The Extermination Plan, The Sect’s Turmoil

The assassin from the Shadow Pavilion, Shadow Ghost, was dead.

However, Xiao Chen did not relax because of this. Instead, his gaze grew even colder.

He knew that Shadow Ghost was only the first wave. The real killing game was far from reaching its climax.

The mastermind was still waiting for a better opportunity.

Murderous intent spread, and Qingyun Sect was engulfed in hidden currents.

Inside the Core Hall of Qingyun Sect, in a secret chamber, several powerful figures sat in silence. Each of them exuded auras surpassing the Foundation Establishment Realm.

Among them, a man in a black robe slowly spoke, his voice cold and deep.

"The assassin from the Shadow Pavilion has failed."

As soon as these words were spoken, the expressions of the gathered individuals changed.

"Shadow Ghost was among the top five assassins of the Shadow Pavilion. Even a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator might not be able to detect his presence, yet Xiao Chen managed to foresee and counter him?" a green-robed elder frowned.

"This brat is even more terrifying than we imagined," another elder's expression darkened.

"He cannot be allowed to live. His talent is monstrous. If given a few more years, even the elders of the sect might not be able to suppress him!" The black-robed man's voice was chilling.

"Moreover, he has already entered the sight of Taishang Elder Mu Xuan. If we do not act now, we may never have another chance."

Hearing this, everyone's expression shifted.

"Then we activate the extermination plan?"

The black-robed man nodded, his gaze as sharp as a blade.

"Mobilize the power of the Earthly Burial Palace. During the sect's trial, we will completely erase him!"

Murderous intent lurked, and the sect trial was about to begin.

Every year, Qingyun Sect held a Core Trial, a competition as well as a battle of blood.

All core disciples would enter the Earthly Burial Secret Realm to compete for heaven and earth's fortunes.

At the same time, it was the most perilous trial, where countless disciples perished, and even some Foundation Establishment core disciples had fallen within it.

If they wanted to assassinate Xiao Chen during the trial, this would be the perfect opportunity.

Meanwhile, inside Tianyun Hall, Xiao Chen slowly opened his eyes, the corners of his lips curving slightly.

[Future Vision Fragment Activated!]

A moment ago, a vague scene had flashed through his mind.

Within the Earthly Burial Secret Realm, several terrifying killing intents lurked in the darkness, silently approaching him.

Among them, one presence was overwhelmingly powerful, even more terrifying than Su Changqing.

"The sect trial?" Xiao Chen chuckled softly, his eyes flickering with killing intent.

"It seems some people can't wait any longer."

He slowly stood up, his gaze piercing through the window as he looked towards the sky, murder surging in his eyes.

"If you are setting a trap for me…"

"Then let's see—who is the prey, and who is the hunter!"

The Trial Begins, A Life-and-Death Hunt!

Five days later, at the entrance of the Earthly Burial Secret Realm, countless core disciples of Qingyun Sect gathered.

On this day, the high-ranking elders of the sect assembled, even several Taishang Elders appeared, making the atmosphere solemn.

This trial would determine the sect's powerhouse hierarchy for the next ten years, making it a crucial event.

However, amid the disciples' discussions, several cold and sinister gazes locked onto Xiao Chen, filled with murderous intent.

"So, he is Xiao Chen?"

"Heh… he doesn't look like much."

"Though he has extraordinary talent, the trial grounds are not a place where talent alone decides victory."

In the shadows, several powerful figures stood together. They were from the Earthly Burial Palace, the sect's secret division, tasked with handling matters beyond the reach of the high-ranking elders.

"Are you sure he will die in the secret realm?" a long-robed elder asked coldly.

"Rest assured, we have already made the necessary arrangements," the black-robed man smiled faintly.

"Once he enters the secret realm, we will activate the 'Black Sun Killing Formation.' The moment he steps into the trap, even a peak Foundation Establishment cultivator will not survive!"

The hunt had begun.

"The trial begins!"

With the announcement from the sect elders, the entrance to the Earthly Burial Secret Realm slowly opened.

Boom—

Countless core disciples surged into the secret realm, and Xiao Chen's figure vanished into the entrance as well.

At the moment he stepped into the secret realm, multiple cold gazes locked onto him.

A hunt targeting him had officially begun.

Within the Secret Realm, Danger Lurks!

The Earthly Burial Secret Realm was dark and desolate, filled with countless dangers.

This place was once an ancient battlefield, where the remnants of powerful cultivators still lay scattered. Even now, eerie energies lingered, and every corner could potentially conceal deadly threats.

Yet, the moment Xiao Chen entered the secret realm, he sensed something was amiss.

"Too quiet…"

His expression remained indifferent as he scanned his surroundings, his heart sinking slightly.

[Future Vision Fragment Activated!]

A scene flashed through his mind—

Within a valley ahead, a black killing formation was silently operating.

Countless killing intents, like venomous serpents in the darkness, were fixated on him.

The Black Sun Killing Formation—The Deathtrap Unfolds!

"They're here…" Xiao Chen smirked, his eyes gleaming with amusement.

He took slow, deliberate steps towards the valley, appearing completely unaware as he stepped into the ambush.

At that moment, in the darkness, the lurking assassins' eyes blazed with murderous intent.

"He's in!"

"Activate the formation!"

"Kill him!"

Boom!

In an instant, the entire valley was engulfed in black mist as the terrifying killing formation erupted.

Countless black sword lights wove together into an impenetrable net, sealing the space completely with an overwhelming killing aura.

Inside the formation, dozens of assassins attacked simultaneously. Every single one of them was in the Foundation Establishment realm, with one even reaching the peak of Foundation Establishment!

"Xiao Chen, die!" the lead assassin roared, pushing his palms forward. The entire killing formation erupted with devastating sword energy, crashing toward Xiao Chen.

However, just as the killing formation was fully activated, Xiao Chen slowly lifted his head, a trace of mockery in his eyes.

"Is this all?"

Boom!

In the next instant, his figure suddenly vanished, transforming into a blinding golden light that shot skyward.

"You all thought that I was the prey in this hunt?"

His voice was calm, yet carried the chill of death.

In that moment, an earth-shattering force erupted.

"No—!"

Agonized screams echoed as the killing formation was instantly torn apart.

At this moment, Xiao Chen revealed his true terror—

The hunt had already been reversed!

"It is you… who have become my prey!"