The square was bustling with excitement as the Wanze Sect's celebration was in full swing.
Huge red lanterns hung high overhead, their candle flames flickering as warm yellow halos spilled across the square, lending the entire scene a touch of warmth and festivity.
The crowd surged like a tide, laughter and cheerful voices intertwining. Every face brimmed with joy and excitement, all immersed in the jubilant atmosphere, utterly unaware that danger was quietly drawing near.
Yet behind all that bustle, several shadows flickered in and out of sight like ghosts, silently closing in on the elevated platform.
Their figures were nimble and light, their movements swift and soundless, as though they had merged with the darkness around them. Every step was taken with extreme care, lest they make even the faintest noise.
These shadows were the Shadow Assassins of Xuantian Hall. Disguised as Wanze Sect disciples, they had slipped in amid the chaos of the celebration.
The leading Shadow Assassin was named Night Owl. His gaze was icy as he transmitted his voice to the others, "Be careful. This mission may succeed but must not fail. We must find out whether the Wanze Sect truly has anything to do with the disappearance of the branch hall."
Yet they failed to notice that they had already fallen into the Heavenly Net and Earthly Net Zhao Yun had meticulously laid out.
Zhao Yun stood upon the elevated platform, his white robes billowing in the wind. His eyes shone like torches as he continued his impassioned speech, seemingly completely unaware of the danger about to descend.
"The Wanze Sect has, since its founding, existed to ensure that everyone can have a good cultivation environment!
"We fought our way through thorns and brambles, endured countless hardships and perils, before achieving the glory we possess