Deep within an abandoned mine at the border of the Land of Demons.
Dark purple Chakra Crystals had condensed across the damp rock walls, like a network of diseased blood vessels, emitting an ominous faint glow in the darkness. Hyuga Xiao leaned against the stone wall, the azure radiance of his Tenseigan slowly flowing in the depths of his pupils as his gaze pierced through layers of rock and fixed upon the valley three kilometers away, occupied by Yomi Sect followers.
"They took the bait."
Xiao's voice was soft, carrying an almost cruel calmness. The backlash from continuously devouring Wangyan's chakra still churned within him. Every breath brought the tearing pain of his chakra pathways being ripped apart and reassembled. Yet his face remained expressionless as he lightly pressed his fingertips to his temple—the cold sensation brought by Divine Erosion was beginning to spread toward his brain.
I need to move faster.
Kurenai Yuhi crouched at his side, her hands forming the seal needed to maintain the genjutsu. Fine beads of sweat covered her brow, and her breathing was slightly hurried, but her gaze was terrifyingly focused. Three days earlier, following Xiao's plan, she had "coincidentally" appeared in three villages along the Land of Demons' border, deliberately allowing several outer members of the Yomi Sect to see her fleeing in panic while supporting the "gravely wounded and unconscious shrine maiden Miroku."
An illusion created by genjutsu, combined with the faint fluctuations of Wangyan's chakra Xiao had deliberately leaked.
"Yomi personally led the group. He brought twenty-seven people," Kurenai said with her eyes closed, sensing through the genjutsu mark left outside the valley. "He has set up an altar in the center of the valley. He's using... living sacrifices."
Xiao's fingertips paused for an instant.
"How many?"
"Five. Civilians. Two men