Starting from the imperial palace guards, his clones spread all over the world.

Chapter 594 Places Mortals Shouldn't Go
Yin Leiling's gaze slowly swept over the unfamiliar woman in front of him.

She possessed a cold and aloof demeanor, with an unyielding frost between her brows, making her no ordinary person from the mountain stronghold.

Yin Leiling frowned slightly, his voice low and hoarse:

"Who is this girl...?"

He had never seen this person before, and he couldn't understand why she would appear in the mountain stronghold.

However, before Mushan Qing could speak, a hoarse, resentful voice, like that of a dying beast, burst out first!

"Chief! She's a spy! A spy sent by the imperial court!"

Meng Wei struggled to his feet, his hair disheveled, his eyes bloodshot, tears still wet on his face, mixed with dirt and a desperate ferocity.

His finger pointed sharply at Mushan Qing, then abruptly turned to Liang Jin, who stood calmly to the side:

"And him! Song Jiang!"

"They're in cahoots! They're all lackeys of the imperial court! They're the ones who want to destroy our Yanshan Stronghold!!"

Meng Wei's roar was like a poisoned dagger, stabbing fiercely at Liang Jin and Mu Shanqing.

The immense grief of losing his father had completely destroyed his already fragile rationality.

He couldn't bear this excruciating pain alone; he wanted to share it with others!
He wanted to make all the people he hated taste this heart-wrenching pain!

Especially Song Jiang!
After he finished shouting, his chest heaved violently, and his bloodshot eyes scanned the surrounding crowd.

I expect that, as has happened countless times before, his supporters will immediately jump out and passionately echo and condemn him.

He needed that feeling of being surrounded and supported to fill the enormous emptiness and fear he felt at that moment.

However, all he got in response was dead silence.

A cold, suffocating silence.

The villagers gathered in front of the mountain gate seemed to be frozen in place.

They either lowered their heads to avoid Meng Wei's frantic gaze, remained silent with blank expressions, or their eyes darted between Yin Leiling, Liang Jin, and Meng Wei with complicated emotions.

No one spoke up, not a single word echoed their opinion.

Even those faces that used to fawn over Meng Wei and cheer him on are now keeping their mouths shut and looking away.

The madness on Meng Wei's face froze instantly, then twisted into an incredulous astonishment.

It was as if he was seeing these "brothers" he had spent every day with for the first time truly for the first time.

All those past displays of affection, like calling him "Young Master Wei" this and "Young Master Wei" that, and all those grand pronouncements of loyalty made while patting his chest, were actually just products of his father, "Short Yama" Meng Guang, under the tiger-skin banner!
Now that the banner has fallen, Meng Wei is nothing more than a spineless, homeless dog!

A chill more biting than the loss of his father instantly engulfed him.

"You...you..."

Meng Wei's voice trembled, filled with the anger of betrayal and the utmost humiliation. He abruptly turned his head, his gaze sweeping like a venomous snake over the silent faces behind him:

"What? When my father was alive, you all wagged your tails and fawned over me like dogs!"

"Now that my father is gone, you can't even call him properly anymore?!"

"Are you all mute?! Speak up!"

"Tell the chieftain! Song Jiang and this woman are spies!!"

His roar sounded particularly jarring and desperate in the silence.

The silence of the crowd was like a cold wall, completely isolating him.

Without his father, Meng Wei is nothing.

Why would you offend Liang Jin, who is currently at the height of his power, for the sake of Meng Wei, who has already lost power?
Only a fool would do that.

Meng Wei's gaze finally settled on his two remaining trusted confidants—Ji Yan and Ding Jia.

These two men were usually the most obsequious to him, serving him faithfully and being his most trusted right-hand men.

"Ji Yan! Ding Jia!"

Meng Wei grasped at the last straw, his voice filled with a final frenzy and command:
"You two! Quickly! Tell the chieftain everything you saw that day! Tell everyone!"

