Chapter 117: The Venerable Lord's Identity! Suppress and Slay the Mo Blood Abyss!

Three days later.

About three hundred li east of Changping County, in a small grove beside an official road.

Lu Zhangsheng crouched silently behind a large tree, intently watching the intersection ahead.

In the past few days, he first went to the stronghold mentioned by Zhang Ji.

What struck him as odd was that inside, not a single person remained; it had long been deserted.

He couldn't help but suspect that the group had gone somewhere to carry out a mission.

Afterward, he came to wait by this official road, hoping to capture one or two cult spies.

Time flowed slowly.

Two hours later.

The sun slanted westward, casting scattered, mottled light through the dense forest.

Just as Lu Zhangsheng was preparing to leave and move to another location, a black figure suddenly appeared at the bend of the intersection ahead.

He took a close look.

He saw a young man sprinting quickly toward the front.

The man was tall and square-jawed, his eyes flashing with killing intent.

With each push of his steps, he covered several meters; his speed was not slow among Bone-forging Warriors.

「Whoosh—」

Lu Zhangsheng's expression shifted slightly; he immediately sprang from the undergrowth and lunged at the man like lightning.

「Who? 」

The man jerked his head toward the woods, but before he could react, a black shadow arrived instantly.

Then the shadow extended its arm and viciously struck the man on the back of the head.

「Hmm—」

With a muffled groan, the man collapsed onto the grass.

A moment later.

He slowly regained consciousness, looked up, and saw a pair of deep, sinister eyes.

He found himself lost in them.

「Why is the Xiao Zhuang stronghold empty of anyone? 」

「They all went to gather at One-Line Sky. 」

「Where is One-Line Sky? 」

「From here, heading northeast for about two hundred li…」

……

After a few breaths.

The young man's gaze gradually cleared.

「What did you do to me? 」

He looked at Lu Zhangsheng with a face full of terror, as if seeing a demon.

「Crack—」

Lu Zhangsheng wasted no words, grabbing the man's neck and twisting it hard.

Accompanied by a anguished scream, he snapped the man's neck cleanly.

After disposing of the corpse, he hurried toward One-Line Sky.

……

Two days later.

At noon.

Lu Zhangsheng stood still atop a tree canopy, silently gazing at a large canyon ahead.

Cliffs rose on both sides, while a narrow passage in the center stretched straight to the far distance.

In the middle of the passage, a large group of black-clad people stood on an open space, the atmosphere oppressive.

「This place is indeed hidden; it seems this gang of demons is planning something big. 」

Lu Zhangsheng's thoughts stirred slightly.

He jumped down from the canopy and strode forward.

Half a cup of tea's time passed.

Just as he stepped into the canyon entrance, a plump black-clad man happened to walk out from the side thicket.

「Huh… Brother Zhang, where have you been lately? 」

The man's face froze; he looked up at the approaching Lu Zhangsheng.

「I got a little injured while on a mission…」

Lu Zhangsheng lowered his voice, imitating Zhang Ji's tone.

With his ability, imitating a few everyday phrases was effortless.

Moreover, he recognized the man's identity; the fellow also had a nickname on the official wanted list.

This man was Wu Hailong, a mid-stage Bone-forging Warrior.

Wu Hailong, hearing this, had no suspicion.

For people like them who lick blood from blades, getting injured is just everyday fare.

The two were mere acquaintances, so he naturally didn't press further.

Lu Zhangsheng also knew that too many words lead to loss, so he said nothing more.

Closely following behind the other person, they walked toward the open space ahead.

Not long after.

The two soon arrived beside a large stone in the central open space, merging into the crowd.

All around were evil cult experts, endless killing intent intertwining, stirring up clouds of dust.

Lu Zhangsheng glanced over and thought, "What a bunch—most of them are wanted criminals."

Mo Xueyou was among them, located in the front area.

Not only that.

Eight of the Evil Cult's Ten Guardians appeared, each emanating a powerful aura.

Miao Qingfeng also stood as the last person on the right side.

A group of people stood silently in the open space, as if waiting for something.

Lu Zhangsheng also felt some doubt.

A large number of evil cult experts had gathered here—what exactly did they want? Time flowed slowly.

Another hour passed.

Just then, from the turn of the distant canyon, a red figure shot forth like lightning, charging toward the central open space.

With a single push of the feet, they covered over ten meters, their steps appearing extremely light.

In just a few breaths they arrived atop a large stone, their cold gaze sweeping the scene, full of oppressive pressure.

Lu Zhangsheng gave a slight glance.

The comer was a woman with an impressive figure, wearing a half-mask that obscured her features.

