As a few people were stunned, an unexpected scene unfolded.
The group of black-clad figures who had retreated earlier returned, their demeanor arrogant as they charged towards the location.
Those nearby were terrified.
The appearance of these black-clad figures inevitably meant bloodshed, a price they could not afford. They scattered, making way.
The path these figures took led directly to Gu Qianying's position.
Gu Qianying and her two companions were bewildered.
"What does this mean? Are they trying to kill us?" Gu Qianying asked incredulously, finding the situation utterly absurd.
They had saved the old woman's life.
Yet, the man, instead of showing gratitude, was now attempting to kill them.
Before they could ponder further, the group launched their assault.
Their movements were swift, like phantoms in mid-air. As they ascended, black wings unfurled from their backs.
In an instant, they transformed, their faces contorted and fangs elongating, their fingernails also growing. An eerie aura enveloped them.
Gu Qianying showed no fear.
They were merely ants, insignificant.
Sensing the oppressive power, she narrowed her eyes, bringing her hands together to gather the strength within her, which coalesced into a beam of light.
She surged from the ground, her form arcing through the air.
She unleashed this power forward.
Moments later, the power collided with them.
A brilliant flash erupted.
The two forces clashed, their struggle accompanied by a constant whistling sound.
In the sky above, lightning and thunder were drawn by the commotion.
This spectacle caused the heavens and earth to tremble.
The attackers, subjected to this onslaught, found themselves powerless.
With a cold sneer, they merged together.
Transforming into a pillar of light, they condensed all their power and directed it towards Gu Qianying.
Gu Qianying, now suspended in mid-air, lightly touched down on the clouds.
Her fingers formed a mudra, summoning fallen leaves from below. The leaves swirled in the air, coalescing into a vortex that amplified Gu Qianying's power.
Again and again, it surged forth.
Then, it roared into the pillar of light.
With a deafening boom.
The world's colors shifted.
Gu Qianying's power overwhelmed them, crushing them to the ground.
With a thud.
The original bluestone path instantly cracked, revealing a large hole.
Within this chasm, the black-clad men lay collapsed, spitting blood, their bodies weakened.
Gu Qianying exhaled a gentle breath.
She slowly retracted her internal energy, not a single drop of sweat on her brow.
It was as if she had merely taken a casual stroll moments before.
Her figure descended gracefully, landing before them, her eyes devoid of emotion.
"Who are you?"
The attackers' orifices bled, their internal organs on the verge of bursting under the immense pressure.
As they were about to speak, they suddenly felt a surge of blood within them.
Then, they coughed out a mouthful of black blood.
Gu Qianying let out a cold laugh. "Do you still intend to resist? In your current state, you are no match for me."
These men, now defeated and sprawled on the ground, looked at Gu Qianying with bodies trembling uncontrollably.
They knew.
This was the gap between them.
The vast distance separating them from Gu Qianying, a distance they could not bridge.
Seeing their silence, Gu Qianying gathered her power again. "Will you speak or not?"
In an instant, the group scrambled to their feet.
They hurriedly knelt before Gu Qianying, their words laced with the scent of blood.
"We will speak."
From their accounts, they learned that Bai Yu Feng, the eldest son of the Sheng Yu family, possessed a notoriously volatile temper and was not easily provoked.
However, his talent was extraordinary.
He had an innate comprehension of demonic energy.
On the way back, the old woman expressed her displeasure with Bai Yu Feng's actions.
"What happened just now was too hasty. They truly saved me."
Bai Yu Feng let out a cold snort.
Were they saving her?
Impossible. Gu Qianying and her companions had come with a purpose, and it was inconceivable that they would coincidentally save the old woman.
This was undoubtedly part of a plan.
He stated without preamble, "Alright, Old Madam, remember for next time, when you go out, always be accompanied. Don't get into trouble."
The old woman smiled and replied, "I understand."
Upon returning to the inn, the three sat in the room, the silence heavy.
"That person just now was the eldest son of the Sheng Yu family."
Gu Qianying spoke softly.
Ouyang Qinglin gasped. "As expected, just as they said in the teahouse, the people of this family are indeed corrupt. If we wish to find a solution from them, it might be quite difficult."
Gu Qianying smiled faintly and said,
"No, I don't think it will be too difficult. How can someone whose intentions are so openly displayed pose a significant challenge?"
The two before her stared, looking at her with confusion.
"What do you mean by that?"
Just then, Gu Qianying conceived a plan.
She whispered, "Since I already know who the eldest son is, why don't I infiltrate the family and get close to him? Perhaps there will be a way to resolve this."
The two before her shook their heads.
That person was not only mentally unstable but also extremely ruthless in his actions.
He was clearly not someone to be trifled with.
If Gu Qianying were to go, wouldn't it be akin to seeking death?
Ouyang Qinglin stood up indignantly, quickly stating,
"You cannot go. If you go, it would be better for me to go. I will go in your stead."
Little Yi Hao also chimed in, "Yes! Mother, there's more than one way to enter that family. Perhaps if we wait a little longer, something else might come up."
Gu Qianying looked at them, her emotions unperturbed, and asked calmly,
"What else?"
"What other time do you have? Huh?"
Upon hearing this, the two were rendered speechless.
Gu Qianying made up her mind, showing no intention of backing down. She stood up decisively.
"No matter what, I must handle this matter properly. I must find an opportunity to enter."
As the two were about to protest further, Gu Qianying suddenly smiled.
"Alright, don't worry about me."
Little Yi Hao's expression faltered, hesitating to speak.
After Gu Qianying finalized her plan, another piece of good news arrived, and her prospects of entering the family began to take shape.
At this time, the Sheng Yu family was recruiting servants, but only men were needed, not women.
Gu Qianying planned to disguise herself as a man and infiltrate the family.
Due to the family's renowned reputation, the number of people vying for servant positions was considerable.
Gu Qianying exerted great effort to reach the Sheng Yu family.
Guided by the butler, Gu Qianying and the others arrived within the family compound.
The place was vast, with countless tall buildings appearing before Gu Qianying.
The atmosphere was solemn, and a protective force enveloped the exterior of the family estate.