Two fought desperately, two held their ground.
One side, facing certain death, fought with their backs to the water, seeking a sliver of life.
The other, on the verge of escape, found their path blocked.
Neither would yield, neither wished to die.
Observing the sorry state of Yin Ren and his companions, Qin Xuan couldn't help but sigh.
Was this the renowned assassin organization of the Dragon Country, reduced to such a spectacle?
In the face of death, how many could remain composed?
Without conviction, only driven by money.
Where then was the spirit of sacrifice?
The world bustles, all for gain.
The world clamors, all for profit.
The Qin family's destruction at the hands of such an organization filled Qin Xuan with a sudden chill.
The foremost among the five great families of the Dragon Country, if not for external aid, how could a mere Yin Ren dare to challenge such a formidable force?
Thus, Qin Xuan surmised, beyond Yin Ren, other powers must have been involved.
Seeing the state of the four, Xue Tian let out a sigh.
Shameful.
This was no assassin organization Yin Ren, but a pack of desperados.
He, Xue Tian, though he had realized it was Qin Xuan's stratagem to sow discord, was in a predicament.
He was the butcher's knife's victim, at their mercy, what could be done?
To save even one more life was a victory.
This was an open plot; even if he did nothing, it would be a mistake.
The four glared at each other, a chaotic battle on the verge of erupting.
Xue Tian, seizing an opportunity, suddenly lunged towards Qin Xuan.
"Qin Xuan! You treacherous dog!"
*Puff!*
A torrent of crimson, blood spattering the night sky.
A figure, sent flying.
It was Xue Tian, his assassination attempt foiled, instead struck by Qin Xuan and spitting blood uncontrollably.
Already half-crippled, Xue Tian now took a blow from Qin Xuan.
His internal organs shattered, even if he were a Great Luo Golden Immortal reborn, Xue Tian would not survive the night.
"Tian... Uncle Tian!"
Everyone watched Xue Tian, frozen in place.
Xue Tian lay on his back, fresh blood gurgling from his mouth.
"Qin... Xuan, Yin Ren will not let you go!"
"Hmph, rest assured, I will come for you. Those who besieged my father back then, I will find them one by one." Qin Xuan's eyes gleamed with a fiercer cold light.
"Tell me, besides yourself, who were the ten Grandmasters and two Great Grandmasters who besieged my father? And which forces harmed my Qin family back then? Speak, and I will grant you a swift death."
"You dream!" Xue Tian gritted his teeth and snorted, knowing death was inevitable today.
"You won't speak? In that case..."
As Qin Xuan finished speaking, his gaze shifted.
The four, Xue Ying, Xue Tu, Xue Ling, and Xue Ci, displayed varying expressions.
Xue Ying appeared shaken, having twice been targeted by a Great Grandmaster-level expert. For a mere Xiantian realm martial artist like him, it was a question of luck or misfortune.
Xue Tu's attention, however, turned to the shadows behind Qin Xuan.
There lay their only chance of survival.
Xue Ling and Xue Ci's faces flickered with uncertainty.
While Qin Xuan was the root cause of their predicament today, he was a Great Grandmaster, a being far beyond the reach of their petty efforts.
Xue Tu cast a glance at Xue Ling and Xue Ci, signaling them to look at the person behind Qin Xuan. The two immediately understood; that was their true hope for survival!
Qin Xuan's reason was drowned by those crimson eyes. Today, he had to get to the bottom of the Qin family's past.
"Go, leave..." Xue Tian rasped weakly at Xue Ying, a silent signal.
The three moved, leaving only Xue Ying still stunned.
Xue Ling and Xue Ci, in unison, circled to Qin Xuan's sides, intending to restrain him.
Meanwhile, Xue Tu unleashed his full strength, charging directly towards Wang Yu Yan, who stood behind Qin Xuan.
Xue Tu's sole objective was Wang Yu Yan, standing in the shadows.
Qin Xuan instantly grasped their intent, roaring,
"How dare you!"