"Five Alliance Leaders?"

Jiang Shi wondered.

"Yes, once the Four Symbols Alliance Leader returns, I'll take you to meet him. As long as he agrees to take you as his disciple, all your dangers will be resolved on their own."

Chen Xuantian said, "But for now, you shouldn't overthink; focus on the Blood Exchange."

"Alright!"

Jiang Shi nodded once more, cupped his hands in respect, and left.

Four Symbols Alliance Leader?

Perhaps not everyone shares Chen Xuantian's view...

In his heart, waves surged deeply, and he glanced at the jade pendant again.

But the Sect Leader actually has ties with the noble families of the Yiyuan Alliance?

Indeed, the entangled connections between major forces are far from as simple as they seem on the surface; as long as there are interests, it seems there's nothing you can't do.

After leaving the place, Jiang Shi quickly acquired an exquisite human skin mask, changed into a brand-new outfit, summoned the Demon Horse, and began his journey immediately.

···

North of Great Xuan.

The land of Youzhou.

It has always been an important checkpoint guarded by Meng Fang.

At this moment.

In an inconspicuous inn, two figures gathered here, both immensely robust, with tall bodies and each wearing a mysterious bronze mask, dressed in thick bear fur coats.

Their vitality was strong, their gazes sharp, and blood light seemed to faintly burst from their pores.

Without a doubt, these two were immensely powerful and terrifying beings.

If any expert familiar with mask styles were present, they would immediately recognize them. They were not from Great Xuan but hailed from Northern Zhou.

They were famous strongmen on the Northern Zhou Black List, ranked thirty-third, "Bear's Claw" Yuan Kun, and ranked twenty-eighth, "Poisonous Bee" Xiao Yue.

"This land of Youzhou is truly prosperous and beautiful. Beyond Youzhou lies the endless Central Plains, which is even more prosperous and affluent, a place our ancestors dreamt of. Unfortunately, Youzhou has been guarded by Meng Fang for over a decade, preventing us from Northern Zhou from venturing through, trapping us in the bitter northern lands. How sad for my fellow Northern Zhou residents!"

The masked "Poisonous Bee" Xiao Yue sighed lightly.

"Don't worry, it won't be long before Great Xuan can no longer stop our Northern Zhou cavalry. Great Xuan is already in disarray, with rebel armies rising everywhere, exposing countless wounds, and even the noble families guarding Great Xuan are now divided into five factions. Just a few days ago, these five alliances even fought among themselves, showing how chaotic the situation is in Great Xuan now. They won't be able to stop us."

"Bear's Claw" Yuan Kun said with a cold tone.

"I've heard about this, too. It seems to be a conflict between the Quzhou Kong Family and the Black Lotus Holy Sect. Moreover, a second Innate Vajra has emerged within Great Xuan, sparking the conflict. Overnight, the Kong Family suffered heavy casualties, and many noble families were wiped out as well. I've heard Meng Fang even attacked the Kong Family at night. That's how we managed to pass through Youzhou unnoticed."

The "Poisonous Bee" Xiao Yue said.

Otherwise, with Meng Fang guarding, it would have been impossible for them to pass through Youzhou.

Meng Fang was powerful and domineering, with insights exceeding ordinary people. Many Northern Zhou experts had tried to infiltrate, only to be directly killed by him.

"An Innate Vajra is already so terrifying, and yet Great Xuan has a second one. Fortunately, this Innate Vajra seems to still be in the growth stage, not reaching Meng Fang's level. This gives us a chance to eliminate him."

"Bear's Claw" Yuan Kun's tone turned cold:

"Moreover, our Northern Zhou is not to be trifled with. All tribes have now been unified by the Longevity Sect, reaching an unprecedented level of cohesion. Awaiting only the Shaman's command, the cavalry will march south. When that time comes, not even Meng Fang will be able to stop us. You and I are here to gather intel first, learn more advantageous information, and then see if we can take out that second Innate Vajra."

"Hmm, that's doable!"

The "Poisonous Bee" Xiao Yue replied.

···

Days later.

The land of Qingyang.

Zhao Houcai, dressed in a brown-yellow robe, sat astride a splendid horse, accompanied by his daughter and disciple as they moved forward.

Along the way, they took in countless sights of the Central Plains.

"This time, the Patriarch of the Qingyang Xiao Family is celebrating his 400th birthday, hosting an open banquet and inviting all Jianghu people. Every Jianghu person is eligible to have a meal there. Such an event is a rare occurrence, even once in a hundred years. Once we get there, remember, don't talk too much, definitely don't talk too much."

Zhao Houcai reminded once more.

"Rest assured, Dad. Who am I, your daughter? You should know! I promise to just eat and not talk!"

Zhao Feiyan patted her small chest, raised her head, and said.

On one side, Shangguan Yun gently shook his head, smiling wryly.

If only this junior sister of his behaved as she claimed.

They wouldn't have had to flee all the way from Xuanyang to this Qingyang.

Though both place names contain the word "Yang," at least seven to eight thousand miles separate them.

"Master, we shouldn't... shouldn't encounter that guy again this time, right?"

Shangguan Yun suddenly shivered, for some reason feeling an inexplicable foreboding.

It seemed like every significant event was marked by encountering that guy.

"Relax, Qingyang is over ten thousand miles away from the Black Lotus Holy Sect. Our uneventful journey suggests our destinies have parted ways; we'll no longer meet."

Throat-lock Hand Zhao Houcai said in a calm tone.

"That's good then."

Shangguan Yun nodded repeatedly.

"The people ahead seem to be heading for the open feast too. Let's go and join them."

Zhao Houcai smiled, leading his disciple and daughter to quicken their pace.

In the area ahead.

A large group of Jianghu people gathered, chattering noisily, with at least dozens of people.

Jiang Shi mingled among them, listening to various news, thinking it was just the right time to blend in with the crowd and enter the Xiao Family. Suddenly, his eyes caught sight of some familiar figures.

"Oh, is that Elder Zhao, the Throat-lock Hand, up ahead?"

He opened his mouth with delight.

···

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