Chapter 207: Unparalleled Grand Sect

The Qingxia Sect, once a place of fresh green grass, numerous rivers, wetlands, and deep pools, exuded elegance and tranquility. Now, however, cries of battle shook the heavens, the green grass was stained with a red mist, petals clung to blood beads, and emerald trees bore crimson blossoms.

Body after body fell; countless lives were lost. Ye Fan had truly transformed into a young demon king, slaughtering all around him, leaving countless figures lying dead at his feet.

Not only had the Qingxia Sect Master turned to ashes, but the last two Grand Elders were also reduced to dust by him. Now, he was eliminating the remaining disciples.

He was enraged. The Qingxia Sect, under the guise of "development" and claiming their methods were "temporarily excessive," had committed utterly heinous atrocities.

They had extorted and exploited, disregarded human lives, and stopped at nothing to acquire source stones, their hands stained with blood from countless evil deeds.

In dozens of villages, maidens had been violated, source-seekers had been killed, and many defiant, hot-blooded youths had been subjected to cruel executions.

The Qingxia Sect had not only supported over a dozen bandit groups but also frequently acted directly, causing innumerable bloody incidents. They were truly the source of all evil in the region; everything originated from them.

To excavate source mines, they forcibly dismantled over a dozen stone villages. One village, which offered even slight resistance, had half its inhabitants wiped out in a brutal and bloody display.

Of course, all these acts were carried out by bandits on their behalf, but the orders came directly from the Qingxia Sect.

"Spare me..." A dozen young Qingxia disciples collapsed to the ground, kneeling, repeatedly kowtowing, and desperately pleading.

From Ye Fan’s brow, a powerful divine sense manifested, sweeping through their seas of consciousness. What he saw was still unbridled bloodshed, so he showed no mercy and struck decisively.

"Puff," "puff"... Blood flowers bloomed, a tragically beautiful and shocking sight. In an instant, another dozen bodies lay lifeless.

In the distance, everyone trembled, scattering and fleeing. Some, however, had long realized that escape was impossible and roared as they charged forward, fighting to the death.

Ye Fan's expression remained calm, as if he were strolling in a garden, light and ethereal. Yet, his actions were ruthless; with every pointed finger, several vibrant lives were extinguished forever.

"Puff," "puff," "puff"... His steps were composed, ending lives as if harvesting weeds. Countless bodies lay strewn along the path, their blood staining the grassy ground crimson.

The scene made hearts pound, sending shivers down the spines of even Wang Shu and Lei Bo.

Ye Fan was ethereal as an immortal, light and airy, walking without his feet touching the ground. He continuously pointed his fingers, causing blood flowers to bloom and corpses to litter the ground. He seemed utterly untouched, not a single trace of blood on him, as he moved through the remains.

Though clearly killing, his actions possessed a certain beauty, imbued with an otherworldly aura, as if he were demonstrating an art form.

It was the art of killing, flowing like clouds and water, natural and unforced like an antelope's horn hanging in the air, mesmerizing as a painting, almost pleasing to the eye.

"Demon... a demon king from hell!" The Qingxia Sect members completely broke down, now like lambs on a chopping block, awaiting their inescapable fate: slaughter.

Death itself wasn't terrifying; the process was far more agonizing—a maddening torment.

"Don't kill me! I haven't done anything evil, it has nothing to do with me..." Crying pleas occasionally drifted through the air.

Ye Fan disregarded all else, focusing only on the facts. His divine sense swept through, and anyone involved in bloody crimes was instantly decapitated. He proceeded calmly like this, killing so many that the path was stained red.

"Little Brother Ye, stop killing!" Wang Shu and Lei Bo stepped forward, sick to their stomachs. They had never witnessed such a bloody scene.

Although the killing method had an aesthetic quality, these were, after all, human lives. Watching heads continuously roll, they could no longer bear it.

