The Slaughter Emperor once took in a few direct disciples and cultivated them with great effort.
He wanted to pass on his Dao of Slaughter.
Unfortunately, in the end, all of them failed.
Because within the Dao of Slaughter, one must kill their own dearest kin. The disciples couldn’t bring themselves to do it.
So even after the Slaughter Emperor ascended, he still never found a true direct disciple.
But to fill the regret in his heart, the Slaughter Emperor left behind an Imperial Mark.
He put everything he had learned in his life into that mark.
And he did not leave the mark within the Purgatory Sacred Ground, but instead let it scatter outside.
He even forbade the sect from retrieving it, unless the sect produced someone who truly suited the Dao of Slaughter.
This Imperial Mark became a legend.
In history, indeed a few people had possessed the mark, but unfortunately, no second Slaughter Emperor ever appeared.
Those people instead destroyed themselves within their own slaughter.
But that didn’t stop people from frantically pursuing the mark of an Emperor, especially madmen who found pleasure in killing.
…………
Xu Zimo recalled the tales of the Slaughter Emperor.
These were stories he already knew. Whether there were hidden truths, he could not be sure.
But now it seemed that everything tied back to the Imperial Mark.
And that mark was in Fan Luoyu’s hands.
Hearing Mu Chengmiao’s words, Fan Luoyu slightly turned her head.
She replied, “I don’t know where this Imperial Mark you speak of is.”
“I can say this with absolute certainty. Playing dumb now is pointless,” Mu Chengmiao shook his head and said. “Are you really not afraid of death?”
“Even if I had the mark, I wouldn’t give it to you.”
Fan Luoyu said calmly.
“Precisely because I have the mark, I’ve been able to survive until now, isn’t that so? If you all obtained the mark, then my life or death would no longer matter, right?”
Mu Chengmiao paused at her words.
He hadn’t expected Fan Luoyu to see through it so clearly.
Indeed, if she died, the mark’s whereabouts would vanish completely.
That was why they hadn’t laid a hand on her, instead using the Hundred Pill Hall to lure her in.
No matter how many times Fan Luoyu died, it would not be worth more than that Imperial Mark.
Its importance was self-evident.
Thinking this, Mu Chengmiao’s tone softened slightly as he said, “You should know, the Slaughter Emperor’s path isn’t one that just anyone can walk. To force it would only lead to your own destruction, not worth the gain. I promise you, hand over the mark, and not only will your Fan Clan be safe, but you will also gain my protection.”
Fan Luoyu turned her head calmly, not answering his question, but instead asking, “How did my father die?”
Mu Chengmiao froze for a moment, then fell silent.
“Bring me the head of the one who orchestrated my father’s death, and I’ll help you find the Imperial Mark.”
“You know that’s impossible,” Mu Chengmiao said.
“Then there’s nothing more to discuss,” Fan Luoyu replied, and walked straight out.
“Don’t mention what happened today to Qing’er,” Mu Chengmiao’s voice came from behind.
“Rest assured, I won’t drag Mu Qing into this,” Fan Luoyu nodded slightly.
…………
The two walked out of the boat pavilion. Looking at the colorful sky, Fan Luoyu took a deep breath.
“How do you feel?” Xu Zimo asked with a smile.
“At first I was nervous, but later it was fine,” Fan Luoyu smiled.
“At worst, it’s just death, isn’t it?”
“So what are you going to do next?” Xu Zimo asked.
“To be honest, before today I never thought the enemy would be this strong,” Fan Luoyu said bitterly.
“I thought it was just some local power in Immortal City, but I never expected the Immortal Extinction Sacred Ground to be involved.”
“That Imperial Mark is in your hands, right?” Xu Zimo asked.
Fan Luoyu nodded slightly.
“That day, my father came to me covered in blood, handed me the mark, and told me to run with it. The farther the better, even to never stay on the Middle Continent.”
“Then why are you still here?” Xu Zimo asked.
“I want to avenge my father,” Fan Luoyu answered seriously.
“And now? Will you still take revenge?” Xu Zimo asked.
“Yes. As much as I can. Even if it means my body shattered to pieces, I don’t care,” Fan Luoyu nodded firmly.
“Then let’s go back,” Xu Zimo said.
“When will you leave?” Fan Luoyu asked softly, looking at Xu Zimo.
The cool wind blew across the river. Her snow-white robe fluttered in the wind.
Her black hair streamed behind her, carrying the fragrance of lavender.
“I don’t know. Depends on my mood,” Xu Zimo said.
“I hope you can stay. At least then I would feel some safety. But I know I can’t be selfish,” Fan Luoyu said. “Staying will likely mean certain death. The ending is already written. So you can leave anytime you wish, and I’ll still be grateful.”
Xu Zimo just smiled, not answering.
Instead, he took off the black cloth covering his eyes.
“This cloth is dirty again. Time to change it.”
“Do you want me to find someone to look at your eyes?” Fan Luoyu asked. “The Hundred Pill Hall has many medicines. They should help you.”
“No need. I know my own condition,” Xu Zimo smiled.
Perhaps tonight’s events carried too much weight. Neither of them had the mind to linger outside.
They both returned to the Hundred Pill Hall.
Once there, Fan Luoyu called for Fu Bo, the shopkeeper managing the hall.
“Miss, whatever you need, just say the word,” Fu Bo said.
“This tribulation… I fear we won’t get through it,” Fan Luoyu sighed.
“What do you mean, Miss?” Fu Bo asked gravely. “Did you discover something?”
Fan Luoyu nodded slightly and instructed, “Gather the shop workers and maids later. Tell them simply: we’ve offended the Immortal Extinction Sacred Ground. If they’re willing to stay and face hardship with us, the profits of this Hundred Pill Hall will be shared with them in the future. If they wish to leave, give them a generous amount of travel money and let them go.”
“Miss, this…” Fu Bo hesitated. “If they leave, how can we continue running the hall?”
“Forget about business for now,” Fan Luoyu shook her head.
“And you too, Fu Bo. Leave early. Take whatever you want from the shop. I’m sorry the Fan Clan can no longer provide for your old age.”
“What nonsense is this, Miss?” Fu Bo said. “This life of mine was given by the master. No matter who leaves this Fan Clan, I never will.”
After saying this, Fu Bo turned to gather the workers.
Fan Luoyu rubbed her temples, her head aching, not knowing what to do.
…………
The sun rose as usual.
The mist in the sky gradually cleared, and the day brightened.
Inside the city, the lively atmosphere of last night’s lantern festival still lingered.
Several uninvited guests had already arrived.