Later that night, deep in the shadowy depths of the sect's forbidden sublevels, several mysterious figures gathered for a sinister meeting with Chi Qide.
"The plan has changed, but our goal remains the same," one of the dark figures remarked.
"And what is the new plan?" asked another figure.
"It's not your place to question him; just be prepared," Chi Qide replied.
"How can we prepare if we don't know the plan?" replied the second figure.
"We agree," commented the other figures.
Meanwhile, in a dimly lit hall, a figure leaned against a stone pillar,
His gaunt and hollow-eyed. This figure was Chi Wei. His appearance was due to his reckless use of the Azure Lotus Scripture and the Blood Sacrifice.
"I'll kill that fucking bastard Long Huang if it's the last thing I do," Chi Wei spat, his voice a tempest of rage and bitterness as his words echoed.
A promise of vengeance fueled by desperation.
....
As dawn's first light trickled through the ancient willow trees at the Huang family manor, the air was mixed with an intoxicating mixture of hope and impending dread.
The sweet scent of blooming spirit orchids mingled with a metallic tang of expectancy that hung thick in the courtyard.
Long Huang woke up to find Huang Min already in the midst of her practicing a sword art.
"Finally awake, I see," she remarked.
"Yeah, I'm surprised. Since when do you get up this early? You're usually dead asleep at this time of day," Long Huang replied.
"People change," Huang Min shot back, her tone icy.
Long Huang smirked and retorted,
"Oh, don't pull the Ice Princess act on me now... Senior."
"How about a quick spar at the training ground?" he suggested.
"Why should I?" Huang Min asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Oh, don't think that just because you won our last match, you've won the entire war," he replied playfully.
"Come on, let's go!" Long Huang insisted as he grabbed Huang Min by the wrist and pulled her along.
Upon arriving at the sparring ground of the Azure Lotus Sect, the usual clamor of swords clashing and fists striking was replaced by hushed whispers.
The Savage Marquis made his entrance, flanked by his elite guards. A top his horse now dressed in flowing robes of gold and black, he cast a long shadow over the gathered disciples and elders.
His smile was sharp, like a blade's edge. He emanated a powerful, oppressive aura that left some visibly shaken.
He then retracted the oppressive aura that had surrounded him, transforming his demeanor into one that radiated warmth and friendliness.
Perched confidently on his majestic horse, he stretched out his arms wide, inviting engagement from those around him, making others perceive him as approachable.
"Esteemed Elders and disciples of the Azure Lotus Sect," he began, his voice smooth as the finest silk,
"I come bearing a bonus prize for the champion."
The sparring ground buzzed with excitement and intrigue, particularly after the previous day's extraordinary finals in the competition, an event that Blossom City had never witnessed before.
The match showcased an astonishing display of dominance by Huang Min, whose skill and power left the whole City in awe.
Disciples exchanged whispers and eager glances, feeling that the incredible performance warranted such a response. To them, it seemed only fitting for Huang Min to receive such favor. And some even thought that it would also serve as a form of encouragement for future disciples and citizens.
Long Huang and Huang Min had just arrived and stood at the edge of the sparring ground when they heard this.
Long Huang had his arms crossed and eyes narrowed as he observed Huang Min adjusting her robes, her expression enigmatic.
He thought to himself, " The Savage Marquis's already brought two expensive gifts: the jagged purple crystal key and two jade vials of unknown liquid, both probably worth hundreds of thousands of gold notes."
So this made Long Huang wondered what other kind of 'gift' this marquis could offer.
"How long do you think he'll continue playing the role of a passing guest?" Long Huang mused.
Huang Min's gaze drifted towards the sparring ground, overshadowed by the presence of the Savage Marquis.
"He's too calculated. Those gifts… I'm sure they're not mere trinkets," she replied tersely.
Suddenly, the hall fell silent as the Savage Marquis approached them, his smile disarmingly warm.
"Ah, the hero of the competition! I've brought a small token for the young lady," he proclaimed, producing a silver hairpin adorned with a glimmering moonstone.
"A gift for a rising star,"
"For your outstanding performance," he then added with a smile.
Huang Min tightened her grip on the delicate hairpin, its stone pulsing softly in harmony with her Heavenly Moon Spirit bloodline.
"It's beautiful," she acknowledged, though her expression remained emotionless.
"Thank you," she added, but there was a hint of wariness in her tone.
Seeing that she accepted the gift without hesitation, the Savage Marquis smiled and said,
"I leave for the Kingdom tomorrow morning. Perhaps you would care to join me for some tea before I depart?" His voice seemed to carry a hidden intent.
