Chapter 394: The Traitor, Xu Yan, Appears

Chapter 394: The Traitor, Xu Yan, Appears

Shen Kui was dead. Although his ambush failed to kill the man with the Fierce Mask, he had still inflicted severe damage, creating a huge impact on the Tian Sha Di Ying faction. This was the first time such an incident had occurred, and it was bound to stir up trouble.

The man with the Fierce Mask was in a dire state, his injuries grave. If not for his formidable strength, he might have perished already.

Even so, his current injuries were so severe that it would take years of recuperation to recover fully, and his foundation had been affected, causing a decline in his strength.

"Master..."

The person in charge of the stronghold, who had killed Shen Kui, hurried over to tend to the man with the Fierce Mask.

"Stop!"

The man with the Fierce Mask's eyes narrowed as he spoke in a low voice.

The stronghold leader halted in his tracks, his eyes innocent and his lips twitching as he said, "Master, I have nothing to do with this..."

He was wrongfully accused. How could he have anticipated that this member of Di Ying would betray them?

"I know it has nothing to do with you, but this matter is of great importance. We must investigate whether the plans of Tian Sha Di Ying have been leaked."

The man with the Fierce Mask's eyes shifted, and his voice softened as he gave his instructions. "Send a message to the others to come here..."

"Yes, Master!"

The face beneath the stronghold leader's mask changed slightly. His heart sank as he realized he might be in danger! He was the one who had notified the Tian Sha master, and now that the master had been attacked here, how could he not be suspected? The master was only saying this because he had been badly injured and was afraid that he would take advantage of the situation.

If the other Tian Sha Di Ying members arrived, would he be in peril?

Might he even be deemed a traitor? Tian Sha Di Ying had never had a traitor before, and he dared not imagine what consequences the first traitor would face.

He glanced at the Fierce Mask, upon which two leaves were engraved, indicating that this person was a Two-Leaf Tian Sha.

The Tian Sha were ranked according to their strength. A Two-Leaf Tian Sha was not the weakest, but neither could they be considered particularly strong.

Rumor had it that a Seven-Leaf Tian Sha was an immortal Tian Zun realm expert.

As for Di Ying, their ranks were not based on strength but on their ability to infiltrate and the merits of their accomplishments and completed tasks.

"Master, the message has been sent," the stronghold leader replied respectfully after carrying out the order.

"Cough, cough, very good!"

The man with the Fierce Mask nodded, maintaining his vigilance despite his severe injuries.

For a moment, the stronghold fell silent, the atmosphere oppressive.

The stronghold leader looked at Shen Kui's corpse lying on the ground, his eyes shifting. The real traitor was dead, and he had been the first to come into contact with him.

It was he who had sent the message, summoning the Tian Sha here.

The more he thought about it, the more his heart sank. He stole another glance at the man with the Fierce Mask, whose strength had been reduced to less than a tenth due to his injuries.

Even so, he remained vigilant, on guard against him.

"Master, do you suspect me?" the stronghold leader finally asked in a low voice.

"How could I? Don't overthink it!"

The man with the Fierce Mask's heart skipped a beat.

"The traitor is dead. I was the last person he saw before he died, and I was the one who sent the message to you. It's normal to suspect me, but I'm truly innocent."

As the stronghold leader spoke, he suddenly gritted his teeth and drew his weapon. "Master, you were ambushed. Why aren't you dead? If you were dead, I wouldn't be in so much trouble!

"That's right! That's the way it is!"

"You traitor!" The man with the Fierce Mask roared, no longer concerned about his injuries as he unleashed his aura and struck out, turning to flee.

However, with his severe injuries, how could he possibly escape? A brief clash erupted in the stronghold, but it soon quieted down.

The wound on the man with the Fierce Mask's chest had grown larger, and he was now devoid of breath.

"Master, you died at the hands of a traitor..." the stronghold leader muttered.

The incident had caused some unrest within Tian Sha Di Ying, as they had never encountered a traitor before. Suddenly, everyone became suspicious of those around them, fearing that someone would turn on them.

The impact of Shen Kui's actions on Tian Sha Di Ying would continue to be felt.

However, Xu Yan, the instigator of all this, knew nothing of it. He still believed that Shen Kui was from the Wan family and, upon returning, intended to kill someone from the family.

He was going to kill Wan Tianlin.

Xu Yan had already entered a large city in Da Gai Shan.

There, he discovered that he had been put up for bounty, and the one offering the bounty was the Wan family!

"Very good, very good! While I was cultivating, you've been searching for me, wanting to kill me, haven't you? Kill Wan Tianlin, and let's see what your Wan family can do to me!"

Xu Yan was furious.

He didn't even bother to conceal his identity as he strolled through the city, even deliberately visiting the Wan family's shops and leaving a message that he intended to sell the Blood Heart Fruit.

"The one the Wan family is offering a bounty for has appeared! Capture him quickly!"

