CHAPTER 435: CHAPTER 241 THE END OF THE CRIMSON CLOUD SECRET REALM_2

Zhao Honglie was surrounded by demonic qi, his aura cold and sinister. Though his cultivation was only at the first layer of the Marrow Refining Realm, it rendered these Marrow Refining experts at the seventh and eighth layers unable to act rashly.

"Demonic Qi!"

The Governor Mansion, with an ancient lineage and royal backing, naturally possessed more intelligence compared to other sects. After carefully discerning the black mist around Zhao Honglie, the mansion’s steward exclaimed in shock.

"Demonic Qi?"

Most individuals present were high-level figures from various sects. While they couldn’t identify the demonic qi as quickly as the steward, the infamy of the Demon Clan was something they’d heard of.

"The Demon Clan brings calamity to earthly beings! The anomaly in the Red Cloud Secret Realm must be related to him. Capture him!"

The Great Elder of the Governor Mansion’s expression hardened as he drew his weapon and launched a direct attack at Zhao Honglie.

Wen Mingyan and the others, though unfamiliar with the Demon Clan, had read of its wickedness in historical documents. At this moment, they set aside sect rivalries and united to deal with Zhao Honglie.

Zhao Honglie had recently broken through to the Marrow Refining Realm. Even though the Holy Demon Clan’s methods were extraordinary, he couldn’t possibly face so many experts with cultivation far surpassing his own. Moreover, in the Red Cloud Secret Realm, he had been severely injured by Gu Sheng’s Heart Sutra. His current state left no room for engaging in a life-or-death struggle with Wen Mingyan and the others.

Raising both hands, Zhao Honglie summoned an overwhelming shield of demonic qi in front of him, while he himself turned into a streak of black light, fleeing far away.

The attacks of Wen Mingyan and the others instantly shattered the black barrier; however, by the time they caught up, Zhao Honglie had already escaped a considerable distance. Just as everyone prepared to chase after him, a massive sound heralded the closing of the Red Cloud Secret Realm, forcibly transmitting everyone inside back out.

High-ranking members from each faction immediately cast techniques to shield and receive their sect disciples.

After Wen Mingyan gathered all Holy Pill Sect disciples, Gu Sheng was nowhere to be found. Anxiously, he grabbed Yun Tianyi and asked, "Where is Gu Sheng?"

Yun Tianyi and his companions had been launching an attack on Zhao Honglie, but due to the rejection from the realm’s law, they were all expelled.

The abrupt transmission caused their consciousness to momentarily blank. As their minds returned, Wen Mingyan’s voice reached Yun Tianyi’s ears.

"Peak Master, Gu Sheng is with Lin Tianhao."

When being transported out, Yun Tianyi had glimpsed Lin Tianhao carrying Gu Sheng. He figured the two must currently be together.

"Lin Tianhao?"

Upon hearing this, Wen Mingyan immediately turned and headed for where Haoyang Sect disciples were gathered.

Arriving there, Wen Mingyan saw the unconscious Gu Sheng and the severely injured Lin Tianhao.

This sparked Wen Mingyan’s imagination; he promptly took Gu Sheng and examined him meticulously. Discovering that while Gu Sheng was unconscious, his life was not in immediate danger, Wen Mingyan finally exhaled in relief.

Turning around, Wen Mingyan glared fiercely at Lin Tianhao and demanded, "What happened? If you don’t give me a satisfactory explanation, your sect elders won’t be able to save you!"

The accompanying elder of Haoyang Sect’s face darkened upon hearing this. He immediately stepped in front of Lin Tianhao and angrily shouted at Wen Mingyan, "What are you trying to do? I warn you! If you dare harm a single hair on Tianhao, our Sect Master will not let it slide!"

Though the Haoyang Sect elder’s cultivation was comparable to Wen Mingyan’s, Wen Mingyan was a sword cultivator who had comprehended sword intent. His combat strength defied conventional measure. If Wen Mingyan truly intended to strike, the elder couldn’t guarantee he would be able to prevail. He could only invoke the name of Haoyang Sect’s master to pressure Wen Mingyan.

Lin Tianhao weakly pushed the elder aside, saying, "Elder Hu, you needn’t worry. Let me explain matters to Peak Master Wen."

