Chapter 28: Blood Sacrifice

  Looking at the people rushing around in front of Fang's mansion, searching for Fang Ershao, but to no avail, Gan Ping's face turned ugly. "This Fang Ting, I don't know if he's deceiving me, but delaying time won't do him any good either. It seems that Fang Zheng has hidden himself extremely deeply." Thinking of this, Gan Ping raised his eyes and looked towards the city lord's mansion on the side, taking a step inside. "Fang Zheng's father took the initiative to appear in person and apologize, but the city lord has not appeared yet, it seems there should be some connection." Beside him, Fang Ting saw him move and hastily stopped him, saying: "Immortal, please calm down, I'll find that rebellious son immediately and let him apologize to you."

  Gan Ping saw him like this, and his heart was even more suspicious. He said in a cold voice: "Do you want to stop me?" Fang Tong hurriedly dodged to one side and said respectfully: "I dare not..." Fang Tong knew that this person was not easy to talk to. Just now, Ye Shuang Qing had died miserably, and he had seen it clearly.

  The last bit of patience had been worn away, and Gan Ping gazed at the quiet City Master's mansion with a murderous intent in his eyes. "It seems that Fang Zheng is hiding here after all. If we delay any further, Ling'er will be in even greater danger. We can't wait any longer." Thinking this, Gan Ping took out a small, exquisite law spiral from his dark wooden ring. The spiral had tiger skin patterns and was only the size of a palm, but it emitted a faint cry that seemed to come from all directions. Gan Ping put the evil law instrument, the Soul-destroying Spiral, to his lips and began to blow it softly. This Soul-destroying Spiral was one of the few treasures left behind by Xuan Mingzi that didn't require sacrifice or refinement to use. It was made from the shell of a deep-sea monster from the underworld, mixed with the throat bones of twelve ferocious flying birds. When blown by someone with profound law power, it could cause the souls of cultivators below the Nascent Soul stage to become disordered and unable to move, suffering unbearable pain until their souls were reduced to dust.

  This evil Dao tool itself didn't match Gan Ping's cultivation of openness and grandeur, but at this moment he couldn't care about that. Even if its power was greatly reduced, it wasn't something these ordinary people could withstand. As his fingers moved, a thread of true yuan energy flowed through Gan Ping's fingers into the Soul-destroying Spiral, avoiding Ma Ling'er's birth chart. A low hum of the spiral sounded in the sky above the city lord's manor.

  The originally quiet and silent Fang Manor suddenly erupted in a cacophony of wails, as people who had been hiding inside the house stumbled out, falling to the ground, clutching their heads and rolling around in agony, their voices piercing and heart-wrenching. Gan Ping remained unmoved, increasing his efforts instead, but he did not see Fang Zhengyuan or Ma Ling'er among the crowd. As he continued to pour in more True Essence, the originally peaceful Fang Manor was also enveloped by the sonic waves, and soon the servants who were still searching for Fang Zhengyuan also fell to the ground, wailing like those from the City Lord's manor earlier.

  Fang Ting was shaken by the piercing sound, his head throbbing in pain. He gritted his teeth and bowed down to Gan Ping, shouting: "Immortal Master, have mercy! Have mercy!" Gan Ping's expression remained indifferent, thinking that he had already given them too many chances. If it weren't for Fang Ting's clever words earlier, he would have charged in with his sword and perhaps rescued Ling'er by now. Since they had done wrong, they must pay the price. He thought about how Fang Zheng didn't show mercy to Ma Ling'er, and how his own repeated tolerance had led to this result, which only increased the anger in Gan Ping's chest. The force of his blow on the Soul-stirring Conch grew even stronger.

  Fang Teng was already unable to withstand, rolling on the ground and wailing in pain like everyone else. Even with such force, he couldn't drive Fang Zheng out, which made Gan Ping somewhat puzzled. Just as he was getting anxious, a loud shout came from behind his ear, "Evil demon, you're so arrogant, look at my magic treasure." Before the voice had even finished, Gan Ping felt a strong gust of wind coming from behind him. This person was actually so shameless, secretly attacking others while pretending to be a noble gentleman.

