The city of Lanchéng is a manufacturing city. Thanks to the river that runs through the city. Access to steam and water power allows for the easy creation of industry. Most cities in the River Republics are like this. The part of the city close to the river is the industrial zone.
The area is always spewing out smoke and pollution. The industrial area is soon covered in a thick blanket of smoke. The sunlight barely prices the smoke blanket. On the streets lay countless mutilated corpses of mortals. Their faces have the painted expression of agony and horror.
"Animals"
"I can't believe people will do this to their fellow man just for a few coins."
The female couple could not believe their eyes as they follow behind the commander stage Fen and Zhihui.
"The River Republics are known to focus on the all mighty gold coins. To them killing a few peasants to increase their revenue is acceptable."
Zhihui responded to Huan. She had a lot of experience with the unexcitable greed the company owners of the River Republics possess. Theirs backstab after her parents' death is still fresh in her mind.
'I only have two years till my parents' death. But at that time, I should be able to help them against the assassins.
Zhihui mind wanders as she continues to lead the group through the twist and turn. Soon the sound of battle and explosions enter the group's ears.
Boom!
Not far away from them, a factory exploded into countless pieces. Its walls cave into the weight of the roof. From the smoke cloud created by the fallen building. 8 figures appear. These figures seem to be fighting each other. 5 of them are wearing the same black clothing as the previous terrorist the group encountered.
While the other three figures are wearing a variety of clothing. They seem to be cultivators hired by business owners to protect their factories. The three cultivators seem to be badly damaged compared to the near spotless terrorist. As Zhihui arrives on the scene, she aims her wand at the group.
Channeling her Qi as her three disciples run past her and towards the group. Zhihui channels water and fire into her body as she started to create water tentacles around the wounded cultivators. The cultivators were taken aback as the tentacles wrap around their wounds and started to heal them.
But to the terrorist, a bright and hot fireball appear behind their heads. In the next second, the fire ball exploded. Ending the lives of three out of the five terrorists. The dead terrorists flop to the ground with wide open heads. The inside of their heads splatters on the ground, creating a horrific art piece.
The remaining two terrorists weren't looking any better. Large chucks on their bodies have been blown or burned away. But they soon join their dead friend as Fen arrives at the scene. With a single slash of his sword. He cut the necks of the two remaining warrior terrorists. Zhihui stops channeling the elements as the fight ends.
Their necks rain blood on the party as they fell as life escapes their eyes. The horrific painting gains more subjects. The cultivators were finally able to rest for a few seconds.
"Thank you so much kind cultivators. For what business do you work for?"
"We are from the Elemental Weapons Sect. We are servants and disciples of the young lady of the Wu clan. Previous heir to both the clan and sect"
"I--"
The cultivator froze as he looks at Zhihui. The words young lady of the Wu clan rang alarm bells in his mind.
'Shit! A noble from a foreign sect is caught in this event! This can't be good.'
The cultivator thought to himself. His companions in arms thought something similar. They aren't stupid. They know this event is related to some company rivalry. This is something that sometimes happens within the sect. But usually, the people involved are civilians and cultivators of the River Republics.
But now a foreign noble is caught in this event. A big shot to be precise. If any harm were to land on her, they can only imagen the diplomatic problems they will find themselves in. A war might even happen. So, with sweaty backs, one of the cultivators bows down to Zhihui.
"My lady. We are so sorry you were caught in this. We can escort you out of-"
"It won't need it. It's a cultivator's duty to help those in need."
'Shit! She is a goody two-shoe!'
"Of course! Someone of your noble stature also has a noble soul."
"Enough flattering, follow me and help me out."
"Of course!"
The cultivators said as they started to follow Zhihui's part through more twist and turn. They soon arrive at another battle. This time a bit bigger. Around 9 people in total. 5 people were terrorists and 4 of them were hired cultivators. There were 4 corpses on the ground. Neither from the terrorist.
One of the terrorists notices the Zhihui group approaching. The cultivator who appears to be commander stage started to gather her Qi as she makes countless ice spikes appear around her. She sends these spikes toward Zhihui's group. Zhihui points her wand downward as she channels her Qi.
Soon a large metal wall appears in front of her. By channeling the metal and gravity she was able to make a wall large and strong enough to withstand the barrage of ice spikes. The commander stage cultivator did not allow this to stop her as she and 2 other warrior cultivators rush towards the Zhihui group.
"Alright, everyone! Get ready to start fighting-"
Boom! From another part of the battlefield. Another group of terrorists appears. This group is around 7 people. Two of which are the commander stage. Zhihui could not help but let her heart beat a bit faster.
"Now things have gotten complicated."
She said with a beautiful smile on her face.