Summoning the Gods: Start by creating the Eternal Night.

Cangzhou

Nine Netherworld Demon Sect.

Inside the Demon Palace, demonic energy surged, creating a chilling and sinister atmosphere.

The Blood Demon Ancestor sat high on the Demon Lord's throne, his crimson gaze sweeping across the area below.

Listening to Mo Tianchou's report on the Demon Extermination Conference at Jiulin Mountain, a cruel smile curled at the corner of his lips.

"The Demon Extermination Conference?" He scoffed, his voice hoarse and chilling.

"These juniors have quite the scheme, trying to wipe us all out before our cultivation has returned to its peak?"

Xue Wutian stood to the side, his body shrouded in bloody aura, his eyes flashing with a fierce light:

"Brother, it seems the lesson from back then wasn't profound enough; they haven't been scared enough yet."

"This so-called demon-slaying gathering is clearly aimed at us."

The Blood Demon Ancestor slowly rose, and with a flicker of his figure, he appeared in the hall.

"Even Qianlong couldn't completely kill me back then, and now these worthless chickens and dogs dare to presume to destroy demons?"

His eyes flashed with murderous intent: "Since they want to hold a conference, we'll play along."

"Let's secretly give them some fun first, so they'll know how terrifying the Nine Nether Demon Sect is!"

"At the same time, the 'Blood Soul Array' was set up in the Nine Nether Abyss."

"Once those so-called 'chivalrous heroes' gather in my Nine Nether Abyss, I will activate the grand formation to absorb all their life essence, helping us both return to our peak!"

"Great idea!" Xue Wutian chuckled sinisterly. "Perfect for letting them taste what it's like to be used as nourishment!"

"Hahaha……"

Two wild laughs echoed through the demon palace, intertwining with the surging demonic energy, as if foreshadowing an impending bloody catastrophe.

……

The Great Qian Dynasty

The Imperial Palace, Zichen Hall.

"Your Majesty, all invitations to heroes have been sent, and most forces have clearly stated that they will participate in the Demon Extermination Conference to jointly punish the Nine Nether Demon Sect."

The chief priest in charge of distributing the invitations bowed respectfully as he reported the news.

Qian Tian sat upright on the dragon throne, his gaze calm: "Among the top powers, are there any who are unwilling to participate?"

The Grand Master replied, "Your Majesty, the Wanfo Temple, the Xuanming Sect, the Qingyun Sect, and the Xuanqing Taoism have all agreed."

"Only the Star Pavilion has not yet replied; we don't know if they will come."

"Star Pavilion..." Qian Tian pondered for a moment. This force hidden behind the black market had always been mysterious, so their silence was to be expected.

"It doesn't matter, whether they come or not won't make much difference."

He looked at the Grand Elder: "You and the Commander of the Imperial Guards will lead your men to Jiulin Mountain to set up defenses. You must ensure the smooth running of the conference and prevent any mistakes."

"Your subject obeys the decree!" The Grand Master received the order and withdrew.

As the days passed and the eighth day of next month drew closer, the entire Eastern Region was abuzz with excitement.

Regardless of whether they received invitations to join the fight, countless cultivators rushed towards Jiulin Mountain, located at the border of Xuanzhou and Qianzhou.

Such a grand Demon-Slaying Assembly has not been seen for thousands of years. Everyone wanted to witness the splendor of the major forces and see this historic moment.

Meanwhile, the top powers remained calm and collected, knowing that given their status, they would naturally make their grand entrance last and did not need to set off in advance.

……

Xuanzhou, an ancient forest path leading to Jiulin Mountain.

A group of people were traveling along the ancient road, led by an old woman with a weathered face.

Behind him followed dozens of young women, each with a graceful figure; they were none other than the Jade Maiden Sect, a minor sect in Xuanzhou.

"Master, which major forces will be participating in this Demon-Slaying Conference? Who do you think will become the Demon-Slaying Alliance Leader?"

The youngest woman in the group asked curiously. Her name was Xiao Tiantian, and she was Shen Hanyan's most valued disciple. It was her first time traveling in the martial world, and she was full of curiosity about everything.

Shen Hanyan looked at her with a loving expression and smiled, "Most of the top forces in the Eastern Region will be present."

