The young man in the purple robe was none other than Bai Yongzhe, the Demon Lord of this region.
He watched the projection of the battle on the ground with keen interest, finding the situation rather amusing.
"Traveling hundreds of thousands of kilometers, mobilizing their entire sect, all to avenge a few disciples?" Bai Yongzhe mused. "Tsk tsk, Heavenly Dragon Cliff is certainly intriguing."
At that moment, a towering demon over three meters tall, with crimson skin, stepped forward and knelt on one knee. "Demon Lord, based on the current situation, it seems unlikely that Blackstone Monastery will be able to resist Heavenly Dragon Cliff's assault. Should we intervene?"
This demon, named Shi Nüe, was a peak Heavenly Demon cultivator and Bai Yongzhe’s top general. He also happened to be a close friend of Blackstone Monastery’s sect master, Ge Linfei.
Bai Yongzhe glanced at Shi Nüe, his gaze cold and indifferent. He remained silent.
Shi Nüe trembled under the weight of that gaze and hastily added, "Demon Lord, I am not suggesting we assist Ge Linfei. However, Heavenly Dragon Cliff is a sect under Bai Xichu's territory. For them to recklessly enter our domain and attack another sect—don't you think they've overstepped their bounds?"
Bai Yongzhe remained quiet for a moment before replying softly, "This matter stems from Blackstone Monastery's wrongdoing. Heavenly Dragon Cliff is justified in seeking justice for their fallen disciples. As Demon Lord, if I were to interfere in a dispute between sects, I would be accused of being intolerant and petty."
He continued, "Besides, Blackstone Monastery has been using your name to cover up their unsavory actions for years. It’s long overdue for some discipline."
Hearing this, Shi Nüe understood Bai Yongzhe's intent and bowed his head. "I was thoughtless. Please punish me, Demon Lord."
Bai Yongzhe waved a hand dismissively and returned his attention to the battle projection. His gaze lingered on Ye Yu.
The young demon cultivator who had so boldly raised the banner of righteousness at the start of the conflict now sat cross-legged atop a spiritual boat, his eyes closed in meditation, completely detached from the chaos of the battle.
What is he waiting for? Bai Yongzhe wondered.
At the gates of Blackstone Monastery.
Ye Yu remained seated on the spiritual boat, his eyes closed as though he were a meditating monk. The sounds of battle around him seemed to form a peculiar symphony.
As Heavenly Dragon Cliff cultivators fell one after another, streams of power surged into Ye Yu’s body.
Within the span of an incense stick's time, Ye Yu broke through to the Earth Demon stage.
(Earth Demon, Heavenly Demon, Mystic Demon, Demon King, Demon Lord, Demon Emperor, Demon Sovereign, Demon Emperor Supreme.
Reminder, so you don’t have to flip back to earlier sections.)
Standing just behind Ye Yu, Bai Xichu frowned slightly. She could clearly sense his strength increasing at an astonishing rate.
So this is the death path of ancient demon cultivation? Truly fascinating.
Moreover, Ye Yu appeared to possess a highly advanced technique for concealing his cultivation. Ever since he broke free of the Ascension Stage, even Bai Xichu could no longer discern his exact strength.
This boy certainly harbors many secrets, she thought. But there’s no need to pry. As long as he remains useful, nothing else matters.
As time passed, Heavenly Dragon Cliff began to gain the upper hand. Like a frenzied tide, they carved a bloody path through Blackstone Monastery. Despite their losses, the cultivators never retreated.
Sect Master Bu Haoyan and Grand Elder Zu Xuzhong relentlessly pursued Blackstone Monastery’s sect master, Ge Linfei.
All three were Heavenly Demon cultivators, but Ge Linfei couldn’t hold his ground against two opponents and shouted, "Stop! I’m willing to hand over the culprits and compensate Heavenly Dragon Cliff for your losses. Let’s end this!"
Zu Xuzhong glanced at Bu Haoyan, waiting for his response. Bu Haoyan, however, had already discussed the strategy with Ye Yu beforehand.
When asked how to handle Blackstone Monastery, Ye Yu had answered succinctly: "Hit them hard. Strike with full force and establish Heavenly Dragon Cliff’s name. Let the entire Demon Realm know that those who provoke Heavenly Dragon Cliff will be destroyed—no matter how far they are."
Exterminate the sect.
With this principle in mind, Bu Haoyan coldly replied, "Your life will be the compensation!"
Before the words had fully left his mouth, Bu Haoyan launched a new wave of attacks. Seeing this, Zu Xuzhong joined in without hesitation.
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Two hours later, Blackstone Monastery was utterly decimated. Sect Master Ge Linfei was killed on the spot.
The victory came at the cost of over a thousand lives from Heavenly Dragon Cliff, but none of the survivors had any complaints. They had achieved their goal: justice, no matter the distance.
As more and more of his comrades fell, Ye Yu reached the late stage of the Earth Demon level, advancing nearly an entire major realm.
However, he couldn’t help but feel a tinge of dissatisfaction. Most of the casualties were low-level cultivators, limiting the power he could absorb.
Opening his eyes, Ye Yu glanced at Zu Xuzhong. That old man is at the Heavenly Demon level. I wonder how much power I’d gain if I got rid of him... It should be quite a bit.
The thought tempted him momentarily.
After the battle, Heavenly Dragon Cliff took over Blackstone Monastery and established a branch sect on the site.
Bai Xichu, having watched the dust settle, prepared to leave. Ye Yu enthusiastically supported her departure.
Finally, she’s leaving. What a blessing!
But just as she turned to go, Bai Xichu repeated her cryptic warning: "Do not advance to the Heavenly Demon level lightly."
When Ye Yu asked why, she refused to explain and left without another word.
How infuriating! Ye Yu thought. Already at the late stage of Earth Demon level, he was close to breaking through to Heavenly Demon. What’s so special about it? The more you tell me not to, the more I want to find out!
Whatever the risk, staying at the Earth Demon level forever isn’t an option.
Three days later, news of Blackstone Monastery’s destruction spread throughout Dongyao Province. No one could believe it.
Heavenly Dragon Cliff had traveled such a vast distance to annihilate an entire sect—all for the deaths of a few disciples.
Did they even consider the cost of such an action? people wondered.
But the audacious move solidified Heavenly Dragon Cliff’s reputation for loyalty and honor. A new saying began to circulate in Dongyao Province:
Join Heavenly Dragon Cliff, and your brothers will always have your back.
Blackstone Monastery became the prime example, and waves of demon cultivators flocked to Heavenly Dragon Cliff. The sect’s influence soared, dominating the province.