Bloodbath in the Black-Corner Region, Sect Shattered, Heading to the Central Plains! (Double Chapter)

With the affairs of the Jia Ma Empire and the Snake-Person Empire settled, the Nether Poison Fire was also successfully fused by Xiao Yi Xian.

Lin Chen did not immediately set off for the vast Central Plains; instead, he cast his gaze back toward that land of chaos and breeding sin—the Black-Corner Region.

For him, there was still an old debt to settle here, and it served as an excellent harvesting ground for "resources."

In the past, because his strength had not reached its peak and his primary goals were the Heavenly Flames and Jia Nan Academy, he had not carried out a thorough purge.

Now, he had reached the six-star Dou Emperor realm, and he had Medusa, a three-star Dou Ancestor, by his side.

It was time to thoroughly cleanse this filthy land.

His objectives were twofold: first, to practice the path in his heart and judge the wicked with the flames of karma.

Second, to use this massive amount of energy to breach the barrier of the Dou Ancestor realm!

For this journey, he brought only Medusa and Zi Yan.

Xiao Yi Xian and Qing Lin were still lacking in strength, so it was safer for them to remain in the Jia Ma Empire.

Zi Yan, who kept clamoring to come along to "eat delicious food" (referring to the impure energy within those villains), was also brought along by Lin Chen.

The soul form of Skyfire Venerable still required nourishment, so he remained at the academy for the time being.

Without alerting the upper echelons of Jia Nan Academy, the three of them left the Jia Ma Empire in silence.

They stepped once again into the territory of the Black-Corner Region.

The scent of blood and violence in the air seemed even more pungent than before.

Although Han Feng was dead, the chaotic nature of the Black-Corner Region had not changed.

In fact, due to the power vacuum, the fighting and infighting had become even more intense.

Lin Chen's first stop was not the core area, but rather several locations from his memories.

The first stop: Black Skull Tomb.

This faction, famous for manipulating corpses and excavating graves, had a lair that was gloomy and terrifying.

Lin Chen and his two companions descended directly above its main altar, making no effort to conceal their powerful auras.

"Who dares to offend my Black Skull Tomb?!"

The Tomb Master, a five-star Dou Emperor, rushed out with a group of elders reeking of death, filling the air with yin-evil energy.

Lin Chen could not be bothered with small talk, nor did he let Medusa or Zi Yan lift a finger.

With a cold gaze, his Spirit Realm soul power transformed into invisible spikes and swept outward in an instant!

"Ah!!"

The screams came to an abrupt end.

The Tomb Master and several Dou Emperor elders, along with hundreds of core disciples below, felt their souls crushed as if by an invisible giant hand.

The light in their eyes dimmed instantly, and their bodies collapsed limply to the ground.

Their blood energy and soul essence were extracted from afar by Lin Chen as he channeled the

Blood Scripture

.

It transformed into pure, blood-colored currents that merged into his own body.

The main altar of Black Skull Tomb fell into instant silence, leaving behind nothing but withered corpses scattered across the ground.

Black Skull Tomb, annihilated!

The second stop: Blood Sect.

This sect practiced evil arts, cultivating by consuming human blood.

The Sect Master, Fan Lao, was a six-star Dou Emperor with a fearsome reputation, and every one of his disciples was filled with deep malice.

Lin Chen followed the same procedure, killing his way to their doorstep.

Seeing this, Fan Lao was both shocked and furious, attempting to resist: "Lin Chen! Do not be so arrogant!"

He unleashed the secret arts of the Blood Sect, causing blood mist to churn around him and manifest into a sky full of blood shadows.

A fishy wind blew, as if a sea of blood were condensing to swallow Lin Chen whole.

However, in the face of Lin Chen's blood-evil Dou Qi, which contained a trace of Red Lotus Karma Fire, his blood arts were like meeting their natural nemesis.

Lin Chen pointed his fingers like a sword, and a highly condensed dark-red sword aura (imbued with the intent of the Void-Splitting Sword Art) tore through the blood mist, fast as lightning!

"Puchi!"

Fan Lao's protective blood barrier was shattered like paper, and the sword aura pierced directly through his heart.

The ferocity on his face froze, his eyes filled with disbelief.

His body withered rapidly, his entire cultivation becoming nourishment for Lin Chen.

With the Sect Master dead, the remaining Blood Sect disciples were terrified and fled in all directions.

But how could they escape Lin Chen's soul lock?

A moment later, the Blood Sect followed in the footsteps of Black Skull Tomb.

The Blood Sect, annihilated!

The third stop: the Earth Flame Sect, the Eight-Fan Gate, and other factions that had once been on good terms with Han Feng or were themselves steeped in heinous crimes.

Lin Chen walked like a reaper among mortals; wherever he passed, those burdened with heavy karma—as sensed by the Red Lotus Karma Fire—could not escape his judgment.

