Chapter 1401: Old Grudges and Debts

As the top experts accepted the jade tokens, their expressions hardened with determination. They understood that regardless of Zhou Yuan's ultimate plan, their only hope of thwarting Shengyuan's ambition lay in trusting him. Otherwise, if his scheme succeeded, Cangxuantian would undoubtedly be destroyed.

After a brief commotion, the elite experts who had taken the tokens quickly assembled their forces, waiting in solemn anticipation. The atmosphere grew increasingly tense.

"'All other forces not yet given orders, hold your positions and remain vigilant,' Zhou Yuan's calm voice resonated, reaching every member of the Cangxuan Alliance army."

The Cangxuan Alliance army stirred slightly, then responded in unison.

Countless eyes watched with apprehension as the top experts, holding their jade tokens, prepared to lead their contingents into the Sacred Blood Pool. There was deep concern for potential casualties, especially since these ranks included their own sect masters, elders, and other vital figures. No one knew if Zhou Yuan's plan was a suicidal gamble or a strategic breakthrough.

"'Everyone, it's time,' Zhou Yuan said, cupping his hands towards the elite experts."

They returned his bow, then turned their gaze to the surging blood pool. An eerie sensation washed over them, chilling them to the bone. Nevertheless, top young powerhouses like Su Youwei, Wu Yao, and Chu Qing unhesitatingly shot forward, plunging into the Sacred Blood Pool amidst the terrified stares of the onlookers.

Some even closed their eyes, fearing they would witness these heroes instantly dissolve into blood, an event that could shatter the morale of the Cangxuan Alliance army on the spot. Fortunately, their fears proved unfounded. The moment Su Youwei and the others entered the blood pool, the jade tokens in their hands suddenly burst into light. This light enveloped them, and with a slight shimmer, they vanished into thin air.

"'They've vanished?!' exclamations erupted from the Cangxuan Alliance army."

Zhou Yuan swept his sleeve and flicked his fingers repeatedly. Streaks of light shot out, rapidly expanding into luminous screens. Each screen revealed a dim red space. Inside, Su Youwei and her contingent materialized. Before them, large forces were already stationed—they were the various elite units of the Sacred Palace!

The Sacred Palace forces were stunned by the sudden appearance of such a large contingent. The two sides stood in a tense standoff for several seconds, then, with an explosive roar, immense Genesis Qi erupted. Without a word, battle commenced.

"'So that's it!' cried Master Qingyang and others, their eyes lighting up. 'So the Alliance Leader is using these tokens as guides, sending the entrants directly into the void labyrinths hidden within the blood pool! As long as we eliminate the garrisons within these void labyrinths, we can destroy their central hubs one by one, thus dismantling the blood pool from the inside!'"

Venerable Heavenly Sword, Venerable Ancient Whale, Palace Master Shan Qingzi, and others all looked at Zhou Yuan with newfound admiration and conviction. Their previous hesitations now seemed utterly laughable.

The four sect masters bowed to Zhou Yuan in apology, then, without further hesitation, led their forces resolutely towards the blood pool. The instant they plunged into the blood pool, their forms, as expected, were transported into the crimson spaces.

Master Qingyang materialized in a space permeated by crimson mist. Behind him, Peak Masters Lingjun and Liu Lianyi followed closely, leading a contingent of the Cangxuan Sect. Lingjun's gaze lingered mostly on Liu Lianyi, whose eyes would occasionally meet his before quickly darting away.

"'Zhou Yuan's abilities are truly remarkable, to pinpoint the void labyrinths hidden within this blood pool with such precision,' Liu Lianyi mused. The 'little one' they once knew had now far surpassed them all."

Master Qingyang readily agreed, remarking with a sense of relief, 'Our Master's foresight was indeed exceptional. Zhou Yuan, being his chosen one, is truly extraordinary.' As he spoke, his eyes remained vigilant, scanning the crimson space. He wondered which Sacred Palace unit was stationed here.

As Master Qingyang cautiously observed, the blood mist ahead gradually thinned, revealing numerous figures faintly discernible in the distance. As the mist cleared, their gazes met.

In that instant, Master Qingyang recognized the opposing force's leader. He paused, then a chilling aura of killing intent erupted from him. Behind him, Liu Lianyi's eyes immediately turned bloodshot, her beautiful face contorted in rage. "'Jiang Leijun, you traitorous dog!'"

