A fragmentary map of the Blue Sea Ruins.
In this Yuning Mountain, it truly holds great allure, even causing major forces to fight over it.
But...
Considering Mu Gang's knowledge of Chen Yang, it might be difficult to attract him.
The reason lies not in Chen Yang's disinterest, but in his principles and steadfastness. Things he shouldn't want or can't have, not to mention just a fragmentary map, even if the whole map were assembled, it probably wouldn't move him.
In this regard, how similar is he to Chen Changsheng from fifty years ago?
Things I desire, but will obtain with my own strength.
Upon thinking this, Mu Gang smiled and said, "Princess, I don't think it's likely."
"Hmm!"
Mu Ling'er sneered confidently, "I admit, this guy is unique, but I don't believe he can resist the temptation of a fragmentary map of the Blue Sea Ruins?"
"When I present the fragmentary map to you, I'll see if you can maintain this aloofness."
"Prepare to depart for the Northern Mountain region."
Finally, Mu Ling'er instructed Mu Gang.
"Alright, Princess."
Mu Gang said no more. To him, all this seemed futile; no matter how they struggle, the outcome of marrying into the Ning Family wouldn't change.
As long as Mu Ling'er is happy.
As her personal guard, Mu Gang is willing to accompany her in any pursuit.
Besides, there might not be another opportunity in the future.
At the same time.
Xianlai Restaurant, second top floor.
Qiao Shan in a white robe stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, hands behind his back, his deep eyes fixed on the street below, following Chen Yang's silhouette, his eyes gradually squinting into a slit.
"Can you imagine that such a worthless person has captured Mu Ling'er's favor?" Qiao Shan chuckled, tilting his head and asking the middle-aged man beside him.
The middle-aged man shook his head, "It really is unexpected."
"Young Master, what are your plans after this?"
Qiao Yun played with the ring on his hand, the corner of his mouth slightly upturned, revealing a cold arc, "If I spread the word about what happened today, how do you think the Ning Family would react?"
"Even if they dig three feet into the earth, the Ning Family would find him and kill him."
The middle-aged man gave a thumbs up, "Young Master's move of using a borrowed knife to kill is indeed brilliant."
"But I still want to avenge Ziyun with my own hands."
Qiao Yun smiled lightly, "Relay the information, make sure the Ning Family receives it! And I must seize the opportunity to kill him before the Lin Family arrives."
Qiao Yun's plan is undeniably ingenious.
If Chen Yang is killed, he would not only avenge Qiao Ziyun personally but also gain favor with the Ning Family.
It's a win-win situation.
Taking the worst case scenario, the involvement with Mu Ling'er makes it impossible to kill Chen Yang. Once the Ning Family comes, he can't escape death.
And Qiao Yun would naturally reap the benefits of the situation.
In conclusion, Qiao Yun has already won. As for Chen Yang, it's merely a matter of how he dies, and by whose hand.
"Prepare, we head to the Northern Mountain region."
Finally, Qiao Shan instructed the middle-aged man.
...
Strong winds like drums, rain pouring as if the Milky Way were pouring down.
Yet despite the heavy rain, it couldn't stop more and more people from flocking to the Northern Mountain region of Shisu Town.
Besides the forces from the southern region of Yuning Mountain, it's said that the Dao Sect, one of the Nine Great Sects, has also sent people.
In short, a bloodier storm is about to unfold over this land.
Meanwhile.
"Is the Biluo Sword Valley so arrogant?"
Yang Hu sneered, "Or does Biluo Sword Valley view Red Lotus Valley as fish meat on a chopping block, ready for slaughter?"
Liu Qingmei's face was somber, remaining silent.
Just now, she received news from Red Lotus Valley that Biluo Sword Valley has issued a final ultimatum, basically asking for the fragmentary map to be retrieved no matter whom it's given to.
Otherwise, after the Northern Mountain region's matters conclude, the main force of Biluo Sword Valley will head straight for Red Lotus Valley.
If the fragmentary map isn't seen, there's no need for Red Lotus Valley to exist.
It seems after continual losses, Biluo Sword Valley has lost patience and changed tactics, using Red Lotus Valley's survival to force Chen Yang to appear and hand over the map.
After all, Chen Yang can run everywhere, but Red Lotus Valley is stationary, with thousands of disciples within.
This tactic hits the mark, making Chen Yang's plan to shield Red Lotus Valley go up in smoke.
"Initially, I only planned to kill a few people, but now it seems Biluo Sword Valley has to be destroyed."
With a snap.
Amidst the tense atmosphere, Chen Yang lit a cigarette, walked to the window, and amidst the smoke, gazed at the pouring rain outside, whispering.
"Chen Yang, this Biluo Sword Valley..."
Liu Qingmei wore a worried expression, but before she finished speaking, Chen Yang interrupted, "Cousin, return to Red Lotus Valley, I'll handle things here."
"But..."
Liu Qingmei hesitated.
Chen Yang knew what Liu Qingmei wanted to say and gave her a reassuring smile, "Don't worry, I, Chen Yang, don't engage in matters I'm not sure about."
"After returning, tell grandfather not to worry either, I can handle it."
Lastly, Chen Yang instructed.
"Then, take care." Liu Qingmei understood Chen Yang, knowing once the man decides something, no one can change it, so she cautioned, "Biluo Sword Valley is very strong."
"I, Chen Yang, am not to be underestimated." Chen Yang grinned widely.
Liu Qingmei stared at Chen Yang, watched him for a long time before heavily nodding and turning to leave.
With a heart of steel, Liu Qingmei found her eyes wet upon exiting the restaurant.
She couldn't tell if it was the rain or her tears.
She glanced back at the restaurant, quickly vanishing into the dark sky.
She was afraid.
Afraid this farewell might be the last.
It's not out of pessimism. Liu Qingmei isn't a pessimistic person.
The reason.
Is simply, Biluo Sword Valley is indeed very strong!
Even the entire Red Lotus Valley can only be trampled by them, let alone Chen Yang by himself.
Standing by the window, Chen Yang watched Liu Qingmei disappear from view.
"I will help you."
Gu Zhiqing, who had been silent all along, quietly walked over, standing shoulder to shoulder with Chen Yang, and said indifferently, "However, Biluo Sword Valley is not something you or I can handle alone."
"Biluo Sword Valley must be annihilated."
Chen Yang never makes promises lightly, but once he does, they never remain unfulfilled.
Such were the beginnings of the Martial Association, the four great imperial clans later, and finally the Imperial Clan.
And Biluo Sword Valley would naturally be no exception.
Months later, on a similarly rainy night.
Biluo Sword Valley, dominating the southern region of Yuning Mountain for countless years, was surrounded by a Martial Guard that should have perished long ago, and finally crushed by a great sword descending from the heavens, causing Biluo Sword Valley to fall apart and be utterly obliterated.
Have you ever seen a swordsmanship descending from the sky?
That day.
Countless people witnessed it firsthand.
"..."