The Blood Robed Cultivator clasped his hands behind his back and seemed dismissive of Fang Zhen’s words. He merely shot a glance, speaking indifferently: "Young one, I have other matters to attend to and won’t waste time in verbal disputes with you. Five days from now marks the reopening of your Mingcang Sect’s Sea Eye. Let’s see if you manage to make it out alive then."
Finished speaking, he deliberately or inadvertently cast another look toward Zhang Yan’s hiding place, before gesturing with a sweep of his hand.
Immediately, among the disciples of the Blood Essence Sect, a strong voice rang out: "Master’s orders, retreat!"
Hearing this, the surrounding Blood Essence Sect disciples did not hesitate, and promptly lifted their Magic Artifacts and turned to leave.
Yet the Blood Robed Cultivator remained motionless where he stood. After confirming no Blood Essence Sect disciple lingered nearby, he once again cast a penetrating look toward Zhang Yan’s direction, and with a flash of Blood Light, vanished without a trace.
Seeing the retreat of the Blood Essence Sect cultivator, Fang Zhen couldn’t help but let out a quiet sigh of relief.
Though he spoke lightly, the truth was that this particular Blood Essence had been able to repel the Five Fire Divine Weapon Circle in one strike—much stronger than the one encountered last time. If it had come to a head, he wouldn’t have stood a chance. Thus, having achieved mutual disengagement was undoubtedly the best outcome.
High above, Zhang Yan had been scrutinizing the Blood Robed Cultivator from the start. Even when the other’s gaze swept over, he stood firm, deliberately unmoved.
His reasoning was this: though the opponent held a clear advantage, there was no cause to retreat so easily. Undoubtedly, there must be other hidden motives or perhaps the Blood Robed Cultivator was merely bluffing.
Thus, he intentionally provoked subtly, hoping to test the opponent’s reaction.
It wasn’t until the Blood Robed Cultivator retreated that he was more convinced of his judgment.
Watching the Blood Essence Sect disciples withdraw completely, he shook his head regretfully—it was a pity indeed. If Fang Zhen had been replaced by Xie Zongyuan, he would have proposed an immediate strike, potentially dealing severe blows to some of the Blood Essence Sect disciples.
Reflecting on the situation, he silently lamented that his own abilities were lacking. Even though he saw through the openings, he was left powerless. He harbored no illusions of single-handedly battling dozens of Blood Essence Sect disciples.
If only he himself were a Xuan Guang Realm Cultivator, why would he need to entertain such concerns? A mere wave of the hand could have annihilated these opponents altogether. Clearly, the root of all power lies in personal cultivation.
In the field, Feng Ming appeared hesitant, glanced at Fang Zhen, and said, "Senior Brother Fang, since the Blood Essence Sect disciples have retreated, why don’t we meet up with Brother Xie and discuss the next steps?"
Fang Zhen snorted, a trace of dissatisfaction flickering on his face, but reluctantly nodded, replying, "I suppose that’s all we can do."
Having led his disciples a hundred miles away, the Blood Robed Cultivator came to a stop atop an elevated dirt mound, seemingly waiting for someone.
Soon enough, a blood-colored streak of light streaked across the skies and landed, revealing the figure of Senior Brother Li.
But he wasn’t alone. He arrived flanked on both sides by two individuals. Stepping forward before the Blood Robed Cultivator, he knelt and said, "Master, the mission has been accomplished. The man is here."
The Blood Robed Cultivator’s face revealed a faint trace of joy. He nodded and set his eyes upon the young cultivator standing to the left behind Senior Brother Li. With a kind expression, he said, "You must be Han Ji of the Yun Lang Han Clan?"
Han Ji hurriedly stepped forward, bowing deferentially, and replied, "Junior pays respects to the senior. Indeed, I am Han Ji."
The Blood Robed Cultivator looked him over again and smiled. "Good. Truly an exceptional talent. Our Blood Essence Sect has always welcomed talents from all corners. Since you wish to take me as your master, I will not reject you."
Han Ji’s face lit up with joy as he immediately bowed to the ground, saying, "Disciple pays respects to Teacher."
Seeing his demeanor and posture devoid of reluctance, the Blood Robed Cultivator nodded in satisfaction, saying, "No need for excessive courtesy, rise. For now, I will accept you as a Registered Disciple. Once you meet my true form in person, we’ll conduct the formal initiation ceremony—how does that sound?"
Han Ji said, "All is at the discretion of Master."
The individual to Senior Brother Li’s right interjected smugly, "Master, I got along famously with Junior Brother Han straightaway. Learning of his wish to join our sect and his offer of a Mystic Blood Pill, I immediately informed you via token, not delaying for even a moment."
Senior Brother Li frowned and scolded, "Li Weimin, this is not your place to speak! Do you not know decorum? Stand back!"
Li Weimin merely laughed it off, entirely unperturbed by the reprimand.
The Blood Robed Cultivator waved his hand dismissively and laughed, "No issue. Weimin can be commended for this contribution; Weide, you needn’t be excessively harsh."
Senior Brother Li promptly lowered his head in acknowledgment.
"Hmm. Come closer," the Blood Robed Cultivator beckoned to Senior Brother Li. The latter caught the signal and took a few steps forward, whispering, "What are your instructions, Master?"
The Blood Robed Cultivator spoke gravely, "Leave tonight and personally escort your Junior Brother Han to me. This matter is critical and must not fail. Do you understand?"
