Category: I, The Man Who’ll Conquer Both the Immortal Venerable and the Demon Empress

Chapter 165: The Girl From the East Sea

Shi Hao’s words shocked everyone.

He sighed and said, “If you want proof, I don’t have any. I can only tell you that Xiong Wanghu, the ‘Tiger Roaring Saber Hero,’ is likely working with Huang Facai, under the command of Hong Chui, the Thunderclap.”

“And they’re likely connected to a demonic sect. Huang Facai’s brutality created many enemies, eliminating any potential threats, and also aroused widespread resentment.

“Xiong Wanghu, capitalizing on this resentment, secretly gathered support, then overthrew the Hanyang Gang, absorbing all the opposing factions and seizing their territory.”

“Now, with ‘Huang Facai’ dead, and notorious figures like the Hanyang Three Fiends eliminated, the remaining Hanyang Gang members, after changing their allegiance, will become part of the Danyang Society. Xiong Wanghu, having gained fame and prestige, will then establish a new ‘Hanyang Gang,’ its reputation untainted.”

“The Hanyang River Alliance will still be formed, under Xiong Wanghu’s leadership, with little opposition. As for ‘Huang Facai,’ he was just a temporary figurehead, his death preordained.

“We can’t even be certain that the head on that pole was really his.”

Their faces paled at his words.

Shi Hao continued, “The only fortunate thing is that their original plan was for us and the Hanyang Gang to destroy each other, weakening the Nine Villages, forcing them to submit to the Danyang Society.

“That way, the Danyang Society would achieve what even the Hanyang Gang couldn’t.”

“That’s why the Hanyang Gang attacked with their full force last night, even Huang Facai and Zhao Xuanding participating, trying to kill me. They were paving the way for the Danyang Society. This further confirms their connection to a demonic sect. It’s a classic tactic of manipulating events from the shadows. Of course, you won’t find any direct evidence linking Xiong Wanghu to the demonic sects.”

Zhao Peng hesitated, “But… this is just speculation, isn’t it?”

Shi Hao nodded, “I told you, I have no proof. Xiong Wanghu is a renowned hero. We can’t accuse him based on mere speculation.”

Daoist Chuan looked around and said firmly, “I believe you, Master Shi.”

Gong Muhong and Yan Zhuxia nodded in agreement, while the others remained hesitant.

Shi Hao said, “Thank you. But whether you believe it or not doesn’t change anything. We can’t do anything about it now. We just fought a major battle against the Hanyang Gang, a desperate fight for survival, and we were united.

“But if we attack the Danyang Society based on mere speculation, we’ll be seen as the aggressors. And our own people will question our motives. They’ll think we used the fight against the Hanyang Gang’s tyranny as a pretext for our own ambitions. After such a hard-fought victory, with so many casualties, why would we suddenly attack another faction?”

“Fortunately, the Danyang Society, to maintain their image of righteousness, won’t attack the Nine Villages for now. They need to consolidate their power and build their reputation. We should have a few months of peace.”

Gong Muhong hesitated, “Then what should we do?”

Shi Hao shook his head, “Nothing. I’m telling you this so you’ll be prepared. The Danyang Society won’t attack you directly, but they’ll use other methods to weaken you.

“There won’t be any more major battles, but there will be constant skirmishes. Be prepared. These minor conflicts don’t matter. The key is to maintain your unity. As long as the Nine Villages remain united, the Danyang Society can’t do anything.”

“Xiong Wanghu’s reputation is his greatest strength, but also his weakness. He won’t be as ruthless and unscrupulous as Huang Facai.”

“We still have to build our militia. It’s essential. With a strong militia, the Nine Villages can defend themselves. The Ba Mountains are easily defensible. Once our forces are strong enough, other factions will have to negotiate with us, not attack us.”

Daoist Chuan said, “Please stay and continue guiding us, Master Shi…”

Shi Hao shook his head, “No, I have to leave.”

They were stunned, their gazes fixed on him—

---

Xu Xiaoyan walked through the garden behind the manor.

Yue Ya’er and Du Yuejiao were chatting.

In the distance, Xiang Gu sat on the grass, playing with her bottles and jars.

Xu Xiaoyan crossed the garden and reached the back of the mountain.

The sun had just set, a crescent moon hanging in the sky, darkness falling swiftly.

Lanterns were being lit, and villagers, who had been evacuated earlier, were returning to their homes.

Hou Bomin, the Monkey Thief, sat on a large rock, smoking his pipe, the embers glowing faintly.

“Old Monkey,” Xu Xiaoyan approached him, “What did you want to tell me? Why have you been stalling?”

Hou Bomin sighed, “I wasn’t sure if I should tell you. I don’t know what you’ll do.”

Xu Xiaoyan frowned, “Just tell me.”

Hou Bomin looked at her and finally said, “Someone saw a girl who looks exactly like you.”

Xu Xiaoyan froze, her face lighting up with hope, “Who? Where?”

Hou Bomin took a puff from his pipe, “Old Zhong saw her. It was in the East Sea. But he wasn’t entirely sure…”

Xu Xiaoyan asked, “Why not?”

Hou Bomin said, “He said it felt like a dream.”

Xu Xiaoyan stared at him, “What happened?”

Hou Bomin put down his pipe and tapped it against the rock. He said, “He said it was dusk, the sun and moon both in the sky. He was fishing for Stone Milkfish, used for refining immortal ingredients. You know Old Zhong. He does this all the time. Going out to sea alone wasn’t unusual for him.

“But the weather suddenly changed. A storm blew in.

“He had checked the weather before leaving, so he hadn’t expected it. He struggled through the storm and then saw a thick mist ahead.

“He was lost, surrounded by mist, unable to see. He continued rowing and then saw a group of people walking on the water.

“They were dressed in elegant, ancient robes, like people from before the Qin Dynasty. Four of them carried a lavish palanquin adorned with pearls.

“A young woman sat inside the palanquin, wearing a beautiful rainbow robe, her hair in a rare ‘flying celestial’ bun, her gaze fixed ahead, motionless. Old Zhong saw her profile… and he thought it was you.”

Xu Xiaoyan whispered, “The East Sea?”

Hou Bomin nodded, “He was about to call out to you, but something felt… wrong. Although she looked exactly like you, her aura was different. As he hesitated, a fight broke out.

“Several pirate ships emerged from the mist and attacked the group. The pirates were skilled, almost ten mid-rank experts among them, the rest also ranked. Old Zhong recognized them as members of the Sea Shark Gang, but he didn’t know why they were attacking that group.

“But strangely, only four people from the group fought back, two men and two women, all using swords. And those four alone defeated all the pirates.

“Old Zhong said he had never seen anything like it. The Sea Shark Gang’s experts were like chickens before them, slaughtered without any resistance. One of them even looked at him after the fight, and he thought he was going to die.

“But they didn’t touch him. They killed all the pirates, even the sailors and cooks on the ships, and then left, escorting the young woman on the palanquin, who hadn’t even moved, walking across the water.

“Then, the mist cleared, and he saw the moon again. He felt like he had been dreaming.

“When he returned to shore, he asked us about you. You had already left Jiangzhe by then. Daoist Tie Yu told us you were with him that day, with a young man named Shi Hao, saying you were going to help him find the Blood Slaughter Sword, and you even tricked him out of a sword.”

Xu Xiaoyan’s eyes widened, “That was shortly after the last full moon, about a month ago? Grandpa Zhong… he really saw another me?”

Hou Bomin nodded, looking up at her, “Where are you going?”

Xu Xiaoyan turned resolutely, “To the East Sea! I have to find her!”

Hou Bomin sighed, “I hesitated to tell you because I knew you wouldn’t be able to wait. But this time, I urge you to reconsider.”

Chapter 164: A Hollow Victory?

A powerful sense of danger washed over Shi Hao and Hou Bomin.

They felt a vortex of energy swirling around them, pulling them towards a fiery abyss.

They could no longer see Huang Facai, only feel themselves being torn apart, about to be crushed.

At the last moment, Shi Hao unleashed his Primordial Energy, his senses heightened, perceiving the subtle shifts in the energy flow, the direction of Huang Facai’s attack.

The Primordial Energy, attainable only by high-rank experts, proved invaluable.

He pinpointed Huang Facai’s location.

He struck, his sword a simple, direct slash, without any visible energy.

But the swirling black vortex around them distorted, and in that fleeting moment of distortion, Hou Bomin saw Huang Facai.

He lashed out, his iron chain shooting forward, the hook at its end aiming for Huang Facai’s throat.

Huang Facai couldn’t understand how Shi Chongyun’s simple sword strike had created an opening in his defenses.

This attack was completely different from Shi Chongyun’s previous moves.

It was a simple, direct slash, yet it seemed to warp space itself.

And because it hadn’t directly clashed with his palm force, Huang Facai, although puzzled, hadn’t realized it was a demonic technique.

Hou Bomin, a seasoned martial artist, instantly seized the opportunity created by Shi Chongyun’s attack, unleashing the power of the Constraining Rope Star, the chain an extension of his will, its movement precise and deadly.

But Huang Facai’s Life Severance technique was a powerful and dangerous move.

He slapped his left hand forward, shattering the chain, then swung his right hand upwards, a wave of black energy, like a turning page, rising from the ground and crashing down on them.

Shi Hao and Hou Bomin leaped back, narrowly escaping.

Hou Bomin, having anticipated this, had already thrown another chain, hooking it onto a distant wall. He grabbed Shi Hao, and as the chain retracted, they were pulled away.

Although weaker than Huang Facai, Hou Bomin’s experience in the jianghu had saved them.

Huang Facai, enraged by their escape, gave chase, his aura menacing.

The stone wall behind them crumbled as they fled… This time, they had more time to react.

Huang Facai’s repeated attacks, although still powerful, were becoming less precise, less effective.

But he couldn’t stop, his frustration growing as they continued to evade him, his attacks destroying the surroundings but not reaching them.

He knew his Life Severance technique couldn’t be sustained.

He suddenly changed his target, abandoning them and lunging towards Du Yuejiao and Xu Xiaoyan, a wave of black demonic energy, like a raging tide, threatening to engulf them and their opponents.

This unexpected move surprised both Shi Hao and Hou Bomin.

The two girls, locked in combat with the staff-wielding man, couldn’t dodge his attack.

And they couldn’t abandon them either.

At that moment, another figure, rolling on the ground, lashed out with a hook, aiming for Huang Facai’s right foot.

It was Xiang Gu.

She rolled through the mud and debris, her body low to the ground.

Behind her, a headless corpse collapsed, its head rolling into a puddle of mud, its eyes wide open in disbelief.

No one had expected her to defeat Zhao Xuanding, the Canyon Stabilizer, severing his head with her Parting Hook.

