Chapter 15: The Shadow of Blood Shadow Tower
Whispers Across the Northern Domain
The news of the Grand Dream Dynasty's fall and the decapitation of its ruler Xiao Tianding reverberated throughout the Northern Domain.
Rumors of a Heavenly Realm Powerhouse: It was said that a mysterious Heavenly Realm expert descended upon the Grand Dream Palace, slaughtering all within, including Prince Xiao Junchen, and even a Third Elder of Blazing Heaven Island, Sai Linmu.
Jiang Dynasty's Rise: Discussions centered on the Jiang Dynasty's newfound strength. Speculations suggested the Three God-Slaying Guards, in collaboration with the Prime Minister Zuo Xiang, led the charge.
Oriental Yuan Ascends: Many debated how Jiang HuanYu, once considered a mere "useless crown prince," could overcome Jiang Chen to take the throne. Some suspected hidden backing from Jiang's powerful elders.
Far away in the Northern Domain, a hidden sanctuary lay concealed, a sprawling underground complex illuminated by scarlet lanterns. This was Blood Shadow Tower's Headquarters, a feared and secretive stronghold.
In its grand chamber, Guan Xingyu, the Young Master of Blood Shadow Tower, lounged on a luxurious chair. His face, pale and sallow, betrayed the indulgence of excess.
Opposite him sat Guan Zhiyun, the Master of Blood Shadow Tower, along with the corpulent Deputy Tower Master Nanmen Yu and other senior figures.
Guan Xingyu's Fury
"Father, is it true?" Guan Xingyu's voice quivered with rage.
"There were no survivors in the Grand Dream Palace. Even your precious Xiao Qingli is confirmed dead," replied Guan Zhiyun, his brows furrowed.
"Damn it!" Guan Xingyu's fist slammed the chair arm. "She was mine! Mine! Xiao Qingli, the most coveted beauty of the Northern Domain, was destined to be mine, and now she's gone!"
"Calm down, Young Master. She's just a vessel for Yuan Yin extraction. We can find you better candidates," said Nanmen Yu with a greasy grin, attempting to placate him.
"Xiao Qingli's Yuan Yin would have been unparalleled! It's a waste! A waste!" Guan Xingyu hissed, his resentment unabated.
Blazing Heaven Island's Wrath
Nanmen Yu turned to Guan Zhiyun.
"Master, there's another development. The death of Sai Linmu, Third Elder of Blazing Heaven Island, has enraged their Island Master, Yuan Tianzong. Reports suggest he's already seeking collaboration with Evil Moon Hall to retaliate against the Jiang Dynasty."
Guan Zhiyun nodded gravely.
"The Jiang Dynasty must pay. Our alliance with Grand Dream and Evil Moon was no mere coincidence. The death of Sai Linmu will only deepen the enmity. This is a perfect opportunity to remove the Jiang Dynasty altogether."
A Sinister Plan
Nanmen Yu proposed,
"Master, I suggest sending Zhu Bai to Jiang City. His recent breakthrough to the Heavenly Realm makes him an ideal candidate for an assassination mission. If Yuan Tianzong and Evil Moon Hall falter, Zhu Bai can ensure the task is completed."
Zhu Bai, ranked second among Blood Shadow Tower's Gold-Rank Assassins, was a legend known as the King of Assassins.
Guan Zhiyun agreed, "Very well. Let Zhu Bai target Jiang HuanYu or Zuo Xiang. With either dead, Jiang Dynasty will spiral into chaos, and the vultures will pick it apart."
Nanmen Yu grinned. "I'll dispatch the order immediately."
In the hall of Evil Moon Sect, Sect Master Jiang Baisheng sat alongside Yuan Tianzong, surrounded by their advisors.
"Brother Jiang, the Jiang Dynasty's strength is ambiguous, but we know for certain that Jiang HuanYu is unworthy of his throne. He's likely propped up by his elders, or perhaps a temporary Heavenly hire."
"To confirm this, I propose sending infiltrators to assassinate Jiang HuanYu. His death will expose the dynasty's vulnerabilities. If their supposed Heavenly support is only a hired mercenary, we can march without hesitation."
Jiang Baisheng nodded.
"Agreed. Our combined forces will crush the Jiang Dynasty and split its spoils evenly. Let us proceed."