Blood River

The Grand Chancellor's Residence.

"The Dark River has brought an entire army into Heaven Revelation City." There was a trace of unease in Crow's voice. Known within the Shadow Sect for his fearless nature, even he had come to understand the true terror of blades in the dark after encountering those assassins.

"To kill the Langya King, we need an army," Yi Bu said, clenching his fists.

"But I fear we may not be able to control them," Crow replied.

"Take the Eagle Eye Group and guard the Shadow Prison. Until the Dark River completes their mission, no one is to approach—not even me!" Yi Bu paused, then added firmly, "Especially not me."

"Not even the Sect Leader?" Crow reconfirmed.

Yi Bu nodded. "Not even me."

"As you command!" Crow waved his hand, and six shadow guards hidden in the darkness emerged. Together, the seven of them left the main hall and headed for the Shadow Prison. Individually, they might not be considered top-tier experts, but when the seven worked together, forming the Eagle Eye Formation, they became an incredibly formidable force. Even Baili Dongjun, whom many now regarded as the world's number one, had once been halted by them when he helped Ye Dingzhi storm Heaven Revelation City.

"Sect Leader, this is a gamble," a shadow guard beside Yi Bu suddenly spoke.

"Back then, I chose the Jade King over the Green King—and I won that bet," Yi Bu said solemnly.

"But this time, the gamble isn't just placing a wager. It's putting yourself on the betting table," the shadow guard warned.

"Indeed. That’s why I’m betting that the current Emperor also wants the Langya King dead," Yi Bu whispered.

The shadow guard was startled. "The Emperor and the Langya King are as close as brothers. Even... the throne was given to him by the Langya King."

"Precisely because the throne was given by the Langya King," Yi Bu sneered.

"When do we act?" the shadow guard asked.

"Three days from now. The Langya King will visit Fengxiao Temple to seek enlightenment—alone, without any guards. It’s a yearly habit of his. That’s where the Dark River will strike," Yi Bu said darkly.

The shadow guard frowned. "I never took the Langya King for a devout Buddhist."

Yi Bu shook his head. "He claims to seek enlightenment, but in truth, he goes to meet someone."

"Meet someone?" the shadow guard pressed. "Who could be worth the Langya King visiting without any guards?"

"Wangyou, the foremost master of Buddhism in Northern Li today," Yi Bu answered.

The shadow guard gasped. "Wangyou? Isn’t he the one who—"

"Yes, the one who adopted the Demon Sect’s young master. Though he is now the abbot of Hanshan Temple, he once resided in Fengxiao Temple and was close friends with the Langya King. Back then, the Langya King helped the Jade King stop Ye Dingzhi, but he didn’t kill him. Instead, he handed Ye Dingzhi over to Wangyou, hoping the master could cleanse the darkness in his heart. But due to forces beyond the heavens, the plan failed. Ye Dingzhi succumbed to demonic influence, bringing calamity upon Northern Li. The Langya King blames himself, so every year, he secretly meets Wangyou at Fengxiao Temple to inquire about Ye Dingzhi’s son and offer whatever aid he can." Yi Bu paused, then added with a cold laugh, "Otherwise, if the whole world knows Ye Dingzhi’s son is at Hanshan Temple, how could the temple remain so peaceful? So many want him dead.""The current Emperor does," the Shadow Guard replied.

"Indeed. Speaking of which, that child is also my grandson," Yi Bu sighed softly. "I hear he is exceptionally bright, unlike the unruly one in Heaven Revelation City."

"Then I will inform Dark River. We act in three days," the Shadow Guard said, pressing no further.

"Good. This is a war, and wars require an army." Yi Bu rested his hand on the sword at his waist. "Tell them that if necessary, I too will draw my blade."

"As you command," the Shadow Guard responded solemnly.

Facing Dawn Inn.

Su Changhe peeled an apple with a dagger. "How many have arrived?"

"According to the list provided by the family, sixty-two Dark River members have already entered Heaven Revelation City. Seventh Uncle brought eighteen more, making eighty in total. Thirty-six deliberately revealed themselves to the Shadow Sect, while twenty concealed their identities but were secretly discovered. That leaves twenty-four who remain completely unnoticed," Mu Qingyang reported.

"I'm useless now. The dagger I once used to kill can only peel apples," Su Changhe said, taking a bite.

Mu Qingyang wiped his eyes. "My sword is broken, and if I die, no one will even collect my body. They only care about Su Muyu."

"So, twenty-six people have nothing to do with killing the Langya King," Su Changhe murmured.

"Twenty-seven," Bai Hehuai suddenly spoke up, opening her eyes from where she had been resting on a nearby bench.

"You're not one of Dark River. This matter doesn't concern you," Su Changhe said, slicing the apple in half with a flick of his dagger. He tapped it lightly, sending one half into Bai Hehuai's hand.

She took a bite. "But I'm Su Muyu's friend. And they're also partners with the Medicine Manor in Qiantang City."

"Fine," Su Changhe chuckled. "Then don’t die. Otherwise, he’ll blame me."

"I'm Su Zhe's daughter," Bai Hehuai raised an eyebrow. "Wait—where is my father? What’s his mission this time?"

"His mission," Su Changhe said slowly, "is the most crucial of all. Quiet now—the Shadow Sect is here."

The door swung open, and an unfamiliar Shadow Guard entered.

"Not Crow?" Mu Qingyang stood up, questioning.

The Shadow Guard produced a token. "Crow is occupied with other matters. I am Luo Tianxiang, Left Shadow Guard Envoy of the Shadow Sect."

"I heard your Right Shadow Guard Envoy back in the day was the Lone Sword Immortal, and tomorrow, like me, he was also named Qingyang," Mu Qingyang grinned. "You’re the Left Shadow Guard Envoy, and you share the surname Luo—you must be quite formidable."

Luo Tianxiang shook his head impassively. "Senior Brother Luo’s swordsmanship was peerless. The Shadow Sect hasn’t produced another Sword Immortal like him in decades. I am far beneath him."

"Then, Right Shadow Guard Envoy, what brings you here?" Mu Qingyang asked.

Luo Tianxiang’s voice was grave. "Three days from now, at Wind Dawn Temple—ambush and kill the Langya King."

"The time of killing should be decided by the killers," Su Changhe said coldly.

Luo Tianxiang repeated, "Three days from now, at Wind Dawn Temple—ambush and kill the Langya King!"

"The time of killing should be decided by the killers," Su Changhe echoed.

"The killers are the Shadow Sect. You and I are merely blades," Luo Tianxiang extended a hand. "And the hand that wields the blade tells you—when the time comes, he will strike personally.""Go back and tell Sect Leader Yi Bu that we need more intelligence within three days. Killing the Langya King isn't something that can be decided with just a word," Mu Qingyang replied.

"Naturally," Luo Tianxiang nodded. "In this battle, none of us have any way out."