C73 – The Blood Sacrifice Ceremony Begins
As Guo Fan neared the vicinity of the Wide Ocean Sect, the energy fluctuations from the formation immediately caught his attention.
The chilly and malevolent aura sent shivers down one’s spine.
“This Blood Offering Formation seems rather sinister… It’s unlikely that he can open this accursed portal. Creating the blood sacrifice formation is akin to handing it over to him for free. Is he perhaps planning to sacrifice the entire sect to bolster his power before seizing the opportunity to eliminate me?”
Guo Fan had witnessed blood sacrifices in the game. They were typically small-scale, immediate, and personalized rituals. The Devil Cult was often involved in such practices, utilizing the lives of others. Even the righteous path had knowledge of blood sacrifice techniques, though in many instances, they involved self-sacrifice.
In this world, moral values were often weak for most individuals, barring those in influential positions. Take the former leader of the Jade Void Sect, who perished with the Heavenly Devil, or the likes of Zi Chen and Yin Fen, who hailed from the formidable Rotten River Tower. They were bound to The Boiling Depths, eternally subduing the Devil Clan.
At the lowest level, it was a law of survival of the fittest. After all, many cultivators weren’t pursuing enlightenment; they were merely seeking a way out of their current circumstances.
After contemplating for a moment, Guo Fan mused, “However, Zeng Zhelan doesn’t have a solid motive for such a scheme. He’s a senior elder from two dynasties at the very least. While our Master was still alive, he likely retained some attachment to the Wide Ocean Sect. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have remained here even after advancing to the Nascent Infant Stage.”
Narrowing his gaze, he observed a 300-meter-wide circle slowly rotating at the lake’s center in the distance. Some disciples of the Wide Ocean Sect were aiding in maintaining the formation’s stability.
Ultimately, clarity would come tomorrow. Whatever this individual’s intentions, they were of little consequence. If he couldn’t succeed, there was always Yijun as an alternative.
… One would get addicted to living off a woman.
“But speaking of Yijun, she seems to have disappeared again. She’s likely lurking and observing from the shadows.”
Guo Fan was oblivious to her presence anyway. Otherwise, why would he have let her transition from the top of the bed to the bed itself?
He skirted the shores of Water Moon Lake and returned to Su Feng’s chamber.
Su Feng had awoken some time ago and was seated on the bed, eyes closed in meditation. Her long, black hair cascaded loosely, framing her fair complexion and lending a rosy tint to her cheeks. The innate beauty of her countenance was further enhanced. This was perhaps due to her assimilation of Spiritual Energy cultivation via dual cultivation. Unlike Guo Fan, who had the luxury of a cheat-like physique that allowed his cultivation to fluctuate at will, Su Feng’s cultivation rate remained steadfastly steady.
Guo Fan occupied a seat by the table in the room, his hand supporting his chin as he ruminated on a viable path for Su Feng.
“The Wide Ocean Sect’s cultivation technique is certainly a no-go. The founder’s cultivation level is merely at the Nascent Infant Stage. The higher one’s cultivation level, the more challenging it is to locate a Nascent Soul. The only viable option is to find someone with a higher natural affinity to stand in.”
Eventually, Guo Fan settled on a cultivation technique named Illusion Mirror. It possessed water attributes and illusionary traits. The technique had a heavenly tribulation cap and exceptional compatibility across all facets.
“Securing it might prove a tad tricky… It appears to be located within the map of the extreme north in Qingong Country. Interestingly, I am heading north to explore the land of extreme cold. I also need to retrieve my weapon. Yu Xu is situated in the Middle Continent and he’ll intersect halfway. This should keep the path relatively straightforward. Who would’ve thought I’d find myself joining the sightseeing squad one day? I am indeed quite eager to tour the Upper Central Realm.”
Amid his contemplation, Su Feng’s eyelashes trembled. Her eyes fluttered open, just as she was about to regulate her breathing. She met Guo Fan’s gaze, adorned in attire she herself had crafted.
In an instant, Su Feng’s expression softened, her demeanor transforming as gentle as water. Her eyes brimmed with tenderness.
She smiled and spoke, “When I awoke this morning, you weren’t the first thing I saw. After inquiring, I learned that… you returned to Frost River Manor to visit Yaling?”
