《THE ETERNAL BATTEL OF FATE AND LOVE》 Chapter 1: The Night and starts wept The moon hung low in the sky, its silver light spilling over the quiet valley where the Hua family resided. Their home, nestled amidst the lush greenery of the Verdant Wood, was a sanctuary of warmth and love. The laughter of a family echoed through the night, a melody of joy that seemed untouched by the chaos of the outside world. Hua Lianxin, only nine years old, sat cross-legged on the wooden floor, his small hands clutching a brush as he carefully traced characters onto parchment. His mother, Hua Meiyu, watched him with a gentle smile, her hands busy weaving a new robe for her husband. Across the room, Hua Tianfeng, his father, leaned back in his chair, recounting tales of his younger days as a True God. His voice was rich with pride, though tinged with the weariness of a man who had seen too much. "Father, tell me again how you defeated the Crimson Serpent!" Lianxin''s eyes sparkled with admiration as he looked up from his writing. Tianfeng chuckled, his deep voice resonating through the room. "Ah, the Crimson Serpent... That was a battle of wits as much as strength. But remember, Lianxin, power alone is never enough. It is the heart that guides the blade." Beside him, Hua Lianxin''s elder sister, Hua Yuelin, laughed softly. At seventeen, she was the pride of the family, her beauty and grace unmatched. "Lianxin, you should focus on your writing. One day, you''ll have your own stories to tell." The warmth of the moment was shattered by a sudden, chilling wind that swept through the house. The candles flickered, their flames struggling against the encroaching darkness. Tianfeng''s expression hardened as he rose to his feet, his hand instinctively reaching for the sword that hung on the wall. Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. "They''ve found us," he muttered, his voice low and tense. Before anyone could react, the door burst open, and a figure stepped inside. The man was cloaked in black, his eyes glowing with an unnatural light. Behind him, more figures emerged, their presence suffocating, their aura reeking of death and malice. "Retired True God Hua Tianfeng," the man sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. "The ruler of Moeji Continent sends his regards." Tianfeng''s grip on his sword tightened. "Wu Changkong... even in his cowardice, he sends others to do his bidding." The man laughed, a sound devoid of humanity. "You should have stayed hidden, old man. Killing the son of a Primordial God has consequences." The battle that followed was swift and brutal. Tianfeng fought valiantly, his blade a blur of light and steel, but his age and injuries betrayed him. Hua Meiyu joined the fray, her own skills as a cultivator shining through, but they were outnumbered and outmatched. Lianxin watched in horror from the shadows where his mother had hidden him. His small hands clutched the edge of the wooden panel, his heart pounding as he witnessed the unimaginable. His father fell first, his body crumpling to the ground as the cultists'' blades pierced his chest. His mother followed, her final scream echoing through the night as she shielded Yuelin with her own body. But it was Yuelin''s fate that shattered Lianxin''s soul. The cult leader approached her, his smile twisted and cruel. He whispered words that Lianxin couldn''t hear, but the look of terror and betrayal on Yuelin''s face was enough. The man reached out, his hand brushing against her cheek before plunging his blade into her heart. Lianxin bit down on his lip to stifle his scream, tears streaming down his face as he watched his sister collapse. The warmth of her smile, the light in her eyes¡ªgone in an instant. When the cultists finally left, the house was silent. The bodies of his family lay motionless, their blood staining the wooden floor. Lianxin crawled out from his hiding place, his small frame trembling as he approached his mother''s lifeless form. "Mama... Papa... Yuelin..." His voice was barely a whisper, choked with grief. He knelt beside them, his tiny hands clutching his mother''s cold fingers. The world around him blurred, the weight of his loss pressing down on him like a crushing tide. In that moment, something inside him broke¡ªa fragile innocence shattered beyond repair. The stars above seemed to weep, their light dimming as if mourning the tragedy that had unfolded. And in the heart of the Verdant Wood, a nine-year-old boy vowed to survive, to endure, and to one day rise above the gods who had stolen everything from him. Chapter 2: A Fractured Heart The first thing Hua Lianxin noticed when he woke was the stillness. The air was heavy, carrying the faint scent of medicinal herbs and burning incense. He blinked, his vision blurred, his body aching as though every fragment