Great Villain: Starting by Humiliating the Son of the Heavenly Fate

Jiang Chen mused, 'Endless Dark Blood Moon... Does it have ties to a powerful figure of the Cultivation Path's Fourth Step, 'Rangsi Kangcheng'?'

'Rangsi? A compound surname. In history, those with such surnames often command great influence and aren't to be underestimated.'

He continued, 'This seems like another substantial karmic thread. Yet, it might also signal a golden opportunity.' As these thoughts played out, a faint smile hinted at the edges of his lips.

With Gu Ran's demise, aside from the immediate opportunities now within his grasp, every advantage that once belonged to Gu Ran would soon be his to command.

Among them was the Ten Thousand Stars Dao Embryo, whose power rivaled that of the Endless Dark Blood Moon.

Although Jiang Chen had the opportunity to secure the Ten Thousand Stars Dao Embryo from the Ageless Spirit Heavenly Sect, he hesitated. He knew that the Ten Thousand Stars Dao Embryo and the Endless Dark Blood Moon negated each other. Even a minor imperfection in the Ten Thousand Stars Dao Embryo would make it considerably more vulnerable. This understanding made Jiang Chen wary of immediately merging with it.

However, with Gu Ran out of the picture and the Endless Dark Blood Moon now in Jiang Chen's possession, his earlier reservations about merging with the Ten Thousand Stars Dao Embryo have evaporated.

Jiang Chen also stumbled upon another crucial piece of information.

The current state of the Death Calamity Dark Blood Moon Bloodline wasn't its ultimate form. As he vanquishes foes and seizes their cultivation base, the bloodline's prowess will evolve.

For now, the Death Calamity Dark Blood Moon could siphon off one-tenth of a cultivation base. Yet, as time progresses, its capacity would increase — from one-fifth to one-third, and eventually, it might absorb a victim's entire cultivation base with a single strike!

Jiang Chen couldn't help but marvel. 'Such a formidable bloodline.' He chuckled lightly, and with a mere thought, he prompted, 'System, display my information panel.'

[Host: Jiang Chen

Aptitude: Perfect Grade

Innate Talent: Eternal Boundless Body

Realm: Early-stage Dao Comprehension

Great Dao: Swift Sword Dao, Fire Dao (Complete), Wind Dao, Thunder Dao, Wood Dao, Water Dao (Fragmented)

True Combat Power: Peak-stage Dao Palace++

Cultivation Methods: Purple Heaven Dark Star Heavenly Scripture (Dao Palace, primary cultivation), Ten Thousand Soul Seed Secrets (Transcendence, perfect-level), Dark Star Sky Splitting Sword Secrets, Myriad Changes Everlasting Sword, Purple Feather Misty Steps, Purple Heaven Heavenly Thunder True Canon, One Thought Vanishing Moon, Silent Sacred Heart, Tyrant Body Channels Ultimate Intent Secrets, Benevolent Monarch Heavenly Wheel Scripture, Heavenly Blood Surge Secrets (Dao Palace, perfect-level)... Partially omitted

Main Equipment: Fate Chasing Kite Pupils (dao tool, top-grade 8/9), Peerless Heaven Piercing Sword (magic treasure, top-grade), Purple Orchid Meteor Leaf (magic treasure, top-grade)... Partially omitted

Villain Value: 326,600 points

Black Heavenly Fate Value: 64,222 points

Heaven-Defying Fate Changer: Villain's Eye, Burning World Red Lotus, Eternal Vows Binding Ring, Wordless Heavenly Jade, Void Tribulation Soul, Death Calamity Dark Blood Moon

System Mall: Level 2]

Jiang Chen looked at his information panel, deep in thought. 'All this time with Gu Ran, and there hasn't been much change in my cultivation base on the system panel.'

'Yet, my potential has expanded. In the Heaven-Defying Fate Changer Category, the Endless Dark Blood Moon has combined with the Death Calamity True Dragon bloodline, forming the Death Calamity Dark Blood Moon.'

He grinned, 'The name 'Death Calamity Dark Blood Moon' sounds like it belongs to a villain.' His smile didn't fade.

Although his current combat strength has increased only by a minor realm, once he absorbs the gains from defeating Gu Ran, his combat strength will take a significant jump, reaching the Third Step of the Cultivation Path: the Transcendence realm!

