Chapter 108: Assassination
Inside the hall.
The old man in the purple robe, although respectful, carried a sense of pride. Upon hearing these words, he couldn't help but say, "Prince Jin, are we just going to sit and wait? There's no chance at all."
"As for Wu Yuan, he rarely descends from Yun Mountain."
"Even when he does, he stays in the eastern part of the Yun Mountain Mansion. You know very well, the defenses there are tight, and it's challenging for us to obtain accurate information," said the old man in the purple robe. "Regarding Yun Mountain, we've tried to investigate, sending people or discreetly bribing, but it all ended without a trace."
"Moreover," he continued, "for over a year, most of our forces in the territory of Hengyun Sect have been investigating the 'Dark Blade's' whereabouts. We simply don't have the capacity to focus on Wu Yuan." The old man in the purple robe defended himself with a series of explanations.
Prince Jin of the East stared at him.
He knew the other party was explaining and stating the facts.
The available forces were insufficient, and the protection of Wu Yuan by Hengyun Sect was unprecedented.
"Wang Huang, what I want is not an explanation but results," Prince Jin of the East said coldly. "According to the latest intelligence, Wu Yuan is now the first in the Yunwu Hall, and he has passed the 'Horizontal Heaven Pavilion's second floor' in Yun Mountain. He likely possesses top-tier martial arts skills."
Listening, the old man in the purple robe also felt helpless.
Although this information had not completely spread, the high-ranking officials of various factions were almost all aware of it.
How could he not know?
But knowing, what could be done?
Suddenly.
"Prince Jin of the East." A powerful voice echoed from afar, followed by a phantom figure flashing by.
A figure in blue robes appeared in the hall.
He was slender, almost two meters tall, with an extraordinary demeanor. His eyes were sharp, showing no fear even in front of 'Prince Jin of the East,' the twelfth on the Imperial Rankings.
"Big brother," the old man in blue robes spoke.
"Lu Jiangyin!" Prince Jin of the East frowned slightly.
Those who understood the situation in Jiangzhou immediately understood the identities of the three present.
In the Great Jin Empire, the nominal rulers were the 'Twelve Princes' guarding the four mansions of Jiangzhou.
In reality, everyone knew that the real leaders were the three Grandmasters—Chen Luo, Lu Jiangyin, and Wang Huang.
Among the three Grandmasters, Chen Luo was the most powerful, while Lu Jiangyin and Wang Huang were brothers of different surnames but more united.
They balanced each other, a strategy of checks and balances in the Great Jin Empire.
"Prince Jin of the East, your arrival wasn't expected. Please forgive us for not welcoming you from afar," Lu Jiangyin slightly bowed and saluted.
Seeing this scene, Prince Jin of the East's expression eased slightly. He knew very well that these two were both Grandmasters, essential figures in the Empire's eastern expansion.
Punishment was not a real possibility.
Grandmasters were proud.
Like Grandmaster Chen Luo, even if protecting the Ninth Prince was detrimental and resulted in his death, it would only lead to a reduction in rank.
"Lord Lu."
"In recent years, whether it's the Dark Blade or Wu Yuan, Xu Hui, these threats, you haven't eliminated them," Prince Jin of the East said softly. "You have to give me an explanation."
"It's our incompetence." Lu Jiangyin spoke softly, "Causing Prince Jin of the East to worry and travel all the way to Jiangzhou."
Unlike Wang Huang, the old man in the purple robe, Lu Jiangyin didn't offer any excuses.
Prince Jin of the East, being their immediate superior, came to Jiangzhou in anger, so there was no point in justifying.
Admit mistakes, be honest!
What was the actual situation? Was it important? It was, but the attitude of admitting mistakes was even more crucial.
Attitude mattered.
"Alright, I also know that you are dealing with various complexities, and your forces are not sufficient for the situation at hand," Prince Jin of the East nodded, "I don't blame you."
"But."
"At this point, the situation needs to be resolved." Prince Jin of the East said calmly, "Have you discussed a plan?"
Lu Jiangyin and Wang Huang exchanged glances.
"Younger brother, share the plan you devised with Prince Jin," Lu Jiangyin said.
Knowing that his younger brother had offended Prince Jin earlier, Lu Jiangyin wanted to give him the chance to present the plan, easing the relationship.
"Your Highness."
Wang Huang was straightforward but not foolish. Understanding that his elder brother was giving him an opportunity, he said, "We've devised two plans and were just about to report when Your Highness arrived."
"Go on," Prince Jin of the East remained composed.
"The first is a bounty," Wang Huang in the purple robe explained. "We can offer rewards to forces like the Seven Star Tower and the Nine Kill Mansion to go and..."
"No." Prince Jin of the East shook his head directly.
Rejected!
"Top-notch experts may have a chance to kill Wu Yuan, but the risk is extremely high, and not many are willing. The reward for Wu Yuan has been there, but no one has succeeded," Prince Jin of the East said indifferently. "As for Grandmasters? Mobilizing the Grandmasters of the Seven Star Tower and Nine Kill Mansion would come at an exorbitant cost."
Wang Huang and Lu Jiangyin both nodded involuntarily.
Killing a member of the Dark Blade could earn a bounty of one hundred million silver taels from the Great Jin Empire!
Even the cost of a set of immortal techniques.
But killing Wu Yuan? Firstly, his displayed talent wasn't that terrifying, and secondly, Wu Yuan's strength was still weak, allowing for more cost-effective arrangements.
Most importantly.
It was an unwritten rule universally followed that Grandmasters would not easily take action against martial artists below the Grandmaster level.
For Grandmaster-level experts, a million-strong army was useless. If they went on a killing spree, how many days could they withstand?
"And the second?" Prince Jin of the East inquired.
"According to our collected intelligence, Wu Yuan returns home once every year during the New Year period," Wang Huang explained. "Although the defenses of Yun Mountain Mansion are strong, it's not difficult for top-notch experts to infiltrate."
"Considering the timing, Wu Yuan is about to descend from the mountain."
"So, our plan is to dispatch several top-notch experts to infiltrate Yun Mountain Mansion."
"Assassination," Wang Huang emphasized. "After the first wave of assassination, whether successful or not, an immediate retreat."
Listening, Prince Jin of the East pondered.
This plan sounded simple but was the norm. Real conspiracies and schemes couldn't have seven or eight twists and turns because human nature is difficult to discern and unpredictable.
The so-called foolproof strategies and ingenious plans were mostly the imagination of scholars.
Crushing with absolute strength, winning honorably, was what most wise men hoped for.
"Well, assassinating in Yun Mountain Mansion will be much easier than on Yun Mountain itself," Prince Jin of the East said softly. "However, only arranging a few top-notch experts may not guarantee success."
"Perhaps, they might all get entangled."
"Wang Huang!"
"Since it's the plan you conceived, you're the most suitable candidate. Why not take this trip?" Prince Jin of the East said lightly.
"Me?" Wang Huang's pupils constricted.
He couldn't help but look at his elder brother.
"Prince Jin of the East."
Lu Jiangyin frowned, "If a Grandmaster takes action, Wu Yuan naturally has no chance of survival. However, Bu Yu and Huan Jian might go mad."
Once the fragile balance was broken.
The outcome was unpredictable.
"I hope that, by then, in a fit of anger, Bu Yu will draw his sword and come to Jin Yang City." Prince Jin of the East whispered, "For the next period, I will be stationed in Jin Yang."
"Don't worry too much."
"Bu Yu is nearing a hundred years old, and Huan Jian is selfish."
"Wu Yuan is the only significant threat to Hengyun Sect's future." Prince Jin of the East spoke slowly, "He can't be left anymore. He must be eliminated before the 'Battle of the Jiang' erupts."
"Otherwise."
"In a major war, Wu Yuan is likely to escape from Yun Mountain, hide for a decade or more, and emerge as a Grandmaster or even a Great Grandmaster. At that time, it will be difficult to eliminate him." Prince Jin of the East said.
Lu Jiangyin and Wang Huang both paused.
Great Grandmaster?
Generally, people refer to the top ten of the Earth Ranking as Grandmasters, but in reality, Earth Ranking Grandmasters usually call those at the peak of Grandmaster level as Great Grandmasters.
In the entire world, there are only about twenty or thirty with Great Grandmaster strength.
Looking across Jiangzhou, there are only two Great Grandmasters.
One is the leader of Hengyun Sect, Master Yu, and the other is the 'Chu Ping' of Baijiang Wang.
As long as these two exist, it's challenging for the Great Jin Empire to conquer Jiangzhou. The deterrent power and combat strength of Great Grandmasters are formidable.
"The Battle of Dingjiang? What is that?" Suddenly, Lu Jiangyin asked.
"It's not too early to tell you now. After all, by May at the latest, you will be informed to prepare." Prince Jin of the East said slowly, "I have already discussed with His Majesty. In October of this year, the 7th, 8th, and 9th legions of the Jin Sacred Army will march to Chuzhou."
"Early next year, they will be stationed in Jinyang!"
Lu Jiangyin and Wang Huang were both surprised. The Jin Sacred Army is the most elite force in the Great Jin Empire, the Imperial Guards!
It is divided into nine legions, totaling ninety thousand soldiers.
It may not sound like much, but every Jin Sacred Army soldier is a top-notch martial artist, making it the most elite and powerful force in the entire world.
Each legion commander is also a Grandmaster!
Mobilizing the three legions can contend with a million-strong army.
