Since the establishment of the Poison Sect, this faction had gradually become notorious in the Chu Yun Empire as a "mad dog" force.
Wherever the Poison Sect went, the medicinal materials and magical cores in the cities would inevitably be plundered on a large scale.
Initially, such a lucrative target naturally attracted the attention of some powerful factions.
However, strangely, those who dared to act against the Poison Sect were either annihilated or absorbed by the sect.
In just about a year, the Poison Sect had grown into a massive force that controlled nearly one-third of the Chu Yun Empire.
Due to the Poison Sect's frenzied actions and rapid expansion, it not only struck fear into people's hearts but also earned the nickname "Mad Dog."
The Centipede Mansion, a well-known faction in the Chu Yun Empire, was located on a winding mountain peak that resembled a centipede.
The mountain was infested with poisonous creatures, and the sinister aura it exuded was so intense that even fifth-tier magical beasts dared not approach.
The leader, known as Centipede Ya, possessed strength at the peak of the Dou Huang level.
Inside the Centipede Mansion, in a spacious hall, numerous powerful individuals had gathered today, all of whom were at the Dou Huang level.
Sitting at the highest seat was none other than the mansion's leader—Centipede Ya.
The old man wore a light green robe, but what drew the most attention was the pitch-black centipede painted on his face.
Coupled with the wrinkles on his face, the centipede seemed to come alive, wriggling slowly and exuding an overwhelming sense of cold, sinister energy.
"Gentlemen, what brings you all here today?" Centipede Ya asked with a dry laugh.
A thin, middle-aged man sitting to Centipede Ya's left stood up and said, "Old Mansion Leader Ya, you know exactly why we're here. We're all counting on you."
The others nodded in agreement, their eyes filled with anticipation as they looked at Centipede Ya.
Centipede Ya glanced at the four visitors and frowned slightly.
Although he wasn't afraid of the Poison Sect, he was a hidden agent planted by the Ten Thousand Scorpion Sect. A direct confrontation with the Poison Sect would be a costly endeavor, and it wasn't something he could decide on his own.
The thin middle-aged man continued, "Old Mansion Leader Ya, the Poison Sect has been getting more and more outrageous lately. At first, they only dealt with small fry, but now they're targeting major factions like ours, which have Dou Huang-level experts."
"Moreover, the Poison Sect is biting off more than it can chew," said a golden-robed old man sitting across from the middle-aged man. He took out a purple invitation from his storage ring. "They've sent invitations to all four of our major factions. I believe you've received one as well, haven't you?"
Centipede Ya silently produced a purple invitation, which bore a black-and-white flame emblem identical to the one on the golden-robed old man's invitation.
Truth be told, he had been quite surprised when he received the invitation.
While the Poison Sect had grown rapidly in recent years, his Centipede Mansion was guarded by a peak Dou Huang expert. With his mastery of poison techniques, he could even hold his own against a Dou Zong-level expert from outside the empire.
Seeing Centipede Ya produce the invitation, the others also took out their own invitations.
A short old man at the end of the table, with shrewd eyes, stared deeply at the black-and-white flame emblem on the invitation and said gravely, "After receiving this invitation, we either join the Poison Sect or..."
Although the old man didn't finish his sentence, everyone understood. Those who had refused the Poison Sect's invitation had already been wiped out.
"I heard the Poison Spider Sect has been destroyed," the short old man said, shaking his head and sighing heavily.
The hall fell into a commotion. Although everyone present was extraordinary, the mention of the Poison Spider Sect, a name they were all familiar with, was like a bomb going off, leaving everyone stunned.
While they had received some news over the past few days, the destruction of the Poison Spider Sect made them feel that coming to the Centipede Mansion today had been the right decision.
The leaders of the Poison Spider Sect, Tang Tian and his son, were both at the Dou Huang level, stronger than any of them. Yet, even they had been annihilated by the Poison Sect.
A red-robed old man, who had been silent until now, looked up at Centipede Ya and said, "The Poison Sect's arrogance is growing unchecked!"
The other three also looked at Centipede Ya with hope in their eyes. If they could ally with Centipede Ya, they would become one of the top forces in the Chu Yun Empire.
Centipede Ya's eyes flickered with a strange light. The fact that the Poison Sect had destroyed the Poison Spider Sect showed they had some strength. However, even two ordinary Dou Huang experts combined were no match for a peak Dou Huang expert.
He understood the intentions of these people. If he could bring them under the Ten Thousand Scorpion Sect, it would be a great achievement.
Unfortunately, his messenger centipede had not yet returned with a reply. Such a major decision was not his to make.
At that moment, a voice echoed across the sky.
"The Poison Sect's Protector Yan has come to pay a visit!"
The red-robed old man, known for his fiery temper, cursed angrily, "Damn it! We haven't even made a move, and they're already coming to us!"
Centipede Ya's face also darkened with anger. These upstarts had gained a bit of fame and now thought they were invincible!
"Let's go. I want to see what the Poison Sect is capable of!" Centipede Ya slammed his hand on the armrest of his chair, and a pair of Dou Qi wings appeared on his back. He shot out of the hall like a cannonball.
Seeing Centipede Ya's reaction, the four visitors exchanged smiles. Centipede Ya had been hesitant earlier, but the Poison Sect's bold move had just tipped the scales in their favor!
The four quickly followed.
In the sky, the overwhelming aura was so powerful that even the clouds were shattered into countless fragments, scattering across the heavens.
Before Centipede Ya and the four others arrived, an imposing aura enveloped the entire mountain range. The already quiet and sinister mountain fell into complete silence, and the members of the Centipede Mansion turned their horrified gazes toward the source of the aura in the sky.
In the Chu Yun Empire, no faction had ever dared to challenge the Centipede Mansion like this!
"Insignificant fools of the Poison Sect, how dare you invade my Centipede Mansion?"
As the aura enveloped the mountain, a large group of figures suddenly burst out from the mountain peak and hovered in the sky.
At the forefront was Centipede Ya of the Centipede Mansion. His cold laughter, amplified by his Dou Qi, rumbled across the sky like thunder.
Seeing the figures appearing in the sky, the members of the Centipede Mansion erupted in excitement.
As the leader of the Centipede Mansion, Centipede Ya enjoyed unparalleled prestige here.
In the Chu Yun Empire, strength was respected, and Centipede Ya's reputation was built on his power.
The members of the Centipede Mansion hadn't seen their old leader in action for a long time, and they were thrilled.
Centipede Ya narrowed his eyes and scanned the sky. After a moment, his gaze stopped, focusing on a black-robed young man sitting casually on a distant mountain peak.
The young man had a delicate appearance, with deep black eyes that seemed gentle yet profound. On his forehead was a flame mark.
His tall figure was clad in a black robe, exuding a carefree aura. Slung across his back was a massive black ruler, radiating an inexplicable pressure.
(End of Chapter)
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