'Once I've dealt with the Cave Heaven, I'll return to the Ageless Spirit Heavenly Sect. My next goal is to prepare for the assembly of the number one prodigy of the Immortal Martial Continent. I'll rise to the continent's apex!' Jiang Chen's lips hinted at a smirk as his eyes darted towards the members of the Golden Proud Cult and the Purple Heaven Holy Land below.

Throughout Jiang Chen's confrontation and subsequent killing of Gu Ran, the onlookers from both the Purple Heaven Holy Land and the Golden Proud Cult had borne witness. They'd also caught every word exchanged between Jiang Chen and Gu Ran.

To them, it appeared that Jiang Chen's primary motive against Gu Ran revolved around obtaining the Endless Dark Blood Moon Bloodline.

The crowd was somewhat perplexed by Jiang Chen's decisive act against Gu Ran. Still, they recognized their place and chose not to voice their thoughts.

So, they silently observed as Jiang Chen dispatched Gu Ran. When he finally emerged from his reflective state, many in the crowd averted their eyes, avoiding direct contact with his intense gaze.

"Honorable Holy Son!" A group of Dao Comprehension realm Elders felt Jiang Chen's intent to speak. Without delay, they bowed, bringing their hands together before their faces in reverence.

"Whatever was discussed earlier remains between us. To ensure your discretion, I will use a secret art to oversee you. If anything is amiss, your lives will be forfeit." Even though the contents of the conversation weren't overly sensitive, Jiang Chen was adamant about confidentiality.

"Understood! Proceed with your art, Honorable Holy Son!" The cultivators from Purple Heaven Holy Land immediately knelt mid-air, their heads lowered in deep respect.

"But, Honorable Holy Son, we represent the Golden Proud Cult. Is it right for you to subject us to this?" An Elder of the Dao Comprehension realm from the Golden Proud Cult voiced his concern with some hesitation.

The other members of the Golden Proud Cult might not have outwardly reacted, but their internal disapproval was evident.

"Refusal only brings death," stated Jiang Chen, his gaze settling coldly on the Golden Proud Cult members. "This is your singular opportunity. Make your choice."

"We accept! We'll seize the chance!" The weight of Jiang Chen's words pressed heavily on the previously vocal Golden Proud Cult cultivator, causing him to tremble and swiftly kneel.

"We too, submit to your command!" The rest of the Golden Proud Cult cultivators soon followed, kneeling one after the other.

The proceedings went undisturbed. No one dared to send out any distress signals or betray Jiang Chen's earlier pronouncements.

Jiang Chen acknowledged this with a subtle nod. Forming a hand gesture, he commenced the ritual of the "Ten Thousand Soul Seed Secrets" on the assembled cultivators.

From each one's forehead, bright red points of light emerged, gathering in Jiang Chen's hands, culminating in a string of glowing crimson magatamas.

These soul seeds granted him an intimate connection to their bearers' thoughts, granting him the ability to sense any betrayal and, if needed, to end their lives instantaneously.

"That will suffice. Search the area for additional inheritances," commanded Jiang Chen, gesturing to his followers below. He then turned his attention to the ongoing skirmish involving Ji Mingxiu.

Ji Junhao and his team were yet to be subdued.

As he approached, a sprawling mix of dust and inky mist became visible.

Within this haze, sporadic flashes of various-colored lights illuminated the area, revealing the meeting of powerful spells and weapons.

The aftermath of the fierce battle churned the vast shroud of darkness, giving it the appearance of a gargantuan creature writhing amidst storm clouds.

"They continue to resist," remarked Jiang Chen. Hovering high, he extended his divine sense across the battlefield, capturing a full view in an instant.

Ji Junhao's team displayed remarkable resilience.

Though they were heavily outnumbered, three to nine, their defenses held strong. This was partly due to Jiang Chen's directive to Ji Mingxiu and his team to refrain from delivering lethal blows.

To Jiang Chen, the trio of Dao Palace realm powerhouses led by Ji Junhao presented a significant reservoir of power—deemed as 'nourishment' in his perspective.

Without any delay, Jiang Chen advanced. With a single step, he morphed into a swift flash of deep red light, speeding towards the heart of the fray.