Snow covered the green mountains, and the mountain path was muddy. Meng Qi didn’t wait long before entering Longyan Mountain, located at the border of two provinces, where there weren’t many Outer Manifestation experts to provide sufficient deterrence. If the mysterious monk behind the scenes was ruthless and decisive, the assassination team sent by the Benevolent Sect might be quite formidable, possibly not deterring them from rash actions, forcing them to switch from covert assassination to an open attack.
Therefore, Meng Qi decided to quicken his pace, taking advantage of the current opportunity when only one Red-tier assassin was on this route, to cross Longyan Mountain and enter the territory of Qin Prefecture. That area was close to Shaolin, where martial arts flourished. Many secular disciples from Shaolin had settled there, resulting in a relatively high number of Outer Manifestation experts and a significant presence of Six Gates Bureau’s Silver-Badge and Green-Ribbon agents.
The Benevolent Sect had a limited number of assassins ranked Orange-tier and above, with only a few individuals at each level, some levels having only one or two people. Given the vastness of the land and the numerous assignments, the number of assassins assigned to deal with Meng Qi, a mere Qi-opening cultivator, would certainly not exceed five, and they couldn’t afford any losses. Once in the southern part of Qin Prefecture, the attention would shift, and they would likely back off.
These considerations flashed through Meng Qi’s mind, prompting him to enter Longyan Mountain.
At this time, it was impossible for an Outer Manifestation expert to come out directly to protect him. Firstly, individuals with such noble qualities were rare, and they could only be enticed by rewards, family incentives, and sect benefits to secretly follow and wait for their “prey.” Secondly, Meng Qi himself hoped they would remain hidden. If the Benevolent Sect discovered the number of experts, they would certainly make corresponding arrangements. The unknown would make them hesitant, unable to determine the opponent’s strength and thus unable to launch targeted attacks. For assassins, it was better not to act at all than to make a move without certainty.
Typically, assassins would strike only after thoroughly understanding the situation when the target was at their most vulnerable.
Cui Hao and others watched Meng Qi enter the mountain. After some deliberation, they secretly followed him. If they encountered Red-tier or Orange-tier assassins or higher, they would certainly stand aside and avoid danger. However, if it was merely a Gold-tier assassin, they might take the opportunity to act heroically. Killing one or two assassins would immediately bring them fame and establish their reputation.
Meng Qi walked along the mountain path when suddenly he heard someone shouting from behind:
“Please, young hero, stop for a moment!”
Meng Qi turned around, his blade drawn for protection, but he remained silent.
The leader was a martial artist wearing a large cloak. He bowed and said, “Evil cults and deviant sects deserve to be eliminated by all. If the young hero doesn’t mind, we would like to travel together with you to resist the assassins from the Benevolent Sect.”
Meng Qi slashed his long blade, signaling them not to approach, and politely replied with a smile, “Fellow martial heroes, assassins excel at lying low and changing their appearances. I would rather travel alone than risk having hidden daggers beside me. If you truly wish to help, follow us quietly and join the hunt once the assassins appear.”
So far, even if a Gold-tier assassin set up an ambush, it wouldn’t threaten him. However, as the saying goes, “A visible arrow is easy to dodge, but a hidden one is hard to avoid.” If someone he trusted and didn’t suspect suddenly attacked, he might fall victim. Many experts had died at the hands of loved ones, disciples, or friends whose martial arts skills were inferior!
The martial artist felt somewhat embarrassed at being refused, but Meng Qi’s stance was firm, leaving him helpless. He could only lead his companions into the roadside woods, following silently.
Birds had vanished from the mountains, and no footprints marked the paths. Longyan Mountain was silent and cold, but hidden within the pine forests and snow, countless Qi-opening experts lurked.
Meng Qi trudged through the snow, making creaking sounds. He didn’t bother to leave no trace but instead focused entirely on speed, hoping to cross the mountains as quickly as possible.
Night fell, thick clouds obscured the moon, and the mountains were plunged into darkness. Occasionally, terrifying beast roars echoed from the depths, reverberating through the still, desolate air.
After several days of travel, Meng Qi slightly slowed his pace, retrieving water and dry rations from his Ji Zi Ring to replenish his strength and prevent excessive fatigue from impairing his abilities.
