The guards watched them go in. Although they felt it was a bit irregular, the jailers were escorting prisoners, so there was nothing truly wrong.
Furthermore, whether it was Elder Liu Luo or Liu Yuxin, they were not people the guards could afford to offend.
Now, if these people were to face any blame for entering with the Elder, it would be the Elder’s responsibility, not theirs.
If Liu Luhang argued with Liu Luo, they would have an easier time, not having to get involved in the mess.
As soon as they entered the formation, they sensed a strong smell of blood. The sky was red, almost as if the air itself had turned crimson.
This was with the formation blocking it. Yet, Liu Yuxin had smelled the blood even when she was in the prison. One could imagine how potent the blood scent was here.
This was a valley with high peaks on both sides. The valley floor was not flat, but rocky and uneven.
Ahead, it sloped downwards, the terrain becoming lower and lower.
Wan Lei noticed that in this valley, all the vegetation had withered, with no trace of life.
The group flew forward slowly. The mountain peaks on both sides were lined with many elite guards. Flying too fast would be mistaken for hostility.
Fortunately, Liu Luo’s status as an elder was still effective. Even though he was not well-received within the clan due to the Liu Yuxin incident, he was still an elder, and the guards did not stop them.
Following the valley, after a few turns, a vast open area appeared before them.
That open area was as large as a city. In the center was a massive pit, dozens of miles in circumference.
A formation protected the outside of the pit. Inside the pit lay tens of thousands of corpses.
The corpses emitted a foul odor. All the blood mist was drawn upwards by the formation. On the formation, an old man sat cross-legged; it was Liu Naiweng.
Around the formation were many tall demon race members.
Looking at the layered corpses in the large pit, everyone felt a profound shock. Clearly, this was the cultivation of some evil art.
Liu Luo, his wife, and Liu Yuxin recognized many Liu clan members among the corpses in the pit.
Lu and Zheng, at this moment, regretted immensely why they had followed, why they had seen things they shouldn't have.
Among those present, they were the outsiders. They had a premonition that to keep these secrets, they would hardly escape alive.
"Liu Luo, pays respects to the Ancestor."
Liu Luo bowed with cupped hands to Liu Naiweng.
"What is it?"
Liu Naiweng opened his eyes, his gaze indifferent, his tone icy.
"Liu Luo wishes to ask the Ancestor, what divine ability is being cultivated here?"
"Oh, you ask about this? This divine ability originates from the demon race. Marshal Qiong Ku of the demon race found it in the most treasured tome of the demon race. It was captured when the demon race fought against the immortal realm. It is called the Blood Immortal Realm, capable of condensing the Blood Immortal Domain, using this immortal energy to help me ascend to immortality."
Upon hearing this, Wan Lei's heart skipped a beat.
The purpose of Liu Naiweng killing so many people, the purpose of cultivating evil arts, was actually to ascend to immortality!
But with so much blood mist and demonic energy, where was the immortal energy?
Was a demon immortal also called immortal?
"Then why kill so many of our Liu family disciples?"
"Them? Can they still be considered Liu family disciples? They were already criminals sentenced to death. Now, they are used as cauldrons to contribute their final blood essence to my cultivation, to help me break through and ascend. It can be considered the final contribution these sinners can make to the Liu family.
Moreover, it’s not just Liu family disciples I’m using; there are many condemned prisoners from outside. By doing this, I am also eliminating scourges for the people, accumulating immeasurable merit."
"But... Ancestor, this goes against the natural order. Not all of these people deserved to die, their crimes were not so grave."
"Hmph, how did our Liu family produce such a pedantic elder as you?
If I do not ascend, Wan Lei will eventually come and behead me, destroying our Liu family. By then, will you still have the chance to stand before me and question me about going against the natural order?
If all Liu family members are dead, what use is the natural order?
Conversely, if I ascend, I can destroy that brat Wan Lei with a flip of my hand, and annihilate that damned Thunder Emperor Alliance. By then, our Liu family will be the ruler of the Lei Feng Realm, and your status will naturally rise.
This is a time of crisis. I have merely killed some sinners, what wrong have I done?"
"But... alas, I dare not disobey the Ancestor's command."
Liu Luo sighed, causing Liu Yuxin beside him to become greatly anxious.
You’re just going to compromise like this?!!
"Did you come here just to question me?"
Liu Naiweng's expression remained as calm as still water.
"No, junior came here to beg the Ancestor to spare my daughter's life, considering that I have dedicated my life to the Liu family for hundreds of years."
"Oh? The little girl behind you? What crime did she commit?"
Liu Naiweng looked at Liu Yuxin.
"Uh... betraying the clan."
"Oh?"
Liu Naiweng's gaze finally showed a hint of interest, and he scoffed.
"Betraying the clan is a capital offense punishable by extermination of the entire family. Why is she still alive now? Why... are you still alive?"
"Uh... junior... junior has also made some contributions. The Clan Leader, considering my hard work and contributions, did not hold me accountable..."
"You gave a bribe, didn't you? Enough, don't say anymore. The bloodline power of Liu clan disciples is of great use to me. The crime of betraying the clan is unforgivable. Do not plead further."
"Ancestor, this is my only remaining daughter. My eldest son was killed by Wan Lei on the Myriad Talents Ranking. Now, my family only has this one descendant left. I implore the Ancestor to show mercy and give her a chance to redeem herself.
If... if the Ancestor insists on killing someone, then I am willing to offer my own life to save my daughter's life."
Liu Yuxin, hearing this, was greatly alarmed and was about to speak when Liu Naiweng interrupted her.
Liu Naiweng scoffed after hearing Liu Luo's words.
"Liu Luo, who do you think you are? Can a death row inmate like this be replaced just because you say so?
Moreover, every Mahayana elder is a treasure of the family. Now that war has begun, Tribulation Transcending experts will fight their own battles. Then, the soldiers below will have to rely on you Mahayana elders to lead them.
It can be said that Mahayana elders are the core strength of a force, indispensable. Do you think you can just substitute yourself for death if you wish?"
Upon hearing this, Liu Yuxin's mother stepped forward, tears streaming down her face.
"Ancestor, if my husband cannot be substituted, then let me die in place of my daughter."
"Mother, don't!"
Liu Yuxin screamed, trying to rush forward, but was tightly held by the dutiful jailer Wan Liuchuan.
"You are not of Liu family blood, what use are you to me?"
Liu Naiweng's expression had become somewhat impatient.
"Liu Luo, if I kill you and let your daughter go, I fear your daughter will resent me to the core, perhaps returning and immediately defecting to the Thunder Emperor Hall, right?"