Phoenix Power: The True Colors of the Empress - Chapter 17. Going into the Devil's Own Fire.

“You heinous beast! Today, I will enforce justice on behalf of the heavens and eliminate evil for the human world!”

Elder Ming Zhe, surveying the chaos around him, felt a surge of anger. Blood Demon, this nefarious villain, had to be stopped.

He had heard tales of ambitious wolves, but he had never imagined a creature more terrifying than wolves, capable of such heinous acts.

“Then come! I’m no longer just the Blood Demon. Do you think you can defeat me with one crippled arm? The blood of these wolves has made me nearly invincible!”

Blood Demon, having suffered from Qi Deviation, was beginning to lose his sanity. His eyes were bloodshot, and he appeared terrifying as he arrogantly spoke to Elder Ming Zhe.

Elder Ming Zhe, the most senior of the Lishan Sword Sect elders, was the martial teacher of the current Sect Master. Known for his playful demeanor, he had long withdrawn from the sect’s internal conflicts, choosing instead to roam the world, righting wrongs and eradicating evil wherever he found it.

Though legendary in the Jianghu, his true identity and whereabouts were a mystery. Elder Ming Zhe lived a carefree life, appearing and disappearing like a wild crane.

Wu’er, seeing that she was about to be rescued, felt a wave of excitement. Yet, she also worried for the sage-like old man who had come to save her.

Ugh, the Blood Demon! He must have drained a whole pack of wolves by now, the way his eyes are glowing red. Poor Elder Ming Zhe, I hope this old man can handle him.

The Blood Demon couldn’t hold back any longer. He puffed out his chest, convinced that all that wolf blood made him invincible, even stronger than Elder Ming Zhe. With a roar, he lunged at the elder.

Elder Ming Zhe was ready, though. He knew the Blood Demon was a dirty fighter, so he wasn’t taking any chances. With a smooth sidestep, he dodged the attack, leaving the Blood Demon off-balance.

The Blood Demon sputtered in frustration. He’d attacked first, but Elder Ming Zhe wasn’t even a scratch! How dare this old man!

Elder Ming Zhe, for all his years, was the most respected elder in the Lishan Sword Sect. There was no way some blood-sucking demon would take him down easily!

The Blood Demon, now seething mad, glared at Elder Ming Zhe. His head swam, the wolf blood churning in his gut making it hard to control his own power. It felt like it could backfire at any moment.

“You’re in way over your head,” Elder Ming Zhe said calmly. “This ends today. No more bloodshed. You’ve caused enough trouble. Time for you to answer for your crimes!”

The corners of Ming Zhe’s mouth curled into a smile. Seeing Blood Demon in such a sorry state, he raised his voice, urging him to embrace reincarnation soon.

“You’re dreaming. We’ve fought for most of our lives. I won’t be destroyed by you. Don’t worry, you’ll definitely die before me. Even if I die, I’ll drag you down with me!”

Blood Demon seethed with rage at Ming Zhe’s words. His eyes bulged, veins popping out as if his blood was about to burst from his body. He was completely unhinged, consumed by fury.

Ming Zhe understood the sinister depths of Blood Demon’s power. He knew his nemesis thrived on dark magic, feeding on the blood of the living. Anger could be his undoing, leading to a destructive backlash if not controlled.

“Look at yourself! Are you still human? You’ve spent your life obsessed with defeating me. Now, you’re a shadow of your former self. Continuing like this, you’d be better off dead. It’s time to transcend!”

The rivalry had driven Blood Demon to extreme measures, even adopting demonic arts that sapped his life force, all to surpass Ming Zhe. Despite his efforts, he had failed.

“Don’t think for a second that I’ll give up. Even if I die now, I’ll take you with me!” Blood Demon snarled, losing his last grip on sanity.

As he ranted, Blood Demon discreetly slipped a poisoned dagger from his sleeve, a deadly plan in motion. The dagger was laced with a lethal toxin, capable of killing even Ming Zhe within an hour.

Wu’er, sharp-eyed and vigilant, noticed the dagger. She wanted to warn Ming Zhe, but words failed her. Blood Demon lunged with the dagger, aiming for Ming Zhe’s heart. Wu’er, with the reflexes of a wolf, sprang forward, grabbing the dagger’s handle just in time, avoiding its poisoned blade.

Wu’er grabbed the dagger tightly and fell to the ground at Ming Zhe’s feet. Had she been a moment slower, the dagger would have found its mark in Elder Ming Zhe. Blood Demon, seeing his secret attack thwarted by this unexpected girl, was humiliated and enraged. He lost all reason.

In a frenzy, Blood Demon threw Ming Zhe aside. His rage made him reckless, and he lunged forward like a rabid animal. Ming Zhe, prepared for this onslaught, delivered a powerful kick, sending Blood Demon sprawling to the ground.

Wu’er lay on the ground, gripping the dagger with both hands, her eyes squeezed shut in fear. Blood Demon’s internal energy spiraled out of control, boiling within him. In his madness, he fell onto Wu’er, impaling himself on the dagger she held. His lifeforce ebbed away instantly.

Elder Ming Zhe looked at the fallen Blood Demon, a mixture of sorrow and relief in his eyes. The lifelong battle had ended, but at a great cost. Wu’er, trembling, opened her eyes to the sight of Blood Demon’s lifeless body.