With a "bang," a teacup shattered on the ground. Tang Lingkui glared furiously at Tang Lingluo standing before him: "You actually let him escape right in the heart of Jin City."
"Dark River has members exceptionally skilled in disguise. The person who suddenly appeared looked and acted exactly like Su Muyu, and their martial arts were formidable..." Tang Lingluo explained.
"Hmph." Tang Lingkui snorted coldly.
Tang Lingluo lowered his head, not daring to speak further.
Among the Five Heroes of the Tang Clan—Tang Linghuang, Tang Lingzun, Tang Lingkui, Tang Lingqi, and Tang Lingluo—Tang Linghuang was the most renowned in the martial world, having long served as the Tang Sect's deputy leader, a position that placed him on par with Wen Hujiu, now the head of the Wen family. Tang Lingzun oversaw the Tang Sect's inner affairs and was a master of poisons. Tang Lingkui commanded the Execution Hall, responsible for internal purges and hunting down traitors. Tang Lingqi managed the outer affairs and was not only peerless in hidden weapons but also excelled in developing new ones. As for Tang Lingluo, he was merely the deputy envoy of the inner affairs, always a step below the other four in status—especially when facing the most ruthless and temperamental Tang Lingkui, he had to tread carefully, not daring to speak out of turn.
"The emergence of Dark River has introduced new variables into what was already a settled game," Tang Lingkui said, rising to his feet. "This move was made by Tang Linghuang."
"Him?" Tang Lingluo looked up in surprise.
"Dark River keeps mentioning him, which suggests Tang Linghuang summoned them here. But given his temperament, why would he choose to collaborate with Dark River? The only explanation is that Dark River was his contingency plan. He never truly intended to cooperate with them, but when he found himself in peril, he called them here." Tang Lingkui sneered. "The world's top assassination organization—what a perfect disruptor."
Execution Hall of the Tang Sect.
The iron prison in the third underground level of the Tang Sect.
To enter here, one had to pass through thirteen iron gates and defeat twenty-six of the Tang Sect's elite fighters. Those imprisoned within were the sect's most important captives.
A figure clad in black traversed the heavy iron gates and arrived before the Execution Hall. Two towering Tang disciples stood guard, silently opening the gate and stepping aside at the sight of the visitor. The black-robed figure gave a slight nod before entering.
The Execution Hall was vast, but the candlelight was dim. At the far end of the room, a man was bound by heavy chains, his head encased in a solid iron mask that concealed his expression and whether he was awake or asleep.
"Elder Brother," the black-robed figure said solemnly.
The masked man stirred slightly, the chains clinking, before a voice devoid of emotion spoke: "You dare show your face here to see me?"
"As expected of Elder Brother. I thought I had won this confrontation decisively, never imagining you still had a trick up your sleeve." The black-robed figure chuckled coldly. "Dark River. Elder Brother, how did you plan to bring that river into Jin City? Their arrival threatens to throw the entire situation into chaos."
The masked man snorted. "You should have just killed me. Then whatever happens next would have nothing to do with me."
"Kill you? Gladly. But first, tell me that secret." The black-robed figure smiled. "This is a fair trade—I made that clear to you long ago, Elder Brother.""I told you long ago," the iron-masked man replied, "even at the cost of the Tang Sect's downfall, I won't reveal that secret to you."
"Hahaha, very well." The black-clad man wasn't angered. "But don't think your move has trapped me. Since you chose to involve Dark River, you should understand that as an assassin organization, they exist for profit. Wherever the benefits lie, Dark River can always switch sides to support someone else."
Quiet Contemplation Teahouse.
The Head of Mu House held a handwritten letter between his fingers, giving it a slight shake. "Threats before courtesy—how interesting of the Tang Sect. Yesterday they were hunting us relentlessly, today they send a letter seeking peace."
Su Muyu frowned. "Have they found us here?"
"No. The Tang Sect knows Dark River has people in Jincheng, but they're unaware of this teahouse's existence. Finding Dark River isn't easy, but delivering a letter to us? That's simple enough." The Head of Mu House explained.
"What does the letter say?" Su Changhe asked, twirling a dagger in his hand with an amused smile.
"Tang Lingkui, overseer of the Execution Hall, requests a meeting with Dark River Grand Master Su Changhe and Su Family Head Su Muyu to discuss urgent matters at Jincheng's Golden Tower." The Head of Mu House placed the letter over a nearby candle. The flame instantly consumed it, and with a flick of his wrist, the ashes scattered through the hall.
Su Changhe turned to Su Muyu. "What do you think?"
"The Tang Sect originally had no dealings with Dark River. Tang Lingkui and his people have never interacted with us. Without past grievances, why insist on fighting to the death? Initially only two Mu Family members came, but now even The Head has personally arrived in Jincheng. Naturally, they see this conflict as unnecessary." Su Muyu answered.
Su Changhe shook his head. "That's not my doing. I doubt they know I'm here already. This letter is just testing the waters—after all, the two of us always appear together these days. What made them reconsider hostilities was your demonstration of the Eighteen Sword Formation's power in the mountains outside Jincheng."
Su Muyu frowned slightly, gazing outside. "So will you attend this banquet?"
Su Changhe stroked his thin beard. "Of course—but not as The Head. I'll just be a lowly guard accompanying the Su Family Head."
Su Muyu chuckled helplessly, lowering his head. "What crooked scheme are you plotting now?"
"We'll have to meet them eventually. At the very least, we should ensure Xuewei's safety first." Su Changhe said lazily. "Moyu, do you think the Tang Sect views Dark River as purely profit-driven? That they're meeting us because if we could ally with Tang Linghuang before, we'd naturally ally with them now? My guess is Tang Linghuang's either dead or imprisoned by them."
Su Muyu tapped his fingers lightly against his leg. "Then tell me—is Dark River truly profit-driven?"
"Absolutely." Su Changhe nodded with earnest amusement.
"How shameless." Su Muyu shook his head in resignation."But what is benefit, and how to pursue it? Everyone's standards of judgment are different." Su Changhe looked at the Head of Mu House. "Don't you agree, Head of Mu House?"
The Head of Mu House was taken aback. "Why is The Head suddenly asking me?"
"Don't worry, I'm not suspecting you. It's just that recently I've noticed when you play mahjong, sometimes you could declare victory very early, yet you choose not to." Su Changhe stood up, reaching out to lightly grasp at the air. "Because there's greater benefit to be had. What is benefit? Who knows. I've never been afraid of waiting."
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