"In November of this year, the North King will lead a hundred thousand iron riders from Yuanshou."
"In March of next year, sixty thousand naval forces from Minzhou will head north, merging with sixty thousand naval forces from Chuzhou, totaling one hundred and twenty thousand naval forces, flowing into Jiangzhou along the river." Prince Jin of the East continued, "Once the army gathers, Grandmasters assemble, the plan is to launch the 'Battle of Dingjiang' before June next year, descending along the Yun River, directly attacking Yunshan City, and then killing towards Jiudong City, completely pacifying Jiangdong."
"This battle will be led by 'Wu Chenggong'!"
Lu Jiangyin and Wang Huang completely understood.
Ten years after the Battle of Hengshan, the Empire is about to launch another large-scale war of annihilation.
The North King of Great Jin, in this generation, is as much a 'pillar' as the East King, also a Grandmaster.
The weakest of the one hundred thousand Yuanshou iron riders are martial artists.
The one hundred and twenty thousand naval forces suppress various areas of Chuzhou and Minzhou, with over half being martial artists, equally elite.
In addition to the 'Eastern Expedition Legion' of the Great Jin Empire in Jiangzhou, totaling eighty thousand.
Together, a total of three hundred thousand elite troops.
With thirty thousand Jin Sacred Army leading the way, this is an absolutely terrifying force capable of sweeping through sects and annihilating nations.
Battle of armies?
Even if the forces of Hengyun Sect and Baijiang Wang are combined, they cannot be the opponents of such a large army.
Moreover, once multiple armies converge, there will be more than ten Grandmaster-level experts alone.
Most importantly, Lu Jiangyin and Wang Huang heard that the overall commander of the army is not the East King or the North King, but—Wu Chenggong!
Forty years ago, he exterminated the Chu River!
Thirty years ago, he conquered the Three Kingdoms in the Southern Province, wiping them out!
Fifteen years ago, he led eighty thousand cavalry to tread on the Western Province, embarking on a distant expedition of sixteen thousand miles, forcing various tribes of the Western Province to submit, returning triumphantly, completely solving the two-hundred-year-old problem in the western border of the Great Jin Empire.
Recognized as the number one general in the world, the Great Jin War God!
Equal to a duke, he can enter the palace without removing his armor, and when meeting the king, he does not bow. A true extreme among loyal subjects.
In terms of martial strength, he ranks second in the Earth Ranking!
Named as a duke but is, in fact, a king!
Not to mention the North King or East King; even if the Emperor of Jin meets him, he has to respectfully address him as 'General Lan'.
"Is he truly Wu Chenggong?" Lu Jiangyin couldn't help asking.
It's truly shocking.
"Of course." Prince Jin of the East said indifferently, "This is top-secret; it must not be leaked. You just need to know that the Battle of Dingjiang will be a decisive battle for the nation."
"With the pacification of Jiangzhou, the unification of the Central Plains will be more than halfway accomplished."
"If this battle fails... we won't speak of war for another thirty years." Prince Jin of the East said, "So, don't care about what Hengyun Sect might think."
"What you need to do."
"Is to eliminate the future threats under Hengyun Sect and even under Baijiang Wang's command before the big battle."
"Understood." Both Lu Jiangyin and Wang Huang replied.
"Wang Huang." Jin Ji looked at the purple-robed old man and said solemnly, "If you can successfully kill Wu Yuan this time, I will submit a memorial to His Majesty and reward you with thirty million merits."
Creating grand promises is essential.
To make subordinates truly devoted.
"Thirty million merits?" The purple-robed old man's eyes lit up.
They serve the Great Jin for benefits, not out of great loyalty.
Benefits are of utmost importance.
Exchanging for a set of immortal techniques is worth a hundred million merits.
Exchanging for a drop of ancient immortal elixir only requires sixty thousand merits. One can imagine how generous this reward is.
"Alright."
"Now that the plan is set, arrange it as soon as possible." Jin Ji said softly, "I still need to go to Hengshan City and meet Chen Luo."
Soon after, Prince Jin of the East departed.
Only the two Grandmasters remained.
"Younger brother, do you really plan to go?" Lu Jiangyin frowned.
"Big brother, this is thirty million merits we're talking about." Wang Huang was quite excited, "Once accomplished, I'm not far from obtaining a set of 'immortal techniques'."
"Younger brother, be calm!"
Lu Jiangyin shook his head, "While immortal techniques are good, you need to have the life to get them. Killing Wu Yuan, the news won't be hidden forever."
"Wu Yuan is the hope of Hengyun Sect. Whoever dares to extinguish this hope will have an endless feud with Hengyun Sect."
"Whoever goes will be targeted by Bù Yǔ and Huán Jiàn." Lu Jiangyin said, "Otherwise, why do you think no one dares to take on bounty missions?"
Lu Jiangyin sees this very clearly.
"In the major battle to pacify Jiangzhou, sooner or later, we'll have to deal with them." Wang Huang said, "Big brother, there's no need to worry."
"Hmph!"
"Hengyun Sect has stood in Jiangzhou for hundreds of years, and their methods are unpredictable. Let's not talk about it. If Bù Yǔ fights desperately, are you willing to exchange lives with her?"
Lu Jiangyin snorted coldly, "And that Jin Ji, still sitting in Jinyang, telling us not to worry? Hmph! If there's really no danger, why doesn't he go himself?"
Wang Huang also calmed down.
"Big brother, what should I do then?" Wang Huang couldn't help but ask.
"The momentum of Great Jin unifying the world is unstoppable. We seek glory, and naturally, we have to follow the strongest. But the tough tasks are left for others to chew on," Lu Jiangyin said, "If Jin Ji names you to go, you must not refuse."
Wang Huang nodded.
"Wu Yuan, don't easily go against him."
"You lead a team, take a few top experts to assassinate him," Lu Jiangyin said softly, "Success is good, and it's an effortless merit."
"At that time, we will publicize that those top experts killed Wu Yuan, so we don't attract Hengyun Sect's hostility."
"If the assassination fails, don't bother about those top experts."
"Go directly to find Xu Hui!"
Lu Jiangyin smiled, "This is also a threat."
"Killing him won't drive those two old guys from Hengyun Sect crazy, but it's enough to explain to Jin Ji."
"Smart, big brother."
...
Cloud Mountain Prefecture, Cloud Mountain.
After the annual competition, Wu Yuan, with an almost invincible posture, swept through the disciples of Yunwu Hall, and then broke through the second floor of 'Hengtian Pavilion'.
The reputation in Yunwu Hall has reached its peak.
At the same time.
The demonstration of strength comparable to first-class experts shocked the entire sect, and soon there were voices.
To promote Wu Yuan from the true disciple to 'Heavenly Martial True Transmission'.
Not only did the top experts and first-class experts of the Finance and Work Hall speak, even the Teaching Hall made their voices heard.
However, they were all suppressed by the Supreme.
Wu Yuan's rapid growth, spreading the news, also made waves in various factions, but these voices had no effect on Wu Yuan.
He continued to practice step by step.
Ten days after the annual competition, Wu Yuan calmly came to the Finance and Work Hall and met Huan Changlao.
"Elder."
"Come to see you, two things." Wu Yuan smiled, "First, I apply to participate in a trial mission."
Yunwu Hall disciples, especially the upper court disciples, the sect will arrange various trial tasks.
The sect doesn't nurture disciples like growing flowers in a greenhouse, just for looks.
The ultimate goal is to fight and battle!
Without experiencing life and death, without going through storms, even with strong power and high skills, one might only be able to unleash three to five percent of their true strength.
"Trial mission?"
Elder Huan frowned at first, then nodded and said, "Hmm, the Supreme has instructed me. When there is a suitable mission, I will notify you."
"After all, regular guarding tasks and patrol tasks are not suitable for you."
Wu Yuan nodded involuntarily.
Trial tasks are not all about fighting and killing; for example, 'Huan Xinyan' serving as a teacher in the Martial Arts Academy is a form of trial. Similarly, becoming a civil or military official in a prefecture or county is also a trial.
"Is there anything else?" Elder Huan asked.
"Going down the mountain to celebrate the New Year with my family," Wu Yuan said.
"Down the mountain?"
Elder Huan looked at Wu Yuan and said in a low voice, "Wu Yuan, do you know that after breaking through the second floor of Hengtian Pavilion, now, the attention from various forces towards you will only be higher?"
"I know," Wu Yuan said indifferently.
"Then why do you want to go down the mountain?" Elder Huan frowned.
"Elder, I now have the strength of a first-class expert, with some self-defense capability," Wu Yuan shook his head and said, "But even if I become a top expert, a master can still kill me. Am I supposed to never leave the mountain?"
Elder Huan was speechless.
"Elder, rest assured. Yunshan Prefecture is quite safe. Even if there are top experts, not many dare to assassinate in the east of the city," Wu Yuan said, "Moreover, I will use Ebone to leave the mountain, not making a big show when entering the mansion."
"Not many people know."
"Elder, in three to five days at most, after spending time with my family, I will return to the mountain," Wu Yuan smiled.
"Alright, be careful then," Elder Huan could only nod.
After bidding farewell to Elder Huan, Wu Yuan walked on the main road.
"Assassination?" Wu Yuan shook his head slightly and smiled, "If there's no assassination, that's fine. If there is, it saves me some effort."
You should know that after the battle in Yunjiang last time, the blood-colored mist Wu Yuan obtained had almost been exhausted in the past half year.
