"But how could they break through the outer sentries on the mountain? When we fled back, we definitely told the sentries along the way to heighten their vigilance," Li Feiyu muttered to himself in confusion.
"That's not strange at all. The Wild Wolf Gang must have been plotting this large-scale attack for a long time. Planting a few spies in the outer posts would be easy for them. With these insiders guiding the way, it's perfectly normal for the sentry posts to be taken quietly," Han Li said coolly.
"However, it's impossible for the Wild Wolf Gang to seize all the branch halls easily. My guess is they want to surround the mountains where each hall is located without attacking, then concentrate their other experts to focus on assaulting Sunset Peak, where the main sect hall is. As long as they capture or kill the sect's main leaders, the remaining branch halls will collapse on their own."
"So what should we do now? Should we go to Sunset Peak?" Li Feiyu pressed, a hint of agitation in his voice.
Han Li was silent for a moment. Then he suddenly turned to face Li Feiyu and said in a low voice:
"You still haven't told me—how could the entire negotiation team, with so many experts, be wiped out? Logically, the Wild Wolf Gang shouldn't have that much strength."
Hearing this, Li Feiyu's facial muscles twitched. He couldn't help sticking out his tongue to moisten his dry lips, a bitter smile appearing on his face as he replied:
"They deployed a large number of repeating crossbows, and they were all military-grade, reinforced models."
"Military repeating crossbows?"
"That's right."
"At that time, we had only been off the mountain for two days and were walking across a meadow. Since we were still in our own territory, everyone was very relaxed. Just then, countless Wild Wolf Gang members suddenly burst out of the ground all around us. Each one held a powerful crossbow, and a dense volley of bolts rained down. The bolts were so thick that any disciple with even slightly weaker martial arts was killed instantly under the storm of arrows. Only a few with extremely high martial arts or sheer luck managed to survive that attack, though everyone was injured, and their martial prowess was significantly weakened. I was one of the lucky ones; otherwise, I wouldn't have made it back."
Even now, recounting this, Li Feiyu felt lingering fear. A trace of terror showed in his eyes; clearly, the horrifying sight of that massed crossbow volley had left a deep impression on him.
"After the bolts were spent, the enemy's experts moved in, and we were forced into a desperate fight. The rest of us split up and tried to break through individually to increase our chances of survival."
"I was fortunate enough that I wasn't considered a high-priority target by the enemy, so fewer pursuers came after me, and they didn't seem that strong. I actually managed to fight my way out. But as I rushed back, I discovered that the various outposts along the way—which should have been manned by our people—had been captured at some point and were now held by the Wild Wolf Gang, waiting for stragglers like me to walk right into their trap. After falling for it once or twice, I didn't dare seek help anymore."
"Because I wanted to know what happened to the others, I eventually steeled myself and set up an ambush for a Wild Wolf Gang Blue-Robed Enforcer. From him, I learned that Sect Master Wu and several elders, being surrounded and attacked by numerous enemy experts, had all perished in battle. Only a few people like me—who weren't very valued but still had decent martial arts—managed to escape."
"After hearing this news, I didn't dare delay a single moment longer and desperately rushed toward the mountains. On the way, I happened to encounter two other Offering Hall disciples who had also escaped. We fled together for a day and night before finally making it back into the mountains."
"As soon as we returned here, those two Offering Hall disciples went to Sunset Peak to inform Sect Master Wang about the complete annihilation of the negotiation team. I made up an excuse about needing to treat my injuries and came secretly to your place first to discuss a countermeasure."
"Think about it—Sect Master Wu and so many others died in the ambush, but only a handful of us, with status neither particularly high nor low, made it back. To avoid blame, who knows if the higher-ups will direct all their fury at us, making us scapegoats?"
"Now, before I could even explain this to you, the Wild Wolf Gang has already attacked. Tell me, what should we do now?!"
Li Feiyu poured out this entire explanation in one breath, his expression shifting to one of helpless resignation.
After listening, Han Li frowned and tilted his head in thought.
At this moment, the clamor of battle from the mountain grew even more intense. Interspersed with it were the occasional heart-rending screams of the dying, making one's blood run cold.
"Do you still have subordinates up on the mountain?" Han Li's voice had become very low.
"Yes, I still have over twenty men. They're all housed in several rooms near Elder Li's residence. I originally planned to wait until after the negotiation team returned before taking them out of the mountain for a mission."
"Good. Let's go to Elder Li's residence first, regroup with your men, and also meet Miss Zhang Xiuer and Elder Li along the way. As for the next step, we'll decide after we have a clearer picture of the situation," Han Li said calmly, displaying perfect rationality.
"Alright, I'll follow your lead."
"Everything is so chaotic outside—I really am worried about Xiuer!" Li Feiyu said, tense with anxiety.
Han Li glanced at Li Feiyu, truly baffled by this man. On one hand, he was infinitely concerned and utterly devoted to Zhang Xiuer; on the other, knowing his own lifespan was short, he insisted on marrying her, clearly setting her up to be a widow!
"What a contradictory guy!" Han Li silently offered this unflattering assessment of his good friend.
Han Li lightly hopped down from the rooftop first, and Li Feiyu followed close behind.
"I need to pack a few things, then we'll leave immediately."
"Alright, but hurry. I'm truly worried about Xiuer's safety."
Hearing this, Han Li could only remain silent.
The way the other man kept saying "Xiuer" in such a cloying manner made Han Li feel a mix of disdain and, inexplicably, a twinge of envy.
Ignoring Li Feiyu, who had suddenly transformed into a lovesick fool, Han Li went back into the room and began efficiently packing a few essential items.
(End of Chapter)