After the incident at the Thunder Soul Pool, Zhi Hao and his group resumed their journey toward their next destination: a region known as the Dark Mist Mountain. The place was rumored to house rare natural resources and secret techniques that could significantly enhance one’s strength. However, the path ahead was anything but easy.“I’m not sure if Dark Mist Mountain is a safe place,” said Luo Ying, one of the group members, with evident hesitation. “The legends say it’s home to countless fierce beasts that even Earth Realm cultivators can’t handle.”Zhi Hao gazed at him calmly. “I understand the risks, but we don’t have a choice. If we want to survive and grow stronger, we must seize every opportunity.”Walking beside Zhi Hao, Zhi Lingfeng added, “Besides, with your newfound power, I’m confident we can overcome whatever comes our way.”Reluctantly, the group agreed to move forward. Along the way, they remained on high alert for potential threats, whether from ferocious beasts or enem
After a long journey filled with dangers, Zhi Hao and his group finally returned to the Zhi Clan. The evening sky cast a golden glow as they passed through the main gates. Guards greeted them with respect, while some clan members looked on with a mix of admiration and curiosity.Carrying a large pouch of herbs, Zhi Lingfeng turned to Zhi Hao. “What’s the next step, Hao? These herbs must be incredibly valuable.”Zhi Hao nodded as he made his way to the main hall. “Send them to the Medicine Hall. Instruct the alchemists to immediately begin crafting Energy Enhancement Pills. Ensure they work quickly and carefully.”Zhi Lingfeng accepted the task with a determined nod. “Understood. I’ll oversee the process myself.”After issuing his orders, Zhi Hao hurried to his chamber. On his way, he passed several clan members busily reinforcing defenses and strengthening protective formations. The Zhi Clan was no longer as it once was; now, it was better prepared for external threats.Reaching his c
Elsewhere: Purple Sky SectIn a grand hall adorned with luxurious ornaments, a middle-aged man sat on a throne. This was Zhong Tian, the leader of the Purple Sky Sect. His face appeared calm, but his eyes radiated restrained fury.“So, Elder Liang has fallen, and his Life Token has shattered,” Zhong Tian spoke in a low voice, yet his tone carried immense weight.Standing before him were several elders and core disciples. One elder stepped forward. “Sect Master, we have dispatched scouts to investigate the Zhi Clan. However, they seem to have reinforced their defenses, and the information we’ve gathered is very limited.”Zhong Tian nodded slowly. “The Zhi Clan… Who is this Zhi Hao? How could he possess such strength? We cannot allow a threat like this to grow further.”Another elder, with long white hair, interjected. “Sect Master, perhaps we can leverage our connections with the Night Shadow Sect to strike at the Zhi Clan from within. They specialize in sabotage and assassination.”Zh
Inside his private chamber, Zhi Hao sat cross-legged, his body radiating a gentle golden aura. He was concentrating energy within his Dantian, ensuring all his meridians were open and ready for the life-or-death battle ahead. Having reached the Ninth Star Earth Realm, the immense energy within him was difficult to control without perfect balance. "If I act rashly, I will only harm myself," he muttered inwardly. Time passed slowly. In the stillness of the night, Zhi Hao employed a technique from the Heaven Shattering Manual to harmonize his power. The lightning energy from the Thunder Star Core he had acquired earlier roared wildly inside him, offering a significant power boost but also threatening imbalance if not tamed perfectly. Each breath was synchronized with the pulse of energy coursing through his meridians. Beads of sweat trickled down his forehead as he pushed his limits to stabilize his strength. "Balance... is the key to everything," Qianlong’s voice echoed from the
The main hall of the Purple Sky Sect’s residence trembled under the clash of overwhelming energies. In the grand room adorned with purple motifs, Zhi Hao stood face-to-face with Zhong Tian, the Patriarch of the Purple Sky Sect. Their auras collided, the oppressive force filling the air, suffocating."Zhi Hao," Zhong Tian sneered, rising from his meditative pose. "You were foolish to sneak in here. Did you think I wouldn't notice?"With a wave of his hand, the room filled with flashes of purple energy, forming a web-like barrier aimed at ensnaring Zhi Hao."Swoosh! Bang! Crash!"Zhi Hao darted away, evading the energy web with Shadow Step Technique. He raised Qianlong, his sword now crackling with sharp lightning energy."I didn’t come here to talk, Zhong Tian. I came to end this," Zhi Hao declared firmly.With a single slash, he unleashed the Heaven-Shattering Lightning Sword Technique, sending a surge of vibrating lightning energy across the room."Hmph! Impressive, but still insuffi
The disciples and elders, overwhelmed by Zhi Hao's undeniable power, bowed deeply in unison."We pledge our loyalty to Lord Zhi Hao," their voices echoed together.Zhi Hao looked at them coldly. "Swear with your hearts, not just your mouths. I will not hesitate to destroy anyone who breaks their oath."With that, Zhi Hao officially subdued the Purple Sky Sect. His authority grew stronger, marking a significant step toward full domination of the region.That evening, Zhi Hao stood atop the highest peak of the Purple Sky Sect, gazing into the horizon. Qianlong spoke in his mind."Hao, you have taken a giant step forward. But remember, great power always attracts greater enemies. Be ready for larger battles ahead."Zhi Hao smirked faintly. "I’m ready. The world must know that no one threatens the Zhi Clan."The moonlight reflected off Zhi Hao’s figure, its glow blending with the crackling lightning around him, making him appear like a war deity.After securing control of the Purple Sky S
