Volume 5 Chapter 92
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Volume 5 Chapter 92: Success Seems Close, but Hidden Currents Surge (Part 3)
Inside the base of the "Ming" organization, the evil energy still surged fiercely, twisting into dark red mist that constantly swirled in the large cave. Compared to several decades ago, this evil aura had become even more intense. Countless restless souls cried out mournfully, adding to the terror created by those wicked beings.
However, it was surprising that the blood pool, which radiated a sinister energy, gradually shrank for some unknown reason. Compared to before the great disaster, its area had shrunk to about two-thirds, and its depth had also significantly decreased. One wondered where the essence and souls, filled with strong evil energy from that blood pool, had been used over the years.
Around the blood pool in the mountain, sixteen demon statues remained unchanged. Yet, compared to several decades ago, it seemed that while the statues looked the same and were made of the same stone, upon closer inspection, it felt as if these originally frightening but ordinary statues had gained some sort of lifelike aura, which was quite astonishing.
On top of the statues, there were still many cultivators from the "Ming" organization wearing purple robes and masks.
However, compared to several decades ago, their numbers had significantly dwindled; half of the sixteen statues were empty.
Over ten years ago, Zhang Xusheng killed all four individuals who planned to ambush him, "Yu," "Chen," "Lie," and "Zhang." Not long after, the preparatory members of the "Ming" organization were completely wiped out during the Righteous Alliance’s campaign against "Tian Sha," leaving the core members of the Righteous Alliance unable to be replenished in time.
Seven years ago, another pair, "Lie" and "Zhang," were brutally killed by Zhang Xusheng. The people in the "Ming" organization can no longer remember how many have been senselessly murdered by Zhang Xusheng. The two elders, "Tian" and "Di," remain indifferent to this. The core members of the "Ming" organization are proud and arrogant, but at this moment, they can only feel anger that they cannot express, living in fear, worried that Zhang Xusheng’s next target might be them.
Of course, the deeper the fear, the deeper the hatred; however, the events from ten years ago are still vividly remembered. Moreover, due to being busy with the catastrophic matters, the members of the "Ming" organization currently do not have any specific plans against Zhang Xusheng. Otherwise, they would inevitably see another batch of members suddenly meet a tragic end within a few days.
Similarly, seven years ago, the once low-profile "Hong" in the "Ming" organization also disappeared without reason. It is rumored that he was killed by Zhang Xusheng, while others say he was called back by the forces behind him to pursue greater matters, and has already exited the "Ming" organization.
Then, three years ago, "Ying" was killed by a cultivator from the Righteous Alliance named Xu Qingfan while spreading "Beast Madness." That same year, "Huang" was ambushed by several prepared masters of the Righteous Alliance during a mission. Although he ultimately managed to escape, he lost all his skills as a cultivator and is now ignored by everyone.
As for "Su," he seemed dissatisfied that the "Eight Wilderness Hall" was being used. Over the years, the "Ming" organization has not provided him with the help they had planned. Additionally, trying to manage the Righteous Alliance’s attacks has left him overwhelmed, causing him to miss several meetings of the "Ming" organization.
Thus, even though the cultivation world was turned upside down and nearly half of the cultivators and mortals were killed in recent years, the "Ming" organization also suffered heavy losses. In total, ten members either tragically died or gradually withdrew from the "Ming" organization. Although six new members joined, their strength is nowhere near what it used to be.
At this moment, the "Ming" organization couldn’t even gather sixteen members. For instance, even with the long-absent "Xuan" and "Huang" attending the "Ming" gathering, only seven figures were sitting in meditation among the sixteen statues.
However, looking at the leaders of the "Ming" organization, the two elders "Tian" and "Di," they seemed completely indifferent to this. Perhaps, for them, the true core members of the "Ming" organization are simply the two of them.
At this time, although most members of the "Ming" organization had gathered, the two elders "Tian" and "Di" still remained silent, as if waiting for something. Seeing the silence of the two elders, the other "Ming" organization members, though puzzled, did not ask many questions and simply followed "Tian" and "Di" in silence.