of his being had been shattered and clumsily pieced back together. The light from a single lantern flickered across the ornate wooden walls, illuminating the unfamiliar room. He sat up abruptly, his breath hitching in his chest. His hands searched for something¡ªanything¡ªthat would tether him to the reality he feared. "Mama? Papa? Yuelin?" His small voice echoed in the silence. But no one answered. The memories of that night came rushing back like a tide. His father¡¯s last stand, his mother¡¯s piercing scream, his sister¡¯s lifeless body crumpling to the floor¡ªimages that clawed at his mind and tore apart his fragile heart. Hot tears streamed down his face as he pressed his hands to his eyes, desperate to block it all out. "No!" The cry ripped from his throat, raw and broken. He stumbled out of the bed, falling to his knees on the cold wooden floor. His fists pounded against it as his sobs wracked his small frame. "Why? Why wasn¡¯t I strong enough? Why couldn¡¯t I save them?" For what felt like an eternity, there was no answer but his cries. The boy, barely nine, was consumed by a grief too vast for his fragile soul to bear. The door creaked open. Hua Lianxin looked up to see a tall figure entering the room, his presence commanding but laced with a quiet kindness. The elder wore the robes of the Verdant Wood Sect, their dark green trim adorned with golden leaves¡ªa mark of his seniority. His face was lined with age and wisdom, and his sharp eyes softened as they fell on the boy crumpled on the floor. "Lianxin," the man said gently. He crouched down, placing a hand on the boy¡¯s trembling shoulder. "You¡¯re safe now." But Hua Lianxin flinched away, his tear-streaked face twisted with anguish. "Safe?" His voice was hoarse, his words dripping with bitterness. "They¡¯re gone! My family is gone! And I... I couldn¡¯t do anything..." This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. The elder sighed deeply, a shadow of sorrow crossing his face. "Your father, Hua Tianfeng, was my brother in arms. Together, we faced countless battles, some that even the heavens themselves watched with awe. But even he..." His voice faltered before he steadied himself. "Even he could not stand against the wrath of the Primordial God Wu Changkong." Lianxin froze, his wide, tear-filled eyes fixed on the elder. "Wu Changkong? It was him...?" The elder nodded, his expression grim. "Your father killed Wu Changkong''s son years ago. It was a just act in the name of peace, but the gods do not forgive so easily. The cultists who came for your family were his instruments of revenge." The boy¡¯s fists clenched, his nails biting into his palms as he shook with fury. "Why did they... Why my mother? Why Yuelin?" The elder placed a hand over his chest, his own grief evident. "Because they wanted to destroy not just Hua Tianfeng, but everything he loved¡ªeverything he stood for. The Verdant Wood Sect arrived too late to save your family. But I swear, we will protect you, Lianxin. No harm will come to you while I live." The room fell silent, save for the faint crackle of the lantern¡¯s flame. Hua Lianxin''s voice broke the stillness, a quiet yet searing declaration: "Protect me? Why? So I can live in fear? So I can hide while they laugh over my family¡¯s graves?" He stood, his small frame trembling with resolve. "No. I won¡¯t hide. I won¡¯t run. I will become stronger¡ªnot for peace, but for vengeance. I will tear Wu Changkong from his throne, no matter the cost. I will bring my family back, even if I must defy the heavens themselves." The elder watched him silently, his heart heavy. "You are still a child, Lianxin," he said softly. "Your family would have wanted you to live a happy, peaceful life. Not one consumed by vengeance." But the fire in Lianxin¡¯s eyes burned brighter than any plea for peace. "A happy life?" He shook his head, his voice sharp with pain. "Without them, there is no happiness." The elder sighed, his gaze falling to the floor. "The path you¡¯ve chosen is one of suffering, Lianxin. But... I will not stop you. Perhaps the Verdant Wood Sect can help you find the strength you seek." As the elder spoke, he led Lianxin to the window. "Look," he said, gesturing to the sprawling expanse outside. The Verdant Wood Sect was a sight to behold, even in the dark of night. Massive towers of jade-colored stone rose high into the skies, their surfaces covered in intricate carvings of ancient legends. A majestic waterfall cascaded down the mountainside, feeding into a crystal-clear lake that reflected the glow of countless lanterns. Disciples sparred in the courtyards, their movements precise and graceful, while elders meditated beneath the towering Verdant Tree¡ªthe heart of the sect and the source of its strength. At its peak, the Verdant Wood Sect boasted not just hundreds