Chi Xiao harbors a near-mad desire to explore the essence of life deep within his bones."

"He was obsessed with all sorts of forbidden human experiments, trying to break the boundaries of life and create 'perfect' beings."

"The cruelty of their methods and the ruthlessness of their actions are appalling."

Luo Wuyai's gaze swept over Shi Mang, who was sitting quietly to the side. The giant felt the gaze and his body trembled almost imperceptibly, a flash of instinctive fear in his eyes.

"Shi Mang was one of the victims who unfortunately fell into his hands in his early years."

Luo Wuyai's voice carried a hint of sorrow.

"Chixiao repeatedly refused to change his ways and ultimately went completely against the ideals of his master, Mingxin Sword Master, who believed in 'protecting order and respecting life'."

"Although the Sword Master Mingxin was heartbroken, he could no longer tolerate him."

"Therefore, he was banished from the Central Divine Realm and exiled to this eastern border region."

"However, thanks to his background and his own abilities, Chixiao quickly gained a foothold here."

"He became the commander of the Crimson Flame Army, one of the thirty-six armies of the Great Xia Dynasty, whose power was immense and uncontrollable."

"His strength has reached the Nascent Soul Realm. What's even more terrifying is that he has used the results of countless crazy researches on himself."

"This made him a powerful figure with almost no weaknesses, whose combat strength far surpassed that of his peers, and whose temperament became increasingly cruel and inhuman."

"He is a complete madman who treats human life as worthless."

"Recently, a large number of talented young people from Baiwei City have gone missing, including several of them who were favored by me, the Underworld."

"The prison lord suspected that this matter might be related to Chi Xiao, so ten days ago, the prison lord sent Shi Mang and me here to investigate, which was also to give Shi Mang and me a chance to take revenge."

"According to our investigation, this matter is indeed related to Chi Xiao, and he seems to be researching something again."

"A large amount of experimental materials were needed, which is why many young talents were captured."

Luo Wuyai paused, then continued.

"However, because Baiwei City Lord Zhang Xinghan launched an investigation into the matter, he ordered the city guards to strictly guard the city gates and rigorously check people entering and leaving."

"They also cannot easily take those materials out of the city."

"After all, the City Lord's Mansion is the true ruler of Baiwei City."

"Furthermore, Chi Xiao does not want the news of his forbidden experiments to reach the ears of Mingxin Sword Master."

"Therefore, every five days, Chi Xiao would personally come to Baiwei City to keep the city lord Zhang Xinghan occupied."

"His disciples would create chaos to distract the city guards, and then take advantage of the chaos to transport materials out of the city."

"Tomorrow is the next day for delivering materials."

"As for those detained, they are currently being held in the basement of a brothel called 'The Money-Sucking Cave' within the city; it's one of Chi Xiao's properties."

"By the way, this 'Guests Come in droves' is also one of Chi Xiao's properties."

Just then, a tiny insect, the size of a grain of rice and as clear as jade, crawled to Shangguan Hong's ear. Shangguan Hong's heart stirred slightly, and his eyes flickered.

Luo Wuyai looked at Shangguan Hong calmly.

Suddenly, Shangguan Hong spoke up.

"The informant you mentioned is that fourteen or fifteen-year-old girl."

He then sighed and continued.

"Making such young children do such dangerous things, you underworld beings really will stop at nothing to achieve your goals."

"It seems there are some fearless disciples among the disciples of Qinglu Academy! Let me guess, could it be that kid Yao Mengkang that the Prison Master mentioned?"

Shangguan Hong did not answer Luo Wuyai's question, but pondered for a moment, as if he had figured something out.

He spoke calmly.

"So, Chixiao isn't in the city."

Shangguan Hong glanced at the Fifth Prison Master, "Shi Mang," and continued speaking.

"With Chixiao gone, the Stone Prison Master alone can rescue all the trapped young talents. Why don't you just attack that den of iniquity?"

"Although there must be powerful figures guarding this den of iniquity, it shouldn't be too difficult for the two of you!"

"That's right. Saving a few young people wouldn't be difficult, but what about after that?"

"As long as Chixiao is still alive, Baiwei City will never have peace."

Shangguan Hong's expression turned extremely grave upon hearing this. "Netherworld Prison" actually wanted to solve the problem once and for all? How dare they!

Chi Xiao is a Nascent Soul expert. Even though Shi Mang is also at the Nascent Soul level, he was defeated by Chi Xiao. In addition, the 50,000 Chi Yan Army are eyeing him covetously.

How can I kill him?

Although Luo Wuyai noticed that Shangguan Hong's expression was different, he did not pay attention to it or offer any further explanation. Instead, he continued speaking to himself.

"Chixiao has been operating in this place for many years and has five personal disciples, all of whom have received his true teachings."

"And it has also been 'modified' by various means, so its strength should not be underestimated."

