The Unveiling of Hidden Truths

Tang Wei awoke in his quarters, his mind sharp and body refreshed. He had quickly acclimated to the Heaven Snake Group, his new role challenging him in ways that honed his abilities further. The main branch of the Blood Shadow Demon Cult was an intricate web of power, secrets, and deadly competition, and Tang Wei was determined to navigate it successfully.

As he prepared for the day, there was a knock at the door. It was the envoy, his expression serious.

"The Cult Head wishes to see you," the envoy said, his tone leaving no room for questions.

Tang Wei nodded and followed the envoy through the labyrinthine halls of the stronghold. As they approached the Cult Head's chamber, Tang Wei felt a palpable pressure emanating from behind the door, a force that spoke of immense power and authority. Steeling himself, he pushed the door open.

Inside, an old man with a long, flowing beard and sharp, penetrating eyes sat behind a grand desk. The Cult Head's gaze bore into Tang Wei as he entered, the pressure intensifying. The envoy bowed and left the room, leaving Tang Wei alone with the Cult Head.

"Congratulations on passing the tests and joining the Heaven Snake Group," the Cult Head began, his voice a deep rumble that seemed to vibrate through the room. "You've proven yourself to be a formidable warrior."

Tang Wei bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Cult Head."

The Cult Head's eyes narrowed slightly, a glint of curiosity and amusement in them. "Now, won't you introduce that little guy to me?"

Tang Wei feigned ignorance, his expression carefully neutral. "What are you talking about, Cult Head?"

The Cult Head chuckled, a low, menacing sound. "Do not underestimate this old man's eyes, boy."

Realizing that deceit would only worsen the situation, Tang Wei sighed inwardly. He reached into his clothes, and Bai Yan, his Heaven-Killing Viper, slithered out, coiling around his arm.

The Cult Head's eyes widened with genuine surprise and interest. "A Heaven-Killing Viper... I thought they were extinct. Remarkable."

As the Cult Head studied the viper, Tang Wei's eyes roamed the room. His gaze fell upon a picture hanging on the wall, depicting the Cult Head standing close to Tang Wei's grandfather. The realization struck him like a bolt of lightning: if the Cult Head was so close to his grandfather, why had he attacked the Tang Clan?

As if sensing his thoughts, the atmosphere in the room shifted. The Cult Head's expression darkened, and a wave of killing intent surged toward Tang Wei. The pressure was immense, making it hard for Tang Wei to remain standing. Desperate, he called upon his skill, Viper's Eyes, amplifying his own killing intent. Despite his efforts, the Cult Head's aura remained overwhelmingly powerful.

"What are you doing, Cult Head?" Tang Wei managed to say, his voice strained.

In response, Bai Yan lunged at the Cult Head, but with a swift motion, the old man caught the viper effortlessly. "It's a pity," he said, almost sadly, "it's still too young to complete its awakening."

He turned his piercing gaze back to Tang Wei. "So, are you a spy from the Black Poison Demon Cult?"

Tang Wei shook his head vehemently. "No, I am not."

The Cult Head's eyes narrowed. "Your viper's skills are very poisonous. Only the Tang Clan and the Black Poison Demon Cult have the detoxification techniques to handle such poisons. So, I will ask again: are you a spy from the Black Poison Demon Cult?"

Realizing he had no other choice, Tang Wei took a deep breath. "I am a warrior of the Tang Clan. I am its young master and the grandson of the man in that picture. You wiped out our clan and killed my father. I am here to take my revenge on you."

The Cult Head's killing intent dissipated as he leaned back in his chair, a contemplative look on his face. "Sit down, boy. Let's talk this out."

Tang Wei's anger flared. "What is there to talk about? You joined hands with the Iron Fist Clan and attacked us!"

The Cult Head sighed, a deep, weary sound. "Young boy, your brilliance in the attack on the Azure Serpent Sect is undeniable, but your anger clouds your insight. If we were allied with the Iron Fist Clan, why did the Azure Serpent Sect, who are affiliated with them, attack us? The Blood Shadow Demon Cult and the Iron Fist Clan have been enemies for generations. Our second Cult Head killed the son of the Iron Fist Clan's leader, igniting a feud that has lasted to this day."

Tang Wei's mind raced with questions. He remembered the cult's historical enmity with the Iron Fist Clan, the attack, and the peculiar circumstances surrounding it. If the Blood Shadow Demon Cult had no motive, who did?

As the thoughts churned in his mind, the pieces began to fit together. "The Blood Shadow Demon Cult had no reason to attack us. They have wealth and power, and our martial arts would be of no use to them. The Iron Fist Clan wanted our land but would not risk such a gamble without a strong reason. They must have had external support, but from whom?"

He pondered deeply, piecing together the motives and resources required for such a plot. "It had to be someone stronger than the Iron Fist Clan, with the ability to manipulate the situation to look like the Blood Shadow Demon Cult was involved. They would need substantial resources and a clear motive... the Black Poison Demon Cult."

The Cult Head's eyes lit up with interest. "Why do you think so?"

Tang Wei explained, "For generations, the Tang Clan has held the title of Poison Emperor. The Black Poison Demon Cult, as practitioners of poison martial arts, covet that title. They would go to great lengths to obtain it, including orchestrating a plot to wipe out the Tang Clan. They disguised themselves as members of the Blood Shadow Demon Cult and attacked our clan alongside the Iron Fist Clan. This way, they made it look like the Blood Shadow Demon Cult was the attacker, while the Iron Fist Clan appeared to be our saviors. But they miscalculated our strength and lost more resources than anticipated, forcing them to delay their plans."

Tang Wei paused, seeing the Cult Head's interest piqued. "But there's more. By framing the Blood Shadow Demon Cult, the Black Poison Demon Cult aimed to turn the Murim Alliance against you, sparking a war that would weaken both your cult and the Iron Fist Clan. This chaos would give the Black Poison Demon Cult a better chance to place one of their own as the next Heavenly Demon, eliminating a major competitor and gaining immense power. They used this method because the Heavenly Demon forbids fighting within the cults."

The Cult Head leaned back, a slow smile spreading across his face. "You are quite astute, boy. It's clear you have uncovered much. But I suspect you have more thoughts you are not sharing."

Tang Wei remained silent, his eyes reflecting the turmoil within. The Cult Head's smile widened as he thought, My old friend, how did you end up with such a monster for a grandson? He then laughed heartily, the sound filling the room.

"If you wish, I can give you a chance to release some of your anger," the Cult Head offered.

Tang Wei's eyes narrowed. "How?"

"There is an upcoming competition between the demon cults. All major and minor cults will participate. The young master of the Black Poison Demon Cult will be there."

Tang Wei's eyes gleamed with cold determination, his bloodlust palpable. "Can I kill him?"

The Cult Head's smirk was filled with dark amusement. "No, that's against the rules. But the rules do not forbid you from crippling him."

Tang Wei's smile mirrored the Cult Head's, a predatory glint in his eyes. "Then I will make sure he pays."

As Tang Wei left the Cult Head's chamber, his mind was a whirlwind of plans and emotions. He knew the path ahead was fraught with danger, but the opportunity for revenge fueled his resolve. The upcoming competition would be his first step in dismantling the enemies who had wronged his clan and reclaiming the honor of the Tang Clan.