The stench of blood surged towards the heavens. Within the sealed patch of land and sky, it had become a literal hell on earth.
Shi Cangying, unaware of what trump card he had used, did not die immediately. His lifeblood burned frantically as he clung desperately to his remaining breath, yet the aura of death relentlessly closed in. He could only cry and beg: "Sect Master, I was wrong! Sect Master, spare my life! I will definitely repent!"
Only now did he finally realize he had chosen the wrong side. Had he known the Heavenly Puppets left by their ancestors were so powerful, how could he have harbored any disloyal thoughts? He would likely have been even more zealous than Ye Hen, throwing himself into researching the secret arts to command the puppets.
But what use was thinking about it now? These four great Heavenly Puppets had emerged, barely lifted a finger, merely formed a killing formation, and the invading forces were utterly annihilated. How could he possibly survive alone?
He could only beg Ye Hen, hoping the Sect Master would consider their years of working together and spare his life.
Liu Yan turned to glance at Ye Hen, seeking his opinion.
Ye Hen's expression was calm. He spoke evenly, "The moment you ambushed me and opened the Sect's mountain-guarding grand formation, you ceased to be a member of the Thousand Leaves Sect."
Shi Cangying's face drained of all color. He screamed, "Sect Master! These years, Shi has been utterly loyal to the Sect! Even without great merit, I have labored hard! Sect Master, spare my life!"
Ye Hen shook his head slowly and said to Liu Yan, "Miss, please do it. I do not wish to hear him speak anymore."
If it had only been about conflicting ideologies and constant friction with Shi Cangying, Ye Hen might not have ordered his death. After all, Shi Cangying was ultimately considering the Sect's future and seeking a path forward for it. Even if he had some selfish motives, that was only human nature. There had even been times when Ye Hen himself questioned whether his own stubborn adherence to the path of puppets was correct.
But the one unforgivable thing was that Shi Cangying had actively opened the mountain-guarding formation, allowing the Sect's disciples to be slaughtered.
If Shi Cangying were spared today, how could the thousands of dead disciples rest in peace?
Therefore, Shi Cangying must die!
Upon hearing this, Liu Yan nodded gently. With just a thought, her divine sense commanded the Four Symbols Killing Formation. The supreme killing intent from all four directions crashed simultaneously toward Shi Cangying.
Visibly, Shi Cangying's entire body suddenly swelled like an inflated balloon. It expanded in an instant, then burst apart into a cloud of bloody mist, leaving not even bones behind.
With this, every single warrior who had invaded the Thousand Leaves Sect was dead, none remaining. They had all perished within this valley.
Liu Yan formed hand seals. The four great Heavenly Puppets slowly retracted their killing aura and once again lay prone upon the ground, motionless.
The bloody smell was overwhelmingly thick. The valley fell utterly silent. Ye Hen looked around, and though he felt a measure of relief, his expression remained filled with sorrow.
The Thousand Leaves Sect had suffered considerable losses this time. If not for Yang Kai's appearance at the critical moment to stall for a while, even their foundation might have been destroyed. The only thing that comforted Ye Hen was that Yang Kai had returned safely from the secret realm and had even brought back the secret arts to command the Heavenly Puppets.
"Father..." Ye Jinghan called out softly, supporting her aging father. Seeing him so frail and weary, her eyes reddened.
Ye Hen waved a hand, then turned to cup his fists respectfully toward Yang Kai. "Young Master Yang's great kindness—Ye Hen and the entire Thousand Leaves Sect will never forget it..."
Yang Kai smiled slightly. "Sect Master Ye need not be so polite. I didn't contribute much. Being able to crush the enemy in one go is all thanks to your Sect's Heavenly Puppets."
As he spoke, he glanced toward the Four Symbols Heavenly Puppets, secretly calculating how wonderful it would be to have these puppets by his side. He had witnessed their power firsthand. While destroying Qiu Ze's group might have been overkill, Yang Kai was certain that in the recent battle, the puppets had used less than one percent of their true might.
If the full power of these Heavenly Puppets could be unleashed, who knew what spectacle that would be.
After a pause, he spoke again. "After such a major battle, Sect Master Ye surely has many matters to handle. We won't disturb you further for now. Let's talk properly after Sect Master Ye has finished dealing with the Sect's affairs."
Ye Hen naturally understood what he meant and knew now was not the right time for conversation. He nodded immediately. "Good, good. Jinghan, please take Young Master Yang and our friends to rest. I will attend to some Sect matters briefly and then pay you a visit."
...
Ye Jinghan led Yang Kai and the others back to the main hall of the peak, then turned and left.
The Thousand Leaves Sect had much to attend to now—not only did the grand formation need repairs, but many disciples were injured and required care. Ye Jinghan naturally could not stay here.
Once she was gone, Chi Yue and the others finally turned their gazes to Yang Kai, all wearing questioning looks.
Today's events had unfolded far too abruptly; there were many things they didn't understand.
Yang Kai said, "Let's talk in my room."
A short while later, everyone gathered in Yang Kai's quarters. Only then did Yang Kai smile faintly and introduce Hua Qingsi to the group.
Although he had previously instructed Hua Qingsi to protect Chi Yue and the others, she had not revealed herself to them until Shi Cangying sent men to capture them, at which point she had suddenly intervened and injured the captors.