Dozens of boys and girls were bound to the stone pillars of an altar, black cloth stuffed into their mouths, their eyes brimming with fear and despair.
At the center of the altar, a Black Robed Man formed hand seals with both hands and muttered an incantation. Eerie blood-colored runes on the ground emitted a sinister glow.
"Heh heh heh, the royal bloodline of Wu Tan Kingdom is excellent material for refining the 'Blood Fiend Elixir.' With the Crown Prince's heartblood, my cultivation will surely rise another level!"
The Black Robed Man let out bursts of sinister laughter, greed and madness flickering in his eyes. Suddenly, his expression shifted, and he turned toward the imperial palace.
"Hmph, they discovered it so quickly? But no one will ruin my plans!"
Inside the imperial palace, the three Attendants were discussing countermeasures when a thick scent of blood suddenly permeated the air.
Immediately afterward, a shadow appeared in the grand hall like a ghost. It was the Black Robed Man.
"You audacious evil cultivator, how dare you barge into the imperial palace!"
Qingyunzi shouted furiously. The whisk in his hand transformed into a streak of azure light and shot straight at the Black Robed Man.
Mystic Ice Maiden and Iron Fist King attacked at the same time. Frost condensed at Mystic Ice Maiden's fingertips, and an ice spike flew toward the Black Robed Man.
Iron Fist King's massive frame surged forward, his iron fist crashing down with a howling gale.
Facing the combined assault of the three Attendants, the Black Robed Man calmly raised his withered, twig-like hand.
A bloody gash suddenly split open in his palm. What erupted from it was not blood, but thick black mist like ink.
"Mere Qi Refinement trash, and you dare act recklessly before me?"
The black