"You've killed too many people, over a hundred! Little Brother Ye, aren't you establishing a sect? You're almost wiping them out!"

Ye Fan stopped, looking back. Along the way, bodies lay strewn, crimson spots painting the scene, turning the ancient bluestone steps dark red.

No one could escape. He had sealed off the Qingxia Sect with 108 large banners, which these people could not break through.

"I dare not use these people, nor can I. We must root out evil completely," Ye Fan said, shaking his head.

In the distance, the Qingxia Sect members felt utterly despaired upon hearing his words. The Sect Master and Grand Elders had committed evil deeds, let alone them. Most of those present had acted as bandits, participated personally, and had very dirty records.

"Let's fight him! Everyone charge together, we can't just sit here and wait to die!"

"If we die, let it be quick! Don't let him slaughter us like dogs!"

Burdened with evil deeds and accustomed to killing, many had seen death often. They still had some fight in them, roaring and shouting as they charged forward.

The outcome was without suspense. No amount of roaring could change anything. Screams and curses were incessant, and the Qingxia Sect was in utter chaos.

It was half an hour later that complete tranquility returned to the area. The blood mist slowly dispersed, leaving only dead bodies covering the ground.

Ye Fan had killed a total of 217 people, almost completely annihilating the Qingxia Sect, from ordinary disciples to elders, turning the place into a blood-soaked land.

The grassy areas, stone steps, pools, and flowerbeds were all stained crimson. Wang Shu and Lei Bo vomited continuously, the gruesome scene making their hearts pound.

These were not pigs or sheep; they were people. It might sound insignificant, but truly facing hundreds of scattered corpses would terrify any normal person.

Only 23 lives were spared. They had indeed committed no evil deeds and deeply opposed the Qingxia Sect's actions, so Ye Fan did not trouble them.

Additionally, he released three elders from a stone prison in the back mountain. These Qingxia elders had been imprisoned for opposing the sect's support of bandits.

The Qingxia Sect was effectively erased from existence. Only 26 people survived; all others were decisively and resolutely slain by Ye Fan.

"Bury everyone, bury all evil!" Ye Fan instructed the 26 survivors, then strode towards the central main peak.

The Qingxia treasury was opened. A rainbow mist swirled, and dazzling light made it difficult to open one's eyes. On jade shelves lay blocks of source stones, ranging from the size of a date pit to a fist. Though there were no rare or precious source stones, all were considered pure.

There was a substantial amount, measuring half a *fang*, weighing between 1,600 and 1,700 *jin*. This was much more than he had estimated, all due to the Qingxia Sect's plundering.

"Heavens, so much source! How many mines did they have to dig?" Lei Bo exclaimed.

Wang Shu's eyes couldn't take it all in. He touched one block, then wiped another. The various source stones shimmered with iridescent colors, mostly distinct, sparkling brightly. They were the most precious substance in the Northern Region.

The entire half *fang* of source stones emitted brilliant light, translucent and sparkling, captivating the mind.

"You two also take some. You're on the path of cultivation now, you'll need it daily," Ye Fan told them to take source stones.

Then, Ye Fan conjured a jade pure bottle and collected all the remaining half a *fang* of source stones. This was enough for him to break through to the second Dao Palace realm.

"No wonder so many become bandits; this is truly exciting!" Ye Fan sighed. Taking down a small sect yielded such a huge harvest; it was maddening. Even he felt tempted to attack another sect.

His current combat power was already extraordinary. If he cultivated to the second Dao Palace realm, his strength would surely advance by leaps and bounds.

In the treasury, besides the abundant source stones, there were many weapons. Additionally, some cultivation manuals were sealed there, all of which Ye Fan took out.

Below Qingxia's main peak, three large waterfalls cascaded down, spectacular and beautiful. The water mist formed rainbows, surrounded by exotic flowers and rare plants, and lush green trees, creating a bright and charming scenery.

The remaining 26 people were very uneasy, uncertain of their fate.