“…”
Was this love or killing intent?
The statement about achieving an overnight breakthrough and avoiding the high-frequency Asura Arena now felt like a wishful escape plan.
At this point, he wanted nothing more than to confront the person who had uttered those words earlier.
“I paid a visit to Huo Bai. We had previously agreed on gifting her a jar of Jixin Wine. I can’t go back on my word. Meanwhile, Yaling keeps mentioning me constantly. Whenever I appear, she’ll undoubtedly pester me. So, it’s probably better not to see her now. Over time, her longing might subside a bit. Focus more on your cultivation.”
Guo Fan’s gaze remained composed. He approached Su Feng and took a seat beside her, remarking, “Are you feeling jealous?”
Su Feng retracted her legs and inched closer to him. Nestling her face against his shoulder, she lazily planted a kiss and retorted, “Why would I be jealous? She’s never tasted anything. I’ve already savored everything, leaving nothing behind. You should contemplate what you’d do if her little vinegar jar gets tipped over.”
A hint of pride flickered in her eyes. She aimed to take the initiative and gain an upper hand. The most significant advantage lay in the exclusivity of the initial experience.
Guo Fan seized the moment to clasp her slim waist and assured, “Yaling won’t be envious of you. At least not overtly… Remember when she visited you last time? She didn’t interrogate you about anything. Though she’s typically headstrong and indulged, she won’t direct her anger at me. At most, she’ll feel melancholic… I’ll figure out how to console her.”
“This kid is quite adorable… Much cuter than your daughter.” Su Feng scoffed, “Li Xieren doesn’t treat that child as family at all. She actually encouraged her to entice you. Shameless and disgraceful.”
“Uh… She is probably listening.”
Guo Fan’s mouth twitched and looked around but he didn’t find Yijun. She was indeed like a shadow that followed like a shadow but her presence was weak.
“Yijun?” He tried to shout.
“Here.”
Guo Fan suddenly turned his head and saw Yijun nodding at him behind the curtain of the bed.
The curtain of the bed??
Observing Yijun standing barefoot behind the curtain, Guo Fan couldn’t help but notice how petite she was, almost hidden in the shadows. Her quiet gaze was fixed upon him, resembling an owl perched in a corner with its wide eyes.
Su Feng also found herself momentarily taken aback. Then, the realization of being surrounded and observed struck her. She buried her face into Guo Fan’s chest, playfully delivering gentle punches.
Guo Fan said, “Can we find a more suitable place next time?”
Yijun tilted her head and said, “The top of the bed.”
“…”
Guo Fan sighed and gave up struggling.
He continued practicing in Su Feng’s room until the following morning. Filled with vigor, Guo Fan swung the door open. Su Feng naturally linked her arm with his, as if she was staking her claim to any covertly observing contenders. “Today, all disciples will gather by the Water Moon Lake to witness the summoning ceremony of the blood sacrifice formation.”
Guo Fan remarked, “If Zeng Zhelan truly intended to summon a soul, he wouldn’t succeed. A senior mentioned to me that the Ghost Gate has been sealed shut. Therefore, Cao Dong doesn’t need to fret about his tomb being unearthed and restless spirits finding no peace.”
Su Feng frowned and mused, “Then what’s his motive? He’s invested so much effort. It can’t be that he merely aims to put on a spectacle.”
Guo Fan’s gaze shifted toward the lake as he responded, “Let’s show him, then. If he’s courting danger today, I’ll ensure he gets a firsthand taste of the terror of being removed during the live broadcast… Yijun can join in as well.”
On the lakeshore, Su Li was still leading the group. Zeng Zhelan seemed to exchange a few words with Zeng Zhihao before silence prevailed.
Zeng Zhelan inhaled deeply, his eyes glinting. Mentally bracing himself, he approached the lake step by step.
The Blood Offering Formation detected the vital energy and blood essence. Immediately, it began rotating akin to a millstone. The crimson mist condensed and dispersed gradually, emitting a brilliant red radiance.
“Rumble!”
“What’s going on?”
“The ground is shaking…?”
Suddenly, there was a commotion in the surroundings. After a loud bang, the surrounding Wide Ocean Sect disciples scrambled to maintain their balance.
On the surface of the lake, a blood red pillar of light suddenly rose!
