Mad Saber Sect

Although the Hundred Flowers Sect and the Dream Red Pavilion are powerful, this place is merely a branch. Within Yulin alone, the Mad Saber Sect is the most dominant force.

It's a chaotic era, and martial arts are flourishing. Sects are emerging like mushrooms after rain, scattered everywhere, complex and numerous. From its founding to its peak, the Mad Saber Sect has existed for no more than ten years. In these mere few years, the Mad Saber Sect has recruited many disciples and expanded rapidly, becoming a colossal power. The saber, in its essence, is for striking down whatever it faces. Back then, its Sect Master, Taishu Sheng, lived up to his name. With just a single saber, he defeated the leaders of Yulin's ten major sects, thus establishing the Mad Saber Sect's position. As for Taishu Sheng himself, his saber techniques were as fierce as a tiger's, and his personality was bold and unrestrained, earning him the moniker "Chaos Saber" among martial artists.

Upon learning about the Mad Saber Sect from Liu Ruyan, Jiang Shuo frowned, "Senior, did you deduce this from the black-clothed man's Dragging Saber Technique?"

"Precisely. Taishu Sheng's four saber techniques – Slash, Chop, Drag, and Madness – are common knowledge in the martial arts world. Back then, Taishu Sheng challenged the leader of another saber-wielding sect in Yulin. I was fortunate enough to witness it. That sect leader was older and possessed profound skill. Just as he was about to defeat Taishu Sheng, he used this move to lure the enemy in and turn the tables, which is why I have such a deep impression of the Dragging Saber Technique," Liu Ruyan nodded and said.

When facing an enemy, retreating as they advance is the norm. The Dragging Saber Technique's sudden, unexpected move truly makes it impossible to defend against. Although Jiang Shuo had already suffered a setback, he admitted that if he encountered it again, he might not escape the same fate.

"Sister, if that's the case, then let's take this corpse and demand justice from the Mad Saber Sect. Although the Mad Saber Sect is powerful, our Dream Red Pavilion is not to be trifled with," Taohong said.

Liu Ruyan glanced down at the corpse and shook her head, "Even if everyone witnessed it, if the Mad Saber Sect insists we colluded to frame them, and there's no proof, we can't do anything about it."

"Then..." A hint of anxiety flickered across Taohong's brow. "Doesn't this discovery mean it's all for nothing?"

"Not entirely. At least it points us in the direction of our investigation, and besides..." Liu Ruyan turned her head towards Jiang Shuo, gazing at him as if contemplating something. After a moment, she said cryptically, "If the direct approach doesn't work, we can try a more covert one."

Jiang Shuo blinked in surprise. "A covert approach?"

"This will require the assistance of Young Master Jiang," Liu Ruyan's lips curved upwards into a beautiful smile.

With that, everyone took the corpse back to the Dream Red Pavilion to discuss their next course of action.

According to Liu Ruyan's plan, they intended to send someone to secretly infiltrate the Mad Saber Sect to investigate. The disciples of the Dream Red Pavilion were all women, making them conspicuous. Therefore, this task naturally fell to Jiang Shuo.

Since the assassins hadn't returned, the Mad Saber Sect would certainly be on alert, their defenses heavily fortified and extremely dangerous. Sending martial arts experts might alert them, or even backfire. Although Jiang Shuo's martial arts were not strong, his identity could serve as an excellent cover. Especially after the incident with Chen Bingting's downfall, Jiang Shuo had gained considerable attention. The entire city of Yulin knew that Jiang Shuo was favored by Feng En of the Hundred Flowers Sect. If Jiang Shuo entered the Mad Saber Sect in public, as long as he didn't cross their bottom line, even if he was discovered, it wouldn't be a major issue.

With the plan decided, Jiang Shuo immediately returned to the Hundred Flowers Sect to discuss it with Feng En. After receiving his approval, he headed directly to the Mad Saber Sect with the Hundred Flowers Sect's main group.

Sun Daoming, having missed yesterday's events, was afraid Jiang Shuo would gain an advantage. After repeatedly pleading, Feng En finally agreed to let him accompany them.

"The Mad Saber Sect has always been mysterious and doesn't have many dealings with other sects. Their methods are not well-known to the outside world. You must be extremely cautious on this journey. It would be best if you could find some clues. If you can't, do not linger, lest you arouse their suspicion," Liu Ruyan instructed before their departure. At the end, she seemed to want to say more, her red lips parting slightly, but ultimately she remained silent.

Jiang Shuo was curious, but since Liu Ruyan didn't speak, he didn't ask. He nodded to show he had noted her words and then left with the group.

After turning the corner and no longer being able to see the Dream Red Pavilion, Jiang Shuo's peripheral vision caught sight of Taohong, her face covered by a light veil, standing in a pavilion by the roadside ahead, as if waiting for him.

Jiang Shuo narrowed his eyes, signaled his group to wait for him, and walked over. "Sister Taohong, why are you waiting for us here?"

Taohong clasped her hands together, nervously looking left and right. After a moment of hesitation, she spoke softly, "I came alone, behind my sister's back. For what I'm about to say, I hope you can promise me not to tell her."

Jiang Shuo was slightly surprised. In his impression, Liu Ruyan and Taohong were inseparable, like sisters. Yet, Taohong had come alone, behind her sister's back, indicating that what she was about to say must be very important.

After a brief thought, Jiang Shuo nodded and agreed, "As long as it doesn't violate chivalry, I will keep it secret."

"I trust Young Master Jiang's character," Taohong said. She turned sideways, curtsied slightly, and then continued, "The Mad Saber Sect has a forbidden ground behind their mountain. Legend has it that Taishu Sheng personally selected it when the Mad Saber Sect was first established, before any other buildings were constructed. Our Dream Red Pavilion's main business is intelligence gathering. We've sent many skilled individuals to investigate, but the forbidden ground is heavily guarded. Not only have we lost many people, but we still know nothing about it. If there are any clues, they are likely there. Sister probably didn't tell you because she was worried about your safety. But I think of those sisters who died in vain, and I can't help it, I can't help it..."