"Was this technique... passed down from the West?"
The black-robed cultivator at the head of the group grinned, revealing a row of gleaming white teeth. "The Dao Lord has a sharp eye."
"That's right. We were originally cultivators from the West. When the Spiritual Veins shattered and our Dao Paths were severed, we had no choice but to cultivate Demonic Arts in our quest for immortality."
Ao Jia snapped, "If you seek immortality, why come to the East Sea to wreak havoc?"
"Wreak havoc?" The black-robed cultivator sneered. "The East Sea is prosperous, rich in Earth Veins, and an ideal place to cultivate."
"Your Dragon Clan monopolizes the Four Seas, yet doesn't know how to cherish them, letting the Spiritual Veins lie fallow."
"What's wrong with us taking what we need?"
Haotian shook his head. "That's sophistry."
"You draw out Earth Vein Power and convert it into demonic qi. It might improve your cultivation in the short term, but over time, it will surely deplete the Earth Veins and taint the entire sea with demonic qi."
"When that happens, the East Sea will become a second West."
The black-robed cultivator fell silent for a moment, then murmured, "So what?"
"The West is already destroyed. We have nowhere to call home."
"Finding a place to survive in the East Sea is already no small feat."
"As for future generations... we can't afford to worry about them."
His words were filled with boundless desolation.
Haotian's heart stirred, but he did not waver. "Take them back and question them thoroughly."
Ao Jia nodded, ordering his men to bind the black-robed cultivators with a Secret Technique and escort them back to the Dragon Palace.
On the way back, Haotian remained silent the entire time.
Ao Jia couldn't help asking, "Dao Lord, is this really