In the dim expanse of Jueyang Valley, the heavy stench of blood spread through the air. The once-dark ground was now stained red with it, and the bodies of several hundred Hehuan Sect disciples lay strewn about. A sinister wind gusted past, sending a chill down one’s spine.

CAW CAW CAW...

In the sky, a massive flock of crows shrieked as they circled. The scent of the corpses below drew them in, but the dense Yin Qi kept them at bay, forcing them to do nothing more than hover in the air.

Shen Haoran stood at the highest point of the Hehuan Sect, gazing out at the field of bodies with a placid heart. He felt no guilt for killing so many people. ’Was there a single disciple in the Hehuan Sect whose hands weren’t stained with blood? And all of it belonged to ordinary women who couldn’t practice Cultivation, along with their families. These disciples deserved their fate; it was only natural that Shen Haoran felt no pity for them.’

"The mission... it’s finally over!" Murong Wanqing and Han Xu wiped the sweat from their brows, letting out a huge sigh of relief. Shen Haoran’s plan had been executed perfectly; not a single person from the Hehuan Sect was left alive.

"It’s a shame Ouyang Shaoyu got away, though. That guy’s not stupid; the moment he saw things going south at the Hehuan Sect, he took off running," Han Xu said with regret. Ouyang Shaoyu had come by to antagonize him every day for the past few days, disgusting him so much he felt like he could throw up last night’s dinner. He had naturally been eager to teach him a proper lesson.

"It’s fine. We’ll run into him again," Shen Haoran said, unconcerned. ’Ouyang Shaoyu’s appearance was just an accident. Killing him would have been ideal, but it doesn’t matter if we couldn’t. The Hehuan Sect is destroyed, so Jun Luohua’s mission is complete. As for Ouyang Shaoyu, even if he escaped now, we’ll definitely cross paths with him on the trip to the Desert Ancient City. There will be plenty of opportunities to teach him a lesson then!’

THUD...

Just as Shen Haoran and the others were talking, several dark figures were thrown directly in front of them by Xue Ling, kicking up a cloud of dust. Then, the massive, five-colored giant python transformed back into her human form.

Shen Haoran stared at the corpses Xue Ling had casually tossed on the ground, a little shaken. The six Elders of the Hehuan Sect, plus their Sect Leader Chen Hutian, had all been killed by her. ’Forget the six Elders—Chen Hutian was a Spirit Emperor Powerhouse! Slaying a Spirit Emperor Powerhouse is no simple feat. It seems I’ve underestimated Xue Ling’s strength!’

"I’ve killed the people for you. Remember your promise," Xue Ling said flatly, glancing at Shen Haoran.

"Don’t worry. I won’t go back on what I promised you," Shen Haoran nodded. Xue Ling had been a huge help this time, so of course he would give her the Spirit Medicine.

"That would be best. If you dare go back on your word, I guarantee you’ll die a much more miserable death than them," Xue Ling said coldly. With a flash, her figure vanished, and she left Jueyang Valley.

"Hmph! What’s with her? So what if she has big boobs and a pretty face? Brother Haoran, don’t you worry! If that woman ever tries to hurt you, I’ll cook her up and make you some snake soup!" Murong Wanqing said indignantly, shaking her small fists at Xue Ling’s vanishing figure.

Hearing Murong Wanqing’s words, the corners of Shen Haoran’s and the others’ mouths couldn’t help but twitch. ’This girl really dares to say anything. If Xue Ling had heard that, who knows what kind of trouble would have started!’

"Ahem... Alright, let’s leave, too. It’s time to head back to the Celestial Spirit Sect and report that the mission is complete. I don’t think we have much time before the competition for the slots begins," Shen Haoran said, clearing his throat and quickly changing the subject.

At his words, the others nodded. They didn’t linger in Jueyang Valley any longer and turned to leave, leaving behind only the field of bodies and the crows that now swarmed down upon them...

Back in Divine Martial City, Shen Haoran didn’t rest for a moment. After delivering the Elixirs for the twenty people from before, he rushed back toward the Celestial Spirit Sect without stopping. The competition for the slots was drawing closer and closer; if they didn’t hurry, they would be late.

After Shen Haoran and his group left, news of the Hehuan Sect’s destruction spread like a plague. The factions that had attended the wedding that day were all relieved they hadn’t gotten involved. Otherwise, the Hehuan Sect wouldn’t have been the only one to suffer.

...

「Meanwhile, in the Northern Domain’s Celestial Spirit Canyon.」

The vast Celestial Spirit Sect lay coiled within the canyon like a slumbering dragon, with rich Spiritual Power suffusing every corner of the Sect. Perhaps because the competition for the slots to enter the Desert Ancient City was fast approaching, everyone wore solemn expressions. They all seemed busy, refusing to let any opportunity for Cultivation slip by. After all, every one of them wanted to fight for a chance to enter the Desert Ancient City.

In contrast to the tense atmosphere throughout the Sect, the Celestial Spirit Sect’s assembly hall was also filled with sparks. The upper echelons of the Celestial Spirit Sect were all seated stiffly, their faces tinged with varying degrees of anger.

"I disagree! No matter what you say, the Elder Council will not agree to this!" an Elder exclaimed, slamming his hand on the table as he shot to his feet.

"That’s right! Third Elder, for you to try and secure three slots to the Desert Ancient City for three disciples who just joined the Sect is a violation of Sect rules in itself! The resources of our Celestial Spirit Sect are only for disciples with strength, Talent, and, more importantly, loyalty to our Sect! Those three just joined. How can we give such precious slots to them?" another Elder added, full of dissatisfaction.

Jun Luohua seemed to have anticipated the Elders’ opposition. She showed no emotion and simply said flatly, "I am not trying to secure them slots to enter the Desert Ancient City. I am only asking for a chance for them to participate in the competition for the slots."

"That is also unacceptable! Those who can participate in the competition for the slots are all senior, powerful, and talented disciples of our Sect. The three of them are not worthy!" As soon as Jun Luohua finished speaking, the Right Elder immediately spoke out in opposition.

Hearing yet another objection, Jun Luohua’s face turned cold. ’I’ve already backed down again and again. If these old geezers still don’t know what’s good for them, then I’ll just have to use force!’

Seeing Jun Luohua’s expression turn cold, the Celestial Spirit Sect’s Sect Leader, Tian Ao, quickly stood up. He was the only one in the entire Sect who knew the true extent of Jun Luohua’s power. If she were to fly into a rage, these old men would be in for a world of pain. As the Sect Leader, he naturally didn’t want to see that happen, so he could only step in to mediate.

"Esteemed Elders, please calm your anger and hear me out. The Third Elder simply wants those three disciples to participate in the competition, while the rest of you are refusing because they lack seniority and strength, correct? If those three disciples could perform some meritorious service for our Celestial Spirit Sect, wouldn’t that solve the problem?" Tian Ao said with a smile, looking between the two sides.

"Hmph! They’re just a few lowly Spirit Marquises. What kind of meritorious service could they possibly perform for our Sect?" one of the Elders said disdainfully upon hearing Tian Ao’s words.

At that, a strange smile touched the corners of Tian Ao’s lips. He then said softly, "For example, what if they were to completely eradicate the Hehuan Sect, which has been such a headache for you all? Would that count?"