Yang Jianfei walked out from Jade Cauldron Tower with a sullen face.

He wasn't happy these days.

First, Xia Xiuxue was becoming more and more averse to him, ambivalent and indifferent. Because of this, he even faced some exclusion and targeting.

Second, he originally intended to have his uncle, Yang Han, help out by employing some means to arrange a "special" task for Gu Yuan, giving him a lesson he'd never forget!

But when he finished speaking, he was sternly reprimanded by his uncle, who warned him that in the past he wouldn't have interfered, even if it meant killing Gu Yuan.

But now Gu Yuan's status was different; he had already gained the attention and recognition of the Pavilion Master and the Chief Manager. His uncle advised him not to entertain such thoughts and suggested he make peace with Gu Yuan since it's better to resolve enmity than to foster it.

Killing Gu Yuan wouldn't benefit him, and if the matter were exposed, it would offend several people including the Pavilion Master. Befriending this genius, on the other hand, could be very advantageous.

But how could Yang Jianfei be reconciled?

The more his uncle acted this way, the more unwilling he became, feeling as though the whole world, including his uncle, was against him!

He even blamed all his current frustrations, including the various humiliations and dissatisfaction he experienced of late, on Gu Yuan.

If he didn't do something, he wouldn't be able to live with himself!

"Gu Yuan must die! Since none of you will help me, I'll take matters into my own hands..."

Yang Jianfei made up his mind to hire someone to do the deed.

He planned to have Gu Yuan kidnapped, and then sever his tendons and shatter all his bones!

Wasn't Gu Yuan known for his Iron Bone and Soft Tendons?

When his tendons are severed and bones broken, rendering him a cripple, he'd see if this cripple would still get the special treatment from the Pavilion Master, Chief Manager, Xia Xiuxue, and others.

The thought of Gu Yuan's tendons severed, bones shattered, lying paralyzed on the ground screaming in agony brought a sinister smile of pleasure to Yang Jianfei's face.

But just as he took a few steps, a chill enveloped his entire body.

Clang—

Then he saw a thin, unremarkable man beside him draw a long knife and slash at him!

The blade was as bright as snow, glinting with a chilly light, slicing through the air.

Before it even reached him, an icy, sharp intent hit him in the face, making him feel as if he were in an icehouse, the cold killing intent almost freezing him.

The strike came suddenly! Abruptly! Simply catching him completely off guard!

"Ah!!!"

In a life-or-death moment, Yang Jianfei's scalp nearly exploded. He let out a frantic scream and barely managed to react from his previous state, hurriedly retreating!

Though he narrowly avoided being bisected, the sharp point of the blade tore through his clothing, nearly disemboweling him.

A bloody scar appeared on his waist, oozing a line of blood.

Cold wind poured in through the cut, chilling him to the bone.

Yet at that moment, Yang Jianfei couldn't care less about his injuries, nor the chaotic, screaming crowd around him.

For the assailant, failing with one strike, swung down with another.

This slash was forceful and overwhelming, without any flourish, and as the long blade sliced through the air, it emitted a chilling "wuh-wuh" sound!

In his panic, Yang Jianfei only had time to draw his long sword, holding it horizontally in front of him.

Clang!

With a crisp sound, a section of the shiny sword spun and fell to the ground, the break clean and smooth.

In his hand, only half the broken sword remained.

As for him, he was frozen in place, not moving, his expression fixed with a mix of shock and fear.

A thin red line appeared on his body, from top to bottom, splitting him cleanly through his brow, philtrum, chest center, solar plexus, lower abdomen, perineum, dividing him into two halves.

As the red line widened, the two halves of his corpse fell to either side, hitting the ground, splattering red blood and colorful entrails.

"Ah! Murder!"

Witnessing this gruesome scene, many on the street hurriedly retreated, screaming in shock!

In just a few moments, there was no one left near Yang Jianfei's body.

"Pavilion Master Xia, Brother Wei Chuan asked me to send his regards. This is just a little appetizer; soon, he will send you a grand gift!"

As for the culprit, he left behind a deep, peculiar message before quickly fleeing.

From drawing his knife, to killing, to escaping, he took only a few breaths' time.

By the time several figures rushed out of Jade Cauldron Tower, the murderer had vanished into the crowd.

"Jianfei!"

Steward Yang Han saw his nephew's corpse, as if struck by lightning, shouted, and stood there in a daze.

His expression heartbroken, immensely angry.

This nephew was someone he watched grow up and whom he had disciplined. Although the nephew occasionally conflicted with him, their bond was deep.

Even an object can evoke feelings, let alone a cherished younger relative?

"This person's swordsmanship could only be called passable, but the power was immense, and the moves fierce and ruthless, clearly intended just for killing!"

Old Mo stepped forward a few paces, ignoring the bloody mess, and closely examined the wound, gravely making a judgment.

"Can you determine what sword skill this is?"

At this moment, a tall, charming middle-aged man with slight wrinkles at the corner of his eyes appeared beside him.

Just by standing there quietly, he exuded an aura that commanded attention!

"Greetings, Pavilion Master."

Yang Han, upon seeing the man, bit back his sorrow and hurriedly saluted.

This was none other than Xia Mingyang, the Pavilion Master of Jade Cauldron Tower.

"I can't tell."

Old Mo shook his head:

"The person used very few moves, relying only on brute force rather than True Qi, leaving no clues."

Upon hearing this, Xia Mingyang's expression was calm, revealing no hint of his emotions, as he looked towards Yang Han and said:

"Steward Yang, I'll give you half a month to handle your nephew's affairs. Rest assured, I will give you an explanation for this matter sooner or later."

Yang Han wanted to mention the things the murderer said before leaving, but his lips moved, and ultimately he didn't dare say anything, and said dejectedly:

"Yes, I obey your command!"

"Hmm."

Xia Mingyang said no more, maintaining a serene demeanor, but the intense aura boiling around him caused those nearby to feel tense and as if treading on thin ice.

Those familiar with him understood that their Pavilion Master was now at the peak of his wrath.

Understandably so, to kill Yang Jianfei at the doorstep of Jade Cauldron Tower, and explicitly stating it was aimed at him, the Pavilion Master, was nothing short of an act of provocation. If Xia Mingyang weren't enraged, that would indeed be abnormal.

After a moment of silence, Xia Mingyang continued:

"Many things have happened lately, whether it's Wei Chuan of the Gu God Sect, Yan Shisan causing chaos at Qian Mansion, or the evil being that sucks Essence Blood at night, all these suggest that Beiliang City is about to be embroiled in turmoil and is extremely dangerous!"

"Although we at Jade Cauldron Tower have the backing of Medicine King Mountain, we must proceed with caution. It's best if you go out in pairs for safety."

"Moreover, starting now, mobilize all available forces to hunt down the culprit until the person is found! Anyone who dares block the way, arrest them; if they resist, kill them directly!"

"Yes!"

The stewards, guards, Medicine Gatherers present responded sternly, acknowledging the orders.

...

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