"You lecherous old fiend, there are things a person should do and things they shouldn't!"
"You are utterly devoid of humanity, practicing such evil cultivation methods is a path to death!"
"And now you intend to spread this wicked art, which is simply unforgivable by natural law!"
Looking at Cheng Hai's young face, which exuded confidence, Ye Cangtian's killing intent intensified.
Such a middle-aged countenance, how many young women's life force must have been devoured to achieve it? Just thinking about it made him unbearable.
"Ye Cangtian, everyone grows old eventually, even Heaven-tier experts."
"This cultivation technique can avert aging, sickness, and death, even achieving immortality. Are you truly not tempted?"
Seeing Ye Cangtian unmoved, Cheng Hai suddenly seemed to realize something.
He paused, then continued, "I know what you're worried about. Rest assured, as long as you agree to my condition, I will certainly not reveal your identity, nor will I do anything to harm you!"
*Pfft!*
In response to Cheng Hai, a flash of saber light streaked across his neck, and a head instantly tumbled into a pool of blood.
"Old lecher, I had intended to let you pass away peacefully for the guidance you gave me!"
"But you are so wicked, and still unrepentant even in death, so I must personally send you on your way!"
Ye Cangtian said coldly, then stepped forward and flipped out Cheng Hai's Qiankun bag, beginning to search.
Whether there were treasures within was not his concern; he was looking for that evil cultivation technique.
Such a wicked method must not be allowed to circulate and needed to be destroyed immediately, otherwise, many more people would perish because of it.
Unfortunately, the cultivation technique was not in the Qiankun bag. Only some sharp long swords and several hundred purple spirit stones were found.
A short while later, Xiao Feng arrived from the forest.
He was covered in blood, clearly having had no easy time.
The Dark Association's branch in Jieyin City, as if anticipating something, had dispatched a squad.
To prevent them from interfering, Xiao Feng intercepted and annihilated them in the forest, and had only just finished clearing everything up.
"Are you alright?"
Xiao Feng asked, his gaze scanning Ye Cangtian.
Hearing this, Ye Cangtian slowly shook his head, then took out a Great Return Pill and swallowed it before speaking, "This place is not safe to linger. You take Shangguan Yanran and leave first."
"Ah? You're not coming with us?"
Xiao Feng's expression changed, and he quickly asked.
Ye Cangtian was seriously injured now, his combat power greatly reduced, and remaining at the Dark Association's headquarters would be extremely perilous.
Even with the identity of Xuan Qi, he was very worried.
After all, besides the Dark Association, there were many other factions in the ruins. If they attacked Ye Cangtian in his current state, he might not be able to resist.
"I must stay. Xuan Qi's identity cannot be lost!"
Ye Cangtian shook his head, stating with determination.
If Xuan Qi were to disappear now, everyone in the Dark Association would become suspicious of Xuan Qi, and this identity would be rendered useless.
However, Ye Cangtian was unwilling to abandon this identity. Having already infiltrated the upper echelons of the Dark Association, its future value was immeasurable.
"Alright, be careful."
On the other side, seeing Ye Cangtian's firm stance, Xiao Feng sighed and said, "Take care. Rest assured, as long as I am alive, Shangguan Yanran will be safe!"
...
After seeing off Xiao Feng and Shangguan Yanran.
Ye Cangtian took out the silver mask, resuming his identity as Xuan Qi, and collapsed to the side.
He knew in his heart that the people from the Bright Hall were no match for the Dark Association.
Therefore, it wouldn't be long before, once the battle there concluded, the Dark Association would come searching, discover him, and take him back.
Indeed, as he had expected.
After an unknown period, a small team arrived searching and brought him back to Jieyin City.
...
Jieyin City Branch.
In a room, Ye Cangtian's wounds had been bandaged, and he had fallen asleep on the bed.
Meanwhile, within the branch, Xuan Shi and his numerous subordinates wore somber expressions, their eyes flickering with fear.
Although they had annihilated the people from the Bright Hall, they had failed to capture Shangguan Yanran. This was incompetence and dereliction of duty.
But it didn't end there; misfortune piled upon misfortune.
Cheng Hai, a highly respected figure in the Dark Association, practically the emblem of the association, had died at the exit.
This was a severe blow to the Dark Association, and an investigation was certain to follow.
And since Cheng Hai had died at the exit of the ruins, it would be difficult for Xuan Shi and others to distance themselves from the matter.