Sometimes, it was a soul-shattering strike that killed in an instant.

Sometimes, it was a sweeping arc of sword qi.

Sometimes, it was merely a flick of his finger, dropping a single bloom of Red Lotus Karma Fire.

It would incinerate and purify an entire stronghold or cave dwelling along with the villains within, leaving behind only pure energy.

Medusa and Zi Yan followed behind him, barely needing to lift a finger.

Medusa's expression remained calm, long since accustomed to Lin Chen's decisive and ruthless style of slaughter.

On the rare occasion she did strike, it was merely a flash of seven-colored Dou Qi sweeping out like a ribbon.

She easily disposed of any fish that slipped through the net or those attempting a sneak attack.

Zi Yan, meanwhile, ran about excitedly, relying on her keen perception of energy.

She rummaged through the treasure vaults of those factions, digging out rare medicinal herbs and energy-rich monster cores.

She presented them to Lin Chen like a child offering treasures, her small face filled with a look that begged for praise.

Lin Chen's unmasked, scorched-earth cleansing was like dropping a massive boulder into the Black-Corner Region.

It stirred up a thousand waves!

The news spread like a plague, and panic surged at an alarming rate.

The remaining major factions, such as the Demon Flame Valley, the Kui Wolf Gang, and countless lone villains and wanted criminals, were gripped by extreme terror.

In their desperation, they actually set aside their past grievances and spontaneously united!

They knew deep down that if they did not stand together, they would surely be picked off one by one.

Countless vicious figures surged out from every corner of the Black-Corner Region, converging on the Black Emperor City in the central territory.

Their numbers quickly reached a staggering level: dozens of Dou Emperors, hundreds of Dou Kings, and countless Dou Ling and Dou Grandmasters!

A dark, suffocating mass of people, their baleful aura piercing the sky, looked like an army forged from sin itself.

They attempted to rely on their overwhelming numerical advantage to make a final stand.

They even fantasized about killing Lin Chen in a counterattack and carving up his Heavenly Flame and secrets.

Above the Black Emperor City, dark clouds gathered, and the atmosphere was so oppressive it made it hard to breathe.

Countless gazes—some vicious, some fearful, some crazed—stared fixedly at the three figures slowly walking toward them from the distance.

"Lin Chen! Do not push us too far! The Black-Corner Region is not a place where you can run wild!"

The Earth Demon Ancestor of the Demon Flame Valley, a veteran powerhouse with one foot already in the Dou Ancestor realm, shouted sternly while forcing himself to remain calm, though his voice carried a trace of imperceptible trembling.

"Everyone, attack together! Kill him! Otherwise, we are all dead!"

Someone shrieked hysterically, attempting to mask their terror with madness.

"Right! Kill him! Seize his Heavenly Flame and his women!"

Filthy language mingled with the clamor, further revealing the true nature of this rabble.

Lin Chen looked at the dense, chaotic, and foul-smelling "coalition" before him, which resembled a plague of locusts, his eyes filled only with cold mockery and indifference.

Under the perception of his Spirit Realm soul, the karma of sin within these people was as clear as lanterns in the dark of night.

He stopped, slowly rising into the air to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Medusa and Zi Yan.

"It seems you have chosen the most foolish path. Very well, that saves me the trouble of hunting you down one by one."

No longer holding back, he spread his arms, and a dark red domain, far more terrifying and solid than the one he had used in the Jia Ma Empire, erupted from him with a thunderous roar!

"Boundless Blood Sea, Karma Fire Burns Sin!"

"Open!"

"Rumble—!"

This time, it was no mere prototype!

The complete Blood Sea Domain unfolded, instantly shrouding the entire Black Emperor City and a vast area outside its walls!

The sky was dyed a heart-stopping dark red, and the thick, bloody stench became almost tangible, suffocating to behold.

Countless phantoms of vengeful spirits drifted and roared within the domain.

They emitted shrieks that struck directly at the soul, crazily assaulting the minds of everyone burdened by sin!

Within the domain, every enemy instantly felt as if they had fallen into a ten-thousand-foot abyss of blood!

Their movements became several times more difficult!

Their Dou Qi circulated sluggishly and obscurely, as if bound by invisible chains!

Those with weaker cultivation, the Dou Ling and Dou Grandmasters, didn't even have time to scream before their bodies exploded, turning into nourishment for the domain!

Even Dou King powerhouses could barely protect themselves, unable to take a single step forward!

"W-what is this monster?!!"

"My Dou Qi! I can't move it at all!"

"No! My soul... it hurts! Spare me!"

"Help me!"

Screams, wails, and pleas for mercy rose one after another.

But they were quickly drowned out by the shrieks of vengeful spirits and the power of the domain.

The entire Black Emperor City coalition fell into instant chaos, their morale completely shattered.