“Tell them how we found out about this woman! And, of course, how Song Jiang protected her—”

He was eager to expose the evidence of Liang Jin's attempt to split the stronghold, to tear open this scar that shook the foundation of the stronghold, and to leave Liang Jin with no way out!

He believed that as long as the chieftain Yin Leiling knew that Song Jiang had intended to split the country, he would never let him go!

However, at this critical moment——

"Meng Wei! That's enough!"

A stern shout, filled with authority and impatience, exploded like a thunderclap!

Bai Yi stepped forward and blocked Meng Wei's path.

He snapped his gilded folding fan shut, the fan ribs pointing directly at Meng Wei. His face was devoid of its usual gentleness and indulgence, replaced by an unprecedented coldness and severity.

Those eyes, which usually held a hint of a smile, were now sharp as knives, filled with warning and undeniable pressure!

"The chieftain has just fought a bloody battle, and the bodies of his brothers are barely cold. How dare you spout nonsense and disturb the peace here?!"

Bai Yi's voice wasn't loud, but every word was like an ice pick, piercing Meng Wei's chaotic mind:
"The chieftain will make his own judgment on right and wrong! It's not your place to interfere!"

"Get out!"

Meng Wei was shocked and stared incredulously at Bai Yi, the Uncle Bai who had watched him grow up and always protected him.

He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but when he met Bai Yi's cold, emotionless eyes, all the words got stuck in his throat.

That look... it was so cold!

It was so cold that his very soul trembled!

Meng Wei had no doubt that if he dared to say another word...

In particular, if someone dares to say something like "Song Jiang split the stronghold" in public, which completely exposes the conflict and leaves everyone with no way out, Bai Yi will definitely take action without hesitation to shut him up forever!

A profound sense of sorrow and utter despair poured down on Meng Wei like ice water, instantly freezing all his anger and madness.

He staggered back a step, looking at Bai Yi with a dazed expression, then at the silent crowd around him, and finally realized a cruel reality.

He, Meng Wei, is no longer the son of the powerful second-in-command of Yanshan Village!
His father, his support, all his reliance vanished with that cry of "tragic sacrifice"!
He's... completely finished!
Amidst the suffocating silence and Meng Wei's desperate gasps, Mu Shanqing, who had been silent all along, finally spoke.

She looked at Yin Leiling, her voice still cold and clear:

"I am Kiyama Ao, the personal disciple of the Holy Maiden of Balong."

These words, like a stone thrown into a calm lake, stirred up huge waves in Yin Leiling's heart!
"The Saintess of Balong?!"

Yin Leiling was suddenly jolted, his fatigue vanishing instantly, replaced by an expression of extreme shock and solemnity!
He immediately dismounted, the movement aggravating his wounds and causing him to frown slightly.

But he ignored it all, strode up to Kiyama Ao, solemnly clasped his hands and bowed, his posture extremely humble:
"So you're the Holy Maiden's esteemed disciple! My apologies! My apologies!"

Yin Leiling's tone was full of respect:
"The Holy Maiden did indeed mention to me that her personal disciple would stay at Yanshan Village, awaiting her return..."

At this point, Yin Leiling's voice suddenly lowered, filled with endless bitterness and unspeakable sorrow:

"only……"

Mu Shanqing's heart sank suddenly!
A strong sense of foreboding instantly gripped her!

My master's whereabouts are always elusive, but he has never broken his promise!
Yin Leiling's tone...

"Chief Yin!"

For the first time, Kiyama Ao's voice carried a hint of barely perceptible urgency and trembling:
"My master... what happened to her?!"

Yin Leiling raised his head and looked into Mu Shanqing's eyes, which had instantly lost all their coldness and were now filled with endless panic and hope. It was as if he saw the despair he himself felt when facing the tragic deaths of countless brothers.

