Heavenly South, Star-Magnetic Peak.
Overnight, the atmosphere at the Star Palace Main Altar had changed completely. The terror of yesterday's upheaval in the earth veins and the emergence of a demonic shadow had been replaced by a deeper, more oppressive air of deadly menace. In the ruined square, the surviving cultivators were silent as cicadas in winter, their frightened gazes occasionally darting toward the hastily repaired Star-Gazing Pavilion atop the mountain, which still radiated heart-chilling dark-gold demonic patterns and Chaos Sword Qi.
That was forbidden ground. It was where the Palace Master, Han Li-who had just suffered a backlash from his demonic cultivation, only to reveal even more terrifying power-had entered seclusion once again.
"Relay my command."
An icy voice, like a frigid wind from the Nine Netherworlds, emerged from deep within the Star-Gazing Pavilion and rang clearly in everyone's ears, including those of Lu Yun, who was discussing affairs with Nangong Wan and Zhou Tong.
"The remnants of the Blood Fiend Sect are hiding in Black Wind Valley. Lu Yun, lead three thousand elites of the Heaven Division and accompany me... to raze it."
"As you command!"
A trace of ruthlessness and resolve flashed through Lu Yun's eyes. Of the surviving factions left after the destruction of the former Five Demonic Sects, the Blood Fiend Sect was the most stubborn and insidious. The traitor who had tried to stir the earth veins and gravely wound Han Li last night had deep ties to this sect.
"Elder Nangong, you and Elder Zhou Tong will oversee the defenses of the Headquarters Altar for now." Lu Yun turned to Nangong Wan, his tone solemn. "With the Palace Master leading the campaign in person, we must ensure that the rear remains secure."
Nangong Wan nodded slightly, a hint of worry passing through her