of disciples, but also twenty True Gods, each a force to be reckoned with. It was a sect that commanded respect across realms, its name spoken with reverence by mortals and deities alike. Yet even in its glory, it was but a shadow of what it would become under Lianxin¡¯s future leadership¡ªa sect that would rise to dominance, feared and revered in equal measure. Lianxin¡¯s gaze lingered on the Verdant Tree, its leaves shimmering like emeralds in the moonlight. He clenched his fists, his heart aching but resolute. "I will make the Verdant Wood Sect stronger than ever. Strong enough to crush Wu Changkong and any who stand in my way." The elder placed a hand on the boy¡¯s shoulder. "Then let this place be your sanctuary, Lianxin. Train hard, and one day, the heavens themselves will tremble before you." As the first rays of dawn broke over the horizon, Hua Lianxin stood tall, the weight of his grief and anger forging the first embers of the godlike power he would one day wield. Chapter 3: Shadows of the Cult Seven years had passed since the night Hua Lianxin''s world was shattered. Time had hardened him, chipping away the softness of a child and leaving behind a man forged from grief and rage. At the age of sixteen, he had reached the Mid Nascent Soul stage¡ªa level of cultivation that spoke of his prodigious talent and unyielding determination. Yet, the fire within him remained unquenched, fueled by a singular, burning desire: vengeance. His journey to the White Lotus Sect was steeped in silence, save for the soft rustle of leaves beneath his boots. The air grew colder as he approached its territory, the landscape shifting from lush greenery to a pristine, almost ethereal expanse. Snow-covered trees lined the path, their branches bowing under the weight of white petals that fluttered like whispers in the wind. The sect''s towering gates, carved from pure jade, loomed ahead, radiating an unapproachable beauty. As Hua Lianxin stepped inside, he couldn''t help but feel the weight of the sect''s aura¡ªdominant and unyielding, like the crisp edge of a blade. Disciples, clad in white robes adorned with silver lotuses, moved with an air of aloof elegance. They barely spared him a glance, their disdain for outsiders evident in their cold expressions. The White Lotus Sect''s reputation for its strict, almost isolating customs was well-known; interaction with men, let alone outsiders, was heavily frowned upon. He stood at the edge of the central courtyard, his gaze sweeping over the immaculate architecture. Delicate stone pavilions rose like sculptures, their surfaces etched with intricate patterns of blooming lotuses. A shimmering lake reflected the soft glow of moonlight, casting an almost divine radiance across the sect. But beneath its beauty lay a stern and unyielding power¡ªa sect whose name alone could command respect across realms. "You''re here," a voice interrupted his thoughts. Hua Lianxin turned to see a young woman standing a short distance away. She was dressed in the robes of the sect, her expression as cold as the icy winds that swept through the courtyard. Her beauty was striking, her features sharp and refined, but her eyes held no warmth as they met his. "I''m Lin Changsheng," she said flatly, her tone devoid of any emotion. "Your partner for the mission." If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Hua Lianxin dipped his head slightly, suppressing the urge to comment on her frosty demeanor. He had heard tales of the White Lotus Sect¡¯s customs, and Lin Changsheng embodied them perfectly¡ªdetached and unyielding. Before he could respond, another figure approached. The woman was older, her presence commanding yet graceful. Dressed in more ornate robes, she radiated authority. This was one of the sect¡¯s young elders, tasked with overseeing the mission. "The two of you have been assigned to investigate the recent activities of a cult operating near the War God Continent¡¯s battlefield," the elder began, her voice calm yet firm. "This cult has been abducting children for sacrificial purposes. Why they target children remains a mystery, but their actions must be stopped." The words hung in the air like a dark cloud. Hua Lianxin¡¯s fists clenched at his sides, the memories of his past flashing through his mind. Across from him, Lin Changsheng¡¯s calm demeanor faltered, a flicker of anger crossing her icy gaze. "Cult!" The word burst from their lips simultaneously, their voices laced with venom. Their eyes met, both filled with an unspoken rage. For a moment, silence followed their outburst. Then, as if realizing their shared reaction, they each took a step back, their expressions shifting to wariness. Why had she reacted so strongly? Why had he? The questions lingered, unspoken, between them. "Enough," the elder said sharply, her gaze