My Wife Is The Leader Of A Demonic Cult

Fragments of memories from years past kept surfacing in her mind, intertwining with one another.

It made her momentarily unable to distinguish which was reality and which was an illusion.

“No, it can’t be, the paper man had responded just last night.”

Zhao Qingmei violently thought of something, took out the paper man from her bosom and moved it. The next moment, the paper man responded.

Seeing this, Zhao Qingmei, as if seeing a glimmer of hope for life, kept toying with the paper man.

The paper man consistently responded, and its gestures were exactly the same as An Jing’s most intimate hand signs.

“Could there be…” Zhao Qingmei’s breath caught.

It was unlikely that anyone else who got hold of the paper man could elicit the appropriate response, because only the two of them knew these hand signs.

Moreover, the Heavenly Flipping Seal was connected to her bloodline and showed no anomaly, suggesting that the situation might not be as bad as she had imagined.

She must calm down, she must stay calm.

Zhao Qingmei repeated to herself in a low voice, but her palms were still trembling involuntarily.

“There must have been some accident, there must have been.”

Zhao Qingmei, with bloodshot eyes, seemed to have fallen into a frenzy.

“Sect Master!”

Yu Qiurong, seeing this, hurriedly said.

“I’m fine… I’m fine.”

Zhao Qingmei waved her hand, and her strong self-control allowed her to regain a trace of composure.

The Heavenly Flipping Seal was connected by bloodline, so if Master really made a move, there would surely be a reaction, it would certainly save her husband’s life, it must.

And the Master making a move while she was away was clearly premeditated, and the one who made her come here was none other than Duanmu Xinghua.

Thinking of this, Zhao Qingmei took a deep breath and said, “You go now, immediately tell the Xuanwu Sect Leader to surround Dongluo Pass with iron-armored soldiers, and act quickly.”

“Yes….”

Yu Qiurong could feel the tremble in Zhao Qingmei’s voice, she didn’t dare to breathe deeply, nor did she dare to ask another question.

Surround Dongluo Pass, what was she planning to do?

Could it be that someone from the Earth Sect was planning a rebellion, but Jiang Renyi had been sent to the Dongluo Desert already, currently battling against the endless sands and not within Dongluo Pass. Did the Earth Sect still have someone capable of stirring up such turmoil?

Yu Qiurong, filled with questions, was prepared to leave swiftly.

“Wait!”

Zhao Qingmei suddenly called out to her, “Tell the Azure Dragon Sect Leader to exit his retreat and order him to go directly to the Dongluo Hall.”

“I understand.”

Yu Qiurong’s complexion changed upon hearing this.

The Azure Dragon Sect Leader was in seclusion, attempting to break through and reach the Grandmaster Realm by cultivating the Three Flowers Gathering. He would only leave if the Demon Sect faced an existential crisis.

And now Zhao Qingmei was asking the Azure Dragon Sect Leader to exit his retreat.

Could it be that the Demon Sect was about to face an existential crisis?

Yu Qiurong dared not speculate any further and could only rush towards the exit.

As Yu Qiurong left, Zhao Qingmei looked at the Golden Flower Rouge under the vanity table.

Her mind was racing as she tried to piece together what exactly was happening.

Why would the paper effigy respond?

“Sect Hierarch.”

It wasn’t long before Yu Qiurong returned, “The order has been sent out. Should we inform Sect Master Duanmu about this?”

After all, it was in the Heavenly Sect of the Demon Sect that the congregation of top-notch experts could be found, and since Duanmu Xinghua was a master of the Grandmaster Realm, if something significant were to transpire, it was essential to discuss it with the Sect Master of the Heavenly Sect.

“I’ll go myself.”

Zhao Qingmei’s beautiful eyes rippled with a wave, before she stood up and walked outside the house.

……..

Dongluo Hall.

At this moment, Duanmu Xinghua was seated in the great hall, with stacks of books and scriptures laid out in front of her.

As Jiang Renyi, the Sect Master of the Earth Sect, had been relieved of his duties, many of the affairs of the Earth Sect also needed her to attend to, making her incredibly busy.

Below, beside the case table, sat several experts of the Heavenly Sect, who were currently whispering amongst themselves, discussing matters.

Duanmu Xinghua extended her hand and then said, “I’ve called you here today because there’s something I need to discuss with you.”

Upon hearing Duanmu Xinghua speak thus, everyone present quieted down.

Among the Three Sects of the Demon Sect, the Heavenly Sect had the fewest but most elite experts. On normal days, they were free to enjoy the resources of the Sect, mostly engaging in closed-door cultivation, only taking action when the Demon Sect faced insurmountable crises.

