After several rounds of negotiations between the Seven Mysteries Sect and the Wild Wolf Gang, a place called "Falling Sand Slope" was mutually agreed upon as the location for their talks.
The Wild Wolf Gang, however, had insisted that the negotiation be led by a head figure from both sides to demonstrate sincerity. Without this, they claimed, the meeting was pointless.
This condition didn't stir much commotion within the Seven Mysteries Sect, as it was a common practice in such negotiations. Of course, neither side would send their primary leader into a dangerous situation. The Seven Mysteries Sect would likely send a vice-leader, while the Wild Wolf Gang would dispatch a suitable deputy leader to represent their side. Both sides understood this and were satisfied with the arrangement.
Thus, the date for the negotiations was set, and both factions agreed to send a team of over a hundred people each. The Seven Mysteries Sect, ever cautious, took extensive precautions to prevent any ambushes during the talks.
The team from the Seven Mysteries Sect would be led by Vice Sect Leader Wu, the second strongest fighter in the sect. The group would consist mainly of elite disciples, including protectors, guardians, core elders, and several high-ranking officials. This was a formidable force, and the Seven Mysteries Sect was confident that, even if the Wild Wolf Gang sent their best fighters, they would not be able to stop their advance. If things went awry, the negotiators could rely on their martial prowess to break through any encirclements and escape back to their territory. Additional elite troops would be waiting for their retreat, ensuring their safety.
Li Feiyu, determined to be part of the action, volunteered to join the group. Given that his time was limited, the more dangerous the situation, the more he was inclined to participate.
So, a massive force—comprising nearly half of the Seven Mysteries Sect's top fighters—departed for the negotiations. The journey would take at least half a month, which felt like an eternity.
Han Li, however, wasn't particularly concerned. Whether the talks were successful or failed didn't matter to him. He had already decided that he would soon leave the sect to venture into the outside world. The rise or fall of the Seven Mysteries Sect had little to do with him. As long as he wasn't personally involved, he had no desire to interfere.
For the next few days, while the negotiation team was away, Han Li focused on growing the medicinal herbs he needed and started collecting rare herb seeds for future use.
He had already planned to bid farewell to the sect leaders once the team returned. If the high-ranking officials didn't allow him to leave, he had no qualms about demonstrating his true strength to convince them. That would ensure they wouldn't trouble him further.
Han Li was considering leaving discreetly, but he feared that if the sect couldn't find him, they might retaliate against his family. So, it seemed better to formally bid farewell and show them his capabilities to prevent any future misunderstandings. He had already prepared the excuse that he was heading out to visit Doctor Mo, to seek further guidance, and whether they believed him or not didn't matter. With his growing strength, he had no reason to fear their suspicions.
As Han Li thought about all of this, a cold smile tugged at the corner of his lips. He knew that if he wanted to, it would be incredibly easy to take the lives of the sect leaders. But that was merely a fleeting thought. He had no intention of going that far.
However, Han Li never expected that, on the fourth night after the negotiation team had left, a ragged, dust-covered figure would suddenly burst into his room. With bloodshot eyes, cracked lips, and a hoarse voice, the man gasped out a chilling message: "The negotiation team… it's over. Vice-Leader Wu is dead. The protectors, guardians, and several elders... they're all dead. Almost everyone is dead."
Before Han Li could respond, the shrill sound of a warning whistle pierced the air from somewhere high up the mountain.
"Bang! Bang!" The unmistakable sound of drumming followed.
"Clang… Clang…"
"Clink… Clink…"
"Boom! Boom…"
Various alarm sounds erupted, followed by the roar of battle, screams, and the clashing of weapons, echoing through the mountain. In an instant, the entire Caiya Mountain seemed to have transformed into a battlefield, filled with chaos and death.
Han Li's expression darkened, his face clouded with grim realization. He didn't wait for the man to continue speaking. In a blur, his figure shot outside, and he quickly scaled the nearest high building. From there, he gazed out toward the valley.
The sight before him was a sea of flames, with shadows of people clashing in the distance. Swords and daggers gleamed in the firelight, and cries of battle filled the air. The mountain was in chaos, engulfed in the tumult of war.
He heard someone behind him, the unmistakable sound of wind brushing against the air. Without turning, he coldly asked, "Li Feiyu, is it the Wild Wolf Gang?"
"Yes," came the reply, filled with fury and helplessness. "They planned everything meticulously. They almost wiped out our negotiating team, and now they've followed the survivors, attacking the mountain."
The messenger, as it turned out, was none other than Li Feiyu, the very one who had left with the delegation four days ago. His voice was filled with anger and a sense of betrayal.