Chapter 896: Chapter 896

The spectators understood clearly by now: Feng Shanxing was determined to seize victory today.

First, members of the Ghost Sect publicly stepped out to support Feng Shanxing. Then, internal disciples predominantly backed him. Observers couldn't help but secretly admire Feng Shanxing's deep cunning.

Feng Shanxing glanced triumphantly at Luv Shanqi, Zhang Shanlian, and Zhao Shanhe beside him. "Fellow members, our Spirit Sect has been without a Sect Master for centuries. Are you truly willing to see us continue without leadership? Today, I stand forward not for personal gain, but for the Spirit Sect!"

"I disagree." Luv Shanqi stood up, his expression becoming severe.

Feng Shanxing scoffed coldly. "Senior Brother Luv, what is it? Do you think I am unworthy? Or do you think you are more qualified than me?"

Luv Shanqi glanced at Feng Shanxing and replied, "The Spirit Sect Technique was left incomplete due to the disappearance of Senior Wen Yizhou centuries ago. The four of us swore an oath: whoever finds Senior Wen and restores our technique would be elected Sect Master. Have you forgotten?"

"After centuries without success, are we going to keep waiting indefinitely? The Spirit Sect has no time to wait for another hundred years," Feng Shanxing argued.

"Fine, even if you say the Spirit Sect must elect a Sect Master now, this is our internal matter. There's no need to involve outsiders," said Luv Shanqi.

Everyone present understood the implication behind Luv Shanqi's words.

The Ghost Sect, hailed as a major Hidden Sect, being roped in by Feng Shanxing carried an undertone of intimidation.

"Oh? Is Elder Luv referring to my Ghost Sect?" Gui Zhen laughed lightly. "The Ghost Sect supports Feng Shanxing as friends, fully and wholeheartedly."

"Gui Zhen, this matter concerns our Spirit Sect. Your Ghost Sect has no place here," Zhang Shanlian suddenly interjected, standing up.

Gui Zhen let out a sinister chuckle. "So, you think to rely on numbers to bully the minority? But if we're talking numbers, I wouldn't fear you!"

Gui Zhen pulled a thumb-sized bamboo tube from his sleeve and raised it high above his head.

A firework shot into the sky and exploded loudly, shaking the ground far and wide.

Frowning deeply, Zhang Shanlian realized this was undoubtedly a signal. What was Gui Zhen planning by setting off this signal?

Suddenly, plumes of black mist surged from all directions.

The previously clear azure sky was quickly shrouded in darkness.

"The Ghost Soldiers Formation?" Voices from the observation platform quickly rose in recognition, faces paling instantly.

The Ghost Soldiers Formation was a signature Unique Skill of the Ghost Sect. While outer Hidden Sects were capable of commanding similar formations, they were leagues behind the Ghost Sect's mastery.

Being trapped within the Ghost Soldiers Formation was a deadly predicament—even a Mysterious Level Warrior would struggle to escape without severe injuries. Its deadliness was evident.

Ghostly shapes filled the sky, eerie cries echoing everywhere. The enormous Martial Arts Field was enveloped almost instantly.

Seeing this, Zhang Shanlian's expression darkened further. Though he had encountered Ghost Soldiers Formations before, he'd never seen one of this magnitude until today.

Extending his telekinesis, Zhang Shanlian suddenly realized with astonishment that the portal connecting to the Mortal Realm had already been opened, and Ghost Sect disciples were flooding in through it.

"Feng Shanxing, you... You opened the portal and let Ghost Sect disciples in!" Zhang Shanlian glared fiercely at Feng Shanxing.

At this point, Feng Shanxing no longer had anything to hide.

"To handle extraordinary circumstances, extraordinary measures must be taken..." Feng Shanxing said flatly. "The Spirit Sect must choose its Sect Master today."

"Feng Shanxing, do you even comprehend what you've done?" Luv Shanqi frowned deeply, clenching his fists tightly.

Feng Shanxing smirked disdainfully. "Of course, I know exactly what I'm doing. I aim to unify the Spirit Sect and end its leadership void."

"Nonsense!" Luv Shanqi growled angrily. "By bringing the Ghost Sect into our mountain gate, you're condemning the Spirit Sect to eternal ruin!"

"The Ghost Sect is my ally; eternal ruin is out of the question," Feng Shanxing replied, a gleam of murder flashing in his eyes. "However, I'll warn you all—if you pledge your loyalty to me today, all will be well. But if you insist on resisting, for the Spirit Sect's future, I won't hesitate to open the slaughter gates."

"You dare!" Luv Shanqi snarled, clenching his fists.

Before Luv Shanqi could finish saying 'dare,' Feng Shanxing struck abruptly. His right palm shot out directly at Luv Shanqi.

Feng Shanxing's cultivation had surged recently; he was now at Fifth Grade Profound Level, whereas Luv Shanqi was merely at Third Grade.

With this disparity in cultivation, coupled with the surprise attack, Luv Shanqi hadn't anticipated Feng Shanxing targeting him.

By the time Luv Shanqi reacted, Feng Shanxing's palm wind was already nearing his chest. In desperation, Luv Shanqi raised his right hand to block.

