We Are Not Cultivators of Evil

Low-level evil cultivators are ultimately just executors, not masterminds.

Li Xingtian's words were only meant for those evil cultivators, after all—his position as sect leader was merely temporary. So now, they still had to formulate the future development plan for the [New—Evil Spirit Sect].

After all, progress couldn’t be built on slogans alone.

Inside a cramped, stifling room within the mountain cliffs, the stale stench of blood lingered in the air.

Li Xingtian’s gaze fell upon the chair at the head of the room, crafted from what appeared to be human bones. The main body might have been pieced together from other materials, but the armrests were unmistakably made from skulls.

Yu Jing and Wen Zuo stood naturally on either side, leaving the central seat for Li Xingtian.

After a brief glance, Li Xingtian chose to sit at the very end of the lower seats instead.

He wasn’t a real evil cultivator, nor did he have a taste for bone furniture. Later, he’d have someone bury all these remains and burn some spirit money as compensation.

Yu Jing and Wen Zuo exchanged a glance when they saw Li Xingtian take the lower seat but said nothing. Instead, they remained standing where they were.

Both had just witnessed the demeanor of this newly appointed sect leader.

They hadn’t expected the higher-ups to go all out this time—actually recruiting a top-tier evil cultivator to take the role.

Indeed, rather than faking it, bringing in the real deal made their cover flawless.

Though, if possible, they’d prefer if his methods didn’t involve blood rituals and village massacres like a true evil cultivator.

Wen Zuo was the first to speak, cupping his hands respectfully. "Sect Leader, for our sect to establish its name and expand, gathering forces and instilling fear are necessary steps. However, we must still exercise restraint in our actions, as we ultimately answer to those above us."

Li Xingtian frowned slightly, displeased by the suggestion.

"Restraint is not a word to be used with evil cultivators."

Wen Zuo’s heart chilled. He understood—this statement set the tone for what was to come.

A storm of bloodshed was likely on the horizon.

What was truly terrifying was that these actions would likely be tacitly approved by their superiors. When evil cultivators had no restraints… the result would be hell on earth.

Especially with this sect leader’s recently displayed prowess—he could paint an even more horrifying picture.

Wen Zuo glanced subtly at Yu Jing, hoping he might try to steer things differently. But all he saw was Yu Jing’s usual gentle smile stiffening slightly.

After a moment of thought, Yu Jing carefully chose his words.

"The Sect Leader’s words hold wisdom. Evil cultivators must act like evil cultivators to avoid suspicion. However, those above us still care for appearances. If we go too far, reprimands will be inevitable."

Li Xingtian looked puzzled. "Reprimands? We’re carrying out our duties faithfully—what is there to reprimand? Moreover, what we do is only natural! I’ll say it again—restraint doesn’t apply to evil cultivators. If there are objections, I’ll take them up with my master myself. This isn’t your concern."

Only natural? More like an affront to heaven!

Though inwardly scoffing, Yu Jing quickly nodded. "Since the Sect Leader has a clear vision, we will naturally follow your orders. Our role is merely to assist."

With that, his gaze lifted slightly toward Wen Zuo.

He had said his piece.

Besides, the master who trained such a formidable evil cultivator was likely no saint either.

The true intentions of their superiors were beyond their understanding. Whether willing or not, they were already in too deep to turn back.

Recognizing the unspoken message in Yu Jing’s look, Wen Zuo fell silent briefly before retrieving a map from his spatial ring and unfurling it.

He pointed to a forested area. "This is our current base. To the right lies a village, and further in, a larger town. We can recruit sect members from here—"

"Are there evil cultivators hiding there?" Li Xingtian interrupted.

Wen Zuo blinked. "According to our intelligence, no… Does the Sect Leader have other information?"

Li Xingtian’s frown deepened. "If there are no evil cultivators, why recruit from civilians? Do you want ordinary folk to become evil cultivators?"

Wen Zuo was momentarily lost. Was this top-tier evil cultivator not planning to recruit at all? Did he intend to slaughter entire villages to dye his blood aura darker?

Reading the hesitation in Wen Zuo’s expression, Li Xingtian instantly understood their thoughts.

"We’re here on a mission! Not to actually become evil cultivators!" He stood, his tone stern.

"If we want to make a name for ourselves, we target evil cultivators! News spreads faster and clearer in their circles. If we need recruits, we subdue evil cultivators and take those willing to submit!"

"I’m talking about crushing those evil cultivators—making them understand that this path leads only to death! At the same time, we reduce the risk of common folk being attacked by them!"

"Not committing evil deeds ourselves, sacrificing innocent lives to fulfill our mission. That’s something I won’t do."

"Remember this—we are not evil cultivators!"

Yu Jing’s eyes widened at Li Xingtian’s dead-serious expression, struck by the absurdity of the situation.

Wen Zuo didn’t dare reply. A peak-level blood aura evil cultivator claiming he wasn’t one, while vowing to protect mortals…

Ignoring their silence, Li Xingtian pressed on.

"Are there any notorious evil cultivator groups nearby?"

Wen Zuo snapped back to attention. "Yes… There’s one operating in the vicinity."

"Do we have intel? What’s the highest cultivation level among them?"

"Currently, two at the Golden Core stage. Worst case, there might be a Nascent Soul cultivator as well."

"That’s our target!" Li Xingtian’s gaze swept over them. "Gather our forces. Tomorrow, I’ll lead the assault myself. I’ll try to spare some during the purge."

"You two handle recruitment. Anyone who refuses—don’t waste time trying to ‘enlighten’ them. Dispose of them on the spot!"

"And when managing those evil cultivators—show no mercy!"

"One more thing—minimize collateral damage. Ensure none of our subordinate evil cultivators harm innocent civilians."

"Violators will be executed immediately!"

Wen Zuo and Yu Jing exchanged another glance, this time responding swiftly and in unison:

"Yes, Sect Leader!"

The next day.

Wen Zuo and Yu Jing stood high above, their forces of evil cultivators spread out to intercept fleeing enemies.

Their eyes were fixed on the valley below, where a towering blood aura surged, its crimson power shifting mountains and seas with terrifying force.

Wen Zuo suddenly spoke.

"The Sect Leader’s words yesterday match his actions today. Yu Jing… what do you make of him? Do you think he’s really not an evil cultivator?"

Yu Jing sighed.

"Just because his spiritual energy is a bit red… doesn’t necessarily mean he is one."

Yu Jing's words were abruptly cut short as a ghastly greatsword, wreathed in endless bloodlust, cleaved straight into the valley.

A terrifying, destructive aura of carnage surged violently in all directions. Plants touched by its baleful energy withered instantly, their vitality drained, leaving behind only desiccated husks of trees and grass.

Wen Zuo's vacant gaze drifted over once more.

After a long silence, Yu Jing spoke again, "Perhaps... the Sect Leader of the Evil Spirit Sect simply thought this sword looked cooler..."

If you can't find the book by title, try searching the author—it might have been renamed!