  The object that attacked Gan Ping from behind was extremely fast, and before he could even dodge, it heavily smashed onto Gan Ping's back. This blow was extremely severe, and Gan Ping, who had barely endured it, spat out a mouthful of blood and flew out, falling to the ground, his life or death unknown. The newcomer was extremely pleased with himself, having knocked down that arrogant villain with just one move as soon as he arrived. Although this Encircling Mountain Ring was only a 7th-grade artifact, it weighed a full 3,000 catties, and even if a Qi Refining stage cultivator were to forcibly withstand such a blow, they would definitely be severely injured, and their ability to continue fighting would be gone.

  At this point, the newcomer triumphantly twirled his sparse beard and chuckled a few times. Just as he was getting smug, he suddenly froze. Gan Ping, who should have been knocked out cold, slowly got up from the ground, turned around, and took a clear look at the newcomer. The person in front of him wore a pale blue Daoist robe, had his hair tied back in a bun, and was thin and wiry. His beady eyes were narrowed, and his face was contorted in shock.

  He looked at the Taoist with a calm and composed expression, but his mind was racing with thoughts of how to take him down. The Taoist, seeing that he had not been injured by the previous attack, was surprised but quickly regained his composure and said in a nonchalant tone: "Since you were able to withstand my previous attack, it seems that you are no ordinary person. I'll let you off this time, as heaven has shown mercy on you. You may leave now." These words were meant to intimidate Gan Ping, but the Taoist was secretly plotting his next move, preparing to launch another sneak attack with his magic weapon. Just as Gan Ping was about to respond, he felt a strong gust of wind coming from behind him again, and his anger flared up. He thought to himself: "This Taoist appears to be calm and collected on the surface, but is actually so treacherous and despicable, repeatedly trying to harm me in secret. Is there really such an shameless person in this world?"

  He snorted coldly and turned his hand to grab the incoming Mountain Sealing Ring, squeezing it tightly in his palm. Since he had taken precautions, how could he still be secretly calculated by him? He squeezed the ring-shaped treasure that was still jumping non-stop in his palm, and said loudly: "Daozhang has made several attempts to secretly calculate me, this must be explained." The Taoist priest had already sensed that something was wrong, his own treasure being pinched in the boy's hand, with a hint of not being under his control. He quickly pinched the transmission seal with his fingers hidden in his sleeve, and only then did he calm down, saying: "You child, at such a young age, I don't know where you learned this evil method, I'm afraid I have to eliminate this evil spirit." As he spoke, he was righteous and severe, displaying the demeanor of a noble gentleman.

  Gan Ping's face was gloomy and cold, his voice low as he said, "Are you trying to stop me?" As he spoke, a glint of light flashed in his eyes, and for an instant, a murderous intent flickered across his face. The Taoist priest, seeing that Gan Ping did not pursue the matter of the sneak attack, thought him timid and continued to boast shamelessly, "Look at you, so young and yet your cultivation is not bad, I don't know what evil method you used to trap my treasure, but I won't hold it against you. Quickly return my Sealing Mountain Ring and hand over that evil artifact in your hands." As he spoke, the Taoist priest's greedy eyes fixed on the Soul-destroying Conch in Gan Ping's hands, and he continued, "Then serve as a disciple under me for a few years, and you won't come out empty-handed..."

  Gan Ping heard this and was so angry that he laughed, "This Taoist priest is really shameless, thinking of taking advantage of me and getting the better of me. He actually dares to be so presumptuous!" He said, "Since you are a high-ranking Taoist priest from the outside world, please preside over justice for me. If you can satisfy me, I will definitely present these two precious objects to you with both hands." Seeing that he couldn't force Fang Zhengyuan, Gan Ping could only turn his attention to this Taoist priest who was obviously helping the Fang and Ning families.

  "Oh? What grievances do you have, speak up and let me hear, I, Qingyue Dao Ren, am the most upright and will definitely preside over justice for you." Looking at Gan Ping's calm and composed demeanor, Qingyue was also somewhat unsure, the previous words were just to stall for time, since this kid brought it up, let's see what matter caused him to make such a big fuss, if it's serious, can't help but ask Ning Ling Tian for an extra reward later.

  "The young master's fiancée was kidnapped by Fang Zhengyuan, and I saw him enter this Xiao Yue City, so I came to find him. I hope you can lend a hand." At this time, Gan Ping still thought that he could use the But Soul Spiral in his hand to exchange for Ma Ling'er's return. The Qingyue Daoist in front of him must be familiar with both Fang and Ning families. If he could help, it would be even better. As for the grudge, it wouldn't be too late to repay it later.