Thus, without an important matter, Duanmu Xinghua wouldn’t have summoned them.

Duanmu Xinghua pondered for a long while, then said, “In several dozen days, on the ninth day of the third month, the Sect Hierarch will head to the Sealing Demon Platform, and at that time, we too shall go there.”

The Sealing Demon Platform?

The masters present who heard about the Sealing Demon Platform all felt moved in their hearts.

As top-ranked experts of the Demon Sect, they naturally knew of this Sealing Demon Platform, the holy land of the Demon Sect and the very Stabilizer that held sway over the most fearful powers in the world.

No one knew the true details within the Sealing Demon Platform.

Among those with the opportunity to enter the Sealing Demon Platform for secluded cultivation and to learn the real Supreme Martial Arts of the Demon Sect and attain some marvelous fortune, there were only the top experts of the Heavenly Sect, as well as the Sect Masters of the Demon Sect’s Heaven, Earth, and Man Sects, and the Four Great Leaders.

Ordinary experts of the Demon Sect never had access to the Sealing Demon Platform.

They all yearned in their hearts for this place.

“Sect Master, the Sealing Demon Platform summons the Sect Hierarch, but why must we also go to the Sealing Demon Platform?”

Just then, a hunched old man spoke up with a question.

Besides Duanmu Xinghua, the elder before her was known as Geng Tianchou, the person with the highest power after the Sect Master of the Heavenly Sect.

Not only was Geng Tianchou puzzled, but the other Heavenly Sect experts present were also somewhat curious.

The Sealing Demon Platform had always been very mysterious and sacred. Not to mention them, even Duanmu Xinghua seldom entered the Sealing Demon Platform.

“You will know when the time comes,” coyly intoned Duanmu Xinghua.

“I want to know now!”

Just at that moment, a faint voice came from outside the door.

Everyone reacted reflexively to the sound by standing up.

“Sect Hierarch!”

Duanmu Xinghua also stood up, stepping down from the hall and holding her fists in salute, “Not knowing the Sect Hierarch would come, I ask for your forgiveness.”

The visitor was Zhao Qingmei, with Yu Qiurong standing behind her like a shadow.

Zhao Qingmei slowly walked into the center of the great hall, “Forgiveness? How would I dare ask Sect Master Duanmu for forgiveness?”

The moment the words dropped, the entire hall fell silent.

Duanmu Xinghua also sensed the abnormality, and in a low voice said, “Sect Hierarch, I am not sure where I have erred…”

Zhao Qingmei didn’t speak but walked to the seat Duanmu Xinghua had just vacated and said, “Sect Master Duanmu, you know what you have done wrong. Why do you need me to spell it out?”

An accusation!

Each person present was astute, having traversed Jianghu for decades; they were not merely powerful, but also sharp-minded individuals. They could tell that their Sect Hierarch had come specifically with an accusation in mind.

“Subordinate truly does not understand,” said Duanmu Xinghua unflappably, looking up at Zhao Qingmei without arrogance or humility.

“If it were someone else, I might not ask. But since it’s Sect Master Duanmu, I think a reminder is in order,” Zhao Qingmei said as she sat down, tapping her fingers on the case table, “Sect Master Duanmu, sending that secret letter to me wasn’t really your own intention, was it?”

Upon hearing this, Duanmu Xinghua’s pupils abruptly contracted.

She indeed entreated Zhao Qingmei to return, having received a secret letter from Jiang Shang, a matter Duanmu Xinghua had not disclosed to anyone.

Could it be Zhao Qingmei knew about the old Sect Hierarch still being alive?

With this thought, Duanmu Xinghua saluted with her fists and said, “It seems the Sect Hierarch is already aware. The old Sect Hierarch planned to give you a surprise in half a month’s time.”

The old Sect Hierarch?

Upon hearing Duanmu Xinghua’s words, all the Heavenly Sect experts present showed a look of shock, followed by a hint of joy in their eyes.

“The former Sect Hierarch?”

“Could the former Sect Hierarch still be alive?”

“This is indeed great news.”

…..

Just who was Jiang Shang? Back then, he was a figure who could call the wind and summon the rain in the Great Yan Martial World.

It was under Jiang Shang’s leadership that the Demon Sect reached its zenith, and many of the experts present had followed Jiang Shang for half their lives. The reverence that came from their hearts had deeply embedded itself within them.

However, when the crowd later saw Zhao Qingmei’s face as calm as a still lake and recalled her earlier words, they couldn’t help but feel a chill in their hearts.

