Chapter 1050: Chapter 664: Scapegoat (Part 2)

Those mice hiding in the dark seem to be craftier than anyone might have imagined.

Later, someone raised a doubt — Blood Demon Cult members are very likely hidden, lurking within their ranks.

This speculation unwittingly sent chills down their spines.

If people from the Blood Demon Cult had indeed infiltrated the ranks of major forces, it meant that their every move was under the enemy’s nose, and someone around them could always unexpectedly stab them in the back.

However, even after a round of strict internal screening, there were still no clues.

More dire was that during the investigation, more members went missing.

And among the newly disappeared was even a Tier Seven Asura from the Luohou Clan.

Now, four names were added to the list of missing persons — one Tier Eight, three Tier Seven, all top experts of the Luohou Clan.

"I’m very familiar with Saral’s strength." Rorschach’s voice still carried a tinge of skepticism, "Do you really think the Blood Demon Cult can kill Saral?"

As a clan elder himself, he was well aware of Saral’s prowess.

Tier Eight Asura, Asura Battle Physique Great Success. In the Secret Realm, quite a few indeed were capable of defeating Saral — each Holy Blood Clan had several individuals whose prowess surpassed Saral’s.

But defeat and killing are two entirely different concepts.

Many could defeat Saral, but those who could kill Saral, probably only a handful had the chance. Moreover, those people were the apex of each Holy Blood Clan, and there was no deep-seated enmity with their Luohou Clan, with no reason or motive to kill Saral mercilessly.

He still found it hard to believe that a Blood Demon Cult he regarded as mice hiding in a sewer had the capability to kill Saral.

"Honestly, Elder Rorschach, I don’t believe the Blood Demon Cult can kill Elder Saral either," Quinn said slowly. "However—"

His tone shifted, becoming more earnest: "According to the Judgement Court’s intelligence, the Blood Demon Cult once refined a Tier Eight Infernal White Tiger into a puppet golem, and that golem appeared on Mingwang Planet. This proves the Blood Demon Cult possesses the means to kill a Tier Eight Holy Blood."

Upon hearing this, Rorschach’s brow furrowed even tighter.

He knew, of course, about this news.

When the Judgement Court reported it, he had even taken a special glance. Although it seemed unbelievable that the Blood Demon Cult could refine a Tier Eight Infernal White Tiger into a golem, the evidence was undeniable, forcing him to believe it.

"And now, entering the Secret Realm are all core members of the Empire’s top forces."

Quinn continued, "In the eyes of the Blood Demon Cult, this is a rare hunting opportunity. The stronger the bloodline, the more interested they are. Elder Saral is Tier Eight Holy Blood, and his bloodline is more precious to the Blood Demon Cult than any treasure."

"I believe the killer of Elder Saral and the other three is the Blood Demon Cult. Other than the Blood Demon Cult, those who might pose a threat to Elder Saral don’t have enough motive to kill him."

Rorschach fell silent.

He understood that Quinn was correct.

Although there were grudges between Holy Blood Clans, and disputes and casualties were common below — Low Tier disciples’ fights were usually ignored by major clans, as it was also part of their training.

But at Tier Seven and above, it’s extremely rare to have situations where death blows are struck; it’s an unspoken rule among Holy Blood Clans.

Why?

Because those above Tier Seven are the foundation and core of every clan, affecting one can potentially spark a full-scale war between two clans.

No one wants to provoke an unresolved conflict over the death of one disciple, so everyone tacitly maintains this balance.

Since it wasn’t Holy Blood’s doing, then the killer of Saral and the other three must be the recently active Blood Demon Cult.

"Report this matter to the Royal Family immediately."

Rorschach ordered, his voice filled with repressed malice and anger, "Tell the Royal Family, they must have all teams carry out a thorough investigation, and make sure to root out those bastards."

"Yes." Quinn responded solemnly, turned around, and exited the tent.

His footsteps gradually faded, merging into the noisy voices outside the tent.

Rorschach sat alone at the table, looking down at the few broken pieces of Blood Soul Jade, his eyes slowly glowing red.

"Blood Demon Cult... you won’t be jumping around for much longer."