sweeping over both of them. "I understand your emotions, but let them not cloud your judgment. This mission requires precision, not recklessness. Do you understand?" Hua Lianxin and Lin Changsheng nodded, though the fire in their eyes refused to be extinguished. Without another word, the elder dismissed them, leaving the two to prepare for their journey. --- The path to the War God Continent was arduous, the terrain growing more treacherous with each step. Neither spoke much, their silence a fragile barrier against the storm of emotions brewing within. By the time they arrived at the desolate battlefield, the air was thick with the stench of blood and despair. The remnants of war lay scattered across the ground¡ªbroken weapons, charred earth, and the faint echo of lives lost. As they moved deeper into the territory, a sound caught their attention. Two figures, cloaked in black, emerged from the shadows, a small, frightened child struggling in their grasp. Hua Lianxin and Lin Changsheng exchanged a glance. Without a word, they began to follow the cultists, their movements silent and precise. The trail led them to a dark, foreboding cave, its entrance hidden behind a dense thicket. The cultists disappeared inside, their whispers echoing faintly in the still air. When the two cultivators peered inside, their breath caught. The cavern was vast, its walls adorned with blood-red sigils that pulsed with an eerie light. At its center, an altar stood, surrounded by hooded figures chanting in a language neither could understand. The child was dragged toward the altar, his terrified cries muffled by the cultists'' chants. Hua Lianxin¡¯s jaw tightened, his hand instinctively reaching for the hilt of his blade. Beside him, Lin Changsheng¡¯s expression hardened, her icy composure replaced by a storm of emotions. For a moment, neither moved, their minds reeling at the sight before them. The sheer malevolence of the scene left them both stunned, a silence heavier than any they had known settling between them. End of chapter 3 Chapter 4: The Demons Gamble The silence in the cavern was broken by the eerie voice reverberating through the air, laced with mockery and malice. "Ohh, a demon monster, you¡¯ve finally succeeded, my lord." Hua Lianxin froze, his blood running cold. The voice struck a chord deep within him¡ªfamiliar yet warped, like the echo of a distant nightmare. Beside him, Lin Changsheng stiffened, her gaze snapping to the figure emerging from the shadows. The man stepped forward into the dim light, his presence suffocating. Draped in the verdant robes of the Verdant Wood Sect, his every step carried the weight of authority. Hua Lianxin¡¯s eyes widened as recognition set in¡ªa name, a face burned into his memory. "Elder Feng Zhaoyang." Lin Changsheng, too, was stunned, but for a different reason. The Verdant Wood Sect robes triggered a flood of warnings she¡¯d often heard about their infamous reputation. But as her gaze locked with Feng Zhaoyang¡¯s, it was the unspeakable malice in his eyes that sent a shiver down her spine. *"Why? Why are you here?"* Hua Lianxin¡¯s voice was barely a whisper, his fists trembling with rage. Memories of the elder¡¯s dignified presence at the sect flashed before him¡ªhis commanding voice, his influence, his supposed righteousness. Yet, here he stood, immersed in darkness, commanding a cult that reveled in death. Feng Zhaoyang offered a sardonic smile. "The naivety of children never ceases to amuse me," he said mockingly. "Do you truly think power comes without cost? This world bows to those willing to do what others cannot." His words felt like blades, twisting in Hua Lianxin¡¯s mind. *The sacrifices¡­ the betrayal¡­* It all began to make horrifying sense. The rumors, the disappearances, the whispered fears within the Verdant Wood Sect¡ªthis man had been feeding the cult. Feeding it with innocent lives. "You¡¯ve betrayed everything the sect stands for!" Hua Lianxin growled, his voice cracking under the weight of his fury. But his anger was met with a chilling laugh. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. "The sect? The sect thrives because of me. The leader might hold the title, but without my alliances, my influence, my sacrifices, it would be nothing but a weak, dying husk," Feng Zhaoyang replied, his voice dripping with arrogance. Lin Changsheng, usually calm and composed, clenched her fists as well, her rage mirroring Hua Lianxin¡¯s. But before either could act, a figure in cultist robes emerged from the shadows beside Feng Zhaoyang. His aura was suffocating, his cultivation level unmistakable¡ª**Peak-Stage Saint Lord**. The cult¡¯s leader stood tall, a smirk playing on his lips as he addressed Feng Zhaoyang. "Your new prisoners will make fine offerings, Elder Feng," he sneered. "Let us hope they last longer