NOVEL NEXT Chapter 22: The Storm Brews
"Holy crap!!"
"Look! There are three more heads hanging on the city wall!"
"Oh my God! That's the deputy leader of the Evil Moon Hall and the Grand Elders from Burning Sky Island! How did their heads end up there too?!"
"You don't know? It's been the talk of the town since morning!"
"I heard that last night, these three tried to infiltrate the Jiang Royal Palace, but were killed by two Heaven experts in the palace!"
"There was also a Bloodshadow Tower assassin named Xu Bai, but he failed his assassination attempt and fled wounded."
"What?!"
"Jiang Dynasty really has Heavens? And two of them?!"
"My goodness, they've been hiding their strength so well!"
The next morning, the sight of the three heads on the Jiang city wall caused an uproar among the citizens. News of last night's events, as well as the revelation of the two Heavens within Jiang, spread like wildfire across the Northern Domain, sparking considerable shock.
Xu Bai, feigning his injuries, returned to the Blood Shadow Tower and reported the events of the previous night to Guan Zhiyun and Nanmen Yu in a private chamber.
"You're saying that Tie Poyun and Shi both broke through to the Heavenly realm and injured you in the process?!"
Guan Zhiyun and Nanmen Yu were visibly shaken by this revelation. Just months ago, both Tie Poyun and Shi Beitian were only at the late stage of the Earth realm. How had they suddenly reached Heavenly level?
"It's absolutely true, Pavilion Master," Xu Bai said solemnly. "The injuries on my body are from their combined attack."
"Also, Jiang HuanYu is no ordinary person. He's deeply hidden his capabilities. His so-called foolish demeanor has deceived the entire Northern Domain."
Xu Bai's face was pale as he spoke, his "injuries" lending authenticity to his words.
"What?" Nanmen Yu's expression darkened. "Do you know what Jiang HuanYu's cultivation level is?"
"I don't know. I couldn't even get close to him before Tie Poyun stopped me," Xu Bai replied.
As he spoke, his gaze briefly flicked to Guan Xingyu, who was lounging nearby. The scent of perfume still lingered on him, evidence of recent indulgence.
Xu Bai swallowed his irritation, focusing back on his mission. Per Xiao Qingli's orders, he had only a few days to ensure Guan Xingyu's demise and castration. He began to plot the perfect moment to act.
Poor Guan Xingyu, oblivious to his impending fate, remained blissfully unaware that his "pride and joy" was about to bid him farewell.
"Enough," Guan Zhiyun said after some thought. "Go and find a quiet place to heal."
"Yes," Xu Bai replied, bowing before leaving the chamber.
"This Jiang Dynasty is becoming increasingly unusual," Guan Zhiyun remarked, furrowing his brow. "Tie Poyun and Shi Beitian broke through to Heavenly realm. Could it be that Zuo Xuanqi has as well?"
"Very likely," Nanmen Yu agreed. "If they have three Heavens, this could become problematic."
"Father, Uncle Yu, why worry?" Guan Xingyu interjected casually. "Even if Jiang has three Heaven leaders, our Bloodshadow Tower can still outmatch them in foundation and resources."
"Besides, our headquarters is practically untraceable. Even the top powers in the Northern Domain can't find us. Why should we fear a mere Jiang Dynasty?"
Guan Zhiyun considered his son's words. While a bit arrogant, they weren't entirely baseless.
At that moment, an Earth realm Image-level assassin entered, handing over a sealed letter. "Pavilion Master, this is a message from the Evil Moon Hall and Burning Sky Island."
After reading its contents, Guan Zhiyun's expression grew serious.
"It seems these two factions are determined," he said. "They propose an alliance with us. They intend to mobilize their full forces to attack Jiang Dynasty and want us to send some of our top assassins to assist."
Nanmen Yu pondered this for a moment before voicing his concern. "Zhang Bo and Lei Tianxiong's deaths confirm that Jiang has Heaven Leaders. For the Evil Moon Hall and Burning Sky Island to still push for war, could they have external reinforcements?"
A nearby assassin spoke up. "Pavilion Master, another matter of note. Earlier today, Shen Ningfa, the Grand Elder of Xuanyuan Mountain, visited the Evil Moon Hall. However, what they discussed is unknown."
"Shen Ningfa?" Guan Zhiyun and Nanmen Yu exchanged surprised glances.
Xuanyuan Mountain was another top-tier power in the Northern Domain, with two Heavens overseeing it. Although less prominent than the Blood Shadow Tower, it was still a force to be reckoned with.
What puzzled them was that Xuanyuan Mountain rarely involved itself in regional conflicts. Why would their elder suddenly visit the Evil Moon Hall?
At that moment, another urgent report arrived.
"Xuanyuan Mountain has mobilized its experts and sent forces near the Qian Clan. It appears they're planning to target them."
This information deepened Guan Zhiyun's frown.
The Qian Clan, also a top-tier power, had formidable elders on par with Xuanyuan Mountain. While their younger generation lagged behind, the clan's deep roots made them a challenging target.
For Xuanyuan Mountain to prepare an attack on the Qian Clan immediately after visiting the Evil Moon Hall, what could be happening?
Nanmen Yu's expression darkened as he recalled a rumor.
"Speaking of Xuanyuan Mountain and the Qian Clan, I'm reminded of an old legend."
"What legend?" Guan Zhiyun and Guan Xingyu both turned toward him, curiosity piqued.
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