Chapter 580: Blood Fiend Reappears, A Three-Way Melee

He began to quietly mobilize the ghost energy within his body, preparing to launch a surprise attack amidst the chaos. Centuries of evil cultivation had made him proficient in all sorts of dark methods; launching sneak attacks to seize treasures was his specialty.

At the same time, the morale of the Reform Alliance reached an unprecedented height due to Xiao Yuan's breakthrough. The rogue cultivators, in particular, were so moved they were nearly brought to tears.

"Junior Sister Xiao Yuan really did it!" Zhang Wuji said, clenching his fists, his voice trembling. "Not only did she block Yunxiaozi's attack, she can even purify those evil powers!"

"Indeed, we rogue cultivators finally have real hope!" another rogue cultivator said excitedly. "With a powerhouse like Junior Sister Xiao Yuan to protect us, we will never again have to suffer the oppression of those large sects!"

Lin Xuan looked at the situation before him and keenly sensed an opportunity for a counterattack. Divisions had begun to appear within the traditional forces, and his side's strength had undergone a qualitative improvement following Xiao Yuan's breakthrough; this was the perfect moment to turn the tide of battle.

"Muerxiu, immediately contact our companions on the other battlefields," Lin Xuan commanded via telepathic transmission. "Tell them now is the best time for a counterattack."

"Received!" Muerxiu immediately channeled the Void Path, transmitting the message to the members of the Reform Alliance scattered everywhere.

Although Xingchenzi was severely wounded, his spirit was exceptionally high: "I never imagined we would truly survive the most difficult moment. That child Xiao Yuan has really given us a massive surprise."

"Master, do we really have hope this time?" Shuiyun Xianzi asked cautiously. From the start of the battle until now, the situation had reversed several times, and her mood had risen and fallen right along with it.

"It is not just hope," Xingchenzi said, looking at the crowd protected by the pale golden light, his eyes gleaming with gratification. "I believe that after this, the Cultivation World will usher in a brand-new era."

Representatives of other forces watching from afar also began to re-examine the entire situation. Originally, they had all been waiting on the sidelines, wanting to wait until the outcome was clear before choosing a side. But the current situation forced them to make a decision early.

"It seems the traditional forces are going to lose," the Sect Leader of a mid-sized sect said in a low voice to those beside him. "Did you see? Even Ancestor Jianchi of Wanjian Valley has begun to question the decisions of Ancestor Taixuan."

"Indeed, and the Reform Alliance has produced a Xiao Yuan whose strength is advancing by leaps and bounds," another Sect Leader nodded. "That purification power of hers is simply unheard of; it is even more miraculous than the legendary divine abilities of the Buddha Sect."

"The key is this Xiao Yuan's philosophy," a seemingly younger Sect Master said thoughtfully. "The 'equality for all' and 'harmonious coexistence' she proposes truly sound more attractive than the traditional forces' 'might makes right' approach."

"Then what should we do? Continue to wait and see or..."

"I think we should declare our support for the Reform Alliance," the young Sect Master said firmly. "Abbot Huiming's sacrifice made me realize that some things are more important than sect interests. If the Reform Alliance can win, the entire Cultivation World will become better."

Such conversations were repeatedly playing out among the representatives of various forces. The immense strength and noble character displayed by Xiao Yuan caused more and more people to begin leaning toward supporting the Reform Alliance.

However, just as everyone's attention was focused on the main battlefield, a black shadow was quietly approaching Yunxiaozi. Ancestor Guisha had already stealthily moved into the optimal position, waiting only for a suitable opportunity to launch a fatal blow.

"Hehe... now is the time!" Seeing the moment Yunxiaozi was distracted by the imminent self-detonation of the Blood Disk, Ancestor Guisha immediately launched his sneak attack.

"Ten Thousand Ghosts Devouring Souls—Soul Seizure!"

Countless ghost shadows surged from behind him, rushing toward Yunxiaozi like a black tide. This was no ordinary attack, but an evil art directly targeting the soul; even a cultivator at the Nascent Soul Stage would be struck if they were the least bit careless.

"Who goes there?" Yunxiaozi sensed the sneak attack from behind and hurriedly turned to respond. But at this moment, he was exerting all his effort to control the self-detonation sequence of the Blood Disk and could not spare any focus for defense.

"Ancestor Guisha? What are you doing?" Ancestor Taixuan was furious upon seeing this scene. "Is now the time for infighting?"

"Hehe, old man Taixuan, did you really think I was here for some traditional forces?" Ancestor Guisha revealed his true colors. "All I want is power, and that Blood Disk!"

His sudden betrayal threw the traditional forces alliance into total chaos. The alliance, already fractured by Ancestor Jianchi's questioning, now completely fell apart.

"Damn it!" Ancestor Taixuan wanted to stop Ancestor Guisha, but the distance was too great; it was already too late.

Just as Ancestor Guisha was about to succeed, a sword light suddenly descended from the sky, hacking those ghost shadows to pieces.

"Ancestor Guisha, your opponent is me!" Ancestor Jianchi stood with his sword, blocking the path in front of Yunxiaozi.

"Jianchi! Are you going to betray the traditional forces?" Ancestor Guisha glared at him viciously.

"Betrayal?" Ancestor Jianchi smiled indifferently. "I am simply doing what I believe is right. Although Yunxiaozi has fallen, his fate should be judged by justice, not exploited by evil scum like you."

Seeing the chaos before her, a sense of sorrow welled up in Xiao Yuan's heart. Even at a life-or-death juncture, these people were still fighting for personal gain. But she quickly steeled her resolve; since she was to purify the evil in this world, then let it begin now!

"Path of Compassion and Harmony—Universal Salvation, Purifying All Things!"

Just as the various forces were plunged into chaos due to infighting, the entire Qinglong Peak suddenly began to shake violently. This was no ordinary earthquake, but something extremely terrifying surging upward from deep underground.

"What... is happening?" Ancestor Taixuan stopped his argument with Ancestor Jianchi and looked at the ground beneath his feet with vigilance.

Accompanied by the tremors, a power even more ancient and terrifying than Yunxiaozi's evil aura began to permeate the air. This power was filled with the scent of decay, death, and despair, as if it came from the deepest depths of Jiuyou Diyu.

Gusts of sinister wind surged from the ground, the wind filled with hair-raising wails and howls. These sounds did not seem like anything a human could emit, but rather like countless wronged souls wailing in unison. Even the cultivators who had experienced countless battles felt a fear rising from the depths of their hearts.

"Boom—"

The ground of Qinglong Peak began to crack, and beams of blood-red light shot out from the fissures. Immediately following, dozens of figures slowly rose from the ground; they wore blood-colored robes embroidered with complex and evil Rune, each Rune emitting an ominous red glow.

The faces of these figures were hidden beneath deep hoods, making their specific appearances impossible to see, but the evil aura radiating from them made everyone present tremble.