Chapter Eleven: The Bloodsworn Alliance

This inn occupies a vast area. Beyond the front hall lies an expansive courtyard where the Ye family's convoy is parked, guarded by a few men while the rest wash up and rest. On this cold day, six people have taken a table for themselves with food and drink. After their meal, they each retire to their rooms. The inn boasts many chambers, and though their party is large, each person enjoys a room alone.

Leng Tian orders extra wine and dishes to bring into Purgatory for Duoming. "Your brothers are quite impressive. Did you train them yourself?" Duoming suddenly asks.

"Why do you ask?" Leng Tian replies.

"It's simple. They all have your same arrogant flair," Duoming says, popping a piece of meat into his mouth and closing his eyes in relish.

"Interesting," Leng Tian says, rising and gazing at Purgatory's crimson sky. He asks, "Have you ever considered quitting the life of an assassin?"

Duoming pauses, a strange look flickering in his eyes. "Hmm, I'll think about your suggestion. But next time, bring more wine."

Leng Tian laughs. "Farewell!" He exits Purgatory.

No sooner does he leave than he hears a cacophony outside. Frowning, he straightens his clothes and gets out of bed, stepping into the hallway. Though still early, the main hall below is packed with people eating, drinking, and chatting.

"Did you hear? Two fierce new figures have emerged on the continent: the White-clad Sword Saint, Du Qingfeng, and the Dream-chasing Shadow, Yan Nanfei. They're making quite the splash!"

"Even the three chief seats of our Canglan Empire have been overshadowed by these two. Rumor has it that, two months ago, they simultaneously issued challenges to the three chiefs!"

"Yes, that's true. But the three chiefs didn't accept the challenge. It caused quite a stir at the time—everyone thought the chiefs were afraid. But that's not the case at all!"

"Then what's the real reason?" a clear female voice asks. Leng Tian looks over and sees the three Fire Dance sisters have also stepped out, listening to the discussion. The speaker is Ye Die’er.

The martial artist, seeing such a charming and lively girl, smiles and continues, "Actually, there's more to it. Two months ago, disciples from the chiefs' sects began mysteriously disappearing. After investigations by the three great academies, the culprit was found to be none other than the Abyss Clan, invaders from ten thousand years ago!"

He pauses, takes a sip of tea, and, seeing everyone's eager faces, clears his throat. "Afterward, the three powers dispatched the three chiefs to intercept and hunt the Abyss demons. Half a month ago, they finally captured the demon in Hidden Wind City!"

A commotion breaks out as everyone discusses the matter. "I've heard about this too. They say that when the chiefs captured the demon, there was another person who distinguished themselves, earning high praise from the chiefs—but their identity remains unknown."

A burly middle-aged martial artist, drinking his wine, reveals another secret unknown to most. "I heard that Du Qingfeng and Yan Nanfei have each issued challenge letters. Ten days from now, they’ll settle their score outside the capital of Skylark Kingdom!"

His words trigger a wave of exclamations throughout the hall.

Leng Tian listens for a while, hearing only talk about the impending duel. He greets Fire Dance and her companions, then returns to his room.

Back in his chamber, Leng Tian lies on the bed, pondering the conversations. He finds himself intrigued, eager to witness the talents of these two heroes and see what sets them apart.

Time passes, and the bustle below gradually subsides. Leng Tian drifts into sleep.

The entire Sunset Town is quiet. A crescent moon hangs in the night sky. Several miles outside town, a dignified elder in fine robes floats in midair. Down below, several men in black stand on the ground.

By moonlight, one can see vivid blood blossoms embroidered on their chests. They are assassins of the Bloodsworn League.

"Remember, wait until they've crossed the border before making your move. Duoming has disappointed me, and I don't want you to do the same," the elder says coldly, casting a glance at the group before vanishing in a streak of light.

The Bloodsworn assassins only exhale once the elder disappears, each wiping sweat from their brows. Clearly, headquarters cares deeply about this mission; Duoming’s failure has infuriated the higher-ups.

"Wolf Fang, surely you realize this isn’t just a mission—this is our Bloodsworn League striking against the Ye family," another black-clad man says.

"Blood Drink, don’t jump to conclusions. The Ye family has a supreme ancestor who has reached the Saint Transformation realm. I don’t believe the higher-ups would risk their lives so recklessly," Wolf Fang retorts.

"Believe what you want. But let me tell you some good news: rumor has it the Grand Alliance Leader has broken through the final barrier and entered the Saint Transformation realm himself. Otherwise, how would he dare attack the Ye family?" Blood Drink’s eyes gleam with madness.

"Is that true?" Wolf Fang and the others are utterly shocked, staring at Blood Drink in disbelief.

"Just keep it to yourselves. Spread it, and you won’t live to regret it. Don’t say I didn’t warn you," Blood Drink says, then disappears into the night.

Wolf Fang and his companions exchange glances, suppressing their shock, and leave one by one.

The next day…

The sky is azure, the clouds still asleep, the heavens washed clean and cloudless.

The convoy, like a long dragon, slowly approaches the border of the Canglan Empire.

Purgatory…

"So, is the wine sufficient this time?" Leng Tian, clad in white, sits atop a mountain peak with Duoming, drinking.

"Fine. Once your troubles are over, I can teach you my flying blade technique—but you must also teach me your sword skills," Duoming says after a sip, stating his condition.

"Trivial tricks. If you wish to learn them, I have no objection."

"You’d best be careful. The Bloodsworn League won't give up—they may send a True Martial realm expert after you," Duoming warns, his tone grave.

Leng Tian appraises Duoming. "Not bad, not bad. In just a few days, you've begun to break away from the organization. Looks like we'll become friends."

"What do you think?" Duoming glances at Leng Tian and resumes drinking.

Leng Tian laughs heartily. "How about a deputy commander position for you?"

Martial Path Extreme Edge 11—Chapter Eleven: Bloodsworn League complete.