Chapter Seventy-Seven: The Assault

Chapter 77: The Impact

When the sun was just rising, Xia Xinyan returned to the Ethereal Pavilion.

The two towering, burly men had already been waiting for her at the pavilion. Upon seeing her return, they hurried forward, both asking anxiously in unison, “Miss, are you all right?”

Shaking her head, Xia Xinyan replied, “I’m fine. The Yang family’s Heaven-Mending Pill truly lives up to its reputation as a miraculous remedy of the Endless Sea. I’m fully recovered now.”

The Ethereal Pavilion covered a vast expanse, with more than a dozen towering buildings. Although several had collapsed during the recent chaos, the overall operations of the pavilion remained unaffected.

Ascending to the highest building, the Treasure Gathering Tower, Xia Xinyan seated herself on the ninth floor.

Kulo hunched over, gritting his teeth. “Beiming Shang actually dared to harm you, Miss. What are your plans for dealing with the Beiming family?”

“For now, leave the Beiming family alone,” Xia Xinyan answered calmly. “My only purpose here is the ‘Heaven’s Gate’ treasure map. The Beiming family is not my target. Beiming Shang has the cultivation of the Heavenly State, while my true realm is only at the third level of Hundred Tribulations. Even after unleashing the ‘Reincarnation Martial Soul,’ I could barely fight him to a draw. After this incident, if Beiming Shang has any sense, he shouldn’t dare to trouble our Ethereal Pavilion any further. Otherwise, once the Asura King, Xiao Hanyi, arrives, I’ll make Beiming Shang pay dearly!”

“Miss, the Heavenly State expert who came this time most likely… wasn’t from the Mo family. If the Mo family had a Heavenly State expert, the Shi family wouldn’t have been able to bully them so freely,” Kulo hesitated before finally voicing his thoughts.

“I know it wasn’t the Mo family,” Xia Xinyan unexpectedly nodded in agreement with Kulo’s assessment.

“Then why did you attack the Mo family, Miss?” Kulo was stunned, his face full of confusion.

“If we don’t target the Mo family, how can we cooperate with the real holder of the treasure map?” Xia Xinyan smiled lightly. “We need a scapegoat. If the Ethereal Pavilion suffers such a blow and we remain silent, won’t others really think we’re easy prey?”

“You want to divert everyone’s attention?” Kulo’s eyes lit up, instantly grasping her true intentions.

“Yes, let everyone focus on the Mo family. That way, we can cooperate with our real partner and quietly explore Heaven’s Gate. With the chaos in Tianyun City, we’ll have a better chance of succeeding.” Xia Xinyan nodded, her tone cool. “The Heavenly State expert who attacked us possessed a strange martial soul that could generate fog. Though he didn’t fully unleash it, I sensed its peculiarities. Do you know of any Heavenly State expert whose martial soul has this trait?”

“Chixiao!” Kulo answered without hesitation, exclaiming, “Chixiao is a Heavenly State expert from the Cloudmist Mountains and an ally of the Zuo family. Could it be that the Zuo family is behind this? Impossible… unless that half of the map is in their hands?”

“There’s no doubt,” Xia Xinyan mused, then said abruptly, “There’s no time to lose. I’ll go to the Zuo family myself and settle this matter before it becomes more complicated.”

“Miss, perhaps I should go instead?”

“No need. Chixiao knows he can’t capture me, and the Zuo family won’t dare act recklessly.”

Xia Xinyan stayed in the Ethereal Pavilion for only a quarter of an hour. Once she identified the true attacker, she quietly set out alone again.

…

The Zuo Family.

Zuo Xu and Chixiao were still in the secret chamber, deep in conversation.

Suddenly, a crisp knocking sounded on the chamber wall.

Zuo Xu was startled, then approached the bamboo tube set in the wall and asked, “What is it?”

“A woman wearing a bamboo hat from the Ethereal Pavilion is here. She requests an audience with the family head.”

“It’s that girl!” Chixiao exclaimed in alarm.

Zuo Xu’s expression grew uncertain as he paced the chamber. After a long silence, he frowned. “Could the Ethereal Pavilion already suspect us? But if they did, why attack the Mo family? Strange, very strange.”

“You go meet her outside. I won’t show myself,” Chixiao finally decided after a moment’s hesitation. “Let’s see what she wants.”

“Very well.”

…

In the Zuo family’s guest chamber, Zuo Xu sat composedly, smiling at Xia Xinyan, who wore a bamboo hat. “May I know your name, young lady?”

“Xia Xinyan.”

“Miss Xia, may I ask what brings you to the Zuo family? As far as I know, there are no outstanding debts between our family and the Ethereal Pavilion.”

“Where is Chixiao?” Xia Xinyan shook her head, asking casually.