This surprised even Huang Facai.

Zhao Xuanding was a renowned martial artist in the Three Gorges region, a supernatural ability user whose Earth Splitting Star often saved his life.

He shouldn’t have been so easily killed by an unknown woman.

But it had happened, forcing Huang Facai to leap back, dodging Xiang Gu’s hook.

His momentum broken, his energy depleted after four powerful attacks, his advantage was gone.

Shi Hao and Hou Bomin seized the opportunity, attacking the saber-wielding man while Huang Facai was occupied with Xiang Gu.

After a flurry of blows, Shi Hao’s sword pierced the man’s chest, and Hou Bomin’s chain wrapped around his throat.

Yan Zhuxia, like the wind, joined Xiang Gu in attacking Huang Facai.

Although the two sixth-rank martial artists, Xiang Gu and Yan Zhuxia, were weaker than Huang Facai, whose strength was now waning, they managed to hold him back.

Shi Hao and Hou Bomin turned to the staff-wielding man, who, seeing them approach, turned and fled.

Du Yuejiao and Xu Xiaoyan, seizing the opportunity, each struck with their swords.

The man, afraid of being surrounded and killed, ignored their attacks and ran, blood streaming from his wounds.

Shi Hao and Hou Bomin, anticipating this, ignored him and turned to Huang Facai.

After a fierce exchange, Huang Facai leaped back, one arm severed by Xiang Gu’s hook, a sword wound on his back from Shi Hao.

But he was a fifth-rank expert. With a roar, he unleashed a wave of poisonous energy.

The others, not daring to be touched by the poison, scattered.

Huang Facai, screaming, soared into the sky and escaped.

Shi Hao rolled on the ground, then leaped up, his sword flashing as he pursued Huang Facai, striking him again.

But Huang Facai, although injured, leaving a trail of blood, accelerated, flying over the estate wall and down the cliff.

Shi Hao reached the edge of the cliff and looked down, seeing Huang Facai using the trees to slow his descent and escape.

There was nothing he could do.

He returned to the manor and, looking at the bodies of Zhao Xuanding, Yu He, and the saber-wielding man, and the severed arm of Huang Facai, sighed.

Du Yuejiao approached, “Brother Shi, we won! Why do you look so unhappy?”

Shi Hao said, “Although we won, it’s a hollow victory. We defended the Ba Mountains, but nothing has truly changed.”

A martial artist rushed in, his face beaming, “Master Shi, we’ve won! The Hanyang Gang is retreating!”

Shi Hao asked, “So soon?”

The man said, “We were fighting hard, gaining the upper hand, but it shouldn’t have ended so quickly. Then, the Hanyang Gang’s forces suddenly turned on each other, and another group attacked them from the rear.

“We asked who they were, and they said they were the Danyang Society, that they couldn’t tolerate the Hanyang Gang’s tyranny any longer and had come to join our fight.”

Shi Hao nodded, “I see.”

At daybreak, Daoist Chuan, Gong Muhong, He Guangtao, and the others returned, their faces filled with joy.

They tended to the injured, regrouped, and sent messengers to gather information about the situation in Danyang and Nanhe.

Good news arrived. The Hanyang Gang was being purged.

Diao Hongyan and Jin Ba, two of the Hanyang Three Fiends, were dead. And Huang Facai, fleeing the Ba Mountains, had been intercepted and killed by Xiong Wanghu, the Tiger Roaring Saber Hero.

The Hanyang Gang had collapsed, and Xiong Wanghu’s reputation had soared.

That afternoon, a messenger arrived from Xiong Wanghu, requesting a meeting.

In the evening, Shi Hao and the others descended the mountain and met with Xiong Wanghu on the banks of the Nan River.

Xiong Wanghu’s men, their morale high, carried a long bamboo pole with Huang Facai’s head impaled on it.

Seeing the head of the Hanyang Gang’s leader, even the Nine Villages warriors behind Shi Hao cheered.

“You must be Shi Chongyun,” Xiong Wanghu, a tall, powerfully built man, his every movement radiating strength and confidence, stepped forward and bowed, “Your reputation precedes you, Young Master Shi.”

Shi Hao returned the bow, “Your fame is known throughout the land, Hero Xiong. It’s an honor to meet you.”

Xiong Wanghu said, “You flatter me. Your leadership in uniting the Nine Villages and resisting Huang Facai’s tyranny is truly admirable.”

Shi Hao said, “It was you, Hero Xiong, who united the people against the Hanyang Gang, overthrowing them and bringing that villain Huang Facai to justice. I have long admired your righteousness.”

Xiong Wanghu said, “Now that Huang Facai is dead, and the Hanyang Gang defeated, will the Nine Villages join our Danyang Society and work together to protect the people?”

Shi Hao said, “The Nine Villages of Ba Shan are a temporary alliance, formed to resist the Hanyang Gang’s threat. We will return to our respective villages once the danger is gone. We simply wish for peace and stability in the Hanyang River region.”

Xiong Wanghu said, “Rest assured, the Ba Mountains and the Hanyang River are interconnected. We will support each other. I promise that as long as I live, the tyranny of the Hanyang Gang will never return.”

Shi Hao bowed, “In that case, we have nothing to worry about. We have many injured who need tending to, and I’m sure you also have much to do, consolidating your victory. I won’t take up any more of your time, Hero Xiong.”

Xiong Wanghu bowed in return, and they parted ways.

Du Yuejiao, looking at Huang Facai’s severed head, snorted, “We were the ones who weakened him, and now this Danyang Society takes all the credit. How infuriating.”

Xu Xiaoyan shook her head, “Whether that’s really his head is still uncertain.”

Du Yuejiao looked at her, surprised, “They can even fake that?” She looked at the head again and muttered, “It looks real enough.”

Shi Hao returned to the village, sighed deeply, and said, “Let’s go.”

Back at the manor, Shi Hao gathered Gong Muhong, Daoist Chuan, Yan Zhuxia, and Jing Shilong, excluding the others.

Gong Muhong looked at Shi Hao, puzzled, “We’ve won a great victory. The Hanyang Gang is destroyed, and Huang Facai is dead. Why do you still look so troubled?”

Shi Hao looked around, lowered his voice, and said, “What if I told you that Xiong Wanghu and Huang Facai were working together? Would you believe me?”

Chapter 163: Desperate Measures, Deadly Strike

As Du Yuejiao’s sword thrust towards Huang Facai’s back, Shi Hao leaped into the air, his own sword aimed at Huang Facai.

Channeling the Three Origins Flowing Pearl Technique and the True Water Technique, he gathered the falling rain, forming a swirling vortex of water around his blade as he attacked.

His timing was perfect. Huang Facai, having just shattered Shi Hao’s divine form, was momentarily vulnerable, his energy depleted.

Du Yuejiao, seizing this opportunity, unleashed a swift and precise strike with her Silver Fiend Sword, a flash of light aiming for his heart.

Their coordinated attack, one from the front, one from behind, was flawless.

Although Shi Hao was weaker than Huang Facai, having also reached the mid-ranks, his Three Origins Flowing Pearl Technique, manipulating the surrounding rain droplets, each one now an extension of his sword, made him a formidable opponent.

Huang Facai, however, focused his energy inwards, his hands clasped together, his back arching, a dark shadow enveloping him.

This was the “Absolute Defense,” one of the “Three Extremes” techniques of his master, Cui Qiang, the Four Extremes Nether Inversion, a top general of Hong Chui, the Thunderclap.

Unlike his senior brother, however, he had only mastered three of the four extremes.

Du Yuejiao’s sword struck his back with a thud, like a hammer against stone.

She was thrown backwards, her internal energy disrupted, a mouthful of blood spraying from her lips.

Although she had struck him, it felt as if she herself had been hit.

Fortunately, she had used a sword. A direct palm or finger strike would have poisoned her.

Huang Facai pushed outwards with both palms, the dark energy that had been protecting him now surging forward, deflecting Shi Hao’s rain-infused sword attack.

His palms, radiating a powerful force, continued towards Shi Hao.

This was his “Absolute Palm”!

Shi Hao, mid-air, changed his technique.

He had spent a “year” practicing swordsmanship in the Celestial Realm.

His skill was far greater than before.

His sword light pierced through Huang Facai’s palm force, striking his wrist.

But Shi Hao didn’t celebrate… The strike had been too easy.

A flash of light, and Huang Facai’s sleeve ripped, revealing metal bracers beneath.

His hands were protected.

A successful strike, yet also a failure. A dangerous moment.

As Shi Hao’s sword was deflected, Huang Facai struck his chest with his palm.

“Brother Shi!” Du Yuejiao cried out, her voice filled with fear.

Suddenly, Huang Facai snorted, his palm strike shifting, and with a thud, a small, dark shape was knocked away.

It was a dragonfly… a live dragonfly, flying through the rain.

A flash of blood, and the dragonfly exploded mid-air, its tiny body spraying blood.

At the same time, a figure emerged from the shadows, joining Shi Hao in attacking Huang Facai.

It was Yan Zhuxia, the Wu Zhu of Wu Village.

She had been waiting for the right opportunity, a chance to severely injure Huang Facai.

But seeing Shi Hao’s precarious situation, she couldn’t wait any longer.

She was also sixth-rank, weaker than Huang Facai.

She wielded a willow leaf saber, her movements accompanied by a swarm of tiny, buzzing insects, some visible, others hidden, their stings deadly.

As Shi Hao and Yan Zhuxia attacked simultaneously, Huang Facai unleashed his full power.

A black aura, like a swirling mass of shadows, erupted from him, repelling the insects.

The man with the saber, his movements precise and deadly, charged forward, leaving a trail of corpses in his wake.

Yan Zhuxia was forced to disengage and intercept him.

Shi Hao, facing Huang Facai alone, was once again in danger.

He retreated, using the True Water, Profound Wind, and Immortal Ice Techniques, combined with the Three Origins Flowing Pearl Technique, to defend himself.

Sometimes, the rain itself seemed to transform into swords, icy shards swirling around him. Sometimes, he would leap into the air, a gust of wind carrying him away.

Huang Facai’s attacks were relentless and powerful, but he couldn’t land a decisive blow.

This surprised him… This kid is good.

He was only sixth-rank now. What would happen when he reached the fifth rank?

Huang Facai unleashed his full power, his killing intent clear, determined to eliminate this threat.

Du Yuejiao, worried about Shi Hao, couldn’t help him.

The tall, thin man with the staff and the fleshy growth, having defeated his opponents, was now attacking her.

She had to defend herself, using all her skill to hold him back.

He was also a sixth-rank expert, his cultivation higher than hers.

Although her recent dual cultivation had greatly enhanced her strength, the difference in their ranks was significant.

