Zhong Yun took a deep breath, casting the worried expressions of Shen Yao and Fatty Wang out of his mind. He knew that this trip to Sunset Valley was fraught with extreme danger, but he had to go. He would never allow his friends to be implicated because of him, nor would he allow himself to hide like a stray dog.
Sunset Valley, true to its name, was filled with glowing sunset clouds spreading across the valley whenever the sun went down, presenting a breathtaking scenery. However, endless crises were hidden beneath this beauty. The valley was shrouded in mist and miasma all year round, with countless fierce beasts and poisonous insects lurking within. It was a perilous and rarely visited place.
Three days later, Zhong Yun arrived at Sunset Valley alone, as agreed. However, the scene before him made his heart sink. The valley, usually shrouded in mist, was now clearly visible. The afterglow of the setting sun spilled onto the valley floor, yet there was not a trace of warmth; instead, it exuded a bizarre chill.
"You've come."
A low voice came from behind. Zhong Yun whirled around abruptly to see a figure dressed in a black robe and a bamboo hat appear silently behind him. The black gauze of the bamboo hat obscured the newcomer's face, revealing only a pair of eyes as cold as blade edges.
"You must be the Mysterious Man?" Zhong Yun asked in a deep voice, his right hand already instinctively gripping the hilt of his sword.
"Between you and me, no further words are needed," the Black-robed Man said coldly. "Make your move, and let me see what skills you really have to dare ruin my plans."
Before his voice faded, the Black-robed Man flashed, turning into a blur that instantly reached Zhong Yun. His five fingers curled into claws, carrying fierce winds as they lunged for Zhong Yun's throat.
Zhong Yun had been on guard; he retreated swiftly while drawing his sword from its scabbard. A cold flash sliced through the air, aiming straight for the Black-robed Man's wrist.
"Clang!"
A crisp metallic clash rang out. Zhong Yun felt a tremendous force transmit from the sword blade, numbing the web of his thumb and forcing him back several steps. Yet the Black-robed Man stood completely unshaken, a trace of contempt flashing in his eyes.
"With just this bit of skill, you dare act presumptuously in front of me?" The Black-robed Man let out a cold snort, and his figure vanished from the spot once more.
A jolt went through Zhong Yun's heart. He hurriedly gathered his focus to be on guard, only to find that everything around him had grown hazy. He felt as though he had plunged into a thick fog, with various illusions flashing before his eyes continuously, making it impossible for him to tell truth from falsehood.
"an illusion?" Zhong Yun's heart tightened, knowing he had fallen into the Black-robed Man's trap.
"Hahaha, kid, you're far too green!" The Black-robed Man's voice echoed from all directions. "I'll let you experience what true power really is!"
Zhong Yun felt the pressure around him growing heavier and heavier, as if an invisible giant mountain were pressing down on his body, making it hard for him to breathe. He endured the physical discomfort, struggling hard to make out his surroundings, only to find that all efforts were in vain.
Just as Zhong Yun was about to collapse, he suddenly sensed a familiar aura approaching him.
"Who is it?" The Black-robed Man seemed to have noticed something amiss as well, a hint of wariness creeping into his tone.
"Someone here to take your life!"
A chilling voice rang out, and immediately afterwards, two figures tore through the air, appearing by Zhong Yun's side. The newcomers were none other than Shen Yao and Fatty Wang! Upon hearing this, the Black-robed Man was startled and turned to look, only to see Shen Yao and Fatty Wang standing left and right to guard Zhong Yun. Shen Yao wielded a long sword radiating a biting chill, while Fatty Wang brandished a pair of massive hammers with a menacing momentum.
"You actually dare trespass into a forbidden area—you're courting death!" The Black-robed Man roared, clearly not expecting Shen Yao and Fatty Wang to show up at this moment.
"Cut the crap! Today is your day to die!" Fatty Wang roared fiercely, charging forward with his giant hammers swinging.
The Black-robed Man snorted coldly, his figure vanishing once more. Fatty Wang's hammer struck empty air, crashing into the ground and causing the earth to shake violently.
"Careful, he uses illusions!" Zhong Yun warned. Knowing full well how formidable the Black-robed Man was, he dared not let his guard down in the slightest.
Shen Yao nodded slightly, flicking her long sword. A stream of sword Qi burst through the air, shooting straight toward the Black-robed Man.
The Black-robed Man reappeared, dodging the sword Qi, and sneered, "Tricks of a petty skill!"
Before his voice faded, the Black-robed Man flashed, instantly arriving in front of Shen Yao. His five fingers formed claws, lunging for her throat.
Shen Yao had been prepared; she sidestepped to evade while simultaneously sweeping her sword back in a counter-stroke, aiming right for his wrist.
The Black-robed Man had not expected Shen Yao's reaction to be so swift. He hurriedly pulled back his arm, but his sleeve was still grazed by the sword Qi, revealing a bloody streak.
"Such a sharp-tongued little girl! Today I'll let you see what I'm truly capable of!" The Black-robed Man roared in anger and launched another attack.
The three of them became embroiled in a chaotic battle. For a time, sword Qi crisscrossed and hammer shadows flew, causing the entire Sunset Valley to tremble.
Right at that moment, an angry shout came from afar: "What kind of evildoer dares to run amok in my Qingyun Sect!"
