The battle within the Yuezhi Manor, as tumultuous as a mountain collapse or a tsunami, didn’t last long. It ended in less than a quarter of an hour.
In the distance, various groups scattered in all directions waited for a long time. Seeing no further activity from the manor and no signs of a large-scale battle, they cautiously returned.
Fourth-tier experts led the way, with their subordinates trailing far behind.
The sect leaders and gang chiefs of the Martial Arts Alliance gathered and slowly entered the manor. The Earth Sect members and Duke Huai’s spies responded from afar, forming their faction.
Xiao Yuenu and others wore tense expressions. Despite their confidence in their alliance leader and the fact that the opponent had only sent an avatar, the Dao Leader of the Human Sect was an experienced second-tier expert. This situation couldn’t be judged by ordinary standards.
“Don’t worry, Alliance Leader Cao is a third-tier expert. No matter how powerful the Dao Leader of the Human Sect is, he couldn’t possibly defeat our leader in such a short time,” Fu Jingmen calmly said.
“But the battle has indeed ended,” the leader of the Qianji Sect remarked.
“In this servant’s opinion, Alliance Leader Cao has won,” Xiao Yuenu said with a relaxed expression, playfully blinking her eyes.
Her judgment was based on the fact that among experts of the same tier, martial artists were the hardest to kill. Since both Alliance Leader Cao and the avatar of the Human Sect’s Dao Leader were third-tier, defeating the alliance leader couldn’t be accomplished in such a short time.
The battle deep within the Yuezhi Manor had already concluded, and the outcome was predictable.
Yang Cuixue sighed, “Our alliance leader has just reached the third tier and has already defeated the Imperial Tutor’s avatar. When this news spreads, the reputation of our Martial Arts Alliance and our leader will reach new heights.”
“The jianghu of the thirteen provinces of Great Feng should revere our Martial Arts Alliance,” another sect leader added.
They exchanged smiles, their attitudes relaxing, though they remained vigilant as they slowly advanced.
“Tch…” Tianji cursed quietly in the distance. It wasn’t because the Imperial Tutor had lost, but because Cao Qingyang had reached the third tier and would now become famous. This wasn’t good news for the imperial court.
The stronger the jianghu forces, the weaker the court’s control over that region. It might not matter in times of peace, but once chaos erupted, these areas would undoubtedly be the first to rebel.
After passing through collapsed buildings and devastated courtyards for nearly a quarter of an hour, they finally returned to the edge of the cold pool. In the distance, they saw a figure in purple robes standing proudly.
Someone among the Earth Sect’s demonic cultivators sneered.
As Yang Cuixue and others began to show signs of joy, their expressions suddenly changed to panic and horror. More than a dozen sect leaders and gang chiefs rushed over, standing in front of Cao Qingyang.
Cao Qingyang no longer showed any signs of life – no breathing, no heartbeat.
The Earth Sect’s demonic cultivators had sensed the extinction of Cao Qingyang’s primordial spirit earlier, hence their sneers.
“Alliance Leader!!!” the leader of the Qianji Sect wailed, greatly shocked. This result was not what he had expected.
“How could this happen? How could this happen?” Fu Jingmen of the Divine Fist Sect fell to his knees in front of Cao Qingyang, repeatedly pounding the ground with his right fist.
“Alliance Leader Cao has fallen…” Xiao Yuenu’s body swayed, the color draining from her face. Beneath her veil, her once rosy lips turned pale.
She stared blankly at the silent, eyes-closed Cao Qingyang, overwhelmed by immense confusion, loss, and panic.
The pillar of the Martial Arts Alliance had fallen at the Yuezhi Manor, and a new alliance leader had not yet been chosen, as Cao Qingyang was still in his prime years.
This meant that the major sects of Sword Province and the Martial Arts Alliance headquarters would fall into chaos, fighting for the position of alliance leader.
“In the six hundred years since the Martial Arts Alliance was established, there have been fewer than three instances of an alliance leader dying in office. What should we do now? What should we do?” Yang Cuixue, the leader of the Ink Pavilion, asked with trembling lips.
At this moment, disciples and gang members of the Martial Arts Alliance arrived. Seeing the scene before them, wails of grief erupted.
Especially the disciples from the Martial Arts Alliance headquarters, who knelt and cried bitterly.
