Secrets of the Blood Sect
Hearing this, Yu Yue immediately gave chase. Jian, however, remained still, his eyes glowing faintly as he activated Star Gaze to assess the scout's cultivation level. He quickly determined that the man was only at Qi Condensation, 3rd Level—hardly a threat.
Five minutes later, Yu Yue returned, dragging the scout behind her. Jian's gaze sharpened as he asked, "Why is his cultivation so low?"
She responded, "Senior, this is an ungraded sect. Most of their cultivators are below Foundation Building, with only one or two exceptions."
Jian nodded thoughtfully. Her knowledge hinted at a significant background. "From your cultivation, it seems you can handle this yourself. Once you rescue your brother, he might be able to help you. You don't need my assistance."
Yu Yue hesitated before replying, "Senior, I can handle three or four Qi Condensation cultivators, but I'm no match for someone at the Foundation Building level. My brother is also sick; even if I rescue him, he won't be able to fight."
Jian turned his attention to the captured scout and released a wave of his cultivation pressure. The scout trembled violently, his face pale with fear. Jian's voice was cold as he asked, "Why were you so alarmed to see her?"
The scout, drenched in sweat, stammered, "Sir, it was the young master's order to monitor her return."
"Why?" Jian demanded.
"We knew we couldn't defeat her outright, so we were instructed to track her movements," the scout confessed.
Jian's thoughts churned. 'If they fear her, why attack her village? There's more to this than meets the eye.' He suspected hidden secrets, ones even Yu Yue might not know. Turning back to her, he said, "Can you confront them on your own? I'll intervene only if necessary."
Her eyes brightened with determination. "Senior, don't worry. I'll take care of them."
Jian, however, continued questioning the scout. "How many members does your sect have?"
"Including the young master and sect master, there are seven," the scout replied, "and the village chief."
"Seven?" Jian's brows furrowed. He turned to Yu Yue. "Why so few members in a sect?"
She shook her head, clearly just as puzzled. Jian's resolve hardened. "Attack from the front. I'll handle the rest."
Yu Yue nodded, though she hesitated when glancing at the captive. "What about him?"
Jian's voice was firm. "Don't worry about him. Just go."
With her sword drawn, she flew towards the Blood Sect, her figure vanishing into the distance. Jian turned to the scout. "What's your name?"
"No. 2," the man answered nervously.
"Are the villagers still alive?"
"Yes, senior," No. 2 replied quickly. "They're being kept alive."
"And her brother? Where is he?"
"In the sect master's chamber," No. 2 said after a brief pause.
Jian picked up the children and the scout, leaping into the air. As they approached the sect, Jian used Star Gaze to monitor Yu Yue's progress. She had already killed one opponent and was engaging two more. A figure sat calmly on a chair nearby, radiating an oppressive aura—the young master of the Blood Sect. Jian's frown deepened. 'Something's not right here.'
Following No. 2's directions, Jian reached a dungeon where the villagers were held captive. He instructed the children to free the prisoners while continuing his interrogation. "Where is her brother?" he demanded.
"He should be here, senior," No. 2 stammered, only to add under pressure, "If not, he must be in the sect master's chamber."
Before Jian could decide his next move, Xiaobo interrupted. "Senior, there are children from other villages here too. The adults say they were taken elsewhere."
Jian's expression darkened. He turned back to No. 2. "Explain."
"The sect master ordered cultivators from nearby villages to be captured for their blood," No. 2 admitted, his voice trembling.
Rage flickered in Jian's eyes. He commanded, "Lead the way."
No. 2, terrified, complied without hesitation. Reaching the sect's rear, they encountered a chilling scene: bodies drained of blood littered the area. Jian's fury boiled over. Before the guard stationed outside could react, Jian blasted a hole through his shoulder, muttering to himself, "Is this because it's my first real battle? I can't seem to calm down."
Inside the sect master's chamber, Jian witnessed the sect master holding a man by the neck. The sect master's eyes narrowed at the intruder. "Friend, what is your purpose here?"
Jian ignored the question, focusing on the captive. The sect master's tone grew sharp. "You're just a one-star sect master. Leave now, or this man dies."
Without a word, Jian assumed a sword-drawing stance. The sect master panicked, shouting threats. But before he could finish, Jian's blade flashed, severing his head in one swift motion. The force of the strike sent Jian crashing into the wall behind him.
Dusting himself off, Jian asked the system, "Why did I crash into the wall?"
"You didn't control your power," the system replied.
Jian checked on Yu Yue's brother before hearing a loud shout. Rushing towards the source, he found Yu Yue holding the sect's young master by the neck. The young master sneered, "You bitch! My master is at Foundation Building Level 3. Who are you calling senior?"
Using Star Gaze, Jian confirmed that the sect had been using a vile blood refinement technique. He gave a single command: "Kill him."
Yu Yue didn't hesitate, ending the young master's life. Jian turned to No. 2 and executed him as well. "Go to the dungeon. Free the villagers and protect the children," he instructed Yu Yue.
As she departed, a crazed laugh echoed through the sect. The village chief emerged, his cultivation newly boosted by pills. Before he could utter a word, Yu Yue's sword silenced him forever. Jian simply shook his head, murmuring, "A foolish end to a foolish man."