Chapter Seventy-Four: A Helping Hand

“Brother Mo, the atmosphere in Guanghai City today is nothing like the peaceful mood of yesterday. Early this morning, Ouyang Zhenghe, the master of Zhengqi Hall—the largest sect among the nine factions and eighteen gangs of Guanghai City and the most trusted aide to Lord Guanghai Xin—issued the Ruthless Order,” Tian Huashan said in a hushed voice.

“The Ruthless Order? What’s that?” Mo Bai’s interest was piqued by Tian Huashan’s words.

“It’s a secret decree among the nine factions and eighteen gangs of Guanghai City, unrelated to the Lingjue Tournament. Everyone knows it’s just Ouyang Zhenghe’s way of currying favor with Lord Guanghai Xin,” Tian Huashan replied, seeming somewhat helpless.

Mo Bai nodded and said, “I see. I suppose many sect leaders don’t agree with Ouyang Zhenghe’s actions, but are powerless to oppose him.”

“Exactly, Brother Mo, you’re spot on. You have no idea—the Lingjue Tournament was established by Lord Guanghai Xin to elevate his own sect, but it has also become an opportunity to change the power structure of Guanghai City. Hu Feng, the young and ambitious leader of Iron Cavalry Association—the largest gang among the eighteen—has been expanding his influence. Although Zhengqi Hall under Ouyang Zhenghe is an old powerhouse of Guanghai City, it’s now wavering in front of these new forces. He has no choice but to ingratiate himself with the old lord,” Tian Huashan said, his expression full of disdain.

Mo Bai asked, “And what are your plans, Brother Tian?”

Tian Huashan’s spirit suddenly lifted. “Then, Brother Mo, please accompany me and let us show the might of my Haikun Gang.”

The two stepped out of Guanghai Pavilion and immediately saw a surging crowd. Tian Huashan whispered, “I can’t imagine what Ouyang Zhenghe is up to. Yihua Sect has only sent five young women, yet he’s caused such a commotion and even issued the Ruthless Order.”

Suddenly, chaos broke out in front of Guanghai Pavilion. A clear, crystalline voice rang out: “All of you, move aside for your mistress, or I won’t hesitate to strike!”

“Hmph! If you don’t entertain us properly today, don’t even think about getting past,” someone sneered.

Tian Huashan said to Mo Bai, “I recognize that voice—it’s Xu Panther, the leader of the Nine-Turn Gang outside Guanghai City. Despite his fierce name, he’s actually quite cunning; I’d call him Fox instead. Ouyang Zhenghe must be out of his mind to use such disgraceful tactics to provoke the people of Yihua Sect.”

Mo Bai nodded, thinking to himself, ‘It seems Tian Huashan has grown more composed after yesterday’s spectacle. This man will surely accomplish something in the future.’

The crowd looked up to see a young woman in yellow garment surrounded by people. She was none other than Huang Wan’er, a disciple of Yihua Sect. She held a bowl of clear water, its purpose unknown, while the crowd continued to tease her.

“Well then, let’s see what tricks this pretty little lady has,” Xu Panther jeered.

“Can riffraff like you hope to stand among the refined? Miss, there’s no need to rush. Allow me to teach this disrespectful fellow a lesson.” Before Huang Wan’er could draw her sword, the crowd parted and a dozen young men entered. The one leading them was dignified and sharp-eyed, but he was not the speaker. Instead, a proud youth stepped before Huang Wan’er, glaring disdainfully at Xu Panther.

Xu Panther gave a signal, and several of his lackeys rushed at the young man.

“Even ants dare vie with the sun and moon,” the young man said arrogantly. With a flick of his wrist, three streams of spiritual energy shot forth, radiating a forceful aura of righteousness.

With several screams, the lackeys were thrown back several meters, wailing in pain. Xu Panther was stunned; as a gang leader, he had some discernment. “Ah, so you’re from the Yuntian Sect—no wonder you’re so bold,” he said.

The youth replied, “Since you know who we are, you should know what to do next.”

“Ha! You’re mistaken. This is Guanghai City, not the Yuntian Sect!” Xu Panther retorted, unfazed by the threat.

“Nine Ling Senior Brother, these fools are truly reckless. If Lord Guanghai Xin’s disciples are all like this, I doubt the Lingjue Tournament will accomplish anything,” a young man laughed wickedly.

The youth who had intervened for Huang Wan’er was none other than Nine Ling, scion of the Lu family of Heyang! No wonder he was so arrogant, especially regarding the Lingjue Tournament of Guanghai City. The Lu family’s standing on the Linglong Continent was so high that even they wouldn’t dare establish their own sect, so what gave Lord Guanghai Xin the right?