than the others." The words sent a jolt through Hua Lianxin and Lin Changsheng. Their eyes darted to each other, unspoken anger and desperation shared in a single glance. But before they could retreat, the faint sound of a rock tumbling echoed through the cavern. All eyes turned toward them. "Intruders," the cult leader hissed, his gaze locking onto Hua Lianxin and Lin Changsheng. In an instant, the air grew heavy with murderous intent. "Run!" Lin Changsheng shouted, her voice cutting through the tension. The two of them bolted, their movements swift and desperate. But the cultists were faster, their numbers overwhelming. Just as Hua Lianxin was preparing to counterattack, he felt a sharp push from behind. "Go!" Lin Changsheng¡¯s voice was firm, her hand shoving him forward. He stumbled, catching a fleeting glimpse of her defiant face as she turned to face their pursuers. "No!" Hua Lianxin screamed, but it was too late. A formation sprang to life beneath Lin Changsheng¡¯s feet¡ª**the Four Pillar Capturing Spell**. She was trapped, her figure encased in a glowing cage. Desperation clawed at Hua Lianxin¡¯s chest as he darted through the shadows, barely evading the spell that nearly ensnared him as well. "Take her alive," Feng Zhaoyang ordered coldly. "Find the boy." --- Hua Lianxin¡¯s chest burned as he ran, his heart pounding with both exertion and fury. He darted into a small, unassuming cave, pressing himself against the stone wall as footsteps echoed in the distance. His breaths came in shallow gasps, his mind racing. *They won¡¯t kill her¡­ not yet. They¡¯ll use her to lure me out.* But that knowledge brought him no comfort. How was he supposed to save her? How could he face nearly forty Nascent Soul cultivators and two Peak-Stage Saint Lords when he barely stood equal with a single Nascent Soul expert? He slammed his fist against the cave wall, frustration bubbling over. It was then that his gaze fell on the object he had taken during his escape¡ªa fruit, its surface glowing with an ominous red light. It pulsed faintly, radiating an aura so oppressive it sent shivers down his spine. He had recognized it immediately when he found it: a **Demon Fruit**, a treasure of both immense power and catastrophic risk. Hua Lianxin¡¯s hands trembled as he held the fruit. He knew the dangers. Consuming it could cost him his sanity, his life¡­ or worse. Yet the thought of Lin Changsheng, imprisoned and alone, gnawed at his resolve. "I don¡¯t have a choice," he whispered, his voice breaking. Tears streamed down his face as he raised the fruit to his lips. The pungent, almost metallic scent stung his senses as he took a bite. A wave of energy erupted within him, scorching through his body like wildfire. The pain was unbearable. He fell to the ground, convulsing as his veins lit with crimson energy, his screams echoing through the cave. The power was overwhelming, threatening to tear him apart. But through the agony, one thought persisted in his mind¡ª"I will save her. No matter the cost." And with that, the chapter ends. Chapter 5: The Infernal Trial The searing pain coursing through Hua Lianxin¡¯s body was beyond anything he could have imagined. His screams echoed like the roar of a feral beast, a raw mix of agony and rage that reverberated through the cavern. His muscles spasmed, his bones trembled, and it felt as if his very soul was being torn apart. And then¡ªhis body collapsed. Darkness swallowed him whole. --- In the void of unconsciousness, vivid memories flooded Hua Lianxin¡¯s mind. They weren¡¯t just recollections¡ªthey were wounds torn open, dripping with sorrow and rage. He saw his family again, the night they were taken from him. His father¡¯s last desperate stand, bloodied hands grasping at enemies far beyond his reach. His mother¡¯s fragile body shielding him with the ferocity of an unyielding love, even as fate betrayed her. His sister¡¯s shattered dignity, stolen in the name of cruelty. And that final moment¡ªhis mother¡¯s trembling hands locking him away in a wooden box as screams and flames engulfed their world. It was as if she had always known what would happen. In that moment, something snapped within him. The grief twisted into fury, an all-consuming inferno that roared louder than the pain in his flesh. Hua Lianxin¡¯s unconscious body began to tremble violently, his form emitting a dark, murderous aura. His skin shifted, claws threatening to emerge from his fingers as his blood surged with newfound power. His transformation into a demon had begun. But then, amidst the darkness and chaos within his heart, a faint light appeared. The faces of his family, radiant and serene, emerged from the void. Their voices, soft yet firm, called out to him. "Lianxin... live a peaceful life." "Don¡¯t let revenge consume you, my son. The cycle of hatred is