"Ren Shaoming really knows how to boast to gain fame. Isn't he afraid that Song Que might actually come after him with his Heavenly Saber?"
The Iron Cavalry Society had grown to become one of the eight major gangs and ten societies largely due to Ren Shaoming's claim of having fought Song Que. It was said that the Iron Cavalry Society had always been a thorn in the side of the Song Clan, constantly competing with them for territory. The Song Clan had sent assassins after him multiple times, but all had failed.
Of course, these matters had little to do with Song Que himself. Given Song Que's strength and reputation, it was beneath him to engage in assassination attempts.
If Ren Shaoming had truly fought Song Que, he wouldn't have been so easily killed by the Twin Dragons, even though the Twin Dragons were much stronger now than in the original story.
Those who could survive a fight with a grandmaster were undoubtedly top-tier experts. What constituted a top-tier expert? People like Zhu Yuyan and Sulia were examples. If the current Twin Dragons were to team up and try to assassinate Sulia or Zhu Yuyan, could they succeed?
"After assassinating Ren Shaoming, the two of them saved Ba Fenghan, who was being besieged, and are now being chased by Qu Ao for thousands of miles. What happens after that is unclear." As Sulia spoke, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes. She continued, "It seems Qu Ao's martial arts have declined significantly since his defeat against Bi Xuan."
"Oh? Why do you say that?" Daniel Davis asked curiously.
"It's simple. If it were the Qu Ao of the past, he wouldn't have given these three the chance to flee for thousands of miles."
Although not many people knew about Qu Ao's challenge to Bi Xuan, the Demon Sect was aware of some details. Back then, Qu Ao was a prodigy with extraordinary talent. He became a top-tier expert in his thirties and spent several years in seclusion, reaching the peak of his martial arts around the age of forty. He then attempted to challenge Bi Xuan to break through to the next level but was utterly defeated.
Since then, Qu Ao's martial arts had not only stagnated but had also been in decline. Despite this, he remained a top-tier expert and a pillar of the Tiele tribe. After all, not many could survive a fight with Bi Xuan. Just look at Ba Fenghan's first encounter with Bi Xuan—if it weren't for the Twin Dragons saving him, he would have died.
Even so, Qu Ao was now chasing the Twin Dragons and Ba Fenghan alone. In the future, Qu Ao could boast about this for the rest of his life.
The Twin Dragons and Ba Fenghan would undoubtedly become grandmaster-level experts in the future. Qu Ao could say, "Back in the day, I single-handedly chased three grandmasters, leaving them with no way to escape."
"Recently, Li Mi has gained the support of the South Sea Sect, while Zhai Rang was assassinated and is now in critical condition. This has allowed Li Mi to expand his influence significantly. It's said that Huang Gongcuo was the one who attacked Zhai Rang."
Sulia then brought up Li Mi's situation, which surprised Daniel Davis. He had thought Li Mi was doomed to a slow death or would end up surrendering to the Li Clan, as in the original story. He hadn't expected Li Mi to turn things around in such a situation.
Li Mi's betrayal of Zhai Rang meant that most rebel forces wouldn't recruit him, fearing he would turn on them. Only a major power like the Li Clan wouldn't care about this.
"Is the South Sea Sect insane? Why would they support Li Mi now?"
"It seems to be because of Song Que. The South Sea Sect lost its foothold, and it's said that Li Yuan's father had a great favor with the South Sea Sect. Previously, the South Sea Sect hadn't shown any gratitude, but now they're probably looking for a new base."
The South Sea Sect was a powerful faction, comparable to a first-rate noble family. However, they had overestimated themselves by trying to compete with the Song Clan in Lingnan. Before the chaos of the world, Song Que had tolerated them, but now that the world was in turmoil and Song Que had ambitions of his own, he couldn't allow a second voice in Lingnan.
Thus, the South Sea Sect was in trouble. Even though they had an elder like Huang Gongcuo, who was of the same generation as Ning Daoqi and had once aspired to become a grandmaster, they were no match for Song Que.
Huang Gongcuo had once challenged Ning Daoqi and fought over a hundred moves before losing to Ning Daoqi's "Eight Strikes of the Loose Hand." Perhaps this was why he dared to challenge Song Que. Unfortunately, he underestimated Song Que's talent, thinking that Song Que, like him, couldn't advance to the grandmaster level. Naturally, this ended in tragedy.
If the South Sea Sect had been willing to submit to the Song Clan, Song Que wouldn't have driven them out. However, the South Sea Sect had no intention of submitting.
There were two reasons for this. First, Huang Gongcuo was still bitter about his loss to Song Que. Second, they didn't believe the Song Clan had a chance to unify the world. While the Song Clan's geographical position was advantageous and they had a grandmaster like Song Que, their location also made it nearly impossible for them to conquer the world.
In the original story, talented individuals joined forces with the Li Clan, Wang Shichong, Li Mi, and others, but none joined the Song Clan.