Jiang Shang had disappeared for many years, leaving the Demon Sect without a leader, which made it necessary to elect a new Sect Hierarch.

And now the former Sect Hierarch had reappeared…

There’s a saying that goes, “the sky does not brook two suns, and a mountain cannot tolerate two tigers,” let alone two leaders of the Demon Sect.

“This is bad.”

Geng Tianchou, seeing this, was slightly startled.

He naturally knew Jiang Shang’s character well—possessive and domineering. During his time as the leader of the Demon Sect, his word was law, to the extent that even Duanmu Xinghua had to tread carefully around him.

Though Zhao Qingmei might not have the formidable and eccentric strength of Jiang Shang, she too was a domineering figure.

With the unfathomable strength of the former Sect Hierarch Jiang Shang at the helm of the Demon Sect, the Holy Master of Houjin would have to think twice before attacking Dongluo Pass, but Zhao Qingmei had enormous potential. Although she had only just stepped into the Master Realm, she had a chance to enter the Great Grandmaster Realm in the future and lead the heroes of the Demon Sect to contend for dominance in the world.

If the two could coexist peacefully, the Demon Sect would thrive greatly, but if they could not, it would be a calamity for the Demon Sect.

From Zhao Qingmei’s attitude, it was clear that peaceful coexistence was unlikely.

“You knew my master was alive and you didn’t tell me?”

Zhao Qingmei said with a light smile, but everyone present felt as if a sharp sword had pierced their hearts, none daring to speak further.

“The former Sect Hierarch forbade me to speak of it.”

Duanmu Xinghua bowed and said.

“How dare you!”

Zhao Qingmei slammed her palm onto the desk, and the purple sandalwood desk immediately splintered into powder, showing the immense force behind it.

The Heavenly Sect experts all dared not breathe too loudly, even though Zhao Qingmei had never been so angered, even in the presence of Jiang Renyi.

Let alone anyone else, even Yu Qiurong was frightened into shuddering.

“Sect Master, please forgive me, I know I was wrong,” Duanmu Xinghua said, taking a deep breath and clasping her fists.

“Your sin is unforgivable.”

Coldness surged in Zhao Qingmei’s eyes, and her presence cascaded down like a mountainous avalanche.

Duanmu Xinghua felt a heavy weight on her shoulders, and the flagstone floor beneath her feet cracked and spread outwards from where she stood.

Knowing that Zhao Qingmei was truly enraged, no one present dared to speak.

“Sect Master!”

Duanmu Xinghua said gravely, “Do you intend to return a Heavenly Sect Master today?”

In her view, she had merely used a secret letter to call Zhao Qingmei back, which wasn’t a significant matter, especially when the Demon Sect needed her to take charge.

“Indeed.”

Zhao Qingmei replied coldly.

“Who dares?” Duanmu Xinghua glanced around.

All the Heavenly Sect experts present lowered their heads, even Geng Tianchou did not dare to meet her gaze.

Who was Duanmu Xinghua? Back in the Great Yan, she was the expert who had once battled with Xiao Qianqiu. Although Xiao Qianqiu had not been as formidable back then as he was today, he was still a famous and ruthless figure known throughout the world.

“I dare!”

At that moment, Yu Qiurong said with narrowed eyes.

Duanmu Xinghua looked at Yu Qiurong and scoffed, “With just your Heavenly Flower Realm?”

In the Heavenly Flower Realm, one might be considered a top-notch expert elsewhere and even lead a sect, but to subdue the demons of the Heavenly Sect, it might be somewhat challenging.

The lowest cultivation level among the Heavenly Sect experts present was that of Second Grade; about half were of First Grade, there were also three at the First Grade Heavenly Flower, and Geng Tianchou was even at the Half-step Master Realm.

From this, one could see the terrifying strength of the Heavenly Sect, and Yu Qiurong’s attempt to deter the demons present clearly seemed inadequate.

“Does it count if I do it?”

Zhao Qingmei stood up, her eyes fixed intently on Duanmu Xinghua.

Duanmu Xinghua took a deep breath and said, “Sect Master, I hope we can discuss this calmly…”

She knew that Zhao Qingmei was the future of the Demon Sect, so she didn’t want to make things too ugly for both sides.

Zhao Qingmei directly interrupted Duanmu Xinghua’s words, “Duanmu Xinghua, I give you two choices, either abdicate or plot rebellion, choose one.”

Wow!

All present were stunned, exchanging glances.

They hadn’t expected things to escalate to this extent.

