Chapter 449: The Slaughter Begins
"Incompetents! After all this time, you still haven't found those two little rats? When the clan leader emerges, how will we explain ourselves?"
Haiyue Continent, Razor Toothed Demon Clan's Headquarters.
A thunderous roar echoed through the chamber, and before anyone could react, the hapless Razor Toothed Demon soldier who had come to report was crushed into a bloody mist by the towering figure in the center of the room. Blood sprayed everywhere, filling the room with a sickening metallic scent.
Yet the grisly scene didn't elicit fear or disgust from the other Razor Toothed Demon Clan elites seated in the hall. Instead, a faint expression of satisfaction flickered in their eyes, as if the violent display was perfectly natural.
The Late Mystical Demon Emperor, Qi Tian, seated on the main throne, glanced at the others coldly. "If we can't find those two little rats, how will our Razor Toothed Demon Clan maintain its reputation? They've been hiding in our territory for over a month now, despite not even being Demon Emperors. If this gets out, we'll be the laughingstock of the other clans."
One of the Mystical Demon commanders beside him stood and bowed respectfully. "Lord Qi Tian, our soldiers have searched relentlessly. Even we have personally joined the search, yet each time we find traces, the trail goes cold before we can catch them."
Another Mystical Demon chimed in, his voice tinged with frustration. "Indeed, my lord. We've scoured the entire Haiyue Continent without success. However, based on the clues we've uncovered, it seems likely they're targeting the Moon God Palace ruins beneath our headquarters."
This statement drew nods from the other commanders, who quickly offered their own observations.
After hearing them out, Qi Tian's face darkened, his eyes flashing with fury. "I don't care about your excuses! Until those rats are found, our clan's honor remains tarnished. I don't care if you have to tear up the entire Haiyue Continent find them!"
"Yes, my lord!"
Faced with Qi Tian's irrefutable command, the Razor Toothed Demon elites stood and swiftly left the hall to continue the search.
A Desperate Hideout
About 200 meters beneath the surface near the Razor Toothed Demon Clan's headquarters, in an underground cavern devoid of light or sound, two figures huddled in the darkness. The only sign of life was the faint sound of heartbeats, each one beating roughly once every minute.
Gu Yuan and Zhukun were hidden here, their breaths shallow.
"Gu Yuan, if we don't find the entrance to the Moon God Palace soon, we're going to be discovered. If that happens, it's over for us," Zhukun transmitted through his spiritual sense, his tone laced with urgency.
Gu Yuan sighed, his voice weary. "If I had known it would come to this, I would never have dragged you into this mess. It's been over a month since we sent a message to Xiao Yan. By now, they must be worried sick."
Zhukun's tone was equally regretful. "This is the risk we took. With our current talent, breaking through to the Heavenly Sovereign realm could take centuries. We had no choice but to take this gamble. But now, trapped here with no entrance to the ruins and the demons closing in, it seems we've truly run out of luck."
Five years of effort had brought them both to the Earth Sovereign Peak, yet breaking through to the Heavenly Sovereign level seemed impossible within the short term. Frustrated by their limits, they had taken a desperate gamble.
Their journey to Haiyue Continent began after acquiring a mysterious ancient scroll at an auction. The scroll revealed the location of the Moon God Palace and mentioned the rare Ascension Moonflower, a treasure that could potentially aid their breakthrough.
Despite their precautions, they were unaware that the Haiyue Continent was the stronghold of the Razor Toothed Demon Clan. Their hope of quietly exploring the ruins had turned into a nightmare as the demons closed in.
"Zhukun, we need to decide. If we stay here any longer, they'll eventually find us. When that happens, we won't stand a chance against them," Gu Yuan said grimly.
Zhukun nodded after a moment of thought. "One more day. Our quasi divine artifact can conceal us for another two days. If we can't find the entrance to the Moon God Palace by tomorrow, we'll use the artifact to escape."
Gu Yuan agreed, and the two resumed their painstaking search.
