Dangers lurking in the Shadows

Gyuuki wasn't just intimidating everyone to show the clan's might, base on the information that they have received from Karasu Tengu, a group of mysterious cultivators were spreading news about their clan pushing them to fame, though it was a good thing; Gyuuki and Karasu Tengu couldn't help but feel that they were being used as a bait while those hidden faction worked in the dark.

The pressure coming from him increased, everyone felt Gyuuki's existence becoming bigger.

The moment everyone fell into the state of deep fear, their image of Gyuuki has changed into something completely different, to everyone he looked humongous.

As yōkai first existed as creatures who induce fear in humankind, the general concept of "fear" revolves around being feared and respected by humans and making them feel small and weak.

Once they start feeling one of those emotion, they would feel like they were caught in an unbreakable illusion lowering their mental state.

Gyuuki purposely portrayed his existence as terrifying to get more information.

Even though he knew that multiple powers were sniffing news about their clan, it is still not enough to warrant this scene where multiple powers would block them from the gate, which means; someone is pulling the strings from the shadows.

While everyone were focused their attention on Gyuuki; Gozumaru sent multiple spiritual strings to control humans who are weaker than them. This is one of Gyuuki Clan's specialty.

Rihan simply expanded his sense covering the entire Eastern Gate of New Moon City, if there any suspicious movements he could immediately know it.

On the outside they just looked like they were just watching a good show, no one noticed what they were doing.

Kuroumaru and his two siblings also sent mental communications to the crows to have everything under surveillance.

The entire situation stilled for fifteen minutes yet everyone from Nura Clan didn't notice any movements.

Gyuuki looked towards Rihan and the others, the latter simply shook his head, "Gyuuki, that's enough. It seems like they actually felt bad." Rihan's childish voice resounded.

The Heavy pressure was slowly retracted by Gyuuki, some spectators plop to the ground while some strong cultivators felt their knees trembling from earlier's heavy atmosphere, the same goes to the Elders.

Seeing that Gyuuki finally calmed down, Fen Hanyan sent Rihan a greatful smile as he stepped forward and clasped his hands, "Please accept our apologies. We just wanted to confirm your strength and make sure that you are not an enemy."

The other Elders also clasped their hands and bowed towards the Nura Clan members.

They all swallowed their pride and lowered their heads.

"You're always welcome to try us." Kuroumaru stepped forward, "but I want to get an explanation about why this man attacked Rihan-sama with an intent to kill. Are you telling me that this is also a test?" His eyes narrowed as dark crows seems to materialized behind him while his feet stomped on headless corpse of an elder.

*cough* Fen Hanyan gave a fake cough to maintain his composure. That's right the attack earlier was actually intended to gain a foothold in their first interaction. What they didn't expect was the child they attacked appears to be someone important. Who is this child? Based on their report the young master of this mysterious clan was a young teenager but no matter how he look, the child in the middle of the group looked like a ten years old kid, "That wasn't actually our intention. The one who attacked earlier only did it on his own accord."

Kuroumaru was an honourable member of the Nura Clan who takes his role seriously. Though Rihan was safe, he couldn't accept the fact that he was powerless to defend his young master.

"It's alright Kuroumaru, no need to worry." Rihan consoled him as he started to walk towards the gate; the former was stunned while at the same time felt warmth in his heart as he vowed to become stronger so he can properly do his role.

Gyuuki and the others followed, Fen Hanyan didn't even receive a reply from the group as they just ignored his existence.

The group simply made their way while Fen Hanyan and the elders move to the side giving them a way to pass. Rihan just gave them a smile and entered the city followed by Gyuuki and the others.

The crowd could only watch their backs as they left.

Everything that transpired left a deep mark in their hearts; such an almighty clan, just how strong is their Leader? Some couldn't help but think about the hidden patriarch of the Mysterious Nura Clan.

Murong Hang on the side collapsed as he felt like a huge scythe of death that was pressed on his neck was retrieved.

While everyone was busy with their discussion, they didn't notice the dissappearance of some people.

----------

In the following days, most of Hannya's time was spent staying in the Sacred Grounds of Phoenix Ruins.

Part of his time was spent working on learning the [World Ode of the Phoenix] Fifth Stage and Sixth Stage as well as improving his cultivation.

Meanwhile, he also tried to stabilize the blood of phoenix in his body.

He remained relaxed as the phoenix blood flowing in his body began to vibrate, looking as though it was trying to break out of his body; he properly circulated his demon core.

The Dark flame essence held within the Dark Phoenix blood that was created by blood variation alongside the Crimson Flame essence of the Phoenix soul aided his cultivation.

As time passed the Dark and Crimson Flame intermingled, Hannya's 'fear' started growing increasingly pure and refined.

Bzzt! Bzzt! Bzzt!

Ripples materialized around him as he sat quietly on the floor, the air within the Sacred Ground felt as though it had morphed into a sea; the entire place seems to disort up and down forming a wave.

The blood inside him seemed extremely lifelike as they began expanding and dwindling, like a beating heart, a few minutes later dark mist emanated from his body while threads of demonic profound strength can be felt.

Having gained the inheritance of the Phoenix, not only his strength but also his control has improved tremendously.

Hannya opened his eyes, his lips quirked upwards. He opened his palms and violet colored flame bloomed from within.

Screech~

From Emperor Realm 5th stage Hannya's cultivation rose to 9th stage.

Normally, with the help of inheritance he could immediately reach Mid-tyrant realm but with his current body strength such large amount of profound energy would be a huge burden.

He could feel every part of his body radiating with strength.

Unlike before where he only emanates elegance, the current Hannya is surrounded by an air of nobility oozing from his blood.

Outside the Sacred Grounds,

A Phoenix Clan member guarding Hannya, felt the sudden change in the air and looked at the Crimson Barrier trembling.