Just a Bunch of Crows and Dogs!

Chapter 8: Just a Bunch of Crows and Dogs!

In the Jianghu, people began to frequently compare him to the renowned prodigies of the world.

Countless individuals were dumbfounded, finding it hard to believe that someone once unknown could achieve such a drastic transformation in such a short period.

Great Grandmasters had been defeated before him, Half-step Vajra had fallen by his hand, and ordinary Jianghu figures feared him like mice feared cats. The mere sight of him from afar would send them scrambling away with trembling legs.

Within the Xuanyuan Family, a deathly silence had fallen. At the snow-covered training grounds where Xuanyuan Dapan was in seclusion, the family's leaders gathered, each face etched with solemnity and unease.

Xuanyuan Dapan slowly opened his eyes, his gaze sharp as lightning, sweeping over the assembled crowd. His voice, deep and authoritative, boomed, "The family has been thrown into such chaos by a mere retainer, and what have all of you been doing?"

Everyone lowered their heads, not daring to breathe. Xuanyuan Jingxuan stepped forward, bracing himself, and bowed slightly. "Ancestor, I have already dispatched Xuanyuan Qingfeng down the mountain to search for Wang Ritain's whereabouts. I believe we will have news soon."

Xuanyuan Dapan let out a cold snort. "Resolve this matter quickly. Do not let the family become a laughingstock of the Jianghu!"

Xuanyuan Jingxuan quickly replied, "Yes, Ancestor. I will do my utmost."

With that, he slowly withdrew from the cave.

After leaving the snow-covered grounds, Xuanyuan Jingxuan secretly calculated in his mind. If he could perfectly resolve the matter of Wang Ritain, his standing in the Ancestor's eyes would undoubtedly rise significantly, perhaps even giving him a chance to become the family head ahead of schedule.

Meanwhile, Xuanyuan Qingfeng had been down the mountain for several days.

Along the way, she had heard countless rumors about Wang Ritain, each one shocking her. The once cowardly Wang Ritain from within the family had now become a figure of awe and fear in the Jianghu. This immense contrast made it difficult for her to accept.

In a small tavern at the foot of the mountain, Xuanyuan Qingfeng was preparing to rest. Just then, a Jianghu practitioner, covered in wounds, stumbled into the tavern. Fear flickered in his eyes, and his steps were unsteady, as if he might collapse at any moment. Seeing this, Xuanyuan Qingfeng's heart stirred. She walked over and asked softly, "What happened to you? Did you encounter some danger?"

The Jianghu practitioner looked up at Xuanyuan Qingfeng, hesitated, and then said, "Miss, do you know anyone from the Xuanyuan Family? I have an important message for the Xuanyuan Ancestor."

Xuanyuan Qingfeng's heart leaped. She quickly replied, "I am from the Xuanyuan Family. Whatever you have to say, you can tell me."

Upon hearing this, a flicker of hope flashed in the Jianghu practitioner's eyes. He took a deep breath and said, "It's Wang Ritain. Wang Ritain asked me to deliver a message to the Xuanyuan Ancestor. He said that the next time he comes to Huishan, he will personally kill the Ancestor."

"What?" Xuanyuan Qingfeng's eyes widened in shock. She couldn't believe her ears. Wang Ritain, whom she had once disdained, was now so audacious as to utter such rebellious words. She knew very well the terrifying power of Xuanyuan Dapan, a figure standing at the pinnacle of the Jianghu. Wang Ritain's actions were simply courting death.

"Are... are you sure it was Wang Ritain who said that?" Xuanyuan Qingfeng asked again, still clinging to a sliver of hope.

"Absolutely certain, Miss. I was injured by Wang Ritain, and he insisted I deliver this message," the Jianghu practitioner confirmed.

Xuanyuan Qingfeng fell silent for a moment, her heart filled with a complex mix of emotions. She didn't know what had happened to Wang Ritain to make him so crazed. But she understood that this was no trivial matter and had to be reported to Xuanyuan Jingxuan as soon as possible.

After the Jianghu practitioner left, Xuanyuan Qingfeng immediately returned to the mountain and recounted Wang Ritain's words to Xuanyuan Jingxuan, word for word. Upon hearing this, Xuanyuan Jingxuan erupted in fury. His face instantly turned ashen, and his hands clenched into fists, his knuckles turning white.

"This Wang Ritain is simply courting death! How dare he be so insolent towards the Ancestor!" Xuanyuan Jingxuan roared, his voice filled with anger and shock. He paced back and forth in the room, trying to calm his emotions. After a long while, he stopped, a look of determination flashing in his eyes. "We cannot let Wang Ritain continue to be so arrogant. He must be dealt with swiftly."

Thus, Xuanyuan Jingxuan began to gather manpower. He meticulously selected thirty-eight Grandmaster-level experts, including several Great Grandmasters. These individuals were all outstanding figures in the Jianghu, skilled in formations and possessing excellent coordination. Xuanyuan Jingxuan was confident that with their help, Wang Ritain could be captured in one fell swoop.

Before their departure, Xuanyuan Jingxuan looked at the thirty-eight experts before him, a cold smirk playing on his lips. "Wang Ritain, you think a little strength allows you to do as you please in the Jianghu? Today, I will make you understand the consequences of offending the Xuanyuan Family!" His eyes were filled with confidence and arrogance, as if he could already see Wang Ritain crushed beneath his feet.

A seasoned retainer of the family stepped forward, his voice filled with worry. "Family Head, Wang Ritain's strength is not to be underestimated. We should still plan carefully to avoid any unforeseen mishaps."

Xuanyuan Jingxuan laughed heartily at this. "You worry too much. Wang Ritain was merely a minor retainer. Even if his strength has improved, how much of a storm can he stir? I will personally kill him and let everyone know that offending the Xuanyuan Family leads to no good end!" With that, he disregarded the retainer's advice and led the group down the mountain in a grand procession.

That night, under the moonlit sky, Wang Ritain was traveling alone on a quiet mountain path. His steps were steady and firm, as if nothing in the world could stop him. Suddenly, a group of people appeared ahead, standing ready and blocking the path completely. Wang Ritain frowned slightly and stopped.

"Wang Ritain, today is the day you die!" the leading Grandmaster shouted loudly, his voice echoing in the silent night.

Wang Ritain looked up and saw thirty-eight experts spread out in a fan shape, surrounding him. They exuded powerful auras, clearly well-prepared. The corners of Wang Ritain's mouth curled up slightly, revealing a disdainful sneer. "With just a bunch of crows and dogs like you, you think you can stop me?"