He let out a long, heavy sigh, a sigh that seemed to have exhausted all his strength, each word as if squeezed from tears of blood, carrying an immense weight:
"She... will never... come back..."

boom--! ! !
This statement was even more shocking than the announcement of Meng Guang's death!

Like a silent, world-destroying thunderclap, it exploded in Mu Shanqing's mind!
It nearly blew her away!
"even……"

Yin Leiling's voice was even more hoarse, filled with helplessness and guilt:
"...We...we...couldn't even...bring her...body...back..."

Kiyama Sei's body trembled violently!
It felt like being struck hard by an invisible giant hammer!

Her already pale face instantly lost all color, becoming like transparent glass, so fragile that it could shatter at any moment!

A streak of piercing, crimson blood unexpectedly trickled from the corner of her tightly pursed lips, like a broken coral bead, dripping onto her moon-white lapel and quickly spreading into a poignant plum blossom pattern!

Her world completely collapsed at that moment.

The master who pulled her out of the mud, taught her unparalleled martial arts, and gave her the only warmth and direction in her cold life... is gone?
Even the remains... are gone?

The immense grief, like a raging tsunami, instantly overwhelmed all her reason and defenses.

The excruciating pain made even breathing incredibly difficult for her.

"Miss Mu, please accept my condolences."

Yin Leiling comforted her.

Kiyama Sei seemed not to hear.

The expression on her face vanished completely, devoid of sadness, joy, anger, or resentment, leaving only a chilling, utter numbness and emptiness.

Those once bright and sharp eyes are now like extinguished stars, having lost all their brilliance, leaving only boundless darkness and deathly silence.

She slowly and stiffly turned around, like a puppet that had lost its soul, and began to stagger towards the small courtyard where she was temporarily staying.

Every step felt like walking on a knife's edge, or like stepping into nothingness.

However, he only took three steps.

Her body swayed violently, as if the last bit of strength supporting her had been drained away.

Those empty eyes suddenly closed, and her whole body, like a magnolia broken by a gale, fell softly and unexpectedly onto the cold, hard ground!

"call--!"

A figure, as fast as a ghost, flashed past in an instant!

The strong wind it generated caused the hems of the clothes of the people around it to flutter!

Just as Mu Shanqing was about to touch the ground, Liang Jin steadily pulled her into his arms.

The surface was icy cold to the touch, and its lifeless weight made Liang Jin frown.

He immediately placed his fingers on her pulse, only to find it erratic and weak, her breath barely perceptible. Overwhelmed by grief, she fainted from the immense emotional trauma.

"Miss Mu has fainted. I'll take her downstairs to rest."

As Liang Jin spoke in a deep voice, without the slightest hesitation, he immediately picked up Mu Shanqing and strode towards the courtyard where he lived.

Lei Zhen, Xiao Liu, Zhong Lihan, Han Tong, Fei Biao, Dong Xiong, Xing Niang, E Xuan, and others did not hesitate. They surrounded Liang Jin and the unconscious Mu Shanqing, quickly passing through the crowd and heading deeper into the village.

As Liang Jin and his group hurriedly left with Mu Shanqing in their arms, the atmosphere at the scene became even more eerie and oppressive.

Sadness, suspicion, fear, and uncertainty about the future intertwine in everyone's heart.

Bai Yi immediately realized that he had to give them something to do as soon as possible to divert their attention, otherwise chaos could easily break out!
He took a deep breath, and his face instantly changed to a look that was both sorrowful and resolute, leaving no room for doubt.

He swished his folding fan open again with a "whoosh," his voice suddenly rising in pitch, carrying a calming power that clearly resonated throughout the room:

"Alright! Stop standing there!"

Bai Yi's gaze swept across the entire room, carrying the authority of the third leader:
"The chieftain and his brothers, who have returned from the brink of death, are exhausted and wounded after going through life and death!"

"As the brothers who stayed behind to guard the mountain stronghold, how could we let them stand there in the cold wind?!"

