Chinese animation: Starting with Bad Guys

The white, comical mask on Wang Quanba's face was particularly glaring in the sunlight, creating an incredibly ironic contrast with his current state.

The sunlight shone down, but it could not dispel the boundless chill and fear that enveloped their hearts.

The vision of that "future" was so real and so horrific that they couldn't harbor even the slightest doubt.

Is the area outside the circle such a terrifying and desolate place?

Time seemed to stand still for a long time.

Finally, Li Quzhuo struggled, his trembling hand adjusting the comical monkey mask on his face, his voice hoarse and dry, carrying an unprecedented heaviness:

“He…he showed us…what would happen if we went out now…”

"We...are really...far behind..."

Deng Qiyue's voice was choked with sobs; his once-proud, immovable body was as fragile as paper in that illusion.

"elder brother……"

Wang Quanzui looked worriedly at Wang Quanba Ye, who was curled up on the ground, clutching his mask tightly.

Wang Quanba's body trembled violently, and he slowly raised his head. His eyes, hidden beneath the white comical mask, were bloodshot and filled with pain and struggle.

But Qin Chuan's four words, "destruction before construction," burned stubbornly like a spark in his consciousness, which was on the verge of darkness.

He struggled to his feet, supporting his swaying body, and looked around at his brothers and sisters who were equally disheveled and whose eyes were filled with fear and uncertainty.

Beneath those familiar masks lie souls whose perceptions and pride have been utterly shattered.

"Qingyun Sect..."

Wang Quanba's voice was terribly hoarse, each word sounding as if it were ground from sand, yet carrying a resolute quality:

"Go to Qingyun Sect... and start all over again!"

There were no grand pronouncements, no passionate speeches.

There is only one kind of heavy determination after one's pride has been crushed by reality and one has learned a painful lesson.

This suggestion was immediately met with tacit approval from everyone.

Their pride and confidence were utterly shattered by Qin Chuan's incomprehensible strike and the horrific vision of the future.

They need answers, they need strength, they need to understand the horrors "outside the circle," and even more so, they need to prevent the inevitable tragedy.

And the starting point of all this may lie in that seemingly ordinary Qingyun Peak, which produced the "clumsy" peak of Qin Li and the unfathomable existence of Qin Chuan.

Ten figures, supporting each other, carrying broken hearts and heavy confusion, walked slowly towards Qingyun Mountain with faltering steps but unwavering determination.

The sunlight stretched their shadows long, as if they were carrying the heavy shadow of the entire future.

The masks on their faces are no longer symbols of mystery and individuality, but rather a barrier to conceal their wounds and confusion.

Especially the pure white comical mask on Wang Quanba's face, after experiencing that mental shock, revealed a sense of sorrow and determination.

The path to success will be the starting point for their rebirth.

Qin Chuan had already arrived at a small town located on the border between the Southern Kingdom and the human territory.

Chapter 24 Border Town, Eastern Sisters

A fine drizzle enveloped the border town, which was permeated with the atmosphere of death and decay.

On the muddy streets, the remains of low-level monsters could be seen everywhere. Broken limbs and dried, blackened blood mixed with rainwater, emitting a nauseating stench.

The air was as thick as solidified venom.

The town's only inn, its dim lights appearing especially lonely in the rain.

Dongfang Huaizhu, dressed in an elegant blue robe, with a cool and aloof demeanor like bamboo, held her younger sister Dongfang Qinlan's hand, followed by a timid-looking young apprentice carrying a medicine basket. The three of them walked slowly into the inn's lobby.

Inside the hall, the bonfire crackled, but it couldn't dispel the chill.

Three well-dressed and extraordinary young men occupied the main seats. They were none other than the well-known "Cold Jade Sword" Shi Tang, "Jade-Faced Wind Lord" Ximen Chuisha, and "Little Fire God" Chi Huo, all of whom were quite famous among the younger generation of the Dao Alliance.

Seeing that the Eastern sisters were exceptionally beautiful and had an ethereal air, and that they were also human, they put aside their arrogance and agreed to let them stay for the night, even instructing the innkeeper to bring them some hot food.

"Thank you, gentlemen."

Dongfang Huaizhu bowed gracefully, her voice clear and melodious, carrying a perfectly appropriate air of aloofness.

She pulled Dongfang Qinlan, who was still sulking and dissatisfied with the three people's critical gazes, and sat her down at a table a little further away.

The three men, Chi Huo, and Huo, sat down again, and after a few rounds of drinks, they started talking.

The topic quickly shifted from the "minor demons" killed along the way to the Dao Alliance's overall structure.

"In the past, the Dao Alliance only recognized the Wangquan and Dongfang families as the leaders."

Chi Huo took a swig of wine, a hint of melancholy in his voice:

"But now, Qingyun Peak is the true holy land of cultivation, transcending the mundane world, and even Wangquan Manor has to avoid its sharp edge."

Shi Tang spoke, his tone complex yet reverent:

"Yes, Qin Chuan, the head of the Qingyun Sect, is regarded as a half-master by cultivators throughout the land. He spreads his skills across the world, improves the sect's methods, and teaches without discrimination. What a magnanimous and broad-minded person he is..."

Even if a brilliant talent emerges out of nowhere, the status of Wangquan Manor remains unshakeable.

