Torrential rain poured down as the wind uprooted ancient trees.

"We Mount Shushan disciples have long despised you all. Prepare to die!"

Qin Wenke's figure flashed as the magical artifact in his hand shot forth.

The artifact collided with the weapons of the Xuantian Sword Sect disciples, producing crisp clanging sounds.

Their exchange was as swift and violent as a sudden storm - brief yet intense.

Qin Wenke feigned weakness.

Just as the Xuantian Sword Sect disciples thought Qin Wenke was severely injured and on death's door,

The edge of Qin Wenke's sword suddenly twisted, transforming his previously ordinary sword technique into something extraordinarily fierce.

Two flying swords attacked from front and back.

The Xuantian Sword Sect disciple had no time to react - he only saw a cold flash before his neck erupted in excruciating pain.

In the next moment, his head flew off like a kite with its string cut, blood spraying everywhere.

"Be careful! Mount Shushan disciples aren't easy to deal with."

"Don't let your guard down!"

"Damn it! To kill a cultivator of equal level in an instant while in that condition - these Mount Shushan cultivators truly defy the heavens' will."

"........"

Covered in blood with his flying sword broken, Qin Wenke fled in panic.

Several figures pursued closely behind.

He didn't know why the Xuantian Sword Sect had suddenly started killing Mount Shushan disciples.

But this news must be delivered back to Mount Shushan.

Staggering, Qin Wenke rushed into an ancient temple, blood streaming from his wounds.

Only then did he notice there was already someone in the temple -

A woman with disheveled long hair leaning against a corner, holding a book.

Qin Wenke froze.

He vaguely recognized this woman.

He'd seen her once when completing a mission with junior brother Xuanxiao.

Di Nü Feng!!!

Di Nü Feng lazily lifted her eyes to glance at Qin Wenke.

She'd long forgotten who he was.

She was only here to study.

This was an allusion Li Xuanxiao had taught her -

Stealing light through the wall.

Digging holes in the wall during the day, then sleeping.

Using the stolen light to study at night.

Di Nü Feng rubbed her eyes, unable to comprehend why Li Xuanxiao would teach her such a foolish method.

But since Li Xuanxiao taught it,

There must be some reasoning behind it.

Di Nü Feng observed the suddenly intruding Qin Wenke, then noticed his uniform.

A Mount Shushan disciple?

She recalled Li Xuanxiao's previous words.

The pursuing Xuantian Sword Sect disciples had already broken in, surrounding the area.

"Qin Wenke, surrender now."

"We might still leave your corpse intact today."

Di Nü Feng pinched a water droplet between her fingertips and flicked it lightly.

The droplet shattered with muffled popping sounds.

Within moments, the heads of all intruding Xuantian Sword Sect disciples exploded.

Knowing he stood no chance against Di Nü Feng, Qin Wenke considered briefly before bowing respectfully.

"Many thanks for your rescue, Senior."

"You scram too!"

Without even looking, Di Nü Feng waved her hand, sending Qin Wenke flying out.

The ancient temple's doors closed again.

Di Nü Feng returned to her "stealing light through the wall" studies.

"........."

Mount Shushan, Sect Leader's Decree.

All Tribulation Transcension stage experts must return to Mount Shushan immediately. All current missions are canceled.

Disciples still within the sect must not leave.

Such a decree hadn't been issued in so long that even senior Mount Shushan disciples couldn't recall the last time.

But everyone understood something major must have happened.

The mountain-guarding disciples grew alert upon seeing a distant figure approaching.

They could sense the person's weak aura from afar.

"It's Senior Brother Qin!!"

The gatekeepers recognized Qin Wenke.

Pale-faced, Qin Wenke collapsed to the ground.

Disciples immediately rushed to support him.

"Senior Brother Qin."

Gushing blood from his mouth, Qin Wenke gasped, "Quick...quickly report! Xuantian Sword Sect...betrayal...Xuantian Sword Sect branch massacred...request immediate sect reinforcement..."

After forcing out these words, Qin Wenke lost consciousness.

".........."

The gatekeepers didn't dare delay, hurrying to the main peak to relay Senior Brother Qin's message.

Meanwhile.

Under the thatched hut on Silver Sword Peak.

Li Xuanxiao received Qin Wenke's message almost simultaneously.

Xuantian Sword Sect's betrayal. Their branch annihilated.

Twenty-five Mount Shushan disciples fallen in battle!

Li Xuanxiao's expression darkened.

They've made their move. Even the Xuantian Sword Sect of the Five Great Immortal Alliances is their ally.

Are they truly willing to make enemies of Mount Shushan?

What price could they have possibly offered?

"........"

All seven peak masters of Mount Shushan and numerous elders gathered in the main hall.

Qin Wenke had regained some consciousness and haltingly recounted the entire incident.

Silence filled the hall for several breaths.

The situation was simply too absurd.

Did the Xuantian Sword Sect leader eat poisonous mushrooms?

Or did he tire of living and seek death?

Killing Mount Shushan disciples!

And so brazenly, without even pretending.

Even if Qin Wenke hadn't escaped, Mount Shushan would have learned eventually.

"Treason!!!"

Yu Yangzi roared in fury.

Among the disciples at the Xuantian Sword Sect branch, eleven had been his Little Qiong Peak students.

This was supposed to be a training mission - who could have imagined they'd all perish at the Xuantian Sword Sect.

Yu Yangzi's eyes bulged with rage.

"Do they truly think Mount Shushan is easy to bully? I'll lead a team to annihilate them myself!"

"Senior Brother, don't be hasty. Even if the Xuantian Sword Sect has gone mad, would they dare attack our Mount Shushan?" Daoist Qing Shi attempted to mediate.

"Would Qin Wenke lie about this? And who else in Xuantian Sword Sect territory would have both the capability and audacity!"

The veins on Yu Yangzi's hands stood out.

"If we don't destroy them today, they'll really think Mount Shushan is weak."

"The Sect Leader's decree states no one may leave the mountain regardless of circumstances."

Deputy Sect Leader Wushangzi invoked the Sect Leader's parting order.

Yu Yangzi seethed with suppressed fury.

Wushangzi explained: "Junior Brother, we must consider this carefully, not act impulsively. This matter is highly suspicious. We should wait for the Sect Leader's return."

Yu Yangzi raged: "Consider carefully? They're literally shitting on our faces now!!

Didn't the Sect Leader authorize us to act according to circumstances? I refuse to believe the heavens could be overturned in Zhongzhou!"

Several elders and peak masters remained silent.

Many present supported Yu Yangzi's position.

After all, openly massacring Mount Shushan disciples was too heinous an act.

Even demonic cultists wouldn't dare, fearing Mount Shushan's retaliation.

Yet today, Xuantian Sword Sect disciples dared defy all conventions.

The Dragon Head Peak master said gravely: "Let's demand answers from the Xuantian Sword Sect. If they're truly responsible, we'll besiege their sect to prevent escape, then await the Sect Leader's decision!"

"I agree!" Yu Yangzi immediately seconded.