"How...how did you know my identity?" The middle-aged man's voice revealed a hint of disbelief and panic.
Li Xi's sword tip swayed gently, gleaming coldly in the moonlight. She said slowly, "There are no secrets in this world. Luo Yun, no, I should call you Jiang Yunchao, what's wrong? Now that you've lost your former imposing manner, you've learned to hide your identity and eke out a living in this world?"
Jiang Yunchao's expression instantly became uncertain, as if his most painful wound had been exposed.
He clenched his fists so tightly that his nails dug deep into his palms, but he still tried to remain calm and said in a deep voice, "Kill me or torture me, it's up to you."
He is no match for Li Xi now and can only play it by ear.
The old woman suddenly knelt down, tears streaming down her face, and pleaded, "Please, spare our lives! You've already killed my Xuan'er, isn't that enough?"
"You want me to let you go? Sure, but only if you can offer something of value." Li Xi looked at him with eyes as cold as frost.
Suddenly, the old woman pulled a soft sword from her bosom.
The sword shimmered with a faint blue light, which appeared particularly eerie in the dim environment.
Li Xi was caught off guard by her actions and, without any warning, her arm was slashed by the soft sword, leaving a deep bloody gash. Blood gushed out and stained her sleeve red.
Her brows furrowed, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure, coldly staring at the old woman, and said in a deep voice, "It seems you're going to refuse a polite offer and then drink a penalty cup. In that case, don't blame me for being ruthless."
With that, she moved, gathering a powerful force in her hand, preparing to deliver a fatal blow.
Meanwhile, while the two were fighting, Jiang Yunchao took out his jade flute and began to play a melodious tune.
The flute music, like a demonic melody, caused Li Xi to pause slightly. Taking advantage of this, the old woman lunged at Li Xi again, her swordsmanship fierce and deadly.
Li Xi steadied herself, dodged the attack, and simultaneously swung her sword to counterattack. However, the old woman's moves were exceptionally cunning, gradually putting her at a disadvantage.
Seeing this, Jiang Yunchao was secretly delighted and quickened his playing. The flute music grew more and more stirring, as if it were about to pierce the clouds.
At that moment, Hongying descended from the sky and blocked the old woman's attack. "So it really is you, Qingluan!"
Hongying's words carried a hint of disbelief and indignation.
Her gaze was piercing, fixed on the old woman in front of her, who was called Qingluan.
Qingluan's face appeared particularly cold under the moonlight, and a complex emotion flashed in her eyes, but it was quickly replaced by resolute determination.
"Hongying, it's been many years, and you've grown so much." Qingluan sneered, the sword light in her hand increasing rather than decreasing, each swing carrying surging true energy, attempting to break through Hongying's defense.
Hongying moved with the lightness of a star, like the brightest star in the night sky. While dealing with Qingluan's fierce attacks, she said angrily, "Why did you betray us, Qingluan? You took all the treasures in that secret chamber!"
"That's right, it was me. After our ancient clan was wiped out, we traveled to almost every country in our hearts to avenge our clan. In my quest for revenge, I was knocked off a cliff by my enemies. When I was on the verge of death, it was Sanlang who saved me!"
Qingluan recalled the past, a hint of tenderness flashing in her eyes, which then turned ruthless: "I have done enough for the ancient clan. What's wrong with living for myself?!"
"For a man, you've even disregarded the clan rules. How many people has the Red Lotus Sect harmed? Are you turning a blind eye to all of this for your lover?"
Hongying's voice was filled with undisguised disappointment and heartache. Her swordsmanship became increasingly fierce, with each move aimed directly at Qingluan's vital points.
Qingluan swayed slightly, dodging a fatal attack, and sneered, "Clan rules? Hmph, those are nothing but shackles that bind us. Without Sanlang, I would have turned to dust long ago. For him, I would do anything."
"Qingluan, you've changed, you've become so unfamiliar." Hongying's tone was full of sorrow. She remembered the Qingluan who once fought alongside her, whose eyes were only filled with the flames of revenge.
Now, for the sake of personal feelings, countless innocent lives have been tragically lost at the hands of the Red Lotus Sect. "Have you ever considered how heartbroken your clansmen would be if they knew what you have done today?"
The tip of Qingluan's sword drew a deep mark on the ground. She looked up at the starry sky, a trace of confusion flashing in her eyes, but it was quickly replaced by determination: "My people? They have long since turned to dust, but I will continue to move forward in this world."
Hongying shook her head, tears welling in her eyes, but she forced them back: "Sister Qingluan, I'll call you 'sister' one last time. Today, even if it costs me my life, I will kill you to avenge my daughter!"
Under the moonlight, their figures intertwined, their swords flashing like a tapestry.
Qingluan's swordsmanship became increasingly fierce, each move revealing determination and madness, while Hongying, relying on her profound understanding of the ancient clan's martial arts, neutralized each attack, attempting to find an opportunity to counterattack.
Meanwhile, Li Xi, who was controlled by the flute music, panicked for a moment, and Jiang Yunchao took the opportunity to take her life.
Unexpectedly, Li Xi only hesitated for a moment before reacting quickly as he attacked, grabbing his collar and lifting him off the ground, mocking, "Is this all you know how to do?"
Jiang Yunchao's expression changed drastically.
He never expected that at this crucial moment, Li Xi would be able to break free from the control of the flute music and turn the tables on him.
His legs kicked wildly in the air, while his hands tried to pry open Li Xi's fingers that were gripping his collar, but Li Xi's hands were like iron clamps, not moving an inch.
"You... how could you..." Jiang Yunchao gasped, his face full of disbelief.
Li Xi's lips curled into a cold smile, her eyes flashing with a chilling light: "You think you can control me with just a flute? These little tricks only worked on the old Li Xi!"
After saying that, she suddenly exerted her strength and slammed Jiang Yunchao to the ground with a dull thud.
Jiang Yunchao was so disoriented from the fall that he couldn't get up for a long time.
She stepped on his chest, immobilizing him, and said fiercely, "Hand over what you took from the Xuanming Sect, and I'll spare your dog's life!"
"Who are you? You're not Li Xi!" Jiang Yunchao's eyes widened, her voice becoming shrill with fear.
"Hand it over now!" Li Xi roared, pressing his sword against Jiang Yunchao's throat.
Jiang Yunchao sensed the threat of death and stammered, "No...not on me, it's on..."
Before he could finish speaking, a group of men in black surged out from all around.
They surrounded Li Xi, armed with sharp blades. Their eyes were cold, and their movements were swift; they were clearly well-trained experts.
"Hmph, trying to stall for time?" Li Xi sneered.
The force under his foot did not lessen; instead, he pressed down even harder on Jiang Yunchao's chest, causing him to turn pale with pain and almost unable to breathe.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com