After leaving Li Dabai's home.
Zhang Yang walked silently on the street, contemplating in his heart.
Gradually, his expression turned as gloomy as water.
At this moment, it was confirmed that He Qiyan in Li Dabai's home was the real one.
Then the one who had been appearing by his side recently was fake.
Then...
Zhang Yang thought a bit too much.
Was there a possibility that Old Man He was not entirely trustworthy either?
Zhang Yang clearly remembered.
A few days ago, the old residential area was demolished.
Old Man He had sent him a message, saying he had something to do and would be away temporarily.
He never returned after that.
However, the fake He Qiyan could contact him.
Was there something he didn't know in this matter?
Or perhaps.
Was Old Man He the mastermind behind all of this?
"What exactly do they want to do, or what do they want me to do?" Zhang Yang pondered silently.
But.
After thinking for a long time, he couldn't come up with anything.
He decided to stop thinking about it.
He secretly kept the matter in mind, preparing to deal with whatever came his way!
After all, if Old Man He had any intentions towards him, he would definitely contact him.
But no matter what they wanted to do!
No one could stop him from saving Han Xiyao!
...
On the other side.
Qin Shengnan, who had narrowly escaped death, returned to the Seven Killers' stronghold without any further danger.
As soon as she arrived, she saw the Red Robe Elder.
"Shengnan, you're still alive? Why haven't you contacted us during this time?" the Red Robe Elder asked in surprise.
"It's a long story," Qin Shengnan shook her head.
Then, her gaze fell behind the Red Robe Elder.
"Elder, I heard that Junior Brother has arrived in Jiangnan City. Where is he now?"
"The Young Sect Master has arrived and is inside talking with Tang Ruxue."
Upon hearing that Tang Ruxue was also there, Qin Shengnan's killing intent involuntarily leaked out.
"Tang Ruxue! You still have the nerve to come here!"
After saying that.
Qin Shengnan, full of rage, barged in.
She forcefully pushed open the closed door.
Qin Shengnan saw Tang Ruxue and Junior Brother sitting opposite each other, talking.
The intrusion immediately attracted the attention of the two people inside.
They both looked towards the door, and upon seeing Qin Shengnan.
Tang Ruxue's expression remained unchanged, and she said excitedly.
"Junior Sister Qin, you're alive? It's truly a blessing from heaven. It seems the heavens have heard my prayers."
"Tang Ruxue, take back your pretense. Are you very disappointed that I'm alive?" Qin Shengnan said sternly.
"Settle accounts? I don't understand what you mean. Why would I hope you die?" Tang Ruxue feigned ignorance and innocence.
Her gaze secretly glanced at the man beside her.
Seeing that he was listening silently without any reaction.
She continued.
"If I remember correctly, wasn't it me who brought people to the Qin family to save you?"
"As for why you disappeared from the Qin family, we were also puzzled!"
Clearly.
Baili Wei had failed.
Tang Ruxue already knew that he hadn't managed to stop Qin Shengnan.
Otherwise.
Tang Ruxue wouldn't dare to wait for Qin Shengnan to return at the Seven Killers' stronghold.
"Heh, I never expected you could be so deceptive."
"Tang Ruxue, you know what you've done. Like He Qiyan, you are both traitors to the Seven Killers!" Qin Shengnan said angrily.
Upon her return.
Qin Shengnan naturally came for revenge, but she did not act impulsively.
Qin Shengnan knew.
Let alone her injuries not having fully healed, even if they had, she would be no match for Tang Ruxue in a one-on-one fight.
Therefore.
She needed to seek help.
And the person who could help her was the young man sitting silently beside them.
Zhang Xiao.
The youngest disciple of the Seven Killers' Sect Master.
But also the most talented and powerful closed-door disciple.
At the same time.
He was also the Young Sect Master of the Seven Killers.
At this moment.
Zhang Xiao's expression was calm and unruffled.
He silently watched the two argue, without expressing any opinion.