Faced with Zhao Qingmei’s aggressive approach, Duanmu Xinghua could no longer hold back, her voice a bit low, “Sect Hierarch, I have returned one Qi and am close to returning the second, you are no match for me.”

As Duanmu Xinghua’s words fell, the atmosphere in the entire hall became extremely tense, as if swords were drawn and bows were strung.

The Five Qi converging meant reaching the realm of a Great Grandmaster, and the Five Qi were Essence Qi, Divine Qi, Soul Qi, Life Qi, and Will. When all five returned to one, it signified the realm of a Great Grandmaster. Duanmu Xinghua had been a Grandmaster for twenty years now, having already returned one Qi and soon to reach the realm of the Second Qi Returning.

Zhao Qingmei had only been a Grandmaster for a few days, without any Qi having returned, so naturally Duanmu Xinghua wasn’t afraid of her.

“Duanmu Xinghua, you’ve got some nerve.”

As Zhao Qingmei’s most loyal lackey, how could Yu Qiurong bear to hear these words?

“Sect Hierarch, Sect Master….”

Geng Tianchou clenched his jaws, stood up, and spoke.

The faces of the Heavenly Sect experts were also very unsightly; in their eyes, both individuals were pillars of the Demon Sect, indispensable. Yet, internal strife had broken out today, clearly weakening the power of the Demon Sect itself.

Zhao Qingmei interrupted Geng Tianchou’s words, “It seems that today Sect Master Duanmu intends to have a showdown with me.”

“Sect Hierarch, please think thrice before you act.”

Duanmu Xinghua’s expression remained calm and undisturbed, without a hint of retreat.

She was Blood Slaughter, who had once killed three Grandmasters of the Zhenyi Sect in a single night. The previous Zhenyi Sect Master, Ye Ding, had chased her for over thirteen hundred miles to kill her but ultimately failed.

Her demonic might was boundless, and now, mentioning her name, the older generation of experts in the Great Yan Martial World would tremble in their hearts.

Since being completely driven out of Great Yan, Duanmu Xinghua had almost never made a move again and had instead been sitting at Dongluo Pass, cultivating.

Even Jiang Shang, when he was there, would give her some face unless he was furious.

In recent years, not many knew of her strength because she hadn’t been active, but to become the master of the Demon Sect Heavenly Sect was certainly no empty title.

“Hahaha!”

Zhao Qingmei burst into laughter.

Looking at the heroic and spirited Zhao Qingmei, the experts of the Heavenly Sect were indeed frowning deeply.

“I truly didn’t wish to make a move, but the Sect Hierarch insists on pressing the issue.”

Duanmu Xinghua slowly said, “Well, after today’s battle, I’ll retreat to the Sealing Demon Platform.”

She knew that if she defeated Zhao Qingmei today, regardless of whether Zhao Qingmei was a magnanimous person, as long as she remained within the Sect, she would be a thorn in Zhao’s side.

She could only retreat to the Sealing Demon Platform for seclusion, but Duanmu Xinghua didn’t want to enter the Sealing Demon Platform upon dismissal; she wanted to resign from the position of the Heavenly Sect Master on her own terms.

“Then I shall see for myself the methods of Blood Slaughter.”

Zhao Qingmei’s face was as calm as still water, “Considering the favor you once did for me, I’ll allow you to make the first move.”

Duanmu Xinghua shook her head, “Sect Hierarch, if I make a move, you won’t stand a chance.”

“Quite confident, aren’t you.”

Zhao Qingmei’s robes fluttered without wind, a trace of cold mockery on her lips.

“Since the Sect Hierarch is so obstinate, then I must offend you.”

Having said this, Duanmu Xinghua took several steps back.

The two faced each other from a distance, with Duanmu Xinghua below and Zhao Qingmei above.

The hall was utterly silent, but everyone’s hearts were in their throats, as if the very air were tense with apprehension.

Grandmaster experts!

Both were grandmasters!

A grandmaster level battle was exceedingly rare in this world. Nowadays, grandmasters were all secluded, seeking to make further progress to reach the Great Grandmaster Realm and obtain a lifespan of three hundred years.

A grandmaster level battle had almost become a legend in the martial world.

Yet now, it was happening right before everyone’s eyes.

Both were silent, but the tension had risen to an extreme, as if even time had become suspended.

“I must apologize in advance!”

The next moment, True Qi surged from within Duanmu Xinghua.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

True Qi frantically swirled towards her, with Duanmu Xinghua at the center.

The surrounding experts were shocked to see Duanmu Xinghua make her move, not expecting the situation to develop to this point.

