Summoning the Gods: Start by creating the Eternal Night.

He glanced around, and seeing the shocked expressions on everyone's faces, his smile grew even wider:

"That's why I didn't run away!"

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"

"As long as we welcome them into the city, nothing will happen."

"As long as we can cling to the Nine Nether Demon Sect, let alone protect White Cloud City..."

"It's not impossible for us to dominate the entire border of Qingzhou in the future, or even become one of the top forces in Qingzhou!"

"But Patriarch, what if those prestigious sects find out about our relationship with the Demonic Sect? Won't that be dangerous?" an elder asked.

"So this is a gamble!" Lin Hansheng's eyes gleamed. "If we win, the Lin family will soar to new heights! If we lose..."

He abruptly changed his tone, becoming fierce: "Anyone present who dares to utter the word 'retreat' will be treated as a traitor!"

After he finished speaking, the hall fell into a deathly silence.

Everyone stood there, stunned, their faces filled with shock.

No one expected that behind the Lin family's dominance of Baiyun City lay such a secret.

What was even more unexpected was that this patriarch's ambitions had long since extended beyond the confines of Baiyun City!

Just then, at the end of the official road outside the city, rolling demonic shadows, carrying a soaring murderous aura, appeared on the horizon.

Dark clouds loomed over the city, and demonic flames surged to the heavens.

Outside the main hall, the guards' terrified screams echoed:

"Master! Something terrible has happened! The demonic shadows are closing in!"

"What's the panic!"

Lin Hansheng sternly interrupted the guard's roar, his face showing no fear whatsoever, but rather a surge of excitement and determination.

He raised his hand to smooth out the wrinkles in his brocade robe caused by his anger, his eyes sharp as knives as he swept over the silent clansmen in the room.

"A bunch of bumpkins who've never seen the world!"

Lin Hansheng sneered, turned around and walked towards the exit of the hall.

"Follow me out of the city to welcome the esteemed master of the Demonic Sect!"

The crowd exchanged bewildered glances, their fear still lingering, but they were intimidated by the patriarch's confident demeanor.

Gritting their teeth, no one dared to disobey, and they all followed, their footsteps echoing haphazardly through the silent corridor.

The city gate slowly opened, and Lin Hansheng took the lead, leading the Lin family to stand by the official road outside the city.

The morning wind whipped up dust, making people's clothes flutter, while in the distance, a dark cloud that blotted out the sky was pressing down with a suffocating, demonic power.

Boo!

A sharp whistling sound tore through the air, and dark green miasma descended first.

With a swift movement, the Corruption Guardian landed on an open ground a hundred paces from the city gate.

He was surrounded by wisps of poisonous mist, and wherever he passed, the ground sizzled and billowed with black smoke.

Closely following behind was the Mad Monarch Protector.

He landed on both feet, and with a sudden clench of his bone claws, crushed the bluestone slab beneath his feet into powder.

His manic gaze swept over the respectfully standing Lin family members, a cruel smile curving his lips.

Behind him, dozens of disciples of the Demonic Sect filed out, each clad in black robes, exuding a menacing aura.

Only the Blood Fiend Elder, whose aura was the most terrifying, did not show himself.

Only a faint, blood-red pressure remained hidden deep within the clouds, like a lurking beast, coldly watching everything below.

Seeing this, Lin Hansheng became even more certain and quickly stepped forward.

He bowed deeply to the Mad Monarch Protector, his voice loud and clear, revealing a deliberate show of respect:

"Outer Sect Elder Lin Hansheng, leading the Lin family, respectfully welcomes the Mad Monarch Protector to White Cloud City!"

The Lin family elders and disciples behind him, though filled with fear, had no choice but to grit their teeth and bear it.

Following the bows and salutations, the uneven sounds of welcome seemed particularly faint under the shadow of the demonic power.

Mad Monarch Guardian raised an eyebrow, his bone claws twirling the short beard on his chin. He looked Lin Hansheng up and down, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes.

He vaguely remembered that obsequious figure from five years ago.

Unexpectedly, this person actually managed to gain a foothold in White Cloud City with the support of the Demonic Sect.

The Mad Lord let out a cold laugh, his voice hoarse and grating.

"You haven't forgotten how you got your status and position. At least you have some self-awareness."

"I wouldn't dare! I wouldn't dare!" Lin Hansheng said, trembling with fear.

The Corruption Protector spoke in a sinister tone, his fingertips, shrouded in poisonous mist, pointing towards the city gate:

"Enough with the nonsense, take us into town to rest for a while."

"Yes! Yes!"

Lin Hansheng quickly agreed, his face plastered with a fawning smile, and stepped aside to lead the way.

Soon everyone arrived at the Lin family residence, and Lin Hansheng spoke.

"Gentlemen, you have had a long journey. My humble abode has prepared simple wine and vegetarian dishes, as well as fine private rooms, where you may rest and recharge!"

After saying that, he quickly winked at someone behind him.

Several elders of the Lin family understood immediately and hurriedly left. Before long, they returned with a group of graceful women.

They were all beauties carefully selected from the Lin family. Although they looked timid, they still tried to remain calm and walked forward gracefully, carrying fragrant tea and fruit platters.

"Your journey must be arduous, Protector. These women were all carefully nurtured by my Lin family."

"He is skilled in both riding and playing the flute, which is perfect for keeping you two company and relieving your boredom."

Lin Hansheng bowed deeply, his tone full of flattery.

The Mad Monarch Protector's gaze swept over the women, the bloodlust in his eyes fading slightly, replaced by a lewd glint.

He raised his hand and waved, a surge of demonic energy swept over, pulling two of the women to his side, and cackling eerily:

"Beautiful lady! Come! Let me see how well you play the flute."

He then looked at Lin Hansheng and said, "Well done! You may leave now!"

"Yes, yes, as long as you are satisfied, sir."

Seeing this, Lin Hansheng felt a great weight lifted from his heart, and his smile became even more solicitous as he bowed and left.

Deep within the Lin mansion, a banquet had already been laid out, with singing and dancing filling the air.

The gentle music was tinged with a faint, languid melody, drowned out by the noise, making it almost inaudible.

The Blood Fiend Elder, hidden in the clouds, watched the people playing below, but he himself had no interest.

His scarlet eyes were fixed on the direction of Qingzhou's heartland, his killing intent surging like a tide, as if he wanted to pierce through that entire world.

at the same time,

West of Qingzhou City, the stronghold of Xiyu Tower.

Yuan Tiangang, dressed in a plain-colored long robe, stood with his hands behind his back by the window of Tingyu Pavilion.

He twirled a black and white chess piece between his fingers, his gaze seemingly able to pierce through the towering mountains behind the stronghold.

At this moment, Yao Li led a dark figure into the hall.

Upon seeing Yuan Tiangang, the shadowy figure immediately knelt on one knee. The shadowy figure was none other than a spy from the Bad People's Bureau.

"General!"

News has arrived from Baiyun City that the Lin family has opened the city gates to welcome the arrival of the Nine Nether Demon Sect members.

"We are being treated with the utmost respect as honored guests. The members of the Nine Nether Demon Sect are resting and enjoying themselves at the Lin residence."

Yuan Tiangang paused slightly on the chess piece, a cold glint flashing in his eyes, but he didn't turn around, only speaking calmly:

"Continue to observe them remotely and keep a close eye on their movements. Remember, do not reveal anything."

"Yes, sir!" the Bad Guy replied, and with a flash, disappeared into the stronghold.