Chapter 276: Qing Luo Demon Flame

Lin Zixiao's true face appeared.

In an instant, torrents of pitch-black demonic energy churned and surged around him, as if ready to swallow anyone whole.

At the same time, a massive spiritual pressure of Foundation Establishment peak suddenly descended, far surpassing that of Muhe Laogui and the others.

Even among Foundation Establishment peak, there are differences! Qin Ming's heart tightened—he feared this demon sect tyrant of the Wei state was merely one step away from breaking through to Golden Core.

This man's cunning, fortune, methods, and courage were among the very top Qin Ming had ever encountered among so many outstanding figures.

In midair.

Lin Zixiao emitted a murderous aura of mountains of corpses and seas of blood, causing the surrounding air to plummet to freezing.

Muhe Laogui, gazing at the shocking scene before him, spoke with grave expression: "Demon cultivator!"

The other two Foundation Establishment peak cultivators also went on high alert, secretly activating their magic power and clutching their most prized spirit artifacts.

"Hmph! Didn't expect you to be a demon cultivator! Were you just pretending to be weak, hiding your true cultivation, trying to lure us into a trap?" Muhe Laogui sneered, still shaken with lingering dread.

If not for Qin Ming exposing your identity, the three of you would've fallen for this demon's scheme! Lin Zixiao smiled faintly, dismissive: "Do you think I need a trap to deal with three useless sacks of rice and wine?"

"You're awfully full of yourself."

"If not for Qin Daoist here, the three of you wouldn't even warrant my attention."

Hearing this, Muhe Laogui's fury surged—he had never been spoken to like this since achieving Foundation Establishment peak.

"Hmph! So arrogant!"

"Aren't you just Foundation Establishment peak too?"

"No need for more words—I'll test your skill."

"I hope your mouth stays as hard after this!"

Muhe Laogui, relying on his numerical advantage, faced Lin Zixiao alone and showed no excessive fear—even against a demon sect cultivator like him.

He was a long-renowned Foundation Establishment peak master of the Liang state, and a cultivator who rose from the ranks of lone practitioners.

He had slain a handful of late-stage and peak Foundation Establishment cultivators, and held considerable confidence in his own strength.

Worst case, if he couldn't win, he could always flee!

They were all Foundation Establishment peak.

Could you possibly kill me instantly?

After weighing his options, Muhe Laogui struck first, channeling all his magic power to launch the Golden Serpent Shears—a spirit artifact—toward Lin Zixiao.

This high-grade second-rank spirit artifact, the Golden Serpent Shears, was obtained by Muhe from a secret realm, and had repeatedly proven devastating in past battles.

"How dare you disregard me? Utterly insolent!"

Before he could finish, the massive Golden Serpent Shears instantly crossed dozens of zhang, appearing above Lin Zixiao, unleashing twin golden beams ready to shear him apart.

But Lin Zixiao remained unmoved, only a mocking smirk curling at his lips.

Boom! He raised his hand and clenched the air! Boom! A cluster of cyan-black demonic flame suddenly materialized in his palm, then transformed into a ghostly creature with twin wings, lunging at the Golden Serpent Shears.

Instantly, countless black flames erupted, engulfing Muhe Laogui's Golden Serpent Shears.

In midair, the demonic flame exploded with crackling fury.

The high-grade second-rank spirit artifact, the Golden Serpent Shears, shrieked in agony under the demonic flame's burn! Muhe Laogui's face paled—he tried to recall the artifact, but was horrified to find his connection to it severed.

Before he could react, the demonic flame flashed violently, transforming into a storm of cyan-black flames that surrounded Muhe Laogui, cutting off his escape.

Muhe Laogui hastily pulled out a purple Fire-Repelling Pearl, channeling all his power to defend.

But the next instant, countless demonic flames pierced through his artifact's defense, instantly drowning and devouring him whole.

"Ahh!"

Muhe Laogui's body ignited with cyan-black demonic flame; no matter what technique he used, he could not extinguish the black fire. Then Lin Zixiao waved his hand—a black blade slashed through the air, severing the man's head.

From Muhe Laogui's attack to his instant death, only a few breaths had passed.

The other two Foundation Establishment peak cultivators had no time to react.

By the time they tried to save Muhe Laogui, his head and body were already separated. How could this be the work of a Foundation Establishment peak cultivator?! They were utterly terrified.

They exchanged a glance and immediately retreated, attempting to flee using their spirit artifacts.

But Lin Zixiao merely flicked his finger—a black array barrier instantly rose, forming a cage that enclosed everyone present.

"High-grade sealing array!"

The two Foundation Establishment peak cultivators froze, then unleashed two powerful spells, slamming them into the array.

Boom! Boom! Yet after the twin explosions, their full-force attacks vanished without a trace, like mud swallowed by an ocean.

"This—"

Only then did they realize this was no ordinary array—and Lin Zixiao was no ordinary demon cultivator.

But it was too late.

Lin Zixiao commanded the cyan-black demonic flame to transform into countless vengeful spirits, lunging at the two.

They desperately unleashed every technique they had, fighting to resist the eerie demonic flame.

"Qing Luo Demon Flame!"

Qin Ming watched as Lin Zixiao, wielding only a single demonic flame, slaughtered three Foundation Establishment peak cultivators like chickens and dogs.

He immediately recognized the origin of that terrifying flame in Lin Zixiao's hand.

It was one of the few second-rank demonic flames mentioned in the *Yuan Sha Zhong Mo Zhen Jing*.

Qing Luo Demon Flame was originally forged centuries ago by a notorious demon sect titan; after his death, it formed a demonic abyss where nothing grew within a hundred li.

For centuries, this flame had continuously absorbed the abyss's murderous energy, gaining sentience, devouring nearby life, and growing stronger.

The demonic flame could corrupt cultivators' spirit artifacts and directly burn their souls, stirring inner demons and illusions, making death excruciatingly cruel.

Moreover, the more souls it consumed, the stronger Qing Luo Demon Flame became.

"Judging by its power, Lin Zixiao must have already assimilated the soul essences of many Foundation Establishment cultivators."

"He's likely reached the high-grade second-rank heavenly demonic flame level."

"I never imagined Lin Zixiao had mastered such a terrifying flame."

Less than half a cup of tea had passed.

"Aaaah!"

The two Foundation Establishment peak cultivators quickly collapsed, engulfed and bound by Qing Luo Demon Flame, their faces twisted into madness.

The deepest demons hidden within their hearts were instantly awakened, causing them to turn on each other.

Puch! Puch! Lin Zixiao didn't hesitate—he slashed twice with black blades, sending two heads flying, sending them to their deaths.

He collected their storage bags, then slowly turned to Qin Ming with a smile: "With these three fools gone, it's quieter."

Lin Zixiao waved his hand, drawing the terrifying Qing Luo Demon Flame back into his palm, silently gazing at Qin Ming.

Qin Ming remained calm, spat out a pale blue flame that hovered in his palm.

He stared expressionlessly at Lin Zixiao: "Lin Daoist, haven't we not seen each other for a long time? Is this how you greet me—with a fight?"

(End of Chapter)