The six major sects, twenty-eight schools, and thirty-two demonic factions of Jiangnan dominated the entire region. Including the Extreme Demonic Hall established by Goushengzi, the situation in Jiangnan was rather complex.

With the destruction of sects like Morning Cloud Sect, the six major sects, twenty-eight schools, and thirty-two demonic factions grew increasingly restless. After all, they had participated in the massacre of Mount Shushan years ago. Thus, these perpetually warring factions gathered together.

Though numerous in number, the most prominent forces among them were:

- The Extreme Demonic Hall

- Pure Water Palace, home to the flood dragon controlling Jiangnan's waterways

- Spirit Sword Temple

- Revival Sect

"A remnant of Mount Shushan? I've heard such tales countless times over the years!" The ancient flood dragon of Pure Water Palace propped his head on one hand and snorted disdainfully. His Pure Water Palace lay beneath Jiangnan's waters, guarded by shrimp soldiers and crab generals. Connected to the entire water system of Jiangnan, it stood as an impregnable fortress. Of all present, he cared the least.

The old Taoist from Spirit Sword Temple remained silent. The alluring woman from Revival Sect flicked her handkerchief, releasing a fragrant scent. "Are you certain it's truly a Shushan disciple? Even if so, they've probably fled by now."

"With us guarding Jiangnan, what can a Shushan remnant do? Just futile struggling," she continued. "Exactly!" the charming woman agreed. "Mount Shushan was destroyed long ago. Why fear some remnant seeking revenge? They've likely already fled Jiangnan, only daring to act in shadows."

Suddenly, the ancient flood dragon changed topics. "Speaking of which, old codger, I haven't settled accounts with you for your disciple injuring my subordinate last time." The Spirit Sword Temple's old Taoist smiled faintly. The charming woman coldly snorted, "You seized three of my establishments. I demand an explanation."

Soon, their discussion devolved into quarreling, eventually turning to the lost treasure. Thirty years ago when Mount Shushan fell, one of its branch elders had hidden part of Shushan's wealth in Jiangnan. However, the elder was soon surrounded and killed, forced to self-destruct and perish together with his pursuers. Since then, the treasure's whereabouts remained unknown.

Shushan's wealth naturally held great allure. Over the years, all factions—the six major sects, twenty-eight schools, and thirty-two demonic forces—had searched relentlessly for it. Recently, new rumors had surfaced in the martial world...

The old commander of Extreme Demonic Hall sighed silently, frustrated by their petty squabbles. Never mind—he wouldn't interfere further. His transfer orders had arrived. In six months, he would leave this place. At his age, he understood: having reached the Transformation Spirit stage, no amount of resources could advance him further. Best to turn a blind eye now.

Yet inexplicably, an uneasy feeling nagged at him. Having weathered countless storms, this sensation was unfamiliar.

"......"

Amidst the misty rain, Li Xuanxiao walked the streets under an umbrella. At a street corner stood a long-abandoned building—Jiangnan's former Shushan branch. Frozen in time, it retained its former appearance. Large sections of brickwork had peeled away, revealing battle scars through which one could glimpse the interior. The entrance plaque lay on the ground, its inscription faded. Moss-covered steps led upward.

Four sets of Shushan disciples' remains hung there. Weather-beaten over time, all flesh had vanished, leaving only bones swaying in the wind with eerie creaks—a grim warning to all.

Li Xuanxiao gazed up at the skeletons. Noticing his prolonged observation, two Extreme Demonic Hall disciples on surveillance duty exchanged glances and approached. "Hey, you—"

Before they could finish, a sword flashed. Two heads tumbled to the ground as Li Xuanxiao appeared behind them. For thirty years, the surveillance here had never failed. Neither anticipated meeting their end on such an ordinary afternoon.

"........."

When Extreme Demonic Hall reinforcements arrived, they found the four Shushan skeletons gone—replaced by two of their own disciples' corpses. Upon hearing the news, the old commander rushed to the scene. Surveying the display, he took a deep breath. Contrary to expectations, the perpetrator hadn't fled Jiangnan. Instead, they'd boldly declared war in broad daylight!

"Commander! Commander!" Only after his subordinates called twice did the old commander snap back to attention and issue orders: "Search! Tear Jiangnan apart if you must, but find this person!"

"Yes!"

"........."

Li Xuanxiao returned through the rain to his inn, where Di Nü Feng waited in their room. Entering, he said, "It's done. You should return first—I'll keep my promise."

Turning her head, she asked, "What will you do here?"

"Play with them. Ever played cat and mouse?" Li Xuanxiao replied.

"...It's dangerous."

"I'll be fine."

Jiangnan would soon undergo intensive searches. With Di Nü Feng's Tribulation Transcension cultivation, she'd be too conspicuous, putting herself at risk.

"...Oh." Di Nü Feng moved to leap from the window, apparently planning to slip away directly. Li Xuanxiao added, "Don't mention my affairs to anyone. Be wary of that guardian Yin Lingzi in the sect."

"...Oh...I think he's nice."

"He's deceiving you. Don't be fooled."

"...Oh. I'll go then."

Li Xuanxiao stepped forward, handing her freshly bought meat pies. Accepting one, Di Nü Feng took a bite.

(っ´ω`c)

"Where's the necklace I gave you?" she suddenly asked.

"Hm? What necklace?"

"Humph!" Her figure had already vanished from the inn.

Soon after, Li Xuanxiao also departed. On his first day, he'd contacted a broker to rent a small courtyard—he'd likely stay here awhile to achieve Golden Core cultivation.

Success was imperative!