Chapter 226

Chapter 226: Crossing the Line

What followed could only be called slaughter. Fang Lie, now fully consumed by demonic energy, could even challenge Wind Tribulation Immortals in battle. Those mere Nascent Soul and Purple Palace cultivators stood no chance against him.

Within less than half an hour, Han Xuan Island’s elite disciples were either slaughtered or fleeing in panic. The entire island lay emptied.

Only Fang Lei remained standing in Han Xuan Palace’s blood-soaked halls. Through borrowed eyes, he observed the severed limbs of beautiful female cultivators scattered across the floor. Though part of him regretted such waste, he felt no remorse – evil deserved eradication, regardless of outward beauty.

Retrieving his primal spirit from the possessed body, Fang Lie initiated resurrection through the Cycle of Fire.

Two hours later, the grand Formation within the Cycle of Fire teleported him back to an empty secret chamber. Having anticipated needing the Demon Sword earlier, he’d wisely left spatial markers to facilitate returning for spoils.

The looting commenced immediately. Fang Lie stripped every valuable spiritual item, even prying off doors and windows crafted from first-rank refining materials. He specifically hunted Sumeru Bags from fallen leaders and raided their Secret Vaults.

Purple Palace cultivators and above always hoarded treasures, rarely carrying their best items. Fang Lie’s plunder, while inferior to Immortal Han Xuan’s personal collection, rivaled the inventory of a mid-sized cultivation shop – clear evidence of these scoundrels’ corruption.

The island’s public warehouse yielded greater riches: spirit stone mountains, stacks of materials, spirit pills, and talismans. These provisions meant to sustain hundreds of cultivators now belonged solely to Fang Lie.

His most disturbing find was the Ice Prison – a cavernous chamber holding hundreds of ice-encased beings. Among frozen demon beasts were over a hundred cultivators (mostly Purple Palace realm, several Nascent Soul True Immortals) captured by Immortal Han Xuan for trafficking.

Demonic sect cultivators prized such living specimens for crafting protective treasures and practicing dark Dao magic. Though moved to rescue them, the old bird revealed the cruel truth – Han Xuan’s soul confusion magic had reduced them to mindless husks.

"Her clients want obedient vessels," the old bird explained. "Mindless shells prevent tracing back to her crimes."

Cursing Han Xuan’s venomous cruelty, Fang Lie transported prisoners to a crystalline Sixth-Rank Treasure Ship docked nearby – Han Xuan’s personal vessel that others couldn’t steer. Following the old bird’s directions, Fang Lie performed the refining ritual to claim it.

The return voyage took three full days, whereas Han Xuan had originally covered this distance in mere hours. Docking at his destination’s harbor under terrified gazes, Fang Lie displayed the frozen captives.

"Found these on Han Xuan Island," he stated flatly before flying toward the main city, intent on continuing his campaign.

There were managers on the island who dealt with the mess Fang Lie left behind.

Shortly after Fang Lie departed, cultivators arrived to inspect the frozen figures. Several were quickly identified as members of their own island.

Shocked, they urgently notified the higher-ups and the families of the frozen cultivators. The scene soon descended into chaos.

Unconcerned with the trouble he’d caused, Fang Lie spread his wings and swaggered into the grand city.

Normally, entry wasn’t permitted without paying a gate tax and passing through the gates on foot. The skies were layered with restrictions to prevent unauthorized flight.

But Fang Lie ignored every rule, and no one dared challenge him!

His fearsome reputation preceded him, marking him as one who acted without restraint.

The moment his iconic wings appeared, the island’s higher-ups knew he’d arrived and scrambled to prepare.

Seeing him fly toward the city, the gate guards didn’t dare obstruct him. Instead, they deactivated the sky’s restrictions, terrified of harming even a hair on his head.

If this Plague Spirit Immortal wielding the Demon Sword were provoked into madness, the streets would run red.

Worse still, killing him once meant nothing—he’d simply return moments later to continue the fight.

Who would risk angering such a man?

Past encounters showed Fang Lie wasn’t a mindless demon. He targeted only the Four Seas Alliance, leaving others untouched.

Even the island lord saw no reason to interfere—let the Four Seas Alliance suffer while his own people remained unharmed!

Ignoring all conventions, Fang Lie flew straight to the Four Seas Alliance’s establishment.

The five-story tower stood a hundred zhang tall, adorned with golden dragon pillars and phoenix-carved eaves—magnificent and dazzling.

Divine Light enveloped the structure, shielding it completely.

As a major trade hub, its restrictions were formidable. Even Nascent Soul True Immortals would struggle to breach them.

At his current cultivation level, Fang Lie couldn’t hope to rob it without surrendering to demonic possession.

Spectators flocked to the scene, numbering over ten thousand. They whispered excitedly, eager for drama.

"Since when does Fang Lei target large shops? I thought he only hit medium-sized ones!"

"Maybe he’s grown ambitious. But without possession, how can he defeat the Nascent Soul cultivator guarding this place?"

"True. If he goes demonic, he’ll slaughter indiscriminately and gain nothing. Surely he’s not that foolish?"

"Let’s watch and find out!"

Hovering above the building, Fang Lie called out mockingly, "Listen well! In my generosity today, I’ll spare your lives. Disable the restrictions, empty your treasures, and flee. Refuse, and die."

A furious voice answered, "Spare us the act, Fang Lie! Since when does a demon show mercy? You can’t breach these defenses—this is a pathetic trick!"

"Hah!" Fang Lie laughed. "My rare kindness goes unappreciated. Very well. Prepare for death!"

"Without demonic possession, you’re powerless here," the voice sneered. "Even if you slaughter us possessed, you’ll claim no spoils. What will you do now?"

"Who said I need possession?" Fang Lie retorted. "I won’t lift a finger to end you."

A pause. Then warily: "What scheme is this?"

"Simple. I’ll have others do the work." Fang Lie turned and shouted, "Island overseer! Show yourself!"

A sigh echoed as a Blue-Robed Cultivator materialized before him, borne aloft by swirling Qing Feng—a Wind Tribulation Immortal and local authority.

Yet this mighty figure wore the aggrieved expression of a wronged servant.

"Young Master Fang," he said bitterly, "we’ve allowed your rampage unchecked. Your feud with the Four Seas Alliance is none of our concern."

Fang Lie grinned. "Two choices: First, you kill their guardian and break the restrictions. Second, I go demonic and slaughter everyone—including your people. Choose."

The Blue-Robed Cultivator’s face darkened. "This is blatant threat!"

"Exactly," Fang Lie agreed cheerfully.

"Outrageous! What have I done to deserve this?"

"Harboring the Four Seas Alliance makes you my enemy," Fang Lie stated lightly.

"We’re not protecting them! We’ve done nothing to stop you!"

"Your inaction is complicity. Decide now—will you act, or shall I?"

"Curse you!" the cultivator roared before bellowing, "Strike!"

Three fifth-rank treasures erupted from the crowd. Their terrifying radiance blotted the sky, obliterating the shop’s restrictions in a thunderous crash. The defending Nascent Soul True Immortal perished instantly.

Fang Lie clasped his hands. "My thanks." He strode inside to plunder.

The Blue-Robed Cultivator watched, seething. Fang Lie pillaged their territory, yet they’d been forced to assist? The injustice burned.