Li Xuan's Scheme

Just as Gao Hu was preparing to make his move, in a remote mountain area far beyond several dynasties...

A Grandmaster- level expert, dressed in a blood-red robe and with a sinister expression, was listening to his subordinate's report.

"... Sect Master, that concludes all the recent intelligence on the ' Ash Demon ' of the Great Qi Dynasty."

Upon hearing this, a strange light flashed in the blood-robed Grandmaster's eyes. He licked his dry lips and asked hoarsely, "Are you sure that the deceased's life essence was completely drained before turning to ashes?"

"Absolutely true!" the subordinate replied hastily.

"Heh heh heh..." The blood-robed Grandmaster let out a chilling chuckle. "Truly, what a pleasant surprise! The Bloodthirsty Awl... I never expected to find its trace here."

He suddenly reached out and grabbed the reporter by the neck.

"Sect Master... Sect Master, spare my life!" the subordinate begged in terror.

The blood-robed Grandmaster ignored him, his five fingers suddenly clenching, and a strange suction force emanated from his palm. The subordinate visibly withered away, eventually turning into a dried corpse that drifted away in the wind.

Seeing this, the other believers around were all terrified and dared not even breathe loudly.

The blood-robed Grandmaster casually wiped his hands, feeling the negligible growth within his body, and coldly said, "Pass on my order: Target, the Great Qi Dynasty!"

Having said that, he blurred into a streak of blood-red light and vanished into the horizon.

Outside the Great Xia Martial Arts Academy, in a secluded, dense forest.

Following the instructions of the iron plate, Gao Hu pushed the power within his body to its limit!

"Buzz--!"

An evil and subtle wave spread out from him instantly!

Almost at the same time, Martial Dao Academy, Li Xuan, who was exchanging pleasantries with the dean, suddenly shuddered! He felt the iron piece in his arms trembling violently and getting hot, as if responding to some kind of summons!

[Here it comes!]

A brilliant light flashed in Li Xuan's eyes! He could no longer maintain his pretense and gave the dean a perfunctory bow. "Dean, I have suddenly gained some insight and need to immediately go into seclusion. I must take my leave now!"

Without waiting for the dean's reply, he blurred into a blur and sped off in the direction he sensed!

"This..." The dean stared in astonishment at his departing figure.

Yue Tao and Xi Feng looked at each other, bewildered, not understanding what had happened.

In the dense forest, Gao Hu suppressed his tension and excitement, waiting quietly. His hand was already on the weapon at his waist, his eyes as ruthless as a wolf's.

[Another holder... Everything you have will become a stepping stone for me to reach the peak!]

Within his Sea of Consciousness, the iron sheet also watched coldly.

[Unexpectedly, another fragment has come knocking on my door. But... that's fine too.]

It doesn't matter who wins or loses.

Ultimately, I will only choose the winner who can provide me with more 'sustenance'.

A moment later, a white figure appeared in the dense forest like a ghost—it was Li Xuan!

The moment Li Xuan appeared, Gao Hu made his move!

Like a cheetah hunting its prey, he didn't hesitate for a moment, drawing his sword and slashing! A jet-black blade of light, imbued with bloodlust, tore through the air, aiming straight for Li Xuan's vitals!

Li Xuan was prepared. His eyes narrowed, and he skillfully shifted his body to the side, narrowly avoiding the fatal blow!

"Boom!"

The blade struck the ground, carving out a bottomless chasm!

Li Xuan stared at the ravine, his expression turning extremely grave.

[Such a powerful attack! This guy's strength is no less than mine!]

He was terrified. He had thought the other party was just a rabbit waiting to be slaughtered, but he never expected that it was clearly a vicious wolf that had lured him here!

Gao Hu's heart sank when his attack missed.

[This guy's cultivation level... is definitely above mine! His control over power is far more refined than mine!]

After their first encounter, the two "demons," each with their own ulterior motives, developed a deep sense of apprehension about each other's strength.

Li Xuan's eyes darted around, and he suddenly changed his strategy. He knew that since the other party dared to activate the fragments on their own initiative, they must have something to rely on.

[Could it be... that fragment of his is the core of the Bloodthirsty Awl?!]

This thought sent Li Xuan's heart leaping into his throat! He knew that if that were the case, a direct confrontation would definitely not be the best course of action!

"Wait!" Li Xuan suddenly spoke, gesturing for a ceasefire.

He forced what he thought was a sincere smile and said in a seductive tone, "This... senior, you must be the core of this magical treasure, right?"

He deliberately emphasized the words "senior" and "core".

Gao Hu was taken aback by these words, a sense of unease creeping into his heart: [How did he know of the senior's existence?]

He looked nervously at Li Xuan, fearing that the other also knew the secret of the iron sheet.

Seeing this, Li Xuan was overjoyed, knowing he had made the right bet! He continued, "Senior, you see, my cultivation is higher than his, and moreover, I am the future sect leader of the Earth Spirit Sect! Whether it's resources, background, or the 'nourishment' I can provide, I am far superior to the natives of this remote continent! You are wasting your talents by following him! How about... you follow me? I guarantee that you will regain your former glory in the future!"

This is a vicious scheme to undermine our resolve and sow discord!

Upon hearing this, Gao Hu's heart sank to the bottom!

[He... he's actually trying to turn his senior against him?!]

He was extremely nervous, terrified that the iron sheet would actually agree! After all, what the other party said... made perfect sense!

Within his Sea of Consciousness, the iron sheet fell silent, seemingly weighing the pros and cons.

[This kid is right... His potential seems much greater than that good-for-nothing Gao Hu...]

Seeing Gao Hu's face turn deathly pale, Li Xuan breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that his words had worked.

Just when he thought victory was assured, Gao Hu panicked. In his mind, he roared furiously at the iron sheet:

"Senior! Don't listen to him! I..."