It was time for a refill.
After staying on Cloud Mountain for two more days.
Until the day before the New Year, Wu Yuan silently left Cloud Mountain using Ebone.
...
Entering Cloud Mountain City, Wu Yuan first strolled along the streets.
The lively scenes of people crowded in the streets and lanes made Wu Yuan, who was accustomed to tranquility, also feel some ripples in his heart.
"Fireworks."
Wu Yuan casually strolled, looking at the lively scenes of vendors and passersby bargaining, and couldn't help but smile, "A bustling crowd is the peace of the people, a bustling street is the liveliness of the world."
Wu Yuan, walked through thousands of miles of rivers and mountains in Jiangzhou.
He passed through Yuanhu Villa's Yuanhu Prefecture, passed through Nan Yun Prefecture under the rule of Baijiang Wang, and even went to the chaotic and chaotic Dalong Prefecture.
"Compared to that, under the rule of Hengyun Sect, it's not bad for ordinary people," Wu Yuan had seen the light and understood the darkness.
If you talk about cultivating hardships in the mountains, eating Qi, refining Qi, it's an ascetic and ascetic life.
It will make cultivators feel the vastness of the world and the brevity of life. So, occasionally coming to the city and immersing oneself in a tour.
It is to bring the mind back to the mortal realm!
Like this.
Strolling along the way, buying many gifts for his mother and sister, Wu Yuan, who has restored his normal appearance through Bone Shifting, entered the 'Wu Mansion' through a side door.
The news of 'Young Master's return to the mansion' quickly spread throughout the mansion.
However, strict orders were given in the mansion not to spread the news, so even the neighboring mansions did not know that Wu Yuan had returned.
After seeing his mother and sister.
Night fell.
In the house to the east, on the second floor, Wu Yuan sat quietly, and with a thought, his divine sense involuntarily spread in all directions.
Countless information rushed into his brain!
Within a radius of a hundred meters, all were covered by Wu Yuan's divine sense. Family, clan members, and many maids and servants.
All were under his clear perception.
"Divine sense is truly amazing. Is this the means that Qi Refiners control?" Wu Yuan sighed secretly.
Every time he used divine sense, he felt it was miraculous.
For martial artists, Qi Refiners were like bringing them down a notch.
"Elder Zhang, former Hall Master Gu, are quite diligent." Wu Yuan sensed clearly through divine sense.
Just about a hundred meters away on both sides of the Wu Mansion.
There were two extremely powerful experts stationed on each side.
In the dark night, they were invisible to the naked eye.
But in Wu Yuan's perception, the two were as bright as fire!
Top experts! Two of them!
And Wu Yuan had seen them both.
One was Elder Zhang of the Military Hall, ranked thirty-fourth on the Jiangzhou Human List!
The other was Gu Wang, the Hall Master of the Inspection Hall, ranked fourth on the Jiangzhou Human List, and currently the closest expert to the Master level in Hengyun Sect.
It was obvious.
After Elder Huan agreed to Wu Yuan's descent from the mountain, he quickly reported to Supreme Rain, who ordered the arrangement of two top experts to secretly follow and protect Wu Yuan.
In fact, on the way down the mountain, Wu Yuan had already sensed their presence.
"On New Year's Day, let two top experts guard here alone." Wu Yuan sighed secretly, feeling a trace of apology.
But there was no way to explain.
...In the blink of an eye, three days passed, and the New Year began.
Wu Yuan, in addition to his normal daily cultivation, rarely accompanied his family, and had a lively New Year.
Snow fell once again.
Floating in the air like willow catkins, the temperature suddenly dropped, and as night fell, every household closed their doors.
Apart from occasional passing soldiers on patrol, the streets quieted down.
"Swoosh!" "Swoosh!"
"Swoosh!"
In the darkness, several figures, braving the wind and snow, flashed past each building, slid through the streets and alleys, and entered the eastern part of the city.
Finally, they entered an empty room.
"Here, it's only three miles away from the Wu Mansion." The burly figure of 'Wang Huang' was shrouded in a black robe, revealing only a pair of eyes.
"According to the insider information obtained, Wu Yuan has already returned to the mansion. Now, he should be staying on the second floor of the small building on the east side of the mansion."
"Understood." Wang Huang's gaze swept over the three figures in front of him.
"Yes!"
The three figures nodded one after another.
"Go! Kill Wu Yuan!" Wang Huang waved his hand.
The three, already dressed in 'night clothes,' opened the window and silently floated down, swiftly heading towards the Wu Mansion.
—(End of this chapter)
Chapter 109: Grandmaster Falls
Snowflakes fluttered in the air.
Wang Huang closed the window, leaving only a small gap.
"Three top-notch experts to kill a first-rate master. As long as they make eye contact, there is hope that everything will go smoothly," Wang Huang observed through the gap.
He watched as the three top-notch experts disappeared at the end of a secluded street.
Remembering the words of his elder brother, Wang Huang did not follow them.
Can they succeed? He was uncertain.
"If they fail, I'll leave directly," Wang Huang frowned slightly. "I just hope that, regardless of success or failure, Qi Zai, Lian Qizhi, and Kou Mei can all leave alive."
Qi Zai, ranked nineteenth on the Jiangzhou Human List!
Lian Qizhi, ranked thirty-eighth on the Jiangzhou Human List!
Kou Mei, ranked fifty-second on the Jiangzhou Human List!
It's worth noting that although Wang Huang is a grandmaster, he only has five top-notch experts directly under his command.
These three are the strongest top-notch experts he can mobilize.
If all three are lost here, it would undoubtedly be a significant blow to the personal power he has cultivated.
---
The three top-notch experts moved cautiously along the secluded streets, forming a "品" character, slowly advancing towards the Wu Mansion. They were extremely careful, not even daring to increase their speed, fearing that it might alert the high-level experts secretly monitoring them.
All three were well aware that, day or night, the eastern part of the city, under the jurisdiction of the Hengyun Sect, would always have high-level experts stationed in the shadows, surveilling in all directions.
Even during the New Year, there would be no exception.
"In a moment, Kou Mei, you'll be responsible for the rendezvous." The leading slender figure whispered, "Old Zhi and I will sneak in secretly, directly kill Wu Yuan, and then leave."
"Any obstruction must be mercilessly killed!"
"Understood." The two behind him nodded involuntarily.
They were not specialized assassins, so they were not adept at using hand signals. However, speaking in low voices, they wouldn't disturb the surroundings.
The three rapidly approached.
---
Wu Mansion, second floor, lights extinguished.
Wu Yuan was sitting cross-legged, practicing the technique of "Great Earth Cang Ming," silently absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. At the same time, his divine sense involuntarily spread out.
Feeding on Qi.
To sense the heavens and the earth, one's spirit must be completely released, resonating as much as possible with the heavens and the earth to perceive the mysterious power within the depths of all things.
Suddenly.
"Hmm?" Wu Yuan furrowed his brows slightly.
His divine sense detected several powerful life forces rapidly approaching his courtyard.
Divine sense could only explore a hundred meters or so, but every thread was vividly displayed!
No stealth technique can escape.
As for divine sense, it combines various aspects such as spirit and hearing, providing a vague perception of the external world, with the core being 'life force.'
Martial experts have vigorous vitality, while ordinary people have weak life force. With Wu Yuan's current divine sense, he can easily sense the approach of experts of the second-rate or higher within a two-mile radius.
The closer they are, the more robust their life force, and the clearer his divine sense becomes.
"Seems like top-notch experts, three of them?" A hint of coldness flashed in Wu Yuan's eyes. "In the middle of winter, during the New Year, running over at midnight?"
If they were sect experts, they wouldn't act so furtively.
It's either espionage or thievery!
Top-notch experts are scarce in the vast Jiangzhou. Each one is a significant figure, unlikely to collaborate unless facing a major threat.
"Ninety-nine percent probability, they've come to assassinate me."
The more Wu Yuan thought, the colder his gaze became, and a stronger sense of killing intent emerged. "Dare not to kill me on Yunshan but sneak into my residence."
Inside the mansion, there's his mother, his sister, and numerous clan members!
"Truly insane."
"It seems that my continuously displayed talents have brought too much threat, causing several hostile forces within the sect to be unable to bear it anymore," Wu Yuan mused.
Using several top-notch experts for an assassination attempt is a significant move.
Not many forces can pull it off.
"Da Jin Empire? Guiyu Sect? Or assassins from Seven Star Pavilion or Nine Kill Manor?" Wu Yuan considered various possibilities.
His divine sense can only roughly confirm the life force.
Who they are and how strong they are, that cannot be sensed.
"Regardless of who it is, it doesn't matter."
Wu Yuan's gaze turned icy. He gently opened the window, gliding down like a gust of wind from the second floor, disappearing into the darkness.
Covering over a hundred meters in a single leap.
He left the mansion directly.
Despite the incredible speed, it didn't cause any disturbance in the air. Ancient Forget and Zhang Changsheng, guarding on both sides of the mansion, didn't notice at all.
In reality, even a grandmaster with advanced skills might not be as formidable as Wu Yuan. His divine sense covered a radius of a hundred meters, suppressing airflow changes within that range.
"Material manipulation, although currently a weaker ability, is challenging to use in combat. It's effective for auxiliary purposes, nonetheless," Wu Yuan thought.
For example, borrowing force from the void!
For example, controlling airflow fluctuations!
...
