Chapter 124: The Ancestor of Blood Transformation

In a mysterious valley on the outskirts of the Yao Kingdom, the roar of wild beasts echoes periodically. The area is shrouded in a perpetual layer of gloomy mist, giving it an atmosphere that is both enigmatic and unsettling.

Hidden within the valley's vapors lies a massive palace. Inside, an elderly man with a gaunt, withered face, draped in blood-red robes, stands before a beast that resembles a giant crocodile. The creature growls, looking at the old man with a flicker of cowardice.

The old man stretches out his hand, and a surge of violent spiritual energy erupts from his palm, forming the shape of a massive claw. It quickly envelops the beast. The creature, despite its incredibly tough exterior, is unable to withstand the strike; its hide begins to crack, and streaks of bright red blood seep out.

Then, a bizarre sight unfolds: the blood flowing from the beast does not drip to the ground but is drawn into the old man’s spiritual energy, staining it a deep, crimson red—a truly horrifying spectacle.

As the old man increases his pressure, the blood flows even faster, no longer in trickles but in surging torrents. It coils like a rope, drawn toward the old man’s body.

The blood stains the old man’s aura, yet his spiritual power seems to grow stronger, as if nourished, imbued with a mysterious new intensity. Even the patterns on his robes begin to pulse with blood-red veins, creating a deeply eerie appearance.

Soon, the flow of blood from the beast slows as it begins to desiccate. With a clench of his hand, the old man causes the spectral claw to tighten, crushing the beast into a pile of mangled flesh. He tosses the remains outside the palace.

"Clean up that meat. Take the tender parts to boil into soup for me, and toss the rest out of the valley to feed the other beasts," the old man commands, his voice booming like a bell. Servants waiting outside immediately rush to obey.

"The blood of this spirit beast is decent enough; it has increased the power of my Blood-Refining Divine Art. Still, this Marsh Demon Crocodile is only a low-level spirit beast. If it were a mid-level one, it would be far more useful. But there are few mid-level beasts in the Yao Kingdom; it seems I shall have to venture to other lands eventually," the old man mutters to himself.

This elder is the Blood-Refining Ancestor of the Blood-Refining Sect, and this mysterious valley is the very foundation of his order.

"Master, I have an urgent matter to report," a young disciple’s voice calls from outside.

"Ah, Mo He. Come in. Why are you here instead of cultivating in your cave?" the Blood-Refining Ancestor asks, his expression sharpening.

A young man enters the palace; he is handsome, yet possesses an unsettling, demonic air.

"Master, Tang Bi of the Guangxie Sect is outside the valley, requesting an audience," Mo He says, bowing respectfully.

"What does he want? I have no close ties with that old ghost from the Guangxie Sect. Very well, since he is here, let him in," the Ancestor muses.

Mo He departs and soon returns with another young man—Tang Bi.

"Tang Bi pays his respects to the Ancestor," Tang Bi says, appearing suitably deferential.

"Why have you come, Tang Bi? Did your master send a message?" the Ancestor asks, eyes half-closed in meditation, showing little interest.

"Reporting to the Ancestor, I did not come at my master's behest. I heard that you have been searching for the murderer of Brother Wang Hai, so I have come to provide information."

"So, you know the whereabouts of this killer?" The Ancestor opens his eyes, fixing his gaze on Tang Bi.

"Indeed. The murderer has joined the Heavenly Sword Sect. I crossed paths with him some time ago; his abilities are truly extraordinary," Tang Bi replies.

"Is that so? What is his name? What does he look like? Tell me everything in detail," the Ancestor demands urgently.

"I heard that the Ancestor issued a bounty. Is that true?" Tang Bi pivots the conversation.

"Haha, so you came for the reward. I did indeed issue such an order. If your information is correct, I will reward you. But if you dare to deceive me, do not blame me for being ruthless," the Ancestor warns, his expression cold.

"I would never dare to deceive you, Ancestor," Tang Bi smiles. "The killer’s name is Yang Xiao, and he joined the Heavenly Sword Sect within the last two years." Tang Bi proceeds to provide a detailed account of Yang Xiao’s background and physical appearance.

"Good. You have done well, Tang Bi. Go and collect your spirit stones. Furthermore, I shall grant you a special reward: this Purple Gold Scimitar." With a flick of his sleeve, a curved blade flies toward Tang Bi.

Tang Bi catches it and realizes with delight that it is a spiritual treasure. He offers profuse thanks.

After Tang Bi leaves, the Ancestor’s face turns grim. "Wang Hai’s constitution was perfect for my demonic arts; he was my most important disciple. To have him murdered for no reason—I must settle this debt, or I shall never be able to swallow this bitterness."

"I am also deeply grieved by Brother Wang Hai’s death. I am willing to go and slay the enemy myself," Mo He says, feigning sorrow.

"Mo He, if even Wang Hai was killed by him, you are certainly no match for him. Instead, set up informants around the Heavenly Sword Sect. Once he emerges, notify me. I will strike personally and tear that man to shreds," the Ancestor declares viciously.

"As you command, Master," Mo He replies before leaving.

"Yang Xiao, I will kill you myself to avenge my disciple. If I cannot even protect my own followers, how am I to maintain my footing in the cultivation world?" the Ancestor says, clenching his fist tightly.