If someone familiar with Zhang Yang were present now, they might be curious.
Because...
Zhang Xiao's appearance bore a slight resemblance to Zhang Yang.
"Junior Brother, you're here." Qin Shengnan walked towards Zhang Xiao and greeted him.
"Senior Sister Qin, it's been a while since we last met. It's good to see you again," Zhang Xiao said faintly.
It seemed he was completely uninterested in how Qin Shengnan returned or why she was constantly arguing with Tang Ruxue.
However, Qin Shengnan was already used to it.
In the Seven Killers, there was no true camaraderie!
Qin Shengnan nodded slightly.
Then, in front of Tang Ruxue, she took out a token.
A character 'Zhang' was engraved on the token.
This!
Seeing this object, the originally calm and composed Zhang Xiao instantly lost his composure.
He directly stood up from his seat and almost snatched the token from Qin Shengnan's hand.
He carefully held it in his palm and examined it.
Finally, he bit his fingertip and dripped his blood onto the token.
Instantly.
The token emitted a faint green light.
"It's real, this token is real!" Zhang Xiao exclaimed excitedly.
"Senior Sister Qin, did you get this from Zhang Yang?"
Zhang Xiao's address of "Senior Sister Qin" was more intimate than calling his own relatives.
Compared to his previous attitude, it was a world of difference.
"Yes, I went through great lengths to obtain it. Junior Brother, I've always kept your matters in mind," Qin Shengnan said.
She spoke frankly.
It was more like a reminder.
Zhang Xiao naturally understood Qin Shengnan's meaning and explained.
"Actually, I only just arrived in Jiangnan City. I only learned about Senior Sister Qin's incident recently."
"Earlier, I heard Senior Sister Qin say that this matter is related to Senior Sister Tang?"
Clearly.
Qin Shengnan's presentation of the token had caused Zhang Xiao, who had been benefiting, to change his stance from neutrality.
"It's more than just related; Tang Ruxue has already betrayed us. She colluded with He Qiyan to try and kill me!"
"He Qiyan personally admitted this. Moreover, on my way back, Baili Wei was also instructed by Tang Ruxue to assassinate me, not wanting me to return alive."
"..."
Qin Shengnan told Zhang Xiao everything that had happened that day.
After listening.
Zhang Xiao's expression turned somewhat grim.
The Seven Killers could have internal strife.
This was because the sect's ethos was such, survival of the fittest.
However, colluding with traitors and harming fellow disciples was unacceptable!
This was a major taboo of the Seven Killers!
"Senior Sister Tang, do you have anything to say?" Zhang Xiao asked.
"What is there to say? This is just Qin Shengnan's one-sided statement. Does Junior Brother really believe it just because of a token?" Tang Ruxue remained composed.
Then.
She also got up from her seat and walked towards Qin Shengnan.
"Junior Sister Qin, I also sympathize with your unfortunate experiences and the destruction of your Qin family."
"However, this is not a reason for you to slander me. Don't forget, I, Tang Ruxue, was your savior at the Qin family!"
Qin Shengnan raised her head defiantly, staring directly at her.
"Savior? Do you think I can't see through it?"
"The reason you saved me at the Qin family was merely to create the premise that your involvement in my affairs was unrelated. Anyone with clear eyes can see through such intentions."
"Junior Brother, Tang Ruxue has betrayed the Seven Killers. Such a person cannot be kept; she must be killed!"
Qin Shengnan directly suggested to Zhang Xiao.
Hearing this, Zhang Xiao fell silent, as if contemplating how to resolve the matter.
"Heh, well said, repaying kindness with favors. Helping Junior Brother retrieve the token was the Master's intention. Do you think doing this will make Junior Brother stand by you without reason?"
"Qin Shengnan, everything you've said is merely your own speculation. Can you produce any substantial evidence?"
Tang Ruxue hit the nail on the head.
Without evidence, nothing you say can be established.