Xiao Tiance's Observations
Meanwhile, roughly 100 kilometers away from the Razor Toothed Demon Clan's headquarters, Xiao Tiance and his group had taken cover in a secluded valley.
Inside the Heavenly Dao Tower, Xiao Tiance frowned as he analyzed the scene outside. Using his soul power and Fatty Wa's shared vision, he observed the movements of the demon patrols.
"Something's off. The closer we get to the Razor Toothed Demon Clan's base, the more active their forces become. It's as if they're looking for something specific," he muttered.
His words caused the others Xiao Yan, Xun'er, Zi Yan, and Huai'en to furrow their brows. They knew their movements had been perfectly concealed, so the demons couldn't possibly be searching for them.
Suddenly, realization dawned on them.
"Could they be looking for my father and Zhukun?" Zi Yan asked, her voice trembling slightly.
Xiao Tiance nodded thoughtfully. "That's a strong possibility."
Hearing this, Xiao Yan and Xun'er breathed sighs of relief. If the demons hadn't found Gu Yuan and Zhukun yet, that meant they were still safe. This also gave the group confidence that their midnight operation would succeed.
"Let's stick to the plan," Xiao Tiance said firmly. "We'll infiltrate their headquarters at dawn and locate Gu Yuan and Zhukun. Be ready for anything. This isn't just a rescue mission it's a slaughter. Let the demons experience the vengeance they deserve."
"Ancestor Tiance, if they're really searching for my father in law, does that mean he's currently safe?" Xiao Yan asked cautiously.
"Not necessarily." Xiao Tiance shook his head slightly.
**"There are three possible scenarios:
First, Gu Yuan and Dragon Emperor Zhukun have already been captured, and the Razor Toothed Demon Clan is searching for something else.
Second, they've managed to avoid capture. This would be the best case scenario, meaning they're still safe and haven't fallen into the enemy's hands.
Third, one of them has been captured, and the clan is trying to track down the other's whereabouts to bring them in as well."**
Seeing the worry etched on the faces of Zi Yan, Xun'er, and Xiao Yan, Xiao Tiance offered some reassurance.
**"However, based on the tracking array on the locator jade talismans, Gu Yuan and the Dragon Emperor seem to be together.
Moreover, the talisman indicates that they're on the move. This suggests they're either actively evading the Razor Toothed Demon Clan or searching for something themselves.
That said, none of this changes our plans. When dawn breaks, the slaughter begins. Every Razor Toothed Demon we encounter will be a target. Once we annihilate the clan, Gu Yuan and Zhukun will likely surface on their own."**
Pausing briefly, Xiao Tiance continued, "For now, rest and recover. Replenish your energy. When the time comes, I'll summon you."
"Understood, Master/Tiance Uncle/Ancestor," the four responded in unison.
A Task for Zi Yan and Huai'en
After the others departed, Xiao Tiance gestured for Zi Yan and Huai'en to stay behind.
"Huai'en," Xiao Tiance called.
"Yes, Master," Huai'en immediately bowed.
"No need for formalities," Xiao Tiance said with a faint smile. **"I kept you here to assign a specific task. During the battle at dawn, neither you nor Zi Yan need to participate directly.
Instead, your job will be to remain inside the Heavenly Dao Tower. Huai'en, you'll fully activate your Swallowing Spirit Clan bloodline and absorb the bloodline power of the demons Fatty Wa pulls into the tower. This will help you grow stronger."**
Huai'en hesitated. **"Master, if I stay back, wouldn't that increase the pressure on the rest of you?
Though my strength is average compared to Xiao Yan and Miss Xun'er, with my Swallowing Spirit Clan bloodline and Earth Sovereign Peak cultivation, I'm confident I can hold off one or two low level Nether Demon Emperors."**
Zi Yan chimed in supportively. "Master, Senior Brother Huai'en is right. While our cultivation levels aren't high, our bloodlines and talents give us enough strength to buy time against at least one or two low level Nether Demon Emperors."
