Volcanic Age

"Hah! I always knew that troublemaker would do something like this one day!"

It didn't matter whether it was a cultivator from the righteous or evil factions, the public learning about them mastering demonic cultivation would cause a huge fuss.

But it was the Evil Valley Sect Master's son who dared to touch the demonic cultivation art this time. The entire murim was understandably in an uproar.

Not only in evil factions, but also within the halls of righteous factions, the only topic of conversation was the Crimson Eyed Vampiric Art.

Dan Libai's poor conduct in the past had already sparked a lot of rumors, and this news was like pouring oil into the fire.

"Not only was he a coward, but he was insane too!"

"Even though the Evil Valley has never crossed the line until now…"

If the evil faction cultivators were cowardly, the demonic cultivators were all lunatics. At least cowards could be reasoned with. But the latter? The difference between the two camps was significant, to say the least.

"Just what has the Evil Valley Sect Master been doing all this time?!"

"It's not some random brat, but his own son dabbling in demonic arts! How could he not notice that? The glorious title of Ten Empyrean Overlords must be shedding tears right about now!"

"Eiiing~! Tsk, tsk! Maybe it's not the Ten Empyrean Overlords, but more like Nine Empyrean Overlords?"

Even if the evil faction cultivators were less sensitive to demonic qi compared to their righteous faction counterparts, someone at the level of the Ten Empyrean Overlords should still have noticed something. But the Evil Valley Sect Master had failed to do that and became a deserving target of ridicule.

The Ten Empyrean Overlords' individual martial prowess didn't differ too much, but this event could potentially vacate one of their seats.

While the righteous factions were pouncing on this opportunity to speak ill of the evil factions, the evil factions themselves were busy dealing with internal turmoil.

"I don't want to admit that the hypocrites are right, but they do have a point."

"Point? As in?"

"Maybe the Evil Valley Sect Master isn't as powerful as everyone has thought."

The mood within the Eight Gates of the Evil Dao was on knife-edge. As if the previous timeline's history was repeating itself, the eight factions split into two groups of four, and one of these groups began scheming for a mutiny.

"It's too late to back out of this, anyway."

"Indeed. Didn't we resolve ourselves for this eventuality when we decided to throw our lot in with Dan Libai?"

"The Evil Valley Sect Master isn't merciful enough to turn a blind eye to things like this, after all!"

The leader of the Evil Valley was colder than an ice storm, while his decision making was ruthless like a deadly sword strike.

It didn't matter how long it took, the Evil Valley Sect Master would eventually eliminate anyone who posed a threat or displayed hints of betrayal.

Just how many people let their guards down after the Sect Master told them to try harder next time only to lose their lives?

That cold-blooded old man treated anyone who was loyal to him and boasted tremendous talent better than his own family.

However, those who didn't qualify received exactly the opposite treatment.

He was vicious enough to erase anyone who roused even a tiny hint of suspicion just so that he could have some peace of mind.

In the past, several leaders of the Eight Gates didn't want all the authority concentrating on the Evil Valley Sect Master. So, they either openly defied his commands or resorted to underhanded schemes. ꭆ

Knowing that the Evil Valley Sect Master always repaid his grudges in full, these people couldn't rest easy as anxiety consumed them.

"Yes, let's kill him!"

"Letting him live will bite us in the rear sooner or later."

The world might judge them poorly for this, but they had come too far to back down now. And the idea of using a madman like Dan Libai as their figurehead didn't sit well with them, either. But they needed a figure to rally around, so it couldn't be helped.

Even though he mastered demonic cultivation, which cost him the trust of other people, his strength and authority had not been damaged yet. If any of those factors were missing…

The rebels had no idea how they would face the fearsome monster known as the Evil Valley Sect Master.

"Very well. Let us get prepared, then!"

****

The central figure of this chaos, Dan Libai, returned to the Evil Valley's headquarters.

It's Dan Libai!

All eyes were on him as he stepped through the front gate. Unsurprising, given that he was the most talked-about person in the murim.

However, those gazes couldn't be described as kind. Not at all. Despite having no qualms about resorting to everything and anything to get what they want, the evil faction cultivators still strongly disliked the demonic dao.

So, all the martial prowess he has shown until now is thanks to demonic cultivation?

He's not even trying to hide his crimson eyes!

How dare he act so brazen like that?

Dan Libai didn't even bat an eyelid at all the judgmental glares. In fact, he held his head high, striding past them confidently.

"Heh! Sounds like some toothless mutts are barking somewhere!"

