Several days later, atop Dust-Cleansing Peak.
Beneath an ancient pine.
Dressed in blue, Mu Chen sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion.
Below him sat his three disciples in order: Jiang Yin, Si Mingwei, and Gu Chenfeng.
"Jiang Yin, how are things in Starshine City now?" Mu Chen asked.
Jiang Yin hastily rose and bowed.
"Master, Starshine City has largely returned to normal.
"The black-clad warriors who participated in the massacre have all died suddenly. They seem to have died from the Blood Curse Art.
"They were probably an outside force secretly cultivated by Eagle Vengeance Peak to carry out secret missions of this sort.
"With Eldest Senior Brother's cooperation as well, there is no evidence pointing directly to Eagle Vengeance Peak."
Mu Chen nodded slightly.
"Killing with a borrowed blade and leaving no loose ends-that is indeed Blood Refining's usual style.
"Even if there were evidence, given his nature, sacrificing a few scapegoats would be effortless."
Somewhat worried, Jiang Yin said, "Master, Eagle Vengeance Peak not only failed in its scheme, but suffered heavy losses. Even the lord of Kaiyang Island died. Will that man..."
"You are worried about retaliation from Blood Refining and Eagle Vengeance Peak."
Mu Chen said calmly, "There is no need to worry. If Eagle Vengeance Peak dares reach out again, I will cut off its hand!
"In the past, I was too lenient, leading them to mistake our Dust-Cleansing Peak for weaklings they could bully.
"Now it is time to bring them to their senses."
A sharp, icy glint flashed through Mu Chen's tranquil eyes, radiating an intimidating might.
Clearly, Fan Yue's death had brought no small change to this Sword-Walking Venerable as well.
"Jiang Yin, Starshine City is now the principal city of Heavenly Star Prefecture. We cannot allow unrest there. You will serve