Not long ago, they had been cheering and rejoicing over Cao Qingyang’s promotion to the third tier, believing that a glorious era for the Martial Arts Alliance was dawning and that their power and prestige would reach new heights.
How quickly things had changed.
The situation had taken a drastic turn for the worse. Alliance Leader Cao had fallen, turning good news into tragedy, plummeting them from the mountaintop into the abyss.
“Tsk tsk, Luo Yuheng is still as ruthless and merciless as ever,” the white-haired Daoist Chilian said sarcastically.
With Cao Qingyang dead, they no longer had anything to fear. If the various gangs of the Martial Arts Alliance dared to attack in anger, that would suit him just fine. The Lotus Daoists of the Earth Sect would bathe Sword Province in blood, indulging in a good slaughter.
“Oh? The Nine-Colored Lotus is gone,” Tianji said, his gaze searching but failing to find the lotus seed.
Tianshu telepathically communicated to the Earth Sect Daoists: “The Nine-Colored Lotus must have been taken by the Imperial Tutor. He came as an avatar, with no intention of returning. The lotus must be in Xu Qi’an’s hands. Let’s go kill Xu Qi’an and take the lotus seed.”
After conveying this message, she incited the Martial Arts Alliance members, saying, “The Imperial Tutor’s avatar was summoned by Xu Qi’an. He knew the Imperial Tutor was a second-tier expert, yet he still summoned him, clearly intending to put Alliance Leader Cao in mortal danger.”
“Poor Alliance Leader Cao, who praised him highly and personally taught him, helping him reach the fifth tier. In return, he received nothing but betrayal.”
The Martial Arts Alliance members exchanged angry glances, glaring fiercely at her.
Tianshu snorted and, meeting their gazes, continued, “What? Is there anything wrong with what I said? Brothers of the Martial Arts Alliance, ask yourselves, did Xu Qi’an not betray those who helped him? Did Alliance Leader Cao not die unjustly?”
The Martial Arts Alliance disciples looked at each other uncertainly.
“Silence!” Yang Cuixue shouted angrily, his beard and hair bristling with rage. “If you dare to spread more lies, this old man will cut you down with one sword strike.”
Tianshu coldly laughed, “Just try it!”
The spies of Duke Huai stepped forward, hands on their sword hilts.
At this moment, Daoist Chilian attacked without warning. A flying sword shot out from his sleeve, targeting the distant, cross-legged Daoist Jinlian.
Hum!
The flying sword collided with an invisible barrier and was deflected back, soaring into the sky.
“Everyone, help us kill this old Daoist first, then we’ll deal with Xu Qi’an later. How about it?” Daoist Chilian called out loudly.
As he spoke, the Earth Sect Daoists continued to attack, manipulating flying swords to assault the barrier, but no one could break through this defense.
The demonic cultivators of the Earth Sect knew Jinlian’s true identity. Now that the Dao Leader and he were locked in a mental battle, difficult to resolve. Breaking this stalemate was quite simple – they only needed to destroy Jinlian’s physical body.
This way, Jinlian’s remnant soul would become rootless duckweed, perfect for dealing a heavy blow or even eliminating him.
If they could bring the Martial Arts Alliance members into their camp, success would be truly assured.
As for whether this would harm the Dao Leader, it didn’t need to be considered, as the Dao Leader had only sent an avatar.
Tianji immediately agreed, “That’s right, there’s no need to argue over small matters. Let’s kill this old Daoist first. This whole affair started because of him, so let him accompany Alliance Leader Cao in death.”
He was smart enough not to mention dealing with Xu Qi’an, as this would inevitably cause hesitation or even resentment among the Martial Arts Alliance members.
The straightforward Fu Jingmen cursed, “To hell with the lotus seed! If it weren’t for this group from the Yuezhi Manor, our alliance leader wouldn’t have died. I’ll make this old Daoist accompany our alliance leader in death.”
At this moment, Daoist Jinlian opened his eyes and looked at the Martial Arts Alliance members. “Alliance Leader Cao is not dead yet.”
Fu Jingmen’s steps faltered, and he stared wide-eyed, doubting his ears. “You stinking Daoist, what did you say?”
Yang Cuixue, Xiao Yuenu, and others trembled.
“With his primordial spirit extinguished, how could he possibly still be alive? Old Daoist, you better not be lying,” a sect leader said in a deep voice, clearly trembling.
“Of course, he can live. This poor Daoist is not deceiving you,” Daoist Jinlian said.