She wore a great red robe, her hair flowing like a waterfall to her waist, with several red ribbons on either side fluttering in the breeze, adding to her allure.

"This woman seems familiar to me."

In just an instant, Lu Zhangsheng became certain.

He was sure he had seen this woman somewhere before.

She gave him a strong sense of familiarity—knowing that a martial artist's memory is usually strong, such familiarity wouldn't arise for no reason.

"We greet the Supreme Master."

At that moment, the many figures on the field all bowed down, faces full of respect.

Lu Zhangsheng also blended into the crowd, unnoticeable.

His mind frantically recalled information about her.

In an instant, a figure rose in his mind.

"It's Zhao Yuanjing!"

"The top courtesan of the brothel!"

Lu Zhangsheng's pupils contracted, instantly confirming her identity.

From figure, clothing to bearing, she completely matched the Zhao Yuanjing he had seen.

When he first met Yue Shulan, this woman left a deep impression—her top-tier alluring technique could easily cause one to lose their mind.

I never expected her to hide so deeply, staying within the county town; she likely harbors a great secret.

Lu Zhangsheng's thoughts raced, yet his expression remained calm as water, fully restraining his aura.

He faintly sensed Zhao Yuanjing's strength, which was not inferior to that of several Vice Hall Masters.

She was also a top-tier expert who had achieved Perfected Embryonic Transformation.

"Today I have summoned you because the Holy Cult is about to undertake a major move."

Zhao Yuanjing exhaled a fragrance like orchids, her eyes seeming to hold a pool of spring water.

The many evil cult followers below couldn't help but feel dry-mouthed and hot-blooded; some even made a fool of themselves, directly getting an erection.

"This demoness's charm technique is incredibly strong—this is just her natural emanation."

Lu Zhangsheng felt quite wary, carefully suppressing the heat in his belly.

Zhao Yuanjing watched the crowd's reaction, smiling enchantingly, quite pleased in her heart.

She then spoke again: "In the coming years, all cult members will be led by the Ten Guardians, launching full‑scale attacks on the small towns surrounding the county."

"No one may be lax, otherwise they will face sect punishment."

"Each person must gather enough essence blood within the allotted time and turn it over to me."

Saying this, her tone was extremely stern, her eyes full of menace.

"We obey your command."

The crowd below all turned solemn, shouting in unison.

The sect's rules they dare not lightly test, for most have had gu worms planted in their minds, able only to serve the Holy Cult.

"It seems the other side's plan has reached a critical moment."

Lu Zhangsheng pondered.

But what evil art they cultivate, requiring so much essence blood, remains unknown.

Du Ling's internal anomaly likely couldn't consume that much either.

"Reporting to the Supreme Master, if we overly provoke the county officials, they might come out to do battle with us, and then..."

Just then, Miao Qingfeng stepped forward, clasped his hands, and showed respect.

He is only at the early Embryonic Transformation stage, far inferior to this Supreme Master.

The other few Guardians, hearing this, also looked doubtful.

This clearly does not align with their long‑hidden plan.

Now deploying Embryonic Transformation experts to besiege the small town will surely cause the situation to escalate sharply, making it hard to control.

No problem.

Zhao Yuanjing waved a hand, her expression indifferent.

Our plan with the authorities is nearly complete; we intend to force the enemy out of the city for a decisive battle.

I have also prepared two "grand gifts" for them.

As she spoke, a faint smile tugged at the corner of her mouth, her eyes lingering.

We accept the order.

Miao Qingfeng heard this and immediately fell back into the formation.

Lu Zhangsheng felt rather wary.

Of the two grand gifts mentioned, he knew one person well, who is inseparably linked with Du Ling.

The other person is much harder to guess.

Could it be that the upper echelons of the DemonSubduingOffice have been infiltrated?

Thinking that, an inexplicable chill rose from within his body.

If, at the critical moment of the decisive battle, a certain DemonSubduingOffice operative suddenly erupts in rebellion, the consequences would be unimaginable.

And if Du Ling, a ticking time bomb, were detonated at the County Office, chaos would be inevitable.

Having prepared for years, such a meticulous plan must be aimed at achieving some purpose.

While Qingning Prefecture City is preoccupied, we must devote all effort to breaching the county city.

Killer intent flared in Zhao Yuanjing's eyes, murderous aura rolling around her.

At this moment, she has been waiting for decades.

The demonic blood in her body was tainted precisely for the arrival of this day.

Swoosh…

Having said that, she vaulted forward in a single bound, racing away at extreme speed.

In a few flickers, she vanished from everyone's sight.

Numerous cult strongmen looked on with reverent awe at her departing figure.

