The speaker was standing next to Jia Tianlong, a dwarf about three feet tall, whose appearance immediately drew attention. He was in his forties, with a gaunt and dry physique, dressed in a red robe with gold thread trim. His fingers and neck were adorned with gold rings and a thick gold chain, and a few golden bells were tied to his waist. His words sparkled with golden flashes, suggesting that he had gold teeth. His ostentatious appearance made him look like a nouveau riche, a stark contrast to his surroundings.
The dwarf, whose name was Jin Guang Shangren, had a look of impatience on his face. Clearly, he was annoyed by Jia Tianlong's cautious demeanor and indecision.
Jin Guang Shangren's disrespect toward Jia Tianlong did not go unnoticed by the Iron Guards surrounding the Wild Wolf Gang leader. The loyal guards glared at him with disdain, but Jin Guang Shangren, unconcerned, smirked and dismissed them with a laugh. He turned back to Jia Tianlong, speaking with an air of arrogance.
"Jia Gang Leader, you spent three thousand taels of gold to invite me all the way from the Golden Light Temple. Surely, you're not expecting me to just stand here all night doing nothing. If there's anyone you need me to deal with, just say the word. I doubt it's the Seven Celestial Sect's sect master; someone so weak, you could deal with him yourself. What's the point of calling me here for that?" Jin Guang Shangren's tone was mockingly casual.
Jia Tianlong, ever respectful, responded in a humble manner, "The Seven Celestial Sect's sect master is not the one I need you to deal with, Master Jin. It's the sect master's three uncles. Though they publicly announced their deaths, they have actually been living in seclusion on Sunset Peak. They're in the middle of a life-and-death trial, and their power has likely reached a terrifying level. Ordinary experts won't be able to deal with them. Only someone like you, Master Jin, can handle them."
Jia Tianlong's words were carefully chosen, and his tone was deferential, for he knew that Jin Guang Shangren was not just any ordinary person. The dwarf had claimed to possess immense power, and Jia Tianlong had witnessed some of his abilities firsthand. Jin Guang Shangren had demonstrated the art of flying swords and an unbreakable body technique, leaving Jia Tianlong deeply impressed. Having seen the power of these abilities, Jia Tianlong had immediately sought to forge a close relationship with him.
Aware of Jin Guang Shangren's obsession with gold, Jia Tianlong had lavished him with treasure to earn his favor. This had worked wonders, and the dwarf had agreed to help him in this conflict, so Jia Tianlong treated him with the utmost respect.
Jin Guang Shangren laughed heartily at the mention of the three uncles, clearly unfazed. Once his laughter subsided, he spoke with pride: "A few mortals, is it? Leave them to me. No matter how strong they are, they are no match for my flying swords. You can rest assured."
Overjoyed at the confirmation, Jia Tianlong immediately added, "I will not go back on my promise. After the job is done, I will pay an additional two thousand taels of gold as a reward."
Jin Guang Shangren smiled with satisfaction, clearly pleased with the increased reward. His face, as dry and wrinkled as an orange peel, lit up as he nodded. Jia Tianlong was quick to notice the dwarf's approval, and he knew that the relationship between them would be solidified by the large sum of gold.
With Jin Guang Shangren's assurance, Jia Tianlong felt confident. He immediately ordered his forces to move up the mountain to the top of Sunset Peak, ready to attack the Seven Celestial Sect's main hall—the Seven Celestial Hall.
The climb was difficult, as there were so many people that it took great effort to reach the stone hall at the peak. As Jia Tianlong finally arrived and looked at the Seven Celestial Hall, he couldn't help but be taken aback by its grandeur. The Seven Celestial Sect's main hall was unlike anything he had ever seen. Compared to his Wild Wolf Gang's headquarters, it was as if they were on two different levels. The sheer magnificence of the architecture left him speechless.
There, at the top of Sunset Peak, stood several large stone buildings, some grand and imposing, others smaller, but all made from massive gray stones. Though the buildings were barely visible in the dim light of torches, their dark, towering, and imposing presence was still enough to overwhelm the attackers. For a moment, Jia Tianlong and his subordinates paused, hesitating to launch an immediate assault. The sight of the towering structures caused them to briefly reconsider their actions.
Jia Tianlong mused inwardly, After I destroy the Seven Celestial Sect, I will move my headquarters here. Only such a magnificent place can match the status of a true ruler.
Looking at the entrance of the main hall, dark and foreboding, Jia Tianlong raised his hand slowly. Instantly, the whole of Sunset Peak fell into eerie silence. All eyes were on his raised hand, knowing that when it descended, the battle to annihilate the Seven Celestial Sect would begin.
Just as Jia Tianlong was about to signal the attack, a cold voice suddenly rang out from the dark entrance of the main hall.
"Wait!"
The voice was icy and emotionless, carrying a sense of authority. Then came the rhythmic sound of footsteps approaching, growing clearer with each step.
A middle-aged man in white appeared at the entrance. He wore a wooden hairpin and carried a white sword scabbard at his side. His face was pale, but his eyes were sharp, gleaming with a piercing intensity. His gaze cut through the surrounding crowd like a blade, sending a chill down their spines. He stopped a few paces away from Jia Tianlong, his eyes scanning the gathered forces with no trace of fear or hesitation.
Finally, his gaze locked onto Jia Tianlong's raised hand, then shifted to the Wild Wolf Gang leader's face.
"Jia Tianlong," the middle-aged man spoke, his voice steady and cold.
"Wang Juechu," Jia Tianlong responded without flinching, his voice equally firm.
The two leaders locked eyes, their silent confrontation charged with tension.
"For two leaders of their respective factions, this is the first time we've met face to face, isn't it, my dear Wang Sect Master?" Jia Tianlong said with a smug smile, the faintest hint of mockery in his tone. He slowly lowered his hand, signaling his subordinates to stand down.
Wang Juechu, the sect master of the Seven Celestial Sect, stood tall and unwavering, his eyes cold and impassive as he met Jia Tianlong's gaze. There was no response, only a silent yet palpable tension between them.
Jia Tianlong broke the silence, his voice laced with mockery, "So, Sect Master Wang, have you come here to surrender?"
Wang Juechu's expression remained unchanged, and with an icy tone, he responded, "Yes, I have come to discuss the matter of surrender."