C40 Hatred!

The threat of the Nether Clan's invasion was a constant, heavy burden on Qiao Mao's mind, keeping him on edge at all times. However, the emergence of the Red Moon Secret Realm finally allowed him to breathe a sigh of relief.

"I must go into seclusion as soon as possible and then head to the Red Moon Secret Realm to enhance my strength," Qiao Mao resolved.

After Qiao Mao and Qiao Shen had selected some useful items, the remaining goods were all transported back to the Zhang family. Subsequently, they each began their individual cultivation practices.

The next day, at the crack of dawn, roosters crowed, heralding the start of a day that would see Martial Sun City abuzz with shocking news.

"What did you say? The Qin family has been wiped out? How could that be possible?"

The news of the Qin family's annihilation sent shockwaves through the city. The Qin family had reigned over Martial Sun City for many years, and the idea that they could be obliterated overnight was unfathomable to most.

"I witnessed it myself. How could it be a lie? If you don't believe me, go see for yourself at the Qin family estate. The corpses of their guards are strewn everywhere."

The speaker was visibly shaken, having stumbled upon the gruesome scene at the Qin family's residence. The sight of the bodies piled high had nearly caused him to pass out, and the memory still sent shivers down his spine.

"I also heard that it wasn't just the Qin family members who were killed. Qiao Hou is dead, and all four Martial Dao Great Masters have perished."

The news of Qiao Hou's demise and the Qin family's downfall spread simultaneously, sending a wave of fear throughout Martial Sun City. The citizens were left weak-kneed by the thought of so many formidable figures meeting their end in a single night. As a result, Qiao Mao was dubbed the god of slaughter by the people of Martial Sun City.

Upon receiving the news, Qiao Guang's rage was palpable as he crushed the teacup in his grasp. "This man is insufferably arrogant. I will go to the Zhang family myself and kill that little bastard," he seethed.

He had meticulously planned for half a month and was on the verge of securing the key to the Ancestral Land. Now, his carefully laid plans had been thwarted by someone he had previously dismissed as inconsequential.

Consumed by fury, Qiao Guang's features twisted into a menacing scowl, and the chairs surrounding him shattered to pieces in a mere moment.

"Sir, please give me the order to eliminate this little bastard immediately. If not, I fear I won't be able to quell the hatred burning within me," Qiao Guang implored, turning to address the shadowy figure with reverence.

Qiao Guang was filled with remorse. Had he slain Qiao Mao after Qiao Dou's departure, his scheme would have succeeded.

"I was just one step away from being accepted into the clan."

"Surely Qiao Mao hasn't angered you to such an extent," came a detached voice from the darkness, followed by a middle-aged man emerging into view.

A scar marred the man's face, slashing from his forehead, past his eyes, down to the lower left of his cheek. Stitched with black thread, it lent him a menacing appearance.

"With Qiao Mao responsible for the deaths of so many of our people, can we really afford to let him continue living? Moreover, he possesses the key to the Ancestral Land," Qiao Guang brooded, his sense of injustice festering.

Despite previously underestimating Qiao Mao, the recent events had intensified Qiao Guang's desire to see him dead.

"While the Ancestral Land is significant, it's not our current priority. We have a more pressing matter at hand," the middle-aged man declared.

"Please, instruct me," Qiao Guang said, setting aside his reluctance. He knew better than to defy the man before him. After all, successfully handling this task would please him and secure Qiao Guang's entry into the clan with ease.

For Qiao Guang, the grief of losing his son paled in comparison to his ambitions.

"I've been informed that someone in Black Blood City is aware of the Red Moon Secret Realm's location. It contains a treasure of paramount importance to our clan. We cannot allow it to fall into the wrong hands. Do you comprehend?" the middle-aged man stated icily.

"The Red Moon Secret Realm! Could it be true?" Qiao Guang thought, taken aback.

He was familiar with the tales of the Red Moon Blade Lord and knew of his rise to prominence from Black Blood City, which made the prospect of entering the Red Moon Secret Realm all the more alluring.

Gaining even a fraction of the realm's power could propel him into the Spirit Wheel Stage. With such advancement, his influence within the clan would be significantly amplified.

The middle-aged man nodded, affirming that the information he had received was extremely accurate. "Once this is accomplished, we'll have control over Martial Sun City and Black Blood City. At that point, you'll have the power to kill at will, and the Celestial Yin Nether Arts within the Qiao Family Ancestral Land will be ours for the taking."

"Rest assured, I will spare no effort to assist you," Qiao Guang replied with a hearty laugh, his excitement palpable.

However, the middle-aged man shook his head and stated, "The news of the Red Moon Secret Realm is now known to many factions in South Sun County. They will send their prodigious disciples for training. Therefore, I will take matters into my own hands and eliminate them all."

These talented disciples, though currently unremarkable, posed a significant threat once they matured.

"You will oversee Martial Sun City. If the opportunity arises, make the necessary preparations."

"Understood."

After Zhang Tianbei, Qiao Shen, and Qiao Mao received the Limitless Body Breaking Pill, they promptly began their secluded cultivation.

Despite the Qin family's downfall, Qiao Mao was unaware of any remaining plots by Qiao Guang. Thus, enhancing their strength was of the utmost importance.

Upon entering seclusion, Qiao Mao wasted no time in taking the Limitless Body Breaking Pill. His body's power surged explosively, nearly tearing him apart.

"It truly is worthy of an Ancient Era recipe. Though it's a Grade Nine Pill, its effects are on par with an average Grade Eight Pill," Qiao Mao marveled inwardly.

He immediately engaged the Ten-direction Prison Suppressing Technique to assimilate the pill's potency. This Supreme Cultivation Method, crafted by the Dragon Clan for the Nine-heaven Divine Dragon Tower, was formidable indeed.

With the Ten-direction Prison Suppressing Technique in full swing, Qiao Mao's absorption of the medicinal properties was not only rapid but also achieved a perfect 100% conversion rate. He didn't let a single bit of the Limitless Body Breaking Pill's power go to waste.

"I never imagined I'd break through so swiftly."

Qiao Mao sensed the burgeoning strength within him and was taken aback. It had been less than ten breaths since he ingested the Limitless Body Breaking Pill, yet his body's bottleneck was already loosening. Shortly after, he advanced to Mortality Transcending Level Six Heaven.

At this moment, Qiao Mao still had roughly two-thirds of the medicinal power from the pill coursing through his body, which meant he could fully utilize the remaining effects to achieve another breakthrough.

Once he advanced to Mortality Transcending Level Seven Heaven and reached the status of a Martial Dao Great Master, he would be unmatched throughout Martial Sun City.

And even if Qiao Guang had attained Mortality Transcending Level Nine Heaven, Qiao Mao would find it quite effortless to defeat him.