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The news of Xi Ying's death at Sanhua Tower in Chengdu stirred up a huge wave in the once peaceful martial arts world. The shock and chain reaction it caused spread to all forces in the world at an astonishing speed within just a few days.

The first to bear the brunt were naturally the various factions of the Demonic Sect.

Upon hearing this devastating news, the remaining disciples of the Extinction Path were utterly heartbroken, their lives filled with dread. Xi Ying was the pillar upon whom they had placed their hopes, the one they intended to use to revive their sect, and the only successor in three hundred years to have mastered the "Purple Qi Heavenly Net." Now, with their pillar collapsed and their divine skill lost, the Extinction Path was practically extinct, reduced to a marginal force within the demonic sects, even facing the fate of being swallowed up or annihilated by other covetous factions. The remaining disciples either went into hiding or fled in panic, their former fearsome reputation vanishing in an instant.

Meanwhile, other demonic sects, such as the True Transmission Sect, felt not only shock but also a chilling aura.

They were well aware of Xi Ying's strength; his reputation as a master of the "Purple Qi Heavenly Net" technique was no exaggeration. Yet, this formidable figure was actually killed in the heart of Sichuan by the combined efforts of Shan Meixian and Wanwan, a disciple of Zhu Yuyan!

The message conveyed behind this is far more terrifying than Xi Ying's death itself—the Heavenly Dao Alliance's tentacles have penetrated deep into Sichuan and Chongqing, and it is showing no mercy in crushing the demonic forces. After the Yin Kui Sect fully surrendered to the Heavenly Dao Alliance, it was not weakened but seemed to have gained even stronger support. Zhu Yuyan had not even made a move yet, but her female disciple Shan Meixian and her apprentice Wanwan had already displayed such terrifying strength, which made them even more wary of the mysterious and unpredictable "nameless" alliance leader.

On the righteous path, the leaders of the righteous path, such as Cihang Jingzhai and Jingnian Chan, had a rather complicated reaction to this matter.

On one hand, Xi Ying was a notorious villain with blood on his hands, and his execution was something the righteous path would welcome, as it would help cleanse the martial world of its evils. On the other hand, although Shan Meixian was the leader of the Dongming Sect and had deep ties with the demonic sects, the Dongming Sect acted relatively orthodoxly and had cooperated closely with the Heavenly Alliance in recent years. Objectively speaking, the killing of Xi Ying was a way of eliminating a scourge from the martial world.

On the other hand, those considered righteous, especially those from Buddhism, are even more wary. The rise of the Heavenly Alliance is unstoppable. Its integration of the Demonic Sect, subjugation of the Bashu Alliance, and connection with the overseas Eastern Sea have led to a rapid expansion of its power, far exceeding that of any previous warlord. Now, it can even easily kill a master like Xi Ying, demonstrating the unfathomable depth of its strength, which is truly alarming.

The righteous factions were forced to seriously consider how to deal with this behemoth in the future world order. Should they cooperate? Resist? Or… submit?
The shockwaves were most direct and intense in the Sichuan and Chongqing region.

Inside Duzun Fortress, Xie Hui remained silent for a long time after hearing the news.

He was on par with Xi Ying and knew his strength well. Xi Ying's easy death was certainly due to factors such as underestimating his opponent and being trapped, but the strength shown by Shan Meixian and Wanwan, as well as the shadow of the Heavenly Dao Alliance behind them, made him, the "Martial Arts Judge," feel unprecedented pressure.

Meanwhile, the various factions in Sichuan finally realized the reality. Even figures like Fan Zhuo and Feng Zhen could only bow down and obey Wanwan, and a ruthless demon like Xi Ying could be killed without hesitation. What room did these local bullies have to struggle against the Heavenly Dao Alliance, this powerful force that had crossed the river from elsewhere? In a short time, forces from all over Sichuan took the initiative to curry favor with "Hexinglong" and seek cooperation. In fact, half of Sichuan had already fallen into the Heavenly Dao Alliance's clutches.

The news naturally reached Chang'an and Luoyang as well.

