Back when Han Li had to take action personally to prevent members of the Broken Water Sect from fleeing and alerting other enemies, he had used the Luo Yan Step and Wind Control Technique in tandem. Within moments, he swiftly eliminated all the enemies, leaving Li Feiyu, who had planned to join the fight, dumbstruck. This was the moment when Li Feiyu finally understood the true extent of Han Li's abilities.
Coming back to his senses, Li Feiyu, astonished by Han Li's remarkable prowess, immediately considered discarding his current cultivation path to learn the Blink Sword Technique. However, his remaining rationality quickly reminded him that with his time and aptitude, such a feat would be impossible.
As a result, on the rest of their journey, Li Feiyu could not stop venting his frustration toward Han Li, bemoaning how Han Li had seemingly stumbled upon an incredibly powerful technique. This constant griping was thick with sourness, and though Han Li ignored him, it was clear that Li Feiyu's jealousy had reached a boiling point.
Han Li, on the other hand, didn't waste time responding to his friend's acidic remarks. He focused on dispatching any enemies they came across with lethal precision, revealing more of his true strength. The opponents were unable to even land a single blow on him before meeting their demise. Even several higher-ranking experts were easily dispatched.
Eventually, the duo arrived at Elder Li's residence and learned from Ma Rong that Elder Li and Zhang Xiu'er had already ascended to Sunset Peak. The news was a blow to Li Feiyu, whose face turned pale with fear. He knew all too well how perilous the peak had become. To send Zhang Xiu'er there was essentially a death sentence.
With no time to waste, the two immediately decided to head toward Sunset Peak, but not before a small altercation occurred. The annoying, rotund henchman of Wang Juechu had issued an order for them to stay, threatening them with sect rules. In a fit of impatience and worry for Zhang Xiu'er, Li Feiyu smacked the man unconscious with a single palm, instructing his subordinates to remain behind and guard the others as he and Han Li hurried off.
Upon reaching the vicinity of Sunset Peak, the two were immediately struck by the sheer number of enemies gathered there. Realizing that a direct assault would be suicidal, they came up with a clever plan. They knocked out two disciples of the Broken Water Sect, took their clothes, and blended in with the attacking forces. They easily reached the top of the peak, overhearing Wang Juechu's chilling words.
As they pondered the implications of Wang Juechu's threats and the possibility of a deadly trap hidden within the mountain, Li Feiyu couldn't contain his anxiety and constantly pressed Han Li for reassurance.
"Don't worry about whether his words are true or false," Han Li whispered back. "The most important thing right now is to get inside the main hall, find your girl, and then quietly slip down the mountain. Staying here is far too dangerous, no matter what happens."
Li Feiyu frowned, clearly conflicted. "That's true, but how do we slip in unnoticed with so many eyes on us?"
"Just wait," Han Li said with a resigned sigh. "We'll find an opportunity soon enough."
However, just as the two anxiously debated their next move, the ground beneath their feet suddenly began to tremble. At first, the shaking was slight, but soon it became violent, knocking many people off their feet. Rocks began to tumble down the mountainside, and panic spread through the crowd.
"The mountain is collapsing! That Wang guy is going to take us all down with him!" a reckless voice shouted in the midst of the chaos.
Panic spread like wildfire, and many people began to flee toward the exit, disregarding Wang Juechu's previous warning, as they tried to escape what they believed was an imminent collapse.
"Boom!" A deafening crash echoed through the air, and the ground shook once more, this time with even more intensity. It sounded as if the mountain was about to crumble.
At that moment, everyone—including Jia Tianlong and his men—believed the mountain's collapse had begun, and despair began to settle in. Even if someone tried to escape now, they knew it would be too late.
Jia Tianlong, shaken with both fear and anger, found himself surrounded by his loyal Iron Guards. But internally, he was just as lost as the others. He turned his gaze to his ally, the Golden Light Taoist, hoping for some guidance. However, when he saw the Taoist's panicked expression, his heart sank.
The Golden Light Taoist, who was once a figure of awe in Jia Tianlong's eyes, was clearly as frightened as the rest of them. Jia Tianlong could no longer hold on to his respect for the Taoist.
"Heh," Wang Juechu's mocking voice rang out amidst the chaos. "I thought the Wild Wolf Gang was filled with brave warriors, but it looks like you're all a bunch of cowards after all."
Despite the turmoil, Wang Juechu's voice carried clearly across the mountain, showcasing his remarkable control over his energy. His words pierced the panic-stricken air, and as soon as they were spoken, the trembling beneath their feet abruptly ceased. It was as though the mountain had calmed, the tremors subsiding in an instant.
The crowd stood stunned for a moment, but then they realized that the stone hall, the very one that had been the center of attention, had completely vanished. In its place was a massive hole, several acres wide. Some brave souls crept closer to peer inside, only to recoil in shock at the sight. The pit was so deep that nothing could be seen at the bottom—it was unfathomably vast.
"Jia Tianlong," Wang Juechu's cold voice rang out again, "I wonder if this 'evidence' is enough to prove my words?"
Jia Tianlong's face drained of color. He did not immediately respond, instead scanning the area around him. He saw that everyone, from his own men to the various gang members, looked utterly stunned and fearful. Even his own Iron Guards wore expressions of anxiety.
Jia Tianlong knew then that the plan to annihilate the Seven Celestial Sect in one fell swoop was no longer possible. His only option now was to retreat and regroup, strategizing for a future battle.
"You have conditions, don't you?" Jia Tianlong finally spoke, his voice filled with unwillingness. "But you should be aware that, even with this, we are still at a standstill. Don't push your luck."
A bitter smile tugged at the corners of his lips, as he silently accepted the reality that, for the moment, he was out of options.