  "So that's how it is. I'll call out Ning Lingtian and ask him about it." After saying this, the Taoist turned towards the already chaotic City Lord's Manor and shouted loudly: "City Lord Ning, I am Qingyue, I have something to discuss with you, please come out and see me." As he spoke, his words were mixed with a hint of True Yuan power, causing the sound to reverberate and shake the eaves, making dust fall from the roof.

  As soon as the words fell, two people walked out of a house in the distance. One of them was tall and wore magnificent clothes, and judging from his appearance, he must be Ning Lingtian, the lord of the city. The other person was a woman over 40 years old, with pearls, jade, and precious stones on her head, and a radiant aura around her body. When Gan Ping saw these two people, his face turned slightly ugly, it seemed that there must be an underground secret room in the city lord's mansion, otherwise they would not have been able to escape the soul-capturing magic sound of the Soul Devouring Shell.

  The two of them hastily ran to the front of Qingyue Dao, bowed their heads in gratitude, and it seemed that these two still did not know what had happened, thinking that Qingyue Dao had subdued Gan Ping and came to thank him. Qingyue glanced at Gan Ping and said to Ning Lingtian: "Ning City Master, I heard that your nephew Fang Zhengyuan abducted a woman, is this true?" Upon hearing these words, Ning Lingtian, who was in a daze, finally understood why he had suffered such a great calamity. It turned out that it was the young man who had caused the trouble.

  "Quickly return that woman, lest the young brother becomes angry." As he spoke, he raised his chin and pointed at Gan Ping. His own magic tool was in Gan Ping's hand, and although he had sent a message, reinforcements were slow to arrive, making Qingyue somewhat anxious. However, looking at the young man who seemed to be intimidated by his demeanor, he decided to let Ning Lingtian return the woman first. Once he retrieved his treasure and reinforcements arrived, he would make sure to teach this young man a lesson.

  Ning Ling Tian heard this and didn't dare to say more. Although he was a local tyrant in this area, among these cultivators, he was like an ant. The example before him was Gan Ping. He hastily ran to the back, seemingly going to find Fang Zhengyuan. It seemed that his guess was correct, and Fang Zhengyuan was indeed hiding there. The woman who stayed behind secretly measured Gan Ping, but he didn't pay attention to it.

  In a short while, Ning Ling Tian rushed over with an ugly expression, which made Gan Ping's heart tighten. "Could it be that something has happened to Ling'er after such a long delay?" Thinking of this, he could no longer hold back, and his body jumped up, blocking Ning Ling Tian who was running towards Qingyue. He grabbed Ning's collar and shouted loudly: "What's happening to Ling'er? Tell me quickly, or I'll tear you apart!" His expression was ferocious, and he had been holding back this time, thinking that as long as he could find Ling'er and punish Fang Zhengfan, it would be enough. However, the repeated delays made him furious, and if something had happened to Ling'er, he would make everyone in the city pay for it.

  On the other side, Gan Ping had already lifted Ning Lingtian high up, one hand on his arm. The woman next to them saw this and let out a loud shriek. Ning Lingtian was suspended in mid-air, feeling his arm being torn by an enormous force, and didn't dare to say another word. In a panic, he hastily said: "Dead... dead..."

  Gan Ping's eyes turned black and he almost fainted when he heard the news. It had only been a short while, but Ling'er had already encountered such a huge incident. This made Gan Ping's eyes widen in shock as he loudly asked: "How did she die? Where is she?" Ning Ling Tian stuttered and replied: "In...in the secret room behind...she took her own life...it has nothing to do with us..." The last sentence was already laced with a sob.

  "What does it have to do with you? If it wasn't for that Fang Zhengyuan, how would Ling'er be here? How can I not avenge her death?" Gan Pingyue's anger grew as he spoke, and with a loud shout, he used both hands to tear Ning Lingtian into shreds. A bloody mist filled the air, splashing Gan Pingyue all over, making him look like a blood-soaked person.

  The woman's shrill voice was suddenly cut off like a chicken with its neck wrung, and she stood there stupidly, frightened out of her wits. Gan Ping, in a rage, tore Ning Ling Tian apart without even noticing Qing Yue's ashen face beside him, and then shot off in the direction Ning Ling Tian had come from, determined to see Ling'er for himself before he would believe what Ning Ling Tian had said.