endless. Even gods are trapped by its web." "Promise us. Promise you¡¯ll find a path not for vengeance, but for justice." Hua Lianxin¡¯s rage faltered, the words piercing through the storm of emotions. Tears streamed down his face as he whispered, "I promise. I will not walk the path of vengeance. I will save others, protect the innocent, and stop those who seek to destroy lives. And someday... we¡¯ll share a meal again." The thought of reincarnation brought a bittersweet smile to his lips, even as his demonic transformation began to recede. His body reverted to its human form, the monstrous features fading into his exhausted yet resolute face. He rose, his breathing shallow but steady. The cavern grew silent once more, save for the faint hum of his renewed spirit. --- This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. Outside the cave, the world was not as quiet. The murderous aura Hua Lianxin had released did not go unnoticed. Cult members, dressed in their sinister robes, stormed toward the cave entrance. Their leader had sent them to investigate the fluctuations of power, sensing a threat. When they reached him, they found Hua Lianxin standing tall, his body radiating with a power that left them stunned. Moments before, Hua Lianxin¡¯s cultivation had surged uncontrollably¡ªa double breakthrough unlike anything witnessed before. His energy had erupted from "Peak Nascent Soul" to "Soul King", breaking through stage after stage until he reached "Mid-Stage Saint Lord". The spiritual waves that emanated from him were oppressive, forcing the cult members to hesitate. Slowly, Hua Lianxin opened his eyes. A sharp glare pierced through the cultists, and his voice cut through the air with chilling finality: "It¡¯s my turn." In a blur of unimaginable speed, he moved¡ªhis blade slicing through 25 Late-Stage Nascent Soul cultivators before they could react. The battlefield was painted with chaos and blood. Yet, before Hua Lianxin could catch his breath, the sky darkened. Thunderclouds gathered overhead, and the heavens themselves seemed to roar in fury. From the swirling clouds, a booming voice resounded, shaking the earth beneath him. "Hua Lianxin, you dare use forbidden methods to rise in power, slaughtering without remorse. Your sins shall be judged, and justice shall be delivered!" The first heavenly thunderbolt struck without mercy. It seared through the air, colliding with Hua Lianxin¡¯s body and forcing him to his knees. A second, more powerful strike followed, its destructive force doubling. With each bolt, the heavens seemed determined to obliterate him. Six consecutive strikes left him battered and bloodied, his body barely holding together. But Hua Lianxin refused to fall. He remembered his promise¡ªhis family¡¯s plea to live, Lin Changsheng¡¯s trust as she pushed him to safety. Summoning every last shred of strength, he stood, his body trembling but unyielding. He defied the seventh thunderbolt, shielding himself with sheer willpower, though it left him on the verge of collapse. The eighth bolt came, and it was unlike any before it. As it struck, the pain was indescribable, but something extraordinary happened. The Demon Fruit¡¯s latent power activated within him, awakening a profound transformation. His body began to repair itself, reforging into something beyond mortal comprehension. His cultivation energy fused with his physical body, advancing him into "Body Transformation Level 3", a state so resilient that even the strongest attacks of an "Early-Stage Saint Lord" could not harm him. He rose, his injuries healed, his aura unshaken. As the ninth, most catastrophic thunderbolt descended, Hua Lianxin stood unmoving. Without a single martial technique, he caught the thunderbolt with his bare hands. The energy surged into his body, and the "Demon Fruit" created a void-like space within him, allowing him to store and wield the power of the thunder itself. He smiled grimly, muttering, "Come again, if you dare." --- With his newfound strength and mastery over the "Heavenly Thunder", Hua Lianxin knew he could not waste time. The thought of Lin Changsheng in captivity gnawed at him. The cult¡¯s forces were still overwhelming, especially with two Peak-Stage Saint Lords among them. But he had a plan. The cult¡¯s "Demon Monster", sealed by a blood magic formation, was his key. If he could unleash it, the chaos would give him a chance to rescue Lin Changsheng. But the risk was immense¡ªif not done carefully, the demon might harm her as well. Relying on his new "10 Thousand Movement Technique", Hua Lianxin approached the search party. Feigning weakness, he allowed himself to be captured, his injuries convincing them of his defeat. They brought him back to the cult¡¯s cavern, unaware of the storm he was about to unleash. And thus, the chapter ends.