Prefecture Yamen, inside the main hall.
The atmosphere was stagnant, tension thick in the air.
Outside the main hall, Silver Badge Constables had already gathered, emitting a chilling Aura, looking as if they would break down the door if a single word was amiss.
Inside the room, Wei Bo's eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at the two people in the hall below.
The Aura belonging to the Peak of the Bones Transformation Realm emanated.
His gaze swept past the enraged Fang Tiankui and landed on Ouyang Bing, whose face was as calm as still water.
At this moment, Ouyang Bing's brows were furrowed in tension, and a chilling might also emanated from him, even suppressing Fang Tiankui beside him, like a spring compressed to its limit ready to explode at any moment.
Three powerful Auras clashed, and finally, the Aura around Ouyang Bing dispersed.
Seeing this scene, a hint of a smile appeared on Wei Bo's face.
He understood that this old friend had retreated again. The experiences of decades ago had long since shattered his spirit, his edges smoothed and sharpness gone. As long as the Seven Forms Sect was not at the very last moment, he would definitely not react.
"Sect Leader Ouyang..."
Fang Tiankui, who was beside him, clenched his fists and looked at Ouyang Bing when he saw this scene.
However, the latter merely shook his head slightly, and after leaving a remark for Wei Bo, his figure disappeared into the main hall.
"I will make up the remaining tax silver within seven days..."
"Sect Leader Ouyang is indeed sensible, truly the pillar of my Wanhua City."
The smile on Wei Bo's face grew wider, and his gaze fell on Fang Tiankui, whose face was ashen.
"Then what about you, Family Head Fang? Do you have any objections?"
"Hmph, I will make up for it within 7 days..."
After leaving the remark, Fang Tiankui flicked his large sleeve, and his figure also disappeared into the main hall.
...
Seven Forms Sect.
In Qingniao Yard.
The demise of the White Dragon Gang naturally caused a huge stir within the Seven Forms Sect.
At this moment, there was perhaps some panic within the Seven Forms Sect.
Of the more than twenty people originally remaining in Qingniao Yard, several were now gone.
Clearly, the demise of the White Dragon Gang made these Disciples see even less hope.
They had originally been proud to join these major powers, with the aim of seeking stability.
As a result, now that even such major powers have been half annihilated, the thought that this situation might one day befall the Seven Forms Sect was one that flashed through the mind of every Seven Forms Sect Disciple.
Elegant Courtyard.
"Master, the Prefecture Yamen is too overbearing; they actually annihilated the White Dragon Gang just like that..."
Wei Yun's face was filled with shock and anger. When she learned of the White Dragon Gang's demise, she felt as if she were dreaming.
Lin Sheng, who was beside her, also had a trace of emotion on his face.
He hadn't expected that the White Dragon Gang would be gone overnight.
This made the bad premonition in his heart grow stronger.
Xie Qingyun's expression wasn't much better, but she knew very well that as the head of a yard, she couldn't show anything, so she immediately spoke.
"The White Dragon Gang's affair can be considered bringing it upon themselves. Colluding with bandits to plunder Wanhua City, they naturally deserve this outcome and are beyond redemption. As for our Seven Forms Sect, Yun'er, you don't need to worry."
Speaking of this, she paused, her gaze sweeping over the three direct Disciples in the yard, and continued to comfort them.
"The Seven Forms Sect has stood in Wanhua City for a thousand years. Its Foundation is naturally not comparable to upstarts like the White Dragon Gang. Sect Leader Ouyang is even hailed as the number one expert in Wanhua City. Even if the Imperial Court wants to act against us, they will have reservations. Moreover, unlike the White Dragon Gang and Crimson Whale Hall, we haven't done anything outrageous, so the Imperial Court has no reason to act at all."
"After all, with the Ten Thousand Sects Alliance present, even if the Imperial Court is powerful, it cannot act without restraint."
"Master is right, this Disciple understands."
Hearing Xie Qingyun's words, Wei Yun and the others finally showed relaxed expressions.
Indeed, the Imperial Court cannot act arbitrarily. Their Seven Forms Sect has been established for many years and naturally has a presence in the Ten Thousand Sects Alliance.
Xie Qingyun's words indeed had an effect, like a stabilizing pill, dispelling much of the gloom that enveloped Qingniao Yard. The Disciples quickly became busy with their own tasks. Now that the number of Seven Forms Sect Disciples has greatly decreased, these people are naturally very busy.
Although they have relaxed requirements and widely opened the mountain gate to recruit Disciples, it is not something that can fill the personnel gap in a short time.
Lin Sheng left the yard. Xie Qingyun's words did relax the uneasiness in his heart somewhat, but he still felt quite urgent.
He also had some understanding of the so-called Ten Thousand Sects Alliance. It is an Alliance organization formed by all Sects and noble families in the Northern Yan Kingdom at the Bone Transformation Realm and above.
Even though the Imperial Court of the Great Yan Kingdom suppresses everything, the combined strength of numerous Sects and noble families is not weak. It can be considered a form of Alliance to counter the Imperial Court, lest the Imperial Court arbitrarily eliminate various Sects.
