Kane's eyes, once a piercing red, now shrouded in a veil of black, hid his true intentions. He had deliberately concealed his red eyes, aware that if their true color was revealed, it would be a problem. His gaze fell upon San Fe, his expression unchanging, as he inquired about Jang Ran's whereabouts. San Fe's hesitation was palpable before she revealed the truth: Jang Ran had sacrificed himself while protecting the others.
Kane's thoughts whirled with a mix of emotions, his mind racing with the implications. Though Jang Ran was a portly figure, his talents were undeniable, and his loss was a significant blow. Kane's gaze fell upon his hands, and he noticed something peculiar - they were trembling. A spark of surprise ignited within him as tears began to well up in his eyes.
Confusion clouded Kane's mind as he struggled to comprehend the strange sensations coursing through his body. It was as if someone else was manipulating his emotions, his actions. He retreated into the Soul Stone, seeking answers from Blackcat.
"What's happening to me?" Kane demanded, his consciousness seeking clarity.
Blackcat's calm gaze met Kane's, his voice a gentle whisper. "It's your body, Kane. Your body and soul are separate entities. Your body feels, but you don't."
Kane's thoughts reeled as he grasped the truth. "My body... Hehehe... who needs a body if I can exist without one?"
Blackcat's expression turned pitiful, his voice laced with sorrow. "You're a fool, Kane. You can't contain water without a container."
Kane's consciousness withdrew from the Soul Stone, his gaze falling upon San Fe and Ling Xiao. "Where is the Lei Clan situated?" he asked, his voice firm, but his mind still reeling from the revelations.
San Fe said her words hung in the air like a challenge, "Lei Clan is situated in the Floating City of Den." Kane's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with the implications. A Floating City? He had heard of such anomalies, but never thought he'd encounter one. The Southern Region was full of secrets, it seemed.
"Zhang Clan dominates the city, but Lei Clan leads," San Fe continued, her voice laced with a hint of warning. "They are the true power behind the Floating City of Den. Lei Clan has two Semi-Mortal ancestors, both of whom have cultivated to the peak of the Semi-Mortal realm. Their names are Lei Guang and Lei Mingyu, and they are the ones who maintain the city's stability and dominance."
Kane's thoughts whirled with calculations, his gaze piercing through the veil of uncertainty. He had to act swiftly, eliminating the Semi-Mortal ancestors before they became a problem. If they discovered his plan, they would stop at nothing to protect their clan.
"Lei Guang is known for his mastery of the Five Elements, while Lei Mingyu has cultivated the ancient art of Shadow Manipulation," San Fe added, her voice barely above a whisper. "Together, they form a formidable duo, and their powers are not to be underestimated."
Kane's eyes gleamed with malevolence as he processed the information. He had to be careful, strategic in his approach. The Lei Clan would not go down without a fight.
Kane's mind was a maelstrom of thoughts, his eyes burning with intensity as he processed the information. He knew that taking down the Lei Clan wouldn't be easy, but he was determined to see it through.
"San Fe, gather all the information you can on Lei Guang and Lei Mingyu," Kane ordered, his voice low and urgent. "I want to know their strengths, weaknesses, habits... everything."
San Fe nodded, her expression grim. "I'll get to work on it immediately, Elder Fang Lin."
Kane's gaze turned inward, his thoughts racing with strategies and countermeasures. He knew that the key to success lay in exploiting the weaknesses of the Semi-Mortal ancestors.
"Lei Guang's mastery of the Five Elements makes him a formidable opponent," Kane thought, "but what if I can find a way to neutralize his powers? And Lei Mingyu's Shadow Manipulation... that's a tricky one. I'll need to come up with a plan to counter that."
As Kane delved deeper into his thoughts, a cold, calculating smile spread across his face. He was the master of his own destiny, and no one would stand in his way. Not even the Lei Clan.
Kane's eyes snapped open, his mind clear and focused. He had spent the last few hours poring over the information San Fe had gathered, and he was ready to put his plan into action.
"San Fe, remain here and protect the sect," Kane ordered, his voice firm and commanding. "The Lei Clan may try to strike back, and I need someone I trust to keep our people safe."