Medusa let out a cold snort, her aura as a three-star Dou Zong erupting without reservation.

The powerful pressure sent a massive shock through the hearts of those Dou Emperors still struggling to resist.

With a light wave of her jade hand, seven-colored Dou Qi transformed into a sky full of brilliant yet lethal light rain.

As if possessing a life of their own, the beams struck with pinpoint accuracy at the Dou Emperors attempting to organize a resistance or flee.

Wherever the seven-colored light passed, the defenses of the Dou Emperors were like paper, instantly pierced through, leaving them either dead or crippled!

Zi Yan let out an excited shout; though her form remained unchanged, the terrifying power originating from the Ancient Dragon Bear had already erupted.

Like a tiger among a flock of sheep, she charged directly into the chaotic enemy ranks.

Her small fists looked harmless, but every swing carried the force to shatter mountains and split the earth, blasting the very air apart!

Those Dou Kings and Dou Ling were like toys before her, easily swatted away.

Bones snapped and muscles tore, resulting in heavy casualties.

She even found time to snatch the energy spheres of Dou Skills launched at her, tossing them into her mouth like candy to be chewed up and swallowed.

The remaining enemies were terrified out of their wits!

As for Lin Chen, he was the absolute master of this Blood Sea Domain.

He walked through the sea of blood with a calm stride, as if strolling through his own back garden.

Red Lotus Karma Fire danced at his fingertips; with every flick, an eerie fire lotus bloomed.

It purified a region of enemies, along with their sins, into nothingness.

The slaughter sword intent of Yuantu and Abi cut across the field, claiming lives silently and invisibly.

He was more like an efficient harvester, frantically devouring the pure energy and life essence constantly generated within the domain.

The Blood Scripture operated at an unprecedented speed, refining this massive "resource."

Lin Chen could clearly feel his aura soaring rapidly amidst the slaughter.

He quickly broke through the limits of a six-star Dou Emperor, advancing toward the seven-star, eight-star... and finally the peak of the nine-star Dou Emperor!

That sturdy barrier of the Dou Zong appeared clearly in his perception, like a massive wall standing before him.

When the last Dou Emperor putting up a desperate resistance was shredded by Medusa's seven-colored light, and the wails of enemies could no longer be heard in Black Emperor City, the energy accumulated within Lin Chen reached its zenith!

He hovered in the center of the domain, his black robes fluttering without wind, his eyes gleaming with a brilliant blood-red light.

"Break!"

A low shout rang out like a thunderclap!

The energy accumulated to its limit surged like a bursting flood, launching the final and most violent assault against that sturdy barrier!

"BOOM--!!!"

A terrifying aura, far exceeding the Dou Emperor level, erupted from Lin Chen's body and shot straight into the clouds!

The dark red domain in the sky seemed to be intensely stimulated, surging frantically.

It became deeper and more solid!

The energy of heaven and earth within a hundred-mile radius seemed to be summoned, gathering madly.

It formed a massive energy vortex, pouring back into Lin Chen's body!

"Crack!"

The sound of something shattering echoed deep within his soul.

The Dou Zong barrier broke in response!

One-star Dou Zong!

A powerful sense of strength instantly filled his entire body, his limbs and bones feeling as if they had undergone a thorough baptism.

Every cell was brimming with explosive power.

His soul power rose accordingly, and his perception and control over the surrounding heaven and earth energy reached an entirely new level.

With a single thought, the space around him rippled slightly.

The Blood Sea Domain slowly receded, yet the majesty of a newly ascended Dou Ancestor radiated outward like a tangible force.

It caused every remaining living soul in the Black-Corner Region to tremble from the depths of their spirits.

Looking out, Black Emperor City had become a silent ruin; amidst the broken walls and crumbling pillars, no signs of life remained.

The so-called coalition had vanished like smoke, serving only as stepping stones for Lin Chen to reach the realm of a Dou Ancestor.

Medusa watched Lin Chen, whose aura had become even more profound and restrained after his breakthrough, a flicker of imperceptible emotion crossing her pale purple eyes.

Zi Yan hopped over, curiously poking Lin Chen's arm.

"Wow, Lin Chen, you seem different! You feel... stronger!"

She wrinkled her small nose, struggling to find the right words.

Lin Chen nodded slightly, feeling the surging power within his body, his heart as calm as an ancient well.

The Black-Corner Region was cleared; his business here was finished.

It was time to head toward the vast and magnificent Central Plains.

Returning to Jia Nan Academy, he reunited with Xiao Yi Xian and Qing Lin, who had been waiting expectantly.

Upon learning that Lin Chen was about to depart for the Central Plains, both girls were excited yet inevitably a little nervous.

However, their eyes were filled with a resolute light, and they expressed their desire to follow him without the slightest hesitation.