And this was precisely Qin Shengnan's weakness.
She knew for a fact that the other party was responsible, but...
She really couldn't produce any evidence.
Therefore.
Qin Shengnan pondered for a moment and chose to compromise.
"I don't have evidence, but you are suspected of betraying the Seven Killers. To avoid suspicion, you must not interfere with matters in Jiangnan City anymore!"
Hearing this.
Zhang Xiao also found it reasonable.
The matters in Jiangnan City were not trivial.
After all.
He knew better than anyone how many powerful individuals were eyeing the dragon脉 that could create so many strong cultivators.
Moreover, this kind of resolution would satisfy Qin Shengnan without causing Tang Ruxue any loss.
However.
Just as he was about to agree, the Red Robe Elder suddenly rushed in from outside.
His expression was somewhat solemn as he said.
"Young Sect Master, the person from the provincial capital has arrived with Baili Wei, looking for Tang Ruxue."
"The person from the provincial capital is looking for Senior Sister Tang?" Zhang Xiao frowned, feeling a bit surprised.
If it were only Baili Wei, that wouldn't be enough to surprise him.
But if the person from the provincial capital had come down, then he would have to consider it carefully and entertain them properly.
Upon hearing this news, Qin Shengnan's expression flickered.
She looked at Tang Ruxue, who was not flustered at all and wore a smile.
Her heart grew even more enraged!
It seemed the other party had made thorough preparations!
It appeared.
She wouldn't be able to do anything to Tang Ruxue today!
"Senior Sister Tang, you haven't been in Jiangnan City for long, but you've managed to gather quite a network of contacts. You've even won over the person from the provincial capital?"
Zhang Xiao's previously grim face relaxed, and he spoke courteously to Tang Ruxue.
In his mind.
He wasn't worried about whether she was a traitor or not.
Because his strength could resolve most troubles.
The reason he wanted to agree to Qin Shengnan was merely to appease her.
But now, the news from the Red Robe Elder had made Zhang Xiao change his mind.
Perhaps...
Tang Ruxue was more valuable than Qin Shengnan in the current situation.
After all, the token was now in his possession.
In Zhang Xiao's mind, there was only one realization.
That is, whoever was useful to him and the Seven Killers.
Then that person would gain his favor.
"Heh, just some minor tactics. After all, I didn't come to Jiangnan City just to sightsee," Tang Ruxue smiled faintly, without offering much explanation.
Baili Wei's failure had been reported to Tang Ruxue in advance.
Therefore.
Tang Ruxue had already made thorough plans to deal with Qin Shengnan's accusations.
In a short while.
Baili Wei, accompanied by a young man, walked towards them.
This young man was of similar age to Zhang Xiao.
His demeanor and bearing were in no way inferior to Zhang Xiao's.
"Young Master Zhang, it's been a while since we last met in Kyoto, hasn't it?" the other party said with a smile.
"Brother Tuoba, I hope you've been well. Why are you back in Jiangnan City without the God of War by your side?" Zhang Xiao also smiled.
"Heh, what do you think?" Tuoba Hong chuckled, implying something.
Tuoba Hong.
The son of the Provincial Governor.
The other party's father was the one who authorized the major demolition in the southern part of Jiangnan City.
This time.
The Baili family and the Nangong family who followed him to Jiangnan were brought by Tuoba Hong's father.
Of course.
If Tuoba Hong were only in this position, it wouldn't make Zhang Xiao so polite.
The most important thing was that Tuoba Hong had another identity.
He was a disciple of China's current God of War!
The God of War belonged to China.
Although he was alone.
He was officially recognized as the strongest martial artist in the open.
No one knew his current strength.
Because those who knew had already gone to hell.
And Tuoba Hong, being accepted as a disciple by the God of War.
Naturally, he was no weaker than prodigies like Zhang Xiao.
At least.
The other party's talent and strength were on par with Zhang Xiao's.