Dan Libai glanced at the others and smirked derisively.

"You dare!"

"Do you think you're still the Little Valley Master?!"

"A dog of the demonic dao dares to…!"

These people got insulted to their faces. In the past, they would have had no choice but to overlook the insult since Dan Libai was the son of the sect master. But not this time.

According to rumors, the Evil Valley Sect Master was indescribably furious with his son. Which meant Dan Libai basically had no status or power in this place.

"You are all going to die soon, anyway! I'm gracious enough to let you run your mouths while you're still alive," Dan Libai shouted as if he wanted everyone to hear him.

"Huh?! Say what?"

"Is he trying to make us laugh?!"

The Evil Valley's cultivators were left flabbergasted.

"At least his bluffing has reached the absolute peak realm!"

"The demonic nature must've corrupted his mind until he's gone completely insane! Doesn't he understand the trouble he's in right now?"

Endless grumbling and whispers continued to target him, but Dan Libai didn't cower. Forget cowering, the crimson hue in his eyes seemed to burn even brighter.

Dan Libai strode past countless glares and stepped into the main palace with its crimson roof tiles.

"Dan! Li! Bai!!"

The Evil Valley Sect Master's thunderous roar echoed through the palace.

Shudder, rumble!

Even the Shaolin's Lion Roar couldn't hold a candle to this roar. The palace shook as if an earthquake had struck.

Warriors standing guard by the outer gates frowned and rubbed their lower bellies as if the roar had affected them, too.

The corridors of the palace, usually bustling with warriors and servants, were eerily empty. Not even an ant could be seen!

What an ignorant old fart!

Dan Libai, usually unflappable, finally lost his composure, his expression stiffening.

To think his roar alone would be this powerful!

Dan Libai was a genius, and he worked extra hard to hold on to his authority. He didn't stop there and even got his hands on a demonic cultivation art.

At this point, he couldn't even remember how much blood he drank daily or from how many people.

To top it all off, Dan Libai even received support from the Dark Heavens Association in the form of spiritual medicines.

His cultivation also improved by leaps and bounds after gaining enlightenment. Although he still hadn't broken through the Harmony realm, Dan Libai had a foot in the door.

Most importantly, his demonic cultivation art had the effect of eliminating fear and dulling pain.

Despite this, Dan Libai's fingers trembled faintly. He had to accept that the realm of 'absolute powerhouse' should never be underestimated.

No, don't get scared!

Ba-dump, ba-dump!

Dan Libai's heart pounded like an enraged bull. Blood energy that stole away the lives of dozens, no, hundreds of people madly coursed through his meridians several times.

A boiling force welled up below his navel. This power rushed past his tailbone, climbed up his spine, and voraciously devoured his emotions. Dan Libai's fear vanished, replaced by confidence.

His gaze, fixed on the floor, shot upward, and the light burning in his crimson eyes sizzled hotter and hotter, like flames from hell.

"Huh! To think your blood qi would be at this level!" The Evil Valley Sect Master sneered as he rose slowly from his throne. "Yes, I've been a fool. A fool, indeed!"

He pounded his chest in frustration, his wrinkled face twisting to resemble a man chewing on dog turd.

"Why are you so angry, father? I rushed here as fast as I could, isn't it filial for a son to answer his father's summons?"

Dan Libai replied casually, having regained his composure. The thick smirk etched on his face looked crooked and disgusting.

His old self would've never acted this arrogantly before his father.

"I'll give you an opportunity, son!" The Evil Valley Sect Master warned Dan Libai with a firm, authoritative voice. "Destroy your own dantian, then apologize to the rest of the murim. Then, I will spare your life."

This was the last act of mercy for his own flesh and blood.

"Heh!"

The corners of Dan Libai's lips twisted upward.

"Uw, ha, ha, hah!"

A mad cackle erupted from him, thick with malice, blanketing the hall in dark, negative energy.

"Very well! I shall do so!"

The Evil Valley Sect Master realized that he could no longer read his own son's intentions.

Dan Libai raised both hands as if to express his willingness to cooperate, then leisurely walked closer to his father.

When he reached him, Dan Libai bowed slightly and asked in a mocking tone, "How's this, then? Ah, hang on. Should I destroy my dantian here? Or in front of everyone?"

"You just can't help yourself, can you?!"

The Evil Valley Sect Master growled as his rage boiled over. His aura was like a volcano about to erupt.

"If you think I won't hurt you because you are my child—!"

Pah-haht!