"This is an opportunity to make a contribution to the family and to Young Master Wan Tianlin!"

Some of the True Kings in the city were thrilled.

Xu Yan, whom they had been desperately seeking, had finally appeared! Especially for the Wan family's warriors, it was as if they could already envision themselves being rewarded and promoted.

Xu Yan strolled out of the city, with True King Tian Zun in pursuit.

"Where do you think you're going?"

A True King from the Wan family roared and rushed forward to attack.

Xu Yan unsheathed his sword and executed the God-Defying Sword! Swish! With a single strike, the True King was unable to defend himself and was instantly severely injured.

This single sword strike was enough to make all the other True Kings hesitate.

"Tell Wan Tianlin that if he wants the Blood Heart Fruit and wants to kill me, then come!" Xu Yan coldly smiled and disappeared from his original spot.

Wan Tianlin had put himself at risk to lure him out, so Xu Yan decided to use the Blood Heart Fruit to bring Wan Tianlin to him.

With Wan Tianlin's arrogance and the backing of the Wan family, he would surely show up.

"Let's see how many True Kings your Wan family will send to surround and kill me," Xu Yan thought with a cold smile.

Even a True King at the peak of their power couldn't threaten him.

If he wanted to leave, no one could stop him.

Although the Wan family had an immortal Tian Zun, that person couldn't easily leave their post.

Xu Yan's appearance had stirred up a storm in the Da Gai Shan region.

Both the Wan family and the True King Tian Zun from Qian Die Shan had begun to make their moves.

"You want me to show myself? Fine, I, Wan Tianlin, will go. Let's see what kind of backing you have!" Wan Tianlin coldly smiled.

While an immortal Tian Zun might not be able to easily leave their post, the Wan family was not solely reliant on them for deterrence.

There were also significant differences in strength between True King Tian Zun.

"The Wan family will definitely try to kill him. This person must not die. We must bring him to the Witch Demon Cave in Qian Die Shan, so regardless of the situation, if he's in danger, we must help him escape at all costs!"

The True King Tian Zun from Qian Die Shan gathered together and spoke in low voices.

Their task was to lure Xu Yan to the Witch Demon Cave in Qian Die Shan. If Xu Yan died, how could they complete their mission?

This time, one person was missing from their assembly—the one with the Fierce Mask.

Moreover, they all tacitly maintained a certain distance from each other, as if they were wary of a traitor in their midst.

"We can just sit back and watch the show. Whether it's Wan Tianlin or Xu Yan who dies, our plan will still be a success."

One of them spoke up.

"What if Xu Yan and Wan Tianlin end up shaking hands and making peace?"

"Don't be ridiculous. How could they possibly make peace? Their hatred runs deep."

"You should know that the enmity between Xu Yan and Wan Tianlin was stirred up by us behind the scenes. If our plan is exposed, do you think Wan Tianlin and Xu Yan will continue to fight each other?"

For a moment, the cave fell silent.

The group remained silent, each deep in thought.

The traitor had come from within the Di Ying faction embedded in the Wan family. If the plan were to be leaked…

They dared not imagine the consequences!

"When will the new Tian Sha leader arrive?"

One of them finally broke the silence.

"Probably within the next two or three days."

After the news of the previous Tian Sha leader's death reached them, they had been waiting for the new leader to take charge.

"We'll wait for the new Tian Sha leader to make a decision!"

In the end, they all agreed that this was the most advantageous course of action.

With the uncertain situation within the Tian Sha Di Ying faction, they couldn't afford to act rashly, or they might become targets themselves!

In the Da Gai Shan region, there stood a towering stone peak. Xu Yan proudly stood atop this peak, awaiting Wan Tianlin's arrival.

He made no attempt to conceal his presence.

"Xu Yan is right there. Should we go up and tell him to escape quickly, or lure him to Qian Die Shan with treasures?"

"Don't show ourselves yet. We'll wait until Xu Yan is in danger, then we'll step in to help him. That way, he'll surely follow us to Qian Die Shan."

"Makes sense!"

The True King Tian Zuns from Qian Die Shan were thrilled, as they were finally about to complete their mission.

"I, Wan Tianlin, have arrived. Show me what you've got!"

Three figures approached, one of whom was indeed Wan Tianlin.

Flanking him were two elderly men, their auras seemingly merged with the heavens and the earth, far surpassing the average True King Tian Zun at their peak.

Wan Tianlin was also straightforward in his approach, making no attempt to hide his presence.

The two elders accompanying him were powerful True Kings who held esteemed positions within the Wan family.

Xu Yan's eyebrows furrowed slightly as he noticed the formidable strength of these two True Kings from the Wan family.

However, they were still not strong enough to break through the defense of his Yin Yang Undying Sword, so he had no need to worry.

He raised his hand, revealing a Blood Heart Fruit in his palm.

"The Blood Heart Fruit you desire is right here. Whether or not you can obtain it depends on your abilities, Wan Tianlin!"

