Chapter 1692: Chapter 833: The Mastermind Behind the Scenes, Blood Demon?
After some discussion, they decided to first send a small squad to investigate the location the runes might be pointing to, while Luo Chen and Qing Shuang continued to search for other Blood Ghost Sect strongholds within the Zhen Nan Mansion.
Several days later, the squad sent by the Qingying Guard returned with news.
They had discovered an ancient ruin hidden in the deep mountains, where the runes were very similar to those described by Luo Chen and Qing Shuang.
There were signs of Blood Ghost Sect activity in the ruins, but the specifics needed further investigation.
Luo Chen and Qing Shuang decided to personally visit the ruins.
They led an elite squad, quietly approaching the mountainous area under the cover of night.
After hours of navigating through the forests, they finally found the entrance to the ruins.
The entrance to the ruins was exceptionally well-hidden and extremely difficult to locate.
Perhaps it was just good luck.
Luo Chen and Qing Shuang managed to find this place.
"What lies hidden in these ruins?"
"Why did the Blood Ghost Sect choose this place?"
"Could it be there’s something special about this location?"
Luo Chen slightly furrowed his brows, carefully observing the environment.
Luo Chen and Qing Shuang led the squad cautiously into the ruins.
As they ventured further, the surrounding air seemed to grow colder, with an ominous aura filling the air.
"Everyone be careful, there might be traps." Luo Chen quietly reminded them, his gaze shifting around in an attempt to identify any unusual signs.
Qing Shuang nodded, gripping the sword in her hand tightly, ready to face any possible danger.
The other members of the team also heightened their vigilance, understanding that stepping into these ruins might mean confronting a life-and-death battle.
They continued forward, passing through a series of winding corridors, until they finally arrived at a massive stone chamber.
In the center of the stone chamber lay a large stone platform, upon which rested an ancient stone coffin.
The stone coffin was covered with runes, strikingly similar to those they had previously seen on the altar.
"Could it be that the old man with the long blood-red hair is in this coffin?" Qing Shuang asked softly, her voice tinged with slight tension.
Luo Chen didn’t answer, as he stepped forward to carefully examine the stone coffin.
Suddenly, the runes on the stone coffin began to emit a bright radiance, and the entire stone chamber started to tremble.
"Get back!" Luo Chen shouted, swiftly leading the team and Qing Shuang to retreat, but it was already too late.
The lid of the stone coffin slowly opened, and a formidable force exploded from within, throwing them all backward.
As the dust settled, they saw a figure slowly rise from the stone coffin.
It was a tall man with a handsome face, but his eyes exuded a chilling coldness.
The only thing different about him was his complexion, which was pallid, almost like that of a bloodless corpse.
"You have finally arrived." the man’s voice was deep and icy, echoing in the stone chamber, sending chills down their spines.
Luo Chen and Qing Shuang exchanged glances, knowing that this man was by no means an ordinary individual.
Luo Chen stood up, positioning himself in front of the group, asking sternly, "Who are you? And why are you here?"
The man smiled slightly, with a hint of disdain in that smile: "Who am I? How could mere mortals like you possibly know? As for why I am here, it is because I need a quiet place to complete my plan."
Qing Shuang held the sword hilt tightly, staring at the man cautiously: "Your plan? Could it be related to the Blood Ghost Sect?"
The man nodded, a glint of appreciation flashing in his eyes: "Correct, it seems you know a few things. That’s right, I am the mastermind behind the Blood Ghost Sect, you can call me Blood Demon."
Luo Chen and Qing Shuang were shocked, not expecting to confront the true orchestrator behind the Blood Ghost Sect here.
Luo Chen took a deep breath, trying to remain calm: "Blood Demon, what is your plan? Why do you want to throw the entire Yuan Dynasty into chaos?"
Blood Demon laughed contemptuously: "Chaos? That is just the beginning. What I want is for the entire world to submit to me, to become the realm of the Blood Ghost Sect, and you will become sacrifices in my plan."