"Thud!" Qingxia's highest scripture was thrown before them, and weapons refined by Dao Palace cultivators were also cast onto the ground.

"These all belong to you. No doubt, no worries. Qingxia was once occupied by a band of bandits who brought disaster upon the region. I eliminated them. What remains are the true inheritors."

From hell to heaven, happiness came so swiftly. These people could hardly believe it; just moments ago, they were worried for their lives, and now they could obtain treasures and secret techniques.

"Really?" one person asked tremblingly, looking up.

"Naturally, it's true," Ye Fan said with a faint smile. "Take good care of yourselves. Once you grow strong, you will, without a doubt, all be Qingxia elders."

Everyone else had been killed. If these people stayed, they would naturally become the sect elders and wield power.

"Little Brother Ye..." Lei Bo wanted to say something.

"I forgot to introduce them," Ye Fan said, pushing Wang Shu and Lei Bo forward. "These two are the Sect Master and Vice Sect Master of the Mining Sect. You might need their help in the future."

"We're Sect Masters?! We're... establishing a sect..." The two were dazed.

"The Mining Sect?!" The Qingxia survivors looked at each other. That name was too rustic; one could tell immediately they were miners.

"As you've guessed, our sect is peaceful and only seeks source stones in mountains and lands. We might trouble you for help in the future," Ye Fan explained. He didn't want to directly lead this sect; he only wanted to control it remotely. Otherwise, it would certainly provoke defiance.

According to the *Source Heaven Tome*, seeking source stones sometimes requires sealing mountain ranges and earth veins, which needs many people. These were his designated "miners."

"Whatever you command, we dare not refuse. We will certainly comply," these people replied, feeling fortunate. Not only had they survived, but they would also become Qingxia's de facto leaders, which exceeded their expectations.

Essentially, these people's characters weren't bad; they opposed committing evil deeds and had clean backgrounds. Otherwise, Ye Fan wouldn't have spared them.

"You should seal the mountain and cultivate quietly..." After saying this, Ye Fan departed gracefully with Wang Shu and Lei Bo.

"Little Brother Ye, did we really establish a sect?" Wang Shu kept asking on the way.

"That name is too ugly..." Lei Bo mumbled.

"What's ugly about it? The Mining Sect – as the name suggests, a magnificent sect spanning the ages," Ye Fan chuckled.

"Didn't you say you'd establish a sect at Qingxia? Why are we leaving?" Both were confused.

"My main goal was to eradicate the cancerous growth here. As for Qingxia Sect, I naturally need to hold it firmly in my grasp!" Ye Fan smiled.

These were his designated "miners," but he couldn't announce it directly. Otherwise, even if they outwardly complied, they would rebel in secret. He needed to influence them gradually.

For now, he would let them become Qingxia's leaders; they would be overjoyed. Gradually, everything would fall into place naturally.

Ye Fan already regarded this sect as his territory and would not allow others to meddle or take advantage of the situation he had created. He would soon go there to cultivate in seclusion.

Over the next three days, Ye Fan used thunderous methods to annihilate all 17 bandit groups within a 500-li radius, wiping them out completely.

When Ye Fan returned to Qingxia Sect, preparing to use the acquired source stones for secluded cultivation, he learned that people had been repeatedly spying outside the sect gates for the past three days.

"People from the Li Huo Sect, Luoxia Gate, Xuanyue Cave, and Seven Star Pavilion have recently been probing Qingxia's situation."

Qingxia's three remaining elders showed concern, and the other 23 young disciples were also uneasy.

"No matter. As long as they don't go too far, ignore them. If you have difficulties, I will naturally help. After all, I've borrowed a green peak from you," Ye Fan said with a smile.

He wanted to live in seclusion in the back mountain. The Qingxia people naturally dared not refuse. Initially, they might have had other ideas, but now they had to seek Ye Fan's help.

