Xue Tong looked at the setup before him but showed no fear, only letting out a cold laugh. "So, it's true? The Medicine Hall has really changed its appearance?"
"Boy, who exactly are you?" That steward's gaze was sinister, radiating a fierce light.
"My identity doesn't matter. I'm only asking you, where has Jiang Zheng gone? Where is Song Tianxing? And where are Ying Wuyou and the others?"
Xue Tong had a good temper and didn't lose his cool just because he was surrounded.
"Hmph! You ask too many questions! Seize him!" The steward waved his hand, giving the order.
Upon hearing the command, the martial artists charged forward, wielding their weapons with an overwhelming force that seemed ready to crush Xue Tong.
Xue Tong observed these fighters and realized they were all high-level True Qi Realm cultivators. Since when had the Medicine Hall become so extravagant?
The Eastern Kingdom was merely a third-rate power.
A high-level True Qi Realm cultivator already possessed strength comparable to a local lord.
Yet ordinary martial artists in this Medicine Hall actually had high-level True Qi Realm cultivation? Something unusual was definitely afoot. In a flash of insight, Xue Tong knew that a major upheaval must have occurred in the Medicine Hall.
However, having advanced into the Spirit Realm, Xue Tong didn't take these True Qi Realm fighters seriously. With a low shout, he swept his sleeve, sending a ripple of spiritual energy vibrating outward. A powerful surge arose, sweeping the foremost attackers off their feet.
Xue Tong's figure flickered, and he was already outside the door, his gaze cold as he looked back at the steward. "This matter isn't over. If anything has happened to Jiang Zheng and Song Tianxing, you'll all be waiting for your heads to roll!"
Xue Tong had only come to gather information and hadn't received other authorization from Jiang Chen, so he didn't act rashly but chose to leave.
Just as he darted past the main gate, a sharp shout suddenly echoed from within the Medicine Hall.
A piercingly cold sword energy tore through the void toward him.
Spiritual energy was released outward, brimming with killing intent—it was an attack from a Spirit Realm expert!
Xue Tong was greatly startled. When had the Eastern Kingdom, and this Medicine Hall, produced a Spirit Realm powerhouse?
He twisted his body to evade the vicious strike, sweeping his Dayu Bow in a defensive arc to protect his vitals.
Suddenly, several figures burst out from the Medicine Hall, landing with swift movements in the plaza before the entrance, surrounding Xue Tong in a tight circle.
There were four figures in total, all unmistakably Small Spirit Realm martial artists.
Xue Tong's gaze swept over them, instantly recognizing the encirclement they had formed.
His expression turned grim. "What's this? Attempting to silence me in broad daylight?"
One of the silver-armored fighters sneered. "You brought this on yourself with your arrogance. If you must blame someone, blame your own loose tongue! Kill him!"
The four Small Spirit Realm warriors swarmed forward, forming a ring as they attacked, their blades and swords slicing through the air.
Xue Tong gripped his Dayu Bow, feeling a bit more secure.
With a clear whistle, a golden shadow descended from above—Xue Tong's Golden-Winged Sword Bird. Its sharp talons slashed through the air, unleashing two streaks of fierce light toward two of the Small Spirit Realm fighters.
The talons of the Golden-Winged Sword Bird created golden claw images when they attacked. If those strikes landed, even Small Spirit Realm fighters would be torn apart.
The two targeted fighters recognized the danger and frantically blocked with their weapons.
Meanwhile, Xue Tong drew his Dayu Bow. The bowstring hissed as it released strings of airflow that shot out like threads, cutting toward the remaining two warriors.
Two against four, he was at a disadvantage.
Xue Tong forced two opponents back with a single move, then let out a low whistle, coiled his body, and soared upward, landing on the back of the Golden-Winged Sword Bird.
"That boy's trying to escape! Kill him!"
The four fighters realized his intent. Before the Golden-Winged Sword Bird could fully take off, they leaped into the air, launching attacks toward the sky.
Now mounted on the bird's back, Xue Tong's heart steadied.
He drew the Dayu Bow and nocked two arrows.
*Whoosh!*
The arrows flew in rapid succession, their momentum like a rainbow, shooting directly at the two coming at him from the front.
The two fighters were suspended in mid-air and hadn't expected Xue Tong's shooting speed to be so fast.
*Pfft! Pfft!* They couldn't dodge in time and were hit, though both only took arrows to the leg, avoiding vital areas. But the two fighters behind Xue Tong were already upon him, their swords and blades tearing through the air with lethal energy.
Although the Golden-Winged Sword Bird was charging forward, the sword and blade energy arrived with terrifying speed. *Chi! Chi!* They slashed across Xue Tong's back.
Xue Tong felt a chilling pain as blood gushed from his wounds. Fortunately, the bird's forward momentum had absorbed much of the attack, so while injured, he hadn't been cut open from front to back.
Even so, Xue Tong knew he couldn't stay and fight today. He urged the Golden-Winged Sword Bird, which soared into the sky, piercing straight toward the clouds.
The four fighters missed their chance and stared blankly at the tiny golden dot vanishing into the clouds, all filled with frustration. Four of them against one, and they still hadn't succeeded.
The silver-armored fighter frowned. "Go inside and report to the Grand Steward. This person's origin is unknown; I'm afraid he's not someone to be trifled with."
Two of them carried their injured companions and headed back inside.
……
When a blood-soaked Xue Tong appeared at the inn, Jiang Chen's expression instantly darkened.
"Young Master, your subordinate is incompetent. I failed to handle the task you assigned." Xue Tong's face was full of remorse.
Jiang Chen stood up abruptly, a thick killing intent flashing in his eyes. "The Medicine Hall actually attacked you? Since when did Song Tianxing grow such boldness?"
"It wasn't Song Tianxing," Xue Tong said with a bitter smile. "The Medicine Hall seems to have completely changed. Song Tianxing, Ying Wuyou, and even Steward Jiang Zheng are no longer there. It's like a group of entirely unrelated people is now in control of the Medicine Hall."
"What?" Jiang Chen was completely stunned upon hearing this.