Luv Shanqi took a solid hit from Feng Shanxing's strike, flying backward...

Only due to his decent cultivation did Luv Shanqi manage to stabilize himself after being propelled more than ten meters. However, the blow had caused significant internal injuries, and he coughed up blood.

"Swear allegiance to me as Sect Master, or face death!" Feng Shanxing declared coldly.

Luv Shanqi slowly steadied himself. His eyes burned with resentment as he glared at Feng Shanxing. "Feng Shanxing, by colluding with the Ghost Sect, you are undoubtedly the Spirit Sect's eternal sinner!"

Boom... And just as Luv Shanqi finished speaking, another person was blasted off the observation platform.

When the figure landed near him, Luv Shanqi saw it was none other than Zhang Shanlian.

"Gui Zhen... You despicable!"

Even speaking seemed difficult for Zhang Shanlian, who had clearly sustained serious wounds.

After Feng Shanxing palm-struck Luv Shanqi away, Zhang Shanlian attempted to leave the platform to check his condition. Gui Zhen had then ambushed him, striking his back forcefully.

"Victory belongs to the strong; there's no debate about what is or isn't despicable," Gui Zhen retorted indifferently.

Feng Shanxing turned to look at Zhao Shanhe, who had been lounging indifferently this whole time. "Junior Brother Zhao, isn't it time you made your stance clear?"

Stretching leisurely, Zhao Shanhe finally opened his eyes. "Ah, what a great nap..."

Feng Shanxing smirked. "Junior Brother Zhao, are you planning to oppose me?"

"How could I? I'm a peaceful person, never one to make enemies," Zhao Shanhe replied affably, smiling broadly.

Gui Zhen moved beside Feng Shanxing, coldly gazing at Zhao Shanhe with murderous intent.

The chilling look made Zhao Shanhe shiver involuntarily. Fresh chapters posted on 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭⚫𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦⚫𝘯𝘦𝘵

"With a remarkable leader like Senior Brother Feng, our Spirit Sect naturally benefits greatly..."

Before Zhao Shanhe could finish his sentence, disaster struck.

Gui Zhen struck without warning, sending Feng Shanxing flying like a kite with a snapped string.

Feng Shanxing landed heavily outside the platform.

"You... You..." Cough...

Feng Shanxing barely managed a few words before coughing up blood.

This sudden turn of events left the audience speechless. Wasn't Gui Zhen supporting Feng Shanxing to become the Spirit Sect's Sect Master? Why had he just ruthlessly attacked Feng Shanxing?

Whoosh... Whoosh... Whoosh... Immediately after Gui Zhen struck Feng Shanxing, four figures appeared behind him, all wearing uniforms with Ghost Sect insignias.

Finally, the observers could piece it together clearly: Gui Zhen's cooperation with Feng Shanxing had been a ploy to open the Spirit Sect's portal to the Mortal Realm.

Now that the portal was open, Feng Shanxing had outlived his usefulness, hence Gui Zhen's betrayal.

"Get off the platform," Gui Zhen pointedly said, not even sparing a glance toward Zhao Shanhe.

Embarrassed, Zhao Shanhe forced a laugh and slipped off the observation platform.

"Gui Zhen... You used me!" Feng Shanxing finally grasped the reality of the situation.

"Hmph," Gui Zhen sneered. "You may have learned the Soul Refining Method from my Ghost Sect and boosted your cultivation, but your internal Yin Yang Qi is in conflict. Your life is already in jeopardy, yet you still dream of becoming the Spirit Sect's Sect Master. Truly laughable."

Upon hearing Gui Zhen's words, Luv Shanqi grew even more furious. "Feng Shanxing, you... You actually learned the Ghost Sect's Soul Refining Method!"

By now, everyone understood. Feng Shanxing's recent surge in cultivation was due to studying the Ghost Sect's Soul Refining Method.

Feng Shanxing, having failed to secure his ambitions and robbed by betrayal, now became the Spirit Sect's eternal sinner.

"Spirit Sect disciples! Hear my command! Even if we die fighting, we must prevent the Ghost Sect from ravaging our homeland!" Zhang Shanlian shouted, forcing himself to stand.

Spirit Sect disciples drew their swords. "Fight to the death!"

Their battle cries shook the earth, their resolve unwavering!

"Gui Zhen, the Spirit Sect united will face you to the death!" Zhang Shanlian pointed his sword directly at Gui Zhen atop the observation platform.

Gui Zhen dismissed them. "With the Ghost Soldiers Formation complete, do you think you stand a chance?"

Gui Zhen raised his right hand, summoning the Soul Summoning Banner.

With a wave of his powerful hand, chilling winds surged...

Suddenly, razor-sharp Wind Blades slashed toward Spirit Sect disciples.

In mere moments, numerous Spirit Sect disciples were cut down on the spot.

Blood flowed like rivers, and corpses littered the ground.

Faced with such carnage, the remaining Spirit Sect disciples faltered, retreating hesitantly toward Zhang Shanlian, Luv Shanqi, and others.

"The Spirit Sect shall perish today!" Gui Zhen declared triumphantly, surveying the Spirit Sect disciples trapped within the Ghost Soldiers Formation.