San Fe nodded, her expression determined. "I won't let anything happen to the sect, Elder Fang Lin. Be careful."
Kane nodded, then turned to Ling Xiao. "Come with me. We have a clan to take down."
Ling Xiao followed Kane without hesitation, and together they set out for the Floating City of Den.
As they approached the city, Kane's thoughts turned to the task ahead. He knew that taking down the Lei Clan wouldn't be easy, but he was confident in his abilities.
Upon arriving at the city, Kane's gaze swept across the landscape, taking in the towering spires and grand architecture. The Floating City of Den was a marvel, but Kane's admiration was short-lived.
Within the Lei Clan's opulent halls, preparations for the upcoming marriage between the two families were in full swing. Yet, amidst the festivities, Zhao Min's heart remained shrouded in darkness. The traumatic memories of her past lingered, refusing to be extinguished. The massacre in the sect, the death of her friend Jang Ran - all these horrors still haunted her.
As she sat in her chambers, lost in thought, her father Lei Tang entered. "My daughter, why so sad?" he asked, his voice laced with concern. "Is it because your brother killed those mortals in your previous sect?
Zhao Min gazed at her father, her eyes empty, her soul tormented. She couldn't bring herself to speak.
Lei Tang sighed, his expression a mix of pity and resignation. "It's already done, we can't redo the past. Come, let us focus on the future." With that, he departed, leaving Zhao Min to her anguish.
Meanwhile, Kane and Ling Xiao approached the Li Clan, their intentions shrouded in mystery. Ling Xiao asked, "Elder Fang Lin, where are we headed?"
Kane's eyes gleamed with calculation. "The Li Clan is the only one lacking in this power struggle. They were the old Leading Clan overthrown by the Lei Clan and they hold the key to our victory."
Ling Xiao's gaze narrowed. "You plan to exploit their weakness?"
Kane's smile was devoid of warmth. "I will do whatever it takes to achieve our goals. The Li Clan will soon learn the true meaning of power."
As they approached the Li Clan's gates, an aura of foreboding settled over the land. The stage was set for a struggle that would shake the very foundations of the cultivation world.
As Kane kicked open the gate, Ling Xiao's eyes widened in shock. "Elder, why are you kicking the gate open?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.
But Kane didn't respond. Instead, he strode forward, his eyes fixed on the two cultivators from the Li Clan who approached them.
"Stop there! Why are you intruding into our clan?" one of the cultivators demanded, their faces stern.
Kane's gaze swept over them, his expression unyielding. "If the Li Clan's leader doesn't come out within five minutes, your clan won't survive for long," he declared, his voice dripping with menace.
The cultivators exchanged nervous glances. "Who are you to make such demands?" one of them asked, trying to sound brave.
Kane's smile was cold and calculated. "I am Fang Lin, from the Heaven Defying Sect. And I have come to discuss a matter of great importance with your leader."
The cultivators' eyes widened in shock as they heard the name Fang Lin. They knew that the Heaven Defying Sect's rise to power was largely due to this very person. And the fact that they had defeated the outer disciples of a mid-sized sect was a feat that commanded respect.
"Fang Lin... from the Heaven Defying Sect?" one of the cultivators stammered, their voices barely above a whisper.
Kane's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "Yes. And I suggest you hurry. Time is running out."
The cultivators quickly retreated, their faces pale. They knew that they couldn't afford to keep Fang Lin waiting.
As they disappeared into the clan's inner quarters, Ling Xiao turned to Kane. "Elder, why are we being so aggressive?" he asked, his brow furrowed in concern.
Kane's expression was unyielding. "We need to show them our strength, Ling Xiao. The Li Clan must know that we will not be trifled with."
Ling Xiao nodded, though his eyes still held a hint of doubt. He knew that Kane's methods were unorthodox, but he also knew that they often yielded results.
As they waited, the air was thick with tension. The Li Clan's leader, Li Qing, emerged from the inner quarters, his face a mask of calm.
"Fang Lin, I see you've arrived," he said, his voice measured. "What brings you to our humble
clan?"
Kane's smile was cold. "Let us discuss that inside, Li Qing. We have much to talk about."