The contingent guarding this crimson space was none other than Jiang Leijun, the former Peak Master of Thunder Prison Peak!

Jiang Leijun, surprised to see Master Qingyang and the others, remarked coolly, 'It seems Zhou Yuan indeed possesses some tricks. Not only did he unravel the mysteries of the Sacred Blood Pool, but he even managed to send you directly here.' There were no fewer than a hundred contingents guarding the blood pool. Master Qingyang's precise arrival here was clearly no mere coincidence, but a deliberate act.

"'I should thank Zhou Yuan for giving me the chance to cleanse our sect,' Master Qingyang said, restraining the enraged Liu Lianyi, his gaze fixed on Jiang Leijun with cold malice."

Master Qingyang harbored intense animosity towards Jiang Leijun. While Shengyuan was the primary culprit behind the fall of Old Ancestor Cangxuan, Jiang Leijun had been an accomplice, playing an even more detestable role in the tragedy. For years, Master Qingyang had sought an opportunity to slay Jiang Leijun, but the man's cunning allowed him to remain hidden within the Sacred Palace, making him untouchable. Who would have thought that on this day of decisive battle, their paths would cross.

Jiang Leijun sneered, "'Cleanse the sect? I never considered myself a member of the Cangxuan Sect. Back then, Cangxuan only kept me around to flaunt himself, to let me witness his perpetual glory and brilliance. He merely wished for me to experience the same feeling he had as a youth, looking up to me.'"

"'You are forbidden to insult our Master!' Liu Lianyi shrieked, her eyes blazing."

Master Qingyang's face remained impassive. "'A heartless beast naturally assumes all things are heartless,' he stated calmly. 'Jiang Leijun, enough with the empty words. Today, we shall finally settle the score between you and my Cangxuan Sect.'"

As his words ended, Master Qingyang stepped forward. In the next instant, a colossal Dharma Domain unfurled, within which a verdant sun seemed to ascend.

Jiang Leijun's eyes narrowed, a crimson glow flickering within them. He sneered, "'Qingyang, do you truly believe I've idled away all these years?'" His sleeves billowed, and the void behind him vibrated violently. A thunderous roar erupted as countless lightning bolts surged forth, crimson and utterly ominous. Jiang Leijun shot skyward, and with a prolonged howl, rolling torrents of crimson lightning roared forth, engulfing Master Qingyang.

Master Qingyang took a deep breath, then exhaled, summoning a long cry from a verdant flaming sparrow, which soared directly to meet the assault.

Boom! Boom!

The two clashed without mercy, causing the crimson space to vibrate wildly.

Outside the surging sea of blood, innumerable members of the Cangxuan Alliance army watched nervously as intense battles raged within the luminous screens, each one perilous to the extreme.

Clap, clap, clap.

Suddenly, applause echoed from above the sea of blood, drawing many fearful glances.

"'That sacred mark in your eye,' Shengyuan said slowly, his gaze fixed on Zhou Yuan's pupils, 'it must have flaked off the Cangxuan Saint Seal, didn't it? That's how you can see through the void labyrinths hidden within the sea of blood.'"

Zhou Yuan offered a noncommittal smile.

"'I must admit, I truly underestimated you. It appears your renown throughout the heavens was indeed earned by your own merit,' Shengyuan remarked with a hint of admiration. 'Given your potential, it's quite possible you could become the next Saint of Cangxuantian in due time. That's why it's best to eliminate someone like you while the opportunity still exists.'"

Zhou Yuan's eyes narrowed. "'Can you?'"

Shengyuan's gaze was indifferent. "'The Sacred Blood Pool has already taken form. Even if you send people to destroy its hubs, you will only delay its expansion, not obliterate it. You should clearly understand this point.'"

Zhou Yuan nodded. "'Precisely. Because the very core of this Sacred Blood Pool is inextricably linked to your soul. In essence, as long as you live, the Sacred Blood Pool cannot be destroyed...' He smiled. 'Those previous arrangements were never intended to destroy the blood pool. My objective was simply to contain it here, preventing its spread and destruction of the Saint Continent. As for you...'"

At that moment, Zhou Yuan's body slowly ascended. He hovered in the air, his pupils gradually transforming into golden-purple dragon eyes. An earth-shattering, majestic dragon roar burst from within him, shaking the surroundings.

"'The grudges of the past—it's time to settle them now.'"