She could only retreat, dodging and weaving, trying to avoid his attacks, her only goal to prevent him from joining the fight against Shi Hao.

The man with the staff was growing increasingly frustrated. He couldn’t believe he was being held back by a girl.

His pride wounded, he intensified his attacks, his staff a blur, waves of force pressing down on her.

Du Yuejiao gritted her teeth, her footwork precise, her sword light like the moon, her movements like a retreating dragon, her blade, however, always facing her opponent, refusing to yield.

She couldn’t let him go.

If he joined the fight against Shi Hao, he would die.

The battle reached a stalemate.

Zhao Xuanding and Xiang Gu were evenly matched, as were Yan Zhuxia and the saber-wielding man.

All four were sixth-rank experts. As long as one side was determined to avoid a decisive confrontation, the other couldn’t achieve a quick victory.

Shi Hao and Du Yuejiao, however, were both facing stronger opponents, their situations precarious.

Thanks to Shi Hao’s unique techniques and his exceptional swordsmanship, and Du Yuejiao’s Daoist training and newly acquired demonic skills, their unorthodox styles had allowed them to hold their own so far.

But Huang Facai was growing impatient.

He had arrived just as the Hanyang Gang’s attack was faltering, the Nine Villages gaining the upper hand.

He had to kill this young man quickly.

He unleashed a powerful attack, a wave of force that shattered Shi Hao’s defenses.

Shi Hao grunted and was thrown backwards, crashing through a wall, the debris raining down on him.

Huang Facai’s attack, although powerful, had also momentarily depleted his energy. He couldn’t immediately pursue. He shouted, “Now!”

A figure swooped down from the sky, his saber flashing, aimed at the young man lying on the ground.

It was Yu He, one of the Hanyang Three Fiends.

Using his Earth Flying Star ability, he had been circling above, waiting for an opportunity.

Shi Chongyun was doomed.

But as Shi Hao rolled on the ground, covered in dirt and debris, his internal energy disrupted, he drew his sword, his gaze fixed on Yu He, and also shouted, “Now!”

Yu He froze.

A sword pierced his back, its tip emerging from his chest.

The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind.

Yu He’s eyes widened, staring at the iron chain wrapped around him and the sword protruding from his chest.

Beside Shi Hao, a hunched figure emerged from the rubble, one end of the chain in his hand. It was Hou Bomin.

And behind Yu He stood Xu Xiaoyan, holding the scabbard of the Plain Sword in her left hand, the blade in her right.

She placed her foot on Yu He’s back, leaped into the air, and landed gracefully.

Yu He’s body collapsed into the mud, his eyes still open in death.

Huang Facai narrowed his eyes.

Yan Zhuxia’s intervention had been somewhat expected.

But he hadn’t anticipated Shi Chongyun having other allies.

Yue Ya’er’s arrival, with her reinforcements, had misled him.

Without their help, Shi Hao wouldn’t have been able to have Yan Zhuxia, Xiang Gu, Yuejiao, Xiaoyan, and Hou Bomin assisting him.

Hou Bomin was a supernatural ability user, his power the Constraining Rope.

And Xu Xiaoyan possessed the Night Wanderer Talisman.

Their combined attack had been perfectly timed.

Yu He, intending to ambush Shi Hao, had been ambushed himself.

Huang Facai snorted, no longer willing to wait. He lunged forward, a wave of black demonic energy swirling around him.

“Go help Yuejiao!” Shi Hao shouted, jumping to his feet, his sword flashing.

He channeled the Three Origins Flowing Pearl Technique and the Profound Wind Technique, unleashing a powerful gust of wind.

Xu Xiaoyan, her figure a blur, moved across the ground, her sword aimed at the staff-wielding man.

Du Yuejiao’s situation was dire.

Although facing overwhelming odds, she fought silently, her face grim, not wanting to distract Shi Hao with her own struggles.

She was a proud woman.

A whirlwind of staff shadows, each strike carrying immense force, threatened to engulf her.

Desperate, but resolute, she fought back, her sword flashing, hoping to hold out for as long as possible.

A sword, like a ray of moonlight, pierced through the darkness, and the staff shadows receded.

With a clang, the staff-wielding man blocked Xu Xiaoyan’s attack.

The pressure on Du Yuejiao eased. She had narrowly escaped death.

She gasped for breath, her heart pounding.

She wanted to look back at Shi Hao, but she couldn’t afford to be distracted.

She shifted her footing, adjusted her grip, and unleashed three swift sword strikes, joining Xu Xiaoyan in attacking the staff wielder.

Shi Hao and Hou Bomin, however, were once again in danger.

Huang Facai’s body pulsed, and with a series of explosions, his large figure shrunk, becoming smaller and more compact.

This was the “Life Severance” technique, the most powerful and dangerous of his Three Extremes.

Using this technique would also injure him internally, requiring days of recovery before he could fight again, or risk permanent damage.

It was his most powerful, most desperate, killing move, capable of annihilating all before him.

Chapter 162: A Desperate Gamble in the Rainy Night

Shi Hao sat in the study, the only sound the gentle, persistent patter of rain against the roof.

Red lanterns hung on either side of the open doorway, casting a warm, crimson glow.

A white crystal lamp, filled with Night Fragrance Grass, illuminated the corner of the room, its soft light, along with two tall candles, providing enough illumination for him to study the map and the various intelligence reports spread across the table.

He was… bored.

Even though lives were being lost outside, at this moment, he could do nothing more.

But he had to stay here, a symbol of stability, a reassuring presence for those fighting on the front lines.

His plans were in motion, his strategies deployed. Now, he could only wait, a silent observer, powerless to directly influence the unfolding events.

There were no telephones or telegraphs in this world. News from the front lines was slow to arrive.

And even if he received a report, formulated a response, and sent out new orders, the situation on the battlefield would have already changed.

Even with modern communication, the chaos and complexity of war made real-time decision-making difficult. Strategies devised from afar were often outdated by the time they reached the front lines.

So, he could only sit here, maintain his composure, and trust those fighting for him, despite the gnawing anxiety, the growing fear, in his heart.

Were there flaws in his plans?

Had he made any critical mistakes in his deployment of troops?

These doubts, which he shouldn’t be entertaining now, plagued him, fueling his anxieties.

And if he examined his plans closely, he would indeed find flaws, weaknesses that could be exploited by a clever enemy, potentially jeopardizing everything.

He reassured himself that, given their limited resources, this was the best he could do.

And if he were to scrutinize his plans so critically, the enemy’s plans were undoubtedly also flawed… A perfect strategy didn’t exist.

And even if both sides had perfect plans, their collision would still result in chaos.

He had made his decisions; now, he could only wait, his mind clear, his thoughts focused on the present.

“Brother Shi,” a girl’s voice came from outside. The red glow of the lanterns was momentarily blocked by an oil-paper umbrella. The hand holding the umbrella shifted, lowering it slightly.

The umbrella closed, the hand now holding its handle, and another hand, carrying a steaming bowl, entered the room.

Du Yuejiao placed the umbrella by the door and carefully placed the bowl on the table before him.

“This is venison soup, specially prepared. Try it,” she said.

Shi Hao took a spoonful and, after a few sips, looked up at her, “You should have some too.”

Du Yuejiao shook her head, “There’s more in the kitchen… oh!”

Shi Hao pulled her into his arms.

Her voice was slightly hesitant, “It’s a busy night. Am I disturbing you?”

Shi Hao smiled, “Not at all.” In fact, for him, this was the quietest part.

He had been working tirelessly for days, and only now, with everyone else in motion, did he have a moment of respite. He was strangely uncomfortable with this inactivity.

“Stay with me,” he whispered.

She wouldn’t refuse. She didn’t know how to help him, but being needed was enough.

He held her close, teasing her gently. The rain outside intensified, a steady, rhythmic drumming against the roof.

He playfully tied her hands with a sash, his boredom giving way to a strange sense of… playfulness.

Time, which had seemed to crawl earlier, now sped up, the hours passing quickly. It was late into the night.

A sharp whistling sound pierced the air, followed by screams.

“They’ve arrived,” Shi Hao said, sighing in relief. His greatest threat was here, but the timing of the attack suggested the overall situation was favorable.

“Brother Shi!” Du Yuejiao quickly broke free from the sash and straightened her clothes.

Shi Hao’s eyes narrowed as he stepped out onto the porch, his gaze sweeping across the courtyard. A figure darted across the shadows, trying to escape.

Du Yuejiao asked, “Who was that?”

Shi Hao said calmly, “A servant. A spy working for the Hanyang Gang.”

Several explosions echoed, and four figures, their clothes drenched in the rain, landed in the courtyard, about four zhang away. One of them, a large, heavyset man in a fur coat, his gaze sharp and piercing, had fixed his eyes on Shi Hao from the moment he appeared. As he approached, a menacing aura radiated from him, pinning Shi Hao in place.

Shi Hao said loudly, “Gang Leader Huang, what an honor! Please forgive my lack of a proper welcome.”

It was Huang Facai, the leader of the Hanyang Gang.

With him were Zhao Xuanding, the Canyon Stabilizer; a tall, thin man with a staff and a fleshy growth on his forehead; and a man of average build, his movements precise and controlled, wielding a saber.

The staff and saber wielders weren’t mentioned in any of the intelligence reports, but their presence here, with Zhao Xuanding, suggested they were also sixth-rank experts.

Numerous martial artists from the manor emerged, surrounding the four, who, however, showed no fear, their gazes fixed on Shi Hao, as if looking at a dead man.

Huang Facai, his large belly belying his fifth-rank cultivation, looked more like a wealthy merchant.

He looked at Shi Hao, his hands clasped behind his back, and smiled, “It seems you were expecting me.”

Shi Hao sighed, “A dying man will clutch at straws. You came here personally to kill me, Gang Leader Huang. It seems you consider me a major threat. Although I don’t understand why you would waste your time on someone like me, I’m… flattered.”

Huang Facai stared at him, “You’re a dangerous man. If we don’t eliminate you now, you’ll become a serious problem later.”

Shi Hao said, “Likewise.” He suddenly shouted, “Fire!”

Figures emerged from the rooftops, and a volley of arrows, propelled by powerful crossbows, rained down.

One arrow, spinning rapidly, its whistling echoing, pierced through the rain.

A flash of saber light, and the arrowhead flew off, the shaft shattering, the force of the blow deflecting several other arrows.

Blades flashed, weapons clashed, and with a sneer, a surge of energy erupted, sending several attackers flying.

Another figure was thrown backwards, landing in the rain, his body twitching, his chest caved in, his skin turning black.

Zhao Xuanding, the Canyon Stabilizer, having killed two men, flickered and appeared beside Shi Hao, his palm striking downwards.

