The winds of change swept through the cultivation world as the conflict between the Lieyang Gang and the Nitian Alliance intensified.
One day, while Yuyi was cultivating in Youyue Valley, he suddenly received a message through a Sound Transmission Jade Talisman. Another Hall Master of the Nitian Alliance had been assassinated while on a mission. The killer remained unknown, leaving no traces at the scene.
Yuyi put away the Sound Transmission Jade Talisman, a cold smile forming at the corner of his mouth.
Shaying walked in from outside and, seeing Yuyi's expression, asked softly, "What happened?"
"Another Hall Master of the Nitian Alliance has been lost," Yuyi said indifferently. "Assassinated. Killer unknown."
Shaying's expression changed, concern evident in his voice. "If this continues, all the experts of the Nitian Alliance will be killed."
"It seems Zixiao intends to weaken the Nitian Alliance's strength through such methods," Yuyi sneered. "To think he would stoop to such underhanded tactics."
Shaying fell silent for a moment before asking, "Then what should we do?"
Yuyi pondered briefly before speaking. "Duan Changjian will certainly take countermeasures. But what concerns me is that Zixiao might turn his sights on Youyue Valley. After all, we've contributed significantly this time, and he will surely hold a grudge."
Shaying nodded. "That is indeed possible."
"From now on, Youyue Valley disciples must travel in groups of three or more and remain vigilant at all times," Yuyi instructed. "Go inform everyone in the valley to be cautious in their actions."
Shaying acknowledged the order and departed.
Yuyi sat alone in the great hall of Youyue Valley, his brow furrowed. Zixiao was a man of deep schemes and ruthless methods. Since he had already begun targeting the Nitian Alliance, Youyue Valley would inevitably become his target sooner or later.
Just as Yuyi was deep in thought, a disciple rushed in panic-stricken to report, "Valley Master! A group has arrived outside, demanding an explanation!"
Yuyi frowned. "Who are they?"
"People from the Lieyang Gang! They claim our Youyue Valley killed disciples of their gang!"
Yuyi sneered and rose to his feet. "The thief crying 'thief.' Let's go see what they want."
Yuyi grasped his Hanxiao Sword and walked out of Youyue Valley's main gate.
Outside, over a dozen people stood waiting. At their head was a burly middle-aged cultivator with an imposing presence, clearly an expert at the Golden Core Realm. This was none other than Li Tianba, a Hall Master of the Lieyang Gang.
Seeing Yuyi emerge, Li Tianba shouted, "Your Youyue Valley killed disciples of our gang! How do you intend to settle this debt?"
Yuyi's expression remained calm as he asked indifferently, "You say our Youyue Valley killed your people? Where? When? And who exactly was killed?"
Li Tianba was caught off guard by the questions, stammering, "This... this..."
"Can't answer, can you?" Yuyi sneered. "If the Lieyang Gang wants to find an excuse to target my Youyue Valley, at least come up with a better reason! Your excuse is full of holes. Do you take me for a fool?"
Li Tianba's face darkened with rage. "Yuyi, stop your clever excuses! I personally saw a Youyue Valley disciple kill one of our disciples!"
"Oh?" Yuyi's gaze sharpened. "Then tell me, where did you see this? When? What did this Youyue Valley disciple look like? What was their cultivation level?"
Li Tianba stammered again, unable to provide a coherent answer.
Yuyi sneered, "Li Tianba, you can't even fabricate a decent excuse, yet you dare bring people here to cause trouble? It seems the Lieyang Gang has gone too far in bullying others!"
Exposed in his lie, Li Tianba flew into a rage and roared, "Attack! Kill him!"
The moment the words left his mouth, over a dozen people lunged at Yuyi simultaneously. Various Dharma Treasures flashed with light, their killing intent surging.
Yuyi's expression remained unchanged as the Hanxiao Sword left its sheath.
Sword light danced like silver serpents, gleaming with a cold radiance under the sunlight. Yuyi's form moved like lightning, weaving through the crowd. With each sword strike, another opponent fell.
Though the Lieyang Gang disciples were numerous, before Yuyi they were as fragile as paper, unable to withstand the edge of his blade.
In mere moments, more than half of the attackers lay on the ground. The remaining few turned pale and retreated in fear.
Li Tianba looked at his fallen disciples, his face ashen. He hadn't expected Yuyi to be so terrifying. Over a dozen people working together couldn't even hold out for a moment.
"You... you..." Li Tianba stammered, "This matter... this isn't over!"
With those words, Li Tianba turned and fled, his speed remarkable as he vanished into the distance in the blink of an eye.
Yuyi made no attempt to pursue, merely speaking coldly, "Next time you send trash, they won't be returning!"
The remaining Lieyang Gang disciples, hearing these words, were terrified out of their wits. They helped their injured comrades and fled in disarray.
Yuyi sheathed his Hanxiao Sword and returned to Youyue Valley.
Shaying came forward to meet him. "How did it go?"
"Li Tianba escaped," Yuyi said calmly. "But I've confirmed that Zixiao has begun targeting Youyue Valley."
Shaying's expression changed. "Then what should we do?"
"Notify Duan Changjian to be cautious," Yuyi replied. "Additionally, have the valley disciples strengthen their vigilance and prepare for battle at any time."
Shaying nodded and turned to make the arrangements.
Over the next several months, the cultivation world underwent dramatic changes.
Hall Masters of the Nitian Alliance were assassinated one after another. Some were ambushed during missions, others poisoned while cultivating, and still others struck down by hidden weapons while traveling. The methods were endless and impossible to guard against.
The entire Nitian Alliance was thrown into panic, with everyone fearing for their safety.
Upon receiving this news, Yuyi gathered the experts of Youyue Valley in the great hall for a council.
"Zixiao has already moved against the Nitian Alliance, and Youyue Valley will sooner or later become his target," Yuyi announced, sweeping his gaze across the assembled cultivators. "We cannot sit and wait for death."
Canglang stepped forward and asked, "Valley Master, what should we do?"
"From today onward, Youyue Valley will begin counterattacking the Lieyang Gang," Yuyi declared, his gaze cold and sharp. "Any member of the Lieyang Gang we encounter, we kill without mercy!"
The crowd responded with a unified shout, their morale soaring.
"Remember, act with caution and do not reveal your identities," Yuyi instructed. "We will use the same methods against them. Let them know that assassination is something we can do as well!"
The group accepted their orders and departed.
From that day forward, the conflict between Youyue Valley and the Lieyang Gang grew increasingly fierce.
Lieyang Gang disciples were frequently assassinated while traveling outside. Some were killed at spirit stone mines, others poisoned in marketplaces, and some ambushed while cultivating.
The Lieyang Gang was thrown into panic as well, with no one knowing who would be next.
A bloody storm swept through the cultivation world. Assassinations and counter-assassinations, ambushes and counter-ambushes, slaughter and vengeance intertwined into a blood-soaked tapestry.
Yuyi stood atop a peak in Youyue Valley, gazing at the distant sky, a glint of cold determination in his eyes.
Zixiao, since you wish to play, I will play this game with you to the end.
This bloody storm had only just begun.