In addition, there were seven other disciples surrounded by demonic energy, all with expressions of pain on their faces.

"What happened?" Shi Ning asked in surprise.

“It’s a Heavenly Demon.” One of the elders who had bound Shi Fan frowned and replied, “Shi Fan is hiding seven Heavenly Demons on his body. Abbot, please disperse all the disciples with low cultivation levels. The remaining disciples should try to kill the Heavenly Demons when they rush out. We must not let them harm the disciples in the temple again!”

"Alright!" Shi Ning frowned, dispersing all the disciples with low cultivation levels while he and several disciples with higher cultivation levels focused intently on the seven disciples being attacked by the Heavenly Demon, attempting to kill them the moment the Heavenly Demon rushed out.

After finishing these tasks, Shi Ning exchanged a glance with an elder, then shook his head with a worried look in his eyes.

--

In the Demon Realm, in one of the palaces of the Demon Lord's palace complex, the spacious hall was filled with blood-red light and an aura of evil.

The main hall lacked the usual tables, chairs, and utensils; instead, a vast altar occupied the entire space. The altar had seven tiers, each step marked with strange runes in blood, upon which countless human skulls lay scattered, their white surfaces appearing particularly grotesque and terrifying.

The highest level of the altar was about ten zhang in circumference. On this level, shallow grooves formed ancient and sinister runes, filled with flowing blood.

Li Molin sat cross-legged at the very center of the many talismans on the top layer of the altar, surrounded by seven white-haired old men. All seven old men had their eyes closed, their hands forming strange hand seals. A surging demonic energy drew the essence of the blood on the altar into Li Molin's body. The essence, like a gentle breeze, ruffled his clothes and hair, causing them to sway slightly.

At that moment, Li Molin frowned, looking uneasy, perhaps worried about Liuli's safety.

Li Gan stood silently below the altar, looking up at Li Molin with a worried expression.