Yi Bu smiled, pouring himself another cup of wine without continuing.

The black-robed man behind the screen also smiled.

Su Muyu set down his wine cup, ready to draw his sword at any moment.

“Still too young, after all,” Yi Bu finally spoke again after a long while. “The Dark River has belonged to the Shadow Sect for hundreds of years. The locations of Dark River’s untraceable sect compounds, the spider nests distributed throughout the jianghu, every member’s true identity, their martial arts abilities, weaknesses, and portraits—all these records are hidden within the Shadow Sect. If you betray us, all this information will appear in the jianghu. The Dark River has enemies everywhere, and you will all become targets.”

Su Muyu lowered his head slightly, his expression calm.

“You must think that today’s Shadow Sect merely clings to the empty title of Minister, barely surviving in Tianqi City without its former glory, not even matching the Dark River—what right do we have to be your masters? But if I wish, I can destroy the Dark River. You want to establish a new Dark River, to start anew. But…” Yi Bu gave a cold laugh. “Lay down the butcher’s knife and instantly become a Buddha? Blood-stained assassins—look across the jianghu, everyone is your enemy.”

Su Muyu knew Yi Bu’s words weren’t groundless. The Dark River had survived all these years because of its untraceable headquarters and spider nests spread across the land. If these were exposed, they would spend their lives in exile. He sighed softly: “State your conditions.”

“You were brought to Tianqi City because I need you to kill someone,” Yi Bu smiled slightly, knowing Su Muyu had fallen under his control.

“Who?” Su Muyu asked.

“Wang Xiao Ruofeng of Langya,” Yi Bu said gravely.

Su Muyu’s eyes flickered briefly before he finally spoke: “The Dark River is the shadow that clears the jianghu for the Xiao Imperial clan, while the Shadow Sect is the shadow protecting Tianqi City. Therefore, Tianqi City’s affairs shouldn’t concern the Dark River. The Wang of Langya is of the Xiao Imperial clan—assassinating him would violate both organizations’ principles. I don’t understand the reasoning, please explain, Sect Leader.”

Yi Bu’s pupils contracted slightly: “I take back my earlier words. Though young, you’re very clever.”

“This task isn’t something the Shadow Sect should do—it’s your agenda. Since it’s personal…” Su Muyu extended one hand, palm up on the table. “We need an exchange.”

“What do you want in return?” Yi Bu asked softly.

“Everything you mentioned earlier must completely disappear from this world. The Dark River will have no further connection to the Shadow Sect.” Su Muyu raised his head to look at Yi Bu.

Yi Bu remained silent for a long while before standing. “Let’s end our discussion here. See him out.”

“Sect Leader knows better than I what kind of task this is. The Wang of Langya is Bei Li’s greatest military power—even the Emperor gives him respect in court. In the jianghu, he’s the senior martial brother of Bai Li Dongjun, master of the Snow Moon City. Killing him means making enemies of the entire world,” Su Muyu turned his head.

“I don’t think you’re in a position to negotiate with me.” Yi Bu’s right fist tightened slightly.

“If information about the Dark River spreads throughout the jianghu, then we, with nowhere to return, will make Tianqi City our first stop. Perhaps the world won’t accept us, but we’ll ensure the Shadow Sect disappears from this world as well.” Su Muyu gave Yi Bu one last look, glanced at the screen, and walked out.

After he left, the man behind the screen emerged, touching his jade ring as he smiled. “An impressive young man. Gutsy, clever, and highly skilled in martial arts.”

“He sensed your presence as soon as he entered—did you not conceal your aura?” Yi Bu asked, puzzled.

The black-robed man shook his head: “No, I used the Cotton Breath technique to completely hide my presence before he entered. His martial arts are extraordinary—at such a young age, he’s already surpassed the previous Su family patriarch. The Shadow Sect alone isn’t enough to control them.” The black-robed man patted Yi Bu’s shoulder and walked outside.

On Vermilion Bird Street in Tianqi City, Li Xinyue stood atop the Wanggao Tower, surveying the city’s activities. As she completed her inspection, her gaze settled on the southwest.

A tall, thin man wearing a bamboo hat and holding a Buddhist staff in his right hand stood on a distant rooftop, watching her.

Li Xinyue started, immediately drawing her sword and charging forward.

The tall man smiled slightly, leaping down from the roof, his figure quickly vanishing into the darkness.

Li Xinyue whistled, and numerous hidden masters emerged from the darkness, helping her intercept the tall man.

“Still that troublesome woman.” The tall man smiled, swinging his Buddhist staff forward. Seven golden rings shot out, driving back the pursuers, with three rings flying toward Li Xinyue. She swept her sword, deflecting the three rings back: “It really is you! Su Zhe of the Su family!”

Su Zhe turned, extending his staff to catch the returning rings, then smiled at Li Xinyue: “Beautiful lady, long time no see.”

“What are you doing in Tianqi City?” Li Xinyue shouted angrily, charging at him with her sword.

Su Zhe stepped back: “Visiting a friend.”

“Who in Tianqi City would be friends with you?” Li Xinyue reached Su Zhe, thrusting her sword at him. Unlike with Su Muyu, she had personally witnessed Su Zhe kill—she knew firsthand how terrifying this peerless assassin could be. Such a person couldn’t be allowed in Tianqi City!

“That’s not nice—I’m a good person now.” Su Zhe blocked with his staff, being forced back seven steps by Li Xinyue’s strike. “Woman, your sword style is still so domineering.”

“And your Mandarin is still terrible, you betel nut chewer!” Li Xinyue raged.

As they faced off, a window suddenly opened in the nearby inn. Su Muyu leaned out, calling down: “Senior Li.”

Li Xinyue looked up, startled: “Aren’t you…”

Su Zhe lowered his staff, walking forward with a smile: “This is the friend I came to see. Any problem?”

“I told you, if you cause any trouble, I’ll drive you out of Tianqi City,” Li Xinyue said coldly.

“Uncle Zhe is no longer part of the Dark River,” Su Muyu shook his head. “Please be at ease, Senior.”

“No longer part of the Dark River?” Li Xinyue frowned slightly, looking at Su Zhe. “Were you expelled?”

Su Zhe shrugged: “I found my daughter—I’m a family man now.”

Li Xinyue’s expression shifted slightly. After hesitating, she said nothing more, sheathed her sword, gave Su Muyu one last look, and left.