The vortex of True Qi grew larger and larger, a mighty aura spreading across the entire hall.

The experts on the scene, seeing this unfold, all rose and retreated to a distance.

“The Sect Master is truly making a move.”

“It has been almost twenty years since we last saw the Sect Master take action.”

“How could the newly ascended Sect Hierarch, who has just entered the Master Realm, possibly be a match for the Sect Master?”

…….

Ever since Jiang Shang disappeared, Duanmu Xinghua of the Heavenly Sect has become the top expert of the Demon Sect, and coupled with the unique position of Heavenly Sect within the Demon Sect, Duanmu Xinghua’s prestige has grown increasingly higher, her strength deeply engrained in people’s hearts.

Zhao Qingmei, the newly ascended Sect Hierarch, is immensely talented, but she has only been a Grandmaster for a mere few days.

Therefore, at this moment, the experts on the scene, witnessing Duanmu Xinghua make her move, subconsciously believed that Zhao Qingmei would be defeated.

Geng Tianchou also looked forward with a hint of doubt, thinking to himself, “Is the Sect Hierarch truly a match for Sect Master Duanmu?”

An old Heavenly Sect expert beside him sneered, “How could the Sect Hierarch possibly be a match for Sect Master Duanmu? It’s absolutely impossible.”

The rest of the people did not speak, all watching the confrontation between the two with solemn expressions.

True Qi swirled around Duanmu Xinghua, forming a massive vortex, from which streams of Qi Force condensed into dense and profound energies.

Essence Qi Returning!

Zhao Qingmei remained unperturbed, well aware of Duanmu Xinghua’s prowess.

At the peak of the First Qi Grandmaster, approaching Second Qi Grandmaster level.

Whoosh Whoosh!

Zhao Qingmei stood against the wind, her clothes rustling loudly in the ferocious gale.

The vortex that had gathered around Duanmu Xinghua further augmented her already formidable aura, evoking an air of chilling awe.

This was the Infinite Skill, a top-level True Martial martial art unique to the Demon Sect!

“I haven’t acted in twenty years, and you, Sect Hierarch, are the first in these twenty years. Be careful!”

Duanmu Xinghua coldly shouted, sending a palm strike toward the front.

Boom! Boom!

The gigantic palm imprint descended, fracturing the very air as it fell.

The palm imprint rapidly enlarged within Zhao Qingmei’s pupils; however, faced with such a fierce strike, she did not choose to retreat.

“Sect Hierarch….”

Seeing this, Yu Qiurong’s eyes revealed a hint of nervousness.

Yet Zhao Qingmei’s expression remained calm as ever, as serene as an ancient well, countering with a palm strike of her own.

Two Grandmasters finally clashed.

Boom!

In the next instant, the two palm imprints collided fiercely, instantly creating visible ripples that swept outwards. The floor beneath their feet disintegrated into debris upon contact.

True Qi surged like torrents in all directions, while Zhao Qingmei’s body shuddered violently, retreating rapidly backward, her feet leaving deep marks on the ground.

Once she steadied herself, Zhao Qingmei’s face flushed slightly.

She could feel that Duanmu Xinghua was significantly stronger than her in terms of cultivation.

Duanmu Xinghua also retreated dozens of steps, but compared to Zhao Qingmei, she appeared much more composed; however, her eyes had taken on a trace of seriousness.

Although Zhao Qingmei had been repelled by her palm several meters away, it seemed that she did not show any sign of decline.

In the eyes of the onlookers, it seemed that Duanmu Xinghua had a slight advantage, but only she knew that it was all an illusion.

Just one move!

All those present felt a tremor in their hearts.

“The Sect Hierarch truly is the once-in-a-millennium genius that she was hailed to be,” Duanmu Xinghua said with a faint smile, looking at her palm.

Looking down at her palm, there were now streams of black energy continuously flowing across its surface.

This was the Demonic Qi characteristic of the Demon Sect’s Heavenly Demon Technique.

Once contaminated by this Heavenly Demon Energy, even a Grandmaster like Duanmu Xinghua would find it extremely troublesome.

However, she quickly circulated her True Qi to forcefully suppress and expel the Demonic Qi, yet it was also for this reason that the power of her palm strike was diminished.

Therefore, the palm strike that was intended to crush Zhao Qingmei resulted only in forcing Zhao Qingmei back.

Zhao Qingmei slowly exhaled without saying a word.