He suddenly waved his hand, pointing his folding fan towards the village:
"Everyone, listen up! Get moving immediately!"

"The cooks, prepare the best food and wine immediately! The infirmary, bring out all available medicines and bandages and do everything you can to treat the wounded brothers! The rest of you, immediately clean the assembly hall and prepare a welcome banquet!"

"Tonight, we will hold a welcoming feast for the chieftain and these good brothers who have returned from their battles, to wash away their dust and calm their nerves!"

"Let everyone know that Yanshan Village is still here! The brothers' hearts are still here!"

Bai Yi's words were like a stabilizing force, instantly mobilizing the bewildered crowd.

While grief certainly needs to be expressed, what is needed even more at this moment is action—to let the living feel the power and warmth of the collective.

"Yes! Master Bai is right!"

"Quickly! Get moving! Don't let the chieftain and the brothers down!"

"Hey cooks, follow me!"

"Brothers at the clinic, hurry!"

……

The crowd finally came to life from the dead silence. With the relief of surviving a disaster and concern for their chieftain, they all sprang into action, busying themselves according to Bai Yi's instructions.

The heavy, stagnant atmosphere was somewhat dispelled by this bustling energy.

Bai Yi watched the crowd disperse with satisfaction before turning to Yin Leiling, his face regaining its solemnity.

Yin Leiling's gaze returned from the direction where Liang Jin had disappeared with Mu Shanqing in his arms, and deep within his eyes surged a cold glint and a trace of barely perceptible apprehension.

At this moment, only Bai Yi and a few of his most trusted leaders, who had also returned injured, remained around.

He spoke in a chilling voice that only Bai Yi could hear:
"I heard that while I was away, Song Jiang has been causing quite a stir..."

His voice was deep and hoarse, each word sounding as if it had been chilled to the bone.

Although he was mired in the quagmire of the Thief Saint mission and on the verge of death, he was not completely ignorant of the situation in the mountain stronghold.

He naturally had trusted moles in the stronghold, who, through the treacherous City of the Dead, had already relayed to him everything that happened in the stronghold, especially Liang Jin's rise, his conflict with Meng Wei, and the "Distinguished Guest Incident" that nearly led to a split.

Liang Jin's rapidly growing prestige and emerging ambition in the mountain stronghold were like a poisonous thorn, deeply embedded in Yin Leiling's heart.

Bai Yi stepped forward and stood beside Yin Leiling, also lowering his voice and speaking in a complex tone:
"Chief, you are wise. This Song Jiang... is indeed no ordinary man."

"Upon his arrival, he swiftly consolidated the remnants of the Black Crow Stronghold, and demonstrated exceptional martial prowess and wisdom in several conflicts, thus making significant contributions to the stronghold and earning the respect of many brothers..."

He changed the subject, his voice becoming even lower:

"However, his heart... is unfathomable!"

"He relied on his merits and martial prowess to act quite arrogantly, and even... said some things in public that were unsettling and overstepped his bounds."

"His power has been established, and now many brothers in the village, especially the former members of the Black Crow Village who later joined him, have great faith in him."

Bai Yi paused slightly, his gaze sweeping over Yin Leiling's gloomy profile, his voice barely audible:
“Especially him… has a very close relationship with Namushanqing.”

The wood and mountains are green!
A third-rank master!

Bai Yi's words struck Yin Leiling's heart like a heavy hammer.

Meng Guang is dead!

He was the only third-rank official left on his side!
Liang Jin's strength is unfathomable; he is very likely also a third-rank expert!

In addition, there's Mushan Qing, a third-rank official with whom he has a "close relationship"!
This force is enough to overturn the entire power structure of Yanshan Village!

Are you turning against me now?

That's tantamount to courting death!
A strong sense of humiliation and murderous intent surged in Yin Leiling's chest, but he clenched his teeth tightly, his cheek muscles tense like iron.