In the silence, changes finally appeared in the empty mountain’s heart.
Suddenly, a flicker of purple light shone from the head of the Demonic Figurine, which was carved with the words "Ri" and "Yue." After a moment, the light faded, and two figures in purple garments appeared: the former "Ri," now downgraded to "Yue," and the "Ri" who had been invited by "Yue" to join the "Ming" organization.
Although everyone in the "Ming" organization was extremely proud, it must be said that "Ri’s" pride was still outstanding among them. After appearing in the heart of the mountain, he first looked around with a scrutinizing gaze, observing the scenery and the people. When he saw "Zhou," the last remaining Mahayana Stage expert of the "Ming" organization, his expression became slightly more serious, but he still remained quite indifferent. This led everyone to wonder why that guy Zhang Xusheng did not attend the gathering this time; otherwise, it would have been a good show.
However, when "Ri’s" gaze landed on the two elders, Tian and "Di," his expression became serious. He noticed that as his eyes reached "Di," he felt an overwhelming pressure rush at him. Even with his level of cultivation, it made it hard for him to breathe. Yet, as soon as his gaze moved past "Di," that terrifying pressure suddenly disappeared.
Although Tian seemed entirely ordinary sitting next to "Di," if "Ri" hadn’t seen Tian there with his own eyes, he wouldn’t have sensed his presence at all. No matter how the "Ri" tried to detect anything about this seemingly mundane old man, he could not feel even the slightest hint of energy, which made "Sun" even more cautious.
Finally, the pride on "Ri’s" face suddenly faded. He first nodded to "Zhou," then bowed respectfully to Tian and "Di," and said, "Honorable elders, I have arrived."
Thus, the difference between pride and arrogance lies in the fact that a proud person can clearly see their own strength and chooses to be proud selectively.
While "Ri" was observing the members of the "Ming" organization, Tian was also studying this new member. After a moment, he withdrew his gaze, his eyes calm and unchanging. It was hard to tell if he was satisfied or not. After hearing "Ri’s" polite words, he politely nodded and slowly said, "Welcome, Taoist friend. In these past years, our ‘Ming’ organization has been growing weaker. With your help, it will greatly benefit the success of our future plans. I hope you can work for our shared interests."
Hearing Tian say this, Ri hesitated for a moment and then said, "The reason I joined your organization this time is simply to avenge my useless brother. I hope that after completing this task, you will allow me to return to the Western Desert. My ‘Dreaming Technique’ is nearing completion, and once it is fully developed, I will certainly come again to help you."
Tian nodded slightly and said slowly, "There is no reason not to. Inviting the Taoist friend this time is indeed causing trouble for the Taoist friend. How could we continue to make things difficult for the Taoist friend?"
Hearing the conversation between Tian and "Ri," "Yue" smirked slightly, knowing that "Ri’s" words about helping after success were just polite talk. "Ri" joined the "Ming" organization solely to use its power to confront the Righteous Alliance and avenge his brother.
However, "Yue" knew that as "Ri" became more involved in the activities of the "Ming" organization, even after killing Xu Qingfan, the one who had killed his brother, he would completely offend the Righteous Alliance and have no choice but to fully join "Ming."
After some polite exchanges, "Ri" said, "In the past years, I have been in seclusion in the Western Desert, so I am not very familiar with the current situation in the cultivation world or the person who killed my brother. I hope the senior can help me with some information in this area."
Tian thought for a moment, then suddenly looked up and spoke to a figure in purple clothing near the farthest statue, saying, "Lie, you came from Jiuhua just like Xu Qingfan. During this time, go with Senior ‘Ri’ and help him avenge his brother."
Upon hearing Tian’s words, "Ri" looked curiously at the purple-clad person, only to find that the person seemed to have just reached the early stage of Golden Core, yet looked unexpectedly young, handsome, with a proud expression. Just like in the information he had on Xu Qingfan, this person had a phoenix tattoo, but while Xu Qingfan’s was at the left corner of the eye, this one was at the right.
