C328 The Hellbreed Ranking

The stars gradually faded, and the night receded into the early morning light.

A Nimbuswing sailed through the sky at a remarkable speed.

The venerable general of the Silvermoon Empire constantly directed its course, signaling the Nimbuswing to adjust its trajectory.

His guidance was informed by a message from Bai Shang.

Aboard the Nimbuswing were Lee Yuchan, Yuan Lianyao, Zhan Tianxiang, Zhao Yafu, Su Yan, Su Xiangtian, Yan Yu, and even Wei Feng from the Sunblessed Empire.

Yang Yinquan of the Abyssal Dawn had also been invited and joined them on the Nimbuswing.

However, Qin Yun of the Midnightshields and Ning Ji, who considered himself an old servant, were notably absent.

Originally designed to transport personnel, the Nimbuswing was now exceptionally crowded due to the sheer number of passengers.

This was in part because Van Yan and other elite members of the Empire's noble families were also on board.

None of these individuals had chosen to disembark after the Nimbuswing docked in Asvetaesi.

The secret of the Mystic Gate within the Forgotten Ruins was out in the open.

Shen Feiqing had emerged from the center of the lake, striking down Jiang Moyan for all to see, and her pursuit of Zou Jin had caused quite a stir.

The island that had once been nestled in the lake had taken flight in a grand display, signaling many things to come.

In light of these events, the intrigued crowd was emboldened to confront potential dangers.

Moreover, their strength in numbers was not to be underestimated.

Passengers on the Nimbuswing occasionally glanced downward, where those with keen vision could make out the Blackfang Legion's soldiers still engaged in battle, along with the hidden cultivators of Winter's Bite and Thunder Sect.

After the departure of the space rifts, numerous bodies would remain forever entombed in the earth and underbrush.

It was unimaginable that this long-neglected and desolate land, once of little interest, had claimed so many lives due to the legends of the Mysterious Realm.

The seventh-level Silverfrost Dragon, the Dragon Attendants from Dragon Lake, two Spirit Walk cultivators, and numerous Lunar Spirits and Subtlety practitioners had all fallen to Shen Feiqing, the Blackfang Legion, and the space rifts.

This further confirmed that something extraordinary lay within the heart of the Forgotten Ruins.

"Old General, are we heading toward the Mysterious Realm?"

Su Yan's lovely face sparkled with excitement. "Yu, is that floating island in the same location as where we're going?"

This was the question on many minds.

Lee Yuangui paused, communicating with Bai Shang through a silent message, before turning back to look at the others.

Yang Yinquan of the Abyssal Dawn gave him a slight smile and said, "You don't need to keep secrets from me."

"There's something I need to share with all of you," Lee Yuangui addressed the expectant crowd, focusing particularly on Su Yan and her peers. "If you're still harboring fantasies that the mighty cultivators from the seven great sects will be flocking to our aid, I must tell you, there's little hope of that happening anytime soon."

At this revelation, Yang Yinquan's smile faded. "But what about the teleportation circle constructed by the Ethereal Void Sect? Has there been an incident?"

"Mr. Yang, you're a man of insight," Lee Yuangui acknowledged with a nod. "That teleportation circle, painstakingly crafted by the Ethereal Void Sect, was destroyed by the state preceptor of the Crimson Sun Empire. The man who had been seen in the Moonfall Sanctuary, closely associated with Yu Yuan, altered the spatial pathways of the rune circle."

Yang Yinquan's expression grew grave. "Zhou Cangmin wouldn't dare, would he?"

"Did Mr. Yang really believe that the Crimson Sun Empire's state preceptor would join the Sunlit Order as an elder, with the cultivation level of a Solar Spirit?" Lee Yuangui queried.

Yang Yinquan furrowed his brow. "What are you implying?"

"The state preceptor of the Crimson Sun Empire is likely a concealed Hellbreed from the Ruby Hand, and not just any Hellbreed—he's the highest ranked," Lee Yuangui revealed the secret.

The news sent shockwaves through the crowd.

Zhou Cangmin, the esteemed state preceptor of the Crimson Sun Empire, long coveted by the Sunlit Order, was actually from the Ruby Hand and was the highest ranked Hellbreed?

In organizations like the Ruby Hand and the Devil Palace, there were multiple Hellbreeds, each with their own ranking.

The highest ranked Hellbreed was the most esteemed, with the greatest achievements, and the most likely candidate to become the Sect Master.