Just as he was packing his belongings, Lin Chen suddenly heard a disciple report.

--Miss Xun'er of the Ancient Clan, from the Xiao Clan, arrived at the academy two days ago and is currently waiting in the inner courtyard bamboo forest.

His heart jolted, and his movements came to an abrupt halt.

Since they parted at the Xiao Clan, the two had maintained contact through soul-sense transmissions, but they had not seen each other since.

Now that he was just about to set off, she had happened to arrive; this gesture sent a wave of warmth through Lin Chen's heart.

He walked quickly toward the bamboo forest, not even pausing to inform Medusa, who was accompanying him.

Deep in the bamboo forest, a cool breeze swept through, causing the bamboo leaves to rustle.

Xiao Xun'er, dressed in a pale green dress, stood quietly, her hem swaying gently in the breeze.

Her ethereal and elegant temperament blended perfectly with the bamboo forest, like a green lotus that had wandered into the mortal world.

Hearing footsteps, she turned her head to look.

A shimmering light instantly filled her clear eyes, and her previously calm face was tinged with a soft smile.

"I just arrived, yet you are already leaving."

Xun'er's voice was soft, carrying a hint of imperceptible joy; clearly, she had already learned of his destination from Elder Su Qian.

Lin Chen walked up to her, looking at the girl's stunning face so close to his own, his throat bobbing.

"I intended to tell you before I left, but I didn't expect you to arrive first."

As he spoke, he subconsciously reached out and gently took hold of Xun'er's slightly cool fingertips.

Xun'er's body stiffened for a moment, but she did not pull her hand away.

Instead, she gently squeezed back, a faint blush rising on her cheeks.

There was no need for words between them; the temperature entwined at their fingertips had already conveyed the feelings in each other's hearts—they were a couple in all but a direct confession.

"The road to the Central Plains is long and fraught with danger."

Xun'er looked up at him, her eyes filled with concern.

With her other hand, she took a warm, translucent green jade slip from her sleeve and gently placed it in his palm.

"This jade slip contains the soul imprint of the Ancient Clan. If you encounter a life-or-death crisis, crushing it might help you escape."

Lin Chen gripped the jade slip, sensing the obscure and powerful energy within.

He could read the worry she hid behind the gift even more clearly.

He stepped forward and gently pulled Xun'er into his arms, his movements gentle yet firm.

The elegant fragrance of the girl lingered at the tip of his nose, causing all the restlessness in his heart to settle into peace.

"Once I gain a firm foothold in the Central Plains, I will go to the Ancient Clan to find you."

Lin Chen's voice sounded low in her ear, carrying an unquestionable sincerity.

"Next time we meet, I will not let you wait any longer."

Xun'er buried her face in his chest and nodded gently.

Her voice trembled slightly: "Okay, you... must take care."

She raised her arms to wrap them around his waist, pressing her cheek against his chest.

Feeling his steady heartbeat, it was as if she wanted to carve this warmth into her memory.

A moment later, the two slowly pulled apart.

Xun Er raised her hand to straighten his collar, her eyes clear and bright.

"Go on, I will watch as you carve out your own world in the Central Plains."

Lin Chen took a deep look at her and tucked the jade slip close to his body.

He turned and strode away.

He did not look back, yet he could clearly feel that gaze behind him, following his retreating figure.

Until he disappeared at the end of the bamboo forest.

Before the spatial wormhole leading from Jia Nan Academy to the Central Plains, silver light slowly swirled.

It emitted profound spatial fluctuations.

Lin Chen (one-star Dou Ancestor), Medusa (three-star Dou Ancestor), Zi Yan (peak tier 6, comparable to a high-level Dou Emperor), Xiao Yi Xian (peak Dou Ling, Woe Poison Body initially formed), and Qing Lin (Dou Grandmaster, Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils initially manifested)—the group of five was ready.

Jia Xingtian, Hai Bodong, Su Qian, and others had all come to see them off, making for a rather spectacular scene.

"Master Lin, the journey to the Central Plains is fraught with danger. Please, take care!"

Jia Xingtian said solemnly.

"Kid Lin, don't be a coward when you get over there. Show them the spirit of our Northwest Continent!"

Hai Bodong remained as hot-tempered as ever.

"Master, Jia Nan Academy will always be your friend."

Great Elder Su Qian's tone was sincere.

Lin Chen nodded slightly toward everyone.

His gaze swept across this land that held so many memories; though his heart carried concern for Xun Er, it was filled even more with determination for the road ahead.

"Let's go."

He took the first step, his figure submerging into the silver-glowing spatial wormhole.

Medusa, Zi Yan, Xiao Yi Xian, and Qing Lin followed closely behind, stepping in one after another.

The spatial ripples surged violently for a moment, then slowly calmed.

The figures of the five had completely vanished into the depths of the wormhole!