A hook, its trajectory a twisting arc, descended from above, forcing him back.

It was Xiang Gu, leaping from a rooftop.

This was their third encounter. Although they had clashed briefly twice before, neither had gained an advantage.

After their previous encounters, Zhao Xuanding had tried to investigate her background, but he couldn’t find anything.

Normally, a mid-rank martial artist would have some reputation in the jianghu. She couldn’t have simply appeared out of nowhere.

But he couldn’t find any information about her.

Her movements were bizarre, her hook a demonic artifact, her fighting style unlike any known sect.

Only her internal energy, smooth and flowing, yet not overly aggressive, suggested Daoist cultivation.

Zhao Xuanding’s palm strikes, although powerful, couldn’t break through her defenses. Their fight was a stalemate.

The tall, thin man with the staff and the fleshy growth on his forehead, and the other man with the saber, their movements precise and controlled, were also formidable opponents, their strength comparable to Zhao Xuanding’s.

The surrounding martial artists tried to surround them, but they were pushed back.

Huang Facai finally acted. He pushed out with both palms, a wall of force slamming into Shi Hao and Du Yuejiao, sending nearby martial artists flying, their bones cracking as they died on impact.

Shi Hao roared, a divine light flashing as his body grew larger.

This was the power of the Earthly Valor Tiger.

At the same time, a cracking sound, and a puff of smoke, as the talisman, its uses depleted, shattered.

Shi Hao punched, a resounding boom echoing through the courtyard as he was thrown backwards, crashing into a building, which partially collapsed.

Even with the Earthly Valor Tiger’s power, he couldn’t withstand Huang Facai’s attack.

As debris rained down, he leaped to his feet. Huang Facai, like a shadow, pursued him relentlessly, his palm strikes tearing through his divine form, which was rapidly dissipating.

Du Yuejiao and several other martial artists tried to intervene, protecting Shi Hao.

But a black aura, like a coiling serpent, swirled around Huang Facai, anyone it touched dying instantly.

He even used the corpses as weapons, flinging them at his opponents, who collapsed, convulsing and foaming at the mouth, their eyes wide with terror, their bodies quickly going still.

One man, caught by his legs, was spun around like a top and then flung outwards, crashing into two others, sending them flying.

Du Yuejiao leaped clear, dodging the attack, and then, using the Illusory Moon Movement Technique, her figure flickering, she lunged towards Huang Facai, her sword aimed at his back—

T/N:

My apologies for the long hiatus. I’ve been working on correcting all the chapters, literally chapter by chapter.

-Some technique names have changed, though they are still similar.

-The most noticeable changes are, for example, ‘Jade Beauty’ to ‘Emerald Beauty’, Ye Zi Yin is now called ‘Holy Jade Immortal’, and Su Mei is ‘Enchanting Fire Witch’…

-Supreme Immortal Pavilion is now Taisu Immortal Pavilion

-All premium coins spent on chapters (up to the last one before the hiatus) have been refunded to the purchasers.

Chapter 161: Mutual Destruction, The Tiger Roaring Saber Hero

Shi Hao hadn’t expected Yue Ya’er to come to the Ba Mountains.

He walked out and saw her standing there, a group of people behind her.

“Shi Chongyun!” Yue Ya’er, instead of her usual colorful, woolen attire, wore a simple, narrow-sleeved dress, her hair adorned with a peach blossom hairpin, a pink short jacket over her dress, and a pleated skirt. Her hands were on her hips, “We’re here to help.”

Shi Hao looked at the hundred or so martial artists behind her, “Who are they?”

“Don’t worry,” Yue Ya’er glanced at him, “They’re not royals. By the way, you’re in big trouble, you know?”

Seeing others approaching, she pulled him aside, “Let’s go inside.”

Shi Hao knew her sudden appearance meant something important. He followed her inside. As they walked, Yue Ya’er’s eyes widened, “Sister Yuejiao! You’re here too?”

Du Yuejiao emerged from a side room, her gaze fixed on Yue Ya’er’s hand on Shi Hao’s arm.

Yue Ya’er quickly released him.

Xu Xiaoyan also appeared, smiling, “Miss Yue, long time no see.”

Yue Ya’er had expected Xu Xiaoyan to be here, but not Du Yuejiao. Her expression was a mixture of surprise and confusion.

Shi Hao said in a low voice, “Let’s go inside.” He wanted to know why she had come here, and whether the people she brought could actually fight.

If they were barbarian warriors, or even imperial soldiers, he couldn’t let them join the fight.

“Yes, let’s go inside,” Yue Ya’er linked her arm through Du Yuejiao’s, “Sister Yuejiao, I didn’t even realize you were here! I forgot to bring you a present.”

Du Yuejiao’s face remained impassive, “I’m just a commoner, Miss Yue. You shouldn’t bother.” She couldn’t help but glance at Shi Hao, wondering when these two had become so close.

They entered a side hall. Yue Ya’er released Du Yuejiao’s arm, looked at Shi Hao, her expression turning serious, “You’re in big trouble, you know?” She repeated her earlier warning.

Shi Hao frowned, “What’s going on?”

Yue Ya’er said, “Huang Facai, the leader of the Hanyang Gang, wants you dead.”

Du Yuejiao snorted, “As if we didn’t know that.”

Yue Ya’er ignored her and continued, looking at Shi Hao, “Even if the Hanyang Gang is destroyed, and Huang Facai is dead, he still wants you dead.”

Xu Xiaoyan, understanding the implication, said, “How is that possible? If the Hanyang Gang is destroyed, and their leader is dead, why would he still want him dead? What’s the point?”

Yue Ya’er smiled, “There’s a plan, a secret plan, called ‘mutual destruction.’ The Hanyang Gang will be destroyed, but the Nine Villages will also suffer heavy losses. And some people, including you, Shi Hao, are marked for death.

“This battle will be a mutual destruction. Even if one side wins, it will be a pyrrhic victory. No one will truly benefit.”

Shi Hao frowned, “If it’s a mutual destruction, someone must still benefit. Who?”

Yue Ya’er said, “The Danyang Society.”

Shi Hao and Xu Xiaoyan exchanged glances. Xu Xiaoyan shook her head, indicating she hadn’t heard of them.

Yue Ya’er said, “The Danyang Society is a new, secretive alliance formed by those who oppose the Hanyang Gang’s tyranny. Many have suffered under Huang Facai’s rule, their families destroyed, their lives ruined.

“A hero called Xiong Wanghu, the ‘Tiger Roaring Saber Hero,’ couldn’t stand for it any longer. He secretly contacted other dissatisfied factions and formed the Danyang Society. And with Huang Facai’s increasing brutality, more and more people are joining them. But the Hanyang Gang, focused on their attack on the Nine Villages, is completely unaware of their existence.”

“Even within the Hanyang Gang, many have secretly joined the Danyang Society. When the Hanyang Gang attacks you, at the most crucial moment, the Danyang Society will strike from behind, destroying them, eliminating those responsible for their atrocities. The Hanyang Gang, hated by all, will be eradicated.”

Du Yuejiao said, “So… if we can hold out, the Hanyang Gang will be attacked from the rear?”

Xu Xiaoyan, however, shook her head, “No… this is a sacrifice.”

Shi Hao paced back and forth, repeating the name, “Xiong Wanghu, the Tiger Roaring Saber Hero… Xiong Wanghu, the Tiger Roaring Saber Hero…”

Yue Ya’er said, “Don’t bother investigating him. Not everyone in the martial world deserves the title of ‘hero,’ but he does. He’s known for his righteousness and has saved countless lives, earning him widespread respect. And he’s been risking his life protecting those targeted by the Hanyang Gang.

“Many people, on the verge of ruin, have been saved by him. With the Hanyang Gang’s increasing brutality, his reputation has only grown.”

Shi Hao said, “This Xiong Wanghu, openly opposing the Hanyang Gang, forming a secret alliance right under their noses, intending to destroy them…

“The Hanyang Gang is about to collapse, yet Huang Facai is oblivious, still gathering his forces to attack us?”

Yue Ya’er smiled, “That’s why it’s called ‘mutual destruction.’ You and the Hanyang Gang will destroy each other, and the Danyang Society will rise from the ashes.”

Shi Hao, once again, felt the chilling reality of the jianghu’s darkness. And he realized… he had no counter to this.

He looked at Yue Ya’er and sighed, “Who sent you here?” He knew Yue Ya’er wasn’t capable of such analysis on her own.

Yue Ya’er, hands on her hips, said, “Does it matter? I’m here to help. And don’t worry, these men I brought are all Chinese. Someone told me bringing the Yue Ke Tai warriors would only complicate things.

“And so far, this is still a conflict within the martial world. The court can’t officially intervene, so I only brought martial artists.”

Shi Hao’s mind raced. Whoever had sent Yue Ya’er clearly understood the situation and had access to valuable intelligence.

From the barbarian court’s perspective, they wouldn’t want any single faction controlling the Ba Mountains and the Hanyang River.

Secretly supporting them was a logical move.

But it was Yue Ya’er who had come, and whoever sent her knew that if the Yue Ke Tai family intervened directly, sending their warriors, he would refuse… This person’s foresight was impressive.

And there weren’t many people who could command Yue Ya’er, a young lady from such a powerful family.

He was curious about this person… The barbarian court still had capable people in its service. A dying beast was still dangerous.

Shi Hao asked, “How many skilled martial artists did you bring?”

Yue Ya’er smiled, “Three sixth-rank, nine seventh-rank, and the rest are eighth and ninth-rank. The one who sent me said the Nine Villages must be preserved. It would be a problem for him if they were destroyed, so he sent everyone he could spare.

“And don’t worry, they’re not connected to the Six Gates. Their backgrounds are clean. Just think of them as righteous martial artists who couldn’t stand for injustice and came to help.”

Shi Hao nodded slowly… He needed these reinforcements.

The three sixth-rank experts alone would significantly alleviate the pressure from the Hanyang Gang’s stronger martial artists.

But he was also wary. The Yue Ke Tai family could easily mobilize such a force.

The resources of these powerful families were truly vast.

And these were all Chinese martial artists with untraceable backgrounds.

He had to accept this favor.

Huang Facai, with his “mutual destruction” plan, wouldn’t care about casualties, whether victory or defeat. This battle would be even more brutal than he had anticipated.

“Oh, there’s one more thing,” Yue Ya’er crossed her arms and smiled, “I’m here to repay you for helping me those two times, especially that time you saved my life. So don’t think you owe me anything. I’m just repaying a debt.”

Du Yuejiao, her voice sharp, asked, “Two times?”