Qi Zai, Lian Zhiqi, and Kou Mei dared not walk on the rooftops. Instead, they continued along the side of the streets and alleys, utilizing the shadows.
Gradually, the snowfall intensified, creating a hazy layer of white across the entire world.
Suddenly,
"Stop!" Qi Zai abruptly halted, a hint of fear flashing in his eyes.
In reality, it wasn't just him. Lian Zhiqi and Kou Mei, their eyes were also filled with shock.
Because!
In their line of sight, a mere phantom flashed by, a figure shrouded in a black robe appearing at the end of their street.
Without waiting for more reaction from them,
Swish!
Silent and unnoticed, this black-robed figure had already traversed a hundred meters, arriving in front of them, with only about thirty meters between them.
There were no traces on the snowy ground.
"A M-Martial Grandmaster? In this eastern district, there are Martial Grandmasters guarding?" Qi Zai widened his eyes, nearing the edge of insanity.
To assassinate a teenager in their teens and encounter a Martial Grandmaster?
Lian Zhiqi and Kou Mei, following behind, were equally petrified, almost unable to move, staring intently at the figure completely shrouded in the black robe.
The black-robed figure didn't even reveal a pair of eyes.
And the three of them, their hearts turned cold, not daring to make the slightest movement.
Leaving no trace on the snow?
All three of them could achieve that, but it required full control and slowed speed. However, the black-robed person in front of them? A flash covering over a hundred meters, without any air disturbance or a trace?
Unfathomable!
The only thing they could think of was a Grandmaster! And not a weaker Grandmaster.
At least reached the realm of Sense Awareness.
"We're done for! Facing a Sense Awareness Grandmaster head-on, I have no hope of survival." Qi Zai's mind was in chaos.
He ranked nineteenth on the Jiangzhou Human Ranking.
However, the Human Ranking and the Earth Ranking were worlds apart, with a significant difference in physical attributes and fundamental differences in combat skills.
One was still exploring human potential, while the other had sensed the mysteries of heaven and earth.
They were fundamentally incomparable.
Whoosh! Whoosh! The north wind howled, snowflakes fluttered down.
In the late-night desolate streets, with the physical qualities of top-notch experts, theoretically, they shouldn't feel the cold.
However, at this moment, the three top-notch experts felt an unprecedented chill.
"Huan Jian Senior." Qi Zai gritted his teeth and spoke.
Although Wu Yuan was shrouded in a black robe and had slightly changed his appearance with Bone Transformation, it could still be discerned that he was a man.
Naturally, he was mistakenly identified as 'Huan Jian.'
"State your name." Wu Yuan didn't answer, his voice icy. "Declare your purpose. Are you here to assassinate Wu Yuan?"
"Escape!"
Qi Zai hesitated no more, his figure violently retreating.
He had already identified Wu Yuan as a Sense Awareness Grandmaster, coupled with their purpose being exposed by a single shout.
Moreover, this was Yunshan City.
Where else could he dare to linger?
Fight?
If there were thirty or forty top-notch experts besieging, there might be hope to kill a Grandmaster, but with just the three of them?
Defeat was certain!
Only a Grandmaster could deal with a Grandmaster. This was a saying in the Thirteen Provinces of Zhongtu, forged with the blood of countless experts.
Swoosh! Swoosh! Lian Zhiqi and Kou Mei also moved their bodies, not caring about concealing their tracks anymore, ready to burst out at their maximum speed.
This was normal.
If Grandmaster-level experts had appeared, could they still alert even more formidable enemies?
The reactions of the three top-notch experts were undoubtedly swift!
However,
While they were fast, Wu Yuan's speed was more terrifying. His divine sense had already covered this street.
He had completely locked onto the three of them!
So,
When Qi Zai's legs made a slight move, before he truly exerted force, Wu Yuan had sensed it, understanding that the other party intended to escape!
Striking first!
"Pu-chi!" "Pu-chi!" "Clang!"
Three cold lights, like lightning, silently crossed the sky.
Only the two figures standing closer retreated just a few meters.
Their heads were instantly pierced through, throwing blood-stained flying knives towards a farther distance, penetrating into the ground.
The terrifying impact, reaching several hundred thousand pounds, instantly resounded on the ground, splattering countless rocks and white snow.
Blood dyed the snowy ground.
Lian Zhiqi and Kou Mei, dead!
Only Qi Zai, living up to his reputation as the nineteenth on the Human Ranking.
Life and death in an instant, as if good fortune had arrived. He unexpectedly pulled out his sword suddenly, turning around and slashing at the flying knife that shot towards him.
He slightly diverted the path of the flying knife.
But the terrifying power contained in the flying knife also caused Qi Zai's arms to tremble violently. The whole person was involuntarily sent flying backward, and the battle sword in his hand was almost about to slip away.
Such terrifying power! This was the thought that flashed through his mind.
"Boom~" The flying knife that had been smashed away instantly shot into a nearby house. The two large pillars of the house snapped in half at the waist, collapsing with a resounding crash.
Before Qi Zai could feel relieved,
"Whoosh!" A strange flash of knife light instantly lit up, as fast as lightning, likewise without causing any air disturbance.
"Pu-chi~"
Just as Qi Zai began to perceive and had the idea to wield his sword to defend, he suddenly felt a severe pain in his neck!
A moment of dizziness.
"Bang~" At the last moment when Qi Zai's dark-swallowed consciousness, he saw a tall headless corpse collapsing onto the snowy ground.
Qi Zai, dead!
"Can actually block my throwing knife?"
"Although there is a suspicion of coincidence, at least it has the strength of the top thirty in Jiangzhou." Wu Yuan glanced at the headless corpse on the ground.
A thought.
The battle knife, inner armor, and some other trinkets instantly floated up and were directly collected into Wu Yuan's storage magic treasure.
He quickly collected the 'relics' of the other top-notch experts.
"Boom~" "Boom~" Not far from the corner of the nearby street, there was already a faint sound of a large number of people and horses moving.
There were also faint voices mixed with 'Hurry' and 'Quickly go check.'
Obviously.
The confrontation between Wu Yuan and the three top-notch experts was too loud, especially the collapse of the nearby buildings, which had already alerted the 'City Guard.'
"There's another one." Wu Yuan's gaze fell into the distance.
In his sense.
Eight hundred meters away, there was a lively to the extreme life aura, much stronger than the three top-notch experts.
A Grandmaster!
In the first battle with Chen Luo, when Wu Yuan's 'spiritual consciousness' was still weak, if the Grandmaster restrained their aura, he couldn't perceive it clearly.
Now?
With Wu Yuan's spiritual consciousness that could control objects to fly, even if it was a Grandmaster, within a two-li range, it was impossible to escape his perception.
"The entire sect, only has two Grandmasters." Wu Yuan's eyes were cold. "And coincidentally, these three top-notch experts came from that direction?"
In this world, where are there so many coincidences?
Swoosh!
Wu Yuan took a step, silent and invisible, had already flashed more than two hundred meters, disappearing at the end of this street, heading straight towards the other party.
At this moment.
The City Guard of Hengyun Sect had not yet arrived at the scene of the outbreak of the battle.
On the second floor of the pavilion.
Wang Huang had been observing the direction of Wu Mansion through the cracks and listening attentively.
In the relatively quiet night, with the hearing of a Grandmaster, it was not difficult to hear the sound of the battle several miles away.
The three top-notch experts disappeared from his line of sight in less than three breaths.
"Boom~" came the sound of explosions, which was already indistinct when it reached here, but in Wang Huang's ears, it was extremely clear.
"Something's not right!"
Wang Huang listened to the sounds and determined the location in an instant.
The location of the battle was about seven to eight hundred meters away from him.
Still far from Wu Mansion.
So quickly, were the three top-notch experts discovered?
"Is it a coincidence? Even if it's Gu Wang from Hengyun Sect, it's impossible to detect them from hundreds of meters away." Wang Huang frowned. "Could it be that there's a Grandmaster?"
He was quite confident in himself and didn't flee immediately.
After all, he was nearly two li away from the battlefield.
He hid here without making any sound.
Unless a 'complete unity of man and nature' master, otherwise, normally, other Grandmasters couldn't perceive his existence from such a distance.
But in just half a breath.
"Huh?" Wang Huang's pupils slightly contracted.
In his line of sight, a figure shrouded in a black robe had appeared at the end of the street, three hundred meters away.
In a flash, the figure covered over a hundred meters, silently leaving no trace on the snowy ground, heading straight towards him.
"Spirit Fusion Realm, a Grandmaster! Run!" Wang Huang's scalp was almost about to explode, without any hesitation.
Boom!
He rushed out from the window behind him, the window shattered, countless broken woods scattered, and he had already leaped over a hundred meters.
And as he leaped.
The black-robed figure, who had been walking on the snowy ground, seemed to perceive his escape. He also leaped over a hundred meters.
"Swoosh!" The blade light shone.
The entire building exploded, a terrifying scar appeared, but it failed to catch Wang Huang who was retreating.
This strike missed.
"Indeed a Grandmaster, fleeing upon seeing me; an enemy Grandmaster!" Wu Yuan's eyes were cold, instantly making the judgment.
No need for further words.
Kill!
Boom! Leaping onto the building, Wu Yuan did not hesitate. With one step on the broken beam, he soared in at a breakneck speed, breaking through the sound barrier!
Mystical technique "Ghostly Movement"!
In the blink of an eye, Wu Yuan caught up with Wang Huang, who had fled nearly a hundred meters.