Having single-handedly founded and controlled Yanshan Stronghold for many years, he was by no means a reckless and foolish fool. He forcibly suppressed his almost bursting anger, his gaze sharpening as he turned to Bai Yi, his voice hoarse:

"In your opinion, what should we do now?"

Bai Yi, the strategist of Yanshan Village, was the brain he needed most at this moment.

Although Bai Yi's martial arts skills did not reach the third rank, his mind was more capable than many third-rank martial artists.

Bai Yi gently waved his folding fan, his eyes flashing with a sharp light, clearly indicating that he had already given it considerable thought:
"The best course of action now is to curb their power!"

He spoke at a steady pace and with clear logic:

“Song Jiang did not hold any official position in the stronghold. His prestige was entirely based on his personal bravery and accumulated achievements, and his foundation was not solid.”

"This is its greatest weakness!"

"The chieftain's return is perfectly legitimate, and he holds the rightful and just cause! The most urgent task is to keep him in the stronghold by his decree!"

Bai Yi paused, his folding fan still, his tone resolute:

"He was entrusted with numerous and trivial tasks by Song Jiang! Such as inventorying the warehouses, repairing the stockade walls, settling the elderly, weak, women and children, and even... supervising agricultural work!"

"We must ensure that he is bogged down in paperwork, exhausted from running around, and unable to spare a moment for anything else! So that he has no further opportunity to go out and carry out missions, let alone make any new contributions!"

"Without new achievements, their reputation will naturally dry up like water without a source!"

A knowing glint flashed in Yin Leiling's eyes.

Confine the tiger in a cage, so that its sharp claws and fangs have nowhere to be used!

This plan is extremely vicious! Absolutely brilliant!
Bai Yi continued speaking, his voice carrying a sharp edge:

"At the same time, the chieftain must personally lead the heroes, especially the elite troops of the former Black Jade Village who are loyal to the chieftain, to take the initiative in attacking!"

"The target doesn't need to be too big, but it must be swift and decisive, yielding a rich reward!"

"This move kills three birds with one stone!"

A wise light shone in Bai Yi's eyes:

"Firstly, with the chieftain personally leading the troops and fighting valiantly, we can restore the prestige that was crumbling due to the disastrous failure of the Thief Saint mission! Let the brothers see that the backbone of Yanshan Stronghold is still you!"

"Secondly, a resounding victory will sweep away the gloom and despondency that permeated the mountain stronghold, reunite the people, and boost morale!"

"Thirdly, and most importantly..."

His voice was even lower, tinged with a cold calculation:
"Let those who have been misled by Song Jiang and whose minds are wavering see clearly who is the true pillar of Yanshan Stronghold!"

"Only by following the chieftain can we eat meat, drink wine, and make contributions!"

"Song Jiang? He's nothing more than a 'steward' confined to the mountain stronghold, handling miscellaneous affairs!"

Yin Leiling nodded repeatedly, feeling a slight relief from her inner turmoil.

Bai Yi's plan not only resolved the direct threat posed by Liang Jin, but also turned the passive situation into an active one, re-establishing his absolute authority!
This is indeed the safest and most effective strategy at present!
only……

"It's a good plan."

Yin Leiling's brows remained furrowed:
"However... the current situation in Changzhou is one of extreme tension and fear, with everyone on edge!"

"Under these circumstances, turning the tide won't be so easy."

With the prefect of Changzhou's grain supplies being robbed, the imperial relief funds being lost, the death of Princess Zhaoyang, and the clash between the Prince of Pingcheng and the Six Doors... this series of shocking cases has already shaken the court and the public!
Now, the entire Changzhou region is under heavy guard, with government officials, county soldiers, and even secret agents from the Six Doors patrolling like a comb.

Small-scale looting is manageable, but how easy is it to win a decisive victory that can restore our prestige?
The target is too small, and it's insignificant.

"Setting too big a target is tantamount to walking into a trap!"

This is precisely Yin Leiling's biggest worry.

