The assassination attempt on William Nangong caused a huge stir in the Holy City—it’s become common knowledge among the locals.
Soon after, word spread that William Nangong had taken a brothel girl as his bride.
It almost turned William Nangong into a laughingstock, and even Elder Nian, his master, felt deeply embarrassed.
Faye Mei was definitely a member of the Heavenly Melody Sect, so no matter what, the sect couldn’t escape responsibility. Even though Elder Nian sensed something fishy about the whole affair, he wasn’t about to let Heavenly Melody off the hook.
When it came to dealing with Heavenly Melody, Elder Nian didn’t need to use his own direct faction. He’d been running the Military Council’s Strategic Operations Camp for years and had connections everywhere. Unlike Elder Chu, who’d only recently joined the council and had to send out her own people to deal with Leon Song—losing nine Martial Saints in the process and still hasn’t recovered.
With that cautionary tale in mind, Elder Nian was even less likely to risk his own faction—he didn’t want to end up a punchline like Elder Chu.
Still, at a recent Council of Elders meeting, Elder Nian brought up the Heavenly Melody Sect by name.
News of Elder Nian’s dissatisfaction with Heavenly Melody spread quickly. The Holy City is full of people eager to climb the ladder, so all the local powers started moving as soon as they caught wind of it.
Heavenly Melody is a major sect in the East Domain, with five Martial Saints holding down the fort. Even after Faye Mei’s death, four remain.
Their territory is also huge.
Looking down at the crowd below, Grace Gao felt a chill in her heart. These people could sacrifice their sect master without blinking an eye, but for Heavenly Melody Sect, she had no choice but to go through with it.
Tomorrow, I'll set out for the Holy City. Everyone, you're dismissed!
Grace Gao waved her hand listlessly, left the main hall in a haze, and walked toward the back of the palace.
Suddenly, she noticed a young stranger sitting in her seat.
Who are you?
Grace Gao frowned and asked.
"Leon Huang greets Sect Master Gao!" Leon Huang stood up, smiling, and bowed politely.
So you're Leon Huang! Grace Gao's eyes flashed with complicated emotions. Even though Faye Mei's attack on William Nangong was confirmed, she still couldn't believe Faye would do such a thing.
That's right," Leon Huang nodded.
Is Snow Yue alright now?" Grace Gao suddenly asked.
She's doing fine," Leon Huang replied.
You're honest," Grace Gao gave a bitter smile. "Honestly, if I hadn't stubbornly tried to climb Elder Nian's high branch, Heavenly Melody Sect wouldn't be in this mess today!
So Sect Master Gao plans to sacrifice herself for Heavenly Melody Sect?" Leon Huang asked.
What other choice do I have?" Grace Gao replied bitterly.
Who says there's no other way? I can save Heavenly Melody Sect!" Leon Huang said with confidence.
Grace Gao's eyes lit up. "How?
Seal the mountain! I can set up a peerless grand formation around Heavenly Melody Sect's mountain gate!" Leon Huang declared, his voice full of conviction.
Leon Huang's feat at the Blood River Battlefield—using a grand formation to slaughter over two hundred thousand Bull Devils and ten Devil Saints—was already legendary. Hearing his proposal, Grace Gao couldn't help but feel her heart race.
What are your conditions?" Grace Gao asked.
I want Heavenly Melody Sect to swear allegiance to me!" Leon Huang narrowed his eyes, a sharp gleam flashing within.
At those words, Grace Gao's expression shifted rapidly. She stared hard at Leon Huang. "Was it you who orchestrated Faye Mei's attack on William Nangong?"
Leon Huang nodded.
Seeing him admit it, Grace Gao felt a chill run through her. This guy was terrifyingly calculating—without losing a single soldier, he'd pushed Heavenly Melody Sect into a dead end and even manipulated Elder Nian at will.
Frustrated, she said, "I'll go beg Elder Nian for mercy. Maybe he'll take back his decree!"
Naive!
A cold smile appeared on Leon Huang's face. "If an elder's will could be changed so easily, they wouldn't be elders. Even if Elder Nian did take back his decree, what then? The three major sects of the East Domain have already turned into hungry wolves, ready to tear Heavenly Melody Sect apart. They've already moved in for the kill—do you think they'll give up just because Elder Nian changes his mind?"
Grace Gao broke out in a cold sweat. After a long silence, she met Leon Huang's gaze. "If we surrender, will you really help us resolve this crisis?"
Leon Huang chuckled. "If Heavenly Melody Sect swears allegiance to me, I won't just solve your current crisis—I'll make Heavenly Melody the absolute hegemon of the East Domain. Once the sect unifies the region, even Elder Nian will have to think twice before making a move against you."
For a moment, Grace Gao's breathing grew rapid. "Is that really possible?"
Leon Huang smiled. "How would you know if you don't try? But I do know this—if you don't take the chance, not only will you have no way out, but neither will Heavenly Melody Sect. Since there's no way back, why not choose to trust me?"
Can I think it over?" Grace Gao asked.
Of course. I'll come find you at this time tomorrow." With that, Leon Huang slowly rose—and then simply vanished from where he stood.
Staring at the now-empty spot, Grace Gao was left stunned. She hadn't sensed at all how Leon Huang had left.
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