In this moment of crisis, he had managed to barely suppress the Black Lotus avatar and seized the opportunity to speak, intending to persuade the Martial Arts Alliance members to protect him for a while.
What the Martial Arts Alliance cared about most was Cao Qingyang’s survival.
Xiao Yuenu took a deep breath, stepped forward gracefully, and said softly, “Please, Daoist, guide us. If you can save Alliance Leader Cao, you will be a great benefactor to the Martial Arts Alliance.”
Yang Cuixue bowed solemnly, “Please, Daoist, set aside past grievances and save Alliance Leader Cao’s life.”
Fu Jingmen immediately changed his attitude, staring at Daoist Jinlian: “Old Daoist… no, Daoist Master, if you can save Alliance Leader Cao, I, Fu Jingmen, will risk my life to protect you today.”
The others quickly agreed, pleading with Daoist Jinlian to save Cao Qingyang, their words exceedingly respectful.
Daoist Jinlian shook his head: “It’s not me you should be asking, but Xu Qi’an.”
Xiao Yuenu’s beautiful eyes widened slightly, and she asked in surprise: “Constable Xu?”
How did this suddenly involve Constable Xu? He wasn’t even here… The sect leaders and gang chiefs exchanged bewildered glances.
“Daoist Master, please explain quickly! I’m dying of curiosity. Why can Constable Xu save our alliance leader?” Fu Jingmen was both curious and impatient.
The others stared intently at Daoist Jinlian.
“Given the Dao Leader of the Human Sect’s personality – decisive and merciless, never showing mercy when facing an enemy – this poor Daoist just witnessed her extracting Alliance Leader Cao’s soul and taking it away…”
The Earth Sect Daoists had also mentioned earlier that the Dao Leader of the Human Sect was ruthless and showed no mercy… Hearing this, Xiao Yuenu’s eyes flashed, and she had a guess. She asked softly:
“Is it because of Constable Xu?”
Daoist Jinlian nodded: “I suppose Constable Xu must have pleaded for Alliance Leader Cao’s life before summoning the Dao Leader of the Human Sect.”
The impatient Fu Jingmen could hardly wait: “Let’s go find Constable Xu.”
But Yang Cuixue stopped him, discreetly glancing at the Earth Sect and Duke Huai’s spies, and said calmly: “Constable Xu is chivalrous and of noble character. If the alliance leader’s soul is in his hands, we need not rush.”
The leader of the Qianji Sect agreed: “That’s right, let’s protect this Daoist for now.”
The Martial Arts Alliance members were immersed in the joy of “regaining” their alliance leader, but they remained vigilant. They kept watch on the Earth Sect Daoists and Duke Huai’s spies while slowly gathering around Daoist Jinlian.
Just then, several auras rapidly approached – the Heavenly Alliance members had returned.
“Damn it!” Tianji cursed under his breath, knowing the situation was hopeless.
If it were only the Martial Arts Alliance members, they could have fought alongside the Earth Sect Daoists. But with the addition of Chu Yuanzhen, Li Miaozhen, and the others, forcing a battle would only lead to their demise.
“Retreat!” Tianshu was more decisive, immediately leading her subordinates in a retreat in another direction.
The Earth Sect’s demonic cultivators followed closely behind.
“Stop them!”
Voices from both the Heavenly Alliance and the Martial Arts Alliance shouted simultaneously.
Li Miaozhen, riding her flying sword, took the lead. Her eyes shed their black color, transforming into a pure glassy hue. She opened her palm towards the fleeing crowd.
In an instant, Duke Huai’s spies and the Earth Sect’s demonic cultivators were restrained by their own clothes. Their flying swords and sabers rebelled, leaping out of their sheaths to strike their masters.
Fortunately, such attacks weren’t too powerful, and the ordinary spies and Earth Sect disciples were not weak. While some were injured, there were no life-threatening wounds.
However, Li Miaozhen had achieved her desired effect.
With a ripping sound, the female spy Tianshu tore through her outer clothes and trousers, forcibly freeing herself from the restraints. Left in only a pair of underwear and a plain undershirt, her exposed waist was slender with faint muscle definition.
Her thighs were taut, long, and powerful.
She pounced like a leopardess towards Li Miaozhen, attempting to get close and finish off the Holy Maiden of the Heaven Sect in an instant.