The meeting hall in the Zhi Clan was filled with tension following Elder Bai Cheng's proposal from the Twilight Dawn Sect. Bai Cheng maintained his calculated smile as he addressed Zhi Hao."Zhi Hao," Bai Cheng began calmly, "the Thunder Soul Pool is an extraordinary asset—not just for cultivation but also for empowering a sect. If we gain access to it, our sect will grow stronger, and that strength will ensure even greater protection for the Zhi Clan. Isn't that mutually beneficial?"Seated in the patriarchal chair of the Zhi Clan, Zhi Hao crossed his arms, his gaze as sharp as lightning. "Protection?" he said, his voice low but carrying immense pressure. "I have already subdued the Violet Sky Sect. What need do I have for protection from you? Especially at the cost of the Thunder Soul Pool? You're dreaming."Bai Cheng's smile faltered slightly, but he maintained his composure. "Zhi Hao, I hope you understand that the world isn't just about personal strength. Alliances are key to sur
Bai Cheng returned to the Twilight Dawn Sect's headquarters with a grim expression. He reported his failure to the sect’s elders."Zhi Hao is a significant threat," he said, his voice filled with frustration. "He rejected our offer and even dared to insult our sect. If we don’t act soon, he will become a thorn in our side."One elder, an old man with long white hair, nodded slowly. "We cannot let this continue. Zhi Hao must be destroyed before he grows stronger.""What is our plan?" Bai Cheng asked.The elder smirked coldly. "We will leverage our allies. We’ll form a secret alliance to bring down Zhi Hao and the Zhi Clan. Let him feel secure for now. But when the time comes, we’ll strike from all sides."Bai Cheng nodded, his heart burning with hatred. "I will make sure Zhi Hao pays for this humiliation."That night, under the shadow of the moon, a man dressed in black appeared at Zhi Hao’s residence. Silently, he handed over a s
Amid the tense atmosphere at the Ling Clan’s residence, Ling Zhen decided to take a drastic step. Standing in the main hall, surrounded by the clan elders awaiting his orders with bated breath, he broke the silence. “The situation is spiraling out of control,” Ling Zhen said firmly. “We’ve lost control over key territories, and the Eastern Shadows are pressing us relentlessly. Zhi Hao and the Huai Clan can’t be underestimated either. The only way to secure the Ling Clan’s survival is to ally with the Grey Sky Sect.” The first elder nodded in agreement. “This is a wise move, Patriarch. The Grey Sky Sect wields immense power. With their protection, we can at least withstand the Shadows’ assault.” The third elder, a sharp-eyed man with graying hair, added, “But what price will they demand? The Grey Sky Sect never acts without a substantial benefit.” Ling Zhen sighed, his face hardening. “I’ve considered that. If we must cede some territory or resources, it’s a fair price to pay fo
In mere seconds, they moved like shadows. Black 5 attacked the guard on the left with swift precision, striking his neck and causing him to collapse without making a sound. He Lian fired an arrow at the guard on the right, dropping him to the ground.Zhi Hao darted into the center of the camp, his sword gleaming as he slashed at a guard attempting to resist. “Don’t let anyone escape!” he shouted.A few guards tried to flee, but Black 3 and Black 5 intercepted them with ease. Within moments, the camp fell silent, leaving only one trembling man encircled at the center.Zhi Hao approached the man, his sharp gaze piercing through him. “Who sent you? What are you planning here?”The man shook his head, his body trembling in fear. “I... I’m just a guard... I don’t know anything!”Black 5, already losing patience, kicked the man, sending him sprawling to the ground. “Do you think we’ll believe that nonsense? Speak up before I break your arms!”The man sobbed in terror. “Alright! Alright! I’l
The man in the black hood lay sprawled on the floor of the cave, his body trembling from the agony he had just endured. Black 5 stood beside him, twirling a small silver needle between his fingers, a cold smirk on his face.“You thought you could toy with my master and walk away unscathed?” Black 5 said in a low, menacing voice. He crouched down, slowly pressing the needle into the man’s shoulder, sending sharp pain coursing through his body.“Aaagh!” the hooded man screamed, his body arching in agony.Black 4 stood nearby, arms crossed, his expression unyielding. “You’ll talk eventually. We’ve got plenty of time. But for you, every second will feel like an eternity.”Zhi Hao stood a short distance away, his piercing gaze fixed on the man. He raised his hand slightly, signaling Black 5 to continue.Black 5 chuckled darkly. “You know this is just the beginning, right?” He pressed the needle into the man’s knee this time, twisting it slowly. “This pain won’t kill you, but you’ll wish it