Warlords like Li Yuan and Wang Shichong were more concerned with the military strength and expansionist momentum displayed by the Heavenly Alliance. An organization capable of easily killing grandmaster-level masters and rapidly consolidating its power in the martial arts world was far more dangerous than ordinary martial arts gangs. Spy activities from all sides became increasingly frequent, with their target Chengdu and the mysterious leader of the alliance, "Nameless."

In the common folk, in teahouses and taverns, this matter was widely circulated, with countless versions emerging.

Some vividly described how Shan Meixian's swordsmanship was divine, taking Xi Ying's life in just a few moves; others spread rumors that the demoness Wanwan from the Yin Kui Sect used her sorcery to trap Xi Ying, allowing Shan Meixian to succeed; still others confidently asserted that the Heavenly Dao Alliance leader, "Nameless," secretly intervened, shattering Xi Ying's heart meridian with a single strike from afar...

The fearsome reputation of "Heavenly Lord" Xi Ying became the best illustration of the Heavenly Alliance's power. The name "Nameless" had already been shrouded in a god-like aura in the hearts of ordinary martial artists, inspiring both awe and reverence.

………………

Lotus Rest Courtyard.

The withered lotus leaves in the pond have been cleared away, and the water surface is as smooth as a mirror, reflecting the clear sky and a few old trees that have lost all their leaves. The sunlight has lost its warmth and lazily spills into the courtyard.

Inside the Lotus Heart Hall, the charcoal fire burned brightly, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Dressed in a crimson gown, Wanwan, like a leaping flame, stood in the hall, gesturing animatedly as she described to Yi Huawei, who sat in the main seat, the events of the previous night when she killed Xi Ying at Sanhua Tower.

Her voice was clear and crisp, and she spoke very quickly. When she got to the exciting parts, she gestured wildly, her eyes sparkling with excitement and pride.

"...Alliance Leader, you don't know, that old scoundrel Xi Ying initially pretended to be a weak scholar, but Madam Shan saw through his disguise in one sentence, and his face changed faster than a Sichuan opera!"

Wanwan mimicked Xi Ying's surprised and uncertain expression perfectly: "He thought he was invincible after mastering some 'Purple Qi Heavenly Net,' but Madam Shan found his vital point with a single sword strike and almost pierced through his lousy net! His expression at that moment, tsk tsk..."

As Wanwan spoke and laughed, she lightly touched the carpet with her bare feet, her skirt swirling like a blooming red lotus.

Sun Qiniang stood to the side, a perfectly timed smile on her face, and chimed in at the opportune moment: "Miss Wanwan and Madam Shan worked together seamlessly, and with a thunderous strike, they rid the martial world of a great scourge. It is truly gratifying! That Xi Ying is utterly wicked and deserves this retribution."

Her tone was respectful, but her gaze would occasionally and cautiously drift towards Yi Huawei in the main seat, observing his reaction.

Shan Meixian sat quietly at the head of the guest seats, dressed in a light purple palace gown, exuding an air of elegance and nobility. Listening to Wanwan's vivid description, a reserved yet gentle smile played on her lips. Occasionally, she would pick up her teacup and take a small sip. However, her slender, jade-like fingers betrayed a hint of unease within her.

Having avenged her great grudge, all the pent-up emotions in her heart vanished, but what remained was a profound emptiness after the avenging of her great grudge, and... a ripple stirred in Shan Meixian's heart when her gaze involuntarily fell upon the figure in the green robe.

Yi Huawei sat there casually, toying with a smooth, white jade chess piece in his hand. He listened to Wanwan's chattering narration, his face expressionless. Only when Wanwan finished speaking, blinking her big eyes and looking at him with a "praise me!" expression, did he slowly raise his eyes, his gaze sweeping over Wanwan and Shan Meixian, and he spoke softly:
"Hmm, well done. Being able to discern the key points of their technique and break through the net with a single strike shows that you have never slacked off in your daily cultivation. Eradicating evil completely can also be considered acting on behalf of Heaven."

