Chapter 111: The Black Rose Family

In the woods outside the ancient tomb, a group of people lay in silent ambush. All of them were dressed in black combat attire with masks covering their faces. Judging from their well-defined figures, they were clearly women.
The leading masked women stood close together, their bright eyes watching closely from behind the bushes as they monitored the dozen or so members of the Death Sentence Hall outside the tomb. They whispered among themselves…
“Coral, think carefully. The Death Sentence Hall we’re dealing with this time is even more formidable than the Zi Yang Hall.”
A few women stared intently at one of them, their tones serious:
“Just the pursuit by the Zi Yang Hall made us hesitate, afraid of drawing more sisters into trouble to save you. Now that the matter with the Zi Yang Hall isn’t over, you still want to provoke the Death Sentence Hall? Are you crazy?”
“That’s why I asked you all to come disguised.”
The woman being “watched” by the others was Red Coral, who had left the ancient tomb less than a day ago. She stroked a white homing pigeon and replied calmly before releasing it. Although being deprived of her jade pendant by Happy had hurt her, she knew better that he had saved her, and she owed him a favor.
Over the years, she had sacrificed much for the Black Rose Family. Yet even these sisters who usually obeyed her commands and relied on her…
Driven by reason, they dared not provoke the Zi Yang Hall, but this stranger did so anyway. This made Red Coral, who always preferred to act based on reason and calculation, feel a touch of emotion and a long-lost sense of care.
“You’re too reckless,” someone commented with a frown.
“Remember, we’ve already lost many sisters due to the fight over the treasure chests. Right now, the stronghold needs people to protect those chests. Instead of that, you not only drag us all out but also bring along the eldest sister… Eldest sister, why don’t you stop her?”
The silent Black Rose member glanced deeply at Red Coral. Seeing her calm expression unchanged, she finally spoke:
“I trust Red Coral. She must have her reasons for doing this.”
“But! The Death Sentence Hall isn’t an ordinary organization.”
“Eldest sister, you spoil Coral too much. I heard it’s even the vice leader, Guang An, leading this time… If we provoke their anger, all our efforts so far will be in vain!”
The Black Rose members continued to argue, trying to make their eldest sister see reason.

“I’ve told you before—those escorts are useless. The authorities can’t be that stupid as to let so many items that could disrupt the entire martial world exist. Before the Emperor’s birthday, these things are like bombs. If you don’t want to be blown to pieces, it’s best to act now.” Red Coral calmly reiterated her long-held view.
“Nonsense!”
“That’s right! Everyone in the martial world is fighting for them. Just because you say so, do we give up? What if this is an event in ‘Jianghu’?”
“Then there’s no need to stay in this game. If I really have to stay, I’ll be the first to delete my account and leave!” Red Coral replied decisively and firmly, leaving the members of Black Rose speechless.
Her resolute words finally showed the confidence of Black Rose’s strategist!
The members who opposed her views thought they had pushed her too hard, causing her to say such bold words. The women exchanged worried glances, too afraid to speak again…
Red Coral was still extremely important to Black Rose!
If Black Rose was the core and spiritual leader of the family, then Red Coral represented the family’s decision-making and execution capabilities…
Her judgment and intelligence were unquestioned within Black Rose—except for this mission.
Although Red Coral strongly opposed her family members from getting involved in this escort mission, circumstances forced many sisters to participate. So, despite her objections, she would still devise the best plans at critical moments—plans that minimized risk while maximizing effectiveness.
This was why Black Rose had managed to survive and not decline.
If Black Rose left, the family’s disintegration was inevitable; but if Red Coral left, the family’s downfall was certain as well.
That’s why no one dared speak up after she became so firm in her tone!
“Alright, Coral, let’s not talk about the mission for now,” Black Rose said again to ease the tense atmosphere, speaking earnestly, “Do you really think it’s necessary for us to risk our lives to save those in the ancient tomb? As your elder sister, I’ll always support your decision, even if it’s wrong.”
“Sis, trust me. If you really want Black Rose to achieve something in ‘Jianghu’ in the future, our family must ally itself with a powerful enough partner!”

“The world of martial arts has not existed for long; he is just one person! Besides, you should be aware of the strength of Light and Dark. Do you really think it’s worth confronting the entire Death Hall just to win over one person?” Black Rose met Red Coral’s gaze intently. The latter did not back down or avoid it, meeting her eyes calmly and saying, “It’s precisely because he is alone that we have a chance to win him over. As for whether it’s worth it, we’ll find out soon enough…”
Black Rose saw determination and resolve in Red Coral’s eyes—very similar to many times in her memory. She nodded resolutely.
“Sis supports you!”
Black Rose’s reply sealed the decision for this mission, and those who opposed it said nothing more.
That was the Black Rose family…
Before taking action, they could express different opinions or even argue, but once a decision was made, everyone had to carry it out meticulously.
As soon as she finished speaking, a white homing pigeon appeared silently in the woods, flapping its wings before landing on Red Coral’s outstretched palm.
Everyone turned with interest and gathered around.
They knew—the people in the ancient tomb had replied!
Red Coral didn’t hide it. She unfolded the note and quickly showed surprise, prompting low gasps from those around her.
Earlier, Red Coral had sent a message through a messenger pigeon, detailing the Death Hall’s mission: the number of people, the strength of their leader, the background of the Death Hall, and the situation outside the ancient tomb, offering to cooperate to attack from both inside and outside to create a chance for escape…
Yet!
After they proactively sent a rescue message to those trapped in the ancient tomb, they were actually rejected.
The note was brief:
“No need to take risks. We can handle it.”
“Don’t want our help? What’s going on?”
After studying the note, Black Rose frowned and couldn’t help removing her face veil, revealing a delicate and graceful face with bright, spirited eyes fixed on Red Coral.
Red Coral, however, showed an expression of “as I thought,” slowly closed the note, and said to the astonished women, “Mission accomplished.”