142: The kidnapped genetically modified warrior

In this cultivation world, the so-called top sects are at the pinnacle of existence, far from being comparable to mere first-rate sects like the Qingshan Sect.

As a top sect, its foundation is profound and its strength extraordinary. The most significant mark of a top sect is that it must have a Yiqi Realm Expert presiding over it.

Yiqi Realm Experts are the highest existence in the cultivation world. A sect that possesses a Yiqi Realm Expert is truly considered a top sect.

“Alright, that’s enough bickering. We are here to discuss matters concerning the Qingshan Sect.”

Just as everyone was lost in their own thoughts and the atmosphere grew somewhat chaotic, a Black-Robed Man finally spoke.

Everyone’s gaze turned towards him, but they could only see a blurry black silhouette, unable to discern his appearance.

Upon seeing this, the two who had been bickering instantly quieted down.

Their quick understanding was not without reason.

It was simply because this Black-Robed Man was from the Soul Hall, a top sect.

Although the Hehuan Sect was also a top sect, renowned in the cultivation world, when it came to true strength, the Soul Hall was much more powerful than the Hehuan Sect.

The reason for this lies in the Soul Hall's unique and eerie cultivation method.

The Soul Hall's cultivation method, which uses the enslavement of souls, is truly unique yet also terrifying.

With this special cultivation method, the Soul Hall’s elders and sect masters throughout history, even if they unfortunately died or passed away naturally, their souls would not dissipate. Instead, they would be utilized by the next generation of inheritors, continuing to contribute their power to the Soul Hall.

As a result, the Soul Hall’s strength snowballed, growing stronger and stronger.

It is precisely because of this that, if one were to discuss the sect with the most Yiqi Realm Experts, the Soul Hall would undoubtedly claim the top position.

In this world where the strong are revered, the Soul Hall, with this unique advantage, has always stood at the pinnacle of the cultivation world, making other sects dare not underestimate it.

“Sir, the Qingshan Sect is merely an ordinary first-rate sect. Its destruction is just that, so why go to such great lengths?”

Seeing that everyone had finally begun to discuss serious matters, an ordinary-looking man quickly stood up from his seat and asked with a puzzled expression.

A hint of confusion was in his eyes; he seemed unable to understand why the destruction of a sect, which they did not consider top-tier, would cause representatives from many top sects to gather.

“If it were merely a simple case of sect annihilation, I wouldn’t be so concerned…”

The Black-Robed Man paused slightly, his voice low.

“The people I sent to investigate reported that the Qingshan Sect is now utterly silent, with no living creature remaining. Moreover, the killed disciples died extremely tragically, their bodies mangled and gruesome beyond words. Not only that, without exception, all their inner cores were taken.”

The Black-Robed Man slowly revealed this information, and with each sentence, the expressions of those present grew a bit more solemn.

Upon hearing these words, complex expressions of surprise, confusion, and worry instantly appeared on everyone’s faces.

“These methods… are you sure they weren’t done by our side?”

A delicate-looking woman frowned slightly, asking softly with a puzzled expression.

After all, in everyone’s perception, such an extremely cruel method of sect slaughter looked exactly like the consistent modus operandi of their Evil Path.

“What? Do you think any sect would dare to bypass my Soul Hall and act within the territory of The Righteous Sects without authorization?”

The Black-Robed Man’s voice suddenly turned bone-chillingly cold, like a biting winter wind.

Before he could finish speaking, a vast and powerful aura surged towards the delicate woman like a raging tide.

The invisible pressure instantly pinned her to the ground, rendering her immobile, as if an invisible mountain was pressing down on her.

“Sir, please spare me… I spoke out of turn.”

The delicate woman, pinned tightly to the ground, showed a terrified expression. She struggled to utter these few words, her voice filled with entreaty.

“Hmph…”

The Black-Robed Man let out a cold snort, a flicker of disdain in his eyes, then slowly retracted the powerful pressure.

Freed from the oppressive force, the delicate woman, as if granted a great pardon, quickly struggled to sit up, gasping for fresh air.

“Not only that, according to intelligence from our scouts, there were also many strange humanoid creatures never before seen within the Qingshan Sect. Although these creatures resembled humans, they had no soul fluctuations, as if they were merely walking corpses. Their methods… are very similar to those of the Corpse Puppet Sect.”

As the Black-Robed Man spoke, his gaze, sharp as lightning, swept towards the people of the Corpse Puppet Sect, a hint of scrutiny and suspicion in his eyes.

Seeing this, the representative of the Corpse Puppet Sect’s face instantly changed dramatically, his brows furrowed tightly.

He stood up abruptly, his tone carrying a hint of anger and displeasure as he questioned,

“What do you mean? Are you suspecting that our sect’s people did this?”

The Corpse Puppet Sect, also a top sect, was renowned in the cultivation world and naturally would not easily fear the Soul Hall.

After all, their cultivation method was precisely the opposite of the Soul Hall’s; the Corpse Puppet Sect excelled at utilizing the bodies of the deceased to refine powerful Corpse Puppets through unique means.

With this special cultivation method, the Corpse Puppet Sect ranked second in the number of Yiqi Realm Experts, only after the Soul Hall.

Such formidable strength gave them enough confidence to contend with the Soul Hall.

“Don’t get agitated, I merely said the methods were similar; there is no definitive conclusion.”

The Black-Robed Man spoke unhurriedly, attempting to ease the tense atmosphere.

“Hmph, I think your words imply more than just that…”

The Corpse Puppet Sect member still wore a furious expression, staring defiantly at the Black-Robed Man, their confrontation on the verge of erupting.

Watching the two of them in such a tense, confrontational standoff, everyone around them held their breath.

Everyone knew that these two were prominent figures from top sects of the Evil Path. If their conflict was not handled well, it could very likely ignite a dispute between two top sects, and no one present wanted to be caught in this storm.

“Alright, alright, I understand it wasn’t your Corpse Puppet Sect that did this…”

Seeing the situation, the Black-Robed Man waved his hand helplessly, then clapped his hands and raised his voice, saying,

“Bring it in.”

No sooner had he spoken than several subordinates hurried in, carrying a wooden plank.

On the plank, a Gene-Modified Warrior was bound with iron chains, wrapped tightly all over, like a trapped beast in shackles.

“Sir, what is this?”

Everyone’s gaze turned to this strange creature, their eyes full of confusion.

“This is the strange creature that appeared in the Qingshan Sect. This thing is really not easy to deal with; to capture this one, I lost several capable subordinates.”

As the Black-Robed Man spoke, a hint of pride actually appeared on his face.

After all, according to the intelligence he possessed, The Righteous Sects, facing the changes in the Qingshan Sect, could not even thoroughly investigate, let alone capture the culprit who massacred the Qingshan Sect.

Yet he managed to successfully capture one. How could this not make him feel proud…?