Chapter 23: Ancient Rivalry and Looming Battles
"Rumor has it that five thousand years ago, the ancestors of Xuanyuan Mountain and the Qian Clan discovered an ancient relic site. Inside were numerous rare and invaluable treasures," Nanmen Yu began, his voice low and thoughtful.
"Back then, neither of their ancestors had the strength to retrieve the treasures, so they decided to seal the entrance and hide its location. They crafted two keys, known as the Sun and Moon Keys, to unlock the site in the future."
"Each ancestor kept one key, hoping their descendants would unite someday to reclaim the treasures together. However, over time, the relationship between the Qian Clan and Xuanyuan Mountain has soured. Now, it seems they're on the brink of conflict," he explained.
Guan Zhiyun and Guan Xingyu exchanged intrigued glances.
"What kind of treasure could drive two great clans to turn against each other? It must be unimaginably valuable," Guan Zhiyun mused.
"Do you think Xuanyuan Mountain has allied with the Evil Moon Hall to deal with the Qian Clan?" he speculated.
"Highly likely," Nanmen Yu affirmed. "It's possible they've struck a deal; Evil Moon Hall and Burning Sky Island help Xuanyuan Mountain destroy the Qian Clan and obtain their key. In return, Xuanyuan Mountain might aid them in their campaign against Jiang Dynasty. With Xuanyuan Mountain's involvement, Jiang Baisheng and Yuan Tianzong would feel emboldened enough to launch a full-scale attack."
"Father, if that's the case, we can't just sit back and watch," Guan Xingyu said, his eyes gleaming with greed. "The treasure those two clans are fighting over must be extraordinary. If our Blood Shadow Tower can claim it for ourselves…"
His words trailed off, leaving his intentions clear.
Guan Zhiyun nodded, his own desire no less than his son's.
"Very well. Agree to Jiang Baisheng's request," he instructed. "Send ten gold-ranked assassins to assist them. Additionally, I will summon the 'Death Centipede' to personally oversee the operation."
Nanmen Yu bowed. "Understood, Tower Master."
Inside the Evil Moon Hall's grand hall, Jiang Baisheng and Yuan Tianzong sat in discussion.
"With Xuanyuan Mountain joining us and the Blood Shadow Tower sending their top assassins, the destruction of the Jiang Dynasty is assured," Jiang Baisheng declared coldly.
"However, before that, we must first deal with the Qian Clan."
Though the alliance seemed favorable, both men bore heavy hearts. The deaths of Zhang Bo and Lei Tianxiong still weighed on them. The Jiang Dynasty would pay dearly for their losses.
"I still don't understand why Xuanyuan Mountain wants to destroy the Qian Clan," Yuan Tianzong remarked, frowning. "I've never heard of any animosity between the two."
"Who cares?" Jiang Baisheng scoffed. "It's a cooperative relationship, nothing more. We help them deal with the Qian Clan, they help us annihilate the Jiang Dynasty. No one owes anyone."
At that moment, a Evil Moon Hall elder entered the hall.
"Master, our forces are assembled."
"Good!" Jiang Baisheng commanded. "Board the ships. We move out!"
With that, the combined forces of the Evil Moon Hall and Burning Sky Peak boarded their flying ships, heading south toward the Qian Clan's territory.
Tiance City, one of the largest cities in the Northern Domain, housed the grand palace of the Qian Clan.
Having sensed the looming danger, the Qian Clan activated their defensive formation and summoned their elders from seclusion to prepare for battle.
Xuanyuan Mountain's forces had already surrounded the area but refrained from launching an attack, clearly waiting for reinforcements.
Inside the Qian Clan's main hall, the atmosphere was tense.
"Patriarch, Ancestor, Xuanyuan Mountain's forces have encircled us within a ten-mile radius. Our scouts can no longer send or receive information. Based on the current situation, it seems Shen Ningfa isn't planning an immediate attack," a clan elder reported grimly.
Seated at the head of the hall were two figures exuding powerful auras, both at the Heavenly level; Qian Clan's ancestor, Qian Yeyan, and their patriarch, Qian Jiuqiu.
"This is all about the Sun and Moon Keys. Xuanyuan Mountain is going to great lengths for them," Qian Jiuqiu growled.
"Ancestor, Xuanyuan Mountain has gone too far. There's no need to cling to old ties anymore. If they want a fight, we'll give them one! The Qian Clan fears no one!"
"Father," a gentle voice interrupted.
Turning, they saw a graceful young woman in a flowing gauze dress. Her figure was exquisite, her every movement poised and elegant. Despite wearing only a touch of makeup, her beauty radiated effortlessly.
However, her cultivation was her one flaw; merely at the Qi Gathering level.
This was Qian Clan's eldest daughter, Qian Xinrou.
Though lacking talent in cultivation, Qian Xinrou was no mere ornamental flower. Her intellect was unmatched, and she served as the clan's strategist, earning her the respect of even the elders.
"Father, I believe Xuanyuan Mountain's actions are far from simple," Qian Xinrou said calmly.
"If we engage them head-on, they'll undoubtedly suffer heavy losses. But this isn't a gamble they'd make lightly. I suspect they have another plan in motion."
Qian Xinrou's insight silenced the hall. Her words carried weight, and her father and grandfather exchanged serious glances.
"The enemy must have something up their sleeves. We can't act rashly," Qian Yeyan finally said. "Prepare for defense. Let's see what Xuanyuan Mountain is planning."
The Qian Clan braced themselves, the shadow of war looming ever closer.
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