“Sect Hierarch, you’ve practiced the Heavenly Demon Technique,” Duanmu Xinghua slowly stated. “However, to think that you can defeat me with just the Heavenly Demon Technique is no more than a fool’s dream.”

Although she had not practiced the Heavenly Demon Technique, she had mastered the Infinite Skill, a Heavenly Martial Level martial art, and was not afraid of Zhao Qingmei’s Heavenly Demon Technique.

Duanmu Xinghua took a deep breath, and the True Qi vortex around her vibrated more intensely. At the same time, a dangerous aura emanated from within her.

Feeling the dangerous aura, Zhao Qingmei’s gaze also slightly solidified, it seemed that Duanmu Xinghua was finally getting serious.

Whoo whoo!

Standing in place, Duanmu Xinghua appeared to be surrounded by howling winds, and at the moment when her momentum reached its peak, brilliant light burst forth from her eyes.

Whoosh whoosh whoosh!

Around her, the swirling True Qi deflected light sharp as blades, as if something was about to explode from within.

Her palm slowly raised, and as it lifted, it swelled at a rate visible to the naked eye transforming, in a mere few moments, into a giant hand that covered the sky and sun.

Atop this massive hand, ferocious energy instantly concentrated, and in that moment, the hand seemed like a towering mountain, descending upon Zhao Qingmei below.

The True Qi from all directions began to boil at this moment.

Infinite Skill! Demon Shattering Hand!

Duanmu Xinghua’s eyes, cold and indifferent, watched Zhao Qingmei as the giant hand suddenly slapped down, carrying a chilling intent to battle and spreading across heaven and earth.

And it was when Duanmu Xinghua’s massive hand shrouded down that many astonished voices rang out around them.

“Infinite Skill! This is one of the Demon Sect’s top martial arts.”

“It looks like Sect Master Duanmu has no intention of holding back.”

“The Sect Hierarch is going to be defeated.”

……

The Heavenly Sect experts watched the light screen with shocked expressions. Facing such an offensive from Duanmu Xinghua, even the First Grade experts present felt their scalps tingle.

“Sect Master Duanmu, stop at once!”

Just then, a cold shout came from afar.

A blue-robed elder holding a long spear approached rapidly from the distance.

This person was none other than the Azure Dragon Sect’s Sect Master, Lin Tianhai.

“Too late.” Duanmu Xinghua said blandly.

Boom!

As the giant palm fell, the entire Great Hall instantly turned to dust and dispersed into the world.

In front of them, underneath the storm of Qi mechanics, golden light surged around Zhao Qingmei, with black lotuses manifesting one after another.

Myriad Forms of Lotus!

The black lotuses released an extremely somber black light before surging together toward the palm print in the front.

“Everyone, get out of the way!”

Seeing this, Geng Tianchou and Lin Tianhai immediately shouted loudly.

“Bang bang bang bang bang!”

The violent collisions immediately resulted in explosive noises, with the astounding waves of Force Qi creating ripples that surged ceaselessly to both sides.

“What’s happening?”

“Look! Is that the Dongluo Tower!?”

“Could it be that someone has invaded the Demon Sect?”

“Such powerful collisions of Qi mechanisms, they even contain the authority of a Grandmaster!”

…..

Inside Dongluo Pass, it seemed as if everyone could feel those fluctuations of aura, as they all turned their gazes toward the direction of Dongluo Tower.

Countless experts leaped towards the surroundings of Dongluo Tower, attempting to discern exactly what had transpired.

After all, the Demon Sect was once among the Great Yan Martial World’s top forces, sufficient to influence the entire world’s framework.

Atop Dongluo Tower.

Zhao Qingmei stood above the shattered wooden pillar, spotless, with black Qi spiraling around her—mysterious and eerie.

In front of her, Duanmu Xinghua furrowed her brows tightly. She hadn’t expected that Zhao Qingmei would be able to catch her strike, which carried eighty percent of her power, and it seemed Zhao Qingmei did not suffer any serious damage.

“Sect Master Duanmu, do not mislead yourself!” Lin Tianhai couldn’t help but shout.

As one of the Four Great Sect Leaders, Lin Tianhai was an old-generation expert like Duanmu Xinghua, and although there was a significant gap in strength, they had worked together for many years and knew each other very well.

Duanmu Xinghua said blandly, “Sect Leader Lin, after this battle, I will enter the Sealing Demon Platform. Before then, let the Sect Hierarch test her blade.”

Upon hearing this, Lin Tianhai’s brows immediately furrowed deeply.

