A Betrayal?

No sooner had Tang Pi finished speaking than the blood crystal pillar not far from him started to quiver.

Crash…

The seething blood sea crystal pillar vibrated and crumbled, and the tiny crystal fragments plunged back into the blood sea, merging with it.

From within the blood crystal pillar, dense gray wings leisurely unfurled. One man, with his upper body bare and possessing a robust physique, slowly opened his eyes.

“Sect Master, you summoned me?” The man glanced in Tang Pi’s direction. Next, he unhurriedly extricated his hands and feet. Sparks flickered around his body, giving him an odd appearance.

In the four other directions, four more figures identical to him emerged. After rousing from the blood crystal pillar, they turned their gaze towards Tang Pi.

“There are two intruders in the blood sea,” informed Tang Pi.

“Two intruders? Five commanders at the visceral prefecture realm…” A woman possessing an admirable figure spoke from behind. Flowers blossomed beneath her feet, and her entire body appeared to be suspended mid-air by a bouquet of flowers.

The five commanders of the Kun Peng clan were indeed the leaders of the five branches of the clan. The five clans had five surnames: the eastern clan was called Mu, the western clan Jin, the southern clan Huo, the northern clan Shui, and the central clan Tu.

Gao He declared, “Our initial assessment is that those two intruders are likely at the first-level visceral prefecture realm.”

“First-level visceral prefecture realm?!” The leader of the western clan, a tall and hefty man with a shining bald head resembling a lethal weapon, questioned.

“Sect Master, are you joking? We’re all at the fifth-level visceral prefecture realm. Wouldn’t it be an overkill to deploy us to eliminate two novices who’ve just entered the visceral prefecture realm?” action

“You could simply awaken any of the elders. Is there a necessity to rouse all five of us?” An old man, one of the five commanders, expressed his dissatisfaction. “Exactly. Is the Sect Master toying with us?”

Tang Pi, witnessing the expressions on the faces of the five clan leaders, said with a stern countenance, “Those two intruders are not to be underestimated. I suspect they’re withholding their full power.

“I also do not wish for innocents to die because of them. Also, I want to nip in the bud any chance they might have to grow stronger through killing. I expect everyone to secure the heads of those two.”

“Understood,” the leader of the central clan affirmed in a low voice. After saying this, he departed without a backward glance.

Upon seeing this, the other four didn’t even offer a salute to Tang Pi before taking their leave.

Tang Pi watched the departing figures, his eyes revealing a trace of murderous intent. “It seems they’ve enjoyed peace for too long. They’ve forgotten who dealt with their cultivation resources and troubles while they were detached from worldly affairs, engrossed in their secluded cultivation.”

“So what you’re implying is…” Gao He raised his gaze to meet Tang Pi’s.

“They are, after all, leaders of the five prominent clans. I will devise a suitable method for their demise, but not at this moment.” Tang Pi’s eyes, fixated on the backs of the five individuals, glinted with an unveiled murderous intent.

These disobedient fellows would ultimately fall on the battlefield against the malicious zealots of the Sacred Heart Sect. After that, he would bestow upon them the title of heroes, receiving adulation from countless people. It would be their rightful end.

…

Meanwhile, the five clan leaders halted not far from the blood sea. Around them lay the unending expanse of the blood crystal pillar.

In front of them, two demons kneeled, recounting their encounter with Qin Huai and Wang Kun in great detail.

“That old man is clearly afraid we’ll outshine him by breaking through the blood crystal pillar. That’s why he’s using insignificant pests to impede our progress,” stated Huo Huan, the tall and lean leader of the southern clan.

“Two first-level visceral prefecture realm experts with fair competencies in all aspects. In other words, they’re mediocre but resilient, akin to cockroaches.” The woman lazily added, “Any objections? After all, I still aspire to become the sect master.” “Don’t you all?”

“Then, each one of you should assign a clan member to proceed and return to continue their cultivation.”

A malevolent grin spread across their faces.

“Sounds perfect to me!” The group expressed their consent.

“Allow me to lead the team,” the leader of the central clan proposed, his voice deep.”

The others, Huo Huan included, responded with equanimity, “Since Clan Leader Tu is taking charge, that’s indeed the best. May Clan Leader Tu’s mission be successful!”

Their words of congratulations echoed one after the other, yet their faces revealed their lack of sincerity. After that, they pointed their fingers into the distance. Streams of energy spanned hundreds of meters, colliding into a few blood crystal pillars.

Bang!

The blood crystal pillars instantly shattered, and a handful of masters with potent blood qi slowly opened their eyes, walking towards Huo Huan and the rest.

“Greetings, clan leaders!”

Huo Huan and the others lifted their hands, signaling the figures before them to rise. Then, they turned to the central clan leader. “Clan Leader Tu, we entrust these four elders to you!”

“You must ensure their safe return.” The woman playfully touched Clan Leader Tu.

“Everyone, rest assured.” Clan Leader Tu’s face remained impassive, not bothering to respond to the crowd. He just glanced at them, turned, and dashed into the distance.

“Everyone, proceed with your cultivation. With Clan Leader Tu’s fifth-level visceral prefecture realm strength, if he fails to exterminate those two rats… I’ll pluck out my own eyes and let you eat them.”

“Hahaha… We’ll hold you to that.”

The remaining four exchanged glances.

“Once we ascend to the position of the sect master in the future, we mustn’t forget Clan Leader Tu’s favor today.”