Yue Ya’er stuck out her tongue and chuckled, “Anyway, I’m entrusting these men to you. Oh, and that person also told you to be careful. He said open attacks are easy to dodge, but hidden arrows are more dangerous. Huang Facai sees you as a major threat. He’ll try to kill you even if it means his own death.”

Shi Hao pondered the words “even if it means his own death.”

He integrated Yue Ya’er’s men into his forces.

They would operate under her command, while those they replaced were reassigned to other units.

This significantly increased his available manpower.

That night, under a dark and stormy sky, a series of battles erupted across the Ba Mountains, along the headwaters of the Hanyang River.

Canyons, forests, foothills… every strategic location became a battlefield.

Blades clashed, arrows flew, bodies fell in the rain.

The autumn rain, although not as violent as the summer storms, was relentless.

Logs and burning oil, although unable to ignite the damp foliage, created thick smoke that filled the narrow canyons.

The discordant sounds of a pipa, mingling with the wind and rain, assaulted their minds, causing unbearable headaches.

It was a sleepless night, a night of carnage and bloodshed—

Chapter 160: Before the Decisive Battle

Dawn broke, but the fighting at Mount Nangong hadn’t ended. Instead, a different kind of activity filled the air.

Those unable to fight – farmers, women, children, the elderly – assisted by the reinforcements from the other villages, began clearing the debris and rebuilding the damaged walls.

More and more people arrived, the atmosphere at Mount Nangong strangely festive despite the recent battle.

Although Goupan Village, Heshou Village, and the others didn’t have many skilled martial artists, they sent hunters, craftsmen, and laborers to assist in the rebuilding efforts.

Shi Hao, along with the leaders of the Nine Villages, gathered in the main hall, studying a map and discussing their strategy.

“The Hanyang Gang won’t give up so easily,” Shi Hao said, his gaze sweeping over them, “Their expansion has been too rapid, absorbing many factions. A setback here would weaken their momentum and encourage further resistance. They need to control the Ba Mountains to conquer Shu and connect with their allies in the south. And they need to make an example of us.”

He took a deep breath, “This is their biggest setback so far. If they don’t crush our resistance, it will inspire others to oppose them, which they cannot tolerate.

“They have to defeat us decisively, a brutal and decisive victory that will intimidate all the other factions in the Ba Shu region.”

Jing Shilong of Shennong Village said worriedly, “Many gangs and factions have surrendered to the Hanyang Gang. They’ll be forced to attack us. We’re still outnumbered and outmatched.”

Shi Hao nodded, “That’s true. But the Ba Mountains offer many strategic advantages. If they attack in small numbers, they’ll be easily defeated. If they attack in large numbers, we can use the terrain to our advantage, setting ambushes, using fire and water attacks. If everyone participates, even those without martial arts skills, we can prevail.”

Gong Muhong said, “But that would mean forming a militia, which could attract the attention of the barbarian court.”

Shi Hao said, “That’s precisely what we’re going to do… form a militia, or rather, we won’t call it a militia, but we’ll organize and train our forces like one.

“This will undoubtedly attract the attention of the court, but firstly, the Ba Mountains are remote, and the court is preoccupied with other rebellions. We’re not openly rebelling, and we’ll even officially request permission to form a militia… Of course, we’ll do it regardless of their approval, but I suspect they’ll turn a blind eye.

“The Hanyang Gang’s rapid expansion has alarmed both the court and the Six Gates. They won’t tolerate it. Right now, it’s still a conflict between gangs, but once the Hanyang Gang controls the Ba Mountains, they could easily launch a full-scale rebellion.

“Allowing us to form a militia, although a potential risk, can contain the Hanyang Gang’s expansion, which is in the court’s best interest.”

“And with Huang Facai and Zhao Xuanding’s connection to Hong Chui, the Thunderclap, in Lingnan, and Sheng Menghui being his pawn, once that information spreads, the court’s focus will shift from our local militia to Hong Chui.”

“Considering all this, I don’t think the court will interfere with our… preparations.”

The others exchanged glances and nodded in agreement.

They had been worried that forming a militia would attract the barbarian court’s wrath, but now, analyzing the situation, it was clear the court had bigger problems.

Shi Hao spent the next few days working tirelessly.

He felt like a wheel, constantly spinning, never stopping.

The situation changed rapidly, yet also seemed stagnant.

Incidents, both major and minor, and clashes with the Hanyang Gang, were constant.

Information, clues, reports of conflicts… they flooded towards him, a never-ending stream.

He barely had time to sleep, only an hour or two each day.

He had read stories about strategists who, with a few clever calculations and well-placed instructions, could control battles from afar, effortlessly.

Now, in a similar position, he realized it was all a lie.

So many things were beyond his control.

And not just him, but his enemies as well.

Many conflicts erupted unexpectedly.

And a small incident could quickly escalate.

The Hanyang Gang was strong, and they were weak. This was a fact.

This meant the Hanyang Gang could afford to make mistakes, but they couldn’t.

Yet, despite his careful planning and analysis, mistakes were inevitable… Fortunately, the Hanyang Gang either missed their opportunities or made even bigger mistakes.

The idea of a flawless strategy was a myth. Often, it was just a matter of who made the fewest mistakes… or whose mistakes were less catastrophic.

He had imagined strategists calmly directing battles from afar, their every move perfectly calculated.

But the reality was a constant struggle, dealing with one problem after another, a never-ending stream of trivial matters.

---

A light drizzle fell over the Ba Mountains.

The air grew colder with each passing day.

But the rain couldn’t dampen the flames of conflict.

The Nine Villages had repeatedly repelled the Hanyang Gang’s attacks.

And the rapidly changing situation forced the Hanyang Gang to act decisively.

As the various gangs and factions under their control gathered, preparing to march on the Ba Mountains…

“Huang Facai is personally leading the attack,” Shi Hao said, looking at the map, a heavy sigh escaping his lips.

He sat in a study at the Gong family manor, reviewing the latest intelligence reports.

A light rain fell outside, the cool air drifting through the open window, offering a brief respite from his worries.

He hadn’t had time to practice his martial arts these past few days, and he could feel his cultivation stagnating.

Although his Daoist and demonic energies were still circulating, balancing and reinforcing each other, his focus on strategy and planning had hindered their growth.

“Brother Shi,” Du Yuejiao entered the study, carrying a bowl of hot soup, “You should rest.”

Shi Hao grunted and stood up.

He took the soup and walked to the window, looking out at the rain.

He took a sip, the warmth spreading through him.

“Brother Shi, why don’t you lie down for a while?” Du Yuejiao whispered, “You haven’t slept properly in days.”

Shi Hao shook his head, “There’s no time.” He turned to her, “Gather everyone. We have to discuss our strategy.”

In the main hall, Yan Zhuxia, Gong Muhong, Daoist Chuan, Jing Shilong, Zhao Peng, and the others had assembled.

“From what we’ve gathered, the Hanyang Gang is about to launch a full-scale attack under the banner of the Hanyang River Alliance,” Shi Hao said, looking around, his voice low, “All the gangs and factions under their control will be forced to participate. They’re desperate.”

The others exchanged glances.

Shi Hao continued, “Huang Facai is ruthless. Anyone unwilling to attack us will be eliminated. And many of the smaller gangs, who had been biding their time, hoping to avoid conflict, will also be forced to fight.

“His brutality will create resentment, and even if he conquers the Ba Mountains, it will come back to haunt him. Even some of the gangs who joined him early on, hoping to profit from his expansion, haven’t gained much, but they’ve suffered heavy losses in his attacks on us.

“His methods will lead to his downfall. The Hanyang Gang will eventually collapse. That is our ultimate victory.”

He pointed at a large map hanging on the wall, “Mount Nangong and Azure Dragon City will be their main targets. We’ve placed obstacles and flammable materials at One Line Canyon. Although the recent rain makes a fire attack less effective, we can still use the terrain to our advantage, creating a bottleneck and then unleashing a barrage of burning logs and rocks, inflicting heavy casualties.

“I doubt they’ll use One Line Canyon, but we can’t be certain…”

Jing Shilong said, “It’s the fastest route, but they would have to be fools to use it.”

Shi Hao said, “Huang Facai’s actions are either foolish or desperate. And he doesn’t care about the lives of those he’s coerced into serving him. He might send a small force to attack One Line Canyon as a diversion. It would be a suicide mission for them, but he doesn’t care. We, however, have to be prepared.”

“And these locations…” he pointed at several other spots on the map, assigning tasks.

After assigning everyone their roles, he looked at them and said, “The battlefield will be chaotic. We don’t know all the enemy’s techniques and abilities, and there might be hidden dangers, unknown experts. Be adaptable and resourceful. Communicate with each other, and support each other.

“But remember, they will be even more disorganized than us. Don’t panic. Stay calm, and work together.

“If we persevere, they will break. Remember this… it’s crucial.”

They nodded, discussed the plan further, then left to prepare their forces.

A martial artist rushed in, “Master Shi, a young lady is here to see you. She claims to be a friend.”

Shi Hao was surprised, “A young lady? A friend?”

“She calls herself Yue Ya’er.”

Chapter 159: Night Counterattack

Zhao Xuanding, Diao Hongyan, Jin Ba, and Yu He were filled with killing intent.

These defenders, knowing they were doomed, yet still fighting, their eyes filled with a desperate hope, it disgusted them.

What were they hoping for?

“Attack!” Diao Hongyan barked.

The Hanyang Gang forces surged forward, like a tidal wave crashing against a crumbling dam, about to sweep everything away.

Yet, an unseen force held the defenders together, their resistance fierce and unwavering.

Zhao Xuanding’s poisonous palm strikes felled a dozen men.

The small, disheveled woman unleashed a swarm of insects, and over twenty men collapsed, screaming, clutching their heads.

Zhao Xuanding snorted and charged towards her, his body enveloped in a poisonous aura.

The woman, wielding her hook, dodged his attacks, her movements swift and unpredictable.

Their fight was a whirlwind of motion, too fast for others to intervene, Zhao Xuanding’s poisonous palm strikes sending waves of toxic gas outwards.

The woman’s hook, like a living thing, darted and weaved, aiming for his vulnerable spots: his arms, his legs, his head.

Although the four women from Wu Village had used their Gu insects to kill several enemies, their own martial arts skills were limited.

Caught in the chaos, they struggled to defend themselves, forced to retreat.

Du Yuejiao, using the Illusory Moon Movement Technique, her figure flickering and elusive, darted through the enemy ranks, killing two before retreating, her movements like lightning.

Her unpredictable attacks had claimed several lives.

Suddenly, a blade light flashed from above, aiming for her.

Du Yuejiao, retreating, parried the attack with three swift sword strikes.

Her arm went numb from the impact.

