As the news of the death of Blade Tigress spread, every bandit on the battlefield lost the will to fight. Their morale shattered, and they began running for their lives while the unorthodox warriors butchered them without mercy. Blood dyed the earth red, and screams echoed across the mountain ranges.
Some of the bandit groups, approximately a hundred in number, charged in a frenzy toward the direction of the caravan on the mountain path.
Yu Meixian noticed the stampede of desperate bandits and turned toward Rin.
"I think we can't hide anymore," she said calmly. With a burst of internal energy, she leapt high into the air and landed squarely in front of the fleeing bandit group, her sword gleaming with killing intent.
The bandit leader at the front stepped forward, snarling, "Who are you?"
Yu Meixian stood tall, the wind brushing past her long cloak. "You don't need to know who I am. Just turn around—you're not getting through this way."
The leader's face twisted with contempt. "Cocky bitch! You think you can stop us alone? Kill her and run!"
Yu Meixian narrowed her eyes. "Why are people always so eager to die…"
She raised her sword, and the atmosphere shifted. "First Form of the 7-Ring Sword Technique—Ring of Sword!"
A massive glowing ring formed behind her as her internal energy surged. Countless qi swords materialized from the ring, each whistling with lethal force. In an instant, a wave of swords sliced through the group, and within moments, the entire crowd was reduced to lifeless corpses, their blood soaking the soil.
From the battlefield below, the Three Eccentrics noticed her overwhelming presence and moved toward her, their expressions cautious.
They stood before Yu Meixian, the ground still humming with residual qi.
Poison Eccentric stepped forward, her cold voice cutting through the air. "You are the Righteous Sword Heroine. I saw you once before. Why are you here?"
Yu Meixian gave a wry smile. "It's just coincidence. I didn't plan to be here."
Whip Eccentric raised an eyebrow. "Coincidence? Or is this the Murim Alliance's plan?"
Yu Meixian's face turned serious with a touch of anxiousness. "No, no! I have no relationship with the Murim Alliance. I'm just traveling with my companions. You see that caravan on the mountain?"
The Eccentrics turned their heads toward the caravan.
"I joined that caravan to reach Sichuan. I didn't know such a major battle would happen here."
The Three Eccentrics exchanged glances, quietly reading one another's thoughts. Then, Bone Fist Eccentric gave a nod.
"Very well. We will give you passage to Sichuan and instruct our warriors not to disturb your caravan."
Yu Meixian gave a slight bow. "Thank you for your assistance."
Then, with a more serious tone, she asked, "Are you certain the actions you've taken against the Bandit Union are justified? If the Bandit Queen comes personally… your sects might vanish from Murim altogether."
Poison Eccentric replied coldly, "You need not worry. We've already made arrangements for such a possibility."
Yu Meixian nodded, then turned and jumped gracefully back toward the caravan.
Poison Eccentric watched her leave. "Do you trust her words?"
Whip Eccentric folded her arms. "I'm not sure. But we're in no condition to fight a master like her, not after the losses we've taken today."
They resumed overseeing the cleanup of the battlefield.
Back at the caravan, Yu Meixian landed beside Rin, her expression calm.
"Everything good?" Rin asked.
Yu Meixian nodded. "Yes. Everything's settled. In half an hour, we'll resume our journey."
Suddenly, a burst of qi flared from inside their wagon.
The three of them rushed over to check, only to find Lianzhen emerging from his meditative trance, his aura glowing. He had broken through to Peak Master Stage.
Yu Meixian smirked. "You brothers are just unreal."
Lianzhen blinked. "What happened? Why did we stop?"
Rin guided his brother into the wagon and explained everything—every bloody detail of the battle, the spiritual deity, the Four Eccentrics, the death of Blade Tigress.
By the end, Lianzhen looked stunned. "So much happened... and to think supernatural beings exist."
Rin nodded. "Yes, they do. I saw it with my own eyes."