"As for the position of leader, it will most likely be decided between the Great Qian Dynasty and the Wanfo Temple."

Although the Jade Maiden Sect was only a small sect, Shen Hanyan had some understanding of the situation in the Eastern Region.

The reason for bringing her disciples out this time was to broaden their horizons, especially Little Sweetie, whom she saw as the hope for the rise of the Jade Maiden Sect, and she wanted her to gain more experience.

"This time you're out, remember not to wander around, observe more and talk less, understand?" Shen Hanyan instructed.

"Yes, Master," Little Sweetie replied obediently.

Just then, a strange laugh suddenly came from the forest, eerie and chilling.

"Hehehe..."

"It seems this is the best you can do!"

Shen Hanyan's expression changed drastically, and she shouted sharply, "Who's playing tricks?!"

From the shadows of the forest, a group of men dressed in black slowly emerged, each exuding a chilling aura.

The leader was a burly man with a hideous scar on his face; he was none other than Black Wind Protector of the Nine Nether Demon Sect.

"I am Shen Hanyan, the Sect Master of the Jade Maiden Sect. May I ask who you are and why you are blocking our way?"

Shen Hanyan forced herself to remain calm and protected her disciple behind her.

Black Wind Guardian grinned, revealing a mouthful of yellow teeth:

"Jade Maiden Sect? Never heard of it. But judging by your delicate skin and tender flesh, your essence must be incredibly delicious!"

Shen Hanyan's heart sank, and she instantly understood the other party's identity—who else but a demonic cultivator from the Nine Nether Demon Sect would speak like that?

"Sweetie, take the junior sisters and run!"

Shen Hanyan acted decisively, drawing her longsword from her waist. "I'll hold them off!"

"Master!" Little Sweetie's eyes reddened.

"Run!" Shen Hanyan shouted angrily, swinging her sword towards the Black Wind Protector.

"Hehehe, trying to escape? Too late!" Black Wind Guardian sneered, raising his hand to toss a bottle-shaped magic weapon into the air.

The bottle spun in the air, emitting a powerful suction force.

"Kill!" The disciples of the Nine Nether Demon Sect attacked in unison, unleashing a variety of insidious moves at the Jade Maiden Sect members.

Screams rose and fell. The disciples of the Jade Maiden Sect were of low cultivation and no match for them. Several of them died in an instant.

The blood of the slain cultivators transformed into streaks of blood, which were absorbed by the treasure bottle in the air, making the bottle even more crimson.

Shen Hanyan's eyes were bloodshot with rage, but she was tightly bound by the Black Wind Protector and was unable to offer any assistance.

She watched her disciples fall one by one, her heart filled with despair.

"Hehehe," the Black Wind Protector licked his lips, his eyes filled with greed.

"As the sect leader, your essence and blood must be even more refined!"

He intensified his attack, and Shen Hanyan gradually became overwhelmed. She was struck in the chest with a palm, spat out a mouthful of blood, and collapsed to the ground.

The Black Wind Protector stepped forward, stomped on her chest, and sneered, "Prepare to die!"

Just then, Little Sweetie ran back at some point, holding a dagger in her hand, and stabbed Black Wind Guardian in the back.

"You are not allowed to hurt my master!"

"You're courting death!" Black Wind Guardian struck back with his palm, sending Little Sweetie flying. She coughed up blood, her fate unknown.

"Sweetie!" Shen Hanyan let out a mournful roar, tears of blood streaming from her eyes.

Without further ado, Black Wind Protector slammed a palm onto Shen Hanyan's crown.

As her breath ceased, the last trace of her essence was absorbed by the treasure bottle.

The forest returned to silence, leaving only the dried corpses scattered on the ground and the treasure bottle emitting an eerie red light.

Black Wind Protector put away the treasure bottle and disappeared into the forest with his subordinates, as if they had never existed.

Such tragedies did not only occur on this ancient road.

Similar scenes appeared on many roads leading to Jiulin Mountain, where countless cultivators from minor forces who went to attend the meeting were brutally murdered and turned into dried corpses.

However, these matters have had a relatively minor impact and have not yet attracted the attention of the major top powers.

The shadow of Jiulin Mountain has been spreading quietly without anyone noticing.