Wanwan immediately beamed with joy, like a child who had received candy, and said sweetly, "It's all thanks to the Alliance Leader's excellent guidance! If it weren't for your usual instruction, how could Wanwan have managed to keep him occupied!"

Shan Meixian put down her teacup, curtsied slightly, and said, "Alliance Leader, you flatter me. This was merely Meixian's duty, and I dare not take credit for it..."

Just then, a light but hurried footstep sound came from outside the hall. A guard from the detached courtyard bowed and reported: "Reporting to the Alliance Leader, Lord Jie of Duzun Fortress, along with Young Master Song Shidao and Miss Song Yuzhi, are outside requesting an audience."

The hall fell silent immediately.

Wanwan raised an eyebrow, her red lips slightly pursed, and muttered, "This old guy is quite well-informed. He finally couldn't sit still anymore?" She couldn't help but look at Yi Huawei, her eyes filled with questioning.

Sun Qiniang immediately stopped smiling, stood with her hands at her sides, and dared not say another word.

Shan Meixian's expression also shifted slightly, as if she were deep in thought. Jie Hui of Duzun Fortress, a figure on par with "Heavenly Blade" Song Que, had come at this moment, and his intentions were self-evident.

Yi Huawei paused slightly as he played with the chess pieces, a knowing glint in his eyes.

Although Jie Hui's martial arts skills have reached the grandmaster level, earning him the title of "Judge of the Martial World," in the original story, he betrayed his alliance with the Song Clan upon seeing the Li Clan's growing power. This reveals that he is not a man of unwavering resolve, but rather a shrewd and opportunistic tyrant who prioritizes personal gain. His recent entry into Sichuan, where he swiftly subdued the Tianlian Sect and the Bashu Alliance, while deliberately keeping the most powerful force, Duzun Fortress, out of the loop, may well be an attempt to observe and test Jie Hui.

If they could subdue him, that would be ideal. Duzun Fortress had deep roots in Sichuan, saving considerable effort in integration. If not… for Yi Huawei, it would simply mean putting in more effort to uproot this last thorn in Sichuan's side. In Yi Huawei's eyes, Jie Hui's martial arts and character weren't top-tier; he was usable, but needed to be disciplined, to understand who was in charge. Obedience would bring a position; disobedience would lead to Xi Ying's fate.

"Please invite them in," Yi Huawei said, putting down the chess piece in his hand, his tone calm and indifferent.

"Yes!" The guard accepted the order and left.

Before long, footsteps approached from afar. Leading the way was none other than Jie Hui, the lord of Duzun Fortress.

Dressed in a finely crafted dark blue brocade robe, over which lay a black cloak, his steps were steady, exuding the dignified air of someone long accustomed to a high position. Yet, at this moment, his usually impassive face held an undisguised solemnity. His gaze, sharp as an eagle's, swept swiftly across the assembled crowd the instant he entered the hall, lingering for a fleeting moment on Yi Huawei's calm, expressionless face, his pupils contracting almost imperceptibly.

Following closely behind were Song Shidao and his sister Song Yuzhi.

"Shidao greets the Alliance Leader!"

Song Shidao was still dressed in a moon-white long robe, gentle and refined, with a warm smile on his face. As soon as he entered, his gaze fell on Yi Huawei, and he nodded with a smile, showing that he was quite familiar with him.

Song Yuzhi, dressed in fiery red riding attire, looked stunning with her snow-white skin. Upon entering, her bright, lively eyes first curiously surveyed Wanwan, who stood beside Yi Huawei with a charming expression, then glanced at the elegant and graceful Shan Meixian, before finally settling on Yi Huawei. A slight smirk played on her lips, accompanied by a familiar, complaining tone: "Brother Alliance Leader, this place is really hard to find! We've been going around in circles!"

Her address of "elder brother" was perfectly natural, clearly intended to tell the red-clad girl who was sizing her up that she had a good personal relationship with the alliance leader.

