The Peerless Emperor (TPE)

Lin Qian's intense reaction startled Qi Faxin, who immediately replied, "It's... it's already completed. We're just doing the final adjustments over the next few days."

"Lin Qian, what happened?" Qin Wushuang asked, noticing the commotion and standing up.

The other elders also looked over in confusion, curious about what had transpired.

"Uncle-Master, you should be aware of the modifications being made to the sect's formation, right?" Lin Qian asked after taking a deep breath.

Qin Wushuang nodded, "Yes, this is something the entire Wanxiang Sect is aware of. You and Lei Qian have only just returned, so it's understandable you didn't know."

"This formation has a problem. On the surface, it appears to be a harmless support formation for cultivation, but in reality, it's a deadly trap," Lin Qian explained. He then used his soul power to project the formation's layout, forming a rough image in the air for everyone to see.

At first, the image resembled the formation they'd been working on, but soon some of the patterns in the formation began to fade, revealing a more sinister structure beneath. Despite the missing patterns, the formation still appeared functional, not incomplete.

"How... how could this be!" Qi Faxin exclaimed in horror as he collapsed to the ground, trembling as he pointed at the altered formation.

"Qi Shishu, could what Lin Qian says be true?" Qin Wushuang asked, though he had already begun to suspect the truth. He was hoping for a different answer.

Qi Faxin, filled with guilt, began tugging at his hair in frustration. "How could I have missed this? I'm a disgrace to the Wanxiang Sect!"

Qin Wushuang quickly rushed to support Qi Faxin, helping him to his feet. "Qi Shishu, don't blame yourself. What exactly happened?"

"This formation uses a transformation technique. On the surface, it does look like a support formation for cultivation, but with a slight modification, it becomes a deadly trap," Qi Faxin explained, his voice filled with remorse as he pounded his chest. "The technique is so advanced that I couldn't see through it. This is all my fault!"

Lin Qian patted the elderly elder on the shoulder, trying to reassure him. "Qi Shishu, this isn't your fault. The technique used in this formation is incredibly advanced, far beyond anything found in Linhai Prefecture. It's understandable that you couldn't detect it."

"Lin Qian, based on your expression, do you already know what this deadly formation is designed to do?" Qin Wushuang asked, looking at Lin Qian with a serious expression.

Lin Qian nodded solemnly as he stared at the formation image. "Yes, I know exactly what this deadly formation is meant to do."

According to Zhuge Ming's analysis, once the formation was altered, it would function as a refining array. Everything within its range would be refined into pure essence, which could then be absorbed by someone.

The effect was similar to the formation they had altered in the small world within the ancient ruins, which had refined Nan Xin into essence. However, this formation was cruder and lacked a method for storing the refined essence.

Zhuge Ming had speculated that the purpose of this formation was to alter the land itself, transforming it into something entirely different.

After Lin Qian explained Zhuge Ming's analysis, Qi Faxin wept bitterly, blaming himself for not seeing through the deception.

Qin Wushuang's expression darkened as he clenched his teeth in anger. "That Black Blood Clan fiend is truly cruel, planning to refine every member of our Wanxiang Sect alive!"

"But what I don't understand is, if their goal was to refine us all, why bother forcing us to submit to Sheng Tian Sect in the first place?" Lei Heng asked, puzzled. "Wouldn't Sheng Tian Sect be inheriting a dead sect? Zhang Dingyun can't be that foolish."

"Do you remember what that Blood-Refined Corpse told us when we strongly opposed submitting to Sheng Tian Sect?" the Discipline Elder suddenly spoke up.

Qin Wushuang thought for a moment and then nodded. "I recall him saying that if we refused, we would regret it and should think carefully before making a decision."

"Exactly. And now, with only five days left to respond, could it be..." Lei Heng trailed off as he came to a realization.

Lin Qian also pieced the situation together. It was clear now that Sheng Tian Sect had indeed colluded with the Black Blood Clan, striking a secret deal.

Sheng Tian Sect had likely demanded Wanxiang Sect's submission as part of their agreement with the Black Blood Clan. If Qin Wushuang and the others refused, then the formation would be activated, refining everyone in the sect.

"Boss, what's going on here?" Lei Qian asked, still confused by the conversation.

Lin Qian quickly explained the situation to Lei Qian.

After hearing the explanation, Lei Qian finally understood and angrily exclaimed, "That fiendish clan member is truly sinister, to have even planned for this!"

"You're quite perceptive, figuring this all out," a cold voice suddenly echoed from one of the elders.

Everyone turned in shock to see that the elder's body was now shrouded in a blood-red aura, with faint black lines swirling around him.

"A Blood-Refined Corpse!"

"Indeed. As part of my deal with Zhang Dingyun, I agreed to ensure Wanxiang Sect's submission. If successful, he promised me an extra reward. If you refused, however, I was to turn your sect into a blood-refining ground to cultivate more Blood-Refined Corpses," the elder-turned-corpse sneered.

At the same time, Lin Qian heard Gao Benli's urgent voice in his mind.

"Bad news! My grandfather's Blood-Refined Corpse has already left the secret valley."

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Lin Qian knew that the Blood-Refined Corpse of Gao Yuefei was likely headed their way.

The situation was growing increasingly complicated.