"So fast, this kind of explosive speed is even faster than Chen Luo's speed." Wang Huang's mind was in chaos.
Terrifyingly fast.
He had no idea that over the past few months, although Wu Yuan had mostly focused on practicing the "Great Earth's Vast Ocean," his physical qualities had been steadily improving.
He had reached the threshold of two hundred thousand kilograms!
In terms of physical qualities alone, Wu Yuan was no weaker than ordinary Grandmaster experts.
In terms of mystical techniques, Wu Yuan was indeed slightly weaker.
After all, the "Ghostly Movement" he used did not completely match his current physique.
But in terms of skill realm, Wu Yuan, who had reached the complete Spirit Fusion Realm, was enough to rival the top Grandmasters on the Earth Rankings.
All in all, Wu Yuan's explosive speed was comparable to Chen Luo.
"Die!" Wu Yuan wielded his battle knife, the dream-like blade light directly swept towards Wang Huang's neck.
No mercy!
"Get out of the way!" Although Wang Huang was shocked by Wu Yuan's explosive speed, as a Grandmaster expert, how rapid were his reactions?
A sword was drawn.
Instantly blocked Wu Yuan's battle knife! Following the sword's flow, it unexpectedly stabbed directly towards Wu Yuan's arm like lightning.
This was a soft sword!
"Retreat." Wu Yuan understood that he had been careless. Soft swords were extremely difficult to train with, but once mastered, they were as elusive as venomous snakes.
In terms of combat skills, although the Spirit Fusion Realm was more advanced than the Intent Sensing Realm, it couldn't crush it!
In a life-and-death battle, victory hung by a thread.
"Clang!" "Clang!" "Clang!" While Wu Yuan was retreating, his knife technique also changed, appearing incredibly dreamlike amidst the falling snowflakes.
The two sides clashed more than ten times like lightning.
"Boom!" "Roar!" "Boom!" Two Grandmasters passed each other.
In this brief moment of confrontation, the two had already rushed out over a hundred meters. In this terrifying clash, with the combined force exceeding a million kilograms, the buildings along the way collapsed with a thunderous rumble.
Walls shattered.
Countless rocks scattered.
In just a glance, the explosive clash between the two Grandmasters had destroyed nearly half a block. For a while, many cries of pain could be heard, and many people were harmed in their sleep.
The destructive power of a Grandmaster was truly terrifying.
"Who is that!"
"Who?"
"Hurry, stop them!" Some hidden experts naturally sensed such a terrifying battle and flew over one after another.
Swoosh! Swoosh!
Even more experts were leaping from a distance.
Moreover, some experts had already discovered the horrifying shockwaves of the battle, and in fear, they shot signal flares!
"Whoosh~" Several signal flares shot up like lightning! Ascending into the night sky for over a hundred meters!
Dazzlingly bright!
This was a signal representing a Grandmaster battle, directly notifying the headquarters of the sects on Cloud Mountain for support.
Under the night.
Snowflakes fluttered, and Wu Yuan and Wang Huang both stared at each other without caring about the large number of Hengyun Sect experts gathering around.
"Using a knife?"
"The figure and steps are completely different from Yu Bu; even with Bone Transformation, such a large change is impossible."
"Huan Jian? He excels in palm techniques." Various thoughts flashed through Wang Huang's mind. "Who could it be?"
The opponent's strength was not weaker than his own, perhaps even stronger.
"Dark Blade, I didn't expect you to really be a member of Hengyun Sect." Suddenly, Wang Huang spoke up, his voice resounding in the vast world, echoing throughout half of Cloud Mountain City.
In just a short clash, it seemed that Wang Huang had already identified Wu Yuan's identity.
In the entire territory of Hengyun Sect, who besides Dark Blade would use a knife and immediately engage in a fight?
"What?"
"That's Dark Blade?"
"Dark Blade Grandmaster is from our Hengyun Sect?" The experts who were rapidly approaching were all astonished upon hearing this.
"I have no connection with Hengyun Sect," Wu Yuan's voice was indifferent. The long knife was slightly raised, and his bloodthirsty gaze fixed on Wang Huang. "But, Wang Huang, as a Grandmaster from the Great Jin, coming to Cloud Mountain City today violates the rules."
Wu Yuan's voice was equally powerful.
"Wang Huang! Grandmaster Wang Huang!"
"The unpredictable Sword King Wang Huang, wasn't he in Jinyang City? Why would he come to my Cloud Mountain City? Has the Great Jin gone mad?"
"Quick, inform Cloud Mountain and let the Supreme Elder come."
"War, is it going to break out again?" Many experts from Hengyun Sect were extremely shocked.
Dark Blade? The experts from Hengyun Sect weren't too worried. Regardless of whether it was a disciple of the sect or not, based on their intelligence, Dark Blade didn't pose a significant threat to Hengyun Sect.
But Wang Huang?
But a Grandmaster from the Great Jin, what was he doing in Cloud Mountain City?
Hearing the continuous discussions, Wang Huang's expression changed slightly.
He didn't want to reveal his identity!
However, Wang Huang also understood.
In the entire Jiangzhou, there was only one master who used a soft sword, and it was easy to identify him.
"Wang Huang!"
Shrouded in a black robe, with even a pair of eyes not revealed, Wu Yuan stood on the third floor of a building, holding a long knife. He looked extremely mysterious.
"Jin Cang has a bounty of one hundred million silver taels on me! Misleading people, trying to take my head!"
"Today, I'll kill you first to cleanse my knife! In the future, I'll enter the Jin Palace and kill Jin Cang!" Wu Yuan's voice was icy, spreading like a rolling tide.
Boom!
Wu Yuan's legs suddenly exerted force, and a force of hundreds of thousands of kilograms erupted. Combining with "Ghostly Movement," his speed instantly surpassed the speed of sound.
In almost an instant, he rushed to Wang Huang's front.
"Whoosh!"
A terrifying flood of knife lights covered Wang Huang. His face changed, and he instantly retreated. The long sword in his hand flickered like a snake, desperately blocking Wu Yuan's attacks, which were like a mountain roaring like the sea!
"Pong~" "Pong~" "Pong~" A series of explosions, one after another. Houses, pavilions, and walls collapsed thunderously.
Causing cries of pain.
Some Hengyun Sect experts and city guards who couldn't dodge were swept away like a gust of wind.
There was simply no one who could participate in the battle!
In the blink of an eye, the two Grandmasters exchanged over a hundred moves.
Wu Yuan's knife technique was vast and continuous, simultaneously using "Ghostly Movement" and "Thousand Mountains," boosting his combat power to the extreme.
While Wang Huang, though also using secret techniques, became increasingly flustered as the fight progressed, only able to support himself desperately.
He wanted to escape.
But couldn't escape at all.
"No! How can the strength of this Dark Blade be so strong?" Wang Huang was angrily roaring in his mind. "Chen Luo, he actually said Dark Blade's strength is only at the Grandmaster threshold?"
"This Dark Blade, in terms of strength, is probably approaching the peak of Grandmaster."
Wang Huang struggled to hold on.
His judgment was correct.
Compared to the Grandmasters, Wu Yuan's physical fitness was slightly inferior, and his weapons and secret techniques were weaker, making him the bottom among the Grandmasters.
But!
In terms of combat skills, Wu Yuan was extremely formidable.
Moreover, Wu Yuan's spiritual power was incredibly powerful. His divine sense covered everything, and combined with his combat skills, the knife techniques he displayed were simply unimaginable.
"Die!" Wu Yuan's fighting spirit surged, his eyes burning like flames.
Kill! Kill! Kill!
Ever since the Great Jin Empire announced a bounty on him, Wu Yuan had been holding back, waiting for an opportunity to vent.
And today.
The Great Jin Empire actually sent assassins to directly invade the Wu Residence, truly touching Wu Yuan's most sensitive nerve—his family!
Arriving in the Central Land, with no attachments or belonging, memories and emotions fused together, making his mother and sister Wu Yuan's greatest concern, besides martial arts.
He only hoped for the well-being of his family.
Whoever dared to touch them!
He would kill them!
Even the Emperor!
Boom! Boom! Boom! The two Grandmasters engaged in a life-and-death battle. Their speeds were almost close to the speed of sound, sweeping through large sections of the city, causing numerous casualties.
"This!"
"A great catastrophe." Several top experts from Hengyun Sect, who arrived quickly, only dared to stand far away and watch this terrifying battle scene.
They didn't dare to get close at all.
Even this place's strongest, Gu Wang, hesitated to get involved in such a fight, fearing that a mere glance would result in his death.
"Master of Dark Blade seems even stronger!"
"Wang Huang, ranked 193rd on the Earth Ranking, his strength is quite low among the Grandmasters, but he is still a genuine Grandmaster." Zhang Changsheng and Gu Wang were secretly shocked.
The casualties were high?
For the time being, they had no way, so they could only try to evacuate and stay away from the battlefield.
There had been countless precedents. Once a Grandmaster battle broke out within the city, the casualties would reach a terrifying level.
...In an instant, the fierce battle between Wu Yuan and Wang Huang lasted for several breaths, leaving a mess for miles around.
Fortunately.
Wu Yuan deliberately controlled the situation, forcing Wang Huang to flee in the direction far from the Wu Residence, where the population was sparser.
As the saying goes, prolonged attacks are hard to sustain, but Wu Yuan, maintaining two great secret techniques, showed no signs of fatigue and grew more formidable as the battle continued!
