Inside the Yang family’s mansion.

In the main hall, a middle-aged cultivator with a green robe, high cheekbones, thin lips, and a harsh expression had been waiting for a while. His unfriendly gaze made the surrounding maidservants and attendants nervous, not daring to breathe heavily.

When Qing Muling entered under the crowd’s escort, the middle-aged cultivator only looked at him with curiosity, not coming forward to greet him or say anything. His expression became even more unpleasant.

In the past, as long as he was within the influence of the Soul-Cutting Valley, he was treated like a living ancestor by the subordinate forces. When had he ever been so neglected?

Beside him, Yang Song quickly informed Qing Muling of the man’s background with his divine sense. This man called himself the True Person of Blood, and his master was the deputy valley master of the Soul-Cutting Valley. Therefore, he was considered a prominent figure in the Soul-Cutting Valley, usually greedy and harsh, accustomed to bullying and arrogance. Few dared to provoke him.

“Are you the current head of the Yang family?” A black-faced man who looked like a follower asked sharply, “You don’t even kneel and bow when you see the esteemed envoy? Are you planning to rebel?”

“Hehe…” Qing Muling glanced at him. This True Person of Blood from the Soul-Cutting Valley was only at the peak of the True Person Realm. He brought along more than thirty followers, ranging from the Understanding Mystery Realm to the Spirit Realm.

With this level of strength, it seemed that they did not have the upper hand against the five small forces like the Yang family. However, their cultivation techniques were of a higher grade, with stronger combat effectiveness. Therefore, the heads of these small forces used to be respectful and had to put on a smiling face when they met them.

Even if they were killed, what could they do? Once they provoked the full force of the Soul-Cutting Valley, the five small forces could not resist even if they joined forces. Therefore, they could only choose to endure in silence.

Qing Muling’s tone was indifferent, “So, the esteemed envoy of the Soul-Cutting Valley has come. I am honored. What business do you have?”

“You…” The True Person of Blood’s face turned red and he was about to erupt, but then he restrained himself and coldly smiled, “You ignorant brat, you’ve just taken over as the head of the family, right? You’re so young and ignorant, it’s understandable.”

When he saw that Qing Muling also had the cultivation of the True Person Realm and was not very old, he inexplicably felt a hint of jealousy.

With limited talent, he had cultivated for nearly two thousand years and had finally achieved the cultivation of the True Person Realm. Why should this ignorant junior have the same level of cultivation? How could he dare to sit on an equal footing with him? If a few more years passed, wouldn’t he be able to break through to the True One Realm?

The thought of hatred and resentment could not be suppressed. Since the sect was about to go to war on a large scale, it was the time to use people. It would be better to call this kid to the battlefield and let him die there forever.

Qing Muling could see the deep malice hidden in him, but he did not reveal it. His voice was calm and composed, “I did indeed take over as the head of the family not long ago. What does the esteemed envoy have to say? If I remember correctly, it’s not yet time for the annual tribute, is it?”

The True Person of Blood smiled coldly, “You don’t understand. The Soul-Cutting Valley is about to go to war with the nearby Blood Cloud Pavilion. The valley master has specifically ordered us to come and requisition resources. Your Yang family is large, so you will have to contribute more. The sect will not forget your contribution.”

Qing Muling suppressed his anger and asked expressionlessly, “How much do you need?”

“Thirty thousand stones of red jade pearls, nine thousand catties of Mingsha red copper, five hundred spiritual medicine plants, thirty-five thousand top-grade spiritual stones…”

He didn’t hold back and listed a long list of requested resources, which basically equaled the Yang family’s income for half a year. In addition, they had to send three thousand low-level cultivator slaves, one thousand beautiful young girls, and one hundred young men from the Yang family to participate in the war.

Of course, this was only the portion to be handed over to the Soul-Cutting Valley. As the envoy, this man also requested an additional portion for himself, stating that it was the rule.

Dare not to give it? Then you can wait to be treated unfairly!

“And… I see that the new head of the family has good cultivation. Why not come with me to the battle? As long as you make meritorious deeds, the valley master will definitely reward you generously!” The True Person of Blood said with a fake smile.

Qing Muling sighed, “I was considering whether to throw a few pieces of meat to you and send you, this group of evil dogs, away early. Since you are so ungrateful, forget it! Let’s end this quickly!”

As he spoke, the surrounding space solidified, and before the True Person of Blood could react, a terrifying pressure descended, forcing him to bend over, and the group of lackeys around him had long been lying on the ground, unable to move.

“Rascal!”

The True Person of Blood’s face turned liver-colored. He desperately tried to activate his lifebound magic weapon to counterattack, but with his entire body’s mana firmly imprisoned, he couldn’t even achieve a mutual destruction.

In the end, he could only be forced to kneel down, and then prostrate himself on the ground.

Qing Muling raised his hand, and a blood-colored light appeared at his fingertips, then turned into dozens of blood rays that penetrated deeply into the foreheads of these people, completely merging with their divine souls, forming an unbreakable restraint that imprisoned them.

If they dared to have any dissatisfaction or rebellious thoughts, this restraint would completely erupt, burning them inside and out, leaving nothing behind.

“It’s over, it’s all over…”

The True Person of Blood sighed in his heart, realizing that he had no way out. From now on, he would be a slave to this beautiful young man in front of him, and he would never be able to escape for the rest of his life.”Alright, from now on, I am your only master.”

Qing Muling snapped his fingers, and the oppressive force on the body of the Cangxue Zhenren suddenly vanished. However, at this moment, he no longer possessed the courage to resist.

“Yes, Mas…ter.”

Cangxue Zhenren managed to squeeze out a smile uglier than crying and helplessly got up to pay his respects. His lackeys were equally ashen-faced, shivering and knocking their heads on the ground incessantly.

Qing Muling, however, felt not the slightest bit of guilt. Such evildoers, letting them die would be too kind; they deserved to spend their lives as oxen and horses, repaying the multitude of sins they had committed.

“Spill everything you know about the Soul Severing Valley!”

Qing Muling’s voice was icy: “My patience is limited, and I detest deception the most. So before you speak, think carefully in your head! Otherwise, I wouldn’t mind killing you outright and controlling another target just the same!”

Cangxue Zhenren dared not delay and promptly divulged all the secrets he knew. He himself was barely considered a high-ranking member of the Soul Severing Valley, and with his master’s connections, he was well-acquainted with the inner workings of this power.

What Qing Muling was most concerned about was the number of powerhouses in the Soul Severing Valley. Since even the most formidable few were only at the True One Realm and couldn’t pose a threat to him, what else was there to worry about?