Without a victory of sufficient magnitude, his plan to restore his prestige is out of the question!

Upon hearing this, Bai Yi revealed a confident smile, and with a "whoosh," his folding fan unfolded again, waving gently.
"Chief, do not worry. This matter... is easily resolved!"

His gaze, like a precise probe, pierced through the crowd and landed in the distance.

Ji Yan and Ding Jia were seen struggling to support Meng Wei, who was disoriented and like a walking corpse, as they staggered towards the village.

Yin Leiling followed Bai Yi's gaze, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes.

Bai Yi withdrew his gaze, a mysterious smile curving his lips:

"Does the chieftain still remember that some time ago, when Song Jiang led his men in an attack, he always anticipated the enemy's moves, acted swiftly like the wind, and was invincible, reaping rich rewards?"

"On the other hand, Meng Wei's operations always seem to be plagued by unexpected events, resulting in heavy losses and defeats?"

Yin Leiling's eyes narrowed:
"I have indeed heard it."

"Could it be... a trap? Is it Song Jiang secretly sabotaging us?"

This was a guess he had previously obtained from a secret report.

Bai Yi shook his head slightly, his smile carrying a hint of coldness:
"At first, my subordinates thought the same as the chieftain."

"But after careful investigation and repeated deliberation, I finally understood the key to it."

He gestured with his folding fan towards the backs of Ji Yan and Ding Jia:

"The problem isn't with Song Jiang, but with... an internal traitor!"

"The real spies have always been lurking around Meng Wei! They are these two!"

Yin Leiling's pupils suddenly contracted!
A surge of anger, feeling fooled, instantly rose within him!

The secret report he had received earlier only emphasized the conflict between Song Jiang and Meng Wei and Song Jiang's domineering nature, but did not mention the matter of the mole!
Or rather, the level of that hidden stakeout was not high enough to reach Bai Yi's level of judgment!

Yin Leiling's voice was as cold as ice:

"So... Song Jiang already knew these two were spies?"

"In each of Song Jiang's actions, he deliberately provoked and angered Meng Wei, forcing him to act impulsively and split up with Song Jiang. In reality... he was binding the mole to this incompetent Meng Wei?"

"This would both prevent an internal traitor from sabotaging his operations and allow him to use a traitor and government infiltration to weaken Meng Wei's power?"

Having figured this out, Yin Leiling felt a chill rise from the soles of her feet!

How meticulous Song Jiang's mind was!

What insidious methods they used!
"exactly!"

A hint of apprehension flashed in Bai Yi's eyes:
"Song Jiang is a man of deep cunning and far-reaching schemes; he is not easy to deal with!"

Yin Leiling snorted coldly, his eyes flashing with murderous intent as he stared at Ji Yan and Ding Jia in the distance:
"What use are these two traitors who betray their own side?"

"It's a good opportunity to kill him as a warning to others and to deter those with ulterior motives in the village!"

He instinctively gripped the hilt of the knife at his waist.

"Chief, wait!"

Bai Yi hurriedly tried to dissuade him, a sly smile like that of a fox appearing on his face:
"These two, though malignant tumors, can also become... our sharpest poison blades if used properly!"

"If the chieftain wants to win a battle and establish his authority, he will still have to rely on them."

Yin Leiling was slightly surprised upon hearing this.

But seeing Bai Yi's confident demeanor, he knew that Bai Yi already had a plan.

So Yin Leiling stopped asking questions and simply gave some instructions:
"Plan the details carefully, making sure everything goes perfectly!"

"Once you have a plan, inform me of it. You must never leak it."

Bai Yi bowed and accepted the order:
"I obey my orders!"

Having solved the biggest problem, Yin Leiling felt a little relieved.

But then he thought of the woman Liang Jin had carried away, and his brows furrowed again:

"But... that Mushan Qing..."

The fact that a third-rank expert is currently unconscious in Liang Jin's residence remains a huge variable and threat.

