Compared to the domineering and unpredictable Xie Ba, the ruthless and taciturn Xie Qidao was clearly a more formidable enemy. Yet, Mu Zi Zhe still chose to let him go. First, because he had already revealed all his trump cards earlier, and second, because Xie Qidao’s legendary "Seven Blades of Death" had yet to be unleashed. Mu Zi Zhe had no certainty of victory in a one-on-one fight. Even if he won in the end, both sides would be severely wounded, likely giving the temporarily withdrawn Su Family an opportunity.
"Patriarch, does this mean the Xie Family acknowledges our claim to the Sleeping Dragon Sword?" Mu Qingyang sheathed his Peach Wood Sword and wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth.
"At the very least, the Xie Family has withdrawn from this war," Mu Zi Zhe said, gazing at the Sleeping Dragon Sword in his hand.
"So, what’s next…" Mu Qingyang habitually took out a Peach Blossom Coin and began toying with it.
"To the Spider Nest, to find The Head," Mu Zi Zhe strode forward. "To truly inherit the Sleeping Dragon Sword, either he must acknowledge me, or…"
Mu Qingyang tossed the coin into the air and caught it firmly. "Or he must die."
At the entrance of the Spider Nest courtyard.
Su Changhe, leading the members of The Other Shore, arrived first. He stepped forward and knocked on the gate.
Su Muyu, standing guard beside The Head, heard the knocking and slowly approached the gate with his Drizzle Sword in hand. "Who is it?"
Su Changhe laughed. "It’s me, Su Changhe! Your dear brother, Su Muyu!"
Su Muyu froze, as did the Spider Shadow members behind him. They had prepared for battle, expecting either the Mu or Xie Family to arrive—never Su Changhe. Su Muyu sighed. "Weren’t you injured?"
Su Changhe waved his hand dismissively. "Ah, that was just an act."
Su Muyu gave a helpless smile. "Then why are you here? Did the old man give you another mission?"
"Su Jinhui? He’s dead. I’m the head of the Su Family now," Su Changhe replied.
Su Muyu frowned. "The old man is dead? Who killed him?"
Su Changhe declared loudly, "Why, of course—it was me!"
Su Muyu glanced at The Head, who sat in the courtyard leisurely smoking, seemingly unfazed by the shocking revelation.
"Talking through this gate is exhausting. Let me in," Su Changhe banged on the gate again.
The Spider Shadow members drew their weapons in unison.
Su Muyu waved his hand, signaling them to stand down, then stepped forward and slowly opened the gate.
Su Changhe, who had been twirling a dagger in his hand, pocketed it upon seeing the gate open and stroked his neatly trimmed beard.
Behind him, the members of The Other Shore glared at Su Muyu with hostility.
Su Muyu noticed the sapphire rings on their fingers and narrowed his eyes slightly. Seizing the moment, Su Changhe darted past him into the courtyard. Sensing danger, Su Muyu swiftly shut the gate again. But Su Changhe paid no heed and strode toward The Head. "Ah, my dear Head, I’ve finally found you."
"Halt!" Yin Hu and others brandished their blades and stepped forward.
Yet Su Changhe swayed and dodged past them effortlessly, arriving directly before The Head. Bai Hehuai, standing beside The Head, gripped three Silver Needles in her hand, her body tensed like a drawn bowstring.The Head was leisurely smoking his pipe until Su Changhe stood before him, only then did he lazily lift his gaze. "You brat, whenever I see you, trouble's never far behind."
"Head, if it weren't for me this time, you all might not have made it to this Spider Nest," Su Changhe chuckled.
"Did Jin Hui die?" The Head asked.
"At least as far as Dark River is concerned, he's dead." Su Changhe sat down beside The Head. "Head, let me have a puff too."
The Head set down his pipe, tapped it against the ground, and handed it to Su Changhe.
Su Changhe took the pipe, took a deep drag, and slowly exhaled a smoke ring. Watching it float toward the ceiling before gradually dissipating, he laughed like a child. "Hahaha, Su Muyu, look! My smoke ring skills are still top-notch."
Su Muyu gripped his Drizzle Sword tightly. At this moment, he not only couldn't fathom Su Changhe's thoughts but also had no idea what The Head was thinking. He said solemnly, "Chang He, what exactly are you planning?"
Su Changhe turned to look at The Head. "Head, could you just... die?"
Bai Hehuai was startled, nearly unable to resist flinging the three Silver Needles in her hand. But The Head remained composed, taking back his pipe for another puff. "And if I say no?"
Su Changhe rubbed the ring on his finger. "Head, look at this ring of mine. It's inscribed with two words: 'The Other Shore.' Over the years, I've gathered the most outstanding young talents in Dark River. I hope that with our strength, we can reach the other shore of Dark River. There should be light there, not endless night."
The Head nodded. "A fine idea."
"But both you and I know that only when you die will this long night truly end," Su Changhe murmured.
"Chang He, watch your words!" Su Muyu snapped.
Su Changhe stood up and glanced at Su Muyu. "My dear brother, I know you also want to change all this. But you know the cost of change is the blood of many. You don't want to stain your hands with that blood, so you cling to your sword, maintaining a fragile and laughable balance. Now, I've paved the way for you. Let's walk toward The Other Shore together." He pulled out a sapphire ring from his pocket and tossed it to Su Muyu.
Su Muyu caught it, lowering his gaze to the words "The Other Shore" engraved on the ring.
The Spider Shadow members all held their breath, waiting for Su Muyu to give an answer. Whatever path he chose, they would follow. Meanwhile, The Head continued smoking leisurely, appearing indifferent. But Bai Hehuai, standing nearby, could clearly sense his breathing growing rapid.
Even the mighty Head of Dark River would fear death at the brink of life and death? Bai Hehuai put away her Silver Needles. She suddenly felt that this conflict had long ceased to concern her.
Su Muyu pocketed the ring but ultimately didn't put it on. "Perhaps... there's a second path."
"Foolish!" Su Changhe's expression turned uncharacteristically stern and furious. "There's no room for compromise in so many matters! The Head must die. The establishment of new rules must be built upon the collapse of the old!""I am a Puppet," Su Muyu replied slowly. "I once swore an oath to protect the safety of the Head until my dying breath."
Su Changhe burst into loud laughter: "How could I ever recognize someone like you as a friend! We are completely different people! How ridiculous, utterly ridiculous!"
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