Wang Huang became increasingly anxious and his body felt weakened as the battle continued.
Contrary to the saying "prolonged attacks are hard to sustain," there is another phrase— "prolonged defense will surely lead to defeat!"
Suddenly.
"Sila~" Wu Yuan's battle knife unexpectedly flashed mysteriously, instantly avoiding the soft sword thrust from Wang Huang.
It ruthlessly cleaved into Wang Huang's chest.
"Pu~" The impact of several hundred thousand pounds of force caused Wang Huang's clothes to burst instantly, revealing his sturdy close-fitting soft armor.
Despite having divine-grade soft armor protecting him, Wang Huang was still forced back by the blow.
"Swoosh!"
Wu Yuan's speed showed no decrease whatsoever. His waist twisted in a peculiar manner, taking the brunt of Wang Huang's retaliatory sword strike. Simultaneously, a flash of knife light, akin to the pressure of a mountain, was unstoppable!
It directly cleaved through the opponent's head.
Too fast!
In the life-and-death struggle, Wang Huang was not allowed to retreat any longer.
"Plth~" The head was thrown into the air.
Wu Yuan, struck by the sword cutting across his waist, had his blood roiling, and he spat out a mouthful of blood. His entire body inertia carried him nearly a hundred meters away.
"Pong~"
The headless corpse collapsed, and the divine-grade soft sword clattered to the ground.
Grandmaster Wang Huang, dead!
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 110: Dark Blade, That's Wu Yuan (Seeking Subscriptions and Monthly Votes)
"Grandmaster experts are indeed much harder to kill than top-notch experts," Wu Yuan felt the intense pain in his abdomen.
With his control over his body, he instantly realized that two bones were broken.
Fortunately, with the protection of a third-grade divine soft armor, otherwise, Wang Huang's last sword strike, even if it couldn't kill him, would have seriously injured him.
This is the essence of martial arts clashes.
Wu Yuan's visible strength is stronger, but with the slightest carelessness, he can still get injured or even die.
Of course, if Wu Yuan did not adopt a reckless fighting style and instead aimed for stability, he would not have been injured.
However, exchanging injuries for life is not a loss!
"If delayed any longer, Rain Tai Shang and Sword Tai Shang might come." Wu Yuan sighed inwardly.
"Crackling~"
With the trembling of his body and bones, he adjusted the displaced ribs, enduring the pain.
Wu Yuan turned and flashed.
He arrived at the side of Grandmaster Wang Huang's corpse.
"Hoo!"
Wu Yuan lowered his head, waved his hand, and instantly, the divine soft sword, close-fitting armor, gold and silver tokens, and more on the ground were quickly collected.
"Gu Wang, Zhang Changsheng, they have all come." Wu Yuan's heart sank.
Did they notice him leaving the Wu residence?
Swoosh!
Wu Yuan directly turned into a residual shadow, instantly floated two hundred meters away, quickly rushing towards a street that had not yet been affected by the big battle.
It may sound slow.
In reality, the moment Wu Yuan killed Wang Huang, he had already turned back to collect the spoils.
Afterward, he chose to leave.
"Senior Dark Blade!"
"Senior, please stay." The four top experts, including Gu Wang and Zhang Changsheng, saw the situation and immediately moved, wanting to catch up.
"Swoosh!" "Swoosh!"
"Swoosh!"
Wu Yuan didn't even look back, his divine sense enveloped all directions. With a wave of his hand, three flying knives cut through the air with a sharp sonic boom, like lightning.
Speed soared to a terrifying six hundred meters per second.
The sonic boom was a warning!
Three flying knives simultaneously shot into the ground in front of the four top experts, causing a terrifying force to ripple through the scattered stones and soil in the air.
"Continue to chase, death is inevitable!" Wu Yuan's cold voice echoed in the street.
Immediately, the four top experts were frightened.
They dared not pursue any further.
"Gu Sect Master."
Chapter 110: Dark Blade, That's Wu Yuan (Seeking Subscriptions and Monthly Votes)
"What should we do?" Zhang Changsheng and the other two top experts stopped, all looking towards the leader, Gu Wang.
In terms of status, Gu Wang, the Master of the Supervisory Hall, had the highest status among the people present.
"Master Dark Blade doesn't want to meet with us. He must have his reasons. Don't pursue him," Gu Wang shook his head, suppressing his doubts.
"Wang Huang was a Grandmaster."
"His death today is a significant event. Dying in Yunshan City will definitely shake the entire Jiangzhou. Regardless of his reasons for coming, he's dead now," Gu Wang said solemnly. "The Great Jin Empire might take advantage of this to cause trouble."
The four top experts nodded.
As members of the high-level of the Hengyun Sect, they naturally understood the conflicts with the Great Jin Empire.
"The most important thing is to block the news."
"The battle broke out in the east of the city. The conversation between Wang Huang and Dark Blade, although spread widely, may not be clear to people in other areas due to the distance," Gu Wang said calmly. "So, General Tian, immediately order the City Guards to block the entire eastern area of the city and quickly treat the wounded."
"Further investigation!"
"In the east of the city, there are spies from various forces. Order the members of the sects to close all their residences and not allow movement or communication."
"Anyone who dares to leak even a bit of information to the outside, once found out, will be killed mercilessly!" Gu Wang's killing intent surged. "Heads, patrol the streets, intimidating all the scoundrels in the city."
"The entire Yunshan City is completely sealed off. No bird is allowed to fly out. Implement a curfew and strictly prohibit various forces from passing on information."
"Good." General Tian's face was solemn.
"Elder Wu." Gu Wang looked at the old man beside him.
"Master Gu." The elder named Wu responded.
"You immediately lead the Cloud Martial Army and Cloud Mountain Army to surround the Qunxing Building, the residence of Seven Stars Pavilion, and the residence of Nine Kills Mansion. No one is allowed to enter or leave without permission," Gu Wang said coldly. "Tell them that a master of the Hengyun Sect is coming. Without permission, no information should be transmitted."
"Here is Yunshan! This is Yunshan of our Hengyun Sect!"
"Anyone who dares to violate will be killed without mercy!"
"Okay." Elder Wu nodded.
"Everyone."
Gu Wang's gaze swept over the few of them, saying in a low voice, "I know you all have many speculations about Master Dark Blade, including the many disciples stationed in the city, who may have their own guesses."
"But we are all high-level members of the sect, and we must understand the seriousness of the situation."
"Remember, until there are clear instructions from the Supreme, Master Dark Blade is not a member of our Hengyun Sect."
"Understand!" Gu Wang's expression was stern. "You each have your own subordinates. Whoever dares to question will be directly punished."
"The order is to not spread any false information. Even if it's a top-notch expert, they will be killed."
"No need to question, no need to doubt, no need to speculate, just obey! Obey! Obey again!" Gu Wang said coldly. "Is that clear?"
In short, in one sentence—block the news! Deny that Dark Blade is a member of the Hengyun Sect!
"Understood!"
"Understood!" The several top experts responded solemnly.
No one opposed.
Involving the death of a master, they understood the severity of the situation.
In a critical moment, severe measures should be taken!
Those who dare to disobey, whether they are sect protectors or members of master families.
One word: kill!
Swoosh! Swoosh!
Elder Wu and General Tian quickly left.
The two of them were originally 'top experts' responsible for the eastern part of the city, making them the most suitable for specific arrangements.
In reality, from the moment the four top experts of the Hengyun Sect were scared to chase after the three throwing knives of the Dark Blade, to the issuance of various orders by Gu Wang, time passed very quickly.
Only Gu Wang and Zhang Changsheng were left.
"Let's go, back."
"See if we can find Wu Yuan."
Swoosh! Swoosh!
The two top experts quickly flew towards the direction of the Wu residence.
They had only walked less than two hundred meters.
Passing through a secluded street, they saw several experts and a group of city guards handling the bodies of three top experts.
At this moment.
"Swoosh!" A phantom figure at an astonishing speed came from the direction of the Wu residence and arrived in front of Zhang Changsheng and Gu Wang.
The figure stopped, revealing an extremely thin figure in a black robe.
"How is it? Elder Luo," Gu Wang said in a low voice.
"Wu Yuan just went back to the residence," the thin figure in the black robe said. "He said he went out for a stroll from the residence and quickly rushed back upon hearing the sounds of a big battle."
"Out for a stroll from the residence?"
Zhang Changsheng and Gu Wang exchanged glances, both with a hint of doubt and suspicion in their eyes. Was it really such a coincidence?
Just now.
The master-level battle had just broken out a few miles away.
Gu Wang and Zhang Changsheng rushed to the second floor for the first time to ensure Wu Yuan's safety.
The result—no one was there!
They guarded left and right, but Wu Yuan was nowhere to be seen?
At that time, the two top experts instinctively thought that Wu Yuan had been abducted.
In fear and astonishment, Gu Wang and Zhang Changsheng couldn't afford to think too much.
They immediately sent out a distress signal and left behind a command.
They rushed to the scene of the Grandmaster battle.
After all,
In their view, who could have taken Wu Yuan away from under their noses?
Apart from Grandmaster-level experts, who else?
Soon, the two witnessed Dark Blade killing Wang Huang.
In reality,
At this moment, in the minds of Gu Wang and Zhang Changsheng, many thoughts had already emerged.
Why did the two Grandmasters suddenly clash? Why did Wang Huang appear in Yunshan City? Were the three top experts who died killed by Dark Blade?