For the South Sea Sect, with their strength, joining any major power would earn them a prestigious position. There was no need to align themselves with a faction that had no chance of ruling the world.
In the original story, the South Sea Sect initially sided with Li Mi. After Li Mi's defeat, they quickly switched their allegiance to the Li Clan.
"Li Mi really loves this tactic. It's the same old trick every time." After hearing about Li Mi's situation, Daniel Davis chuckled and shook his head.
Using Huang Gongcuo to assassinate Zhai Rang and then taking advantage of the chaos to attack was similar to how Li Mi had used Zhai Jiao to plot against Zhai Rang. In the original story, when attacking Luoyang, Li Mi first tried to assassinate Wang Shichong, believing he was certain to die, before launching his attack. This tactic was effective, but if it failed, the consequences would be disastrous.
In the original story, Wang Shichong was saved by the Twin Dragons using the "Longevity Scripture," which led to Li Mi's crushing defeat and eventual downfall.
In this semi-high martial world, such tactics were still very effective. Just look at Emperor Yang Guang's three failed campaigns against Goguryeo, which were largely due to Fu Cailin's assassinations.
Old tactics aren't necessarily bad if they work. Just like the classic "hero saves the beauty" trope—it's old, but it still works.
"True." Sulia was very intelligent. After a moment of thought, she understood why Daniel Davis had said that about Li Mi.
"Alright, it's about time. Let's go." As night fell and the world grew quiet, Daniel Davis took Sulia to the outskirts of the Dugu Clan's estate.
"Greetings, Young Master." Not far from the Dugu Clan's estate, Zhu Yuyan and her disciples from the Yin Kuai Sect were waiting for his arrival.
"No wonder Zhu Yuyan valued Bian Buhui so much in the past. The Yin Kuai Sect really doesn't have many top-tier experts."
Looking at Zhu Yuyan and the group behind her, Daniel Davis couldn't help but shake his head slightly. Aside from Zhu Yuyan, the only other notable figures present were the Silver-Haired Witch Dan Mei, Wen Caiting, Bai Qing'er, and two other women Daniel Davis didn't recognize—likely the remaining two of the "Four Beauties," alongside Dan Mei.
Even if you included Yun Yushuangxiu Bi Shouxuan, who wasn't present, and a certain hidden eunuch, the number of top-tier experts was still quite limited. Of course, this only referred to core members and didn't include peripheral disciples.
Earlier, Daniel Davis had learned about the structure of the Yin Kuai Sect from Sulia. The sect was divided into three levels: Heaven, Earth, and Man, distinguished by the colors white, black, and yellow. Only those at the Heaven level were taught the "Heavenly Demon Scroll."
Moreover, the number of Heaven-level members usually didn't exceed nine, as nine was considered the ultimate number. However, in most cases, the Yin Kuai Sect couldn't even gather nine Heaven-level members.
Given this, along with the internal divisions within the Yin Kuai Sect, Bian Buhui's importance naturally increased.
"Bi Shouxuan didn't come. It seems your position as the sect leader of the Yin Kuai Sect is somewhat nominal." Although Daniel Davis didn't need the Yin Kuai Sect's combat strength, it was still necessary to give them a warning.
"Please forgive me, Young Master. Senior Bi had urgent matters to attend to and couldn't make it in time." Zhu Yuyan quickly explained. Her attitude shocked Bai Qing'er and the two new female elders behind her, as Zhu Yuyan's reverence toward Daniel Davis was unprecedented.
For someone as proud and unruly as Zhu Yuyan, this level of deference was shocking. Even when facing Ning Daoqi, Zhu Yuyan wouldn't be so submissive.
In truth, if Zhu Yuyan had informed Bi Shouxuan about Daniel Davis's true capabilities, Bi Shouxuan wouldn't have dared to act so recklessly. However, Daniel Davis had instructed Zhu Yuyan to keep this information secret. As a result, Bi Shouxuan naturally assumed Zhu Yuyan had lost her mind.
After all, Daniel Davis was now the number one enemy of Ci Hang Jing Zhai, Ning Daoqi, Jing Nian Chan Yuan, and the entire Buddhist sect. Aligning with him at this point was tantamount to suicide.
There had always been an unspoken understanding between the Demon Sect and Ci Hang Jing Zhai: conflicts were limited to disciples. If a disciple lost, they would retreat from the martial world for twenty years. The higher-ups of both sides wouldn't engage in life-and-death battles. However, things were different now. Daniel Davis had touched a nerve with Ci Hang Jing Zhai, and the conflict had become a fight to the death.
"Forget it. Handle this matter yourself. Since you're taking the lead, you'll be at the forefront. Remember, try not to kill anyone. I'm here to subdue the Dugu Clan, not to exterminate them."
"Understood." Zhu Yuyan immediately nodded in agreement.
