AN - Stone me
Here's the fixed version with all content preserved:
"If the ancestor is willing to help, there will be no problem!" Ye Nanqiu's face lit up with joy upon hearing this. If Patriarch Qingyang were to take action, then the Gu family would stand no chance of survival. With this, Ye Shi's revenge would finally be realized.
The Qingyang Patriarch sneered: "No one can offend my Qingyang Sect and live. Even Guan Nanhai couldn't do it back then, let alone a mere Gu Qingfeng. If the Taixuan Dynasty wasn't still strong and Baishi City wasn't under court jurisdiction, I'd have already sacrificed the entire Baishi City in blood.
"If I could offer a blood sacrifice to the whole of Baishi City, I'd definitely advance further... What a pity!" Patriarch Qingyang licked his lips and suppressed his urge. It's easy to sacrifice Baishi City, but dealing with the consequences wouldn't be.
Hearing this, Ye Nanqiu spoke, "Pei Jing has also reached out to my Qingyang Sect, trying to draw us in for cooperation. If we work with him, it shouldn't be hard for him to take over Guangyang Prefecture and give Baishi City to us."
"It's not as simple as you think," Patriarch Qingyang shook his head slightly. "Behind Pei Jing is the Tianyang Sword Sect. As long as they're involved, how can Qingyang Sect claim a piece? Besides, more than just the Tianyang Sword Sect is involved here. Since the sides haven't decided a winner yet, there's no need for Qingyang Sect to rush to pick a side.
"After all, a wrong decision could cost us our foundation of hundreds of years in a single day. Once the situation clarifies, we'll move accordingly. Furthermore, if I can advance further, our Qingyang Sect will have greater influence when the troubled times begin."
In this world, strength is the ultimate decider. Patriarch Qingyang, having lived hundreds of years, understood this perfectly.
"For the past few years, the court has been active too. Several from the Evil Suppression Bureau have come to Guangyang Prefecture, likely preparing to suppress a powerful evil spirit. But I've heard that in their battle, both the bureau and the spirit suffered losses, turning the Lin County area into a wasteland."
"It's said that the evil spirit is disaster-level, not to be trifled with. But if we can suppress and consume it, Qingyang Sect may finally qualify to compete with the ancient sects and noble families in the future.
"Moreover, we could use this chance to integrate the evil into ourselves, becoming sorcerers and glimpsing the gate to immortality!"
At this, Ye Nanqiu felt excitement but also worry. "Even the Evil Suppression Bureau couldn't handle it, so how can we?"
Patriarch Qingyang sneered, "Rest assured. If it were in its prime, the spirit would be difficult. But both the bureau and the spirit are injured. Once I break through, suppressing it won't be an issue. This is our sect's chance to rise, and we cannot miss it. I've already discovered clues regarding the spirit's location over the last two years. Once I make my breakthrough, we'll act."
This was why he needed the three thousand boys and girls. After centuries of accumulation, Patriarch Qingyang was just one step away from a breakthrough, requiring more living flesh and blood to reach the next level.
Every step for a warlock is crucial; failing to advance at the critical moment results in drastic differences. As he spoke, Patriarch Qingyang's eyes darkened, his expression growing more savage.
"If Qingyang Sect's strength advances, it won't matter even if we massacre Baishi City. Ancient families have always destroyed cities, and the court never deals with them!"
"You're absolutely right, ancestor," Ye Nanqiu nodded.
Patriarch Qingyang glanced at him, saying calmly, "As for Ye Shi's death, you needn't worry. He's just one descendant. We pursue longevity. As long as we live, our bloodline will continue."
"Yes!" Ye Nanqiu lowered his head.
At that moment, a Qingyang Sect disciple rushed in. Seeing Patriarch Qingyang, he hesitated for a moment before addressing Ye Nanqiu. "Master, something terrible has happened!"
"Why are you panicking?" Ye Nanqiu frowned.
"News has come that Gu Qingfeng is leading the Gu family's strongest men toward Qingyang Sect. They'll reach the gate soon!"
Ye Nanqiu's face twisted in fury. "How bold of the Gu family!"
However, his anger cooled when he glanced at Patriarch Qingyang, who sat calmly. "Ancestor, the Gu family's arrival shows they wish to harm us. Will you act personally?"
Patriarch Qingyang's expression grew darker. "The Gu family dares approach my doorstep. I want to see what gives them such confidence."
The disciple trembled at hearing the title "Ancestor," only now realizing the Qingyang Sect had such a powerful figure. He looked at Patriarch Qingyang, meeting the elder's glowing green eyes, a deep sense of dread washing over him.
Suddenly, black tentacles sprouted from the shadow beneath Patriarch Qingyang and pierced the disciple's body before he could react. He screamed in agony, his skin shrinking as if his flesh and blood were being sucked away, leaving him a mummified corpse. The black shadows then receded.
Ye Nanqiu showed no reaction, clearly accustomed to such scenes.
"Let's go greet the Gu family," Patriarch Qingyang said. His complexion looked rosier after consuming the disciple's essence. With his hands behind his back, he walked out of the hall, Ye Nanqiu close behind.
Outside Qingyang Sect, three hundred light cavalrymen charged along the ancient road. As they arrived at the mountain gate, the cavalry halted.
Meng Peng approached the carriage and whispered, "Master, we've arrived at Qingyang Sect."
Gu Qingfeng pulled back the curtain and stepped out. Before him stood many Qingyang Sect disciples.
"Is this Qingyang Sect?" Gu Qingfeng observed. Most disciples were at the Skin Refining Realm, some at the Blood Refining Realm, and a few had reached the perfection of Blood Refining. This was the foundation of a great family.