Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension

Chapter 389: Chapter 279 Closure Before Returning

Two years later,

On the outskirts of a hidden canyon southeast of Fushan Island, suddenly descended a golden and a white tunneling light.

When the light dissipated, the figures of Zhao Sheng and Zhao Luochi appeared.

“Is it here?” Zhao Sheng stood outside the canyon and after briefly surveying the area, a trace of surprise flickered in his eyes.

Inside the valley, there was only a lively and lush wasteland; no buildings or structures were in sight.

“Ancestor, it’s right here.” Zhao Luochi’s old eyes were murky, his face creased with wrinkles, he was dying, with death looming near.

In the past, Zhao Sheng did not bring himself to deal with Zhao Luochi and the others harshly; instead, he chose to soothe hearts and minds by having these individuals atone for their crimes through service.

Over two years, these people had become the main force in attacking the Fang Family in Lanzhao Valley. They had fought blood-soaked battles during the conquest of Lanzhao Valley and had exerted great efforts in eliminating the recurring assassination attempts and acts of revenge within the territory.

As of today, many of them had died or were injured, having indeed established commendable services for the family. Among them, Zhao Qingjie suffered the worst fate, being held by the Great Elder of the Fang Family during the final battle, and both perished together.

Although Zhao Luochi was not injured, the years of toiling to maintain stability, as well as handling various emergencies, had severely drained his vitality.

With Lanzhao Valley finally in the hands of the Zhao Family, the people’s hearts within the territory gradually settled, and the acts of revenge and assassination slowly disappeared.

At this time, Zhao Luochi had reached the end of his tether, his life drawing to a close.

However, Zhao Luochi dared not harbor any complaints, as this was the will of the ancestor, the implication of which was self-evident.

In recent days, the ancestor suddenly summoned him, ordered him to make contact with the people of the Blood Demon Sect, and find a way to meet with the person in charge of the sect on the island.

This was one of the reasons why the two of them appeared here today.

“This Illusion Array is quite ingeniously set up, capable of concealing the fluctuations of spiritual energy. It seems that the Blood Demon Sect is not lacking in capable individuals,” remarked Zhao Sheng, his eyes flashing. He was about to return to the Central Continent and had some matters to resolve before his departure.

After a moment’s thought, he flicked his fingers, sending a human-head-sized Fireball flying out.

A ripple appeared in the air deep within the canyon, and with a ‘pop,’ the Fireball was swallowed up.

Following that, the scenery within the valley shimmered, like a stone had been thrown into a placid pond.

At this moment, while the valley’s ripple had yet to subside, a faint black light emerged, from which a corner tore open, and in a flash, a young man in a pale red robe flew out. Having steadied himself, he looked at Zhao Sheng and the other with a guarded expression.

“Who are you, daring to trespass Gloomy Radiance Valley!”

Zhao Sheng’s gaze shifted. The young man in the yellow robe had only Late Stage Qi Refinement cultivation, yet he didn’t show the slightest bit of fear when facing the two of them.

Zhao Luochi stepped forward briskly, making over a dozen strange hand signs in rapid succession. A flash of blood appeared on his body as he spoke softly,

“We mean no harm; we have some business with Hall Master Zeng Kui, and would appreciate if you could pass on the message.”

“Hmm, please wait. Shall I go in and inform him?” The red-robed young man changed his attitude immediately upon recognizing the gesture and hastily spoke.

Zhao Sheng furrowed his brow, but then an elderly voice came suddenly from within the valley.

“No need, 49. The esteemed Master Zhao graces us with his presence today; Zeng has failed to greet you from afar!”

As soon as these words were spoken, a surge of blood evaporated in the valley, and a Blood Robed Elder flew out from the distant woods.

“Hall Master.” The red-robed young man’s demeanor became solemn. He quickly bowed respectfully to the elder and stood to the side with his head lowered.

“Master Zhao, Brother Luochi, 49 has just spoken out of turn. I hope you will forgive his rudeness,” the Blood Robed Elder said to Zhao Sheng and Zhao Luochi very courteously, but a trace of wariness flickered in his eyes.

“You must be Mr. Zeng, I presume? It is I who has been presumptuous in visiting, and the offense is mine,” said Zhao Sheng, scanning the Blood Robed Elder with a flash in his eyes. This man was indeed a Golden Core Master, but his aura was very unstable, most likely having advanced with a Fake Pill.

Considering his aged and haggard appearance, he must have sacrificed much of his Life Span to advance to Golden Core.

“Indeed, I am Zeng Kui, and since Master Zhao has come especially to visit, please come into the valley and take a seat,” said Zeng Kui, his wariness slightly abating upon Zhao Sheng’s polite words, as he gestured invitingly with one arm.

The canyon behind him blurred, and a door-shaped crack opened in the air.

“Since Mr. Zeng has said so, we will not stand on ceremony,” said Zhao Sheng with a smile, nodding and flying through the opened crack on a cast Magic Spell.

Zhao Luochi also moved and followed suit.

Passing through the changes of light and shadow, the scenery brightened suddenly for Zhao Sheng and Zhao Luochi.

Instead of the lush woodland, what took its place was a thriving Jade Spirit Prairie that appeared before their eyes.

Not far away, a modest-sized courtyard built of purple timber nestled among the green grassland.

The crisp sounds of birds and insects occasionally came from the thickets, and on either side of the courtyard were over a dozen acres of spirit field, with a green pond situated nearby, exuding an air of serene seclusion.

Zhao Sheng was somewhat surprised; this place looked more like a hermit’s dwelling than a secret stronghold of the Blood Demon Sect.

But he quickly let go of his assumptions.

Who said that a Demon Sect’s stronghold had to be gloomy and dreadful, with a harsh environment?

This was merely a misconception and stereotype held by the world.

What then constitutes an excellent secret stronghold?