Open Conflict

Over the next few days, Bai Ze used the more than one hundred thousand taels of silver he had obtained to purchase Viscera Forging Pills in batches.

Each time he went out, he disguised himself to prevent anyone with ulterior motives from noticing him.

With the aid of the pills, he accelerated his cultivation.

Moreover, Black Panther had already informed him yesterday that they would make their move in half a month, when the Young Gang Leader assumed his position.

Because of this, time had become even more pressing.

Even if he could not advance to the Blood Changing Realm before then, he had to reach Perfected Viscera Refining.

The frequent movements on Leopard Hall's side, as well as their constant efforts to win over the other halls, could not possibly be concealed.

Yet Old Gang Leader Black Tiger had still chosen to act so decisively. Clearly, he had something to rely on.

What no one knew was that, just a few days earlier, a black-clad man wearing a hooded cloak had visited Wolong Valley.

Led into the mountain stronghold by a lackey, he saw a burly man stride out with hearty laughter and welcome him inside.

After the few of them sat down, Pang Feilong, the Great Leader of Wolong Valley, waved his hand and dismissed everyone else, leaving only the black-clad man before him and the second leader, Poisonous Snake Li Tao.

Only then did he laugh and say, "Now that no one else is here, Old Gang Leader, take off your cloak."

"Heh heh, Feilong. Long time no see."

After hearing this, the black-clad man finally spoke for the first time since coming up the mountain.

When he slowly removed the black hood from his head, an aged face was revealed. He was none other than Old Gang Leader Black Tiger.

More than two hours later,

he left the stronghold once more. As for what they had discussed, no one else knew.

The very next day, Old Gang Leader Black Tiger announced that his son would assume his position in half a month.

And on that same day, after everyone received the news, Black Panther sent for Bai Ze. He directly stated his intention to seize power and assigned Bai Ze several tasks.

And Bai Ze was certainly not the only one. Within the Black Tiger Gang, Black Panther had already won over nearly everyone.

Even if Old Gang Leader Black Tiger had been young, strong, and uninjured, they could still have stood toe-to-toe with him, much less now.

Thus, the Black Panther brothers were extremely confident in their current strength and their plan. With every arrangement in place, all they had to do was wait for that day to strike.

After Bai Ze returned to his residence, he made arrangements for his subordinates and began cultivating diligently.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere among the Black Tiger Gang's major halls grew even tenser. What had once been covert rivalry was gradually being brought into the open.

What surprised everyone was that Ten Thousand Blades Sect was exceptionally quiet.

It was as though they had no intention of fishing in troubled waters, something no one had expected.

Although the County Magistrate had stepped forward to explain that the Black Tiger Gang's internal affairs should be settled internally and that outsiders must not interfere,

with such a good opportunity before them, could Ten Thousand Blades Sect truly let it slip away for nothing?

Although Bai Ze cultivated diligently at his residence each day, he remained constantly attentive to the news outside.

It was as if an enormous hand hung over Changqing County, manipulating everything within it.

Just then, a Leopard Hall gang member suddenly rushed in from outside.

He cupped his fists and said, "Deputy Hall Master Bai, this is bad! Wang Er of Snake Hall has come attacking with his men!"

"What happened? Explain yourself clearly."

"Yes."

According to his account, Wang Wei of Snake Hall had been killed the previous night. He was the younger brother of Wang Er, Snake Hall's Deputy Hall Master.

Because of the conflicts between the two sides during this period, Wang Er believed Leopard Hall's people had killed him and had come seeking revenge.

Bai Ze's brows drew together slightly at those words, yet his expression remained exceptionally calm.

After all, this sort of thing had already happened several times over the past few days. Whether the excuse was real or fabricated, as long as they had one, they would immediately lead men over to fight.

Because of this, major battles broke out almost every day for one reason or another.

Sword in hand, Bai Ze had just stepped outside when he saw fighting already erupting not far away.

Although Zhao Peng led Leopard Hall's men in a desperate defense, they were being driven back again and again. The enemy had clearly come prepared.

Wang Er in particular, gripping a steel saber and relying on his Late Viscera Refining Realm strength, was utterly unstoppable.

"Die! Kill them!"

"Wipe out everyone in Leopard Hall and avenge our brothers!"

"Twenty taels of silver for every man you kill! Charge!"

"Kill!"

Miserable screams and furious roars rose and fell one after another, while the clash of blades rang without end.

Bai Ze saw Zhao Peng being forced back repeatedly, several wounds already slashed across his body. He was clearly unable to hold on much longer.

How could Wang Er let such an opportunity pass? His steel saber shot straight toward Zhao Peng's forehead.

Unable to defend himself, terror appeared in Zhao Peng's eyes.

Just as he thought his life was about to end, a Sword Light suddenly flashed and struck the steel saber, forcibly knocking it aside.

Seeing this, Zhao Peng broke out in a cold sweat.

So close. His head had nearly been sent flying from his shoulders.

Taking advantage of the chance, he hurriedly retreated to Bai Ze's side. Glaring at Wang Er through gritted teeth, he said, "Deputy Hall Master Bai, that is Wang Er of Snake Hall, a Late Viscera Refining Realm martial artist."

"This time, he took advantage of the Hall Master's absence to lead men here and attack."

"I'm no match for him alone. The two of us should attack together. If we hold him off a little longer, Leopard Hall's other brothers will come to reinforce us. Then it will be their death day."

"Alright."

Bai Ze did not refuse. He sprang forward and joined Zhao Peng in fighting Wang Er.

Though Bai Ze alone could have killed his opponent, he wanted to conceal his strength, so he revealed only power close to the middle stage of Viscera Refining.

Because of this, even with Zhao Peng added to the fight, they remained at a disadvantage against Wang Er. Still, Wang Er could do nothing to them for the time being.

Besides, the two of them only wanted to stall for time. They had no intention of fighting him to the death.

Bang!

Bang!

Bang!

The three fought fiercely, sparks flying everywhere as saber and sword collided.

Whenever Wang Er tried to kill one of them first, the other would step forward and forcibly interrupt him, leaving him no choice but to withdraw and defend.

Yet after disrupting his attack, they would decisively retreat again, never giving him the chance to press his advantage.

For that very reason, Wang Er felt utterly stifled.

He let out a furious roar and bellowed, "Fierce Tiger Descends the Mountain! Die!"

"Not good! Move!"

Bang!

Sensing the might of this move, the two hurriedly dodged.

But to their surprise, Wang Er had locked onto Bai Ze. Like a fierce tiger descending the mountain, he charged straight at him, intending to cleave him in two.

Bai Ze's face darkened at the sight. Cursing inwardly, he raised his sword to meet the attack.