Chapter 14

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Chapter 14: Thousand Cuts

"Does making achievements permit you to defy superiors?" Fang Lie sneered. "You’re just exploiting your seniority! Were it not for your past contributions, I’d have killed you already. Sparing your wretched life now—what more can you say?"

Without further words, Fang Lie waved his hand. The Law Enforcement Heavenly Soldiers dragged Lei Zhengfeng away.

His destination was the Cold Prison—a small secret realm discovered by Mo Sect, now transformed into a freezing jail.

Though stripped of cultivation, Lei Zhengfeng remained a Thunder Tribulation Immortal. His body, nourished by centuries of Magic and tempered by the Three Heavenly Tribulations, had become a postnatal Dao Body—hard as steel, immune to elements.

Thus, even without cultivation, Lei Zhengfeng could survive centuries in Cold Prison. With rare fortune, restoration wasn’t impossible.

Yet all required Fang Lie’s approval. As Benevolence Token Lord, his authority surpassed even the Sect Leader’s. None could alter his verdict.

But Fang Lie bore intense hatred for Lei Zhengfeng. Mercy seemed unlikely. The Thunder Tribulation Immortal’s fate appeared sealed.

Witnesses stood aghast, struggling to believe their eyes.

Lei Zhengfeng was a Thunder Tribulation Immortal—Brave Token Lord!

The beaten disciples of Eight-Hundred-Generation Families paled in comparison.

Mo Sect boasted few Thunder Tribulation Immortals—geniuses enduring millennia of cultivation. Each took centuries to emerge, becoming sect pillars.

Now their mightiest member lay ruined by a mere Qi Sea level disciple. When had such cruelty become possible?

Lei Zhengfeng’s fall was catastrophic for Mo Sect. How dared Fang Lie act so?

Yet Fang Lie’s ruthlessness continued. His gaze fell upon Tian Jianzi. "Think you’d escape? Impossible! Soldiers—cripple him!"

"No!" Tian Jianzi shrieked. Ignored by Law Enforcement Heavenly Soldiers, two restrained him while others shredded his meridians.

Screams replaced protests. No saviors came. Soon, Tian Jianzi became a wreck.

Glaring venomously, he roared, "Fang Lie! East Kunlun shall oppose you eternally!"

Fang Lie laughed coldly. "Fool! Our feud began when you murdered my late father. Only now you realize?"

Waving dismissively, he ordered, "Beat this trash out with flaming and watery great rods!"

The soldiers obeyed, thrashing Tian Jianzi from the Ancestral Hall.

Fang Lie turned to Xiao Huan. "Your words now?"

Tears streaked Xiao Huan’s face. "Why must fate torment me? My own son betrayed me without enduring a single blow!"

Beside her, Yuan Hua blanched, consumed by shame.

Xiao Huan continued weeping, "I kept reserves as shields, yet met your recklessness! You maimed sect Token Lords! Under you, death itself escapes me!"

"Correct. You’ll join Lei Zhengfeng. Let Eight-Hundred-Generation Families rot together," Fang Lie stated coldly.

"How dare you treat a helpless woman so? Have you no humanity?"

"A benefits-driven kin-slayer forfeits rights to weakness or humanity," Fang Lie retorted. "Final words?"

Xiao Huan’s expression twisted. "Fang Lie! Don’t think victory yours! I’ll never submit!"

"Oh? Show me your tricks."

Smugness flashed across her face. "Know this: My Yuan family coveted your Fang Family’s sacred mountain. Your Flame Dragon Spiritual Root threatened our plans. Years ago, I planted a treasure within you—one granting power but barring Golden Pool advancement… forever!"

"You wretched woman!" Fang Lie recalled the small tower in his Qi Sea and the old bird’s words, his wrath erupting. "You truly deserve to die a thousand times over!"

"Haha, what does it matter?" Xiao Huan sneered viciously. "Without Advancing in the Golden Pool, your Lifespan won’t exceed a century! I’ll go first – I’ll be waiting underground!"

With a sudden slap to her forehead, a crisp crack echoed. Xiao Huan collapsed, having shattered her celestial spirit. This poisonous woman had chosen suicide rather than face Fang Lie’s retribution.

She’d clearly understood her fate if captured – likely denied even the mercy of death. Her final act had been to spite Fang Lie, taking bitter satisfaction in her last moments.

"Damn you!" Fang Lie’s fury burned like wildfire, yet there was nothing left to vent it on. His glare shifted to Yuan Hua.

"Treacherous cur! Your entire rotten bloodline!" Fang Lie thundered. "Your vile mother escaped justice – now you’ll bear her punishment! Law Enforcement Heavenly Soldiers! Apply the Thousand Cuts!"

This extreme torture was reserved for Mo Sect’s worst criminals. While Yuan Hua’s family-slaughtering crimes warranted severe punishment, this was unusually harsh – but Xiao Huan’s provocation had ignited Fang Lie’s wrath beyond restraint.

A dozen Law Enforcement Heavenly Soldiers moved as one. They seized Yuan Hua, small blades flashing. Each slice removed mere slivers of flesh – a gram per cut. At this rate, flaying a hundred-jin man would take considerable time.

The torture’s terror manifested in Yuan Hua’s unceasing, heart-wrenching screams. After dozens of cuts, his limbs bore gaping wounds. Protective spells minimized bleeding, cruelly prolonging his agony.

Even veteran Cultivators in the crowd recoiled. Many departed; some retched openly. Yet few pitied Yuan Hua or condemned Fang Lie’s severity.

Among outer disciples, Yuan Hua had been a nightmare – breaking legs for sport, brutalizing others on whims. His Eight-Hundred-Generation Families status had shielded him from consequences. Now, witnesses relished his downfall.

For Fang Lie, sympathy prevailed. A prodigious talent ambushed and crippled – few fates seemed crueler. Xiao Huan’s schemes to steal Fang Family’s ancestral lands had exposed the Eight-Hundred-Generation Families’ ruthless nature.

With mother and son punished, Fang Lie’s wrongful conviction was finally overturned. He exhaled deeply. Yuan Hua’s execution would take hours – time Fang Lie refused to waste watching. He yearned to conclude matters, return the Ancestor’s Token, and investigate the Qi Sea tower.

But as he turned toward Cycle of Fire, the old bird’s voice rang out: "Wait. Trouble brews."

"What now?" Fang Lie frowned.

"See for yourself." Through the Ancestral Hall’s monitoring powers – core of Mo Sect’s protective array – the old bird transmitted urgent imagery.

The vision showed Qingcui Peak, Fang Family’s ancestral lands. Though modest among Mo Sect’s sacred mountains, its spiritual veins had nourished generations. Mid-slope lay Flame Dragon Cave – three zhang wide entrance opening into vast chambers where Fang ancestors had dwelled for centuries.

Stone towers stood weathered but unyielding, embodiments of enduring legacy. This tranquil refuge – Fang Lie’s childhood sanctuary – now hosted unfolding desecration.