“Not bad, girl,” a sinister voice chuckled from above.

Yu He, diving down like a hawk, his attacks relentless, forced her back.

Du Yuejiao, her movements graceful and fluid, like a willow branch in the wind, her sword a blur, although on the defensive, managed to evade his attacks.

The Evil Lotus Sect, once the most powerful demonic sect, had weakened after splitting into three factions.

But now, Du Yuejiao, cultivating the Illusory Moon Demonic Flame Technique and its corresponding movement and sword techniques, was a formidable opponent.

Yu He, realizing he couldn’t easily defeat a mere low-rank girl, his pride wounded, roared, “Die, brat!” He swooped down, his hands transformed into claws, unleashing a flurry of attacks.

Du Yuejiao, although her swordsmanship was impressive, was outmatched in terms of power, forced to retreat, sweat dripping from her brow.

Others tried to help her, but the enemy’s numbers were too great, their attacks relentless, preventing anyone from reaching her.

“Your time is up, girl!” Yu He sneered, breaking through her defenses, his claw aimed at her throat.

He had no mercy, even for a beautiful girl.

As one of the Hanyang Three Fiends, he had committed countless atrocities, kidnapping and torturing young women before discarding their bodies.

But this was a battlefield. Even a lion used its full strength against a rabbit.

Showing mercy, or succumbing to lust in the middle of a battle, was a fool’s errand.

Du Yuejiao saw his claws flashing before her eyes, the deadliest strike aimed at her throat, but surrounded by his attacks, she had nowhere to dodge.

Against a mid-rank expert like Yu He, capable of projecting his energy, every feint had to be treated as a real attack.

Trapped, she gritted her teeth and spun her sword, creating a protective circle.

She deflected the fatal blow and most of the other attacks, dodging the remaining few with her nimble footwork.

But two claws, unavoidable, reached for her shoulders, about to pierce her flesh.

A flash of light, and Yu He cried out, clutching his shoulder, a sword protruding from it.

A surge of energy exploded outwards.

Yu He stumbled backwards, looking at the wound on his shoulder, his face contorted in rage.

Another girl, flipping through the air, landed behind Du Yuejiao, sighing in relief.

“Where were you?” Du Yuejiao wanted to glare at her, but she had just saved her life, so she softened her tone, although her voice was still laced with annoyance.

Xu Xiaoyan chuckled, “Just taking a walk.” She glanced at Yu He, his face dark with fury, and thought, Too bad.

Her surprise attack, although successful, had only caused a minor injury, not enough to incapacitate him.

Gong Muhong, Daoist Chuan, and Hou Bomin, however, were facing even greater pressure.

They were fighting Diao Hongyan, the strongest of the Hanyang Three Fiends, and Jin Ba, whose brute strength was overwhelming.

Even on the defensive, they were struggling, constantly on the verge of death.

Those struck by Jin Ba’s spiked club were mangled beyond recognition.

Diao Hongyan wielded a heavy iron sword, each strike carrying immense force, difficult to deflect.

Fortunately, the narrow mountain path prevented the larger Hanyang Gang forces from surrounding them completely.

But some of the more agile Hanyang Gang members were climbing the cliffs and attacking from above.

With every attack, the defenders were forced to retreat, leaving more bodies behind.

Each fallen comrade filled Gong Muhong with rage and despair.

Finally, they reached the back of the mountain, the women and children watching them with fear and helplessness in their eyes.

The Hanyang Gang members were closing in from the sides, trapping them… a net from which there was no escape.

Death loomed, like a closing swamp, dragging them down into its depths.

“They’re here,” Hou Bomin suddenly said, looking up.

Daoist Chuan, after killing another attacker with a swift sword thrust, sighed in relief, “They’re here.”

Gong Muhong, his body covered in blood and wounds, his gaze fixed on the distant flames, tears welling up in his eyes, whispered, “They’re here.”

Flaming arrows arced through the sky, followed by a wave of warriors, their battle cries echoing, their blades flashing, like a beacon of hope in the darkness.

A surge of emotion, a mixture of relief and gratitude, filled them… They had finally arrived.

---

“Shennong Village?” Zhao Xuanding, deflecting a woman’s attack with a poisonous palm strike, looked back and frowned.

He hadn’t expected them to come, especially after the events at Shennong Village earlier that day.

And it wasn’t just Shennong Village. Azure Dragon City, Goupan Village, Yinping Village, Jiming Village… Martial artists from all the villages, united, charged towards them.

The Hanyang Gang, now attacked from both sides, were caught off guard.

The Gong family, their spirits lifted, fought with renewed ferocity.

“Who’s that?” Diao Hongyan, landing beside him, asked, looking towards the newcomers.

Zhao Xuanding, seeing the small woman with the hook retreat, turned, his eyes following Diao Hongyan’s gaze, while also maintaining his guard.

They saw a young man in a blue Daoist robe, a sword in his hand, advancing steadily.

His swordsmanship was simple and direct, yet each strike was precise and powerful, his every step forward marked by a fallen enemy.

Although surrounded by so many people, he was clearly their leader, his presence uniting them, transforming a disorganized rabble into a powerful force.

“That’s Shi Chongyun,” Zhao Xuanding said coldly, “He’s young, but dangerous. He has the potential to surpass even us. We have to eliminate him.”

Diao Hongyan’s expression changed.

Zhao Xuanding, the Canyon Stabilizer, wasn’t one for exaggeration.

If he said this young man had to be eliminated, then it had to be done… He was a future threat.

Diao Hongyan gripped his heavy sword, but he knew this wasn’t the time to attack.

The Gong family and the Wudang Monastery disciples, although exhausted, were still fighting fiercely, their resistance unexpectedly strong.

And the newly arrived reinforcements from Shennong Village and the other villages were full of energy and fighting spirit.

Their momentum had shifted. Continuing this fight would be costly.

Diao Hongyan glared at Shi Chongyun and shouted, “Retreat!”

The Hanyang Gang forces, demoralized and outnumbered, began to withdraw… They had underestimated their opponents.

Abandoning those still entangled with the Shennong Village warriors, they fled down the mountainside.

Those left behind, panicked, turned and ran, those too slow becoming corpses.

“Kill them!” Gong Muhong roared, his sword flashing.

United and invigorated, they pursued the fleeing Hanyang Gang members, cutting them down, those who stumbled or fell quickly dispatched. Some, in their desperation, even jumped from the cliffs.

“Brother Gong, we’re here!” He Guangtao and Zhao Peng, leading the reinforcements, joined Gong Muhong.

Gong Muhong whispered, “Thank you.”

“Thank Shi Chongyun,” He Guangtao said, looking back, “If he hadn’t persuaded Shennong Village, our help would have been too late.”

Gong Muhong nodded and walked towards Shi Chongyun, joining him as he watched the fleeing figures below.

It was late into the night. The fires were still burning, the scent of blood lingering in the air.

The moon, not as bright as in previous nights, hung in the sky, its light mingling with the flickering torches and the distant stars.

“Thank you,” Gong Muhong said, his voice hoarse, tears welling up in his eyes.

The young man in the blue robe slowly sheathed his sword, his gaze sharp and distant, “And I thank you… for believing in me.”

Chapter 158: The Hanyang Three Fiends

A volley of arrows rained down, followed by a wave of Gong family martial artists, wielding blades and shields, charging towards the Hanyang Gang.

Two groups of skilled fighters, flanking the main force, attacked the enemy’s sides.

And then, Gong Muhong, holding his sword, led a group of elite warriors, their weapons a mix of spears, saber-shields, rarely seen wolf-tooth maces, and hidden projectiles, towards the heart of the enemy formation, attempting to divide their forces.

The Gong family were descendants of military commanders, their ancestors having protected the last emperor of the Sheng Dynasty as he fled to this region, dying in battle against the overwhelming barbarian forces.

Forced to flee their homeland, only a small number survived the perilous journey and settled in the Ba Mountains, gradually rebuilding their strength and influence.

They had a unique battle formation passed down through their family, the foundation of their “Heaven” defense.

Using this formation, they caught the Hanyang Gang off guard.

However, the Hanyang Gang had two sixth-rank experts: Jin Ba and Yu He.

And they also had superior numbers.

The two sixth-rank experts alone were a formidable force, more than enough to overcome the Gong family’s battle formation.

And Yu He was also a supernatural ability user!

Many of the powers granted by Earthly Fiend level divine crystals were relatively weak.

But the Earth Flying Star was a powerful and versatile ability.

Yu He leaped into the air, using his Phantom Eagle Eight Techniques, his sixth-rank cultivation allowing him to project his energy outwards.

His energy, like a diving eagle, struck from above, targeting the weak points in the Gong family’s formation, while keeping himself out of reach.

Jin Ba, wielding his spiked club, his brute strength overwhelming, smashed through their defenses.

With each swing, the sound of shattering shields and bones echoed, a line of defenders sent flying.

“Is this all you have?” Jin Ba roared, his laughter filled with mockery and disdain.

Another crash, and a group of Gong family warriors, their shields splintering, were thrown back.

Gong Muhong’s sword flashed, a streak of light aimed at Jin Ba’s throat.

Two other warriors, wielding saber-shields, rolled on the ground, their blades slashing at Jin Ba’s legs.

Their coordinated attack targeted the moment when Jin Ba’s strength was momentarily depleted, a brief window of vulnerability.

Jin Ba, however, laughed, stepped back, and, spinning his club, unleashed another attack, a swirling vortex of force.

He ignored the two warriors on the ground, his retreat placing him just out of their reach.

His seemingly depleted energy surged again as he spun, his movements, despite his large build and the heavy club, surprisingly fast, faster than Gong Muhong’s direct attack.

The difference between mid-rank and low-rank wasn’t just about power, but also about skill and technique.

His club was long, their swords short.

His counterattack, faster than their initial strike, was aimed at Gong Muhong’s head.

A direct hit would send him flying.

Gong Muhong felt a wave of despair.

The Gong family had once possessed powerful techniques, but three hundred years ago, their strongest martial artists had died defending their homeland, only the weak and the injured surviving the journey to the Ba Mountains.

Their martial arts tradition had been broken.

Unable to withstand Jin Ba’s power, Gong Muhong was forced to retreat.

Two of his men beside him were struck down, one’s head crushed, the other’s body mangled, by the whirling club.

Yu He’s sinister laughter echoed from above as he cut down several more defenders.

Gong Muhong, his heart filled with rage and despair, knew they were losing.

“Die!” Jin Ba’s club, like a crushing wheel, descended towards him.

Gong Muhong’s sword was knocked from his hand, and a wave of force slammed into him.

Suddenly, the sound of rushing wind and a series of explosions came from the side.