  He entered the house, and behind a painting, he found a half-opened secret door. Gan Ping quickly went inside and saw a fiery red figure lying on the ground. He rushed over to lift it up, and it was that familiar face with a flower-like complexion. However, there was a hairpin stuck in her chest, which was the same one he had bought for Ling'er at Majiacun. It seemed that Ling'er could no longer bear the humiliation and had used this hairpin to take her own life.

  He clutched the bell in his arms, and Gan Ping burst into tears, filled with regret. Why did he have to show mercy like a woman? What did other people's lives and deaths have to do with him? If only he had been more ruthless, he would have rescued Ling'er long ago. Thinking of this, Gan Ping felt a wave of sorrow in his heart, tears streaming down his face, and he let out a mournful howl towards the sky, "Fang Zhengyuan, I'll make sure your whole family is destroyed! You'll pay with your life for what happened to Ling'er!" His voice was like that of a lone wolf crying out in anguish, hoarse and piercing, revealing his murderous intent.

  He tightly hugged Malinger's icy body, and in Gan Ping's heart, waves of regret and self-blame arose. "If only I had refined the flight artifact, if only I had killed Fang Zhengyuan on the spot that day, if only I had directly entered this mansion just now...". Alas, none of those 'if onlys' existed. Gan Ping's heart was like a knife being twisted, his eyes were bloodshot, and he was clearly at the edge of collapse. Suddenly, a glimmer of light flashed in his mind as he recalled the various secret methods of Wangxia Mountain. He immediately stopped crying and began searching within the dark ring.

  After searching for a long time, he suddenly burst into tears of joy and laughed out loud. There were still Rou Dan, Si Pin Ling Dan, which could cure physical collapse, and ordinary people could also use them. Xuan Mingzi was evil all his life, but the elixir left behind after his death could save Ling'er's life, which also reduced some of his sins. Gan Ping quickly pulled out the hairpin from Ma Ling'er's chest, pinched the Rou Dan into pieces, and sprinkled it finely on the wound. If Ling'er were not an ordinary person who couldn't withstand the huge medicinal power, Gan Ping would have crushed all the remaining dozen or so Ling Dan.

  These four elixirs are already extremely rare top-grade spiritual elixirs, and their effects are not ordinary. The wound on Ling'er's chest healed at a visible rate, gradually revealing the white skin inside, without even leaving a scar. Gan Ping looked at the faintly exposed delicate skin, his face involuntarily flushing slightly, but he couldn't care about that now. Seeing that Malin's wounds had healed, but she still showed no signs of waking up, Gan Ping became anxious and stretched out his hand to input a strand of true yuan energy into Ling'er's body. This spiritual elixir was indeed effective, and Ling'er's body no longer had any injuries, only unable to wake up for a long time. Gan Ping's thoughts turned rapidly, and he understood the reason behind it.

  It seems that it's all over for herself, Ling'er's soul is no longer in her body, and it must have been drawn away by the Ten Paths of Youming. Thinking of the secret method on Wangyue Mountain, Gan Ping's hand seals moved swiftly, although he hadn't practiced it before, but thanks to his experience with Xuan Mingzi, he easily summoned the soul-calling technique. However, there was still no response, which made Gan Ping anxious, and with a determined heart, he carefully placed Ling'er's body into the Wuqi Ring and walked out with large strides, his face calm and unruffled, but in his heart, he had already made up his mind that since the Ning family had produced such a ruthless and cruel person, they would have to pay the price.

  At this moment, Ling'er's soul cannot return, and I'm afraid something has happened to her. In that case, it's only fitting to use the lives of nearly a thousand people in this mansion to bring her back. After experiencing what happened to Ling'er, Gan Ping has undergone a huge transformation. Since no one can match up to himself and Ling'er, why should he spare their lives? "After going out, I will set up the Seven-Star Locking Soul Array, using the lives of over a thousand people in this mansion as a blood sacrifice to summon back Ling'er's soul. If Qingyue that Daoist makes a fuss, don't blame me for being ruthless." Thinking of this, Gan Ping has already made up his mind to let the lives of over a thousand people be buried with Ling'er, even if heavenly punishment befalls him, he will not regret it. However, he did not notice that the residual thoughts of Huo Long and Xuan Mingzi, which he had suppressed, were slowly influencing him, making him more and more indifferent to the lives of others.