Chapter 21

The Alliance with the Dark Magic Sect

When Moxiang returned to the sect, the entire sect was strangely agitated. He sent the Four Gentlemen to investigate, and they reported that something significant was about to happen. As soon as Moxiang returned, the Sect Leader suddenly convened a secret meeting, gathering the core experts of the sect. Everyone sat at the long table in order of rank, tense and alert. The Sect Leader instructed Elder Hemuwu to explain the current situation.

"The matter we will discuss today concerns the former leader of the Dark Magic Sect, Zhang Renge, who left our sect. He has been trying to dominate the martial world in various ways but realized that his strength was insufficient. Now, he wishes to merge the Dark Magic Sect back with our sect. Currently, the Dark Magic Sect has about 5,000 followers, of which about 2,000 are high-level experts. Zhang Renge wants to join our sect as Deputy Sect Leader, along with his subordinates. This meeting is to discuss this proposal."

Ouyang Yun, the Phantom Flying Demon, who had been promoted to the leader of the Heavenly Horse Blood Sword Team nine years ago and was a trusted and outstanding elder, asked with a sinister gaze:

"If we accept the Dark Magic Sect, won't it be like keeping a tiger in our house?"

"I have considered that. When Zhang Renge left our sect, he took about 1,000 high-level experts with him. However, he has managed to increase their numbers fivefold in a short time. Honestly, their strength is formidable. It took us a considerable amount of time to replenish 1,000 high-level experts in our sect. If we can properly integrate them, it would be highly beneficial for us. However, if they come with ulterior motives, it could be disastrous."

The Chief Elder, Yu Zhi, burst out in anger:

"There's no need to accept them! Outsiders don't know our sect's internal affairs, so the risk of a surprise attack is low. But if they start a rebellion from within, we could face an uncontrollable situation."

"The Chief Elder's point is valid. However, considering the current chaotic state of the martial world, 5,000 followers are a very attractive offer. At least 1,000 of them are highly skilled. We need to consider this. Instead of integrating them immediately, we could gradually dilute their power... or, after the merger, eliminate Zhang Renge, which would naturally lead to their complete absorption by our sect."

"What do you mean by 'gradually dilute'?"

"Basically, after Zhang Renge joins our sect, we can divide them into several combat groups to prevent them from uniting. This way, even if a part of them rebels, the damage to our sect would be minimized."

"Ah! So you mean to divide 5,000 people into 10 or 20 groups and deploy them in different locations?"

"That's a clever idea. What do you think of using this method?"

"However, we need to give Zhang Renge some direct control over a part of the force. Even if we divide them, there's no guarantee they won't secretly communicate and plot a rebellion."

"What if we allow Zhang Renge to bring only about 300 high-level experts into the main headquarters? We can place them under his direct command, and the rest can be divided into 20 groups and deployed in various locations. We can also gradually take control of their commanders without the Deputy Sect Leader's knowledge. Our sect is a power-based organization; no one will uphold righteousness. It's natural to subordinate oneself to a stronger leader."

The Sect Leader nodded in agreement.

"That's a reasonable suggestion."

"Additionally, we can thoroughly monitor Zhang Renge. If there's any sign of rebellion, we can eliminate him. Even if he's strong, the Sect Leader can handle him personally."

Others agreed that even if Zhang Renge was one of the Four Kings, he would be no match for two of the Four Kings working together. The sect had three high-level experts among the Four Kings, plus Moxiang as the new Deputy Sect Leader, making it easy to eliminate him.

Five months later, the Dark Magic Sect merged with the sect. Zhang Renge was appointed as Deputy Sect Leader. Considering the exceptional circumstances, the 300 high-level experts he brought to the main headquarters were given the title of Evil Death Blood Corpse Demon Team and were dressed in red for easy surveillance.

The remaining 4,700 were divided into 30 groups and secretly deployed to various locations, mostly known strongholds or exposed branch headquarters. They were not placed in newly established secret branch headquarters or in various expansion projects like inns, frontlines, or escort agencies to prevent them from understanding the sect's overall strength.

The Dark Magic Sect's main headquarters and five branch headquarters, along with various businesses like inns, frontlines, and land, were thoroughly dismantled or hidden and sold. The money was then invested in new businesses to prepare for any contingencies. By cutting off their financial resources, it would be difficult for 5,000 people to leave the sect again. The various martial arts manuals and weapons collected by the Dark Magic Sect were transported to the sect and distributed.

Deputy Sect Leader Zhang Renge presented several martial arts manuals to the Sect Leader upon his return.

"Sect Leader, these are the manuals I collected with great effort. They are very powerful. Please accept them."

The Sect Leader saw that the manuals were titled "Condensing Blood Divine Palm," "Returning Soul Corpse Body Great Technique," and "Condensing Blood Ghost Claw." He slowly spoke:

"These are all new to me. How did you obtain them?"

"I obtained the 'Condensing Blood Ghost Claw' by chance. The 'Condensing Blood Divine Palm' is a more powerful version of it, transforming claw techniques into palm techniques with even greater power. These techniques cause the blood to coagulate upon impact, leading to death. They are extremely vicious and almost impossible to treat once inflicted."

"Remarkable."

