CHAPTER 715: CHAPTER 99: JUEJI CAVE UNDER XIAO ZHE MOUNTAIN

Zhang Yan saw what appeared to be a Blood Essence. It had just emerged from the cavern entrance and immediately transformed into a blood shadow, flying far into the distance.

This Blood Essence was a secret technique unique to the Blood Essence Sect. It involved splitting off a portion of one’s Divine Soul, using devils as vessels, and nourishing them with flesh and blood. Over time, it could be cultivated into a deadly monster comparable to a Dharma Treasure Flying Sword.

As it soared through the air, it moved soundlessly, and ordinary cultivators would usually only glimpse a streak of Blood Light. When it latched onto a living person, it could devour their flesh, blood, and essence for its own use.

By mastering this technique, the Blood Essence could become indistinguishable from a True Master, making it hard for others to tell real from fake. It could scatter and reform at will, possess innate mana, and undergo various strange and unpredictable transformations, which outsiders could hardly comprehend.

In battle, if opponents were even slightly careless, their essence blood would become its own, making it exceedingly formidable.

When Zhang Yan ventured into the Demon Cave years ago, he encountered two Blood Essence Sect disciples of the Ming Qi Realm. The Blood Essence they controlled could only extend up to a few dozen steps away from their bodies at most.

But the Blood Essence he saw now had flown several miles away, clearly indicating higher cultivation levels.

Nonetheless, Zhang Yan observed carefully. Its figure was hazy and its features indistinct, not yet solidified. Based on this, he judged the cultivator to be in the Xuan Guang Realm.

Since the Blood Essence was present, its True Body must not be far away. Therefore, Zhang Yan did not act immediately but remained concealed, watching coldly from the side.

The Blood Essence emitted three feet of radiance from its eyes, moving like a specter as it swept around the cave. It sometimes paused to examine the surroundings, its behavior overly cautious.

An hour passed as it thoroughly inspected the area. Finding nothing of note, it silently floated to the ground.

Soon after, another figure emerged from the cave entrance. This time, it was a sneaky, sharp-eyed exotic beast. Snow-white all over, with soft fur, it resembled a puppy. However, its eyes were blood-red, and as it walked, its nose twitched as though sniffing out scents.

Zhang Yan raised an eyebrow. The other party was so distrustful that even after using the Blood Essence for scouting, they sent a spirit beast to investigate further—a level of caution that bordered on paranoia. Fortunately, Zhang Yan’s concealment technique suppressed his vital essence, ensuring he wouldn’t be discovered.

After circling the area, the beast wagged its tail and barked twice in a manner akin to a dog.

Moments later, a Daoist cautiously poked his head into the cave.

This person appeared to be in his thirties, sporting a goatee and an astute expression. His eyes darted unpredictably, his hands adorned with sharkskin gloves. He wore black robes beneath a great cloak, the hem revealing a pair of hemp shoes. In the crook of his arm rested a compass-shaped Jade Dishware about a foot in diameter.

He scanned the surroundings, then summoned the Blood Essence back to his side. Producing a Golden Ring, he slipped it over the beast’s head, capturing it within.

He then muttered incantations, pointing toward the Jade Dishware. Its Jade Spoon rotated once, its handle stopping at a particular position. The Daoist chuckled to himself, releasing a thick burst of Blood Light to envelop his body, preparing to fly away.

Seeing the main adversary appear, Zhang Yan didn’t hesitate. He let out a cold laugh, releasing his Water Element True Light. Rolling waves surged and engulfed the area, stretching out over a hundred meters in mere moments. Before the Daoist could react, the radiance flashed, swallowing him whole amidst boundless rivers and currents.

A tea’s time passed, and Zhang Yan clutched a spell. The True Light shimmered as he shook it, tossing the Daoist onto the ground. By now, he had been battered unconscious by the raging waters.

To prevent any Demon Sect secret techniques from transmitting messages, Zhang Yan took out several talismans, sealing the man’s Qi Acupoints and vital regions. He then thoroughly inspected the Daoist’s belongings and set up a prohibition to isolate the area before waking him.

As soon as the Daoist awoke, he realized his Qi Acupoints were restrained, rendering him completely immobile. He said nothing, but his eyes darted about frantically, seemingly trying to deduce whose hands he had fallen into.

Zhang Yan raised a finger, and an invisible force dragged the Daoist to lean against a stone.

The Daoist lifted his gaze to see Zhang Yan, draped in a Mysterious Robe, with faint Dao Qi swirling around him, surrounded by wisps of mist. He immediately recognized Zhang Yan as a Hua Dan Cultivator, and his heart skipped a beat.

With an impassive expression, Zhang Yan glanced at the Daoist and said, "Fellow Daoist, what is your name? Whose disciple are you?"

Though his tone wasn’t harsh, the Daoist was intimidated by the invisible pressure. An inexplicable chill emerged in his heart, as if he were facing one of the senior masters of his sect known for their overwhelming presence. His mouth went dry.