"Sorry, but I don't like tea," Huang Min replied coldly.
"Well, that's too bad. Maybe another time, then," the Savage Marquis said in a calm, neutral tone. He then turned and left with his men.
As the marquis walked away, Long Huang narrowed his eyes, an unsettling realization settling in.
"That hairpin isn't just an accessory; it has a Binding formation on it. He's trying to seal your bloodline and Qi."
"I know he probably thinks I wouldn't know what this hairpin is since Blossom City doesn't have any formation masters," Huang Min said, a cold glint of killing intent flashing in her eyes.
"How do you know it has a formation?" Long Huang asked in disbelief, knowing that he had gained this knowledge from the Dragon's inheritance.
As she walked away, Huang Min looked over her shoulder and, in a cold but playful voice, said,
"You're not the only one with secrets."
Long Huang stood there, his expression blank.
That night, under a thick blanket of swirling clouds, an atmosphere of serene tranquility enveloped the secluded sect, contrasting starkly with the chaos that lurked beyond.
In the beautiful expanse of the western mountains, Long Huang pushed himself to the limits of endurance, each swing of his Blades of Slaughter slicing through the air, the blades resonating with his killing intent as he honed his skills.
The wild wind whistled around him, carrying the hints of an impending storm, mirroring the restless anticipation building within him.
He then took out the Mysterious Silver Bow. Although the name seemed more like a description than a true name, he decided to call it Sliver Moon.
As he began to hone his archery skills, his eyes focused as he pulled the bowstring,
Twang!
Followed by a satisfying thud of arrows landing on the target that filled the air, igniting a sense of purpose within him.
He began to practice the Sky Piercer Art, but as he did, the demonic aura of the Blades of Slaughter clashed with the purity of the Sky Piercer Art.
This was a battle he had to confront every day during his training. Nevertheless, he focused his mind and continued to practice diligently.
He practiced the Sky Piercer Art throughout the night, releasing arrow after arrow and sharpening his aim. Each arrow he released soared through the air with precision, a testament to his dedication and focus.
Dawn broke, the sun rose from low in the sky, casting a golden glow over the lush landscape surrounding him, and his body was drenched in sweat.
Being exhausted from practicing the influence of the Blades of Slaughter began to take its toll on his mind, making him more irritable. And suddenly, in a moment of frustration, he punched out.
BOOOOM!!!
"Not enough! Not enough! Not strong enough!!" he screamed, slamming his fist into a boulder.
CRACK!
The boulder shattered into large pieces, making a loud noise.
THUD!!!
"They're planning something. I can feel it. I need to grow stronger," Long Huang thought.
He then took out the two spirit ginseng he had from his storage ring and consumed them, attempting to break through to the 8th Stage of the Meridian Tempering Realm.
As he struggled to advance his realm, others were scheming.
"Father, if the Marquis wants to take over the sect, why hasn't he? And why did he give Huang Min an extra gift? What happened to the plan?" Said Chi Wei, his voice slightly weak.
"The plan has changed a bit. Worry not, my son," Chi Qide replied with a smug smile.
"The Marquis's gifts will lock her bloodline and bind her Qi, making her essentially a liability," Chi Qide hissed.
"By dawn, she'll be of no use. And Long Huang… his arrogance will be his undoing."
Hearing this, Chi Wei grinned.
"And the elders?"
"Elder Feng and Elder Lin are already on our side. As for the rest… they will fall when the gates open." Said Chi Qide.
"What of the Chief Elder Chen Ying?"
"What are you going to say when he returns to the sect?" Chi Wei said. His brow furrowing with concern as he glanced at his father.
"By the time he sets foot back here, Huang Peng and the rest of his pathetic crew will have met their demise," Chi Qide replied, a sinister smirk curling at the corners of his lips.
"Now, go and take some time to rest. Despite your failure to meet my expectations, our ultimate goal will still be achieved," he added with an air of confidence.
Chi Wei bowed deeply, his body filled with pain and his heart heavy with disappointment.
"Yes, Father,"
He murmured, the weight of his father's words pressing down on him.
Once Chi Wei exited the dimly lit chamber, Chi Qide clasped his hands together, his gaze fixed on the ceiling.
"Huang Peng, while you celebrate your daughter's triumphant victory, little do you realize that it's all temporary; soon, it will all come to a tragic end for you.....Brother!" he declared, his voice laced with a chilling sense of foreboding.
" And that bitch Su Yan will pay"
He added, his tone dripping with malice, the promise of revenge simmering just beneath the surface.