The Patriarch of the Qian family said with a gloomy expression, "How could that Meng Bai dare to pull such a stunt? The Taixu Sect actually agreed to such an absurd and humiliating reason. This is simply too insulting to us!"
The Patriarch of the Sun family said in a muffled voice, "The Taixu Sect are no fools either. They must have guessed that the three of our families had a hand in that incident, which is why they agreed to Meng Bai's outrageous proposal."
The Sun family patriarch continued, "Meng Bai is trying to drive us to a dead end."
Sealing off the Qingya Mountains for a day or two would be fine, but if it lasted for a year or two, forget about cultivation—even covering their daily expenses would become a problem for the three major cultivation families.
As a cultivation family, there were simply too many places where resources were needed.
The Qian family patriarch looked at the Patriarch of the Zhao family and asked, "Brother Zhao, do you have a way to break this deadlock?"
The Zhao family patriarch gave a sinister smile. "I do have a way."
The patriarchs of the Qian and Sun families lit up. "Brother Zhao, what method is it? Tell us quickly."
Neither of them noticed the cold, sinister expression on the Zhao family patriarch's face.
The Zhao family patriarch said coldly, "It is to borrow your two lives for a moment!"
Before the two of them could react, a dark figure darted out and beheaded the Qian family patriarch with a single blade.
The Sun family patriarch's expression changed drastically. He retreated rapidly, only then managing to see that the dark figure was dressed entirely in black and wore a wolf-patterned mask.
The instant he saw this person's attire, the Sun family patriarch roared in fury, "Old man Zhao, how dare you collude with the Demon Sect and betray the immortal sect!"
At the same time, the Sun family patriarch scrambled to bolt for the door. Today's gathering was clearly a trap; staying here to resist held not a single shred of hope, and fleeing to report this to the immortal sect was their only chance at survival.
Watching the fleeing Sun family patriarch, the Zhao family patriarch sneered, "This old man was always a member of the Demon Sect to begin with. Where is the betrayal?"
The dark figure moved again. After a blur of afterimages, the fleeing Sun family patriarch was separated from his body before he even made it out the door.
Kneeling respectfully on one knee, the Zhao family patriarch said, "Welcome, Envoy. This humble subordinate Zhao Yi, disciple of the Wolong Hall of the Demon Sect, pays his respects to the Envoy."
"I am Situ Xiao, Bronze Blood-Killing Envoy of the Blood-Killing Hall of the Demon Sect. Rise and speak."
The Wolong Hall specialized in espionage and covert investigation, while the Blood-Killing Hall was dedicated exclusively to assassination—especially the targeted elimination of prodigies from the immortal sects.
Situ Xiao said, "The sect received your secret report, hearing that a prodigy disciple has appeared in the Taixu Sect."
The Zhao family patriarch replied, "Reporting to the Envoy, this person is precisely Meng Bai, the garrison officer here in Qingya Town."
Situ Xiao frowned. "An outer sect disciple counts as a prodigy? Are you toying with me?"
As the supreme leader of the demonic path, the Demon Sect naturally had extensive research on the Taixu Sect, and garrison posts were generally only held by outer sect disciples.
If he were truly a prodigy disciple, he would have long since been granted an exception and taken into the inner sect.
Although Meng Bai's friend Qin Yu bore the reputation of a prodigy in the outer sect, he had yet to be taken in, which naturally meant he was still not talented enough.
The Zhao family patriarch hastily said, "I beg the Envoy to listen to my explanation. This person is clearly only at Level 1 Foundation Establishment, yet he was able to kill a Level 4 Foundation Establishment cultivator in a counterattack. He is definitely no ordinary outer sect disciple; he must be a yet-undiscovered prodigy."
Upon hearing this, Situ Xiao gave a cold chuckle. "Killing a Level 4 cultivator at Level 1 Foundation Establishment—he certainly possesses a bit of talent. He is worth my making a move."
"To die by your hands is his supreme honor," the Zhao family patriarch hastily fawned.
Although the Zhao family patriarch was a Demon Sect sleeper agent, as a deep-cover asset, he had not contacted the Demon Sect in a very long time. Had Meng Bai not pushed them into such a desperate corner this time, he wouldn't even have wanted to contact the Demon Sect at all, because once the Demon Sect made a move, his Zhao family would risk exposure.
Situ Xiao said, "Now that the patriarchs of the Qian and Sun families are dead, you must swiftly annex their two families and find an opportunity to lure that Meng Bai out."