With the Ten Thousand Sects Alliance present, the Imperial Court indeed won't act against the Seven Forms Sect without reason, but this doesn't mean the Seven Forms Sect is safe.
Just as Xie Qingyun said, the Seven Forms Sect has been established for a thousand years, but in these thousand years, he doesn't believe there haven't been any shady dealings. With the Imperial Court's methods, it would be very easy to dig them out, and that would be the reason.
Furthermore, besides this point, if the Imperial Court wants to act, there are many other means. One cannot simply survive by being cautious.
From the series of reactions in Wanhua City now, he could already see the intention of the Prefecture Yamen, or rather, the Imperial Court.
Although the Seven Forms Sect is temporarily fine given its current situation, how long this state of affairs can last is unknown.
He always considered the worst-case scenario.
Thinking of this, Lin Sheng clenched his fingers and muttered to himself.
"Strength must be improved as quickly as possible..."
Returning to Wanhua City, he once again entered secluded cultivation.
He spent most of his time on mental condensation. Now, he was only one Mingxin Realm away from integrating the Scarlet Eye Flame Dragon.
Cultivating the Qingniao Chasing Star Finger to break through to the 7th layer would take at least several months. In comparison, breaking through the mental level was the most cost-effective.
As long as he could integrate the Scarlet Eye Flame Dragon, his own strength would definitely experience a leap-like improvement.
However, things did not go as planned. After only two days of secluded cultivation, he received a message from the Sect again.
Two days later, at noon.
The sky was rarely cloudless for thousands of miles, sweeping away the dark clouds of the past few days.
At the foot of the Seven Forms Sect mountain.
Lin Sheng, Wei Yun, and Bai Qing followed behind Xie Qingyun, waiting quietly.
Standing beside them were the heads of Spirit Snake Courtyard, Yu Zhao, and Jin Yuan Yard, Yuan Zhongfei. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be all seven yard heads, gathered at the foot of the mountain.
Behind each yard head stood the direct Disciples of their respective yards.
The one at the very front was none other than the Seven Forms Sect Leader, Ouyang Bing.
For the entire upper echelon of the Seven Forms Sect to be greeting them at the foot of the mountain, it was clear that today's visitors were definitely not ordinary people.
"I didn't expect the Tianxiang Sword Sect to come visit the mountain. You know, the last time they visited, I had just entered the Sect."
Wei Yun looked into the distance, her face showing some wistfulness, while also carrying a hint of anticipation.
That's right, the reason for such a grand display today was because the Seven Forms Sect received a visiting card from the Tianxiang Sword Sect yesterday.
Upon receiving this news, the spirits of everyone in the Seven Forms Sect were greatly lifted.
One must know that although the Seven Forms Sect is not weak and is considered a first-rate power in Wanhua City, compared to a major Sect like the Tianxiang Sword Sect, which is among the top tier in the entire Linjiang Prefecture, it is undoubtedly far inferior.
Now that the Tianxiang Sword Sect has come to visit the mountain, it is undoubtedly a good sign. Getting involved with a major power like the Tianxiang Sword Sect is undoubtedly a shot in the arm for the Seven Forms Sect, which is currently somewhat precarious.
Even if the Prefecture Yamen wants to act against the Seven Forms Sect again, they will have to consider the Tianxiang Sword Sect.
"Senior Sister, are our relations with the Tianxiang Sword Sect very good?"
Lin Sheng suddenly asked.
"Well... it's not exactly good. I heard that a thousand years ago, the founding ancestor had a good relationship with the Sect Leader of the Tianxiang Sword Sect. At that time, the relationship between the two families was quite harmonious, often exchanging pointers and communicating. However, after the ancestor passed away, the relationship between the two families became increasingly distant. The last time they came to visit the mountain was more than thirty years ago."
Wei Yun thought for a moment before replying.
"More than thirty years ago..."
Hearing this, Lin Sheng nodded, his brows slightly furrowed.
From Wei Yun's words, it wasn't difficult to know that the relationship between the two families was nothing special. After all, as time passed, everything would fade, especially since the two families were not on the same level now.
So what was the reason for their visit to the mountain this time?
Thinking to himself, his gaze swept across the faces of Xie Qingyun and the other seven yard heads, as well as Sect Leader Ouyang Bing.
These high-ranking Sect members had calm expressions and didn't show much happiness. Instead, he keenly captured a hint of confusion.
It seemed that even these higher-ups were not clear about the intention of this mountain visit.
They didn't have to wait too long. Before long, several figures arrived together.
"So it's Brother Shi, Wu Xing Sword. Ouyang Bing has failed to come out and greet you..."
Seeing the one leading the figures, Ouyang Bing stepped forward, cupped his hands, and spoke with a smile.
"It's actually Wu Xing Sword Shi Hui."
After hearing Ouyang Bing's words, a hint of surprise flashed across Wei Yun's face.
"Senior Sister, do you have something to say?"
Lin Sheng's heart stirred, and he asked in a low voice.
"Actually, it's nothing much. However, this Wu Xing Sword Shi Hui is the Second Elder of the Tianxiang Sword Sect and has been in the Peak of the Bones Transformation Realm for many years. His status in the Tianxiang Sword Sect is quite high, but this is his first time coming to our Seven Forms Sect."