"A disciple from Xuanyue Cave requests an audience with the Qingxia Sect Master!" The voice echoed from outside the sect gates through all eighteen main peaks.

Soon after, a Qingxia disciple led in a young man in his twenties. He ascended the stone steps, scanning his surroundings, a smile playing on his lips.

"You are merely a disciple of Xuanyue Cave, yet you make such a commotion at our sect gates, disturbing our cultivation. You presumptuously demand to see our Qingxia Sect Master. Even your elders would not dare to be so brazen."

"This junior is Li Youran, the ninth disciple of Xuanyue Cave Master. I am here on my master's orders to pay my respects." Li Youran observed his surroundings. He saw some bloodstains by the pool and on the stone steps, and the smile on his lips deepened.

"What is your purpose?" a Qingxia elder asked, his face darkening.

"Hearing of changes in Qingxia, my Xuanyue Cave wishes to offer assistance. Powerful cultivators will arrive here soon," Li Youran replied.

"How presumptuous! Do you intend to seize our Qingxia Sect?" The three elders raged.

"By no means. My Xuanyue Cave Master is a close friend of your esteemed Sect Master. If Qingxia faces difficulties, my Xuanyue Cave naturally must come to support and help you overcome the challenges." Li Youran had inferred Qingxia's true situation, becoming more casual, a faint smile on his face.

"Is Xuanyue Cave trying to take advantage of our misfortune?" Qingxia's only remaining 26 members were all enraged.

"Not at all, we are sincerely here to help." Li Youran opened his folding fan, speaking eloquently, "My master and the Qingxia Sect Master had discussed long ago their desire to merge the two sects, to jointly promote and expand them."

With words like these, Xuanyue Cave's intentions were laid bare, unmistakable.

"You..." Qingxia's elders raged.

"Quite the ambition," Ye Fan said as he walked out. "Merging the two sects is fine. Go back and tell your Cave Master to prepare half a *fang* of source stones. He can join Qingxia anytime, and making him a Vice Sect Master won't be a problem."

"Who are you?" Li Youran snapped his folding fan shut, dropped his smile, and said gravely, "A mere child your age, what place do you have to speak here? I am talking to your elders. Step aside."

Qingxia was already Ye Fan's territory. How could he allow others to meddle or take advantage of the situation he had created? He certainly wouldn't tolerate it.

"Are you speaking to me?" He descended the ancient bluestone steps, the breeze stirring his hair and clothes, ethereal as an immortal. He said, "This is Qingxia. I can say anything I want. What are you? A mere disciple of Xuanyue Cave, yet so arrogant here. What do you take this place for, to dare be so presumptuous?"

"I come on behalf of Xuanyue Cave. You, a mere young disciple, naturally have no right to speak to me!" Li Youran opened his fan, gazing at the mountains and waters, completely disregarding everyone present.

"Get back, tell your Sect Master to prepare half a *fang* of source stones for me. Otherwise, I will grant his wish and prepare for a merger!"

Ye Fan let out a cold laugh. His long sleeves fluttered. With a light flick, it was like flowing clouds and water, graceful to the extreme.

"Slap!" Li Youran was instantly sent flying, propelled a hundred *zhang* through the air, falling to the ground in a sorry state.

"You... how dare you! How dare you be so disrespectful to my Xuanyue Cave!"

"Bang!" Ye Fan swung his long sleeve again. Li Youran instantly spewed blood from his mouth and nose. His face swelled, as if he had been slapped hard. At the same time, his body was like it had been struck by lightning, and he flew backward.

"Fine, fine, fine! This time, your Qingxia is truly going to be annihilated!" Li Youran's face was ashen.

"Such big words. What are you? Get back quickly and tell your Sect Master to come see me." Ye Fan stood still, his large sleeves continuing to wave.

Li Youran's body trembled violently. His face was swollen, his teeth loosened. He was directly sent flying out of Qingxia Sect and fell into a distant pool.