When Chen Qing returned to Wanfa Peak, it was already afternoon.
Clouds and mist coiled around the summit. Ancient pines stood lush and verdant, while halls and pavilions seemed especially tranquil beneath the pale golden sunlight.
He had originally intended to settle the affairs of the peak before entering seclusion in peace.
Just over an hour later, footsteps sounded outside his door.
"Senior Brother Chen!" Zhu Yu's voice rang out from outside, carrying a trace of urgency.
"Come in." Chen Qing opened his eyes.
Zhu Yu pushed the door open and entered, his expression even graver than before.
After clasping his fists in salute, he quickly reported, "News from outside has been updated considerably. Since the various sects were attacked last time, the Six Great Supreme Sects and the Imperial Court have retaliated swiftly, and... fiercely."
Chen Qing gestured for him to continue.
"According to reliable intelligence, Marquis Zhenbei, the Great Governor of the Jingwu Guard, joined forces with Sikong Lie, an elder of the Ziyang Supreme Sect, and successfully surrounded and killed a Grandmaster from the Frost Eagle Tribe of the Golden Court Eight Tribes, along with several True Origin Realm experts accompanying him."
"It has been confirmed that this man took part in the earlier assassination attempt against the Ziyang Supreme Sect."
A sharp glint flashed through Chen Qing's eyes.
Blood for blood. The retaliation had come quickly indeed.
Zhu Yu continued, "The Cloudwater Supreme Sect has also sent word of victory. Two of their Grandmasters, Xie Mingyan and He Chong, tracked down a Night Clan Night Watcher south of Longwind Circuit. After a fierce battle, they killed him on the banks of the Bluewave River."
"Two Grandmasters died..." Chen Qing murmured.
A tribal lord of the Golden Court Eight Tribes and a Night Clan Night Watcher were