Most crucially, why did Wu Yuan coincidentally disappear at that time?
"Master Gu, Elder Zhang, what's the situation now?" Elder Luo repeatedly asked.
He was one of the three top experts responsible for guarding the eastern part of the city.
He had just led people to search for Wu Yuan's whereabouts and had not seen the major battle.
"Master Dark Blade appeared and killed Wang Huang..." Zhang Changsheng began. These two sentences alone surprised Elder Luo.
Wang Huang was dead? A Grandmaster had died?
"The situation is urgent. Wang Huang's death is a certainty. Let's not discuss these for now," Gu Wang suddenly said. "Elder Luo, now I need your help. Immediately go back and order the complete lockdown of the Wu residence. No one is allowed to move."
"At the same time, announce externally that Wu Yuan did not disappear just now. He was only cultivating in the secret room of the mansion," Gu Wang said.
"This?" Elder Luo was stunned but nodded soon after. "Alright, I'll go do it."
"Also, don't disturb Wu Yuan," Gu Wang added solemnly.
Within the Hengyun Sect,
In terms of hierarchy below the Grandmaster, the Sect Master, Gu Wang, and the Lord of the Treasury Hall were the leaders. Other top experts generally followed orders.
Although Elder Luo didn't fully understand, he saw the urgency in Gu Wang's expression.
He immediately went to carry out the orders.
"Master Gu?" Zhang Changsheng was somewhat puzzled.
"Elder Zhang, don't ask now. Think about it yourself," Gu Wang shook his head slightly. "The two of us are currently the only ones who know the full picture. Therefore, it's best for each of us to formulate our own thoughts and make our own speculations."
"This way, when we meet the Supreme later, we can each tell our own story, making it easier for the Supreme to make judgments," Gu Wang said.
Elder Zhang was momentarily stunned but quickly realized what was going on. He said seriously, "I understand."
The two slowly arrived outside the Wu residence.
They neither entered nor called Wu Yuan out. They were both contemplating today's events.
...
Wu residence.
The entire mansion had been alarmed.
After Wu Yuan returned to the mansion and reassured his family and clan members, he returned to his second-floor room.
He sat down cross-legged, a hint of worry flashing in his eyes. "Why haven't Gu Wang and Zhang Changsheng come to find me? Have they sensed something?"
Just now.
Exchanging injuries for life, killing Wang Huang, and forcing the three top experts with flying knives, Wu Yuan circled back at the fastest speed.
Returned to the Wu residence.
But it was still too late.
At this moment, Elder Luo had already led a large group of sect disciples to begin searching for Wu Yuan's whereabouts.
"At that time, I had three choices."
"The first, claim that I was kidnapped by Wang Huang, and Dark Blade saved me." Wu Yuan whispered, "But the loophole is too obvious. Why would Dark Blade save me? Why did he conveniently appear? It would still raise suspicion."
"The second, publicly declare that I am Dark Blade."
"But the risk is too great. The high-ranking members of Hengyun Sect might understand, but what about the Great Jin Empire? Once they find out, it might cause chaos, and top-tier experts might directly come to kill." Wu Yuan shook his head slightly.
In the end,
Wu Yuan chose the third option—saying that he was out for a stroll.
Slipping out from under the eyes of two top experts? It seemed unrealistic and was indeed a poorly constructed excuse.
But Wu Yuan had no choice.
"The people of Hengyun Sect are definitely not fools." Wu Yuan whispered, "According to reason, Gu Wang and the others should have come to see me first, at least, Elder Luo should have come to see me."
But.
Not a single top expert came to meet Wu Yuan individually.
There was only one thing that slightly reassured Wu Yuan: "Elder Luo unexpectedly announced externally that I was cultivating in the secret room just now?"
Obviously,
It was helping Wu Yuan cover up his departure from the mansion during that time.
"Enough!"
"Overthinking is useless. Today, let me make the choice again. I would still go and kill Wang Huang." A hint of coldness flashed in Wu Yuan's eyes.
Assassination by the Great Jin, endangering his family.
It touched Wu Yuan's bottom line!
"If it doesn't get exposed in the end, I'll play it by ear." Wu Yuan's mind had calmed down. "If it really gets exposed, it depends on the sect's attitude."
Now is different from the past.
When leaving the city, any top expert could easily kill Wu Yuan. Naturally, Wu Yuan had to be cautious and feared exposure.
And now?
"My direct strength, even if it's not comparable to a Grandmaster, the gap is not that big anymore." Wu Yuan's eyes carried a hint of coldness. "Even if the Emperor of Jin wants to hunt me down, it may not succeed."
In terms of endurance and stamina! With the assistance of the blood-red mist, Wu Yuan believed that among the Grandmasters on the Heaven Rankings, no one could catch up with him.
And the existence of divine sense made it almost impossible for Wu Yuan to be ambushed or surrounded.
Exposure?
Powerful strength made Wu Yuan not afraid of Hengyun Sect turning hostile. Even if Bu Yu and Huan Jian teamed up, they would struggle to keep him.
"In my observation of Elder Yu."
"She is a very wise person."
"Even if she confirms that I am really 'Dark Blade,' there is a high probability she will choose to cooperate with me rather than be my enemy." Wu Yuan contemplated silently. "At the same time, she will try her best to conceal the connection between Wu Yuan and Dark Blade."
In the situation where the truth is revealed,
Turning against Wu Yuan would only bring a formidable enemy to the sect.
If both sides maintain the status quo, it will at least add a terrifying enemy to the Great Jin Empire, and both sides can be considered allies.
"Wait." Wu Yuan's mind was calm.
Closing his eyes, Wu Yuan silently absorbed the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, while the blood-colored mist surged out from his lower dantian.
The combination of both elements continuously healed his injuries.
In just under twenty breaths.
"Hmm?" Wu Yuan's eyebrows twitched slightly, and he involuntarily opened his eyes, a glint of sharpness flashing in them.
Because he sensed a powerful vitality rapidly approaching.
A Grandmaster!
"Is it Grandmaster Yu or Grandmaster Jian?" Wu Yuan thought to himself.
In his divine perception, the other party had already met with Zhang Changsheng and Gu Wang.
...
When Wang Huang died in less than thirty breaths (one breath being six seconds), in a courtyard not far from the Wu residence.
"Supreme."
"Supreme." Zhang Changsheng and Gu Wang respectfully saluted.
"Tell me, in detail, what exactly happened?" Supreme Yu stood in the courtyard, her voice still gentle. "Tell me every detail, don't omit any information."
In the courtyard, only the three of them were present.
"Supreme, let me go first," Zhang Changsheng said. "Today, I and Master Gu have been stationed on both sides of Wu Yuan's residence..."
As time passed,
Zhang Changsheng and Gu Wang recounted what they had heard and seen.
At the same time,
Gu Wang also explained the countermeasures he had implemented.
"Good."
Supreme Yu appreciated Gu Wang and sighed, "Gu Wang, when it comes down to it, you are more suitable for the position of Sect Master than Lu Feng."
"Supreme is joking," Gu Wang shook his head slightly. "Being a hall master is troublesome enough."
Supreme Yu nodded slightly.
Top experts have their own pursuits; some seek wealth and luxury, while others pursue the pinnacle of martial arts.
Different pursuits often lead to different results.
"Tell me about your judgments," Supreme Yu said softly.
She didn't express her own thoughts first but wanted to hear the opinions of the two top experts.
"Let me go first."
Zhang Changsheng said solemnly, "Firstly, based on the location of Wang Huang's death and the battlefield, it's highly probable that Grandmaster Wang Huang and the three top experts were here to assassinate Wu Yuan."
"Within the Yunshan Mansion, apart from Wu Yuan, there's no target worthy of a Grandmaster's intervention. Although Xu Hui is outstanding, it's not to the extent that the Great Jin would act so shamelessly."
Supreme Yu nodded. "Continue."
"Secondly, the ones who attempted the assassination were likely the three top experts, led by Qi Zai. However, the Grandmaster of the Dark Blade sect detected them and killed them all," Zhang Changsheng said. "The three top experts died, enraging Grandmaster Wang Huang, who engaged in a fierce battle with the Dark Blade Grandmaster and was ultimately killed by him."
"This is the disciple's conjecture," Zhang Changsheng added.
"Why do you think the Dark Blade Grandmaster happened to be near the Wu residence?" Supreme Yu calmly asked. "And why did he coincidentally detect the three top experts attempting to assassinate Wu Yuan?"
"The disciple suspects that the Dark Blade Grandmaster was secretly protecting Wu Yuan," Zhang Changsheng said solemnly.
"And Wu Yuan?" Supreme Yu asked softly. "According to your speculation, Wu Yuan shouldn't have been abducted at all. He should have been in the residence all along."
"With Wu Yuan's level of skill and cultivation, truly evading our surveillance, it's... possible," Zhang Changsheng hesitated slightly.
"That's not right."
Supreme Yu shook her head. "If the Dark Blade was secretly protecting Wu Yuan, then when Wu Yuan left the residence, the Dark Blade should have followed him. Why could he kill the three top experts so early?"
"According to Wu Yuan's statement, the direction he wandered in was coincidentally opposite to the direction of the Grandmaster's battle," Zhang Changsheng was left speechless.
"Could it really be a coincidence?" Zhang Changsheng couldn't help but ask. "The Dark Blade has no connection to Wu Yuan, and it just happened that they encountered the high-ranking experts from the Great Jin Empire attempting to assassinate Wu Yuan?"
