Chapter 69: The Secluded Realm

Elders, shall we go down now?

The middle‑aged man and the plain‑clothed elder nodded: "Of course, everyone push harder and pry this open!"

From the shadows, the Golden Eagle Clan saw the Blood Flow Sect Remnant Faction already getting to work, and as they feverishly pried open a foundation, they actually discovered an underground passage!

What is that place?

I don't know, but what should we do now—go forward and see? Or wait until Elder Four summons people before deciding?

Alright, Elder Two and I will go in to check the situation; Lao San, stay outside on guard—if anything happens we'll come out immediately and rendezvous with you!

"Alright, Elder One."

After a group of people entered the underground passage one after another, Lao San of the Golden Eagle Clan waited a moment, frowned, and looked around.

Why hasn't Elder Four returned yet?

He probably won't be coming back.

Who?!

Before the other could react, Yan Buji had already smashed the opponent's chest with a palm.

Looking toward the underground passage that emerged in the ruins ahead, Yan Buji laughed: "I didn't expect… today really is a good day."

He had originally intended to search nearby for any clues about the Blood Flow Sect Remnant Faction, but didn't expect to discover the Golden Eagle Clan again and see the Blood Flow Sect Remnant Faction searching for something.

To buy time, Yan Buji even took the initiative to strike down the Golden Eagle Clan members who went out for reinforcements, ensuring that what happened here wouldn't be known for a short while.

Although he didn't know what the Blood Flow Sect Remnant Faction was after, the Golden Eagle Clan's appearance meant Yan Buji's situation wasn't that simple; at least it proved the court still placed great importance on this Blood Flow Sect Remnant Faction.

Since there might be formidable figures among the Golden Eagle Clan, Yan Buji rushed to the top of the underground passage and stepped inside.

At that moment, the Blood Flow Sect Remnant Faction, following the passage and about to reach a secret chamber, saw several large characters left on the door and were overjoyed beyond words!

"Unyielding through a hundred setbacks, Martial Dao's towering peak! Indeed this is the founder's seclusion chamber; only someone like the founder could leave such a maxim!"

The plain‑clothed elder rushed forward excitedly, about to push the door open, when the middle‑aged man frowned and said, "Chu Tian, wait!"

"What's wrong? The founder's relic is right before us; could there be some trap?"

"It's not a trap, but an unwelcome guest," the middle‑aged man sneered, whirled, and several steel needles shot from his hand, stabbing several members of the group!

A few Blood Flow Sect disciples in the group narrowed their pupils sharply and dodged away!

"Ahhh!"

A few "whoosh‑whoosh‑whoosh" sounds were heard; the people targeted by the middle‑aged man were unharmed, but a few unlucky disciples let out a scream, collapsed to the ground, their faces turning black and dying instantly.

The plain‑clothed elder's pupils contracted as he saw those people's movements, like ghostly shadows, and he shouted angrily, "The Zhi Sheng Dian's petty thieves, how dare you stalk us?"

"Heh, Senior Chu, better not say much more. I thought your master peak was a huge threat, but Elder Ma is the one who never leaks water and shows his mountain—though I don't know when he discovered us?"

A few people immediately stepped back a few paces and stood firm; the Blood Flow Sect disciples present regained their senses and also hurriedly brandished their weapons, standing before them!

Both sides faced off; Chu Tian's face flushed red, eyes wide as he stared at the middle‑aged man: "Ma Fei, what are you up to? You knew the Zhi Sheng Dian's thieves were lurking in our group, didn't you?"

Ma Fei chuckled lightly: "Chu Tian, don't worry about how I found out. The Zhi Sheng Dian people have long been displeased with us rashly entering the Kanda territory. However, due to the pressure from the Wuji Sword Sect and other orthodox martial forces in Kanda, they hadn't acted against us. Now that we've returned to Kun Dao, there are fewer constraints."

"Hmph, these people must die here, but after we return, I want you to give me a reasonable explanation!" Chu Tian drew the long sword at his waist and coldly stared at those Zhi Sheng Dian men.

In his eyes, since they dared to lurk and follow, these people must have some backing.

Nevertheless, having now reached the founder's seclusion place of the Blood Flow Sect, with the treasure right before our eyes, how could the news possibly leak?

The Zhi Sheng Dian people were no different; seeing the enemy masters preparing to strike, they naturally wouldn't sit idly by.

These people aren't very powerful, but gathered together, they suddenly shouted:

"Welcome, saints!"

What?!

In total darkness, only a series of tick‑tick sounds reached their ears. The noise resembled the crisp sound of water droplets falling from a height, yet it also carried a hint of eeriness and strangeness. Everyone felt fear rise, their hair standing on end. They followed the source, and the scene before them left them gaping in astonishment.

A youth with a paper‑white face, gaunt and emaciated, was slowly walking forward, carrying a blood‑soaked head.

The head seemed especially heavy in the youth's hand; blood streamed down his arm, forming a shocking crimson stain on the ground. Yet the youth seemed oblivious, his gaze hollow, exuding a chilling indifference that made hearts race. His steps were slow yet resolute, each footfall feeling as if it stepped on people's hearts. As he approached, a strong scent of blood assaulted them, making them nearly vomit.

Chu Tian and Ma Fei furrowed their brows and said, "Saints of the Zhi Sheng Dian? I didn't expect it; your sovereign actually deigned to release you."

"You needn't speak like that; my Zhi Sheng Dian is merely very interested in the founder of the Blood Flow Sect. Moreover, strictly speaking, the Blood Flow Sect and Zhi Sheng Dian share the same origin, so why don't you believe it?" The youth tossed the head onto the ground, it rolled, its face showing an incredulous, terrified expression, saying everything.

"Who is this person?"

"He's a decent fellow, not weak; looks like a warrior from the Kun Dao Imperial Court."

"Then he must be from the Golden Eagle Clan," Ma Fei said lightly.

Chu Tian couldn't help it, watching them chat as usual, and said, "Who are you again? What do you want by following us here?!"

The youth paused, then quickly smiled and bowed, "I am Wang Jiu. I came this time for an item the founder of the Blood Flow Sect left behind. If you two are willing to part with it, I will report back to the sovereign and richly reward the Blood Flow Sect!"

Hearing Wang Jiu's words, Chu Tian's anger flared, his beard seemingly bristling, and he cursed, "What are you? How could the founder's gift to our Blood Flow Sect…"

"Fine, if the founder's relic contains anything the Zhi Sheng Dian needs, you may take it," Ma Fei extended his hand, quickly stopping Chu Tian's outburst.

Chu Tian widened his eyes, staring at Ma Fei: "You…"

Ma Fei signaled Chu Tian to hold his tongue, whispering, "Can you beat him?"

Chu Tian's complexion darkened.

"Conserve your strength for what's to come. Rest assured, the treasure isn't that easy to obtain," Ma Fei said with a faint smile.