In the Black Cavalry Alliance . . .
Following Li Wuliang's death in the battle against the three factions, the Black Cavalry Alliance mobilized all their forces to obliterate numerous sub-branches affiliated with those factions within a span of two months. Consequently, when the three factions clashed with Cha Eun Xiao, they found themselves with limited support from their outlying territories.
However, when the Black Cavalry Alliance was preparing to confront the three factions' main force head-on, Shangguan Zhuifeng was struck by a sudden stroke. This dramatic incident unfolded within half a day, rendering the lower half of his body incapacitated. Despite his seething frustration, he was unable to continue leading the offensive. The Alliance temporarily lost its most influential leader, thus bringing the revenge campaign to a halt.
Typically, when the head of a major organization like the Black Cavalry Alliance fell ill, ambitious individuals might scheme to seize the reins of power, even while the leader was still alive. Yet, every member of the Black Cavalry, as honorable horsemen, chose to honor Shangguan Zhuifeng's legacy. He enjoyed a stellar reputation within the Alliance, and no one dared to usurp his position. Eventually, with unanimous support from all the Black Cavalry members, Shangguan Zhuifeng's son, the young lord Shangguan Tie, assumed the leadership.
However, the young lord, Shangguan Tie, now found himself under attack.
As the Black Cavalry shared information during their conversations on horseback, Cha Eun Xiao learned that Shangguan Tie had been targeted six months after his father's stroke. This dual misfortune, so close in time, had weakened the Black Cavalry Alliance. Cha Eun Xiao felt a strong connection to the Black Cavalry, not only because they reminded him of the past but also because he saw this as an opportunity to support his friend Li Wuliang.
Cha Eun Xiao's resolve to assist the Black Cavalry Alliance was further fueled by their quest for vengeance on behalf of Li Wuliang.
"Our young lord is inside. Please wait here for a moment," said Luo Chong, the chief of all captains temporarily overseeing the Alliance. He was a level seven cultivator of Dao Origin Stage and appeared far from exuberant about his current high-ranking position. Instead, he bore a weary, saddened countenance, his face etched with fatigue. His status as a level seven Dao Origin Stage cultivator hadn't spared him from the immense strain he felt.
It was clear that leading the entire Alliance was taking a toll on him, and he seemed burdened by the tremendous responsibilities that came with his role.
Cha Eun Xiao inquired, "How is the young lord?"
Guan Lingxiao remained close by, unwilling to be separated from Cha Eun Xiao. Observing the others in the valley, he understood that any substantial distance between himself and Cha Eun Xiao could prove lethal.
Sometimes, even well-intentioned actions could lead to dire consequences, a serious error far worse than adhering to wicked intentions. In Guan Lingxiao's case, the only hope he had of surviving this ordeal was Cha Eun Xiao.
As long as Cha Eun Xiao could contribute to easing the young lord's suffering, there was no need to completely cure him; even an improvement in his condition would save Guan Lingxiao from the clutches of the desperate Black Cavalry Alliance. Otherwise, the lengths to which the Alliance, in the throes of despair, might go to were unpredictable.
Guan Lingxiao hadn't intended for this situation to unfold, but he had unwittingly introduced the individual who had. He was now entangled in this predicament, unable to escape.
"Not good," sighed Luo Chong, his brow furrowing, as his gaunt face bore the weight of worry etched in a few well-defined wrinkles.
"For now, our Alliance's elders are supporting the young lord with their life energy... Once they deplete their power and cease..." Luo Chong struggled to contain the seething emotions simmering behind his eyes. It was as though a volcanic eruption loomed within, and he was desperately suppressing it to prevent the ensuing chaos.
Ye Xiao nodded in understanding and quickened his pace.
In a concealed chamber nestled within the mountain, six men were seated cross-legged on a bed. One of them cradled the young lord's head in his hand, while the others each grasped a limb. The final man held onto the young lord's dantian, and all six channeled their spiritual energy to keep him alive.
Eighteen other individuals occupied various positions within the room, meditating to recover their strength.
These eighteen men comprised the Black Cavalry Alliance's top leaders, and they were collectively responsible for maintaining the young lord Shangguan Tie's lifeline.
Shangguan Tie's very survival hinged on the life energy these men were sacrificing.
Ye Xiao found himself in awe of their dedication. If they continued this effort for three months, both Shangguan Tie and these eighteen leaders would die from sheer exhaustion.
In fact, some of the eighteen men had already consumed more energy than they could handle. They were all severely injured, and even if they ceased their efforts, they would never regain their former cultivation levels, let alone reach their prime condition.
The determination in their eyes was unwavering.
The room also contained an elderly man seated on a chair, a blanket draped across his lap, his gaze fixed intently on the young lord. This elderly man was none other than Shangguan Zhuifeng, the Alliance's esteemed leader.
Though these superior cultivators were engrossed in their life-saving efforts, they remained alert to external movements. Upon Cha Eun Xiao's arrival, they briefly cast suspicious glances his way before averting their eyes.
Their skepticism stemmed from Cha Eun Xiao's youth. Even as a skilled dan-maker, the idea of such a young individual possessing extraordinary abilities seemed implausible to them. In the eyes of every cultivator in the Qing-Yun Realm, young dan-makers were not expected to possess exceptional talents, as they needed time to mature and hone their skills.
Cha Eun Xiao approached the bedside, though none among them made space for him. Undeterred, he squeezed his way into their circle and placed his fingers on Shangguan Tie's wrist.
His actions appeared rude and reckless, drawing hostile glares from the room's occupants. One elder even began to berate him for his audacity, but Cha Eun Xiao spoke with his eyes closed, "The young lord has sustained three different types of injuries, with serious damage to his Jing and Mai."
"Seven Wounds Palm; he has been struck at least three times with the Seven Wounds Palm technique. His internal organs are shaken and injured. The assailant must be of Dao Origin Stage level five or higher."
"Jing Breaking Fist; it has inflicted damage to his Jing vein, with nearly half of it affected. The individual employing the Jing Breaking Fist should be around Dao Origin Stage level four. It is relatively weaker than the palm strikes. We are fortunate in that regard."