Within the confines of the Nimbuswing, Yuan Lianyao's ties to the Ruby Hand had grown stronger due to Yuan Qiufang's favor with Faang Yao. Her alluring face, now marred by grime, bore a cold gaze as she looked upon Lee Yuangui.

She couldn't fathom why Lee Yuangui would disclose the state preceptor's true identity.

Before Lee Yuangui's revelation, the true nature of the highest-ranking Hellbreed was known to but a few.

The state preceptor had ceased to conceal his identity, no longer fearing that the Crimson Sun Empire and the Sunlit Order would uncover the truth. Yet, maintaining the secrecy could have afforded him considerable leverage in his future endeavors.

With the cat out of the bag, thanks to Lee Yuangui, the landscape had shifted. The state preceptor would now face numerous complications.

Zhou Cangmin had confided that the Silvermoon Empire and the Ruby Hand had already formed a clandestine alliance, and the Empress herself had entrusted her with a significant mission, signaling her approval.

Lee Yuangui was clearly aligned with the Lee family, and the emperor of the Silvermoon Empire was none other than the patriarch of the Lee family.

In such a delicate moment between the empire and the Ruby Hand, why would this veteran general expose the state preceptor's origins to the Abyssal Dawn?

Once the Abyssal Dawn was aware, the state preceptor's identity would become common knowledge.

Engrossed in his rigorous cultivation of the Solar Spirit's true form, the state preceptor might now find himself in the crosshairs of the Sunlit Order, potentially ensnared by the machinations of the Sunfire Emperor.

A whirlwind of doubts swirled in Yuan Lianyao's mind, casting suspicion on Lee Yuangui, the entire Lee family, and the empire itself.

She also harbored concerns about Lee Yuangui's orchestration of the Nimbuswing's voyage, which had left many aboard, including Qin Yun. Why had Ning Ji been omitted from the journey?

Wei Feng from the Sunblessed Empire was among the passengers.

"Zhou Cangmin, a member of the Ruby Hand!"

"And not just any member, but the highest-ranking Hellbreed! He could potentially lead the Ruby Hand in the future!"

"It's astonishing that the state preceptor, who has been propelling the Crimson Sun Empire forward, hails from the Ruby Hand and is even favored by the Sunlit Order for further cultivation."

"What a revelation!"

The passengers aboard the ship were abuzz with fervent discussion.

Yang Yinquan, upon learning the truth, suddenly became silent and sat motionless on the ground, lost in thought.

...

"Many are hastening here, utilizing the Nimbuswing of the Silvermoon Empire. Their precision is remarkable, likely due to the information disclosed by Bai Shang," Liu Ying observed, noting the Fallen Star Eyes and the fading night. A sliver of sunlight was now piercing through the dawn. "Another night has passed."

"The Silvermoon Empire?" The High Oracle scoffed dismissively, "No need to give it much thought."

"I've overheard something. The identity of the leading Hellbreed from the Ruby Hand has been revealed," Liu Ying mentioned.

She was no longer as taken aback by events as she once was.

Xu Zixi, who was supposed to be safeguarding Wei Wujiang and her companions aboard the Golden Ship, was now plotting with Zhou Cangmin and Shen Feiqing in the Mysterious Realm.

The once obscure Yu Yuan, bearer of an ancient sword's will, had earned the trust and stood shoulder to shoulder with these titans, thanks to Yan Qiling's endorsement.

That Zhou Cangmin was a Hellbreed of the Ruby Hand made his behavior less surprising.

"I appreciate your concern."

With a soft smile, Zhou Cangmin said, "Considering what you've said, I've decided to spare your life."

Could he, the Sunfire Emperor and brother-in-arms to the Ruby Hand, truly be unaware of his Hellbreed status?

Besides, he never planned to skulk in the shadows. He was ready to openly traverse this world as a dark adept, without fear.

Suddenly, a hush fell over the group.

At that moment, Yu Yuan, having descended into the pit, now stood before the towering platinum skull of the Shura from the Dark Realm.

The skull, already massive from a distance, dwarfed Yu Yuan in stature.

Yu Yuan, standing before it, couldn't even reach the sheath with his hands.

Looking up at the sword sheath atop the Dark Realm Shura's skull, his eyes drifted to the brown eyeball, large as a fist.

After a brief contemplation, he didn't rush to draw the sheath. Instead, he extended a hand and suddenly pointed at the brown eyeball.

"What are you doing?!"

Shen Feiqing, the female commander, her expression shifting dramatically, shouted to halt his actions.

"..."