Chapter 344 People are panicked

The news of the destruction of the Chiyun Sect was like a huge rock smashing into the lake, instantly stirring up countless waves in Zhongzhou. The spiritual veins were drained, the sect was reduced to ruins, and the disciples suffered heavy casualties. What was even more shocking was that the remaining aura at the scene clearly revealed the identity of the murderer - traces of demonic power!

"Demon Emperor! This is definitely the work of the Demon Emperor!" The survivor of the Scarlet Cloud Sect shouted out this name in horror, causing countless people to talk about it.

As the news spread, all the major forces in Zhongzhou quickly convened an emergency meeting to discuss countermeasures.

The meeting hall of Xingyue Sect.

The atmosphere in the hall was oppressive and tense. The leader of the Xingyue Sect sat in the main seat, surrounded by the elders and core disciples of the sect. The document on the table recorded in detail the destruction of the Chiyun Sect, and the content about the demonic energy was particularly eye-catching.

"Master, this incident cannot be underestimated." An elder stood up and said, "Although the Demon Emperor is only a remnant of his soul, his threat cannot be ignored. The spiritual veins of the Red Cloud Sect have been drained. Such a method is definitely not something that ordinary cultivators can do."

Another elder took over the conversation: "If the Demon Emperor is allowed to regain his strength, it will be a disaster for our sects! We must unite with other forces to destroy him together."

The sect master pondered for a moment and nodded slowly: "Pass on my order, immediately send spies to investigate the whereabouts of the Demon Emperor, and contact the surrounding sects to hold a joint meeting to discuss major plans."

The Tianyun Sect Master's face turned livid. He looked at the scroll in his hand and said coldly, "What happened to the Chiyun Sect must not be allowed to happen again in our Tianyun Sect. Pass the order down to activate the sect protection formation. At the same time, strictly investigate the cultivators inside and outside the sect. Anyone with demonic energy will be killed without mercy!"

An elder of the Tianyun Sect objected: "Sect Master, although this matter is difficult, we cannot act rashly. We still don't know the true strength of the Demon Emperor. If we attract his attention, I'm afraid it will be more trouble than it's worth."

The sect master snorted coldly: "If we don't act, we will be waiting for death! Since the Demon Emperor dares to show up, he must pay the price. Even if he is stronger, we have the support of other sects in Zhongzhou."

The owner of Lingjian Villa frowned: "The remnants of the Demon Emperor have reappeared. If they are not eradicated as soon as possible, they will bring disaster to the world. As a member of the righteous path, we at Lingjian Villa have an obligation to do so. We must participate in this joint meeting!"

"Master," a steward reminded in a low voice, "The magic power of the Demon Emperor seems to be able to seize the power of the spirit vein. Our Spirit Sword Villa relies on that top-grade spirit vein to support our cultivation. Once we are targeted..."

A cold light flashed in the eyes of the villa owner: "Because of this, we must take the initiative to attack, rather than sit and wait for death. Notify all elders to immediately improve their cultivation and strengthen the villa's meridian protection formation!"

As the news spread, all the sects in Zhongzhou, big and small, were in a state of panic. The sects that had participated in the suppression of the Demon Emperor were even more panicked, fearing that they would be the next target. They strengthened their defenses, sent people to investigate, and actively sought cooperation with other forces.

Not only the sect monks, but also the ordinary people in Zhongzhou were deeply affected by this incident. Rumors about the Demon Emperor could be heard everywhere in teahouses and restaurants.

"Have you heard? The Chiyun Sect was destroyed and its spiritual veins were drained!"

"The Demon Emperor! He was the one that the entire Central Plains united to seal away back then, and now he has appeared again!"

"This is bad. If the Demon Emperor comes back, how will ordinary people like us survive?"

A passing merchant shook his head and sighed: "The spiritual vein has been destroyed. Now even crops can't grow in the area where the Scarlet Cloud Sect is located. Many people are displaced. This Demon Emperor is simply a disaster!"

However, during this turmoil, some forces tried to use the news about the Demon Emperor to gain benefits.

"The Demon Emperor's reappearance is our chance to rise." A leader of a hidden sect whispered, "While other sects are being held back by the Demon Emperor, we can quickly expand and seize their resources!"

"Chief, if this matter is discovered, we will probably be attacked by the forces of righteousness."

The leader sneered: "The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind. The righteous sect may seem powerful, but in fact, there are constant internal strife and it is difficult for them to achieve great things. As long as we act carefully, no one will suspect us."

At this time, Ye Fan was hiding on a mountain peak, overlooking the turbulent situation in Zhongzhou, with a sneer on his face.