Due to the side effects of the pills and the subsequent overexertion of his strength, Lin Tianhao was in an extremely weakened state, his complexion pale as paper. Despite his condition, he maintained his manners, giving a difficult bow to Wen Mingyan before speaking: "Peak Master Wen, Brother Gu’s current state is entirely due to that Bone Refining expert who appeared when we were transported out. It has nothing to do with me. In the Red Cloud Secret Realm, Brother Gu and I worked well together and even cooperated at times."

At this point, Lin Tianhao’s expression suddenly turned serious: "Peak Master Wen, many incidents occurred within the Red Cloud Secret Realm. These events could potentially make Holy Pill Sect and Brother Gu targets of major forces. Seize the current chaos and take Brother Gu and your disciples away quickly. As for the details, once Brother Gu regains consciousness, you can ask him directly. You might also glean some information from Yun Tianyi and the others. Should you have the time after Brother Gu recovers, you’re welcome to visit Haoyang Sect."

At this moment, Yun Tianyi approached. Lin Tianhao addressed him, "Brother Yun, the matters concerning Brother Gu are highly complicated. You all should return to your sect swiftly! If others catch wind and react, it will be troublesome!"

As he spoke, Lin Tianhao purposefully glanced toward the direction of the Governor Mansion.

Meanwhile, chaos broke out on the Governor Mansion’s side, as Lu Shu hadn’t returned!

Lu Shu was not only extraordinarily talented, but also the Governor’s legitimate daughter, carrying a status of great importance.

Wen Mingyan, moments earlier while tending to Gu Sheng’s injuries, had discovered Gu Sheng had already broken through to the Golden Bone Realm. Coupling this with Lin Tianhao’s words, sudden clarity dawned on him. Nodding at Lin Tianhao, Wen Mingyan promptly led Holy Pill Sect away.

"Elder Hu, we need to leave as well!"

Lin Tianhao spoke while deliberately shaking his storage pouch.

Elder Hu—aware that Lin Tianhao’s group had ventured into the spirit stone mine—immediately grasped the implication of Lin Tianhao’s gesture. They had mined spirit stones.

While valuable cultivation techniques, martial arts, treasures, and pills often emerged within the Red Cloud Secret Realm, to factions like theirs, spirit stones were the most sought after.

"Haoyang Sect disciples, return to the sect!"

Under Elder Hu’s arrangements, several robust disciples swiftly assembled a makeshift stretcher to carry Lin Tianhao away.

The Governor Mansion’s steward felt like his head was about to explode.

The premature closure of the Red Cloud Secret Realm due to rejection of its law had expelled everyone inside, and the fact that Lu Shu hadn’t come out could only mean she had perished within.

Lu Shu’s identity was unique; she was deeply cherished by the Governor despite being female. Regardless of the reason for her death in the Red Cloud Secret Realm, as the leader of the expedition, the steward couldn’t escape responsibility.

"Steward! Though the realm was fraught with danger, Sister Shu wasn’t reckless. With her strength, no danger within should have been able to threaten her life! When Sister Shu last departed, she was chasing after Gu Sheng! Her demise undoubtedly has something to do with him!"

Lu Feng, livid with rage, practically roared.

Lu Yun, recalling the moment Gu Sheng attacked Zhao Honglie, thought of the overwhelming power displayed. It was clear that Gu Sheng’s strength rivaled—perhaps surpassed—that of Lin Tianhao and Lu Shu. Coupled with Lu Shu’s last known direction, Lu Yun began to agree with his brother’s claim.

The steward of the Governor Mansion frowned deeply, suspicion in his gaze. "Gu Sheng? How could someone at the Silver Bone Realm possibly be a match for Lu Shu?"

Lu Yun took a deep breath and replied gravely, "Steward, everyone has underestimated Gu Sheng! He broke through to the Golden Bone Realm long ago. In the Red Cloud Secret Realm, we witnessed his capabilities firsthand. His power was even superior to Sister Lu Shu’s and Li Tianhao’s. Furthermore, two treasures of a tier beyond the Dark Level have emerged, and both are in his possession. No matter what, we must force Gu Sheng to provide an explanation!"

"Treasures beyond the Dark Level?"

This revelation alarmed the steward, prompting his urgent inquiry.

The treasures beyond the Dark Level might contain methods to bypass the constraints of the Marrow Refining Realm. Such matters carried immense implications, and the steward could not afford not to ask.

Lu Yun quickly recounted the events that transpired at the Demon Suppression Sect.

After listening, the steward’s expression grew gravely serious. For now, he set aside concerns about Lu Shu, decisively ordering, "Everyone, follow me back! This matter must be reported to the Governor and personally assessed by him!"