What if she wakes up filled with grief and anger and is then used by Liang Jin...?

Bai Yi, however, appeared completely at ease, snapping his folding fan shut with a "snap," his smile growing even more confident.
"The chieftain has no need to worry about this."

Yin Leiling looked at him with a puzzled expression.

Who is Namu Shanqing?

Bai Yi's tone carried a calm acceptance of the ways of the world:
"The personal disciple of the Holy Maiden of Balong! A third-rank expert! How could our small Yanshan stronghold possibly restrain her with her pride and lofty ambitions?"

"She came here only to wait for her master. Now that the Holy Maiden has passed away, this place holds no appeal for her anymore."

"She will definitely leave after she recovers from her injuries!"

He paused, then added meaningfully:
"Moreover, this woman is aloof and solitary, like a lotus on a snowy mountain or an eagle on a cliff."

"Would she be content to be confined to this mountain stronghold, living the life of an ordinary wife and mother?"

"Song Jiang... couldn't keep her."

Bai Yi's words were like a clear spring, extinguishing Yin Leiling's last concerns.

Yes, every woman in the world who can reach the third rank is exceptionally talented and possesses great perseverance and ambition.

Such a woman is destined to be an eagle soaring through the heavens; the small Yanshan Village is merely a branch where she rests briefly.

The eagle will eventually fly back to the cliff that belongs to it.

Yin Leiling exhaled a long breath, and the last trace of gloom in his eyes dissipated, replaced by a long-lost sharpness and decisiveness belonging to a ruthless leader.

He looked in the direction of Liang Jin's courtyard, a cold smile curving his lips.

"good very good!"

Yin Leiling's voice regained its former authority:

"We will proceed according to your plan!"

He is the true master of this mountain stronghold!
No one can challenge this!

No one can take away his place.

The day Mu Shanqing leaves... will be the day he and Song Jiang settle their scores completely!

The clamor in front of the mountain gate gradually subsided as the crowd dispersed, leaving only the pungent smell of blood and medicine, and a deep-seated sorrow that permeated the air like a damp, cold mist.

Bai Yi took a deep breath, hesitated for a moment, and finally couldn't help but speak.

This question, like a cold thorn, was stuck in his throat; he couldn't bear to leave without asking.

"The leader of the village..."

Bai Yi's voice was very low, carrying a cautious probing tone, yet it was also incredibly heavy:
"Forgive my boldness, but what kind of danger did we encounter on this trip?"

"It even went so far as to... even Second Brother Meng..."

He paused, as if the word "sacrifice" was too pale and powerless, and finally added with difficulty:

"They all perished outside?"

That's none other than Meng Guang, the "Short Yama"!

The second-in-command of Yanshan Village, a third-rank master who is renowned throughout the Changzhou bandit community!
His body is honed to be impervious to swords and spears, and his iron palms can split stone tablets and shatter rocks!
In Bai Yi's mind, even if they were surrounded by powerful enemies, it was not impossible for Meng Guang to break through with his abilities.

Although this operation was risky, it was personally convened by the "Thief Saint" and all the participants were renowned masters, making the lineup exceptionally strong, a rarity in recent years.

Bai Yi had anticipated losses, even heavy ones, but he never dreamed that Meng Guang's name would be on the list of those who would perish!

This completely exceeded his understanding of the bottom line and thoroughly shook the foundation of Yanshan Village!
Yin Leiling was originally gazing in the direction where Liang Jin and the others had left, his eyes filled with a sinister look as he pondered something.

Bai Yi's sudden question was like a cold dagger, unexpectedly piercing the memory gates that Yin Leiling had just barely managed to close!
"Uh……"

Yin Leiling shuddered violently, as if struck by an invisible electric current!

His tall body tensed up instantly, and his previously tired face suddenly became distorted and deformed!
The crimson color faded from his face like a receding tide, replaced by a deathly pallor.