After the two greeted each other, Tuoba Hong walked past Qin Shengnan.
He went straight to Tang Ruxue and said cordially.
"Miss Tang, it's not easy to find you. We haven't finished that game of chess last time, how about we continue?"
Tang Ruxue chuckled.
"If Young Master Tuoba is interested, then there's no problem. However..."
Tang Ruxue hesitated, her gaze glancing at Zhang Xiao.
"Heh, Senior Sister Tang, you worry too much. Since Brother Tuoba is in the mood for chess, we shouldn't dampen his spirits."
Tang Ruxue smiled upon hearing this, her smile particularly bright.
She even tilted her chin towards Qin Shengnan, as if to show off.
"Since Junior Brother has spoken, then Young Master Tuoba, please."
Tang Ruxue slightly shifted aside, leading Brother Tuoba to sit elsewhere.
Soon.
A disciple of the Seven Killers came in with a chessboard and pieces.
Zhang Xiao also watched silently from the side.
Everyone naturally ignored Qin Shengnan's presence.
Instantly.
This made Qin Shengnan feel extremely stifled!
A sense of humiliation arose within her.
She had never imagined that Tang Ruxue would have a connection with Tuoba Hong!
She should know.
When the Qin family was at its peak before its demise, Qin Shengnan had thought about contacting him.
But after much effort, Qin Shengnan hadn't even met Tuoba Hong.
How could Tang Ruxue have become so close to Tuoba Hong in such a short time?
No wonder Baili Wei had helped Tang Ruxue at the Qin family.
So that was the reason.
While Qin Shengnan was contemplating, the chess game on the other side had concluded.
"Haha, Miss Tang, your skill is truly unparalleled. I concede defeat," Tuoba Hong laughed heartily, not angered by losing the game.
"Young Master Tuoba, you are too kind. I was merely lucky," Tang Ruxue replied politely.
Tuoba Hong shook his head slightly, not commenting.
However.
He no longer had any intention of playing chess.
The game just now was also at Tang Ruxue's behest.
The main purpose was to let Zhang Xiao know that her relationship with Tang Ruxue was not shallow.
Now that the task was done, it was time to discuss serious matters.
"Young Master Zhang, Miss Tang has a good grasp of the matters in Jiangnan City. I think we can discuss it?" Tuoba Hong took the initiative.
"Haha, I was thinking the same," Zhang Xiao smiled.
Although he was quite skilled and the Young Sect Master of the Seven Killers.
Zhang Xiao also knew that many people were eyeing the dragon脉 in Jiangnan City.
The Seven Killers alone might not be able to handle it.
So...
If Tuoba Hong was interested in cooperation, Zhang Xiao was more than willing.
"Then let's talk. However, shouldn't some extraneous people be asked to leave?"
Tuoba Hong smiled and looked towards Qin Shengnan and the Red Robe Elder.
The Red Robe Elder had no objections to this.
With Zhang Xiao's arrival in Jiangnan City, he only needed to follow orders.
It didn't matter if he heard some confidential matters or not.
But for Qin Shengnan, this was a blatant humiliation.
Tang Ruxue could stay, but she, Qin Shengnan, could not?
"Senior Sister Qin, aren't your injuries not fully healed yet? Why don't you go down and rest with the Red Robe Elder," Zhang Xiao suddenly said.
This statement.
It was not seeking Qin Shengnan's opinion, but rather informing her.
Qin Shengnan felt both angry and helpless.
In the end, she could only endure temporarily and leave with deep resentment.
However...
Qin Shengnan did not suffer the humiliation for nothing.
Through the events just now, the observant Qin Shengnan discovered something.
That is...
Perhaps.
This discovery could become the key for her to break through the situation and retaliate against Tang Ruxue!
"Just you wait! I, Qin Shengnan, will not fail so easily!"
This sentence.
Qin Shengnan said it in her heart.
As for whether she was referring to Tang Ruxue or Zhang Xiao, only she knew.
...