Wei Yun shook her head slightly and explained.
"Second Elder of the Tianxiang Sword Sect? First time here?" Lin Sheng frowned, and several guesses arose in his heart.
This Wu Xing Sword Shi Hui, as the Second Elder of the Tianxiang Sword Sect, and seemingly having no previous relationship with them, his sudden visit to the mountain is probably not as simple as just paying a visit.
Thinking to himself, he looked at Xie Qingyun, whose brows were also slightly furrowed, not knowing what she was thinking.
"Sect Leader Ouyang, there's no need to be polite. This Shi came abruptly and has disturbed you."
Several figures quickly approached. Before they landed, a clear laughter had already arrived, which was from Wu Xing Sword Shi Hui.
And there were only two people following behind him.
An old servant carrying a sword on his back, and a young man with a fair complexion and a somewhat cold Aura about him.
And Lin Sheng knew this young man; he was the Tianxiang Sword Sect's number one Genius, Jianzi Ouyang Lengshui.
If Shi Hui's arrival surprised the people in the scene, then Ouyang Lengshui's arrival completely exceeded their expectations.
For this well-known top Genius in Linjiang Prefecture City, everyone had naturally heard of him.
Ouyang Bing's face showed no unusual expression. He welcomed the group up the mountain with a smile.
Main Peak Hall.
The seats were filled with various delicacies and fine foods.
Lin Sheng, Wei Yun, and the others naturally did not have the qualifications to be seated and merely stood behind Xie Qingyun.
Everyone's gaze fell on Shi Hui and Ouyang Lengshui.
"Brother Shi, this is our Sect's special Silver Flower Brew. It is brewed using various Qi and blood precious medicines as a base, refined over several months. It has some unique aspects in nourishing Qi and blood."
Ouyang Bing, who was usually stern-faced, now spoke with a warm smile.
"The wine is good wine, but it's not too late to drink after the matter is resolved."
Shi Hui spoke faintly with a smile.
"Oh? May I ask what matter brought Brother Shi here this time?" Ouyang Bing's eyes were like water as he spoke softly.
"This Shi is here for only one thing, and that is to demand an explanation."
The smile on Shi Hui's face faded, and he said gravely.
"Ten years ago, the Songya Sword Sect in Fu City had a five-thousand-year-old beast mineral vein in Ping County unjustly occupied by your Sect. That Songya Sword Sect was founded by a descendant of my Tianxiang Sword Sect. His son and I were close friends back then. Now that I've learned of this matter, I naturally cannot stand idly by, so I demand an explanation from your Sect."
"Songya Sword Sect?!"
Hearing this, Ouyang Bing's brows furrowed tightly, seemingly trying to recall this name. He had never heard of such a power in Linjiang Prefecture.
"Nonsense! The beast mineral vein in Ping County was originally discovered by my Seven Forms Sect, and we paid a high price to purchase it before mining it. The Songya Sword Sect you mentioned is nothing but a group of hoodlums who are swindling people by borrowing the name of the Tianxiang Sword Sect."
The one who spoke was the head of Spirit Snake Courtyard, Yu Zhao.
At this moment, Yu Zhao's face was flushed red, and anger surged within him.
Others might not know about the so-called Songya Sword Sect, but he knew it clearly because he was responsible for mining the beast mineral vein in Ping County back then.
It was clearly founded by an Outer Sect Disciple who had left the Tianxiang Sword Sect. How could it have any connection with the Tianxiang Sword Sect, let alone be related to Shi Hui in front of him?
"Elder Shi, you are fabricating charges against us."
"Hmm!? Are you saying this Elder is talking nonsense?!"
Shi Hui's face immediately turned grim, and an extremely sharp Aura emanated from him. His entire being was like a drawn sword hanging over everyone in the main hall.
Especially Yu Zhao, the head of Spirit Snake Courtyard, who was shaken by this never-before-seen chilling Aura. In a daze, he felt as if a sharp sword was slashing towards him and subconsciously retreated two steps.
However, it was quickly offset by an Aura that was gentle like water yet powerful, which came from Ouyang Bing.
"Elder Shi, this is the Seven Forms Sect..."
Ouyang Bing spoke in a deep voice.
He already understood that this visit by Shi Hui was not a mountain visit at all; he was clearly here to cause trouble.
Even with his usually calm disposition, anger was surging within him at this moment.
"Sect Leader Ouyang naturally did it. Could it be that you still want to deny it? This would truly tarnish the name of the Seven Forms Sect."
"What price do you want?" Ouyang Bing said coldly.
"It's very simple. As far as I know, the yield of that beast mineral vein is not low. I only want half. However, that mineral vein has already been completely mined by your Sect, so calculating it, I estimate about 1 million taels of silver."
Speaking of this, Shi Hui paused, a smile appearing on his face.
"However, this Shi is not interested in silver. I heard that the Seven Forms Sect's treasury is quite rich in collections, the most in Wanhua City. So, just let me and my nephew Ouyang Lengshui enter your Sect's treasury for a look."