That night, Zhi Hao prepared his next move. Calm and composed, he stood in a dimly lit room at his temporary base, illuminated only by the faint glow of a small lantern. Before him lay a map of Linggau City, marked with strategic annotations.Black 5 returned from his reconnaissance, bowing respectfully before speaking. "Master, the hooded man appears to have connections with the shadow group from the West. They’ve been using the teahouse on the city outskirts as a temporary meeting place, but their movements are swift and difficult to track."Zhi Hao didn’t respond immediately, his sharp gaze fixed on the map. "How many people did you see?""At least seven, including the hooded man. Four looked like seasoned mercenaries, while the other two seemed to be intermediaries or messengers."Zhi Hao nodded slowly, then shifted his gaze to a burly man standing in the corner—He Lian, one of his combat commanders. "He Lian, assemble the team. We begin the operation tonight."He Lian grinned bro
The dark night enveloped Linggau City. In a luxurious inn on the outskirts, the mysterious man sat in a dimly lit room. Several documents were scattered on the table before him. He gazed at them calmly, lifting his teacup and taking a sip.A plain-looking man entered the room quietly and bowed respectfully. "Everything is going according to plan, sir. Zhi Hao continues to pressure the Ling and Huai Clans. Tensions between them are escalating."The mysterious man placed his cup down and nodded slowly. "Good. Has the document reached Zhi Hao?"The man nodded. "Yes, sir. An anonymous courier managed to slip it into one of his frequent haunts. He must have read it by now."The mysterious man smirked, his eyes gleaming coldly. "Zhi Hao will see it as a golden opportunity. He’ll use the document to humiliate the Ling Clan and possibly provoke direct conflict with the Gray Sky Sect. In the process, he’ll expend considerable resources and energy.""And if he succeeds?" the man asked cautiousl
The following day, Linggau City was shrouded in an invisible tension. Rumors of a potential conflict between the Ling Clan and the Huai Clan spread quickly, leaving merchants and ordinary citizens anxious about their safety. Behind the scenes, Zhi Hao continued to maneuver his pieces, unseen by anyone.In a secluded tea house at the edge of the city, Black 1 sat at one of the tables, conversing with a nervous informant."The Huai Clan has started deploying small forces along the border. They're preparing for something, but Patriarch Ling doesn't seem fully aware of it yet," the informant said in a low voice.Black 1 gave a slight nod. "Keep watching. Make sure we know their every move. Zhi Hao wants this information on time."The informant hurried away, leaving Black 1, who soon melted into the bustling market crowd. He knew Zhi Hao's next steps would be pivotal.Meanwhile, at the Ling Clan residence, Patriarch Ling felt pressure mounting from all sides. Reports about the Huai Clan's
The mysterious man unrolled another small scroll, revealing a document detailing secret transactions. The writing on the paper recorded the shipment of weapons and hidden agreements between the Grey Sky Sect and several small clans in the region. He grinned. "I got this from an informant in the black market. This is proof that the Grey Sky Sect has a contract to supply weapons to the Ling Clan and other clans. If this document reaches Zhi Hao, he'll definitely use it to expose the Ling Clan's betrayal."The younger man sitting across from him, still sharp but appearing less experienced, chuckled softly. "You're truly crafty. With this, Zhi Hao will shift his focus to destroying the Ling Clan while we remain in the shadows."The mysterious man nodded slowly, his eyes gleaming with the calculation of a well-thought-out plan. "And that’s just the beginning. If Zhi Hao and the Ling Clan destroy each other, we only need to wait for the right moment to swoop in and take what's left."The yo
On the other side, at the Ling Clan's residence, Patriarch Ling stood in front of a large window, gazing out at the tranquil garden below. His eyes were vacant, yet his mind was filled with plans and concerns. The sky, tinged with red, seemed to reflect the pressure he was feeling.Ling Mei approached with light steps, but there was tension in her expression. She carried a cup of tea for her father and placed it on the small table beside him."How was your meeting with Zhi Hao?" Patriarch Ling asked without turning, his voice low yet full of attention.Ling Mei sat in the chair near him, adjusting the folds of her long skirt before answering. "He’s clever and hard to read. But I feel he hasn’t completely closed himself off from our approach."Patriarch Ling chuckled softly, but there was no humor in his tone. "Of course. A man like Zhi Hao won't be easily trapped. He plays at a different level, and that makes him dangerous."He took a sip from his teacup, then continued, "However, tim
Ling Mei stood on the balcony of her pavilion, gazing at the starry night sky. Her mind was filled with images of her meeting with Zhi Hao. His sharp words, his cold demeanor yet full of power, and his calculating gaze made her feel both intimidated and captivated."I have to do this," she muttered to herself, trying to gather her courage. Patriarch Ling had entrusted her with the task of approaching Zhi Hao and ensuring the success of the alliance.The following day, Ling Mei began preparing her first step. With the help of her personal maid, she decided to send a private invitation to Zhi Hao, asking him to meet her in the bamboo garden at the edge of Linggau City. The place was quiet and beautiful, far from the bustle of the clan—a location she hoped would make their conversation more personal.The message was delivered by a messenger of the Ling Clan and was received directly by one of the Black. Zhi Hao, who was reviewing documents about the Ling Clan's weaponry at his residence,