Li Miaozhen wouldn’t let her get close so easily. She retreated on her flying sword while ascending to a higher altitude.
Tianshu didn’t continue her pursuit. Ignoring her forward momentum, she abruptly changed direction and fled.
Because she saw Xu Qi’an lunging towards her. This guy had just reached the fifth tier, with extremely strong close combat abilities. If he managed to engage her, she really wouldn’t be able to escape.
Whether it was an illusion or not, Tianshu noticed that this guy’s eyes were gleaming, as if he was eager to have a close combat fight with her in her undershirt.
On the Martial Arts Alliance side, Xiao Yuenu and others were in hot pursuit. Madam Xiao of the Ten Thousand Flowers Pavilion, with her agile movements far surpassing Yang Cuixue and others, was the first to intercept the Earth Sect’s demonic cultivators.
Daoist Chilian’s flying sword met her, whistling as it cut through the air.
Xiao Yuenu slid a silver-boned fan from her sleeve, lightly deflecting the flying sword. Suddenly, she let out a soft moan, her cheeks flushing red. Her legs weakened as she felt waves of heat in her lower abdomen.
Daoist Chilian sneered, sweeping his wide sleeve to send her flying.
Xiao Yuenu crashed into a solid embrace, hearing a somewhat unfamiliar voice: “Madam Xiao, are you alright?”
She raised her misty, alluring eyes to see a handsome, masculine face – it was Xu Qi’an, who had been eager to engage in close combat with the undershirt-clad Tianshu.
Xiao Yuenu sprang from his arms as if electrified, her face flushed as if drunk. Striving to keep her voice normal, she said softly: “It’s nothing, thank you, Constable Xu.”
The Earth Sect’s demonic cultivators’ methods of polluting people’s hearts and arousing desire are quite powerful… Xu Qi’an thought to himself, alarmed. As a man well-versed in matters of romance, he immediately noticed Madam Xiao’s unusual state.
If that sword strike from Chilian had hit me instead, I’d have dodged it with a twist of my waist, and we’d be in the middle of nowhere… he thought while continuing to lead the pursuit.
Just as they exited the Yuezhi Manor, they saw the Earth Sect Daoists and Duke Huai’s spies mounting their swords and ascending into the sky.
Twang!
The clear, powerful sound of a bowstring rang out. An expert archer from the Martial Arts Alliance appeared decisively, shooting down two flying swords and four disciples. By the time he drew his bow for the third time, the Earth Sect disciples had flown beyond the range of his arrows.
The Earth Sect Daoists could fly on swords, but on their side, only Li Miaozhen and Chu Yuanzhen could fly. With just the two of them, it was clearly impossible to stop all the Earth Sect members.
Although their side had more experts in number, the Martial Arts Alliance was composed entirely of martial artists… Xu Qi’an squinted at the distant sky, thinking:
“Letting them return to the capital in disgrace to anger Emperor Yuanjing isn’t a bad outcome either.” Xu Qi’an thought with a cold smile.
“Constable Xu…”
Xiao Yuenu’s soft, alluring voice brought him back to reality. Looking at this pearl of Sword Province, Xu Qi’an nodded and said: “Alliance Leader Cao’s soul is with me. I’ll return it to his body right away.”
The Martial Arts Alliance members looked on with anticipation.
“Meow…”
An orange cat emerged from the ruins, stopping at a distance, its emerald eyes gazing at everyone.
This cat had either luckily survived, escaping disaster, or had just returned from outside to find its home reduced to rubble.
Xu Qi’an walked up to Cao Qingyang. Under the expectant gazes of the Martial Arts Alliance members, he opened the sachet, releasing Cao Qingyang’s soul and guiding it back to his body.
Just then, a vortex appeared on Daoist Jinlian’s forehead, and a soul entwined with golden light and black mist shot out, attempting to seize Cao Qingyang’s physical body.
The change happened too quickly, completely catching everyone off guard. Moreover, martial artists found it difficult to obstruct a Daoist sect’s Yin spirit from possessing a body, lacking effective means of attack.
Everyone’s expressions changed dramatically.
“Meow…”
The orange cat let out a sharp cry, arching its back with its fur standing on end, baring its teeth at the soul entwined with golden light and black mist.
Cats are very sensitive to Yin entities.
The moment the cat cried out, the soul entity noticeably faltered. Then, as if acting on instinct, it changed direction and plunged into the orange cat’s body.