The muddy street was deserted.
He Qiyan, having shed her disguise, revealed her true appearance.
It was Liao Zixia, who hadn't been seen for a long time.
The Liao Zixia who had cultivated an image of kindness and gentleness in front of outsiders!
This was something no one would have expected!
After a while, a woman holding an umbrella appeared opposite Liao Zixia.
Tang Ruxue pushed up her gold-rimmed glasses and shared half of her umbrella with Liao Zixia.
"Senior Sister Ruxue, the specific location of the Dragon Vein's center has been pinpointed. It's within the territory controlled by the Patrol Division," Liao Zixia said.
"That old fellow He Ao, did he finally reveal it? His lips were truly sealed tight," Tang Ruxue chuckled.
The two women already knew He Ao's identity as one of the Five Dragons of Huaxia.
The kidnapping of He Qiyan was also orchestrated by Tang Ruxue.
The purpose was to plant an inside agent by He Ao's side.
And that chosen person was naturally Liao Zixia.
This was because Liao Zixia was very familiar with He Qiyan.
Within the Seven Killings sect, Liao Zixia had always been a good junior sister who didn't compete for anything.
When the elder sisters had worries, they would confide in Liao Zixia.
Furthermore, besides being skilled in medicine, Liao Zixia was also proficient in disguise.
Therefore, impersonating He Qiyan was something no one suspected.
If it weren't for Li Dabai accidentally rescuing the real He Qiyan, everyone would still be kept in the dark.
"Zixia, you've done very well. Leave the rest to me," Tang Ruxue said, patting Liao Zixia's shoulder.
"Don't worry, as long as this plan succeeds, we won't have to stay in Seven Killings anymore. We can go home."
"Okay," Liao Zixia nodded, a hint of longing appearing in her eyes.
"Senior Sister Ruxue, what should I do next?"
"You don't need to do anything. Leave the rest to me," Tang Ruxue shook her head.
Liao Zixia's combat skills were average, and she would be of no use in the upcoming battle.
...
Afterward, the two parted ways.
Liao Zixia stood in place, deep in thought.
Her excitement grew. After so many years, they were finally about to succeed.
However, she did not choose to leave.
Although Tang Ruxue had told her to leave, she still wanted to stay and see if she could help.
So, she secretly made her way alone towards the vicinity of the Patrol Division's territory.
Meanwhile, Tang Ruxue, upon returning to Seven Killings, immediately found Zhang Xiao.
"Junior Brother, Young Master Tuoba, the informant I planted has sent back news."
Seeing the two, Tang Ruxue got straight to the point.
"Oh? What news?"
The two asked in unison.
Tang Ruxue pondered for a moment before speaking the words she had prepared.
"My informants in various factions have compiled the situation from over there."
"Currently, anomalies have appeared in the region controlled by the Patrol Division. Green light occasionally emerges from the excavation pit."
"This phenomenon of green light is exactly the same as recorded in the Dragon Vein of Jiangnan City in the past!"
After Tang Ruxue finished speaking, a sharp glint flashed in the eyes of Tuoba Hong and Zhang Xiao.
They were both aware of the Dragon Vein incident in Jiangnan City.
"If that's the case, then let's set off immediately. We can't let the Patrol Division get there first!"
The two exchanged glances and spoke in unison.
Tang Ruxue nodded silently and turned to gather her subordinates.
...
On the side of the Patrol Division.
Qin Shengnan, who had followed Gao Feng and the others, had secretly left for a moment.
As she walked back, she looked at Gao Feng and Gao Zhan, whose faces were flushed with excitement, and said in a deep voice,
"Two, I've received news that Seven Killings and Tuoba Hong are heading this way."
"Seven Killings? They know about this place so quickly?" Gao Feng frowned slightly, looking puzzled.
Gao Zhan, however, suddenly became enraged.
His True Essence realm aura instantly surged outwards, and he glared threateningly at Qin Shengnan.
