Xu Yang remained silent for a moment, knowing that what they said was true.
Still, since he was already here, dealing with a mere ferocious beast was no big deal for him.
Moreover, with the sealing formation now destroyed, killing those with pure Yang bloodlines had lost its purpose.
"Are there any survivors?" Xu Yang asked.
Xu Qingying replied, "There are still some alive, around a hundred or so. Tomorrow, we plan to extract their blood and send it to the Tianyang Sect."
Xu Yang sighed deeply and said, "Let them go."
Xu Qingying froze for a few seconds before smiling bitterly and saying:
"Friend, that's impossible. Although we feel terrible about killing so many people, their deaths are necessary to save countless others in this world."
"Someone has to bear the burden of being the villain. If so, why not us?"
Xu Yang gave a helpless smile.
At this point, Xu Yang had followed Xu Qingying into the reception hall.
"This matter is related to why I'm here—for the flood dragon."
As Xu Yang took a seat, two young sword bearers brought him tea.
"Friend, it seems you have some important news to share with us." Xu Qingying smiled faintly, lifting his teacup and taking a sip.
His demeanor was calm and composed, as though nothing could shake him.
"The flood dragon has escaped," Xu Yang said evenly.
"Pfft..." Xu Qingying spat out his tea in shock, his face contorted with fear as he asked, "Is that true?"
Beside him, Xu Qingyi's face turned pale, and he slumped into his chair, muttering, "It's over, it's over."
It's clear—they're not responsible.
Xu Yang observed their reactions and realized the Ten Thousand Swords Sect wasn't behind this.
However, Xu Yang wouldn't draw any conclusions until he met the true Sect Master.
"This is a grave matter. We must summon the Sect Master immediately," Xu Qingying said in a panic, sweat forming on his brow.
"Alright," Xu Yang replied with a faint smile. He had been about to suggest this when Xu Qingying offered it himself.
Soon, a figure flew swiftly from the sky, hurrying to the reception hall.
Xu Yang looked up to see a man dressed in black, with a square face and thick, commanding eyebrows raised high in righteous determination.
The aura emanating from him confirmed this impression—his body radiated pure qi, devoid of any trace of malice or darkness.
"Who said that the flood dragon has escaped?" The man rushed in, grabbing Xu Qingying's hand anxiously.
Xu Qingying gestured toward Xu Yang and said, "Sect Master, it was this young friend."
The Sect Master, Wang Jianba, approached Xu Yang, his gaze sharp and focused. In an instant, an immense pressure, like a tidal wave, surged toward Xu Yang.
Buzz...
Even the chair Xu Yang was sitting on began to emit a low hum, as though it might disintegrate into dust at any moment.
Xu Yang lifted his head, his clear, piercing gaze falling on Wang Jianba. At that moment, Wang Jianba felt as though he had been struck by lightning, and the oppressive aura he had gathered instantly dissipated.
Lowering his head again, Xu Yang resumed sipping his tea, calm and unperturbed.
Wang Jianba stood frozen for a while before he finally came to his senses.
When he looked at Xu Yang again, his demeanor had completely changed, his expression filled with respect.
"Forgive me, my lord," Wang Jianba said, clasping his fists and bowing respectfully.
Xu Yang didn't hold it against him. He understood that Wang Jianba had merely been testing him, thinking Xu Yang was young and at a low cultivation level.
"It's nothing," Xu Yang replied.
"Is what you said earlier about the flood dragon's escape true?" Wang Jianba asked.
"Of course it's true. Why would I lie to you?" Xu Yang replied casually.
"However, calling it an escape might not be entirely accurate. It would be more precise to say someone released the flood dragon."
Seeing Wang Jianba's confused expression, Xu Yang realized he had come to the wrong place again.
"What do you mean by 'released'?" Wang Jianba asked, scratching his head.
Xu Yang briefly explained what had happened.
After listening, Wang Jianba's face filled with fury.
"Who would do such a thing? If that beast goes out of control, no one in the entire Tianwu County will be able to stop it. The devastation will be unimaginable!"
Wang Jianba pounded his chest and stamped his feet, his eyes blazing with anger.
"Calm down," Xu Yang said, taking another sip of tea.
"That's why I came here—to find out who dared to release that monstrous beast."
Wang Jianba nodded, saying, "You're right. Count me in. Once we find out who's behind this, my Ten Thousand Swords Sect won't rest until we flay them alive!"
Xu Yang suddenly remembered the unlucky individuals with pure Yang bloodlines and said, "By the way, those people with pure Yang bloodlines are no longer of any use. You can release them now."
Wang Jianba nodded, a trace of guilt flashing across his eyes. "Of course. We'll release them immediately."
After exchanging a few more pleasantries with the Ten Thousand Swords Sect's master, Xu Yang departed.
As he piloted the spiritual ship through the skies, Xu Yang felt that his current method of aimlessly searching sect by sect was like a headless fly—a complete waste of time.
"Among these sects, who would have the motive and audacity to release the flood dragon?"
After thinking for a while, Xu Yang recalled that while the sects in Tianwu County engaged in shady practices in secret, they all maintained a facade of righteousness on the surface.
"Wait—could it be the Demon Cloud Sect?" Xu Yang suddenly thought.
The Demon Cloud Sect was an infamous demonic cult, both publicly and secretly. Their cultivation methods were steeped in sinister, malevolent practices.
"Could they be the ones behind this?" Xu Yang wondered.
With that thought, he changed his course and headed straight for the Demon Cloud Sect.
The Demon Cloud Sect's mountain gate was grand and imposing. Despite the disdainful view other sects held toward them, the Demon Cloud Sect prided itself on building an awe-inspiring stronghold.
As Xu Yang stepped onto the mountain gate, his gaze turned icy, radiating killing intent.
Within the sect, a terrifying, blood-chilling aura lingered in the air—the unmistakable presence of the flood dragon.
The moment Xu Yang set foot on the mountain gate, two Foundation Establishment cultivators stepped forward, their voices harsh as they barked, "Who are you? Only Demon Cloud Sect disciples may enter!"
Xu Yang turned to glance at them, and their faces immediately turned ashen with fear. They looked as helpless as lambs before a ravenous wolf.
"Die!" Xu Yang uttered a single word.
The two Foundation Establishment cultivators trembled as if struck by a heavy blow, blood streaming from their seven orifices as they collapsed dead on the spot.
"Intruder! Someone's attacking the mountain gate!"
At that moment, other gatekeepers cried out in panic.
A sharp, piercing alarm blared throughout the entire Demon Cloud Sect.
Swish, swish, swish...
Countless figures began rushing to the scene at incredible speed.