Cultivation World
Demon Realm
Nether Region
An old man sat cross-legged in seclusion, his demeanor as tranquil as an ancient tree undeterred by the chaos of the world around him. Suddenly, his eyes snapped open, blazing with fury.
"Who dares to kill my disciple?" he roared, his voice shaking the air. A surge of elemental core cultivation pressure burst forth from his body, engulfing the surroundings like a raging storm.
But before his fury could wreak havoc, an even more terrifying pressure descended, crushing his aura in an instant. The old man's face turned pale as he dropped to one knee in submission, trembling with fear.
"Forgive this insolent junior for his mistake, Demon Lord," he said in a shaky voice, bowing his head deeply.
For a few moments, there was only silence. Just as the old man felt he might be crushed entirely under the weight of the pressure, it dissipated. A serene yet commanding voice echoed in his mind.
"Ensure this doesn't happen again, You Ming."
The old man kowtowed immediately. "Lord, forgive this junior, but my disciple was slain at the Place of Inheritance. I wish to avenge him. Please grant me permission to personally deal with the one responsible."
The voice remained silent for a moment before speaking again, its tone calm yet unyielding.
"No cultivator above the Qi Condenser stage is permitted to enter the Place of Inheritance. You are far beyond that realm, You Ming."
"But, Lord—"
"Did you not hear my words?" the voice interrupted sharply. "First, you send your useless disciple to his death, and now you create a commotion. Do you think the Nether Sect is your private playground?"
"N-no, Lord," You Ming stammered, his body trembling under the reprimand.
After another pause, the voice softened slightly. "I will grant you an opportunity to avenge your disciple. The headquarters requires an early-stage Qi Condenser cultivator for a mission to the Place of Inheritance. You may select someone suitable to represent the sect. They will also have the chance to exact your revenge."
You Ming's forehead hit the ground with a resounding thud as he kowtowed. "Thank you, Demon Lord. I will not disappoint you."
"Good. Now leave—I have no time for your petty grievances." The voice faded into silence.
You Ming hesitated, ensuring the Demon Lord's presence had completely vanished before cautiously rising to his feet. He glanced around, checking to see if anyone had witnessed his humiliation. Satisfied that he was alone, he exhaled in relief.
Pulling out a communication talisman, he summoned his servant, Wu Yong.
---
You Ming's Residence
A few moments later, a young man arrived, rushing into the courtyard with visible panic. Wu Yong, with his average features and a deep scar on his forehead, cupped his fists respectfully.
"This servant greets the elder. What are your orders?" Outwardly calm, Wu Yong was inwardly panicking, fearing he might be punished for witnessing his master's earlier embarrassment.
"You saw what happened here, didn't you, Wu Yong?" You Ming asked coldly.
Wu Yong's heart skipped a beat, but he quickly composed himself, forcing a smile. "Elder, I'm not sure what you're referring to. Are you speaking of the moment when your mighty aura shook the heavens and the earth? Even the skies trembled in fear of your power. If not for your mercy, this lowly servant would have been reduced to ashes."
You Ming stroked his beard, laughing heartily. "You've got a way with words, kid. Here, take these pills—they'll aid in your cultivation. Now, summon Xiao Hu. I have matters to discuss with him."
"At once, Elder." Wu Yong bowed and hurried off to carry out the task.
---
Personal Disciple's Courtyard
Wu Yong arrived at Xiao Hu's courtyard and called out. "Senior Brother Xiao Hu, the elder summons you."
After a few moments, the gates creaked open, revealing a disheveled young man. Xiao Hu's sharp eyes scanned Wu Yong before he sighed.
"What is it now? Couldn't Master just use the communication talisman? Or does he think his dignity will suffer if he calls me directly?" Xiao Hu grumbled.
Wu Yong smiled nervously. "The elder requests your presence, Senior Brother."
"Fine, fine. You can go back now," Xiao Hu said, dismissing him.
As Xiao Hu mounted his flying artifact and soared into the sky, Wu Yong watched in envy. "One day, I'll have a hundred of those," he muttered under his breath, clenching his fists.
---
Elder's Courtyard
Xiao Hu landed gracefully in his master's courtyard, his sharp gaze landing on You Ming, who stood in the center, exuding an air of authority.
"Disciple greets Master," Xiao Hu said, bowing respectfully.
You Ming nodded in satisfaction. "Xiao Hu, there is no time for pleasantries. Your junior brother has been killed at the Place of Inheritance. I cannot intervene directly, so I am entrusting this responsibility to you."
"Who did it?" Xiao Hu demanded, his voice cold with fury. "I'll make them regret being born."
"Calm yourself," You Ming said. "Your mission is twofold. First, locate and gather information about the inheritance. Second, avenge your junior brother. But remember, the inheritance is your priority."
"I understand, Master," Xiao Hu said, his tone resolute.
You Ming handed him a talisman and a jade token. "The talisman will help you locate the murderer. The token is a life-saving artifact—use it only in a dire situation."
"Thank you, Master," Xiao Hu said, bowing again.
"Come, I'll take you to the teleportation array."
---
At the array, Xiao Hu stepped into its center, turning back to look at his master one last time.
"Be safe, my disciple," You Ming said as the array activated, and Xiao Hu disappeared in a flash of light.
---
In a Desolate Land
A car sped along a barren road, leaving a trail of dust in its wake.
Hua Rong sat in the driver's seat, her expression calm and focused. Beside her, Sha Li glanced at the passing scenery, while Li Huo snored softly in the backseat, sprawled across the seats.
"How much longer until we arrive?" Sha Li asked.
"About half an hour," Hua Rong replied.
Her eyes flicked to the rearview mirror, where Li Huo slept peacefully. "He must be exhausted," she mused aloud.
Sha Li shrugged. "Probably stress."
"What's your martial arts realm now?" Hua Rong asked abruptly.
"Close to entering the Bone Tempering stage," Sha Li replied honestly.
"And him?"
"Halfway through Bone Tempering," Sha Li replied smoothly, the lie slipping off his tongue as naturally as breathing. His expression was calm, almost bored, betraying none of the tension coiled in his chest.
Hua Rong nodded in approval. "Not bad. You two were the only ones with high enough blood vitality to become my students. Don't disappoint me."
Sha Li scratched his head sheepishly. "We'll do our best, Instructor."
The rest of the journey passed in silence.
---
After forty minutes, the car came to a stop in front of a large building. Hua Rong stepped out, glancing back at her students.
"Stay here. Don't wander off," she instructed Sha Li before striding toward the building.
The sound of the car door slamming woke Li Huo. He rubbed his eyes, groggily looking out of the window of the car. His eyes widened in disbelief as he caught sight of a familiar figure entering the building.
"Why is she here?" he muttered, his heart racing.