"Did you leak the information?"
"And then you kindly informed us? Planning to collude with Seven Killings from the inside?"
The pressure from the True Essence realm was overwhelming for Qin Shengnan.
The clothes on her back were already drenched in sweat.
Her legs trembled uncontrollably, struggling to support her.
However, Qin Shengnan gritted her teeth and explained,
"If I had leaked the information, do you think I would bother to inform you that Seven Killings is coming, so you could prepare?"
"You two are high-ranking officials in the Patrol Division. You should have heard about my Qin family's affairs."
"Considering the current situation, what reason would I have to trust Seven Killings again?"
Gao Zhan pondered for a moment.
The fact that Seven Killings had stood by and done nothing when the Qin family was destroyed was indeed not right.
After thinking about it, Gao Zhan felt she had a point.
He then slightly withdrew his oppressive aura and asked,
"Where did you get this information?"
With the pressure gone, Qin Shengnan immediately breathed a sigh of relief.
Then, with a displeased expression, she said,
"Even a cunning rabbit has three burrows. I've been in Seven Killings for so many years, so I naturally have my own methods."
"I don't want to repeat myself with explanations. You've doubted me more than once or twice. Whether you believe me or not is up to you."
Angered by the retort, Gao Zhan's face darkened, and he narrowed his eyes, staring at Qin Shengnan.
"You're just a stray dog now, and you dare to put on airs in front of me? Believe it or not, I'll kill you?"
Upon hearing this, Qin Shengnan immediately sneered.
"Of course, I believe you. If you two are capable of biting the hand that feeds you, then I have no recourse."
"Don't forget, besides telling you that Tuoba Hong and Seven Killings have joined forces, I also helped you pinpoint the central location of the Dragon Vein."
Upon mentioning this, Gao Zhan calmed down a bit.
Gao Feng, standing beside him, also subtly pulled Gao Zhan.
What Qin Shengnan said was true.
They were currently near the excavation pit.
At this moment, the green light from the bottom of the pit was becoming increasingly dazzling.
All of this was thanks to Qin Shengnan.
This was because the Patrol Division, due to its vast influence, controlled a large area.
However, the fragmented rock layers underground were time-consuming and labor-intensive.
If the machinery were to be dispersed, it would inevitably slow down efficiency.
If they chose the wrong location, the progress of the Dragon Vein excavation would be further delayed.
This problem had troubled Gao Zhan and Gao Feng for a long time, and they couldn't make up their minds.
However, Qin Shengnan had provided a piece of information.
She boldly pointed out a specific area, which was where they were standing.
Therefore, for both moral and logical reasons, Gao Zhan and the others would not kill Qin Shengnan.
However, a warning was still necessary.
"Qin Shengnan, don't think I don't know your intentions. I don't care if you want to use a knife to kill someone."
"But from now on, speak to me more politely, or you'll die before the people from Seven Killings!"
After speaking, Gao Zhan turned and left.
With Seven Killings and Tuoba Hong approaching, he needed to make arrangements in advance.
"Qin Shengnan, be careful. Gao Zhan isn't as easygoing as I am," Gao Feng shook his head and also turned to leave.
Qin Shengnan stood in place, her eyes filled with a chilling gaze.
Once upon a time, she had been a figure of immense prestige, not only at the pinnacle of Jiangnan City but also in Huaxia. With her status as a disciple of Seven Killings, she could even make the Patrol Division wary.
But now, with the downfall of the Qin family and Tang Ruxue's machinations, Qin Shengnan had lost her standing in Seven Killings, becoming an invisible person no one cared about.
However, Qin Shengnan didn't care about all of this.
Because tonight, she would find a way to reclaim everything she had lost.
Just as Gao Zhan had said earlier, she intended to use a borrowed knife to kill!
This knife was the Patrol Division, and she would use them to destroy Seven Killings!
As for herself, she would settle the score with Tang Ruxue!
