Chapter 96

The crowd was initially hesitant, but Ji Xiaofu’s straightforward declaration brought a surge of restlessness to the scene. The martial artists exchanged glances.

Finally, someone stepped forward. It was the head of the Kongtong Sect, who spoke with a smile: “Miss Ji, what are you saying? We’re here today simply to uncover the truth. Was it truly the Great Sui Demon Sect that destroyed Emei?”

Ji Xiaofu’s expression remained indifferent. “And if it was? Is the Kongtong Sect planning to seek justice for the fallen members of my Emei Sect? If so, I would be immensely grateful.”

Her words carried a hint of sarcasm. She knew that few present genuinely wished to stand up for Emei. In the past two months, as she wandered the martial world seeking help, she found only cold indifference. No one cared about Emei’s fate; they only wanted to know the whereabouts of the Heaven-Reliant Sword.

The Kongtong Sect leader’s face turned slightly awkward, but he continued to smile at the crowd: “If it truly was the Great Sui Demon Sect, we naturally wouldn’t stand idly by. However, the Demon Sect is powerful, and we must plan carefully. But first, we need to confirm with Miss Ji: if the Heaven-Reliant Sword is indeed with you, come with us.”

“Rest assured, we will protect you. Otherwise, if the Heaven-Reliant Sword falls into the Demon Sect’s hands, the consequences would be unimaginable!”

His righteous words received widespread support.

“Indeed, Miss Ji, please consider the bigger picture!”

“The Demon Sect is already powerful. If they gain Yang Gong’s treasure, demon experts will emerge endlessly!”

“If the Demon Sect grows stronger, even if we wish to avenge Emei, we may not be their match. Please reconsider, Miss Ji.”

“Exactly, Miss Ji. Rest assured, we are not after the Heaven-Reliant Sword. But alone, you are safer with us.”

Voices filled with righteousness echoed, including those of renowned martial artists. The Kongtong Sect leader smiled kindly. Clearly, these forces had secretly formed an alliance.

It seemed reasonable, but a lone woman with a treasure in their hands might not fare better than if it fell into the Demon Sect’s hands.

Some showed disdain. Song Yuanqiao stepped forward, scoffing: “The Kongtong Sect leader is mistaken. How Miss Ji wishes to proceed is her choice. Even if she wants to descend the mountain alone today, do you intend to stop her?”

He couldn’t stand seeing them bully a weak woman. He had thought Emei was gone, which was why he sought the Heaven-Reliant Sword. If he had known Ji Xiaofu survived, he would have pursued a fair trade, not force.

Wudang never bullied others with their power. Their way was different from these people.

The Kongtong Sect leader was momentarily speechless: “Hero Song, you…”

He dared not speak too harshly. Wudang was now at its peak, a newly established Daoist sacred land, and the Little Immortal of Wudang was renowned in the martial world. The Kongtong Sect couldn’t afford to provoke them.

Ji Xiaofu cast a grateful glance toward Wudang, then smirked at the crowd: “Xi Ying, Zhao Deyan, I know you’re here. If you don’t come out, I’ll hand the Heaven-Reliant Sword to someone else.”

Her playful laughter startled everyone.

“The Great Sui Demon Sect?! Tianjun Xi Ying, Demon Commander Zhao Deyan?!”

The crowd immediately distanced themselves from the surrounding martial artists, warily scanning their surroundings.

Dark clouds loomed, the wind howled, but there was no movement.

Ji Xiaofu smiled and slowly walked down the mountain. The Kongtong Sect leader and others wanted to stop her but hesitated, fearing the Demon Sect members she mentioned. Under everyone’s watchful eyes, the solitary figure in white walked forward.

Suddenly, amidst the howling wind, a strange sword light flashed, accompanied by illusions and ghostly energy.

Someone had made a move!

The crowd was shocked. The sword aura was formidable, at least a master-level expert, skilled in assassination. The black-clad swordsman had been discreet until he struck.

Someone recognized the black-clad swordsman.

“It’s the disciple of Evil King Shi Zhixuan, Shadow Swordsman Yang Xuyan! That’s the Phantom Demon Technique and Phantom Sword Technique!”

Yang Xuyan’s eyes were cold as he thrust his black sword at Ji Xiaofu, not aiming for vital points but with precision that would incapacitate her.

But then he froze, involuntarily trembling as he met her indifferent gaze.

Yang Xuyan’s heart skipped a beat, a terrifying sense of dread enveloping him, pressing heavily on his heart.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Buzz!!

Ji Xiaofu merely glanced at him, then ignored him, continuing forward. The crowd saw a terrifying sword intent ripple out from around her.

Yang Xuyan’s body halted, his sword arm frozen in mid-air.

Ji Xiaofu’s disdainful voice rang out: “So, Shi Zhixuan, you were involved that day. The mighty Evil King hides and sends his disciple to die. Why bother?”

She continued her slow, deliberate steps.

As her words fell, the crowd was horrified to see Yang Xuyan’s body erupt in blood, then shatter into pieces.

“What is this?”

The crowd trembled, the fleeting, terrifying sword intent leaving them uneasy. A master swordsman had been instantly killed!

“Could it be the Heaven-Reliant Sword?”

“Impossible. The Heaven-Reliant Sword is a divine weapon, but how could it have such power?”

As thoughts raced, their wariness of Ji Xiaofu grew.

As they looked at the white-clad figure, more people attacked, not just one but over a dozen!

Demon Sect experts appeared from nowhere, driven by shock and anger at the Shadow Swordsman’s instant death, all attacking.

Sentimental Young Master Hou Xibai, Rebel You Niaojuan, and over a dozen Demon Sect experts, at least half were master-level, with some grandmasters among them!

Though called a Demon Sect, it wasn’t a unified entity, divided into two sects and six paths, with many experts. Though not united, their goal was the same: capture Ji Xiaofu!

For a moment, the wind howled, true energy surged brilliantly.

Sword aura, blade light, and palm force mixed, filled with killing intent, pressing down on Ji Xiaofu.

Song Yuanqiao and Zhang Lingyu exchanged a glance, seeing the coldness in each other’s eyes, ready to act.

But Ji Xiaofu’s calm voice stopped them: “Today’s matter is between Emei and the Great Sui Demon Sect. Fellow martial artists, please remain spectators.”

The two were stunned.

Zhang Lingyu was puzzled, but Song Yuanqiao quickly understood, his eyes complex. He knew his junior brother had given Ji Xiaofu spiritual swords. It seemed she didn’t want others involved in this storm.