Chapter 197 - Demonic Beings’ Base Camp

The group of six continued their journey, disappearing into the snowy landscape.

Brimming with youthful vigor and high spirits, they joyfully traversed the northwestern lands to their heart's content.

Meanwhile, an enormous griffin beast lay prone atop a mountain on the snowy ground. Several human figures dismounted from it, revealing themselves as a cadre of elite disciples led by Chu Tiange.

"Senior Brother Chu," remarked a youth in blue at the second level standing beside Chu Tiange, "I heard that bastard Chen Fan has also made his way to the northwest. I wonder if we'll come across him."

“Hehe, he’s a mere grasshopper. We’ll just kill him if we happen upon him. We don't want him stirring trouble in the inner sect,” scoffed a youth in purple also at the second level, his tone suggesting Chen Fan was an easy target.

“That little bastard dares to kill our Heaven’s Alliance member. He even challenged Senior Brother Duan Jingtian arrogantly. Although Senior Brother Duan Jingtian warned us not to make a move on him, we’ll just kill him in passing so that Senior Brother doesn’t have to dirty his hands three years later.”

“Hopefully, we’ll run into him. The northwestern lands are vast and sparsely populated, so our chances of running into him aren’t high. He’s merely at the first level, so he surely won’t dare to venture deep into the lands. He will likely only fight at the fringe region to pick up some scraps.”

These people chimed in one after another, their words condescending, disregarding Chen Fan.

Suddenly, Chu Tiange said, “It’d be best if we ran into him. I’ll chop off that little bastard Chen Fan’s head and use it as a wine cup. But even if we don't, there'll be ample opportunities to deal with him. Our primary goal is Xue Chongtian. We'll eliminate him, take his blood demon core, and with its energy, I'll advance to the fifth level and become a core disciple.”

“Senior Brother Chu, I heard Xue Chongtian is a genius raised by the Blood Demon Cave. He is a fourth-level Yuanfu realm expert,” said the youth in blue.

Chu Tiange pursed his lips and said, “He’s indeed at the fourth level, but he relied on unorthodox and demonic methods to increase his cultivation. His foundation is weak. He won’t be a match for me. I am sixty percent confident in killing him.”

“Hehe, since Senior Brother Chu put it that way, Xue Chongtian won't escape this time!" The Heaven’s Alliance elite disciples laughed.

Chu Tiange waved and said, “Be quiet for a bit, you guys. Let me pinpoint Xue Chongtian's location."

Immediately, the elite disciples shut their mouths. They stood at the side, waiting silently.

Chu Tiange's expression turned serious, and a light gleamed in his eyes. A sword light pierced through the void, scanning the distance.

“Hmm? I can already sense the aura of blood demons. Many blood-sucking bandits have gathered in the northwest. Xue Chongtian must be there. Let’s go, don’t let the other sects get them first.”

Chu Tiange used his primeval force to sketch a map. A blood-red spot flashed on the map, then exploded.

The others were about to move out, but Chu Tiange raised his hand and said, “Entering the blood demons' main camp is dangerous. Despite you all being in the Yuanfu realm, your safety won't be guaranteed. Act with utmost caution. I won't have the spare energy to watch over you at that time."

“Understood!” The elite disciples hurriedly nodded.

“Alright, let’s go. The main camp has countless blood-sucking bandits. Kill as many as you want for contribution points. If you run into Chen Fan, kill him while you’re at it. I’ll go kill Xue Chongtian.”

A streak of sword light suddenly appeared under Chu Tiange’s feet. Then, it enveloped him and sped straight into the snowy clouds.

......

Meanwhile, Chen Fan’s group of six was resting in a manor.

This manor was already covered in snow but was built luxuriously.

The manor's owner, accompanied by numerous servants, maids, attendants, and soldiers, welcomed Chen Fan and his companions respectfully.

The outside of the manor was a mess. Hundreds of corpses belonging to blood-sucking bandits were strewn all over the ground.

Chen Fan’s party, searching for blood-sucking bandits in the northwestern lands to kill, had encountered a group about to lay siege to this manor. Their swift action thwarted the siege, saving the hundreds within from becoming bloodless, lifeless husks.

The manor's owner was an elderly Qi Grandmaster. Upon learning that Chen Fan's party were inner sect disciples of the Spring Autumn Sect, he extended warm hospitality, offering tea and services.

“Manor owner, have you considered relocating? Blood-sucking bandits are terrorizing the northwest and would turn everyone in this manor into dry corpses sooner or later,” Chen Fan casually asked.

“Move elsewhere? Where would I move to? I have no relatives elsewhere and will have to help settle down such a big group of people.”

The manor owner appeared to be on the verge of crying. “This humble old man possesses significant wealth and a few spiritual herb mountains. I’ll be left with nothing if I leave. I’m willing to offer half my fortune, hoping that you, esteemed experts, will help safeguard this manor."

“We’re disciples of Spring Autumn Sect. Maintaining justice and exterminating those on the path of evil is our responsibility. We won’t accept your fortune,” Mu Chen said.

“Also, we’re here to eradicate all the blood-sucking bandits to prevent them from bringing misfortune to the world. Manor owner, where are the blood-sucking bandits in this area? We’ll eradicate them together and return peace to your home.”

“Thank you, thank you, as expected of disciples of a righteous sect," the manor's inhabitants expressed their gratitude.

A young man, seemingly the son of the manor owner, stepped forward. “Experts, I heard a piece of news. The Loulan Ancient Imperial City that is three thousand miles from here used to be the most prosperous in these northwestern lands, but blood-sucking bandits suddenly appeared and killed countless people in the city. Now, it’s become their base camp. If you can eliminate this base camp, the entire northwest will be free of these bandits."

“Their base camp!”

𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

Mu Chen and the others jumped in fright at the news, the corners of their eyes twitching wildly.

Being mere Qi Grandmasters, venturing to the base camp would be akin to risking their lives. In their estimation, even Chen Fan might not be strong enough for the camp.

They had killed numerous blood-sucking bandits on their journey, so they knew that the leader of this group was someone named Xue Chongtian. He was a genius nurtured by the Blood Demon Cave—a fourth-level Yuanfu realm expert.

Mu Chen said absent-mindedly, “Aside from Loulan Ancient Imperial City, are there other places with blood-sucking bandits?”

The manor owner’s son shook his head and said, “I don’t know about other places.”

Mu Chen and the others felt disappointed.

Chen Fan suddenly said, “Draw me a map to Loulan Ancient Imperial City.”

Mu Chen and the others immediately stared wide-eyed and said, “Chen Fan, you...”

Chen Fan waved his hand and said, “I have my plans.”

On the other hand, the manor owner’s son lit up excitedly and hurriedly said, “Alright, I’ll draw it right away.”