"The 'Returning Soul Corpse Body Great Technique' combines the sect's dark arts and the Blood Sect's necromancy. If mastered, it can create a body almost as strong as a zombie. It's nearly immortal, except for the difficulty in cultivation. When injured, the body can regenerate from severe wounds, even reattaching severed limbs. It's also resistant to most weapons, though it's vulnerable to divine weapons like the Demon Subduing Heavenly Sword."

"Immortal?"

"Yes, the body's regenerative abilities are astonishing. It can survive even severe injuries and reattach severed limbs. However, it's vulnerable to divine weapons. There are a few other powerful techniques, but they don't cause significant damage."

"Remarkable. Is there anyone who has mastered this technique?"

"Over 1,000 people have learned it, but only the 300 I brought have achieved the fifth level or higher. When they use this technique, the impact can cause rapid decay, even in high-level experts if they are careless."

"Remarkable. This technique would be a great asset to the user and a fatal blow to the opponent. How far have you mastered it?"

"I have reached the ninth level. I recommend the Sect Leader try it as well."

"That's a good idea. Thank you."

Despite the concerns of the sect's leadership, the merger with the Dark Magic Sect went smoothly. The Sect Leader gave the twelve new dark arts to Moxiang for review, and Moxiang carefully examined them. He was amazed by their aggressive and meticulous techniques, which could cause excruciating pain and death. Some techniques had elements of the Blood Sect's magic, which Moxiang found difficult to master.

Unexpectedly, the merger was smooth, and Zhang Renge's position in the sect gradually rose as he resolved several issues. The 300 high-level experts he brought were not much different from other high-level experts in combat but excelled in fighting lower-level martial artists. They had almost zombie-like resilience and used unique necromancy, making them highly effective in large-scale battles.

Birthday Guests

Eight months after Zhang Renge joined the sect, autumn arrived. Moxiang was deep in thought in the pine forest when a strange figure approached him, concealing its presence. When the figure was three meters away, Moxiang, who was gazing at the distant mountains, suddenly released a powerful energy blast. The figure tried to dodge but was cut in half by Moxiang's energy. As Moxiang approached, the man, whose waist was severed and bleeding, slowly healed. He prostrated himself before Moxiang.

"The Sect Leader has summoned you."

Moxiang coldly asked:

"Who are you?"

"I am a subordinate of Deputy Sect Leader Zhang Renge. The Sect Leader has sent me to inform you."

Moxiang realized the man had mastered the 'Returning Soul Corpse Body Great Technique.'

'You think you can test me with just this dark art?'

Moxiang had considered learning the technique but found it problematic. He knew its weakness: while it could easily heal small wounds from weapons, a heavy blow, especially to the head, could be fatal.

"Hmph! I don't like people sneaking around me. Consider yourself lucky I didn't crush your head. If anyone tries to sneak near me again, I'll turn their skull to dust."

The man, sweating profusely, replied:

"I will remember that."

Moxiang greeted the Sect Leader, who was discussing with Zhang Renge.

"Welcome. You know this gentleman, right? This is Zhang Renge."

"Hello, Deputy Sect Leader Zhang Renge."

"Hello, it's an honor to meet the sect's top expert. I've rarely seen you at official events, so it's a pleasure to meet you today."

"I apologize."

After the greetings, the Sect Leader spoke:

"I have a favor to ask of Deputy Sect Leader Moxiang."

"What is it?"

"The Wulin Alliance Leader, Yu Qingxue, is turning 140 and has invited us to a celebration. I can't understand his motives. We've never exchanged pleasantries, yet he suddenly invites us. However, it's a significant event, so I can't send just anyone. I decided to send my granddaughter."

"..."

"However, she is quite unruly. Even the best experts in the sect can't control her. So..."

"Deputy Sect Leader Zhang Renge could accompany her. I believe Han Yongying would be like a mouse in front of a cat with him."

"I asked him, but he refused. You know, he dotes on his only granddaughter, who has become quite spoiled. That's why I'm asking you. Please do this for me."

Moxiang had never met Han Yongying but had heard about her notorious behavior. She was known for her unruly nature, beating her subordinates, and more. Despite his reluctance to guard such a woman, he couldn't ignore the Sect Leader's pleading gaze.

"I'll do it."

"Great, thank you. I'll be at ease knowing you're going."

"When do we leave?"

"In four days. I'll have everything prepared. For the escort..."

"The Four Gentlemen will suffice. Carrying gifts is cumbersome, so if they're not important, please send them ahead through an escort agency to arrive a day before we do."

"If that's more convenient, I'll arrange it."

Han Yongying, the granddaughter of Han Zhongji and the daughter of the current Little Sect Leader, was a unique figure in the Heavenly Horse Divine Sect. According to the sect's laws, only those with exceptional martial arts skills could hold positions like Sect Leader or Little Sect Leader. Even the Sect Leader's children had no power if they lacked skill.

However, the Sect Leader's relatives still wielded influence. Han Yongying was a prime example. She was beautiful, intelligent, and highly skilled for her age. Her fatal flaw was her arrogance, likely due to being pampered. At 23, her martial arts skills were formidable, making it impossible for anyone to discipline her. People would avoid her, and those who encountered her often faced severe consequences. Even the Chief Elder, Yu Zhi, had his 30-year-old beard burned off by her. This uncontrollable young lady was undoubtedly looking for trouble today.