Besides the Sect Hierarch, Duanmu Xinghua was the only publicly acknowledged Grandmaster-level expert in the Demon Sect. If she were to enter the Sealing Demon Platform to cultivate, the Demon Sect would be left with only a newly minted Grandmaster at the helm, hardly adequate to withstand the surging waves of the martial world.

He didn’t understand why he had heard that the Demon Sect was on the rise just a short while ago, yet today it seemed to be falling apart.

“Duanmu Xinghua, it seems you have great confidence in yourself.”

Zhao Qingmei spoke indifferently.

Duanmu Xinghua raised her head, her aged voice echoing in all directions, “Sect Hierarch, when I just made that move, I only used eighty percent of my strength.”

Wow!

No sooner had Duanmu Xinghua’s words fallen than there was an uproar between heaven and earth.

“What!? She only used eighty percent of her strength?”

“Could eighty percent of her strength be this terrifying?”

……..

“Is this the prowess of a Grandmaster?” Geng Tianchou said with a solemn face.

“Such a powerful move, and it was only eighty percent of her strength? The Sect Hierarch is truly in danger this time.” A shock ran through Yu Qiurong’s heart, and she immediately felt some worry.

Upon hearing Duanmu Xinghua’s words, Zhao Qingmei shook her head, “That palm strike just now, I merely used seventy percent of my strength.”

“Hahaha!”

Duanmu Xinghua could not help but burst into laughter upon hearing Zhao Qingmei’s words, “Sect Hierarch, you’re just like the old Sect Hierarch, neither willing to admit defeat.”

How could a newly promoted Grandmaster be able to catch her palm strike that was at eighty percent of her full strength and claim to have only used seventy percent?

It wasn’t just Duanmu Xinghua, who couldn’t believe her words, the many experts present all wore faces of doubt.

“Today I shall let you completely give up hope.”

A subtle light flickered in Zhao Qingmei’s eyes.

Then, an immense Qi Mechanism surged from behind her, an unstoppable might descended, and the sky above her darkened as if turning into an expanse of night.

Mists swirled, the Qi Mechanism soared, centering around Zhao Qingmei.

The earth trembled.

Everyone’s heart skipped a beat, as if something terrifying was about to happen.

“This….”

As a high-level expert within the Master Realm, Duanmu Xinghua felt the Qi Mechanism emanating from Zhao Qingmei most intensely, its overwhelming flow almost suffocating her.

“This black mist is!?”

Witnessing the dense, dark fog, everyone’s expressions were filled with shock.

In the next moment, the black fog gradually dissipated, and its true nature emerged, revealing an enormous Black Gold Lotus standing tall between heaven and earth.

The Black Gold Lotus was approximately fifty feet high, even larger than the Great Hall of Dongluo Tower.

The black lotus contained an extremely strong and domineering Qi Mechanism, and should it erupt, it seemed capable of destroying heaven and earth.

Above the Black Gold Lotus, Zhao Qingmei stood with her hands clasped, her robes billowing, her presence dynamic, her beautiful eyes overlooking Duanmu Xinghua below.

Duanmu Xinghua, with her heart pounding wildly, gazed up at Zhao Qingmei, astonishment flickering in her eyes.

“…What’s happening?”

“Such a powerful Qi Mechanism!”

“Could this truly be the Sect Hierarch’s full strength?”

……..

Even the Demon Sect’s experts could hardly believe it, their eyes not daring to blink.

Geng Tianchou murmured, “Such formidable Qi Mechanism, how is this possible?”

“It’s too unbelievable, why would the Sect Hierarch have such powerful Qi?”

Lin Tianhai muttered to himself and then suddenly gasped, “There’s something odd about the Sect Hierarch’s Heavenly Demon Technique….”

The Heavenly Demon Technique demonstrated by Zhao Qingmei seemed strange. Lin Tianhai had personally seen Jiang Shang use the Heavenly Demon Technique, but the oppressive feeling was almost as immense as now.

One must know that Jiang Shang was a top-tier Grandmaster, while Zhao Qingmei had only been a Grandmaster for a few days.

Duanmu Xinghua’s brow furrowed, then something dawned on her, she exclaimed, “Sect Hierarch, could it be that you have cultivated….?”

“Correct.”

Zhao Qingmei affirmed.

Previously, her cultivation had not reached the Grandmaster Realm, so she had not revealed it, but now that she had attained Master Cultivation, she also possessed the power and foundation to protect herself.

What she cultivated was indeed one of the three paramount secret techniques of the current age, “Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture.”

Duanmu Xinghua couldn’t contain her shock, “How can this be, wasn’t the ‘Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture’ lost long ago?”