Immediately following that, figure after figure tore through the air. The leader was none other than Elder Li of the Qingyun Sect, followed by dozens of sect experts.
Seeing this, the Black-robed Man's expression shifted instantly. Knowing that today's matter could not end well, he threw out a feint and turned to flee.
"Trying to leave? It's not that easy!" Elder Li shouted angrily, his figure flashing to instantly block the Black-robed Man's path of retreat.
"Hmph, I'll remember today's affair. We'll settle this later!" Dropping a harsh threat, the Black-robed Man transformed into a wisp of black smoke and vanished into the dense forest.
Seeing this, Elder Li and the others did not give chase. Instead, they stared coldly in the direction where the Black-robed Man had vanished, their eyes filled with murderous intent. Realizing the situation was unfavorable and that he could not succeed today, the Black-robed Man cursed inwardly. He cast a venomous glare at the three of them—lingering especially on Zhong Yun, as if burning him into his memory. Afterward, he let out a cold snort, his form beginning to turn translucent, clearly preparing to use some secret technique to escape.
"Want to leave? Not so easily!" Seeing this, Elder Li shouted angrily and moved to intercept him. However, the Black-robed Man merely let out a strange laugh, his form abruptly turning into a cloud of black mist that vanished from the spot on the instant—so fast that even Elder Li didn't have time to react.
"Hmph, consider yourself lucky to run fast! If I run into you next time, I'll definitely make your soul scatter!" Elder Li flicked his sleeve angrily, gazing at the direction where the Black-robed Man had disappeared, his eyes filled with piercing frost.
"Many thanks to Elder Li for stepping in to save us!" The three of them stepped forward and saluted in gratitude upon seeing this.
"No need for formalities. You all did well, especially you, Zhong Yun. Your quick wit and courage are worthy of praise," Elder Li said, looking at Zhong Yun with approval. "If you hadn't given the warning in time, I'm afraid my Qingyun Sect would have suffered this catastrophe today."
Zhong Yun smiled modestly, though his heart did not relax its vigilance. He knew that although the Black-robed Man had been temporarily beaten back, the matter was far from over; rather, it was only just beginning. The venomous look before leaving and that meaningful "we'll settle this later" both foretold that a greater crisis lay ahead.
"Alright, go back and rest first. I will handle this matter," Elder Li waved his hand, signaling them to withdraw.
After the three left, Elder Li's expression gradually turned solemn. Staring at the direction where the Black-robed Man had vanished, he muttered to himself, "This person possesses extraordinary strength and has an unknown background. I'm afraid he came specifically targeting my Qingyun Sect..."
A feeling of oppressive tension, like a storm about to break, hung heavy over everyone's hearts. Elder Li watched Zhong Yun and his companions leave, his cloudy eyes flashing with shrewd brilliance. Stroking his long beard, his evaluation of Zhong Yun rose a notch further in his mind. This young man was not only naturally gifted, but also meticulous and calm under pressure—truly a dragon among men. Given time, he would definitely accomplish great things.
"Someone come!" Elder Li gave a soft command, and a disciple stepped forward, bowing. "Pass on my order: strengthen the sect's guard, have all disciples raise their vigilance, defend strictly, and report any anomalies immediately!"
"Understood!" The disciple acknowledged the command and hurried off with swift steps.
Elder Li gazed into the distance, his mind filled with a myriad of thoughts. What was the background of that Black-robed Man? Why did he target the Qingyun Sect? All of this remained a mystery. He faintly felt that this matter was by no means simple; perhaps an even greater conspiracy was hidden behind it.
On the other side, Zhong Yun and his two companions returned to their quarters, each falling into deep thought.
"Zhong Yun, are you alright?" Shen Yao asked softly, worry filling her beautiful eyes.
Zhong Yun smiled slightly and shook his head, "I'm fine, just a bit worried."
"What are you worried about?" Fatty Wang grabbed a pastry and asked while chewing.
"That Black-robed Man's strength is unfathomable, and his intentions are unclear. I'm worried he'll make a comeback." Zhong Yun furrowed his brows, a trace of gravity flashing in his eyes.
"What's there to fear! When soldiers come, we send generals to block; when water comes, we build earth dikes! We aren't easy to push around either!" Fatty Wang patted his chest and said with a deliberately bold air.
Zhong Yun smiled without speaking. He knew Fatty Wang was only trying to liven up the atmosphere. In truth, Fatty Wang understood in his heart that this crisis was far from over—it was merely the beginning.
"Zhong Yun is right; we cannot lower our guard," Shen Yao put away her usual aloofness, her tone turning serious. "Our top priority is to boost our strength as quickly as possible. Only then can we protect ourselves and the people around us in future crises."
Shen Yao's words struck a chord deep within Zhong Yun. He clenched his fists, determination blazing in his eyes. "You're right! I must become stronger! I want to protect you all and never let anyone hurt you!"
The sun set, dyeing half the sky in red evening clouds. Three figures stood atop the peak, looking into the distance, their hearts filled with yearning and challenges for the future.
However, little did they know that in the shadows, a pair of cold eyes was watching them, a venomous glow flickering within.
"Zhong Yun, you just wait for me! I will definitely make you pay back this debt a hundredfold!"
The Mysterious Man's voice, like a wicked ghost from the nether realms, sent chills down one's spine.