It happened in the blink of an eye. Dan Libai took advantage of the opening created during their conversation and charged forward like a loaded spring to attack his father.

He had been bowing as if storing energy, and now, with an explosive burst of speed, he charged forward. However, the Evil Valley Sect Master wouldn't get done in by such an attack.

He already knew his son's condition wasn't normal. He anticipated that his son might try something insane since the demonic nature must've corrupted him by now.

The deciding factor was that, despite the effects of demonic cultivation strengthening him, Dan Libai only had a foot in the Harmony realm.

Beast-like claws formed through half-curled fingers shot out like bolts of lightning toward the Evil Valley Sect Master.

"You foooool!"

The Evil Valley Sect Master erupted in rage at this naked attempt to kill him. The killing intent coming from Dan Libai's attack stance was dense and pure.

He knew his son was insane, but to think he wouldn't hesitate to kill his own father!

This realization only worsened the Evil Valley Sect Master's anger.

"It's about time you die, father!"

Dan Libai struck several times in a row. Each strike caused deadly fist winds to rain down on the Evil Valley Sect master.

However, the leader of the Evil Valley chuckled grimly in dismay before deflecting all the fist winds coming his way. Then, he counterattacked.

Pah-ba-baht!

He didn't even go all out. He simply flicked his middle finger against his thumb, releasing a highly concentrated mass of qi.

Even though this finger strike wasn't a part of his usual martial arts repertoire, the destructive power it had was still considerable. The mass of qi pierced through the air and slammed into Dan Libai.

BOOM!

"Kuh-huhk?!"

Dan Libai let out a pained gasp. He tried to withstand the blow but failed, and his body was shoved right back.

A chilling, blood-red mist drifted off the Evil Valley Sect Master, as if he had been giving his all to the previous attack.

"Very well! I'll beat you to the brink of death and interrogate you to uncover the truth behind this mess!"

The Evil Valley Sect Master roared in anger.

"Ptooi!"

Dan Libai spat out some phlegm containing blood before smirking deeply.

"Father, do you think things will go as you wish?"

Whoooooosh!

The air itself seemed to split apart. The Evil Valley Sect Master's sharp senses detected an object hurtling toward him. He initially thought it could be a hidden weapon, but no. The object charging toward him was a person!

"Evil Valley Sect Master!"

To be more precise, it was a beast-like man!

The Evil Valley Sect Master's expression twisted hideously. The strengthened claw qi trying to dig into his side was familiar to him. Only one person in the evil faction could utilize this type of claw art, after all!

"Ren Chaojian! Have you lost your bloody mind?!"

The Evil Valley Sect Master's anger became speechlessness and disbelief. He roughly knew that the leader of the Beast Gate didn't like him, but to think that man would openly rebel like this!

What confused him the most, however, was the Beast Gate Master willingly siding with Dan Libai, a man labeled as a demonic cultivator.

"Die!"

Rather than with his words, Ren Chaojian replied with a barrage of attacks.

"Huh-uh!"

As it turned out, it wasn't only one man who decided to rebel today. The Evil Valley Sect Master could see several other cultivators entering the hall.

****

"Dan Libai, you insane bastard!"

Zhou Xuchuan couldn't control himself and began swearing loudly.

"Just what has he done now?!"

Obviously, he had a hunch that Dan Libai might do something stupid. However, Zhou Xuchuan didn't expect that something stupid would be an open warfare!

After exposing Dan Libai mastering demonic cultivation, Zhou Xuchuan stuck around the Evil Valley's headquarters to find out what would happen next. But that decision got him swept up in the ensuing battle.

The civil war of the evil faction, the one he had been hoping to avoid, suddenly broke out. A fierce battle began not too long after Dan Libai returned to the headquarters.

The raid on the Evil Valley was not initiated by outside forces, but done by its own allies. Zhou Xuchuan heard the names being shouted around him and realized that the enemy this time was half of the Eight Gates of the Evil Dao.

No, hold on. No matter how insane that bastard is, he couldn't have done this by himself.

Dan Libai was nothing more than a puppet dancing on the Dark Heavens Association's palm. Zhou Xuchuan abruptly remembered the shadowy figure he saw next to Dan Libai not too long ago.

They must be aiming for two things. One is to weaken the Evil Valley's influence through an internal strife like this one, and…

Zhou Xuchuan's eyes narrowed into slits.

The other is obviously to kill the Evil Valley Sect Master, but in a situation like this…

The Seven Stars Division!

That name popped up in Zhou Xuchuan's mind right away.