CHAPTER 62: CHAPTER 62: THE STRONGEST PROTECTOR—BLOOD EVIL! (SECOND UPDATE)

「Front Courtyard.」

As Xu Nian made his move, everything descended into complete chaos.

Nearly all members of the Blood Demon Sect congregated, thoroughly surrounding Xu Nian at the edge of the table.

Protector Sanhun and Jin Yutang were killed with two kicks.

Such a scene also galvanized the entirety of the Blood Demon Sect.

When had they ever witnessed such a situation?

Protector Sanhun was a First-Grade Martial Artist Realm master, who often sparred with many other experts.

Hadn’t he just defeated Master Xuan Kong a moment ago?

But what was the outcome?

In the blink of an eye, their perceived lamb, Xuanhuang Sect Leader Xu Nian, had suddenly transformed into a ravenous wolf and had even killed their Protector Sanhun!

How could such a scene not provoke them?

With Xu Nian’s action, those hidden in the shadows also began to reveal themselves one after another.

The First-Grade Martial Artist, who had been pressuring Xu Nian, slowly stepped out from a side room.

A goose-yellow robe was the first thing to enter Xu Nian’s sight. The figure had long hair cascading like a waterfall, and a withered visage resembling a ghost that had climbed out of hell.

It was impossible to discern this person’s age.

Not only that, but the individual also had slender and fair hands, indistinguishable from a woman’s.

In his hand, he held a fine, verdant willow branch.

As he stepped forward, the willow branch in his hand swayed with the wind.

Here they come!

Seeing the figure that appeared, Xu Nian’s brow furrowed with a grave expression.

It was indeed this person who exuded that oppressive aura; there was no doubt about it.

I couldn’t tell if this person was male or female, old or young.

Upon seeing this person emerge, the other Blood Demon Sect disciples stepped back, clearing a path for him to enter.

Facing his arrival, Xu Nian stood still and did not make another move.

Junlin and his team were already besieged, desperately trying to fight their way out.

"This is bad! There are people in the backyard! Everyone, be careful!"

"They’ve broken in! Who on earth are these people? Is Jin Yutang betraying us?"

"Damn it, seal off the backyard passage immediately! Don’t let them through!"

"It’s no use, we can’t hold them back! These people are completely reckless, slaughtering us on sight!"

"..."

The Profound Yellow Sect’s Player Disciples charged forward, a murderous tide.

Facing these minor foes, the Players showed no mercy; upon encountering anyone, groups of three to five would jostle to be the first to kill.

The figure that had just stepped out from the side room also halted, his gaze flicking towards the backyard.

"You are from the Profound Yellow Sect?"

A sharp voice rang out, sending an involuntary shiver down one’s spine.

Xu Nian’s brow furrowed tightly. He didn’t respond directly but instead asked with confusion, "Are you one of the Blood Demon Sect’s Nine Great Protectors?"

"Blood Evil." The sharp voice spoke again, as if telling Xu Nian its name.

Among the Nine Great Protectors, Black Robe and Scattered Soul had died at Xu Nian’s hands; the Blood Demon Sect had suffered a great loss here to the Profound Yellow Sect.

Blood Evil calmly stared at Xu Nian, unbothered by the Profound Yellow Sect’s Player Disciples slaughtering their way in.

"Not bad, you’ve got guts!" Blood Evil said with an indescribable, strange smile. "But it’s a pity you have to die here. No one will leave alive. White Hair has already sent out the message: Fengxiang Prefecture is beyond saving now."

Hearing this, Xu Nian’s eyebrows drew tightly together.

Fengxiang Prefecture beyond saving?

Could it be that the Blood Demon Sect’s goal wasn’t the Nine Dragon Key?

"You want to take over Fengxiang Prefecture? Is Fengxiang Prefecture your real objective?!" Xu Nian’s eyes widened.

If Fengxiang Prefecture fell into chaos, the Imperial Court would surely send forces to suppress it. But it would take at least half a month to get here from the Capital City, and by then, Fengxiang Prefecture would truly be beyond salvation.

How exactly did the Blood Demon Sect manage to have Zhou Yuntong transferred away?

