Chapter 281: Chapter 145: Zhong Ming: I Am the Demon Lord! Immortal and Indestructible

As the crowd reeled from the sheer power displayed by the six Major Sects, some couldn’t help but marvel at Zhong Ming’s luck.

"Zhong Ming’s luck is just incredible. Now he’s avoided the fate of being crushed by the six Major Sects joining forces."

"And Prince Qinghe’s heirs are pretty lucky too. If the six Major Sects hadn’t had this ace up their sleeve, they would have been in grave danger today."

"It’s the Cultists who have it rough, though. They thought they were launching a surprise attack, but they just ended up taking the fall."

The incredible power the six Major Sects suddenly unleashed was something few had anticipated, and it eased their tense nerves.

This immense strength led many to believe that the six Major Sects were more than enough to crush the Cultists and turn their assault into a complete joke.

Some of the elders from the six Major Sects thought so as well. In fact, they even felt that this surprise attack by the Cultists was a blessing in disguise for them.

’With such a disaster happening right here in Qinghe Prefecture City, Prince Qinghe’s prestige is bound to plummet. He’s no longer qualified to compete with us for leadership of the alliance.’

’Besides, his heirs were saved by our sects’ disciples. That’s a debt of gratitude he’ll have no choice but to acknowledge.’

’Oh, Cultists, you couldn’t have come at a better time.’

...

Feeling that victory was assured, the elders of the six Major Sects were in high enough spirits to even begin consoling Prince Qinghe.

WHOOSH—

Prince Qinghe’s face had already drained of color the moment his many outstanding heirs were teleported into the perilous Star Secret Vault, and he shot up from his seat.

With his fists clenched and his face ashen, he looked utterly ferocious, as if he wanted to tear someone apart.

Seeing Prince Qinghe in such a state, the elders of the six Major Sects quickly spoke up to placate him.

"There is no need to worry, my Prince. With our disciples there, the Commandery Princess and Commandery Princes will surely be safe and sound."

"Haaa..." Reining in his worry slightly, Prince Qinghe cupped his fists toward the elders of the six Major Sects. "Thank you all."

Just as the six Major Sects had expected, this was a debt Prince Qinghe had no choice but to accept.

However, despite receiving the Major Sects’ assurances, the worry on his face didn’t fade. On the contrary, it grew even heavier.

"Please, send a message to your disciples inside. Tell them not to let their guard down. For the Evil Cult to launch an attack of this magnitude, they must have another move planned."

"And one more thing. I would like to ask you all to act together and see if we can force open the gate to the Star Secret Vault and let everyone out."

"I’ve already tried," said the elder from the Spirit Illusion Sect.

Although some within the six Major Sects were relaxed, believing the combatants inside were strong enough to handle the Cultists, many others shared Prince Qinghe’s view. They believed that an attack so meticulously planned by the Cultists couldn’t possibly be thwarted so easily.

These individuals had sprung to their feet at the first opportunity, using all their power to investigate the Star Secret Vault and attempt to open it.

After all, all of Prince Qinghe’s outstanding heirs were trapped inside the Secret Vault—a loss he could not bear.

But the top disciples of the six Major Sects were also trapped. If Qin Zhou, Ruan Shi, and the others were all to perish, it would be a loss the Major Sects could not bear either.

Thus, they acted with extreme urgency, pouring in every ounce of their strength.

However, after their investigation, they delivered some extremely bad news to Prince Qinghe.

"It’s no use. The power involved in this gate is far too profound. Unless a Great Daoist at the Nascent Soul realm or higher takes action personally, there is absolutely no way to force it open."

CRACK!

Those words struck like a bolt from the blue. Prince Qinghe could no longer contain his fury and slammed his fist down on the table before him, shattering the sturdy wood to splinters.

"Bastards!"

But for all his fury, he was helpless. After gritting his teeth and ordering a city-wide manhunt for the Cultists throughout all of Qinghe Prefecture City, all he could do was stare intently at the Treasure Mirror before him. His gaze was a mixture of hope and anxiety, praying that his children trapped in the Secret Vault would return safely.

’Bastards... if anything happens to Hui’Er and Kang’Er... even if I have to sacrifice everything I have, I’ll make every last one of you die with them!’

...

Since the gate to the Star Secret Vault couldn’t be opened, Prince Qinghe’s fury and anxiety on the outside had no effect on the situation within.

After a glance around, Ji Qinglian saw that from any angle, the forces of the six Major Sects held the absolute advantage. Seeking their protection would undoubtedly be the safer choice.

But for some reason, after a moment of contemplation, she shook her head and politely declined her brother’s invitation. "That won’t be necessary. I trust Zhong Ming."

...

And so, while the situation was chaotic, a clear picture was beginning to emerge.

The ordinary Cultivators and the Cultists were locked in a chaotic melee, while the stronger experts like Zhong Ming prepared to rendezvous with the heirs of the Prince before sweeping for hidden enemies.

But just as they were about to successfully regroup, the unexpected finally occurred.

"Cough, cough..."

A weak voice, yet one that reached everyone’s ears, suddenly echoed through the void. It carried a sinister, bone-chilling cold.

"Why... can’t you all just obediently lie down and die?"