‘Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture,’ this was one of the most top-notch Martial Arts Heart Methods of the Demon Sect, and also one of the three great Secret Scriptures in the world. Its mysterious complexity went without saying.

Furthermore, with Zhao Qingmei’s current talent, once she reached Great Grandmaster Realm in the future, her potential was undoubtedly above fifty percent.

“What!? That’s the ‘Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture’?”

“The ‘Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture’!? The Sect Hierarch has been cultivating the ‘Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture’?”

“No wonder it’s like this!”

….

The words “Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture” struck the hearts of the Demon Sect experts present like a heavy hammer. The hearts of the many experts from the Demon Sect all trembled, and the sounds of their discussions spread out like a tide in all directions.

“The ‘Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture’!?”

Lin Tianhai’s eyes shimmered with a glint of light, followed by a loud laugh, “Good, very good!”

“This is fantastic!”

Yu Qiurong’s face turned red with excitement.

She could never have dreamed that Zhao Qingmei had cultivated one of the three great secret techniques of the current age, the pinnacle of martial arts in the world. No wonder Zhao Qingmei was able to advance her cultivation to the Grandmaster Realm so quickly.

“The Sect Hierarch truly received great fortune beneath the Sealing Demon Well,”

Duanmu Xinghua sighed as she looked up.

After the disappearance of the eighth generation Sect Hierarch of the Demon Sect, the “Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture” was completely lost. Over twenty generations of Sect Hierarchs had spent innumerable efforts searching for this scripture, all to no avail.

Jiang Shang also coveted the “Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture”, desiring to reach the Great Grandmaster Realm. He expended untold amounts of manpower and resources, even dispatching spies to infiltrate the Black Ice Platform of Cloud Tower in Zhao Country and the Yan Country Palace, but all found nothing in the end.

It was not just him; the experts in the Demon Sect’s Sealing Demon Platform continue the search to this day, nearly two thousand years on. Searching for the “Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture” almost became as an internal rule within the Sect.

However, the “Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture” seemed to have utterly vanished without a trace.

And now, unexpectedly, the “Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture”, which had disappeared for almost two thousand years, reappeared in the hands of Zhao Qingmei.

With a wave of her robe sleeve, Zhao Qingmei unleashed a powerful Force Qi that howled into existence.

Duanmu Xinghua, not daring to be the slightest bit careless at this moment, also wanted to test the “Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture,” immediately gathering her True Qi in her palms.

Boom!

At the moment of collision, the world seemed to echo with the sound of thunder.

Crash! Crash!

Before the eyes of all present; Duanmu Xinghua’s handprint showed cracks, and with a loud bang, it exploded directly.

Whoa!

An earth-shattering shockwave tore through the sky!

Duanmu Xinghua’s face turned unsightly as her hand trembled, blood seeping out.

Clearly, during the fierce clash, her palm had suffered some damage due to the backlash.

“Is this the ‘Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture’?”

Duanmu Xinghua’s voice contained a hint of icy chill.

One must consider that the higher the realm, the more difficult it is to overcome and defeat an opponent across realms.

Bear in mind that Duanmu Xinghua herself is a top-notch talent, also capable of challenging opponents across realms, but presently, facing the less cultivated Zhao Qingmei, she showed signs of faltering.

With the aptitude displayed by Zhao Qingmei, it was indisputable that she would eventually become one of the world’s top experts.

“Since the Sect Hierarch has shown her true strength, I will no longer hold back,”

Duanmu Xinghua’s expression was extremely solemn, daring not to reserve any strength.

A supreme pressure then descended from the sky, enveloping the hearts of all present.

Infinite Skill! Domineering Body!

Boom!

As Duanmu Xinghua’s deep voice echoed between heaven and earth, one could see her True Qi bursting out like a river’s torrential flow.

“A battle between two Grandmaster experts, it’s still unclear who will fall.”

“Sect Master Duanmu’s strength is finally coming into play, it seems she had been holding back.”

“How terrifying must the ‘Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture’ be; I wonder if the Sect Hierarch can defeat Sect Master Duanmu.”

“I think it’s going to be difficult for the Sect Hierarch to defeat Sect Master Duanmu.”

…..

Whispers filled the air.

Originally, most people believed that Zhao Qingmei would fall to Duanmu Xinghua, but at the moment when the “Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture” appeared, the situation underwent a dramatic change, and no one dared to assert who would win or lose.

“Sect Hierarch, please receive my attack!”

With a fierce glint in her eyes, Duanmu Xinghua called out loudly.

…..

…..

…..

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