He didn’t light a fire or hunt for food, partly due to time constraints and partly out of fear that the assassins, skilled in poisons, might surreptitiously poison his food. Pre-prepared water and rations were more reassuring.
Ahead, by the roadside, appeared a mountain god temple. Built for travelers to rest and shelter from rain, it was quite well-maintained. Flickering firelight seeped through, the orange glow dancing warmly in the winter night, inviting him to step inside and warm himself.
Inside, who knows who might be… Meng Qi was about to pass the temple and continue on his way.
“Young sir,” a woman’s voice suddenly called from inside the temple, “the winter night is bitterly cold, and the journey is difficult. Why not come in and rest for a while?”
Her voice was soft and melodious, as if gently caressing his heart. At the same time, Meng Qi seemed to catch the scent of food and perfume mingling with the pine fragrance by the roadside, creating an indescribable aroma.
The mountain walls and dense forests naturally formed a windbreak, allowing only a gentle breeze that struggled to disperse the scent.
Something was off. Meng Qi immediately became alert and realized his Qi circulation had become sluggish. A moment’s carelessness could lead to disaster!
He remained calm, taking out a “Mind-Stabilizing and Toxin-Repelling Pill,” pretending to cover his nose, and placed it in his mouth. The medicinal effects spread through his body, rapidly dispelling the poison and restoring his normal state.
Just then, a thunderous explosion erupted, shaking the mountain path. Smoke billowed everywhere, indicating the use of countless thunder bombs!
Then, a firework shot out from the temple, soaring into the sky and bursting into a dazzling display!
“‘Fierce Blade’ Su Meng, your reputation precedes you, but today, seeing you in person, you’re nothing special,” a male voice came from the bend ahead, growing closer rapidly.
He was of average height, his head as smooth as a boiled egg with no hair, thick eyebrows, deep-set eyes, a slightly flat nose, and thick lips.
This man was in his thirties, dressed in a dark red robe almost black, holding a blood-colored long blade.
Meng Qi waited for the medicine’s effects to fully take hold, holding a sword in his left hand and a blade in his right, not rushing to attack. He calmly said, “Blazing Fiend of Flame? I didn’t expect you to dare involve yourself in this matter. Aren’t you afraid of being surrounded by heroes and captured by the Six Gates Bureau for the bounty? Or have you joined the Benevolent Sect?”
Recognizing the man’s distinctive appearance, Meng Qi immediately identified him. He was the Blazing Fiend of Flame from the Heaven-Annihilating Sect’s Nineteen Fiends, ranked steadily among the top five fiends!
He practiced the “Blazing Demon Blade,” progressing slowly but with a solid foundation. Although he hadn’t made it onto the Human List before the age of thirty-five, he was now only forty and already nearing the threshold of Heaven-Man Communion, with ample time ahead to break through to the Outer Manifestation. According to the Six Gates Bureau’s assessment, he was among the top ten on the Human List.
“I was doing well in the Heaven-Annihilating Sect; why would I betray them to join the Benevolent Sect? I was hired to eliminate you today!” The Blazing Fiend of Flame laughed heartily, similarly not rushing to attack, as if waiting for something. “As for the heroes? Many thunder bombs gathered by the ‘Green Hermit’ of the Luo Sect have already blown up the mountain path. They’ll have trouble reaching here in time to attend your funeral.”
His words were sharp and confrontational, initiating a psychological battle right from the start.
“Green Hermit” of the Luo Sect, Meng Qi was startled in his heart. Not only had the Heaven-Annihilating Sect become involved, but the Luo Sect had also sent someone?
A green shadow appeared on the mountain path behind him, footsteps light as if floating on the ground, his face gaunt and pale, seemingly suffering from internal injuries.
“Ghost Shadow Cold Palm? You’re actually the Green Hermit of the Luo Sect!” Supported by Six Gates Bureau intelligence, Meng Qi recognized the person blocking his retreat just as well.
The newcomer’s alias was “Ghost Shadow Cold Palm,” a notorious evil figure among the heterodox sects. Seven or eight years ago, he had already broken through the Life-Death Mystery Gate, becoming a Half-Step Outer Manifestation expert. However, the demonic martial arts he practiced were extremely perilous. Later, he suffered a severe internal injury from a martial arts mishap, barely surviving but greatly diminishing his strength. Each time he used his palm technique, it was akin to self-mutilation, hence his recent years of obscurity and infrequent appearances. It was unexpected that he had become the Luo Sect’s “Green Hermit,” or perhaps had always been one?