Li Weide hesitated briefly before replying hesitantly, "Master, if I am absent, the others might struggle to fend off attacks from Mingcang Sect cultivators."
The Blood Robed Cultivator brushed this off. "No need for concern. They’ve been shaken enough by me; they wouldn’t dare retaliate for the next few days. Just ensure Han Ji’s safe arrival—I’ll dispatch someone to assist you later. Try to return by the fifteenth day. Remember this."
Li Weide took a step back, bowed deeply, and said, "Weide will heed Teacher’s orders."
The Blood Robed Cultivator uttered an "Hmm" before letting out a mysterious sigh, saying, "The Five Fire Divine Weapon Circle truly lives up to its name as a Mystical Artifact. In the future, should you encounter it, proceed with utmost caution."
Having spoken, his originally solid figure began to waver unsteadily, dissolving from the feet upwards. His knees, abdomen, chest, and head all followed suit, until eventually vanishing completely.
It turned out that while he had managed to resist the Five Fire Divine Weapon Circle, the essence soul of the Blood Essence within him had been corroded by the Fire Qi and his previous presence before Fang Zhen had merely been an act.
Had Fang Zhen steeled himself for mutual destruction at that moment, it might have been possible to annihilate the Blood Essence Sect disciples entirely.
Li Weide, observing this, showed no expression of surprise, as though he had expected it all along.
Li Weimin approached him proudly and said, "Well, big brother, wasn’t this a great contribution of mine?"
Li Weide gave a noncommittal response, saying, "Weimin, while I’m not around, ensure none of Mingcang Sect’s disciples escapes. Otherwise, our fallen fellow disciples will have died in vain."
Li Weimin patted his chest confidently and said, "Big brother, rest assured. We have eighteen people altogether. After eliminating some of them, Mingcang Sect’s disciples number no more than ten—it’s impossible for them to break through."
Li Weide pondered briefly, thinking that even with Fang Zhen wielding the Five Fire Divine Weapon Circle, stalling them momentarily was feasible, and he’d likely return in time. He reiterated, "Don’t be careless—remain vigilant."
Li Weimin repeatedly agreed, "Big brother, you should promptly escort Junior Brother Han now. Don’t keep Master waiting."
Li Weide nodded, turned to Han Ji, and said, "Junior Brother, pardon me."
A blood-colored Xuan Guang emerged, enveloping both himself and Han Ji as they ascended together. After selecting the direction, they vanished in a flash.
Meanwhile, in a concealed cavern elsewhere within the Demon Cave, Fang Zhen’s group regrouped with Xie Zongyuan and his companions.
Xie Zongyuan welcomed them inside. After they seated themselves, he said, "Senior Brother Fang, that Xuan Guang Realm Cultivator was initially pursuing us, but for reasons unknown, abruptly turned away mid-chase. I feared he had seen through our plan and worried for your group. Seeing you unharmed now puts me at ease."
Sitting beside him, Liu Tao glanced at Fang Zhen and asked, "Senior Brother Fang, how many Blood Essence Sect disciples did you eliminate in this battle?"
Noticing Fang Zhen’s displeased expression, Feng Ming quickly cupped his hands and interceded, "Senior Brothers, do you recall the formidable Blood Essence we encountered upon entering the Demon Cave?"
Xie Zongyuan replied solemnly, "How could I forget? If not for Fang Zhen repelling it with the Five Fire Divine Weapon Circle, we wouldn’t have escaped unscathed." He furrowed his brow and asked, "Did you encounter it again?"
Feng Ming said, "Senior Brother Fang had already lured the Blood Essence Sect disciples elsewhere, but sadly, another Blood Essence was sent forth, one even impervious to the Five Fire Divine Weapon Circle, leaving us no choice..."
He paused and sighed heavily.
Xie Zongyuan, being a reasonable person, showed no signs of blame and merely said, "This cannot be held against Senior Brother Fang. Managing to retreat intact already counts as fortune."
He looked at Fang Zhen and cupped his hands, saying, "Senior Brother Fang, in fifteen days’ time, breaking out of this Demon Cave will surely require a fierce battle. We’re all in the same boat now, and should act together and set aside past grievances—what do you think?"
Fang Zhen snorted, cupping his hands in return, "I, Fang Zhen, am not a petty person. Since Brother Xie speaks so, matters can be addressed after escaping the Demon Cave."
Xie Zongyuan exchanged glances with Liu Tao behind him, understanding Fang Zhen hadn’t let go of his grudges. However, Xie Zongyuan didn’t mind; their mutual goal of leaving the Demon Cave aligned. Once back at Mingcang Sect, as a member of the Xie Family, why should he concern himself with Fang Zhen’s thoughts?
At that moment, a sound came from outside the cavern: "Senior Brothers, since we all intend to break out of the Demon Cave together, as a disciple of Mingcang Sect, I am duty-bound to join the battle!"
Upon hearing this, Xie Zongyuan abruptly stood up, joyfully exclaiming, "Brother Zhang, is that you?" Liu Tao, Cheng An, and Mrs. Chen beside him also rose.
Fang Zhen’s expression subtly shifted as he murmured, "Zhang Yan?"
With a "whoosh," a streak of blue tunneling light entered. As the radiance dispersed, Zhang Yan’s figure emerged. He smiled faintly, cupping his hands in salute to the group, saying, "A decade has passed since we parted ways. Now I return to see my Senior Brothers once again."
Xie Zongyuan looked him up and down, his eyes brightening as he said, "Brother Zhang, could it be... you’ve already condensed the Xuan Guang Seed?"

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