Gong Muhong, who had been bracing himself for death, looked over and saw two figures intercepting Jin Ba, forcing him back.

It was Daoist Chuan and Hou Bomin.

And above, a swarm of insects buzzed around Yu He, forcing him to retreat, swatting at them as he flew backwards.

Several Hanyang Gang members below screamed and collapsed as the insects descended.

Although Daoist Chuan and Hou Bomin had temporarily saved him, more enemies were approaching, and they too were forced to retreat.

Jin Ba, seeing his men fall, was alarmed.

Then, he saw a small figure darting through the crowd, a woman with wild, disheveled hair, wielding a strange iron hook.

Those struck by the hook were instantly dismembered.

Jin Ba roared and charged forward, his spiked club aimed at the woman.

The small woman, her movements incredibly agile, dodged the attack, her hook flashing before his legs.

Jin Ba’s power couldn’t suppress her. She was also a sixth-rank expert.

Her movements were too fast, too unpredictable, for his club to hit her, but her hook couldn’t penetrate his defenses either.

Gong Muhong sighed in relief. The Wudang Monastery disciples had arrived.

Their sudden appearance bolstered the Gong family’s defenses, pushing the Hanyang Gang back.

But more Hanyang Gang members poured in from outside the estate.

“Clan Leader!” four women, Hong Ou, Cui Ling, Zi Shao, and Lan Tan of Wu Village, arrived, their faces pale with exhaustion, their clothes torn and bloodstained.

They were accompanied by a small group of similarly battered warriors.

As Jin Ba and Yu He retreated, a figure, dressed in a brocade robe, his build tall and imposing, stepped through a gap in the wall, scattering the Hanyang Gang members like bowling pins.

Hong Ou whispered, “Clan Leader, we couldn’t hold them back for much longer.”

Gong Muhong whispered, “Thank you.” He looked at the approaching figure.

“Brother!” Jin Ba and Yu He retreated to the man’s side, “We apologize for our failure. We had to call for your assistance.”

It was Diao Hongyan, the leader of the Hanyang Three Fiends.

Another figure leaped down from the wall, smiling, “My fault. I was too focused on hunting geese and almost got pecked by one.”

It was Zhao Xuanding, the Canyon Stabilizer.

Although reinforcements from Wudang Monastery had arrived, the leader of the Hanyang Three Fiends, Zhao Xuanding, and even more Hanyang Gang members were now here.

The Gong family’s brief moment of hope was quickly extinguished.

“Clan Leader,” Du Yuejiao arrived, landing beside Gong Muhong, whispering, “Hold out until the other villages arrive.”

The other villages… Gong Muhong smiled wryly.

The other villages, either too far away, like Wu Village, or with limited forces, like Goupan Village and Azure Dragon City…

Would Shennong Village, the only one with enough men and close enough to reach them in time, actually come to their aid?

He had to make a decision.

If they stayed and fought here, the women and children in the back mountains could escape. They would all die, but their families might survive.

The Gong family’s lineage wouldn’t be completely extinguished.

But if they retreated to the back mountains, they would be leading the Hanyang Three Fiends, Zhao Xuanding, and their forces directly towards their families.

If they lost, no one would survive.

Should he gamble everything on the slim hope of reinforcements?

Not just him, but every member of the Gong family looked at him, waiting for his decision.

They weren’t afraid of death, but the Gong family’s lineage couldn’t end here.

He felt the weight of their hopes on his shoulders. He had to make a choice.

“Retreat!” he shouted… The image of the young man, his voice calm and confident, his words inspiring, flashed through his mind, and he decided to trust him.

He believed that young man would come.

He believed that young man would bring them hope.

He would entrust the fate of his family to him, without regret.

Annihilation was a terrifying prospect, but a future without hope was even more terrifying.

The desolate lands of Ba Shan and Chu Shui… three hundred years ago, this had been a land of despair.

But now, a flicker of hope had appeared.

Three hundred years ago, their homeland lost, their nation conquered, the last emperor of the Sheng Dynasty had died here, along with countless loyal subjects and heroes.

For three hundred years, this land had been shrouded in darkness, its people trapped like silkworms in cocoons, unable to escape.

They had seen no light, no hope.

But deep down, they yearned for a glimmer of hope, a spark to ignite their spirits, to break free from their cocoons and fly towards the light.

Gong Muhong wanted to believe they had found that spark.

Now, they had to choose: remain in the darkness, or follow that faint light, struggling to break free, towards a future of hope?

He wasn’t afraid of death, but he wanted his death to mean something… He wanted to witness the light breaking through the darkness.

As he gave the order to retreat, they knew they had reached their last stand… They had to win.

They fought with the desperation of cornered beasts, blood and fire swirling around them, their eyes burning with a desperate hope in the darkness.

Every step backwards was a step towards a brighter future.

Their strength, their cries, their flashing blades, their blood, their tears… a symphony of despair and hope, echoing through the night.

“Like cornered beasts,” Diao Hongyan sneered.

“No… look at their eyes,” Zhao Xuanding frowned, “They see… hope.”

Chapter 157: Burning Night

Shi Hao stepped forward and called out, “Shi Chongyun of Wudang Monastery, here to see the Second Master!”

A head poked out from above the gate, followed by the sound of descending footsteps.

The gate opened, and a servant emerged, inviting Shi Hao inside.

Shi Hao entered and saw a martial artist in a close-fitting tunic, his brow furrowed, his eyes sharp and alert, his expression troubled.

Shi Hao approached and asked, “May I ask your name?”

The martial artist said, “I am Jing Shilong. Why have you come here at this late hour?”

Shi Hao said, “The Hanyang Gang has attacked Mount Nangong. If they capture it, they’ll control the approaches to Danyang and Nanhe, and the Nine Villages will be vulnerable. I’ve come to ask the Second Master to send reinforcements.”

Jing Shilong said, “Follow me,” and turned, leading him into the village.

Shi Hao followed closely behind.

As they walked, Shi Hao, noticing the commotion, asked, “What happened?”

Jing Shilong said, “The Second Master has been assassinated.”

Shi Hao exclaimed, “What? Who did it?”

Jing Shilong lowered his voice, “We don’t know yet. We’re still searching for the assassin. They might still be in the village, or they might have escaped using a magical weapon or some supernatural ability.”

They entered a courtyard where a body lay on the ground. It was Jing Zhenliang.

He lay on his back, blood seeping from a wound, his face darkened, the blood emitting a faint, foul odor.

Several people stood around, keeping their distance.

Shi Hao approached cautiously, crouched down, examined the body, then stood up and said, “Your Second Master, like your Village Leader, was poisoned. Although Elder Jing was killed by a palm strike, the blow itself wasn’t fatal. It was the poison that killed him.”

“And your Second Master, although his wound is from a sword, the blade was coated in the same poison.”

Having witnessed Elder Jing’s death by poison earlier that day, and now seeing the darkened face of the Second Master, the villagers had already suspected poison. Now, with Shi Chongyun’s confirmation, they erupted in anger, some shouting accusations, others cursing.

“The Young Master was also killed by poison, bitten by a snake! It must have been the Hanyang Gang!” someone shouted. “They’re notorious for their assassinations!” “We’ll fight them to the death!”

Shi Hao raised his voice, “Mount Nangong is under attack! The Hanyang Gang sent assassins to kill your Second Master to prevent you from sending reinforcements! If Mount Nangong falls, Shennong Village will be next! We must act now!”

“Wait!” someone shouted, “We don’t know if the Hanyang Gang killed the Second Master. We should honor the dead first. We can discuss this tomorrow.”

Shi Hao looked over and saw the tall, thin man who had been standing beside Jing Zhenliang earlier.

He approached the man, “And you are…?”

The man said, “I am Li Haolin, an advisor to the Second Master. His intention was to avoid conflict with the Hanyang Gang…”

Shi Hao glared at him, “How much did the Hanyang Gang pay you?”

Li Haolin felt a sudden pressure, the young man’s imposing aura, like a physical force, bearing down on him.

He stumbled backwards, his face pale, trying to escape.

Shi Chongyun rushed forward, kicked him to the ground, placed his foot on his chest, and leaned down, “How much did they pay you?”

Li Haolin stammered, “I… I didn’t…”

Swish! Shi Chongyun drew his sword and, with a single stroke, severed Li Haolin’s left arm, “Tell me!”

Li Haolin screamed, “Two hundred taels! Two hundred taels of silver!”

Shi Chongyun asked again, “Did you have anything to do with the Young Master’s death?”

Under the pressure of his intense gaze and the ruthless display of violence, Li Haolin broke, “They forced me!”

Shi Chongyun’s voice was filled with rage, “You betrayed your own clan, killed your Young Master and Second Master, for a mere two hundred taels?!”

Li Haolin tried to defend himself, claiming he had nothing to do with the Second Master’s death, but Shi Chongyun, ignoring him, kicked him again, sending him flying into a wall. He collapsed, blood spurting from his mouth as he convulsed.

Shi Hao turned to the crowd and said loudly, “The Hanyang Gang is cunning and treacherous. To prevent the Nine Villages from uniting, they killed your Village Leader and his two sons. Mount Nangong is under attack! If it falls, Shennong Village will be next!”

Jing Shilong stepped forward, his voice filled with rage, “What are we waiting for?! Avenge our Leader, our Young Master, our Second Master!” He raised his saber, and the other martial artists roared their agreement.

The night was ablaze with fury—

---

Gong Muhong stood on the wall, looking out.

Women, children, and elderly people were being evacuated to the back of the mountain.

A fire, likely started by a magical weapon or some supernatural ability, raged at the village gate.

The Gong family estate had walls, but the barbarian court restricted the height of such fortifications. Building them too high was considered an act of rebellion.

Although the ten-foot walls could keep out ordinary people, they were easily scaled by martial artists.

Arrows rained down from the watchtowers, their whistling piercing the night, but the sounds were quickly drowned out by the battle cries of the approaching Hanyang Gang.

The scent of blood filled the air.

“A futile effort,” a cold voice sneered, and several bodies were thrown from the wall, their screams echoing.

A short, stocky figure, wielding a spiked club, emerged from the darkness. It was Jin Ba, one of the Hanyang Three Fiends.

His every step was heavy and deliberate, the ground trembling beneath his feet.

He advanced relentlessly, deflecting arrows, hidden weapons, and even attacks from the defenders with his swirling club.

Seeing the first line of defense crumble, Gong Muhong said grimly, “Fall back to the Earth line.”

The Gong family’s defenses were divided into three lines: Heaven, Earth, and Man.

The first line, “Man,” relying on the outer wall, had fallen easily.

They retreated, some buildings exploding in flames as they withdrew.

Fires set by both sides raged throughout the estate.