"Everyone, listen up. Follow me." With that, Zhu Yuyan led the Yin Kuai Sect elders toward the main gate.
Bai Qing'er, meanwhile, observed Daniel Davis with curiosity but didn't make any overt moves. Anyone who could make Zhu Yuyan behave so deferentially was clearly no ordinary person. Acting rashly wasn't Bai Qing'er's style.
---
As Sulia's junior sister, Bai Qing'er was no simple figure. In fact, if you excluded martial arts, Bai Qing'er was even more cunning than Sulia.
"Zhu Yuyan, you have some nerve to dare cause trouble at the Dugu Clan's estate."
Under Zhu Yuyan's leadership, the group quickly broke into the Dugu Clan's mansion. The Dugu Clan's experts, led by You Chuhong, finally appeared.
Aside from You Chuhong, the clan leader Dugu Feng, Dugu Feng's daughter Dugu Feng, and several elders also emerged.
Although Zhu Yuyan and You Chuhong weren't from the same generation, as top-tier experts, they were naturally acquainted.
"This is no dragon's den or tiger's lair. Why wouldn't I dare to come?" Zhu Yuyan remained calm upon seeing You Chuhong. Under normal circumstances, even if the Demon Sect had the strength, they wouldn't dare to invade a noble family's estate. But now, with someone powerful backing them, the Yin Kuai Sect had no such reservations.
"Outrageous!" You Chuhong brandished her emerald-green jade cane, which glowed with a crystalline light. One moment, she seemed like a frail old woman on the verge of collapse; the next, she transformed into a fierce lion, pouncing toward Zhu Yuyan.
"Grandmother, I'll help you!" As You Chuhong attacked, Dugu Feng drew her sword and prepared to join the fight. After all, her opponent was Zhu Yuyan, and with You Chuhong's health issues, Dugu Feng wasn't willing to let her face Zhu Yuyan alone.
"Little sister from the Dugu Clan, if you want to fight, I'll keep you company."
Just as Dugu Feng was about to move, Sulia stepped forward, wielding her Heavenly Demon Twin Blades, and intercepted her. Facing Dugu Feng, even the Holy Maiden of the Yin Kuai Sect had to take out her weapons immediately.
It had to be said that Dugu Feng, the clan leader of the Dugu Clan, was the most pitiful among the leaders of the four great clans. His martial arts ranked only third within the Dugu Clan, making him a nominal leader with no real authority. The true power in the Dugu Clan lay in You Chuhong's hands.
"Attack!"
As Zhu Yuyan faced You Chuhong and Sulia engaged Dugu Feng, Dugu Feng led the other experts of the Dugu Clan to confront the remaining Yin Kuai Sect members.
"Quite a few people have arrived. This is when I really wish I had Conqueror's Haki."
Shortly after the battle began, guards from other parts of the Dugu Clan's estate began to converge on the scene. After all, this was the Dugu Clan's territory, and they had no shortage of archers and crossbowmen. However, in the midst of such a chaotic battle, neither the archers nor the crossbowmen dared to attack recklessly.
They could only surround the battlefield and remain on high alert.
"Cough, cough! Everyone, stop!"
After You Chuhong finished unleashing her full set of "Cloak Staff Techniques" against Zhu Yuyan, she quickly retreated. Seeing that Zhu Yuyan didn't pursue her and noticing Daniel Davis standing to the side, fanning himself as if watching a show, You Chuhong coughed a few times and then shouted loudly.
Due to her suspected asthma, You Chuhong could only execute one full set of her staff techniques before her condition would flare up, making prolonged high-intensity combat impossible. If her opponent were weaker, it wouldn't be a problem, but Zhu Yuyan was stronger than her.
You Chuhong held great authority within the Dugu Clan. As soon as she spoke, the Dugu Clan members immediately withdrew from the battle, and the Yin Kuai Sect members regrouped behind Zhu Yuyan.
"I never expected the Yin Kuai Sect to side with him. Zhu Yuyan, have you lost your mind? Cough, cough!" Seeing Zhu Yuyan and her subordinates standing respectfully behind Daniel Davis, You Chuhong was so shocked that her asthma attack was momentarily delayed.
"A wise bird chooses its branch. Sect Leader Zhu has simply made the right choice. Now it's time for the Dugu Clan to make its choice."
As Daniel Davis spoke, he snapped his fan shut, and the entire courtyard suddenly turned black and white. The Daoist Heavenly Sect's "Heaven and Earth Lose Color" technique might not have the ability to clear out weaklings like Conqueror's Haki, but it was still effective for dealing with ordinary soldiers.
"You Chuhong, tell me your choice now. Will you submit, or will you die?"
"Who are you?"
Feeling the immense pressure around her body, which made it impossible to even move her limbs, You Chuhong's half-closed eyes suddenly widened, revealing a look of utter disbelief.
(End of Chapter)
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