"The eldest disciple, Yan Jin, has long been stationed at the Crimson Flame Army camp, and his cultivation level is at the Purple Mansion Realm."

"The one confronting Vice Dean Shangguan with his imposing manner is him."

"Second disciple Zhao Xiaoman,"

When Luo Wuyai mentioned this name, his tone was somewhat unusual.

"This woman is a fervent admirer of Chi Xiao, willing to give everything for him, and her strength is at the Purple Mansion Realm."

"She runs a brothel known as the 'Golden Den.' She has inherited some of Chi Xiao's true skills in illusion and soul manipulation, making her extremely difficult to deal with."

"The third disciple, Han Li, the fourth disciple, Sun Miao, and the fifth disciple, Tu Yao, are all in the city providing support, and all of them are at the Yuan Dan realm."

"But just like their master, they have also been implanted with all sorts of strange things by Chi Xiao, and their true combat strength is far beyond what they appear to be at.

After listening to the other side's description, Shangguan Hong quickly assessed his own strength:

Shi Mang (Fifth Prison Lord): Primordial Spirit Realm.

Its power is terrifyingly unparalleled; one force can overcome ten techniques, and almost no one in the same realm can withstand its "Mountain-Shaking Axe".

However, their methods are relatively simple, their intelligence is not high, and they are easily taken advantage of by trickery.

They have a blood feud with Chixiao, so their fighting spirit is beyond doubt.

Luo Wuyai (Seventh Prison Master): Purple Mansion Realm.

Its "Sorrowful Soul Sword Path" is unpredictable and specializes in attacking the soul, making it virtually invincible within the Purple Mansion.

Shangguan Hong (Vice Dean): Purple Mansion Realm. With a solid foundation and rich experience, he is among the strongest in the Purple Mansion Realm.

Zhang Xinghan (City Lord): Peak of the Divine Bridge Realm. He is considered one of the best in his realm, but there is a huge gap between him and those at the Purple Mansion or Primordial Spirit levels.

Qin Feng (Elder): Yuan Dan Realm. His true combat strength is comparable to that of an ordinary early-stage Divine Bridge Realm cultivator, making him an important backbone force.

In terms of high-end combat capabilities, our side is clearly at a disadvantage!

The opposing team consists of Chi Xiao, a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator; two disciples at the Purple Mansion Realm; and three disciples whose strength far surpasses that of ordinary Divine Bridge cultivators.

On their side, only Shi Mang could barely hold back Chi Xiao, while Luo Wuyai and Shangguan Hong had to deal with two disciples at the Purple Mansion Realm.

Zhang Xinghan, Qin Feng, and the five deacons will face three modified Yuan Dan realm cultivators and other potential Crimson Flame Army experts, putting them under immense pressure!

Luo Wuyai looked at Shangguan Hong's furrowed brows, understood his worries, and spoke.

"A direct confrontation is unlikely to succeed. Therefore, we need strategy, and we also need... assistance."

He looked at Shangguan Hong.

"My identity in the Underworld is sensitive, and it's inconvenient for me to have open contact with the City Lord's Mansion. There are some matters that require Dean Shangguan's intervention."

"First, we must persuade the city lord Zhang Xinghan to use all his credible connections to find at least one more expert at the Divine Bridge Realm to help us and share the burden."

"Secondly," a calculating glint flashed in Luo Wuyai's eyes.

"Please inform Zhang Xinghan so that he can make preparations for the 'reception'."

"Seven days ago, my Netherworld used special channels to forge his seal and handwriting and sent a secret letter requesting assistance to the Great Xia Royal City."

"Judging by the time, the envoy sent by the royal city should arrive in Baiwei City tomorrow!"

Upon hearing this, a glint flashed in Shangguan Hong's eyes!

These seven hell lords are indeed exceptionally intelligent!

If the royal messenger arrives, the Crimson Flame Army will no longer dare to openly aid and abet the tyrant.

They might even be hampered by charges such as "unauthorized mobilization of troops to threaten the academy"!

At that time, they will mainly face Chi Xiao and his five disciples, greatly reducing their pressure!

"The Crimson Flame Army will be no match for us then!" Luo Wuyai said confidently.

Shangguan Hong took a deep breath, having already made up his mind.

The preparations for the underworld were far more thorough than he had imagined.

Although cooperating with the Underworld is tantamount to seeking help from a tiger, it is currently the best way to rescue the disciple and thwart Chixiao's conspiracy.

"Alright!" Shangguan Hong said in a deep voice.

"I'll go and communicate with Zhang Xinghan."

"Seventh Prison Lord, regarding the specific details of the operation, how should we deal with Zhao Xiaoman's illusions?"

"We need a more comprehensive plan to ensure the safety of our Qinglu Academy disciples and other trapped individuals."

His gaze sharpened, and a meticulously planned siege against the Nascent Soul Realm expert and his cronies began to unfold quietly within this small guest room.

Although the enemy is strong, we are not without a chance of victory!