The Gong family members, now at the second line of defense, “Earth,” used hidden weapons from within the buildings, their attacks shielded by the flames.

Hidden darts, arrows, caltrops, and throwing knives rained down on the attackers trying to breach the burning barricade.

“Not bad,” Jin Ba roared, grabbing a large, golden axe from one of his men. He swung it with a mighty heave.

The five-foot-long axe, spinning through the air, its whistling echoing, crashed into a building, shattering the wall, blood spraying from within.

Its momentum unspent, the axe continued through the building and emerged on the other side, startling the defenders.

With a crash, it struck two of the stone pillars supporting a pavilion, which collapsed under the impact.

“Don’t panic!” a voice shouted from the darkness, “Hold your ground! Don’t retreat!”

A voice chuckled from above, “Can you?” A figure, like a bird of prey, leaped over the flames, landing among the defenders.

“Yu He?!” someone exclaimed in terror.

“That’s right!” A flash of blade light, and blood sprayed through the air, staining the night.

“Retreat!” Gong Muhong said coldly.

Yu He, one of the Hanyang Three Fiends, had arrived. With his Earth Flying Star supernatural ability and his unique “Phantom Eagle Eight Techniques,” their second line of defense couldn’t hold.

Behind them, a messenger fired a signal flare.

They retreated.

“You can’t escape!” Yu He’s figure flickered, appearing and disappearing, diving down from above like a hawk, each strike drawing blood.

Jin Ba’s spiked club cleared a path through the burning buildings, scattering debris and sending flames swirling.

“Is this all the Gong family has to offer?” he roared, laughing, his voice booming, “You dare oppose our Hanyang Gang? We’ll wipe you out tonight! Not a single one of you will survive!”

Gong Muhong’s face was as cold as ice. The remaining Gong family members gathered around him, using the buildings and the terrain for cover, forming their final defensive line.

The Heaven line.

In a family like the Gong family, the Clan Leader was their Heaven.

When the Clan Leader personally took the field, facing the enemy, it meant they had reached their last stand.

They would either repel the attackers or die here.

If their leader fell, the news would reach the women and children sheltering in the back mountains, who would then flee, scattering in all directions.

Few would survive, but even a sliver of hope was better than none.

The bowstring twanged, an arrow gleaming in the firelight.

Before them, the Hanyang Gang’s forces, like a rising tide, surged forward.

The night burned, consuming wood, stone, silk, flesh, hope, and the memories of peace…

Chapter 156: Earth Splitting Star, Constraining Rope Star

“You’re talking about that Shi Chongyun, aren’t you?” Zhao Xuanding said, “He’s skilled, but too young.”

Hou Bomin said, “He’s young. Give him time to grow. He’s already achieved much for his age.”

Zhao Xuanding said coldly, “Unfortunately, the world is a cruel place. Talented young men die every day. Talent isn’t always a blessing. It breeds ambition, a desire for greatness, which often leads to an early grave.”

Hou Bomin chuckled, “Then it depends on his luck. Skill and luck are both essential for survival in the jianghu.”

As they spoke, Hou Bomin and Daoist Chuan discreetly channeled their energy.

They were both seventh-rank, while Zhao Xuanding was sixth-rank. They were clearly outmatched.

And Zhao Xuanding also had several skilled martial artists with him, outnumbering them.

Although they had avoided the ambush, escaping wouldn’t be easy.

“So you’re still resisting,” Zhao Xuanding sneered and suddenly attacked, a wave of force pressing down on Hou Bomin.

Although both were seventh-rank, Daoist Chuan, as the abbot of Wudang Monastery, had some reputation, while Hou Bomin was just a petty thief, his name only known among the lower rungs of the jianghu.

Zhao Xuanding had chosen to target him first.

“Come on then!” Hou Bomin, instead of dodging, charged forward, a short blade in his hand, thrusting towards Zhao Xuanding’s chest.

Being weaker than Zhao Xuanding, a direct confrontation would be suicidal.

But as he attacked, Zhao Xuanding’s energy, and his movements, seemed to slow down, as if trapped in a mire.

In that moment of slow motion, Hou Bomin’s blade reached his chest.

Daoist Chuan and the others, seeing this, felt a surge of hope.

Just as the blade was about to pierce his heart, a flash of light, and Hou Bomin missed.

Zhao Xuanding had retreated seven steps.

“So you’re a supernatural ability user as well,” Hou Bomin sheathed his blade and sighed, “The Earth Splitting Star, I presume?”

Zhao Xuanding, looking down at the tear in his robe, said, “I obtained the Earth Splitting Star divine crystal years ago, when I was still weak and struggling to survive. Although I knew becoming a supernatural ability user meant I couldn’t use other magical weapons or change my power, I had no choice.

“Fortunately, even an Earthly Fiend level ability is still a valuable asset, often a lifesaver.”

He looked at Hou Bomin, “And you have the Constraining Rope Star?”

Hou Bomin flicked his wrist, and a chain, as if pulled from thin air, swirled around him, “It’s not a very powerful ability, just useful for… acquiring things that aren’t easily obtained. For someone like me, in the unorthodox path, immortal ingredients are expensive. I have to make a living somehow.”

Zhao Xuanding said, “Indeed.” He flickered and appeared beside Hou Bomin, unleashing a barrage of poisonous palm strikes.

Hou Bomin, like a trapped monkey, dodged and weaved, but he was quickly overwhelmed.

Although a supernatural ability user, the Constraining Rope Star’s power was significantly reduced once exposed.

He had almost killed Zhao Xuanding with his initial surprise attack.

But now, with his ability revealed, Zhao Xuanding simply treated it as an extension of his reach.

And the difference in their strength, a sixth-rank versus a seventh-rank, became evident.

Although the chain, controlled by his will, spun around him, forming a protective barrier, it was no match for Zhao Xuanding’s power.

Sixth-rank was the minimum requirement for projecting true energy externally.

Facing Zhao Xuanding’s relentless assault, Hou Bomin was in grave danger.

Daoist Chuan and the others were also facing a desperate situation.

Among Zhao Xuanding’s men were two seventh-rank and several eighth-rank martial artists, the rest ninth-rank.

They fired a volley of crossbow bolts, suppressing the Wudang Monastery disciples, then charged forward.

Three Daoists fell instantly.

Daoist Chuan faced a seventh-rank and two eighth-rank opponents simultaneously.

The other disciples tried to help him, but they were entangled with their own opponents.

Daoist Chuan, his footwork precise, his sword flashing, managed to deflect their attacks for a while, but he was quickly being overwhelmed.

The other disciples were also struggling.

One of the enemy’s seventh-rank experts, wielding a large, ghost-headed saber, his attacks brutal and efficient, was cutting through their ranks.

Daoist Chuan, realizing the situation was dire, was about to order a retreat when suddenly, six of the enemy, including one of the eighth-rank martial artists attacking him, collapsed, screaming, writhing on the ground.

They had been winning just moments ago.

And then, a sword light, like a flash of moonlight, emerged from the shadows, its trajectory a graceful arc.

Three martial artists, their backs turned, were cut down instantly.

The Illusory Moon Movement Technique, the Silver Fiend Sword Technique.

Only those who witnessed it could truly appreciate the ethereal beauty and deadly precision of that strike.

It was Du Yuejiao, wielding the power of the Illusory Moon Demonic Flame Technique.

The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind.

The ambushers had become the ambushed.

“You’re finally here!” Hou Bomin laughed, as if he had been expecting this.

Zhao Xuanding, startled, his focus momentarily broken, pulled back slightly.

Daoist Chuan’s spirits lifted. The six men writhing on the ground before him were screaming in agony.

The others, startled, instinctively retreated, giving him some space.

He seized the opportunity, his sword flashing, striking the wrist of one of the eighth-rank martial artists.

The man’s weapon clattered to the ground.

Daoist Chuan’s sword then clashed with the seventh-rank expert’s ghost-headed saber.

A small figure leaped from the shadows, and an iron hook snagged the man’s arm.

And then, something bizarre happened. Although the hook had only caught his elbow, his entire arm, from the shoulder down, was ripped away.

The man screamed, clutching his shoulder, blood gushing from the wound.

Daoist Chuan, seizing the opportunity, thrust his sword into the man’s chest.

Zhao Xuanding, abandoning Hou Bomin, flickered and appeared beside Daoist Chuan, his palm striking downwards.

He hoped to at least injure Daoist Chuan, preventing Wudang Monastery from reinforcing the Gong family.

A flurry of hair and a flash of metal, and an iron hook, its trajectory a strange, twisting arc, snagged his wrist.

Zhao Xuanding, knowing it was a demonic artifact, didn’t dare underestimate it. He unleashed a powerful palm strike, intending to force the small, disheveled woman back.

But her hook, although weaker than his palm strike, wasn’t easily deflected.

She’s also sixth-rank? Zhao Xuanding thought, surprised. When had such a strange woman appeared in the Ba Mountains?

Du Yuejiao’s surprise attack, having killed several of their opponents, boosted the morale of the Wudang disciples, who surged forward. Hou Bomin and Daoist Chuan attacked Zhao Xuanding.

Zhao Xuanding shouted, “Retreat!” and, using the Earth Splitting Star’s power, escaped their encirclement.

His men, demoralized, fled with him, the Wudang disciples in pursuit, claiming a few more lives.

Seeing them disappear into the forest, Daoist Chuan called off the pursuit.

He looked at Du Yuejiao and Xiang Gu, “Thank you for your timely arrival. How did you know we were in danger?”

Du Yuejiao smiled, “We weren’t just passing by. We were following you, about half a li behind. Brother Shi said ambushes are common, and we should be prepared. He told us to follow you to Mount Nangong, in case you encountered trouble. We could either help you escape or attack the enemy, depending on the situation.”

Daoist Chuan said gratefully, “It’s a good thing Shi Hao was cautious. Otherwise, we would have been annihilated.”

Hou Bomin chuckled, “If you had arrived a moment later, this old man would be dead.”

Although they had also suffered losses, Zhao Xuanding’s side had lost a seventh-rank expert and almost twenty others. Du Yuejiao and Xiang Gu’s surprise attack had been devastatingly effective.

They didn’t have time to waste. They continued towards Mount Nangong…

Shi Hao reached Shennong Village.

Although he had made arrangements for Wudang Monastery, he wasn’t sure if they would be effective.

He had read stories where strategists, after devising their brilliant plans, could simply relax and watch them unfold.

But now, in a similar position, he realized that such “peace of mind” was an illusion.

He had no way of knowing what was happening miles away.

There were no long-distance communication methods in this world.

He arrived at the gates of Shennong Village, the sounds of shouting and the flickering of flames indicating chaos within.

Clearly… something had happened.