"Damn it, why are we so unlucky?"
"We gave it our all, yet it all came to nothing!"
"What's most infuriating is that old scoundrel. If he was coming, why didn't he notify us!"
One subordinate, unable to bear his inner distress, gritted his teeth and muttered.
He harbored deep resentment towards Cheng Hai's actions. If Cheng Hai had notified them earlier, Xuan Shi would have surely split his forces to assist Cheng Hai.
In that case, Cheng Hai might not have met such a tragic end, and they wouldn't be burdened with taking the blame.
Upon hearing this, the room erupted in a clamor, filled with widespread complaints.
"Silence!"
The next moment, Xuan Shi roared, and the entire room fell silent.
Now was not the time for complaints; the crucial matter was how to handle this situation.
With that in mind, his gaze swept over everyone, and he said sternly, "Who has a good idea? Speak up!"
As his words fell, a subordinate stood up and stepped forward, saying, "My lord, the only course of action now is to discuss it properly with Lord Xuan Qi."
Hearing this, Xuan Shi instantly understood the subordinate's intention and slowly nodded.
Having come with Cheng Hai, Xuan Qi was undoubtedly highly valued. If Xuan Qi could speak favorably for them in this matter, perhaps their punishment could be reduced.
With that thought, he glanced at everyone and said, "Alright, you can all go down."
After everyone left, Xuan Shi immediately went to Ye Cangtian's room and sat quietly, waiting.
At some point, Ye Cangtian slowly opened his eyes and looked at Xuan Shi, who was dozing nearby, feeling somewhat perplexed.
He and Xuan Shi were both Xuan-level stewards, and Xuan Shi was the supervisor of this place.
Regardless, it wasn't Xuan Shi's place to personally look after him.
With that thought, Ye Cangtian coughed lightly. Seeing Xuan Shi awaken, he then spoke, "Brother, you personally coming to care for me, it's truly..."
"No, no, no, we both serve the Dark Association, it's only right."
Xuan Shi repeatedly waved his hands, then changed the subject, saying, "Brother Xuan Qi, how did you and Lord Cheng Hai end up at the exit? Why didn't you notify us?"
"Don't overthink it, I'm not questioning you! I just want to understand what happened." Before Ye Cangtian could answer, Xuan Shi quickly added.
Upon hearing this, Ye Cangtian sighed and said, "It was Lord Cheng Hai. He was worried that too many troops gathered at the exit would alert the enemy, making the Bright Hall hesitant to come..."
"So that's how it is."
Xuan Shi suddenly realized. Cheng Hai had always been one to take risks himself, believing that in the critical moments of life and death, one's full potential could be unleashed, leading to rapid cultivation.
Now, Ye Cangtian's explanation fit Cheng Hai's character.
With that thought, Xuan Shi quickly said, "Brother Xuan Qi, I ask for nothing more than for you to report these matters truthfully."
In Xuan Shi's view, this reason was sufficient. Cheng Hai had taken risks without notifying him; even if he died, it had little to do with him.
"Naturally."
"How could I possibly speak falsely about such matters."
Ye Cangtian nodded, then his expression turned serious, saying, "But the problem now is not just the death of Lord Cheng Hai, but also Shangguan Yanran. I fear neither you nor I can escape punishment!"
"Then there's nothing that can be done."
Xuan Shi's expression turned grim, and he continued, "However, even Lord Cheng Hai has fallen in battle. The other party must have deployed Earth-tier experts. It's understandable that we couldn't stop them. I believe headquarters will comprehend."
"Indeed."
Ye Cangtian's face showed a satisfied smile. This was exactly what he wanted to hear.
Cheng Hai's death at the hands of an Earth-tier expert would divert the Dark Association's attention.
At the same time, it would also lessen some suspicion on himself.
Saying this, Ye Cangtian continued, "Brother, no matter what, I must return to report. Please prepare yourself; I need to send Lord Cheng Hai's body back.
My lord dedicated his life to the Dark Association. Upon his death, he must return to his roots, to witness the Dark Association grow stronger.
"All of this is no problem."
Xuan Shi replied, "But your injuries haven't healed yet. You should rest for a few more days!"
Upon hearing this, Ye Cangtian shook his head and said, "No, such a major incident has occurred. I must report it in person so that headquarters can make timely decisions and perhaps mend the situation."
Seeing Ye Cangtian's persistent insistence, Xuan Shi finally nodded, agreed, and then left the room.
...