Swords Drawn

Xiao Ming, positioned within the army, had long since caught sight of Wu Tan City's outline appearing on the horizon.

Seeing the people atop the city walls, Seven Baleful Intents spurred his horse and raced past the army to Xiao Ming's side.

"Chieftain, those people up ahead are the members of Wu Tan City's three great clans."

Seeing Seven Baleful Intents' utterly devoted manner, Xiao Ming felt immensely satisfied.

This was probably the vanity that people on Earth had spoken of in his previous life.

However, Xiao Ming had no intention of stopping him.

At this moment, the members of the three great clans on the city walls could also clearly make out Xiao Ming's group.

When they saw the vast, dark mass of troops below, everyone on the walls could not help but draw in a sharp breath.

Yet at that moment, Xiao Zhan unexpectedly let out a soft cry of surprise.

There was no other reason. Back when Xiao Ming had still been within the Xiao Clan, he had met Xiao Zhan once.

Later, when Xiao Ming had gone alone to the Magical Beast Mountain Range and vanished without a trace, Xiao Zhan had even specifically sent people out to search for him.

But after searching for a long time, they had found nothing.

Thus, Xiao Zhan had once believed that Xiao Ming had likely already died in the jaws of magical beasts.

Now that he saw Xiao Ming at the forefront of the crowd, it was only natural that Xiao Zhan reacted this way.

"What is it, Clan Leader Xiao? Do you know the origins of this group before us?"

Jia Lie Bi, who had always been known for his vicious cunning, keenly noticed the change in Xiao Zhan's expression. He immediately raised his voice slightly and asked Xiao Zhan in a seemingly casual manner.

Just as expected, the moment Jia Lie Bi finished speaking, everyone on the city wall turned their gazes toward Xiao Zhan.

Realizing that he had fallen into Jia Lie Bi's trap, Xiao Zhan merely revealed a disdainful smile.

He did not intend to conceal anything and directly recounted everything he knew about Xiao Ming in full.

After learning of this matter, Ao Bapa immediately leaned over and asked maliciously.

"Since this Xiao Ming is from your Xiao Clan, could the people below the walls be men Clan Leader Xiao specially invited from outside?"

"It seems Clan Leader Xiao intends to become the ruler of Wu Tan City!"

As Ao Bapa's words reached everyone's ears, Xiao Zhan could clearly feel all eyes around him falling upon him.

In particular, the members of the few smaller clans in Wu Tan City aside from the three great clans quietly moved closer to the Jia Lie Clan and Ao Ba Clan.

Seeing this, although Xiao Zhan wanted to explain himself, he knew that under these circumstances, no matter how eloquently he spoke, it would be difficult to change the situation before him.

Xiao Zhan simply turned around and focused his gaze once more on Xiao Ming and his group beyond the city walls.

As Xiao Ming's army drew ever closer to Wu Tan City, Xiao Zhan stepped to the edge of the wall. After circulating the battle qi throughout his body, he shouted at Xiao Ming ahead.

"Is that Xiao Ming?"

Upon hearing Xiao Zhan's voice, Xiao Ming lightly clasped his hands in salute toward him and said.

"Yes, Clan Leader. It has been a long time."

Upon hearing Xiao Ming's response, delight immediately appeared on Xiao Zhan's face.

From Xiao Ming's tone just now, Xiao Zhan could not sense even the slightest hint of hostility.

For a moment, Xiao Zhan began to hold some hope for Xiao Ming.

He hoped that Xiao Ming had not come to oppose the Xiao Clan.

Xiao Zhan then continued, "Then may I ask why you and the brothers behind you have come here?"

At this, Xiao Ming revealed a remarkably gentle smile and said.

"What are you saying, Clan Leader? Xiao Ming was originally a disciple of the Xiao Clan. I have merely returned to the Xiao Clan this time. As for those behind me, they are only friends I met along the way. They have come this time only to join our Xiao Clan. Clan Leader, you may rest assured."

Seeing Xiao Ming's sincere expression, Xiao Zhan could not help but breathe a sigh of relief. He then waved to the Xiao Clan members on the wall, signaling them to lower the tightly shut city gates.

But at that moment, Jia Lie Bi and Ao Bapa's expressions had already changed drastically.

This was because they could sense several auras among Xiao Ming's group that were not much weaker than their own.

If such a force were allowed into Wu Tan City, the Xiao Clan's strength would undoubtedly rise overnight to the point where it could crush the other two clans.

Thus, at Jia Lie Bi and Ao Bapa's signal, the members of the two clans immediately surrounded the Xiao Clan members on the city walls.

This action instantly turned Xiao Zhan's face livid.

He had not expected Jia Lie Bi and Ao Bapa to suddenly do something like this at such a time.

"Jia Lie Bi, Ao Bapa, what is the meaning of this?!"

Seeing the two clans' actions, Xiao Zhan coldly questioned the pair with a dark expression.

However, Jia Lie Bi and Ao Bapa showed no fear.

"Clan Leader Xiao, what are you saying? We are merely acting to ensure the safety of all our fellow citizens in Wu Tan City. If a force of unknown origin were allowed to swagger into Wu Tan City like this, would that truly be appropriate?"

Looking at Jia Lie Bi's insincere smile, Xiao Zhan let out a contemptuous snort and said.

Since when were the affairs of my Xiao Clan yours to criticize, Jia Lie Bi?

After Xiao Zhan's words fell, Jia Lie Bi's expression stiffened slightly.

He had not expected Xiao Zhan to suddenly display such a forceful side.

But Jia Lie Bi quickly recovered and said with an unfriendly expression, "I am acting for the good of all Wu Tan City. If Clan Leader Xiao cannot make the right choice in the face of such a matter of principle, then we can only resort to some forceful measures."

As he spoke, battle qi slowly began to gather between Jia Lie Bi's palms.

Seeing this, Xiao Zhan knew that today's matter had reached the point where reconciliation was utterly impossible. He simply prepared himself for battle.

Seeing this, the expression on Jia Lie Bi's face became even more mocking.

"I advise Clan Leader Xiao not to act rashly. If you truly strike without due thought, I cannot guarantee what will happen next. By then, no matter how much you regret it, it will be too late."