Those deep-set eyes widened suddenly, their pupils contracted sharply, and they were instantly filled with an overwhelming, indescribable fear!

The fear was so pure, so intense, that it even overwhelmed the grief of losing a friend, causing this battle-hardened outlaw to tremble uncontrollably.

"That place..."

Yin Leiling's lips trembled, his voice hoarse and dry, like sandpaper rubbing against rough rock. Every word trembled, filled with unspeakable confusion and a deep-seated fear:
"That place is absolutely not... a place for mortals!"

His voice suddenly rose, filled with a near-collapse of despair and accusation, and he grabbed Bai Yi's arm fiercely!

The force was so great that Bai Yi felt a sharp pain in his bones.

"Bai Yi! Do you know that?!"

Yin Leiling's breathing became unusually heavy and rapid, veins bulged on his forehead, and his eyes were unfocused, as if he were seeing that hellish scene again:
"That's not the human world! That's...that's the abyss! That's the underworld! That's a place where even light...even light is swallowed up...a ​​desolate wasteland!"

His words began to become incoherent, interspersed with painful groans:
“We…we were like a bunch of reckless ants who had stumbled into…the lair of a behemoth! No! It was far more terrifying! That was…that was…”

He couldn't find the right words to describe it, and could only let out a suppressed, beast-like growl.

Overwhelmed by fear, he became incoherent.

"This mission... was a mistake from the very beginning! A complete... suicide trap!"

Yin Leiling abruptly shook off Bai Yi's hand, his voice filled with deep-seated resentment and anger:
"It's the Thief Saint! It's him! He's the one who ruined us all! He ruined me! He ruined all my brothers!"

"He thought himself to be a peerless martial artist, that he could... uncover secrets that belonged to no mortal! He stole things that did not belong to ordinary people! Who did he think he was?! A god?!"

Yin Leiling abruptly raised his head, his bloodshot eyes fixed on Bai Yi, his gaze filled with a frenzied hatred, as if he wanted to devour the owner of that name alive.
"It was him! It was his arrogant ambition that killed Meng Guang! It killed so many renowned masters! It forced us... to flee back like stray dogs!"

"He... he ruined himself too! Did he think he could control everything? What a joke! He's nothing but a fool!"

Yin Leiling's voice eventually turned into a hysterical roar, echoing in front of the mountain stronghold.

He was breathing heavily, his chest heaving, and cold sweat streamed down his forehead, soaking his disheveled temples.

Where was the slightest trace of the dignity of the chieftain of Yanshan Village in that appearance?
He was a pitiful person who had just woken up from the deepest nightmare and was completely overwhelmed by fear.

Bai Yi was completely stunned by Yin Leiling's sudden outburst and the undeniable, extreme fear he exuded.

He felt a chill run from the soles of his feet straight to the top of his head, and the hairs on his body stood on end!

Is this a place not for ordinary people?
A desolate place where even light can be swallowed up?

He couldn't imagine what kind of place could have brought a master like Yin Leiling, or a legendary figure like the Thief Saint, to such a state.

How could someone as powerful as Meng Guang, a third-rank martial artist, be unable to even bring back his body?

Looking at the distraught and broken Yin Leiling before him, he realized for the first time so clearly how insignificant and fragile the power that Yanshan Village was so proud of was in the face of the "place" that Yin Leiling had described!
A fierce mountain wind blew by, stirring up dust and a few withered leaves on the ground, making a whistling sound.

"Chief, let's go back and talk about it!"

Bai Yi realized what was happening and hurriedly called for everyone to come and help Yin Leiling back.

As the chieftain, one must always maintain a tough stance in front of one's brothers and never show the slightest weakness or fear.

Bai Yi breathed a sigh of relief as everyone left the village gate.

But Yin Leiling's words, filled with fear, lingered in his heart like a cold, venomous snake, refusing to dissipate...

(End of this chapter)