Limitless Ascension: Strength Amid Adversity – Chapter 304

When he appeared, everyone was stunned, their brains seemingly crashing at that moment.

Could that image be…

Gui Jianchou was the first to react, screaming in disbelief, “We greet the Sect Leader! May the Sect Leader be blessed with boundless fortune and power!”

He was beyond excited.

Ku Wuchang wasn’t lying; they were indeed serving this Demonic Path leader.

“We greet the Sect Leader!!!”

The shout was deafening, echoing for miles around.

Countless demonic cultivators were in high spirits, collectively worshiping the figure in red, their eyes filled with an indescribable fervor and devotion.

“Is that the Red Demon…”

In Litang City, many felt like they’d been struck by lightning, their hearts sinking to the bottom, faces full of fear.

They couldn’t believe the Red Demon had really come, riding the divine beast Kunpeng!

From the looks of it, he was probably here to massacre the city!

Seeing the response from the demonic army, Hong Qianye couldn’t help but frown; it was far from what he had anticipated.

After all, these folks were causing chaos under his banner; they should be feeling guilty and afraid upon seeing him in person, yet they looked like eager fans instead?

The only explanation was that these guys had also been played!

Perhaps they truly thought they were part of the Fire Cult, serving its leader.

Little did they know, this was a massive scheme!

Hong Qianye swept his gaze over the battlefield, taking in the brutal scene of the siege, deeply regretting the loss of too many followers willing to serve him.

At the same time, murderous intent surged in him toward the true culprit behind all this; his anger was at an all-time high.

That person actually dared to use his name, rallying the demonic cultivators to seize the city for their own benefit. If he caught them, he’d make sure to torture them to death in the cruelest manner…

“Hmph!”

Thinking this, Hong Qianye’s eyes flickered with cold light, the killing intent radiating from him like a tide.

The once-boiling demonic army fell into silence.

Countless demonic cultivators felt a chill run down their spines, trembling in fear, thinking the Sect Leader was blaming them for not being able to take the city.

Gui Jianchou fought to calm his racing heart, trembling, “Sect Leader, it’s my fault for not performing well, I beg for your forgiveness!”

Hong Qianye glanced at him, the coldness in his gaze lessening with a hint of appreciation.

“Tell me your name in the path.”

“Reporting to the Sect Leader, I am Gui Jianchou!”

“Ah, I’ve certainly heard of you. It’s said you were once a humble shepherd, and while returning to your village, you stumbled upon two groups of righteous cultivators fighting in the sky. Unfortunately, your village was destroyed by the aftermath. You then wandered out and coincidentally began your cultivation journey. Due to your childhood experiences, you chose the Demonic Path, becoming notorious for your ruthless and reckless fighting style, forging your infamous name, Gui Jianchou!”

Hong Qianye spoke slowly.

He had once been a giant in the Central Region’s Demonic Path, so he had some knowledge of the backstories of famous figures in the path.

In reality, most cultivators who chose the Demonic Path were influenced by their childhood experiences. They believed the so-called righteous path was just a facade, ultimately serving their own interests. When the time was right, they wouldn’t hesitate to sacrifice the weak.

In contrast, demonic cultivators acted without restraint, disregarding rules, and were seen as disruptors of the established order in the cultivation world, greatly violating public opinion, hence they were labeled as ‘Demonic Path.’

To sum it up, although one couldn’t clear the Demonic Path’s name, the Righteous Path certainly wasn’t that clean behind the scenes either!

Some insane cultivators took immense pleasure in slaughtering, their methods cruel and twisted; they often killed without reason, doing so for fun, destroying cities and nations as a pastime.

This leaned more toward evil paths, rejected by both the righteous and demonic factions.

“To be remembered by the Sect Leader is my greatest honor!” Gui Jianchou said, his face filled with excitement.

In this era, who entered the Demonic Path without some hidden stories?

No matter how many hardships one endured, it’s the last one standing that is the true winner!

Hong Qianye’s legendary career in the Demonic Path was widely known.

Especially when he faced off against the righteous coalition and carved a bloody path to escape, returning years later and striking fear into the hearts of the Central Region’s righteous forces.

Such legendary acts inspired countless demonic cultivators, earning their deep respect.

He was a benchmark in the industry, a symbol of ambition!

At that moment, the towering, fierce Gui Jianchou was acting like a starstruck fan in front of his idol, ready to march through fire for him.

Observing the other demonic cultivators’ adoring expressions, Hong Qianye couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

These folks were also misled, essentially victims.

Since he wanted to re-establish the Fire Cult, it seemed fitting to take Gui Jianchou and his crew as his first subordinates!

“Gui Jianchou, I officially appoint you as my deputy, in charge of the internal affairs of the Fire Cult!” Hong Qianye said solemnly.

“What?!”

Gui Jianchou almost doubted his ears, his heart racing.

The surprise was simply too sudden!

He had only recently joined the cult and was already promoted to deputy by the Sect Leader!

One person beneath, above thousands!

Seeing this, the other demonic cultivators were shocked, countless envious and jealous gazes converging on Gui Jianchou.

“What? You’re unwilling?” Hong Qianye raised an eyebrow.

“I’m willing! Of course I’m willing!”

Gui Jianchou quickly nodded, his voice shaking with gratitude, eyes brimming with tears.

He had no way to repay this kindness, pledging his life to the Sect Leader.

Suddenly, Gui Jianchou remembered something and cautiously asked, “Sect Leader, if you appoint me as deputy, will Ku Wuchang have any objections?”

“Who is Ku Wuchang?”

Hearing that name, Hong Qianye instantly flashed to Gui Jianchou’s side, staring intensively at him, silently communicating.

Gui Jianchou was so startled he froze, unable to move.

“Huh? Ku Wuchang isn’t your previously appointed deputy?” Gui Jianchou gulped.

“Are you saying someone called Ku Wuchang gathered everyone to attack Litang City?” Hong Qianye’s eyes narrowed, strands of killing intent leaking through.

“Y-yes…” Gui Jianchou nodded with difficulty.

The Sect Leader didn’t know about Ku Wuchang?

Wasn’t that guy the deputy of the Fire Cult?

Suddenly, a ridiculous thought flashed through Gui Jianchou’s mind, his eyes widening in shock.

Could it be…?

No wonder the Sect Leader’s behavior was a bit odd when he appeared.

Turns out they had both been set up by Ku Wuchang.

Gui Jianchou felt conflicted; who wouldn’t be upset about being used? Yet, he was also fortunate to have gained the Sect Leader’s favor, leaving him unsure whether to hate or thank Ku Wuchang…

“Now, take me to that person, immediately.”

“Yes, Sect Leader!”

Just as Hong Qianye turned to leave, a booming voice filled with thunder suddenly came from above Litang City, shocking countless cultivators:

“How bold, Red Demon! You dare invade North Origin State! Today, I, Ding Zhen, shall uphold the heavens and eliminate you!!!”