However, this powerful Divine Sense was not aimed at them. Instead, the air in a distant corner rippled like water, and a figure flickered into existence.
This figure had a sinister air, his body wreathed in smoke. Upon closer inspection, the smoke was actually composed of the souls of Cultivators and demon beasts, imprisoned around him by some unknown means.
"A Ghost Cultivator? Youāre Daoist Wan Gui?"
As one of the Golden Core Cultivators spoke, everyone recognized the newcomerās identity. Daoist Wan Gui was a major criminal wanted by the Great Zhou Academy. Not only did he practice a Ghost Dao Technique, but he also used innocent Cultivators for his vile cultivation, murdering many in the process.
"Heh heh heh... correct, it is I. I just didnāt expect a Nascent Soul senior from the Beast Taming Sect would come here. What could possibly warrant the presence of a Great Cultivator like yourself for such a trivial matter?"
Daoist Wan Gui spoke with brazen confidence. Although his current cultivation was only at the Golden Core Stage, he showed no fear of Huo Gan or the six Golden Core Cultivators present.
Huo Gan stared at Daoist Wan Gui and said,
"This isnāt your true body, is it? Have you teamed up with the Golden Core Demon Beasts from the Barbaric Wilderness? I was wondering how those brainless beasts came up with a scheme like taking captives hostage. So youāre the one pulling the strings."
Exposed by Huo Gan, Daoist Wan Guiās expression only grew more smug as he said,
"Thatās right. Originally, those few brainless demon beasts wanted to flatten the entire Red Camp. It was only because of my strenuous persuasion that they didnāt go on a killing spree. For that, you all owe me one."
To this, Huo Gan just sneered and said,
"So I should thank you, then? Youāve gone to such great lengths, busying yourself with all this scheming. It canāt be for nothing. Speak. What do you want?"
Seeing that Huo Gan seemed willing to negotiate, Daoist Wan Gui said excitedly,
"Have the Great Zhou Academy withdraw the warrant for my arrest. If your Beast Taming Sect puts in a word, the Great Zhou Academy will surely give you that much face."
Hearing Daoist Wan Guiās demand, Huo Gan laughed in disbelief.
"Did becoming a Ghost Cultivator rot your brain? Why would the Beast Taming Sect possibly make an exception for a Ghost Cultivator? Wan Gui, what dream world are you living in?"
Unfazed by Huo Ganās mockery, Daoist Wan Gui continued,
"In that case, letās trade for Demon Summoning Soil instead. Weāve captured quite a few of your disciples, including one at the Mid-stage Foundation Establishment. I imagine he alone should be worth a good amount of Demon Summoning Soil."
"So thatās your real goal. Demon Summoning Soil? Your ambitions are quite grand."
Hearing Huo Ganās words, Daoist Wan Gui said angrily,
"This is unacceptable, that is unacceptable... Itās clear you have no intention of negotiating at all!"
Huo Gan gave a savage grin, the flesh on his face bunching up ferociously. His leopard-like eyes flew wide as he enunciated every single word,
"The Beast Taming Sect never negotiates with its enemies. We take what we want at the edge of a blade. If you think you can bargain with us, you have sorely miscalculated."
After speaking, Huo Gan made a clenching motion with his hand. In response to this gesture, Daoist Wan Gui shrieked in terror,
"What are you doing? Stop! Donāt you want your disciples back alive? Iāll change my termsā"
"Quiet."
Huo Ganās single, cold word cut off Daoist Wan Gui. As he spoke, Daoist Wan Guiās form, like a phantom, was crushed into nothingness.
With Daoist Wan Guiās interruption gone, silence returned to the great hall. After a few moments, Lechuan couldnāt help but say,
"Uncle Huo, my disciple is still in their hands..."
Before Lechuan could finish, Huo Gan shot him a glare with his leopard-like eyes, choking the rest of the words in his throat. Then, Huo Gan commanded,
"Relay my orders! Break camp! We attack the Wilderness Forest! Iām going to hunt down those Golden Core Demon Beasts and that Daoist Wan Gui and kill every last one of them!"
Following Huo Ganās command, the other five Golden Core Cultivators left the great hall with their Golden Core Companion Beasts. Each chose a battle formation and merged into it.
Huo Gan and Lechuan were the only ones left in the great hall. Huo Gan turned to Lechuan and repeated himself,
"As a sect master, youād better remember this: The Beast Taming Sect never compromises. Never!"