When Jie Hui heard Song Yuzhi address Yi Huawei, his eye twitched slightly, but he quickly recovered. He stepped forward, clasped his hands in a respectful greeting to Yi Huawei, and spoke in a loud voice with just the right amount of respect:
"I am Jie Hui from Duzun Fort. I have taken the liberty of visiting Alliance Leader Yi. I hope you will forgive my rudeness."

He adopted a very humble posture, showing none of the arrogance of a regional overlord.

Yi Huawei did not stand up, but nodded slightly and gestured for him to sit down: "Lord Jie, there's no need for such formality, please sit down."

His attitude was indifferent, neither enthusiastic nor indifferent, yet he possessed an undeniable air of authority.

Jie Hui said "Thank you for the seat" and then sat down in the guest seat. His gaze swept over Wanwan and Shan Meixian again, especially lingering on Shan Meixian for a moment. He felt a chill in his heart. The fact that Lady Dongming Shan Meixian was able to kill Xi Ying meant that her strength was probably far beyond his expectations. And judging from their attitude towards this Alliance Leader Yi, their relationship was obviously extraordinary.

Song Shidao and Song Yuzhi took their seats. Song Shidao said gently, "Alliance Leader, Yuzhi and I have come here firstly to visit my elder sister, and secondly because we heard that you have entered Sichuan, so we came to pay our respects. I did not expect that Uncle Xie also had this intention, so we came together."

His words were clever, both explaining his purpose and slightly easing the awkwardness that Xie Hui might feel coming alone.

Yi Huawei looked at the Song siblings with a faint smile on his face, which was much more intimate than his indifference towards Xie Hui: "Shidao, Yuzhi, there's no need to be so polite. The scenery in Sichuan is very different from that in Lingnan. You might as well stay a few more days."

Song Yuzhi immediately chimed in, grinning, "Of course! Brother Alliance Leader, you'll have to be our guide. I heard there's a restaurant nearby..."

Before she could finish speaking, Song Shidao stopped her with a look, signaling her to be mindful of the occasion.

Song Yuzhi stuck out her tongue and said no more, but her eyes still darted curiously back and forth between Yi Huawei, Wanwan, and Shan Meixian.

Jie Hui witnessed all of this, his heart growing even heavier. The Song Clan had such a close relationship with this Alliance Leader Yi, and with the already subjugated Tianlian Sect and Bashu Alliance, not to mention the unfathomable Dongming Sect and Yin Kui Sect... In this land of Sichuan, and even in the entire world, who could stop the advance of the Heavenly Dao Alliance?

Taking a deep breath, Jie Hui knew he couldn't hesitate any longer and had to make his stance clear. He stood up again, solemnly clasped his hands in a fist and bowed to Yi Huawei, and said in a deep voice:
"Alliance Leader Yi, I have come here not only to pay my respects, but also to inquire about something and to ask for your help."

All eyes in the hall instantly turned to Xie Hui.

Yi Huawei looked up at him calmly, waiting for him to continue. That gaze seemed to pierce through all pretense and reach straight to the heart.

Jie Hui stood up, his face solemn. His gaze swept over everyone present, finally settling on Yi Huawei's calm and expressionless face. He cleared his throat, his voice carrying a deliberately heavy tone:

"Leader, everyone,"

Xie Hui cupped his hands in a gesture of humility: "The world is in chaos, war is raging, and the people are displaced and suffering terribly. Although I live in a remote corner of Sichuan, I feel heartbroken whenever I think of this. We, the people of the martial world, though not high-ranking officials, still bear the responsibility of saving the world and bringing peace to the people."

After a pause, Jie Hui observed Yi Huawei's reaction. Seeing that the other party remained expressionless and simply listened quietly, he continued his impassioned speech:

"Since its rise, the Heavenly Alliance has swept away evil and restored order. In the Jiangnan and Lingnan regions, the people have found some peace, and trade routes have gradually reopened. This is a benevolent policy that is evident to all. Especially recently, the Alliance Leader's swift and decisive actions have eradicated the deep-seated problems in Sichuan and Chongqing, and even executed a scourge of evil like Xi Ying, which has plagued the martial world. This is truly gratifying and a great service to the people!" (End of Chapter)