Zuo Xu’s expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure, feigning confusion. “Miss Xia, what do you mean? Chixiao has been cultivating in the Cloudmist Mountains. Do you know him?”

“We fought just yesterday. I remember clearly,” Xia Xinyan replied, sitting down naturally and sipping her tea.

Zuo Xu’s expression flickered, his smile growing forced. “Miss Xia, perhaps you’re mistaken? Wasn’t it the Mo family who attacked the Ethereal Pavilion yesterday?”

“Master Zuo, I haven’t come today to settle accounts,” Xia Xinyan said impatiently. “On the contrary, I’ve come to discuss cooperation.”

With that, she retrieved the half of the treasure map from her chest and placed it on the table between them. “Here is half of the map. If you are straightforward, let’s not beat around the bush. Combine our maps, determine the location of Heaven’s Gate, and set out at once. Master Zuo, let’s not waste any more time. Everyone is watching the Mo family right now—this is our chance to seek Heaven’s Gate. What do you say?”

Xia Xinyan’s tone was aggressive, making it clear she had no regard for Zuo Xu’s authority. Her purpose was unmistakable—she had come for the other half of the treasure map.

Zuo Xu was unsure of her intentions, uncertain whether she truly sought cooperation or was probing for an excuse to strike at the Zuo family.

Given Xia Xinyan’s Heavenly State cultivation, Zuo Xu dared not speak carelessly. His mind raced, considering every possibility.

“Master Zuo, I dislike procrastination and mixing personal grudges with business. Chixiao was perceptive enough—once he realized I was a Heavenly State expert, he withdrew at once. Neither of us was hurt, so there’s no enmity between us. I am here for the map, not to accuse you. Have I made myself clear enough?”

Xia Xinyan frowned, her gaze cold as she looked at Zuo Xu, growing increasingly impatient.

Zuo Xu’s expression darkened as he pondered deeply. Sensing that Xia Xinyan was not here for retribution, he eventually gritted his teeth and said, “That half of the map is not with me.”

“Then where is it?” Xia Xinyan’s eyes brightened.

“With Shi Jian.”

“Then there’s nothing more to discuss. I’ll seek out Shi Jian.” Xia Xinyan retrieved her half of the treasure map, stood up, and said coolly, “Master Zuo, thank you for your time. Farewell.”

“I’ll go with you!” Zuo Xu hastily stood as well, muttering to himself: This girl is truly pragmatic. The moment she learns I don’t have the map, her attitude changes completely. She truly lives up to her reputation as the mistress of the Ethereal Pavilion—a typical sharp-witted merchant!

“What does this have to do with you?” Xia Xinyan asked in surprise.

Zuo Xu’s face darkened. With a snort, he replied, “Shi Jian and I are partners! The Zuo family has a stake in the search for Heaven’s Gate. Don’t you think this concerns me?”

“Oh, then let’s go together,” Xia Xinyan replied offhandedly.

“Wait, let me call someone else.” Zuo Xu forced a smile at Zuo Shi and added awkwardly, “Chixiao will come too. You said you didn’t mind, right?”

“I don’t mind. With Chixiao, it’ll be even safer.”

…

Shi Family, Shi Yan’s private stone tower, third floor.

Seated cross-legged on the ground, Shi Yan wore a solemn expression, holding his breath and focusing his mind. He could clearly sense the abundant spiritual energy filling the air.

With a calm mind and tightly closed eyes, Shi Yan circulated his vital energy.

After seven complete cycles, a fierce look flashed across his face!

The immense energy within his body surged like a river breaking its banks, rushing wildly toward his left arm.

The vital energy rampaged through his left arm like a wild stallion, making it tremble, sweat breaking out on his face.

With a sudden roar, Shi Yan channeled all his energy into his left wrist, forcing it madly towards his ring finger.

A sharp hissing erupted as the energy burst forth from his left ring finger like a blade of light!

The wild energy shone with dazzling white light, striking again and again at the barrier inside the Blood Vein Ring.

Shi Yan’s face twisted in pain, a strange redness flooding his features as he focused all his attention.

With a crisp snap, a sudden sound came from within the Blood Vein Ring.

Instantly, the ring erupted with a brilliant arc of light, illuminating the third floor of the stone tower in radiant brilliance.

A strange wave pulsed out from the stone tower’s center, rippling in all directions.

…

[Author’s note: This chapter isn’t counted as Monday’s update. This is the last week before the book goes on sale. I earnestly ask all brothers and sisters who enjoy this novel to cast your recommendation votes for “God of Slaughter.” Let’s give it our all this week—if we can hit the double charts, I’ll keep up triple releases this week! Please, everyone, I need your support! Thank you so much!]