From the very first day the Guo Family and Hua Family moved into Brightlight Courtyard, their movements had been closely watched by every Lineage in the city, great and small.
By now, the various powers had naturally also received word that Hong Yuan had charged into their formation alone on horseback, breached their stronghold with a single spear thrust, then routed thousands of troops single-handedly.
Everyone who heard the news was struck with horror.
In the eastern district, inside the Wei Family's great mansion.
In a secluded council chamber at the heart of the estate, the atmosphere was heavy. Several Wei Family elders had gathered once again, and none could conceal the shock on their faces.
"To think the Guo Family and Hua Family would fall at the hands of a single man. This truly was beyond anyone's expectations," said a silver-haired elder with a ruddy complexion.
"The Guo Family is finished, but not necessarily the Hua Family. Don't forget their young lady, Hua Xiangrong. With the Profound Ice Sect behind her, they may yet have a chance to rise again."
"She's only a woman, after all... And don't think too highly of the Profound Ice Sect. Hong Yuan alone slaughtered his way through thousands of troops and sent them fleeing. Even the Profound Ice Sect might not be able to deal with him."
"They hardly count as an army of thousands. Outsiders may not know the truth, but surely we know the caliber of Linjiang's three guards?" A pale, plump Wei Family elder shook his head. "The three guards aren't completely rotten, but they're a far cry from truly elite troops."
"Even so, there were two thousand soldiers. For Hong Yuan to break them alone, his martial prowess unquestionably ranks among the finest under heaven." An elder sighed, lingering