Ximen Chuisha waved his folding fan, feigning nonchalance:

"But the Dongfang family's Shenhuo Mountain Manor is now in decline. The old manor lord is seriously ill, and there is no successor... What a pity, what a pity, such a large family business is only supported by two daughters, and the family line has been cut off!"

"What did you say?!"

Although Dongfang Qinlan was young, she had a fiery temper. Upon hearing this, she slammed her hand on the table and was about to stand up.

She hated it most when people said that the Dongfang family had no successor!

Dongfang Huaizhu quickly grabbed her sister's wrist, shook her head slightly, and gestured for her to calm down.

Xiao Qinlan glared angrily at the three men, her cheeks puffed out like they were stuffed with steamed buns.

Just then, the creaking wooden door of the inn was pushed open again.

A figure stepped in, carried by the wind and rain.

The newcomer wore a gray-blue Taoist robe. Rainwater slid down his sharply defined profile, but did not wet his clothes at all.

He remained calm, his gaze sweeping across the hall, pausing briefly on the Eastern sisters before settling on the three people engaged in lively conversation.

"On the path of cultivation, the most important thing is one's character, followed by one's aptitude. What does it matter whether one is male or female?"

The newcomer's voice was gentle, yet possessed a strange penetrating power, easily drowning out the crackling of the campfire.

"Tushan Honghong, the leader of the four great demon emperors of the demon race, is she also a woman? Is her power perhaps inferior to that of a man?"

When Dongfang Huaizhu and Dongfang Qinlan saw the person's face clearly, their eyes flashed with astonishment and disbelief.

Qin Chuan, the leader of Qingyun Sect!

They had interacted with this legendary figure when they were young.

Chi Huo and the other two had never seen Qin Chuan's true face.

Seeing that this person was dressed simply, yet dared to address the Demon Emperor by name and seemed to be implying that he was going to teach them a lesson, they felt displeased.

"Who are you? Where do you come from? What is your purpose?"

Ximen Chuisha closed his folding fan, his tone scrutinizing and wary.

Shi Tang and Chi Huo also put down their wine glasses, their gazes becoming sharp.

Seeing the three of them acting so arrogantly, Dongfang Qinlan's big eyes flashed with a sly smile. She clung to her sister's arm, looking like she was waiting to see a good show.

Qin Chuan didn't care about their attitude, and simply reminded them:

"The opportunity for the three young masters to make a name for themselves has arrived. The 'little demons' you are meant to eliminate have already arrived, and there are quite a few of them."

Chi Huo and the other two were taken aback upon hearing this, and then their expressions changed slightly.

They were so engrossed in drinking and talking loudly that they didn't notice anything amiss immediately!

Upon careful sensing, a strong demonic aura was indeed mixed with the fishy smell of rain, and it was gathering from all directions!

With a low shout, Chi Huo and the three of them, no longer caring about Qin Chuan, suddenly stood up, their magical artifacts flashing, and rushed into the rain, fearing that if they were even half a step too slow, someone else would steal their credit.

The inn fell silent instantly, with only the sound of the campfire burning.

Dongfang Huaizhu immediately pulled her younger sister to her feet and gracefully bowed, saying, "Huaizhu greets Senior."

He was poised and spoke with respect.

"No need for formalities." Qin Chuan slightly raised his hand, and a gentle force lifted the two sisters up.

He looked at Dongfang Huaizhu, his gaze gentle yet concerned: "It's been many years since we last met. Has your father's health been deteriorating?"

Mentioning her father, a look of worry immediately settled on Dongfang Huaizhu's beautiful face, and she sighed softly:

“Senior has insightful eyes. My father is seriously ill, and his condition has worsened in recent years. My sisters and I have ventured to this southern border because we have heard that there may be some rare spiritual herbs here. We want to try our luck and hope that they can help our father.”

The young apprentice behind her nodded quickly.

The look of understanding in Qin Chuan's eyes deepened.

Sure enough, Dongfang Guyue's time to die was not far off, and the disaster of Jin Renfeng murdering his master and usurping the throne was also imminent.

He hesitated for a moment, then solemnly said, "Your father was so generous in the past, gifting me a wisp of pure Yang Flame essence for me to comprehend. I, Qin Chuan, have always remembered this kindness. The affairs of the Dongfang family are my affairs, Qin Chuan's affairs. Your father's health, and..."

He paused, his gaze deep, "I will do my best to resolve the difficulties both inside and outside the manor."

Upon hearing this, Dongfang Huaizhu felt a warmth in her heart, and her eyes reddened slightly.

Although she didn't know the specifics of the "dilemma inside and outside the manor" that Qin Chuan was referring to, the promise from the Qingyun Sect Leader was of immense weight, giving her a glimmer of hope amidst the gloom of her father's serious illness.

"Thank you very much, senior! Huai Zhu thanks you on behalf of my father!"

She bowed deeply once again.

Even Dongfang Qinlan, who had always harbored a slight resentment towards Qin Chuan for "stealing her father's thunder," was now filled with gratitude on her little face.

Just then, a violent surge of magical energy and shouts came from outside the inn!

Ximen Chuisha's sharp voice pierced through the rain: "You dare to be so arrogant with mere poisonous smoke? Watch me sweep it away like a whirlwind!"

A powerful whirlwind suddenly exploded in the center of the town. The violent wind, like a runaway beast, instantly stirred and dispersed the pervasive toxic smoke!