"At least we're safe," Lianzhen said with a relieved sigh.
Yu Meixian puffed her chest proudly. "You don't need to worry. I'll protect you both— even if the entire Murim turns against you."
Lianzhen blushed again.
Rin frowned at the sight and quickly tried to change the topic. "What do you think will happen now in Chongqing?"
Yu Meixian leaned against the side of the wagon, gazing out into the blood-drenched horizon.
"Chongqing is headed for a rough time. If the Bandit Union uses their full force, they'll crush the Four Unorthodox Sects… but from the tone of Poison Eccentric, I think there's a bigger scheme in play. Whatever it is, I just hope the people of Chongqing get some peace."
Their journey continued under heavy skies.
Meanwhile, inside the Blood Moon Sect, the Four Eccentrics sat in a grand hall lit by crimson lanterns.
Bone Fist Eccentric exhaled. "We finally drove away the bandits from Chongqing."
Poison Eccentric nodded. "Yes, our plan was successful. But we all know this was just a small fraction of the Bandit Union's power. If they send elite warriors or the Bandit Queen herself, we'll be wiped out."
Blood Talisman Eccentric waved a hand casually. "There's no need to worry. I've already contacted the Hundred Weapon Sect and the Evil Sound Sect. They've agreed to support us in exchange for an alliance and shared territory."
Poison Eccentric frowned. "Their demands are excessive… but it's worth it if we gain full control over the Bandit Union's land in Chongqing."
Bone Fist Eccentric narrowed her eyes. "Whip Eccentric, you've been quiet. What's wrong?"
All eyes turned toward Whip Eccentric, who looked down with frustration.
"I can't find the daughter of Blade Tigress. And… there's no trace of your grandson."
Bone Fist Eccentric slammed the table, her voice rising. "What?!"
Whip Eccentric sighed. "I think Blade Tigress's daughter escaped… and your grandson might have been taken with them."
Poison Eccentric's face darkened. "I'll double the search teams. We'll find both of them—no matter the cost."
Blood Talisman Eccentric added calmly, "We've covered all main topics for today. Let's conclude the meeting."
Just as they were about to stand, Bone Fist Eccentric raised her hand. "Wait."
Everyone paused.
"There's one more problem." Her voice dropped.
The room fell quiet.
"There are reports that nearly 50% of the men in Chongqing have vanished since the battle. While we were cleaning up the bandits… people started talking. Families are reporting their sons and husbands kidnapped."
Sweat formed on Blood Talisman Eccentric's brow.
Poison Eccentric rubbed her chin. "Now that you mention it… I've heard those reports too, but I haven't investigated yet."
Bone Fist Eccentric continued. "Some say the men were taken by wandering sects. Others say they were lured and disappeared. Whatever the case… something's not right."
Blood Talisman Eccentric hesitated, then forced a smile. "We'll create a team to investigate. But for now, let's handle the aftermath of the war."
Bone Fist Eccentric gave her a long, suspicious look before rising. "Fine. But I will find whoever took my grandson… and the ones who helped them."
The Eccentrics left one by one.
Blood Talisman Eccentric remained seated in silence. The room was still.
Suddenly, the air chilled. A purple aura spread from the shadows as the Fourth Lady of Desired Cave appeared.
She smiled wickedly. "Congratulations on your victory."
Blood Talisman Eccentric glanced at her with empty eyes. "I did what you asked. Now give me the second pill so I can ascend to Unrestrained Stage."
The Fourth Lady grinned, extending a small wooden box. "Thank you for your cooperation. Because of you, Desired Cave received quite a lot of nourishment."
Blood Talisman Eccentric clutched the box. "Have your people lay low in Chongqing for a while."
The Fourth Lady laughed. "You don't need to worry. Everything is under my control."
She vanished into the darkness.
Blood Talisman Eccentric sat alone for a long while, her hand gripping the box tightly.
"…I'm sorry… my dear friend."