...
Tonight was destined to be an extraordinary night.
The rain grew heavier.
The lightning and thunder in the sky became more frequent.
About half an hour later, the Patrol Division received unwelcome guests.
Zhang Xiao, the young master of the Zhang family and the young sect master of Seven Killings, personally led the experts of Seven Killings to the scene!
Tuoba Hong, the son of the provincial governor and a disciple of the God of War, led experts from the Baili and Nangong families of the provincial capital!
With strong enemies approaching, Gao Zhan and Gao Feng, along with members of the Patrol Division, came out to meet them.
Upon seeing the situation before them, their eyes were filled with solemnity.
It seemed that Qin Shengnan's words were true; Zhang Xiao and Tuoba Hong had indeed joined forces.
This was not good news for them.
However, the Patrol Division was not entirely unprepared.
For example...
"Hahaha, I didn't expect it to be so lively?"
Suddenly, a voice came from behind Zhang Xiao and Tuoba Hong.
The Dragon Group had arrived!
Leading them were Zuo Xiuming, the leader of the Dragon Group in the provincial capital, and Fang Zheng.
They led a group of Dragon Group experts and converged towards the Patrol Division.
"Gao Zhan, am I late?" Zuo Xiuming greeted him with a smile.
"Not late, just in time," Gao Zhan replied with a smile.
Although the two seemed familiar, in reality, neither of them liked the other.
The rivalry between the Dragon Group and the Patrol Division was not a new one; they were old adversaries, very familiar with each other.
And it was precisely because of this familiarity that, at certain times, adversaries could become friends.
Just like this time.
When Qin Shengnan revealed the cooperation between Tuoba Hong and Seven Killings, Gao Zhan had made thorough preparations in advance.
If Seven Killings and Tuoba Hong dared to join forces, he could find allies.
The Dragon Group was the best choice.
Although they were rivals in secret, they were, after all, on the same side!
"Dragon Group, Patrol Division."
Zhang Xiao and Tuoba Hong stared at the scene before them, their expressions a mixture of surprise.
These two organizations had been fierce competitors for many years.
They never expected that there would be a day when they would join forces.
"It's truly surprising that you've managed to bury the hatchet," Zhang Xiao said with a sinister gaze.
"However, can you two really stop us? If you know what's good for you, leave this place and hand over the Dragon Vein to us!"
As his words fell, Zhang Xiao unleashed his full aura.
The pressure of the True Essence realm surged directly towards the Dragon Group and the Patrol Division.
Seeing this, Gao Zhan immediately stepped forward.
He unleashed his aura without backing down, responding to the challenge.
"Young man, don't be too arrogant. Even your master wouldn't dare to speak with such audacity!" Zuo Xiuming also stepped forward and said calmly.
"No matter how much the Dragon Group and the Patrol Division compete, it's an internal matter. However, when it comes to enemies, we are always united against them."
"Young Master Tuoba, you are a disciple of the God of War. How could you choose to associate with Seven Killings?"
The God of War was officially designated by the Huaxia government as the stabilizing force.
By affiliation, Tuoba Hong should have been on the same side as the Dragon Group and the Patrol Division.
And Tuoba Hong's current actions clearly violated this principle.
"Heh, my master is my master, and I am me. They cannot be generalized."
"We are all here for the Dragon Vein today. Let's dispense with the platitudes."
Tuoba Hong smiled and walked towards Zhang Xiao.
"Hmph, aiding and abetting evil. I will report this matter when I return!" Zuo Xiuming snorted coldly.
"You want to report me? Then you'd better be alive to do so!" Tuoba Hong continued to smile, but his smile was incredibly ruthless.
As his words fell, Tuoba Hong's aura suddenly surged.
A wave of True Essence spread out from his body.
To everyone's surprise, the first person to make a move was Tuoba Hong.
Zhang Xiao was momentarily stunned by this scene.
