In the original work, the main reason Hei Xiaohu hated Hongmao so intensely was largely because of Lantu.
The goddess he pined for was already deeply devoted to another man… anyone would be furious.
Now, with Hei Xiaohu's inner conflict resolved, looking at Hongmao with a normal mindset, he increasingly felt Hongmao was a talented individual.
Only seventeen years old, two years younger than himself, he had already made a name for himself as 'Young Hero Hongmao' in the vast righteous martial world.
Moreover, Hongmao's martial arts talent was extremely high.
Without guidance from a famous master, he had stubbornly cultivated profound internal energy through sheer effort.
Compared to himself, he was only one or two minor realms behind.
Such an outstanding person, if he could be recruited under his command, why worry about the Demonic Sect not unifying the Central Plains and dominating the martial world?
[Dark Group Owner: About turning him... personally, I think the possibility of turning an enemy into a friend isn't very high.]
On the other side, having finished his tasks in the real world, Hattori saw Hei Xiaohu's message and broke out in a cold sweat.
'What kind of development is this?'
'The Hei Xiaohu from the original work, who saw Hongmao as a mortal enemy, actually developed an appreciation for his talent?'
'So after stopping being a simp, his breadth of mind became so open?'
[Young Master of the Demonic Sect: Why? Aside from the Qilin dispute, what other conflicts of interest do I have with the Seven Swords? If my Demonic Sect can revive the Central Plains martial world, given Hongmao's character, what reason would he have not to lend me a hand?]
Hei Xiaohu waved his cloak, his expression full of overbearing confidence.
Since being enlightened by Hattori that day, he had diligently studied the art of rulership, military strategy, and tactics. His mind now seemed to contain countless plans.
Using force to suppress others is a minor path.
It can bring order for a time but cannot achieve a foundation lasting for generations.
Using the Kingly Way to convince others, using the Hegemonic Way to intimidate them.
Making subordinates both respect and fear him, gathering talented individuals who dare not harbor disloyalty… that is the great path.
After his awakening, he pondered repeatedly.
He found that there was no irreconcilable hatred between him and Hongmao and the other Seven Swords.
The only point of conflict was the Qilin Blood.
However, regarding the Qilin Blood, there might be a solution.
[Young Master of the Demonic Sect: And regarding the Qilin Blood, I searched through all the Demonic Sect's books and found it isn't the only way to treat my father's internal injury. Legend says that on a distant, secluded snow island, there is a natural treasure called the 'Snow Sarira'. Taken on a rainy night, combined with the power of lightning, it can even raise the dead and regenerate flesh. A mere internal injury could not only be completely healed but also boost strength significantly without any side effects.]
[Young Master of the Demonic Sect: In that case, if I persuade my father to give up on the Qilin Blood and instead search for the Snow Sarira, and in passing change the name of our Demonic Sect to the 'Sacred Sect', revered by the righteous path, what reason would Hongmao and the other Seven Swords have to oppose me?]
Hei Xiaohu typed with his thoughts while flipping through an ancient scroll beside him.
He thought to himself, 'To unify the Central Plains martial world, I cannot do without the Qilin's help.'
'Killing it for its blood? That's simply wasting a natural treasure. As a spirit of heaven and earth, its existence is the foundation of all internal energy. Once the Qilin loses its vitality, the entire forest and land, countless natural treasures, will all gradually wither. This world will also slowly lose the spiritual energy for cultivating martial arts, becoming a wasteland.'
These facts were something Hei Xiaohu learned only after perusing countless ancient texts and secret manuals.
The races, martial arts, treasures, and ruins hidden in this land are far more numerous than what the Demonic Sect is aware of.
Rather than obsessing over the Qilin, it's better to look at the wider world and seek more opportunities.
[Dark Group Owner: That line of thinking isn't bad. If not for that incident, it might really have succeeded.]
[Dark Group Owner: But, between Hongmao and your father, there is truly an unresolvable hatred. Forget it, see for yourself.]
[Dark Group Owner has sent a memory fragment.]
Hei Xiaohu lightly tapped with his fingertip, and a scene unfolded before his eyes.
On the Demonic Sect's mountain, Heixin Hu stood with his hands behind his back, coldly watching the white-bearded man before him.
'Baimao, in all the world, only you can barely compete with me. But now my Demonic Art is complete. I only need the Qilin Blood to eliminate the hidden danger and become invincible under heaven. Are you sure you want to stand in my way?'
Heixin Hu's strength was extremely terrifying.
Even before his Demonic Art was fully mastered, he could withstand the combined attack of six swords without being at a disadvantage.
Now that his Demonic Art was complete, even Baimao, who had perfected the Fire Dance Cyclone to the tenth level, might not be his match.
'The Qilin is the lifeblood of the world. I will not yield.'
'Let's fight.'
Baimao sighed lightly. The Changhong Sword in his hand emitted a crisp sword cry.
Changhong Pierces the Sun, Fire Clouds Fill the Sky, Rainbow Light Flies, Soaring Dragon in the Sky, Changhong Sets...
One sword technique after another, flashing with blazing red light, constantly interwove and collided with Heixin Hu's fierce and powerful martial arts.
Every exchange produced immense force.
The mere shockwaves from their clashes could shatter mountain rocks and sever steel.
Baimao and Heixin Hu were the two pinnacle existences in the Central Plains martial world.
Baimao, master of the Changhong Sword, his techniques agile and elegant, transcendent as an immortal.
Heixin Hu, leader of the Demonic Sect, every advance and retreat was ruthless and cruel, each move lethal.
The two fought for three hundred rounds.
Heixin Hu's breath was steady, his gaze calm, standing firmly in place.
Baimao, however, was on one knee, panting heavily. His pure internal energy was almost completely depleted.
Several deep dents were visible on his chest, clearly indicating serious internal injuries.
'So this is the complete Demonic Art? Heixin Hu, in terms of martial arts, I am inferior to you.'
Baimao coughed up a mouthful of blood, his face gloomy, and let out a long sigh.
Heixin Hu looked at him, the light in his eyes also complex. He and Baimao had known each other for a long time, fighting for almost a lifetime.
Although good and evil are irreconcilable, as each other's only true rival, how could they not feel a sense of mutual respect?
'Baimao, stop now. I am determined to get the Qilin Blood. If you insist on opposing me, there is only death.'
'Heixin Hu, you are the one who should stop! The Qilin is the root of the world. Destroy it, and the martial world will cease to exist. Your ambition is what will truly be destroyed!'
Baimao struggled to straighten his body, using his last bit of strength to rebuke angrily.
'Hmph! Fallacy. In that case, I'll send you on your final journey.' Heixin Hu sneered. The last trace of pity for Baimao in his heart turned into stubborn anger.
'Heavenly Demon's Wild Dance!'
'Fire Dance Cyclone, Tenth Level!!!'
A mass of profound dark internal energy and a mass of blazing masculine internal energy collided head-on.
Heaven and earth trembled; birds and beasts fled.
The originally steep, towering peaks of the Demonic Sect were sheared off at one corner by the terrifying energy fluctuations from the collision.
The smoke gradually cleared, revealing the person who stood until the end.
'It's Father.'
Hei Xiaohu's eyes flashed, and he slightly clenched his fist.
'No wonder the Group Owner said reconciliation with Hongmao was impossible.'
'The hatred of killing a parent is irreconcilable.'
Even if it wasn't Heixin Hu who struck the final blow, and Baimao died from exhaustion, this is a vendetta Hongmao would surely seek to repay.