The flames of the Crimson Moon Sect burned high into the night sky, their embers swirling in the wind like lost souls. The once-proud sect was nothing more than a pile of smoldering ruins, a testament to Shao Xian's unstoppable rise. His forces moved like a well-oiled machine, securing every corner, ensuring no loose ends remained.
The air was thick with the scent of blood and burning wood. Amidst the destruction, Shao Xian stood tall, his golden robes untouched by the carnage around him. His expression remained calm, as if the deaths of thousands were nothing more than a minor inconvenience.
Zhao Feng knelt before him. "My lord, all remaining disciples have been subdued. The storage halls are being cataloged. We found several high-grade spirit artifacts and cultivation manuals."
Shao Xian barely glanced at him. "And the surviving elders?"
Zhao Feng hesitated for a moment. "They have submitted, though I suspect some may still hold resentment."
Shao Xian smirked. "Let them harbor their petty hatred. It will only serve to strengthen their resolve to obey. Those who dare to betray me will be dealt with accordingly."
With a wave of his hand, he signaled for the prisoners to be brought forth. A line of surviving disciples, their hands bound and their cultivation sealed, were forced to kneel before him. They were the lucky ones—those who had chosen surrender over death.
Shao Xian scanned the crowd. His gaze fell upon a young man with fierce eyes, the fire of rebellion still burning within him.
"You," Shao Xian said, stepping closer. "You still think you have a choice, don't you?"
The young man lifted his head, his voice defiant. "Even if you kill me, others will rise against you. You are not invincible!"
Shao Xian chuckled. "Foolish."
Before the young man could react, Shao Xian's palm landed on his chest. A surge of energy entered his body, and he let out a bloodcurdling scream as his meridians were forcefully twisted, his cultivation shattered in an instant. He collapsed to the ground, his body convulsing violently.
Shao Xian turned to the rest. "This is the fate of those who resist."
Silence. No one dared to meet his gaze. Fear had completely taken hold of them.
"Good," he said. "Those who swear loyalty to me will be spared. The rest… will be fed to the beasts."
There was no hesitation. One by one, the survivors bowed their heads, their spirits crushed beyond repair.
Zhao Feng stepped forward. "My lord, what are your orders now?"
Shao Xian gazed into the horizon. His conquest was only beginning. The Crimson Moon Sect was just the first stepping stone. Countless more sects stood in his way, each believing they were untouchable. He would show them the folly of such thoughts.
He turned back to Zhao Feng. "We move at dawn. The Azure Sky Sect is next."
A cruel smile formed on his lips. His path of domination had only begun.