“Nine Tong, you’re mistaken,” Nine Ling said to the grinning youth.

That youth was Nine Tong, whom Mo Bai had met briefly in Yunxia Village. The boy had grown stronger through adversity; in just over ten days, he had mastered the secret spiritual art passed down by Master Withered Branch, the ancestor. He was a prodigy, sent by Deputy Master Yunling along with Senior Brother Nine Xi to observe the Lingjue Tournament.

It was clear: the leader just now was the new head of the Punishment Hall of Yuntian Sect, their leading disciple, Nine Xi!

Nine Tong questioned, “Oh? How am I wrong?”

Nine Ling laughed. “They’ll rise, all right—straight into the earth.” The others burst into laughter.

This infuriated Xu Panther, a staunch supporter of Ouyang Zhenghe, who could not tolerate such insults to his master’s patron. With a shriek, he summoned a wave of spiritual energy and launched it at Nine Ling.

“Courting death!” Nine Ling was ruthless by nature, as had been shown at the Yuntian recruitment tournament. This time, Luo Qishui had requested Deputy Master Yunling to let him accompany Nine Xi for training, hoping to temper his character. Alas, Nine Ling was born with this temperament and could not be easily changed.

He waved his hand, and a mighty spiritual sword rose from his palm. Though not as supreme as the Sword of the Heavenly Dao, it was impressive nonetheless—a secret technique of Yuntian Sect, the Great Yu Sword of the Heavenly Dao!

Xu Panther felt a heavy pressure before him; as he tried to escape, he found himself surrounded by a circle of violet spiritual formations, that had appeared without him noticing. Sweat broke out on his forehead; he could not move, as if bound by a forbidden spell.

“Die!” Nine Ling shouted.

“Don’t harm my brother!” came a sudden cry, as a sword of spiritual energy shot toward Nine Ling from the air.

Nine Ling frowned but ignored the incoming sword, forcing the Great Yu Sword to pierce Xu Panther’s chest. Blood sprayed forth. Nine Ling quickly summoned a green spiritual formation to intercept the incoming sword, but though his reaction was swift, he had not defended in time; he was still forced back six or seven steps before managing to stand firm, his face murderous as he stared at the approaching figure.

The newcomer was startled, thinking, ‘As expected of a disciple of a great spiritual sect—he can emerge unharmed from such an ordeal. It seems my brother has no chance of survival.’ He turned and saw Xu Panther’s corpse.

Standing on the outskirts, Tian Huashan shivered. “Disciples of orthodox sects truly are formidable.”

Mo Bai added, “Brother Tian, do you feel that this situation is more dangerous than expected? The Ruthless Order was meant for Yihua Sect, but has ended up in the hands of Yuntian Sect. If Old Ouyang learns of this, he’ll be furious.”

Tian Huashan nodded, “Brother Mo, you speak my mind.” Clearly, Tian Huashan was ambitious and unwilling to submit to the old guard. He changed the subject, “Look at the newcomer—that’s Xu Panther’s sworn brother, the leader of a major local gang, Iron Mountain. His unique spiritual energy makes him impervious to blades, and he’s the renowned master of the Iron Gang.”

Mo Bai followed Tian Huashan’s gesture and saw the man who had entered the fray—a figure exuding authority, with dark skin and a bare chest, his muscles well-defined, presenting a more rugged image than the ethereal Yuntian Sect disciples.

Iron Mountain spoke in a rumbling voice, “Young man, your methods are vicious—killing so casually. Are you not afraid of divine retribution?”

Nine Ling answered arrogantly, “For despicable bullies who prey on women, only death suffices. Besides, my fate is mine, not Heaven’s. Judging by you, Heaven has nothing to do with it anyway.”

Iron Mountain stood slowly beside Xu Panther’s body, his whole being radiating a special spiritual energy. He smiled bitterly, “Very well, let me experience the might of a Yuntian Sect disciple.”

From behind Nine Ling, Huang Wan’er’s clear voice rang out, “Thank you, Senior Brother of Yuntian Sect, for your help, but these people came for me. I will handle them myself.” Clearly, Huang Wan’er still bore a grudge from yesterday’s conflict with Nalan Xin’er. Though she knew Yuntian Sect was vast and had many branches—perhaps these newcomers didn’t even know Nalan Xin’er—she was a proud disciple of Yihua Sect and could not always hide behind others. With this thought, she raised her treasured sword and stepped forward.