"Xiao Jin's cultivation may be powerful, but she's still one of us here at Tianxing Sect," said one of the Grand Elders with a benign smile.
"That's right. We never gave Yun Jin a hard time."
"This can only benefit our sect."
"Let's set that aside for now. Did any of you notice those strands of black energy Yun Jin took away in the end?"
"They looked like demonic energy!"
"We weren't there in person, so it's hard to say for sure what the aura truly was. It's not wise to jump to conclusions."
"But judging from everyone's reactions, it must've been demonic energy."
"Qingxiao Pavilion is one of the Four Holy Lands. If there's any place that can handle this, it would be the other three Holy Lands. I'm sure they'll respond soon. This isn't something we need to worry about."
"Agreed."
After a bit more idle discussion, the elders parted ways.
Inside a quiet chamber, Zhao Wuji's expression had grown increasingly grim. Yun Jin had publicly released those recordings for some reason. Could it be... that they might affect his father?
Unlikely.
The prestigious Qingxiao Pavilion wasn't so fragile. For now, there was a more urgent matter at hand. The people he had dispatched had already rallied a considerable number of evil cultivators from within the sect. Once all were gathered, they would launch a full-scale attack on Tianxing Sect.
He wanted to see blood flood these halls.
The very image sent a violent shiver of excitement through Zhao Wuji's entire body.
Yun Jin might be stationed somewhere near Lin City, still a long way from here. Even if she set out this instant, by the time she arrived, Tianxing Sect would already be a land of the dead.
By then...
No matter how much pain or despair she suffered, it wouldn't change a thing.
Zhao Wuji began to carefully review the entire plan.
First of all—
He had no intention of letting most of Tianxing Sect's members live. As for the disciples, he would only take Han Xiaoyu.
After a moment's thought, Zhao Wuji decided to bring Ye Danxia along as well.
First, because Han Xiaoyu liked Ye Danxia.
Second, Ye Danxia had a Heavenly Spiritual Root. No matter what cultivation path she pursued, she would progress quickly. If he could mold her into a formidable evil cultivator, it would be a great asset.
Third, Han Xiaoyu lacked the aptitude, but with dual cultivation, Ye Danxia could support his progress.
As for that boy, Yang Yun—he'd eliminate him without a second thought.
Aside from Han Xiaoyu and Ye Danxia, any suitable experimental subjects could be taken as well.
Those with more advanced cultivation? They'd have to be wiped out.
The Grand Elders. The peak lords. Not a single one deserved to live. Even people like Huo Lie—he had no plans to let them walk away. They may have appeared loyal, but in truth? They'd simply offended Tianjian Peak too deeply and now had nowhere else to go.
If they were given even half a chance, they'd be scrambling to kneel at Lin Ya's feet. Opportunistic trash like that—what good were they? Besides, only by eradicating every potential witness could he bury his crimes.
Zhao Wuji intended to defect to the Blood Dao Sect, but he had no desire to expose his true identity. He would fabricate the illusion that he perished in the attack, just another victim. Only then could he vanish cleanly, shedding his old life and stepping into a new one.
Zhao Wuji reflected deeply on his choices. His expression turned darker by the second. Originally, he hadn't needed to go down this path. He had only joined the Blood Dao Sect because one of their figures had offered him tremendous benefits.
And yet—
The human race still held the overwhelming advantage in the world. Neither the evil sects nor the outer-realm demon clans dared act openly in the central regions. Most could only hide in the shadows, lurking in secrecy.
Being a sect master was far more respectable than an evil cultivator. So he had simply used his position to quietly assist the Blood Dao Sect with their experiments.
The one who forced him down this road—
Was Lin Ya.
Was Yun Jin.
Damn that Lin Ya. If only he'd died peacefully. But no, in the final three months of his life, he had to take in Yun Jin—this monstrous prodigy.
No one could have foreseen what came next.
In just three months, a newly accepted disciple had completely overturned the fate of Tianjian Peak.
Zhao Wuji hadn't seen it coming. He'd miscalculated—and now he was ruined. Now, everyone in Tianxing Sect looked down on him, targeted him. In name, he was still the sect master, but in truth, he had no dignity left.
So what was the point of holding on to the title?
If he had to fall into evil, so be it.
But Lin Ya and the rest of them would die before he did.
If all went according to plan, the operation would commence tomorrow night. Before then, there were a few matters he needed to handle.
First, Zhao Wuji went to find Han Xiaoyu.
He truly cared for this boy. He began by asking about Han Xiaoyu's health, then reminded him several times to come see him tomorrow. After that, he stayed close to him every step of the way.
Han Xiaoyu grew puzzled. "Master, what's going on? Did something happen?"
Zhao Wuji smiled coldly. "Xiaoyu, haven't you said these days are hard to endure? You're worried about Ye Danxia suffering, aren't you?"
Han Xiaoyu nodded reflexively. He looked at Zhao Wuji, unsure of where this was going. Could his master really change anything?
Zhao Wuji smiled faintly, eyes glinting with a shadow of madness. "Tomorrow night, everything will change. You don't need to know the details yet. All you need to understand is that if you follow me, nothing will happen to you. You like Ye Danxia? Then we'll go rescue her too. From now on, this world is vast—and nothing will bind us."
Zhao Wuji no longer bothered hiding his intent. His eyes gleamed with a barely restrained insanity.
Han Xiaoyu's heart raced. He had a vague idea of what was happening, but couldn't quite grasp it all. He lowered his voice. "Master... are we leaving Tianxing Sect?"
Zhao Wuji chuckled coldly. "Xiaoyu, don't worry about that for now. Just trust me—I'll take care of everything."
After a few more instructions, Zhao Wuji left.
Han Xiaoyu's gaze flickered. He didn't know what Zhao Wuji intended to do. But one thing was clear—
This couldn't be something outsiders should learn about. As for the rest—he didn't care anymore. Ye Danxia was still suffering. That alone gnawed at his heart. As long as he could take Danxia away, he didn't care about staying in Tianxing Sect. He had spent most of his life recovering outside the sect anyway. He had no deep attachment to the place. As long as he and Danxia were safe—that was enough.
Then Han Xiaoyu remembered the child by Ye Danxia's side.
He let out a cold snort.
His master hadn't mentioned bringing that child along.
Just the thought of Yang Yun made his skin crawl.
If he begged his master to dispose of the boy before they left, it shouldn't be too hard.
As Han Xiaoyu imagined this future, a smile slowly crept onto his face—the first one he'd shown in a long while.
These past days had been far too suffocating.
But now...
Finally, his master was ready to take action.