“Dying by your hand to cure my internal injuries is an honor you should cherish,” the Green Hermit’s voice was ethereal and hoarse.
Renowned for his lightness kung fu, he had followed Meng Qi from behind without anyone noticing!
Facing the Blazing Fiend of Flame alone was no easy task, but now with the Green Hermit and the woman inside the temple who had poisoned him, Meng Qi immediately felt the same pressure as when Jiang Hengchuan faced Jiang Zhiwei, Ruan Yushu, and himself working together.
“Master Su, you’re not making the first move. Could it be that you’re waiting for assistance from an Outer Manifestation expert near Longyan?” The woman from the temple stepped out. Her hair was tied in a bun, wearing a light purple gown that flowed gracefully. Her appearance was fresh and beautiful, with a charming smile and a beauty mark at the corner of her mouth.
She held a jade flute in her left hand, its surface shimmering with emerald light, captivating to behold.
“‘Soul-Draining Flute’ Lin Biyu?” Meng Qi recognized her identity from the beauty mark and the jade flute.
She was also a master of heterodox sects, skilled in sound-based martial arts and poison. Though she appeared to be in her early twenties, she was actually over forty, having attained the Nine Orifices cultivation level. Although she might not match the Blazing Fiend of Flame and the Green Hermit, her ability to attack and control from a distance was extremely troublesome!
This lineup was much stronger than the ambush in the city. Although it might not be as terrifying as the combined forces of Meng Qi, Jiang Zhiwei, and Ruan Yushu against Jiang Hengchuan, it was close.
“You shouldn’t have sabotaged the plans of the Star of Literature and slain the Fire Virtue Star Lord. This opportunity wouldn’t have presented itself without someone pulling the strings behind the scenes,” Lin Biyu remarked with a smile.
“Right now, Longyan City is in chaos. A Yellow-tier assassin and two Red-tier assassins may not be able to confront the Outer Manifestation experts nearby, but they arrived late and had no chance to target you directly. However, they were enough to distract the experts.”
A Yellow-tier assassin was even more formidable than the Orange-tier assassins Meng Qi had anticipated. The monk behind the scenes was truly ruthless and decisive, crushing everything with overwhelming force. Fortunately, Meng Qi had responded appropriately!
Unexpectedly, the “Myth” organization hadn’t forgotten their old grudge, although they hadn’t directly intervened. Still, they had seized the opportunity to push things forward?
But how had they obtained knowledge of Meng Qi’s movements? On their revenge list, Meng Qi definitely didn’t rank high enough to warrant attention from top experts or above.
Could it be that the monk behind the scenes had a close relationship with the “Myth” organization?
Only that could explain it…
“So, there’s no immediate help coming,” Meng Qi suddenly laughed lightly. “I’m waiting, but you must be waiting too, for my poison to take effect, or for stronger reinforcements?”
Lin Biyu giggled softly. “It seems you have an exceptional antidote pill.”
The “Blazing Fiend of Flame” wore a relaxed expression. “Indeed, another Red-tier assassin is climbing the mountain to join us. You can’t escape.”
He admitted it openly, applying psychological pressure on Meng Qi, hoping to make him feel desperate and anxious, to break his spirit. In a duel between experts, even the slightest negligence could be fatal.
Meng Qi’s expression turned serious as he looked at his long blade and sword. His tone was calm and steady. “No matter. I’ll kill all of you before he arrives!”
He stepped forward, his aura surging like a sword drawn from its sheath. He shouted loudly, “If you want to kill me, at least one of you will die with me! Who will be first?”
Meng Qi’s thunderous shout echoed far and wide. Before launching his attack, he had already targeted the weaknesses of the three opponents, shaking their confidence.
They belonged to different factions and were clearly working together for the first time, unable to trust each other fully or coordinate as seamlessly as Meng Qi, Jiang Zhiwei, and Ruan Yushu had. Their hesitation to attack immediately and their individual focus on waiting for the Red-tier assassin were clear evidence. If Meng Qi could seize this opportunity and utilize it effectively, he still had a chance to win!
One monk can fetch water alone, two monks can carry it together, but three monks will have no water to drink!
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