Soon after, a group of cult strongmen quickly dispersed in all directions.

Lu Zhangsheng quietly followed behind Wu Hailong, moving forward.

The two soon arrived at the edge of a massive boulder, where dozens of figures already stood around.

Lu Zhangsheng glanced and saw Mo Xueyou and Miao Qingfeng positioned ahead. He was startled, having not expected them to be the direct superiors of this body.

Now that's convenient; after exiting the canyon, he can find a place to eliminate Mo Xueyou, sparing himself trouble.

All of you will besiege Taoyuan Town in ten days, with me personally leading the force.

Miao Qingfeng's eyes bore a chilling killer intent.

We accept the order.

Everyone around clasped their fists in salute repeatedly.

Then Miao Qingfeng turned and left, soon disappearing from everyone's sight.

Only a few blood‑exchange strongmen and a group of Bone-forging Warriors remained on the field.

Lu Zhangsheng and Wu Hailong both belong to Mo Xueyou's command.

"We will rendezvous at the original base in two days."

Mo Xueyou said lightly.

He then crossed his arms behind his back and strode forward.

During this time, he could be said to be riding the spring breeze, having brutally killed many official blood‑exchange strongmen, and the gloom brought by Ye Chen's pursuit gradually dissipated.

Since his demonic essence blood was re‑awakened within him, his standing in the Holy Sect has risen greatly.

The next Guardian will surely have a place of his own.

From now on, as long as we can capture Ye Chen and eliminate him, we can completely cleanse the past disgrace.

Everything is developing steadily toward a better direction.

Lu Zhangsheng slowly followed behind the group until they emerged from the canyon.

He immediately found a secluded dense forest.

Clack clack clack…

He then activated the Bone Shrinking Skill, his bones and muscles undergoing violent transformation.

In a short while, he again transformed into a tall young man.

Then Lu Zhangsheng triggered the Stepping Snow No Trace Light Skill, moving like lightning toward Mo Xueyou's direction.

He raced recklessly through the dense jungle.

Soon, he spotted Mo Xueyou's trail.

The person was sprinting ahead, apparently to carry out some mission.

Lu Zhangsheng did not rush to act; the cult strongmen had just dispersed, and there was no guarantee no one would pass by.

He would wait until reaching a hidden spot before making his move.

He cautiously trailed behind Mo Xueyou, swiftly moving through the forest.

After more than an hour.

The two had already moved far away from Yixian Tian Canyon.

Lu Zhangsheng kicked his foot, accelerating forward like a thunderclap.

In no time, he arrived not far behind Mo Xueyou.

At that moment, Mo Xueyou sensed the movement behind him and abruptly turned his head.

"It's you!"

"Haha… truly, after wearing out my iron shoes, I finally find you."

Upon seeing the arrival, Mo Xueyou's face was filled with wild joy.

I never expected to encounter his old rival in this desolate mountain ridge.

"You're practically asking for death, daring to come specially to cause trouble for me."

He's not stupid either; this Ye Chen must have come to search for me, which is why we ran into each other here.

"This place has beautiful scenery, perfect as your burial ground; I will cut off your head and preserve it."

Mo Xueyou stood with his hands behind his back, his expression calm.

It seemed as if victory was already in his grasp.

Since his demonic power surged again within his body, he no longer fears any Blood Exchange practitioner.

In the Blood Exchange realm, Mo Xueyou is an invincible existence.

It's obvious the opponent hasn't broken through to Embryonic Transformation; today he will surely die.

This is the confidence of a top-tier expert.

Seeing this, Lu Zhangsheng felt quite doubtful.

What gives him the confidence to be so sure he can suppress and kill me?

After he broke through to Blood Exchange Perfection, he had never yet gone all out; today is the perfect opportunity.

"Kill."

He no longer hesitated, quickly drawing his blade and slashing forward.

A fierce cold light flashed in the void, as if it could cleave everything, its momentum extremely astonishing.

In an instant, the blade's light neared Mo Xueyou, the killing intent firmly locked onto him.

With this strike, he unleashed the secret technique Three Fold Wave, his attack power reaching his personal limit.

"Die for me!"

Seeing such a fierce blade light, Mo Xueyou dared not delay and went all out.

His demonic power within surged wildly.

Instantly, blood-red patterns spread across his face, looking extremely sinister.

Murderous aura burst forth from his whole body, like a demon crawling out of hell.

He likewise raised his long blade and fiercely slashed forward.

Endless blood-colored blade light shuttle through the void, as if ghostly wails echoed all around.

"Boom—boom—boom…"

The two sides violently collided, fierce energy sweeping in all directions, surrounding flora flying about, a scene of utter chaos.