"It’s not just Fengxiang Prefecture. With tens of thousands of disciples, it would be easy for the Blood Demon Sect to start a rebellion. It’s just a pity..." Blood Evil muttered, seemingly to himself. "Well then, seeing as you’re about to die, I might as well kindly tell you. We already know the location of the Nine Dragons Secret Treasure; all we lack is the Nine Dragon Key. You were asking Scattered Soul about Zhou Yuntong earlier. Actually, that’s not really a secret. We have people within the Brocade Guard, and even within the Imperial Court. Therefore, transferring a Brocade Guard away from Fengxiang Prefecture isn’t such a difficult task."

There are Blood Demon Sect people in the Imperial Court? Xu Nian’s heart sank.

Only a handful of people could issue orders to the Brocade Guard.

The Commander of the Brocade Guard, several Princes, some members of the Imperial Family... Could it be one of them?

His Majesty certainly would not do such a thing. As for the Commander of the Brocade Guard, he left Liang City only half a month ago, so he probably wouldn’t have had time.

Someone from the Imperial Family then?

"In the Capital City, those with such ability would be the Ninth Prince, the Sixth Prince, the Fourth Prince, and the Crown Prince!" Xu Nian listed several individuals, his gaze fixed on Blood Evil. "There are also King Pingnan, Prince Taiping, and Prince Qing. It seems your Blood Demon Sect’s roots run quite deep."

Blood Evil appeared slightly surprised but showed no other expression.

Xu Nian wanted to discern from Blood Evil’s expression who was pulling the strings.

But now it seemed... this Blood Demon Guardian was no simple character. He was so steady, it was unnerving!

"You seem to know quite a bit about the Imperial Court. It appears you’re no ordinary Jianghu person." Blood Evil waved the willow branch in his hand and chuckled dryly. "Are you a Spy placed in Jianghu by the Imperial Court?"

Spy.

These were experts specifically groomed by the Imperial Court for better surveillance and control over Jianghu. These individuals could be wandering heroes, disciples of a sect, or even the Sect Leader of a Major Sect. But Spies were always well-hidden and seldom revealed themselves.

Xu Nian was somewhat surprised; Blood Evil even knew about the existence of Spies.

The Blood Demon Sect was far more complex than they had initially perceived!

"You know so much. It seems the person supporting your Blood Demon Sect holds a significant status," Xu Nian said, staring at Blood Evil. "The Crown Prince is heir to the throne; it makes no sense for him to do this. The royalty in the Capital City might be involved, but they have no reason to act this way. Causing a rebellion still requires neutralizing the Brocade Guard, which they are not capable of. That leaves a few Princes then: the Ninth Prince, the Sixth Prince, and the Fourth Prince—is it one of those three?"

Hearing Xu Nian’s words, a flash of surprise crossed Blood Evil’s eyes.

This was also caught by Xu Nian.

That’s correct! It was among these three Princes!

"It seems I indeed can’t let you live. Someone like you is too dangerous," Blood Evil spoke softly. "You all go deal with the Profound Yellow Sect Disciples. Sect Leader Xu is mine to handle. Killing such a formidable genius will be truly gratifying!"

The Followers of the Blood Demon Sect did not linger and all headed towards the backyard.

Xu Nian stood his ground, watching Blood Evil, who gently swayed the willow branch.

He was unsure of his opponent’s techniques, but that oppressive aura was unmistakable.

Dealing with someone like this would require the Eight Gates Escape Armor; otherwise, I was sure to lose!

"Gate of Rest! Open!"

Xu Nian wasted no words and directly opened the second gate of the Eight Gates Escape Armor!

The weakness brought by the Open Door vanished in an instant, replaced by a continuous and abundant surge of physical strength.

However, his Internal Energy was also rapidly depleting.

Facing Xu Nian, who had opened the ’Gate of Rest,’ Blood Evil showed not the slightest surprise.

It was as if even if Xu Nian had opened the Death Gate, it could not cause the slightest ripple in Blood Evil’s heart.

This scene only made Xu Nian even more wary.

Was it an act, or was Blood Evil truly fearless?