"These hypocritical hypocrites are nothing but paper tigers." He whispered, "Since they are so afraid of the title of Demon Emperor, I don't mind using this opportunity to stir up trouble again."

Ye Fan knew that this was just the beginning and the real storm was just brewing.

Ye Fan sat cross-legged, quietly feeling the surging power in his body. This was the pure spiritual energy accumulated after swallowing the Blood Blade Sect, and it was also the result of his countless adventures and fights. However, just as he was practicing the skills to try to refine this power, the voice of the Demon Emperor in his body sounded again.

"Hahaha, Ye Fan, you are really a good host of mine! These so-called righteous sects in Zhongzhou are so stupid. For a little benefit, they actually attack each other. This is a godsend opportunity for us!" The voice of the Demon Emperor was full of pride and excitement, echoing in Ye Fan's mind.

Ye Fan frowned slightly and ignored the Demon Emperor. He knew that it was better to temporarily comply with the Demon Emperor than to fight him. As long as he could use the Demon Emperor's power to complete his plan, he would get rid of this dangerous existence one day.

The Demon Emperor didn't seem to care about Ye Fan's indifference, and continued: "These days, my mental strength has recovered a lot, and with your help, I can now perform some tricks. Hehe, it's time to gather my old subordinates!"

"Old subordinates?" Ye Fan asked in a cold voice, with a hint of probing in his tone, "Are your former subordinates still alive today?"

"Of course," the Demon Emperor said confidently, "My subordinates are not ordinary monks. They are all loyal and have been infused with my magic power. Their lifespans are far longer than ordinary people. Although they may have hidden their tracks over the years, as long as I call them, they will definitely come."

Ye Fan's heart was slightly moved, but he remained calm on the surface: "If that's the case, then why do you still want to live in my body? Don't your men have the ability to help you rebuild your body?"

The Demon Emperor snorted coldly: "Ye Fan, don't think I can't see your little thoughts. Although my body is destroyed, my soul is already connected to the rules of this world. Even the strongest subordinates can't make me completely recover. But you - this body is an excellent container, which is very compatible with my magic skills. As long as you are obedient, I can make you the real master of this continent in the future!"

Ye Fan raised the corner of his mouth slightly, revealing a sarcastic smile: "Master? Is it you, or me?"

The Demon Emperor was silent for a moment after hearing this, then he smiled and said, "It doesn't matter, we have the same goal anyway. These righteous hypocrites caused my death back then, and now, I want them to pay the price for their stupidity!"

The Demon Emperor's voice gradually became low, and then a strange power surged out of Ye Fan's body. The power was cold and violent, as if it came from the abyss of the underworld, carrying an endless evil aura.

"What is this?" Ye Fan asked with a frown. The aura in his body made him feel uneasy.

"This is my mark from the past." The Demon Emperor's voice was full of excitement. "The demonic energy in you is the best medium. Through this mark, I can awaken those old subordinates who are dormant. As long as they sense my breath, they will take the initiative to come and pledge their allegiance!"

Ye Fan said no more. He knew that stopping the Demon Emperor at this time would only expose his intentions. It would be better to wait and see. He closed his eyes and adjusted his breathing, feeling the changes in the power in his body, while secretly raising his vigilance.

At the same time, somewhere deep in the mountains of Zhongzhou, in a palace hidden in the mist, an old man suddenly opened his eyes.

"This is... the master's breath!" The old man's voice trembled, and then he showed an excited look. He quickly stood up and knelt down towards the depths of the palace, saying, "The master has returned! Everyone, follow me to welcome the master's call!"

Not far away, several equally old figures slowly walked out, each of them carrying a strong demonic aura. They looked at each other and nodded.

"We have endured and lived in seclusion for these years, waiting for this moment. Now that our master has returned, we must do our utmost to help him return to the top!"

The Demon Emperor felt the breath of his old subordinates approaching quickly, and said excitedly: "Ye Fan, did you see it? This is my power. As long as I am here, this continent will sooner or later usher in the rule of the Demon Dao again!"

Ye Fan still did not respond. He secretly thought about his next plan. Although the power of the Demon Emperor was strong, it was also an unpredictable threat. How to protect himself while using the opponent became his most important task at the moment.

“Don’t worry,” the Demon Emperor seemed to see through Ye Fan’s thoughts and smiled, “I won’t rush to take over your body. Your potential and body are too important to me. I will wait until you are at the top of this continent, and then replace you. Now, I will help you deal with those so-called righteous sects, and enjoy the feeling of being a strong person, hahahaha!”

Ye Fan opened his eyes, his gaze was cold and resolute. He whispered: "In that case, let me see what kind of power your old subordinates can bring."

The Demon Emperor laughed loudly, but Ye Fan had no expression on his face. He knew that the real battle had just begun.