Xiao Tiance chuckled and reached out to ruffle Zi Yan's hair. Then he patted Huai'en's shoulder gently.
**"Your sentiments are appreciated, but unnecessary.
According to the information provided by Steward Wan Feng, the Razor Toothed Demon Clan isn't one of the Thirty Two Major Demon Clans. They have ten Demon Emperor level experts in total: one Early Sky Demon Emperor, three Mystical Demon Emperors (one late stage, two early stage), and six Nether Demon Emperors.
Their lower level demons aren't worth mentioning.
I've brought twelve Heaven Fiend Puppets, each at least at the Mid Level Spiritual Heavenly Sovereign stage. Three of them are at the Immortal Heavenly Sovereign stage.
With these forces, along with myself, Xiao Yan, and the others, we'll be more than capable of crushing the Razor Toothed Demon Clan."**
Xiao Tiance's confidence radiated from him as he spoke. **"If I weren't concerned about startling the demons into alerting other forces, I wouldn't have avoided the dragon sharks in the Half Moon Sea.
Now that we're close to their headquarters, all that's left is to activate the grand spirit array I've prepared. Once it's activated, it'll seal the Haiyue Continent, effectively trapping the Razor Toothed Demon Clan like dogs in a cage.
We'll start with a sneak attack to thin their ranks, then commence the full scale slaughter. By the time the main battle begins, their forces will already be significantly reduced."**
Turning to Zi Yan, Xiao Tiance handed her the locator jade talisman.
**"Zi Yan, your task is to use this talisman to locate your father and the Dragon Emperor. Once you find them, you can assist them in clearing out the weaker demons.
This will help speed up our overall progress."**
Zi Yan and Huai'en hesitated briefly before bowing in agreement. "Understood, Master."
Preparations for the Bloodbath
After dismissing them, Xiao Tiance ascended to the ninth level of the Heavenly Dao Tower.
"Fatty Wa, I have two tasks for you," he said to the mischievous spirit darting around the space.
"Say the word, Little Master!" Fatty Wa replied enthusiastically.
**"First, for every Razor Toothed Demon killed, immediately store their bodies in the first level of the Heavenly Dao Tower. Huai'en will use them to absorb their bloodline power and strengthen himself.
Second, monitor Huai'en closely. If he shows any signs of discomfort or instability, inform me immediately."**
Fatty Wa nodded but couldn't resist asking, "Little Master, aren't you usually quite confident in Huai'en's Swallowing Spirit Clan bloodline? Why the extra precautions?"
Before Xiao Tiance could answer, Ling'er emerged from his body and perched on his shoulder, offering an explanation.
**"The Swallowing Spirit Clan's bloodline is indeed powerful, capable of extracting and converting the bloodline power of others into its own strength.
However, it's not without risks. While Huai'en's body has been fortified, his cultivation remains at the Earth Sovereign Peak. If he absorbs too much or too quickly, he could lose control or worse, become completely demonized.
That's why Little Master wants you to monitor him carefully."**
Xiao Tiance nodded in affirmation. "Exactly."
Fatty Wa saluted playfully. "Understood! Leave it to me, Little Master. I'll make sure nothing happens to Huai'en."
"Good. I'll rest for a bit. Wake me before dawn."
Dawn of Annihilation
The hours passed in tense silence.
Within the Razor Toothed Demon Clan's headquarters, an uneasy calm had settled. The demons were unaware that their deaths were rapidly approaching.
"Little Master, it's time," Ling'er's soft voice woke Xiao Tiance.
Opening his eyes, a chilling aura of killing intent surrounded him. His gaze was as sharp and cold as a blade, and his presence exuded the menace of a king of slaughter.
**"Is it already time? Good. Let's ring the death knell for the Razor Toothed Demon Clan.
After all, if they can invade our Great Thousand World to slaughter indiscriminately, isn't it only fair to return the favor?"**
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