His voice was light, so light it seemed like a self-talk, yet carried an eerie certainty.

...

Qin Tian didn’t know yet that the Blood Demon Cult had been falsely blamed for him.

If he did, he surely would have clapped his hands in applause.

At this moment, he was in his own tent, looking earnestly at the several subordinates before him.

"Are you all truly ready?"

In front of him were Li Qi, Xiong, Terreda, and Old Ghost, four old subordinates who had been with him for years. Besides them, there was Ran Tu, the Legion Commander of the White Tiger Legion.

The five stood in a row, their postures upright, their gaze determined.

"Boss, the four of us are all decided."

Li Qi glanced at his old companions beside him, a smile appearing on his lips.

Ran Tu also grinned, saying, "Military Lord, I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time."

Seeing this, Qin Tian nodded slowly.

"Since you’ve decided, then go ahead."

His gaze swept across the faces of the five one by one, his voice steady and strong, "I believe you can all successfully break through the tribulation."

Indeed, what these five were set to do was to assault the Celestial Human Three Tribulations and break through to Tier Seven.

Before entering the Secret Realm, these five had already reached Peak Tier Six.

Among them, Ran Tu had lingered at Peak Tier Six for years — his foundation was extremely solid, his Spiritual Energy abundant, but he struggled to find the chance for a breakthrough.

Moving from Tier Six to Tier Seven requires enduring the Celestial Human Three Tribulations, a true chasm, a gap that countless Spiritualists can never cross in their lifetime.

Nine deaths and one life, these four words are not an exaggeration.

The stronger the talent, the greater the difficulty of the Celestial Human Three Tribulations.

Years ago, even Qin Tian himself almost fell at the final Heart Demon Tribulation, almost, just almost, he sank into it, never to awaken again.

Thus, the original plan for these few was to bathe in the Celestial Stele Light, enhancing their talent, foundation, and Spiritual Energy to increase their odds of passing the Celestial Human Three Tribulations.

However, plans can’t keep pace with changes.

After bathing in the Pillar Monument Light, each of them experienced tremendous growth in strength.

Though their Spiritual Energy realm remained at Peak Tier Six, whether in talent, physique, spiritual power, or mastery and understanding of various secret techniques, there was a qualitative leap.

These improvements provided them with unprecedented confidence and assurance.

So they no longer wanted to wait.

Qin Tian understood their decision.

If they hesitated now, being afraid of breaking through to Tier Seven, although there would still be noticeable improvements in talent, physique, and other aspects when bathing in the Celestial Stele Light, the extent of improvement would be limited by their realm, not particularly significant.

But if they successfully breakthrough to Tier Seven now, when bathing in the Celestial Stele Light later, Spiritual Energy and talent will see further substantial growth.

This way, they would fully utilize the benefits brought by the Pillar Monument and Celestial Stele, maximizing the value of each opportunity.

In addition, over the years Qin Tian had also gathered through various channels all the resources and elixirs needed for the few to assault the Celestial Human Three Tribulations. He was quietly preparing for that day.

Now that the time has come, it is time for them to go all out.

"Breaking through the Celestial Human Three Tribulations is of utmost importance. Do it one by one," Qin Tian said solemnly. "I will personally safeguard you."

At this, smiles of genuine gratitude appeared on the faces of the few.

This was also their thought.

The Celestial Human Three Tribulations is extremely perilous, and being disturbed in the middle can have unimaginable consequences. With the Military Lord’s almost abnormal perception ability, any disturbance within dozens of miles wouldn’t escape his notice. With him safeguarding, they could completely focus on dealing with the tribulation without worry about external interference.

"Boss, with your safeguard, I’m reassured," Li Qi chuckled, patting his chest, "Just wait, once I break through to Tier Seven, I’ll make you proud."

"Don’t just talk." Qin Tian glanced at him, "If you truly want to make me proud, all of you break through alive."

"Yes!"

The five responded in unison, their voices echoing in the tent, lingering long.

Looking at them, Qin Tian’s eyes flashed with a hint of gratitude.

These old subordinates who have been with him for years are finally about to take that step.

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