Chapter 653: Sunset over the Underworld Tower

Yangzhou City.
The main hall of the Underworld Tower.
Xie Yi and the others remained at the entrance of the main hall, listening to the updates from their brothers outside. Aside from growing numbness, their hearts were filled with more and more doubts and unease.
This time, the Xiyi Gate had mobilized tens of thousands of disciples—definitely not just for a leisurely visit!
Yet, after over an hour with no signs of activity, they found it suspicious, their doubts mounting as their unease intensified.
……
“It’s almost time.”
Outside the city, Lin Xiao checked the time after sending off several groups of homing pigeons. His gaze sharpened. “Everyone, get moving!”
Whoosh!
A huge flag was raised in the wind among the crowd, the character “Xia” fluttering dramatically;
Whoosh!
The character “Yi” rose swiftly from the other side.
As the two flags unfurled, tens of thousands of Xiyi Gate disciples stood up simultaneously, drawing their swords. An awe-inspiring aura of severity surged into the sky!
It could be heard clearly within several miles! Even Xie Yi and the others at the entrance of the inner city’s main hall felt alarmed and quickly asked what was going on:
“Check what’s happening!”
“They’re coming!”
Terrified screams rushed in from afar, tightening the nerves of all the Wind and Rain Alliance disciples.
“Good. We’ve been waiting for this.” At such a moment, Xie Yi naturally didn’t want to lose his dignity. Drawing his long sword, he pointed it at the sky. “Brothers, it’s time to reach the pinnacle of this world! Crush the Xiyi Gate! Our Wind and Rain Alliance will be the greatest gang in the Central Plains!”
“Kill!!!”
The crowd raised their swords to the sky, shouting loudly, their voices shaking Yangzhou City.
“Zheng…” Suddenly, a series of abrupt piano notes pierced the ears of all the Wind and Rain Alliance disciples, including Xie Yi. The resonant, sharp sounds stood out sharply against the roaring shouts. Everyone present felt as if their hearts had been stirred, instinctively scanning the surroundings for the source of the music.
All the earlier momentum vanished!
“Who’s causing trouble?”
Noticing the change in atmosphere, Xie Yi grew furious. He leaped onto the courtyard gate of the Underworld Tower and glanced around from above, but found no trace of the person playing the piano.
At that moment, another series of piano notes, as if coming from beyond the heavens, reached everyone’s ears:
“……”
This time, Xie Yi finally identified the source.

Turning around, they saw a woman dressed in snow-white robes, sitting solemnly in front of the most important foundation of the Huanqian Tower. Her fingers, delicate as orchids, swiftly plucked the strings of an ancient six-string zither. The resounding and passionate sounds poured out like flowing water. The disciples of the Huanqian Tower nearby were the first to be affected—suddenly, a shocking crimson glow appeared on their chests without any warning before quickly disappearing.

“The Zither Demon!!”

Xie Yi and several leaders of the Wind and Rain Alliance cried out in alarm upon recognizing her identity.

Although Wind Bell had not joined the Mu Family, it was well-known in the martial world that she often spent time with Silver Fox. Though they didn’t know why Wind Bell was with Silver Fox, it was certain that wherever Silver Fox was in the Mu Family, Wind Bell was considered part of it.

Her appearance here made all the leaders and disciples of the Wind and Rain Alliance feel a chill down their spines!

Was the Mu Family joining forces with the Heroic Gate to fight against the Wind and Rain Alliance?!

“Xie Yi, your ambition is great. Being able to gather so many powerful factions to help you take on the Heroic Gate shows your skill, but unfortunately, you’ve chosen the wrong opponent.”

A deep voice came from behind Wind Bell. Silver Fox, clad in dazzling golden armor, stepped forward, striking Xie Yi and the others once again. Their faces turned pale, and anxiety grew rapidly on their faces.

“The Heroic Gate is an ally of the Mu Family. Just like your Wind and Rain Alliance—when one of your factions is in trouble and you gather your friends, the Mu Family certainly can’t remain indifferent to the Heroic Gate’s affairs.”

“Silver Fox!”

Xie Yi’s face turned ashen. He suddenly turned around and snapped, “How did you guys get in! I know it must be Night Rain with the Wind—he’s ruining my plans!” His voice grew sharper as he spoke in frustration, his face contorted.

“Plans?”

Silver Fox sneered as she stepped beside Wind Bell, speaking with contempt, “Even though the Wind and Rain Alliance has dozens of factions, the Heroic Gate isn’t afraid of them. Your leader, Night Rain, simply doesn’t want his hard-earned Wind and Rain Dream to be used by villains as a tool to achieve their own ambitions. That’s why he’s cooperating with us to eliminate the Huanqian Tower…”

“Eliminate?”

Xie Yi trembled with rage as he gritted his teeth and sneered, “Regardless of whether the Heroic Gate can invade in the short term, do you really think the two of you can stay safe in the main hall of my Huanqian Tower?”

With that, Xie Yi took a deep breath and ordered decisively:

“Kill them!”
“……”

Inside the main hall of Huangquan Tower, dozens of disciples had just drawn their swords when suddenly a sharp and piercing melody of the zither rang out, as if giant scissors were slashing through the air! The fierce sound blades instantly sliced through the bodies of those present! Bang, bang, bang, bang… Dozens of corpses stood motionless for a few seconds before collapsing one after another. Fengling remained calm, as if nothing happened to her, gently plucking the strings while tilting her head slightly, seemingly immersed in the music she played. Yet… At the moment Fengling played those deadly melodies, some mysterious force seemed to freeze everyone in place. The disciples of Huangquan Tower outside the killing range paled, their gazes fixed on Fengling’s profile filled with unmistakable fear. “What’s there to fear? Attack her! How much power can she possibly wield alone? Go!” Although Xie Yi’s shouts motivated some people, their influence was clearly weaker than before. Most were still filled with awe toward the Mu Family and fear of Fengling and Silver Fox. Those few who moved were immediately targeted. The zither music intensified suddenly, followed by a gust of wind that sent sharp sound blades flying, killing those caught in their path! At that moment… Black pigeons swarmed across the sky above Huangquan Tower’s main hall. Disciples from other gangs watched the grim scene with grim expressions, feeling an indescribable pressure descend upon them. As members of the Wind and Rain Alliance, they realized now that despite its growth, it clearly lacked the strength to rival the Xiyi Gate or even the Mu Family. Just two experts had intimidated them all. Outside the city, deafening shouts of battle could already be heard! The other gang leaders brought over by Xie Yi hesitated, staring at Huangquan Tower’s desolate situation, their eyes flickering as they pondered what to do. Then, Silver Fox’s voice came again from the steps of the gang’s foundation: “This time, the Mu Family is targeting only Huangquan Tower, aiming to destroy it. They won’t interfere in your conflicts with the Xiyi Gate. But who knows what will happen next—maybe they’ll target your main halls.” As soon as she finished speaking, Fengling’s zither music suddenly changed tone, filling the air with powerful and intense sounds, greatly expanding the killing range of the music! Those disciples of Huangquan Tower who couldn’t react in time were killed in large numbers. In panic, they flew back quickly, ignoring Xie Yi’s furious shouts. Everyone left the main hall of Huangquan Tower, escaping the range of the sound blades. Seeing only Silver Fox and Fengling left inside, the gang leaders’ hearts sank: Huangquan Tower… It was over!