The Valley of Shadows, The King-Sealing Conference

Blackwater Pool

This place was the headquarters of the Bloodthirsty Alliance.

The leader of the Bloodthirsty Alliance, Hong Yuan, gazed at his subordinates below, his expression unreadable. However, his crimson eyes radiated an eerie terror.

"What are the stances of the Blood Demon Sect, the Ghost Shadow Sect, and the Unreturned City?" Hong Yuan asked in a deep voice.

"Reporting to the Alliance Leader, the Blood Demon Sect and the Ghost Shadow Sect are both very interested in this King-Selection Conference."

"They seem determined to dominate and claim kingship over the Chaotic Region."

"But as for the Unreturned City..."

"What about the Unreturned City?"

"Reporting to the Alliance Leader, our men failed to meet with the city lord of Unreturned City. The Asura remains as elusive as ever."

"They gave no answer as to whether they would participate."

Upon hearing this, Hong Yuan's face darkened with anger. No answer? Did they look down on the Bloodthirsty Alliance?

"Hmph, I believe the city lord of Unreturned City must have sustained severe injuries in that battle years ago. Otherwise, the city wouldn’t have remained so docile all these years."

"His time is likely running out."

"Without him, Unreturned City lacks the strength to cause any real disturbance."

"Whether they come or not makes little difference."

"Our true adversaries are the Blood Demon Sect and the Ghost Shadow Sect."

"Yes, Alliance Leader."

Everyone present was shrewd. They all understood the true purpose of this King-Selection Conference.

On the surface, it was a gathering to elect a single faction as the ruler of the Chaotic Region, one that would command respect henceforth.

But how would this selection take place? Naturally, through a contest of strength—one that would inevitably turn bloody.

To ensure fairness and encourage broader participation, the Bloodthirsty Alliance did not choose Blackwater Pool as the venue.

Instead, they selected the very heart of the Chaotic Region—

The Nether Valley!

Ten days later, the Bloodthirsty Alliance, the Blood Demon Sect, and the Ghost Shadow Sect gathered in the Nether Valley.

These three major factions deployed their finest forces, each eager to emerge victorious and dominate the Chaotic Region.

"It’s been years, yet you all still cling to life?"

"Hahahaha!"

Hong Yuan spoke first, his tone dripping with unmistakable mockery.

The Blood Demon Sect’s leader shot him a disdainful glance but remained silent. However, the Ghost Shadow Sect’s leader, never one to back down, retorted sharply.

"If you’re still alive, why shouldn’t we be?"

"Among us, you’re the one most likely to die first!"

"That Blackwater Pool of yours—who could even live in such a place?"

"Disgusting! Absolutely disgusting!" The Ghost Shadow Sect’s leader pinched his nose, his face twisted in disgust.

"Hmph, sharp tongue. Let’s see if your skills match your mouth." Hong Yuan snorted, ignoring them both.

After a moment, the Blood Demon Sect’s leader finally spoke up. "What are we waiting for?"

"The Unreturned City hasn’t arrived yet."

"Unreturned City?"

"Hmph, I nearly forgot such a faction even existed in the Chaotic Region."

"But do they even dare to show up? And even if they do, what difference would it make?"

"Let’s just begin. Their presence or absence changes nothing." The Blood Demon Sect’s leader clearly held Unreturned City in contempt.

Hong Yuan pondered for a moment. There was indeed no need to wait further—perhaps Unreturned City had no intention of coming at all.

"Very well. Then this King-Selection Conference shall be decided among our three factions."

"My proposal is simple: the victor becomes king, the loser a mere outlaw."

"What say you?" Hong Yuan asked with a cold smirk.

"Hahaha! Of course! Did you expect us to crown the weakest among us as the Chaos King?"

"Just lay out the rules. Do the three of us fight, or do we all charge in and battle to the death?"

Those who thrived in the Chaotic Region were no strangers to bloodshed—life and death were everyday affairs.

A battle to the death?

No, no.

That wasn’t Hong Yuan’s plan. His goal was singular: to kill the leaders of the Blood Demon Sect and the Ghost Shadow Sect.

As for the rest, they could be recruited. To dominate the Chaotic Region, he needed more manpower.

But the loyalists? Hong Yuan had no intention of sparing them.

"Originally, I considered having our subordinates battle first, followed by us three to determine the victor."

"But upon reflection, what purpose would their struggle serve?"

"In the end, it all comes down to which of us three is strongest."

"So, let’s settle this directly. The winner becomes king."

"Whoever triumphs shall rule the Chaotic Region henceforth." Hong Yuan’s smirk widened.

"Then what are we waiting for? Who makes the first move?" the Blood Demon Sect’s leader asked coldly.

"You two—come at me together."

"I alone am enough to handle you both." Hong Yuan laughed heartily.

What?

Together?

The Blood Demon Sect’s leader and the Ghost Shadow Sect’s leader exchanged glances, their expressions darkening. Hong Yuan’s arrogance knew no bounds.

All three were at the ninth level of the Supreme Realm, and they had crossed paths before. Each knew the others’ strength well—so why was Hong Yuan so confident?

Had he… broken through?

Impossible. There was no way Hong Yuan had reached the Immortal Realm!

The two exchanged wary looks, but Hong Yuan’s demeanor radiated unshakable confidence.

"Hong Yuan, you’re overestimating yourself. Have you truly stepped into the Immortal Realm?" the Blood Demon Sect’s leader probed.

"Hmph, the Immortal Realm? If he had, would he even need this King-Selection Conference?" the Ghost Shadow Sect’s leader chimed in.

Both sought to gauge Hong Yuan’s reaction. If he had indeed broken through, the outcome was decided, and they’d need a new strategy.

"Hahahaha!"

"Are you two afraid?"

"Let me make this clear—whether my cultivation has advanced or not, you are no longer my equals."

Hong Yuan’s booming laughter sent a chill down their spines.

Knowing him, he must have acquired some hidden advantage—otherwise, he wouldn’t dare act so boldly.

Just as the two hesitated, Chen Chang'an’s group arrived late to the scene.

For this trip, Chen Chang'an had brought only the twin sisters, Murong, and Da Huang.

When the trio and the dog appeared in the Nether Valley, they immediately drew attention.

"Huh? Who are these people? Do they have a death wish, coming here?"

"Those two—they’re twins? Stunning."

"Heh heh, interesting. I like them!"

"If they’ve wandered here, they can’t blame us for what happens next. But why is that guy carrying a dog?"

"Hahaha! Maybe he’s worried we’ll go hungry and brought us a meal? It’s been ages since I’ve had dog meat!"

The discussions of the crowd also reached the ears of Hong Yuan and the other two. They were equally surprised—how could someone else have come here?

"It seems we aren’t too late, are we?"

"Oh, I almost forgot to introduce myself. I am—"

Before Chen Chang'an could finish his words, a figure suddenly rushed right up to him.

"You… You must be Chen Chang'an?"