Weren't they supposed to negotiate first?
And only then choose to make a move when negotiations failed?
However, since Tuoba Hong had already made his move, he naturally couldn't just stand by.
"Come on, let me see today what the strength of the Dragon Group and the Patrol Division truly is!"
"If you want to die, I'll grant you your wish!" Gao Zhan coldly snorted and met the attack.
Zuo Xiuming also unleashed his True Essence and charged towards Tuoba Hong.
In an instant, the battle was on the verge of erupting.
The members of the four factions wisely cleared a battlefield for the four combatants, fearing being caught in the aftermath.
However, they did not just watch; they also charged towards their opponents!
The scene immediately descended into chaos.
However, at this moment, a figure secretly retreated.
Tang Ruxue pushed up her gold-rimmed glasses.
A smile of triumph flickered across her lips.
She secretly transmitted the intelligence from the scene.
"Fight, fight, the more fiercely you fight, the better," Tang Ruxue smiled.
The more these four forces depleted each other, the more beneficial it would be for her.
At that time, she would be able to reap the rewards without lifting a finger.
For now, Tang Ruxue wished to be a spectator.
However, a pair of eyes had already been secretly fixed on her.
Hidden in the shadows, Qin Shengnan approached Tang Ruxue.
Suddenly!
A cold dagger, glowing brightly, unleashed its power and aimed directly at Tang Ruxue's throat.
Instantly, sensing the danger, Tang Ruxue quickly retreated, evading Qin Shengnan's sneak attack.
"Qin Shengnan! You still dare to come? Do you really think I won't kill you?" Tang Ruxue roared in anger.
"Who kills whom is yet to be determined!"
Her sneak attack having failed, Qin Shengnan was unwilling and continued to attack Tang Ruxue!
The destruction of the Qin family, although not directly related to Tang Ruxue, was ultimately caused by her.
If it weren't for her, Qin Shengnan would not have been captured by He Qiyan.
If she hadn't been captured, with Qin Shengnan's skills, she could have stabilized the Qin family!
Therefore, Qin Shengnan harbored an intense hatred for Tang Ruxue, wishing she could skin her alive and pull out her tendons.
At this moment, the members of Seven Killings and the allies Tang Ruxue had found were all tied up.
This was the perfect opportunity for her to exact her revenge!
However, what Qin Shengnan didn't expect was that Tang Ruxue would choose to evade rather than fight and run backward!
Qin Shengnan found it strange.
But this suited her intentions perfectly.
It was better that the people of Seven Killings didn't witness the fight between her and Tang Ruxue.
If she could resolve Tang Ruxue tonight, and with her help in obtaining the token for Zhang Xiao, Qin Shengnan could still return to Seven Killings, endure, and develop in secret.
As long as Qin Shengnan was still around, the Qin family would reappear in Jiangnan City in no time.
In the darkness, the two chased each other, one behind the other, gradually moving away from the battlefield ahead.
"What? Not running anymore? If you're not running, then die!" Qin Shengnan's killing intent was palpable as she slashed her dagger through the air!
"Of course, there's no need to run, because no one will discover us here," Tang Ruxue said with a gentle smile.
She elegantly wiped the raindrops from her gold-rimmed glasses, completely unfazed by Qin Shengnan's dagger, which was getting closer and closer!
And Qin Shengnan, whose mind was already clouded by the rage of hatred, was overjoyed!
However, in the next moment, her joy instantly turned into terror!
True Essence!
Tang Ruxue actually possessed True Essence!
She directly sent the approaching Qin Shengnan flying backward.
With a clatter, Qin Shengnan's dagger fell to the ground in the distance.
She herself was injured by the True Essence, spitting blood as she fell to the ground.
"You... you're actually in the True Essence realm? How is that possible!" Qin Shengnan's eyes were filled with fear.
Tang Ruxue smiled gently and did not reply.
She walked gracefully towards Qin Shengnan.