Supreme Yu smiled faintly, then turned to Gu Wang. "Master Gu, what do you think?"
Zhang Changsheng also looked at Gu Wang.
"Supreme, if it were just today's events, it might indeed all be a coincidence, with Wu Yuan coincidentally going out," Gu Wang said softly. "The Dark Blade Grandmaster coincidentally encountered high-ranking experts from the Great Jin, and they killed them due to an old grudge rewarded by the Great Jin."
"However," Gu Wang continued, "Before Supreme arrived, I compared the movements of the Dark Blade and Wu Yuan over the past few years."
"Wu Yuan left the city for the first time, and the Dark Blade Grandmaster appeared, annihilating the Fierce Tiger Gang and taking control of the Chujiang Command Token."
"During Wu Yuan's journey to Nanmeng, he was attacked by the Guiyu Sect, and reports mentioned the assistance of a hidden weapons expert. Still, the accompanying protector, Gu Ji, couldn't find any trace of him."
"While Wu Yuan was at the Nanmeng Martial Arts Academy, the Dark Blade reappeared, killing two experts."
"Later, when Wu Yuan returned to the city, he stopped at a ferry about a hundred miles from the city. On that night, the Dark Blade appeared again outside the city, killing in all directions, and Chen Tangru, Wang Zhushan, and General Xu Shouyi all died."
"Coincidentally, General Xu Shouyi had an old feud with Wu Yuan!"
"Later on, the Dark Blade Grandmaster remained hidden for a long time, and during Wu Yuan's secret travels in the jianghu, the Yunjiang Battle broke out shortly after. The Dark Blade Grandmaster's reputation soared."
"In the past half year, there has been no trace of the Dark Blade Grandmaster from various sources."
"Until today, when Wu Yuan was assassinated, the Dark Blade appeared once again. During the battle with Grandmaster Wang Huang, Wu Yuan coincidentally disappeared," Gu Wang said softly.
Zhang Changsheng listened in astonishment.
He only thought about today's events and didn't delve so deeply or far.
"Changsheng, learn more from Master Gu," Supreme Yu smiled.
"Supreme is joking."
"Master Gu, I oversee the Hall of Supervision and bear the responsibility of monitoring information from all directions, naturally needing to be well-versed in various intelligence," Gu Wang chuckled.
"Tell me your judgment," Supreme Yu said.
"Two possibilities," Gu Wang said softly. "First, Dark Blade is a mysterious and formidable expert who secretly discovered Wu Yuan's talent, took him as a disciple, and has been covertly protecting him."
Supreme Yu nodded gently.
"But I think this possibility is relatively small," Gu Wang said.
"Why?" Supreme Yu asked.
"From the intelligence, Dark Blade's strength has gradually been revealed, becoming stronger and stronger," Gu Wang said. "For a Grandmaster, there's simply no need for that."
"Secondly, there's truly no Grandmaster in the world similar to Dark Blade."
"With the strength Dark Blade demonstrated today, he could easily have taken Wu Yuan away. There was no need to bring him into our Hengyun Sect," Gu Wang continued.
Supreme Yu nodded gently, convinced by Gu Wang's speculation.
"What's your second possibility?" Supreme Yu asked.
"Dark Blade is Wu Yuan!" Gu Wang uttered six words.
Though few in words, the meaning contained within was enough to shake the entire world.
"Dark Blade is Wu Yuan?" Zhang Changsheng stared blankly, instinctively saying, "Impossible!"
Supreme Yu listened quietly.
No denial, no affirmation!
"Indeed, it's inconceivable."
"If we speculate like this, at the age of fourteen, Wu Yuan had the strength of a first-class expert, at sixteen, comparable to a Grandmaster, and at seventeen, comparable to a Grandmaster," Gu Wang shook his head with emotion. "However, the growth of Dark Blade's strength, the gradual revelation of Wu Yuan's innate abilities, and the similarities are almost identical."
"At the same time, this can explain why Dark Blade's strength is overwhelming but clearly lacks a good combat divine weapon."
"Combined with various coincidences before."
"In the world, are there so many coincidences?"
"Eliminating all impossibilities," Gu Wang said slowly, "the one remaining possibility, though inconceivable, is the truth."
Zhang Changsheng was shaken by this revelation.
He found it somewhat hard to accept.
A Grandmaster at the age of seventeen?
"Even if it's the legendary Martial King, isn't this too heaven-defying?" Zhang Changsheng couldn't help but ask.
"They are similar," Gu Wang said casually. "The Martial King touched martial arts at the age of twenty, after his body was already mature. He ascended to the Heavenly Rankings at the age of thirty."
"That's just a legend," Zhang Changsheng shook his head.
"Legends may not necessarily be untrue; they simply surpass ordinary understanding," Gu Wang said calmly.
Zhang Changsheng fell silent.
"That's enough for this matter," Supreme Yu suddenly spoke, staring at Zhang Changsheng. "Changsheng, you must forget all speculations about Gu Wang. Understand?"
"Understood," Zhang Changsheng nodded repeatedly. He knew it was of utmost importance.
"Gu Wang."
"You immediately go to the Hall of Supervision and modify all records and information about Wu Yuan," Supreme Yu said. "Erase any mention of the hidden weapon expert assisting during the attack by the Returning Feather Sect and his secret travels down the mountain."
"At the same time, find relevant individuals and ensure they all keep silent."
"Yes," Gu Wang nodded repeatedly, understanding Supreme Yu's intentions.
"Furthermore."
"Our Hengyun Sect will publicly deny that Dark Blade is a Grandmaster of our sect," Supreme Yu whispered. "But secretly, spread the message."
"Make everyone believe that Dark Blade is a hidden Grandmaster of our Hengyun Sect and reveal that he is no more than forty years old."
Zhang Changsheng was stunned.
"Supreme, are you suggesting using Dark Blade's identity to attract the attention of forces from all over the world to cover for Wu Yuan?" Gu Wang's eyes lit up.
"A Grandmaster in his thirties is quite dazzling, but not enough to drive people crazy."
"A Grandmaster at the age of seventeen?"
"Once exposed, the Heavenly Ranking experts will come, and no one can stop them," Supreme Yu whispered. "By the way, Wang Huang dared to kill people in my Yunshan Mansion; he deserves to die."
"Draft a national letter to announce to the world, condemning Wang Huang and Dark Blade for breaking the rules of the Grandmaster Ranking."
"At the same time, declare that all faults lie with the Great Jin Empire."
"Draft a second national letter, stating that Yunshan City has suffered significant damage, demanding three hundred million taels of silver in compensation from the Great Jin Empire to our Hengyun Sect!" Supreme Yu ordered. "Make sure everyone in the thirteen states knows."
"I understand."
Gu Wang smiled and responded, "I will immediately find the Sect Master and handle these matters properly, making sure the entire world knows that the Great Jin Empire must compensate our Hengyun Sect with three hundred million taels of silver."
He understood Supreme Yu's intention.
The louder these thunderous events became, the smaller the attention focused on Wu Yuan, eventually disappearing altogether.
As for offending the Great Jin Empire?
A joke!
The other party sent a Grandmaster to assassinate; is there room for reconciliation? A full-scale war between the two sides would erupt sooner or later!
On the side, Zhang Changsheng became increasingly confused.
Three hundred million taels? In his opinion, the damage caused by the battle between Dark Blade and Wang Huang, while significant, exaggerated the loss in terms of silver.
"Alright, remember what I said, go and take care of things on your own," Supreme Yu said softly. "I'll go see Wu Yuan."
"Yes."
...Shortly after, inside the Wu Residence.
"Disciple, I greet the Supreme Yu." Wu Yuan respectfully bowed, feeling a bit uneasy. He only knew that the Supreme Yu had communicated with Gu Wang and Zhang Changsheng, but the specific details were unknown to him.
However, the specifics?
He had no way of knowing.
"Today's great battle must have disturbed you," Supreme Yu sighed. "Fortunately, we had Master Dark Blade, who slew the Grandmaster from the Great Jin."
"The Grandmaster is dead?" Wu Yuan feigned shock.
"Yes," Supreme Yu nodded. "The deceased is named Wang Huang, you should have heard of him."
"Jinyin's Wang Huang?" Wu Yuan pretended to recall, then curiously asked, "What was he doing in Yunshan City?"
"To kill you," Supreme Yu uttered the two words.
Wu Yuan looked genuinely shocked, showing a hint of fear.
As if genuinely scared.
"Haha."
Suddenly, Supreme Yu laughed, "Alright, Wu Yuan, I won't scare you. Indeed, Wang Huang and the others came to assassinate you."
"Forcing the Great Jin to use a Grandmaster for the assassination, you can be proud of yourself."
"Disciple is terrified," Wu Yuan repeated.
"Okay, Master Dark Blade is like a dragon with its head revealed. Enough to save your life; it's your good fortune."
"However, don't expect such good fortune a second time."
"Come back to the mountain with me first," Supreme Yu smiled.
"Yes." Wu Yuan lowered his head in agreement, but he had many thoughts in his mind.
Was what Supreme Yu said true or false?
Did he really not doubt himself?
Was he being deceived?
However, from Supreme Yu's expression, Wu Yuan didn't sense anything unusual and naturally didn't want to act recklessly.
Soon.
Wu Yuan followed Supreme Yu out of the Wu Residence and headed straight for Yunshan.
(End of this chapter)