Xu Yan smiled faintly.

"Good!"

Wan Tianlin took a deep breath, and a cold light swept out like a sharp blade. His Lingchen Blade unleashed a soft, icy attack that swept towards Xu Yan.

"You're too weak!"

Xu Yan's sword slashed out, its light overflowing like a surging tide as it rolled forward, completely suppressing Wan Tianlin's attack. The sword light continued to surge forward, threatening to engulf Wan Tianlin.

Although Wan Tianlin was only a True King Tian Zun at the initial stage, his strength was indeed top-notch among his peers and far surpassed Shen Kui's. However, in Xu Yan's eyes, he was still somewhat weak.

He couldn't pose any threat to Xu Yan at all.

Killing Wan Tianlin wouldn't be too difficult either.

Xu Yan's eyes shone with a radiant light as he saw through every one of Wan Tianlin's attacks, each seeming to expose a weakness.

Each sword strike landed on the weakest point of Wan Tianlin's assault.

Boom!

In the brief moment of their clash, Wan Tianlin had no choice but to dodge the brunt of the attack, his figure retreating as his expression turned grave.

His heart was shaken as he wondered about Xu Yan's background. This young man seemed to be even younger than him, yet his strength was so formidable. Which influential power did he belong to?

Wan Tianlin was especially intrigued by Xu Yan's profound sword techniques.

"Young man, you have impressive talent. Hand over the Blood Heart Fruit, submit to my Wan family, and I'll spare your life!"

Wan Tianlin found himself unable to withstand Xu Yan's attacks, so one of the Wan family elders took a step forward and spoke in a deep voice.

"How dare you speak to me like that? Even if you were an Immortal Tian Zun, you wouldn't be worthy of addressing me in such a manner."

Xu Yan scoffed, looking down on them.

"Arrogant!"

Boom!

The Wan family elder lifted his hand and unleashed a strike that seemed to carry the might of the heavens.

It was like a giant hammer crashing down.

Hum!

The Yin Yang Undying Sword around Xu Yan buzzed with vitality, and a river and mountain landscape appeared within the sword.

Boom!

Under the cycle of the Yin Yang Undying Sword, the Wan family elder's attack instantly weakened and was then countered.

"What!"

The Wan family elder's expression changed, and he struck again, creating a loud bang as he countered the returning attack.

Wan Tianlin's face turned gloomy as he wondered about Xu Yan's background and the school of martial arts he practiced.

"Let's attack together!"

The Wan family elder took a deep breath, his heart shaken as he realized that his own strength might not be enough to break through the mysterious and ever-changing sword light.

Boom!

The other Wan family elder's aura exploded as he, too, prepared to strike.

Just then, several figures flew over.

"The Wan family is shameless, attacking with numbers. Your opponent is us!"

Several True King Tian Zuns arrived, their auras not as strong as the Wan family's, but their determination to fight to the death was evident.

"It's you?"

Wan Tianlin's eyes turned cold. "So you're all in cahoots!"

He recognized them as the group of foreign True King Tian Zuns who had been searching for Xu Yan. They seemed to be from Qian Die Shan.

Could it be that Qian Die Shan was the one targeting the Wan family and him?

"Don't underestimate the Wan family. We came prepared this time. Don't take them lightly. Let's leave quickly."

One of the True King Tian Zuns spoke as he arrived before the stone peak.

Xu Yan's face was filled with surprise. Why were these True King Tian Zuns helping him? Were they from the Qinghua Realm?

"Who are you?"

Xu Yan asked, puzzled.

"We are your benefactors, sent here to protect you!"

The True King Tian Zun spoke solemnly.

He was lying! Xu Yan's eyebrows furrowed as he activated his Little Heavenly Dao Eye and discovered the truth.

"Mental corruption, bewitched?"

These True King Tian Zuns had their minds controlled and had become someone else's puppets.

Who was targeting him?

Xu Yan's heart sank as he pondered this. He had just arrived in the Nine Mountains Realm and had made no enemies here. These True King Tian Zuns weren't from the Wan family either.

Aside from the Wan family, who else would target him?

"The Little Heavenly Dao Eye is indeed extraordinary. If it weren't for it, I wouldn't have discovered that they had lost their minds and been bewitched."

Xu Yan suddenly paused, a sense of familiarity washing over him. He had seen this state of bewitchment somewhere before.

"Ice State, the Bewitching Witch!"

Xu Yan's heart skipped a beat as he remembered the Bewitching Witch, who he knew was still alive, as his master had told him so.

He never expected that as soon as he arrived in the Nine Mountains Realm, he would attract the attention of the Bewitching Witch.

"Does she want revenge?"

Xu Yan's heart grew solemn, and he dared not underestimate her.

He had no idea how strong the Bewitching Witch was, nor could he guess the extent of her strength upon descending into the Nine Mountains Realm.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end