After that, such incidents occurred one after another.
Every figure blocking the path was always thrown behind by the Blood Saber Old Ancestor.
Though he was inevitably slowed down a bit, the Four Fallen Flowers couldn't catch up either.
It wasn't until a while later, as the crowd grew denser and innate masters appeared, that the Blood Saber Old Ancestor's forward speed truly plummeted.
Like a ferocious shark entering shallow waters.
Yet the bloodshed only grew thicker.
As if returning to his most familiar ground, the Blood Saber Old Ancestor played a game of hide-and-seek with the many martial artists, using the terrain to desperately maneuver.
All the while, he pressed firmly forward.
His clearly battle-hardened, exceptionally rich experience in mountain forests and slaughter was on full display.
On a large tree atop another mountain peak.
Three figures had appeared there at some point, watching the ongoing carnage from afar.
"What a Blood Saber Old Demon! With such seasoned skill in mountain forest combat, no wonder he's earned such a fearsome reputation," one middle-aged man among the three couldn't help but praise.
"Mm, in terms of slaughter proficiency, this Blood Saber Old Demon is indeed the most skilled I've ever seen," another middle-aged man nodded in agreement.
"Should I take him down now?" the young man asked hesitantly.
"Hold on, young master," the second middle-aged man immediately raised his hand to stop him, a smile spreading across his face. "Young master, look—the Blood Saber Old Demon keeps fleeing in one direction. What's he up to?"
The young master didn't mind the man's vague response, knowing full well that this loyal retainer was teaching him something.
Compared to the man's seasoned shrewdness, he still had some catching up to do.
Frowning in thought, he said thoughtfully, "No matter what, the Blood Saber Old Demon is fleeing in that direction—that's the direction of Black Dragon Stronghold!"
As he spoke, his tone carried a hint of surprise.
"Could he have ties to Black Dragon Stronghold? No, the Blood Saber Old Demon has been infamous for a long time, mostly rampaging through Qing territory; he shouldn't be connected to them.
Then... he's trying to use Black Dragon Stronghold to survive."
The more he spoke, the clearer the young man's mind became, a sudden realization dawning.
The middle-aged man smiled with satisfaction and said respectfully, "The young master is wise. I believe the Blood Saber Old Demon is being hounded relentlessly by the Four Fallen Flowers, plus all these martial artists. So, to survive, he has only one option: Black Dragon Stronghold. Black Dragon Stronghold values money over people—that 'no killing for a life-saving debt' is famous. The Blood Saber Old Demon, with his vast experience, must have thought of this to save himself."
"I understand, Brother Deng. Your idea is to let the Blood Saber Old Demon enter Black Dragon Stronghold, lure out Li Daoqiang, and then I'll make my move before the assembled heroes," the young man said with a smile.
The more he thought about it, the better it seemed.
This way, his intervention would have maximum impact.
The middle-aged man smiled without speaking, tacitly agreeing.
"Good, let's do it that way. If the Blood Saber Old Demon can't make it to Black Dragon Stronghold by then, we might even lend a hand," the young man said cheerfully, a faint, barely noticeable excitement and anticipation creeping into his tone.
Soon, he would truly shake the world with a feat of defeating a grandmaster.
...
Leaving aside the plans of these three, the brutal slaughter in the mountain forest grew fiercer.
The Blood Saber Old Demon was like a cornered beast, turning every part of his body and every inch of his surroundings into deadly weapons.
He kept hiding, killing, and advancing.
Blood and screams echoed endlessly through the woods.
One martial artist after another fell to the Blood Saber Old Demon's blade.
The Four Fallen Flowers roared in fury, cursing the old demon for his cunning and treachery, then pursued him with even greater ferocity.
Time passed, and the death toll rose.
Yet the morale of the martial artists didn't waver.
After all, they had been on the offensive the whole time, and with their numbers, their courage swelled.
Most hadn't even seen the Blood Saber Old Demon kill anyone—they only heard of deaths.
Hearing of deaths held little terror for martial artists.
Driven by the lure of fame and fortune, they were fearless.
A feverish atmosphere of bloodlust permeated the mountain forest.
Soon, night fell.
The chaotic slaughter quieted slightly, as darkness hindered most people's vision.
The search and encirclement efforts weakened, and the already wounded Blood Saber Old Demon went into hiding.
A few miles south of Black Dragon Stronghold.
Li Daoqiang stood high in the air, gazing at the distant flickering flames.
At that moment, thoughts stirred in his mind.
He had already realized that the Blood Saber Old Demon was heading toward Black Dragon Stronghold.
Clearly, the old demon was coming to beg for his life.
And this, undoubtedly, held great potential—it seemed like an opportunity for him.
It all depended on how he played it.
Thinking this, he couldn't help but feel a hint of anticipation.
After a moment's thought, he said in a deep voice, "Reinforce the patrols within ten miles to the south. If anyone breaks in, send a signal immediately."
"Yes."
Below, someone responded respectfully.
Li Daoqiang looked again at the mountain surrounded by scattered flames, a glimmer of expectation flashing in his eyes.
Blood Saber, Old Ancestor—don't let me down.
A faint smile curled at the corner of his mouth, and he turned back to Black Dragon Stronghold.
That night, Li Daoqiang didn't visit Qi Fang but instead conserved his energy.
Afterward, he checked a secret chamber.
With the massive influx of martial artists into Fuyun Mountain, Ding Dian had voluntarily entered a state of seclusion, vowing not to emerge until he broke through to the grandmaster realm or a major event occurred.
Sensing the surging spiritual energy around, Li Daoqiang didn't disturb him and returned to the assembly hall to rest with his eyes closed.
Time passed quickly, and a red line appeared on the distant horizon, slowly piercing the darkness.
Just then, a colorful signal flare shot up from the south of Black Dragon Stronghold, streaking into the sky.
Li Daoqiang's eyes snapped open, and his figure vanished in an instant.
...
In the mountains south of Black Dragon Stronghold.
Throughout the night, sounds barely ceased, with scattered flames illuminating the darkness.
Occasionally, bursts of noise erupted.
Then the flames would slowly drift a bit closer to Black Dragon Stronghold.
Until just before dawn.
Suddenly, it was as if a volcano had erupted, shattering the night's stillness.
"Where do you think you're going, Blood Saber Old Demon?"
"Stay right there!"
"Blood Saber Old Demon, today you die—no escape!"
"Boom! Boom!"
...
Amid a chorus of shouts, various forces exploded, echoing through the mountains and rapidly closing in on Black Dragon Stronghold.
Someone seemed to catch on, and a loud cry rang out: "The Blood Saber Old Demon is heading for Black Dragon Stronghold—stop him!"
After that, the clamor grew louder.
Soon, they reached the ten-mile perimeter of Black Dragon Stronghold, where the patrol was stationed.
Seeing the commotion bearing down on them, the patrol leader immediately ordered a signal flare.
At the same time, he mustered his courage and shouted, "This is Black Dragon Stronghold territory. No entry is allowed, or you'll face the consequences!"
No sooner had he finished than a pale, blood-soaked figure rushed up to them.
Seeming to use his last ounce of strength, the figure yelled, "I'm breaking in—take me prisoner!"
(Thank you for your support.)
...