The Zhao family patriarch asked in confusion, "With the Envoy's cultivation, you could simply infiltrate Meng Bai's cave dwelling directly. What need is there to lure the snake out of its hole?"
"Idiot! The garrison cave dwellings of the Taixu Sect have high-level formations set up by experts. Forcibly breaking in will trigger the array," Situ Xiao said.
The Zhao family patriarch hurriedly lowered his head. "This subordinate understands."
That very day.
Zhao Zhongming once again visited Meng Bai's cave dwelling.
Meng Bai said indifferently, "What is it?"
Zhao Zhongming said respectfully, "Lord Meng, my ancestor feels deeply apologetic about the assassination attempt you suffered a few days ago, and specially invites you to gather at the Fragrant Pavilion."
Meng Bai said with a smile that wasn't quite a smile, "Oh? Just your family alone?"
"Of course not. The Sun and Qian families will also be present to offer their apologies to you, along with generous gifts."
Meng Bai found it amusing in his heart. He had cut off the three families' financial lifeline, yet the families were apologizing at a time like this; he wanted to see what tricks they could possibly pull.
The Fragrant Pavilion was the most famous tavern in Qingya Town.
Usually bustling with endless streams of guests, today—after being entirely booked out by the Zhao family—it appeared exceptionally quiet.
It carried a distinct sense of a gathering storm.
When Meng Bai arrived at the Heaven-tier pavilion, he did not see the three family heads.
A streak of light flashed, and the entire Fragrant Pavilion was enveloped by a formation, cutting off the inside from the outside.
Situ Xiao stepped out from behind the door, dressed entirely in black, his wolf-patterned mask exuding an immense sense of oppression.
"You must be Meng Bai?"
With a slightly solemn expression, Meng Bai said, "The Demon Sect."
Black clothes and a wolf mask were the standard gear of Demon Sect disciples; Meng Bai had some understanding of this.
Yet the Taixu Sect and the Demon Sect had always been mortal enemies. How could a disciple of the Demon Sect appear within the Taixu Sect's territory?
Unless there was a mole!
Meng Bai instantly thought of the Zhao, Sun, and Qian families.
Meng Bai let out a cold snort. "A Demon Sect disciple dares to show his face in the Taixu Sect? Don't even think about leaving today!"
Situ Xiao laughed arrogantly. "What can the puny Taixu Sect do to me? Today, this Envoy will first kill a Taixu disciple, and then walk out of Taixu safe and sound!"
Since words failed, Meng Bai struck first.
The man was overflowing with demonic energy, and Meng Bai did not underestimate his opponent; he drew his treasured sword the moment he moved.
Mountains and seas manifested, their pressure weighing down the four directions.
Situ Xiao also struck abruptly.
A thousand miles of demonic blades, demonic energy eclipsing the world.
Level 9 Foundation Establishment!
After exchanging a few blows, Meng Bai sensed the opponent's realm.
This Demon Sect disciple possessed the cultivation of Level 9 Foundation Establishment, and his demonic arts were profound—much stronger than an ordinary Level 9 Foundation Establishment cultivator.
During the exchange, Meng Bai found himself at a slight disadvantage.
Meanwhile, Situ Xiao was utterly shocked.
Though he himself was at Level 9 Foundation Establishment, the person before him—despite being only at Level 1 Foundation Establishment—was actually able to contend with him. Such a person was a true monstrous anomaly.
Situ Xiao laughed with wild excitement. "Hahaha! I've finally hooked a big fish today!"
Sliding his palm across his heavy blade, Situ Xiao said madly, "What this Envoy loves most is killing prodigies like you!"
Meng Bai's dharma mana surged wildly, his treasured sword coated in endless mountain-and-sea sword intent.
Although Situ Xiao had only recently grasped blade intent, relying on a realm superior to Meng Bai's still allowed him to inflict minor injuries on Meng Bai.
If this drawn-out battle continued, defeat and death would be Meng Bai's inevitable end.
Situ Xiao laughed excitedly. "Stop resisting. You're dead for sure today."
Knowing that the current situation was unfavorable to him, Meng Bai muttered inwardly: *Sigh~ I can get targeted even just going to a banquet. I really shouldn't go out next time.*
Meng Bai put away his treasured sword, slowly sliding it back into its scabbard, holding his breath and focusing his mind.
Situ Xiao smiled. "Oh, giving up? Then surrender your head obediently!"
The demonic blade bore down horizontally with crushing weight!