Outside the old temple on Blackpine Ridge.
Zhu Hanjiang arrived with his men and quickly surrounded the temple so tightly that not even water could pass through.
On the outer perimeter, constables nocked arrows and sealed off the forest entrance and mountain path. The Scarlet Valorous Guards split into several squads, covering the temple gate, the rear courtyard, and the other places where someone might break through.
Zhu Hanjiang slowly drew his saber. A sliver of cold light gleamed along its edge.
The next instant, he stepped forward.
Boom!
He kicked the old temple doors into splinters.
Wood chips burst outward, and dust flew everywhere.
Zhu Hanjiang had already charged inside.
A fierce clash erupted within the temple.
Then came the shrill, frenzied screams of Red-Robed Cultists.
"Court lapdogs!"
"Kill!"
Bang!
A red-robed figure flew out, struck by Zhu Hanjiang's saber. He slammed into the stone steps before the temple, half his chest nearly cleaved open. After two feeble struggles, he went still.
More Red-Robed Cultists rushed out. Some had twisted blood-red patterns painted across their faces, like a pack of demons that had crawled from a pool of blood.
The Scarlet Valorous Guards waiting outside immediately raised their sabers and charged.
Cao Zhen roared and brought his broad-backed saber down, severing the head and shoulder of the first Red-Robed Cultist to emerge.
"You bastards! I've been waiting for you!"
Elsewhere, Ma Changkui drew his long saber and charged three cultists with a ferocious swing.
His blade flashed again and again.
One man's throat split open.
Another took a slash across the chest.
The third struck back with a hook, but Ma Changkui kicked him off his feet and drove his saber into the man's chest.
Lu Chen did not rush inside recklessly. He held the outer perimeter instead.
Whoever