After that blow.

Mo Xueyou quickly retreated over ten meters, his sword‑hand still trembling, his face filled with astonishment.

"This is impossible! Are you human or ghost?"

That blow just now felt as if he had struck a great mountain.

A tremendous rebound force surged in, like waves, making it somewhat hard to withstand.

You must know, he had fully unleashed his inner demonic power, stronger than last time they clashed by a large margin.

Who would have thought, the result was the same as last time.

Lu Zhangsheng, however, stood firm in place, his expression nonchalant.

After that blow just now, he held the absolute advantage.

This person will surely die today.

"Kill."

Lu Zhangsheng raised his blade and charged again, his steps flashing like a ghost.

After a few flashes, he arrived before Mo Xueyou.

He raised the blade and slashed.

The fierce blade qi rubbed against the void, emitting successive sonic booms.

"Run."

Mo Xueyou's face full of fear, he slashed his blade forward.

"Boom—boom—boom…"

A rebound force surged in, and he actually quickly turned his head and retreated backward.

Without any hesitation, he directly chose to flee.

He knew he was no match for this person; continuing the fight would only lead to death.

Furthermore, before fleeing, he activated a distress signal; as long as he held on a moment, Miao Qingfeng would surely come to his rescue.

A strong will to survive surged in his heart, causing his momentum to rise steadily.

Lu Zhangsheng naturally would not let him have his wish.

He tightly followed behind him, his blade light swirling to encircle him completely.

The fierce blade light sliced against his opponent's black scales, emitting a piercing screech.

Mo Xueyou exerted his essence blood and demonic power to the utmost, barely holding on.

Despair grew ever stronger in his heart.

He simply couldn't fathom how, in just over a month, the opponent's power had surged so dramatically.

The two, one chasing and one fleeing, rushed toward the distant forest.

At this moment, some nearby cultists also noticed the abnormality, all looking shocked.

Is this Mo Xueyou?

He's actually been chased to this extent.

They had no idea of going forward to help; when experts of this level clash, even approaching means they can't withstand the spilled blade light.

That's practically suicide.

This mysterious expert is too terrifying; Mo Xueyou is probably done for.

A group of people turned pale, their hearts filled with extreme fear.

After Mo Xueyou unleashed the power of his demonic essence blood, in their eyes he was already invincible, yet now he actually looks like a stray dog.

This completely overturned the cognition of many cultists.

The two chased each other all the way.

Even many government martial artists witnessed this scene.

It's that mysterious expert Ye Chen.

So strong.

He actually pushed that madman Mo Xueyou into a dead end...

A group of government martial artists looked at Lu Zhangsheng with reverence as he quickly departed, and they all followed after him.

They also wanted to see Mo Xueyou blown up on the spot by Ye Chen.

This person Mo Xueyou is extremely evil, having massacred many martial artists, and he also likes to eat some girls to satisfy himself.

Everyone had already despised him to the extreme.

Today's events are deeply satisfying.

As time passed.

Mo Xueyou's essence blood within his body was about to be exhausted, and he had already entered a desperate situation.

He wore a look of despair.

Could it be that I am destined to fall here today?

I have yet to witness the Innate Martial Dao, I am unwilling...

He madly roared, venting his unwillingness.

You also dare to step into the Innate?

Lu Zhangsheng snorted, today this person will surely die, no one can save him.

Just then, from the distant forest, a black shadow rushed toward the two like a thunderclap.

Stop!

Before the person arrived, a thunderous shout echoed through the clouds, carrying an immense oppressive pressure.

It's Miao Guardian, save me!

Having found life in desperation, Mo Xueyou's face was full of surprise.

Die.

Lu Zhangsheng's face turned cold, and his qi and blood exploded with full force.

He swung a single blade forward.

The dazzling blade light darted through the void, as if countless snowflakes were dancing, beautiful yet threaded with killing intent.

Not good.

Mo Xueyou's face was filled with resolve to die; he could not block this blade.

His own essence blood had already been exhausted, leaving him with no means to resist.

Before he could react, the blade light instantly slit his neck.

You...

Mo Xueyou covered his neck, the light in his eyes gradually fading.

He then collapsed straight to the ground, his head rolling to one side, a large amount of blood spurting out, dyeing a small patch of grass around him red.

One blade, and Mo Xueyou died.

Around, many cultists looked at Lu Zhangsheng with terror.

I never expected the other side to completely ignore Miao Qingfeng's words.

What a fierce blade technique.

A group of government martial artists were all stunned.

Such a display of power already bears a trace of a transformed expert.

(End of chapter)