Qing Shuang shouted in anger, her body blurred as she transformed into a streak of blue light, charging directly at Blood Demon.
Blood Demon, unfazed, waved his hand, sending a wave of blood-red energy that knocked Qing Shuang back.
Seeing this, Luo Chen immediately brandished his sword and joined the battle.
Their swordsmanship was fierce and powerful, as they engaged in intense combat with Blood Demon.
But Blood Demon’s strength far exceeded their expectations, effortlessly neutralizing each of their attacks.
During the battle, Luo Chen and Qing Shuang gradually noticed that Blood Demon seemed to be enjoying the fight, playing with them rather than going all out.
"You are too weak," Blood Demon mocked, "There’s no enjoyment in such a battle for me."
Luo Chen and Qing Shuang grew anxious, knowing they must quickly find Blood Demon’s weakness.
Luo Chen suddenly remembered the runes they had found on the altar, he shouted to Qing Shuang, "Qing Shuang, do you remember that rune? Perhaps we can use it against Blood Demon."
Understanding flashed in Qing Shuang’s eyes as she quickly took out a Jade Slip from her bosom, engraved with the same runes.
She held the Jade Slip high, reciting curses.
Seeing this, Blood Demon’s expression finally changed: "How did you get that rune?"
Luo Chen and Qing Shuang did not answer, focusing intently as they infused their power into the Jade Slip.
The Jade Slip emitted a dazzling light, forming a massive Rune Array that trapped Blood Demon within.
Confined, Blood Demon’s power seemed to be suppressed, and he began to struggle, attempting to break free from the array.
Luo Chen and Qing Shuang seized the opportunity to attack, their swordsmanship even more fierce, finally leaving wounds on Blood Demon’s body.
Blood Demon roared in anger, his body starting to expand as if ready to unleash even greater power.
But then, the array suddenly emitted a loud noise, and Blood Demon’s body was torn apart by the power of the runes, dissipating into a cloud of blood mist.
Was it over?
Was it resolved?
Or...was this Blood Demon hidden within the stone coffin merely one of the many avatars of the Blood Ghost Sect’s Blood Demon?
After all, if such a Blood Demon were truly so easily defeated, the Blood Ghost Sect probably wouldn’t have developed to its current extent.
But regardless, for now, the situation seems to be temporarily resolved.
By eliminating this secret stronghold, the presence of the Blood Ghost Sect within the Yuan Dynasty should no longer be a threat.
Perhaps, there’s even no need for him and Qing Shuang to act.
The forces within the Yuan Dynasty alone could easily handle any subsequent troubles.
"Check the Secret Realm, see if there’s anything else we haven’t discovered within it."
Luo Chen and Qing Shuang exchanged glances, knowing that although Blood Demon seemed to have dissipated, the battle was far from over.
They needed to thoroughly inspect the Secret Realm, ensuring no potential threats were left unchecked.
"Everyone, be cautious and continue the search," Luo Chen commanded, his voice echoing in the vast stone chamber.
The squad dispersed, meticulously examining every corner, every relief on the stone walls, every stone slab that might conceal a mechanism.
Time ticked by slowly, but apart from the stone coffin and stone platform, they found no other suspicious elements.
"Luo Chen, there doesn’t seem to be anything else here," Qing Shuang said, her voice carrying a hint of fatigue.
Luo Chen nodded, looking around, yet felt a foreboding sense.
"Let’s withdraw from the Secret Realm and report the situation here to the Zhen Nan Mansion," Luo Chen decided.
The squad began an orderly retreat, with Luo Chen and Qing Shuang bringing up the rear to ensure no one was left behind.
Just as they were about to leave the stone chamber, an unusual ripple suddenly appeared behind them.
"Watch out!" Luo Chen shouted, he and Qing Shuang immediately assumed defensive positions.
A blood-red rune now floated slowly above everyone’s heads.
With the appearance of the blood-red rune, the surroundings started to distort.
A thick stench gradually permeated the air.