Yuyi and Shaying returned to Youyue Valley, each going to their respective quarters to cultivate.
Yuyi withdrew the Hanxiao Sword and examined it carefully, growing fonder of it with each passing moment. The sword was entirely silver-white, its blade like frost, with the characters "Hanxiao" engraved in seal script upon its body, emanating a piercing cold energy. Yuyi channeled the Quick Sword Art, and sword light danced like silver serpents, cold radiance shooting in all directions. Its power was indeed far greater than ordinary spirit swords.
"Valley Master, there is news from the Nitian Alliance." A disciple's report came from outside the door.
Yuyi sheathed the sword. "Enter and report."
The disciple pushed open the door and entered. "Valley Master, Alliance Leader Duan Changjian has sent word that the Lieyang Gang has made a move. Zixiao personally led people to attack the Chiyan Altar."
Yuyi nodded. "Understood. You may withdraw."
After the disciple departed, Yuyi fell into deep contemplation. Although the plan to seize the Nine Heavens Spirit Treasures had succeeded, the Lieyang Gang would clearly not let the matter rest. Zixiao's attack on the Chiyan Altar was likely retaliation for the Nitian Alliance's actions.
Shaying pushed open the door and entered. Seeing Yuyi deep in thought, she asked softly, "What are you thinking about?"
Yuyi looked up. "I'm thinking about the Lieyang Gang's next move. We successfully seized the ancient Nine Heavens Spirit Treasures this time, so they certainly won't let it end here."
Shaying walked over and sat beside Yuyi. "Worried they'll come for revenge?"
Yuyi shook her head. "It's not revenge I'm worried about, but rather what their next actions will be. Zixiao attacking the Chiyan Altar appears to be retaliation on the surface, but I feel things aren't that simple."
Shaying asked with confusion, "What do you mean?"
Yuyi pondered for a moment. "I suspect they have other schemes. Zixiao attacking the Chiyan Altar appears to be retaliation on the surface, but in reality, it may be a diversion."
Shaying pressed further, "Unless what?"
A gleam of light flashed through Yuyi's eyes. "Unless they want to use this opportunity to lure the Nitian Alliance's experts to provide support, then strike while we're vulnerable."
Shaying suddenly understood. "I see. Then what should we do?"
Yuyi smiled faintly. "Watch and wait. Duan Changjian and the others aren't fools; they should be able to think of this as well. What we need to do now is cultivate with peace of mind and improve our strength."
Shaying nodded. "By the way, you asked me to learn the Clear Heart Sword Art as soon as possible. Do you have some plan in mind?"
Yuyi smiled mysteriously. "When the time is right, you'll know. For now, you just need to focus on cultivation and strive to master this sword art as soon as possible."
Although Shaying was curious in her heart, she didn't press further. She knew that Yuyi always had a sense of propriety in his actions. If he said the time wasn't right, then there must be good reason.
In the days that followed, both Yuyi and Shaying went into seclusion within Youyue Valley to cultivate. Every day, besides practicing the Quick Sword Art and Hunyuan Mental Method, Yuyi would also set aside time to study the characteristics of the Hanxiao Sword. This spirit treasure was indeed extraordinary; the sword body contained a piercing cold energy, and when wielded, it emitted a shrill whistling sound that unsettled one's mind and spirit.
Shaying worked hard to cultivate the Clear Heart Sword Art. This sword technique required extremely high comprehension to master. Although Shaying had decent aptitude, mastering it in a short time was still somewhat difficult.
A month later, news came from the Nitian Alliance that the Lieyang Gang's attack on the Chiyan Altar had ended in failure, and Zixiao had led his people to retreat. But immediately after, more news arrived—the Lieyang Gang was spreading rumors throughout the cultivation world that the Nitian Alliance's experts had suffered heavy casualties while seizing the spirit treasures, and their strength was greatly diminished.
Upon hearing this news, Yuyi sneered coldly. "Zixiao wants to use others as his blade, getting other forces in the cultivation world to deal with us."
Shaying frowned. "Then what should we do?"
Yuyi said indifferently, "No need to pay attention. Rumors are just rumors. Given time, they will naturally collapse on their own. However, there is one matter that requires you to handle."
Shaying asked curiously, "What matter?"
Yuyi took out a jade token from his robes. "This is Youyue Valley's command token. Take it and go to Emei Sect to find Bingxin. Ask her to help keep an eye on the movements in the cultivation world."
Shaying accepted the token. "I'll go handle this immediately."
Yuyi nodded. "Be careful on the way. The Lieyang Gang's people might make a move against you."
Shaying smiled faintly. "Don't worry, I'll be careful."
After Shaying departed, Yuyi sat alone in his room, playing with the Hanxiao Sword in his hand, a trace of coldness flashing through his eyes. Zixiao, you think spreading rumors can shake the Nitian Alliance's foundation? How naive. I want to see what other tricks you have.
Just then, another disciple's report came from outside the door. "Valley Master, someone seeks an audience, saying they come from the Lieyang Gang."
Yuyi frowned. "Someone from the Lieyang Gang? Let him in."
Moments later, a middle-aged man entered the room. Upon seeing Yuyi, he cupped his hands in salute. "I am Zhao Tian, a hall master of the Lieyang Gang. By order of the Gang Master, I have come specially to visit the Valley Master of Youyue Valley."
Yuyi looked at him coldly. "Zixiao sent you. What is it?"
Zhao Tian smiled slightly. "The Gang Master asked me to convey to the Valley Master that the Nitian Alliance is already in its twilight. Why doesn't the Valley Master bring Youyue Valley to join our Lieyang Gang? The Gang Master promises that the Valley Master will be given an important position."
Yuyi sneered. "Go back and tell Zixiao that he's dreaming if he wants me to join him!"
Zhao Tian's expression changed slightly. "Why is the Valley Master so decisive? The Lieyang Gang's power is now at its zenith. The Nitian Alliance will sooner or later be annexed by us. Why would the Valley Master abandon an entire forest for a withered tree?"
Yuyi stood up, his eyes filled with killing intent. "Get out! Go back and tell Zixiao that next time he sends someone to be a lobbyist, I'll make sure they never return!"
Zhao Tian, intimidated by Yuyi's imposing manner, turned pale and hastily took his leave.
Yuyi sat back down, a trace of coldness flashing through his eyes. Zixiao, are you testing my bottom line? Fine, since you want to play, I'll play with you to the end!
Yuyi inserted the Hanxiao Sword back into its sheath, gazing out the window. The Lieyang Gang's threat was growing greater by the day, and the traitor Le Xiaoyao within the Nitian Alliance had not yet been thoroughly dealt with. There would likely be even more trouble ahead. But he did not fear. The path of cultivation was inherently defying heaven. If he couldn't even overcome these difficulties, what right did he have to speak of attaining the Dao and achieving immortality?
Yuyi closed his eyes and began circulating the Hunyuan Mental Method. No matter how the outside world changed, only strength was fundamental. He needed to improve his cultivation base as soon as possible. Only then could he remain invincible in these chaotic times.