The Iron-Blood Alliance—its name speaks volumes about its nature. It was a coalition, albeit one led by Lord Changping. The other members, however, were nearly equal to him in status. The alliance was composed of prominent figures from the Hundred Schools of Thought and the noble families of the Six States.
The Iron-Blood Alliance's reputation and authority to oversee major wagers stemmed from its extensive influence. The alliance was also an ancient organization, potentially predating even the Luo Network. Lord Changping was merely the current generation's leader.
During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, wagers were a common cultural practice. These ranged from small bets involving a few copper coins to large-scale stakes over cities or even nations. The famous story of Tian Ji's horse race was, at its core, a wager.
Many wars during the Warring States period bore the hidden hand of the Iron-Blood Alliance. It often clashed with the Luo Network in the shadows.
The alliance's attempt to rescue Lord Changping from Qin's clutches proved costly. Surrounded by Qin's forces, many of its elite members perished.
Wang Jian, having dealt with assassins multiple times and learning from the experiences of figures like Bai Qi, had developed a deep understanding of how to counter martial experts. Despite their efforts, several members of the Iron-Blood Alliance managed to escape—after all, capturing or killing a top-tier martial artist fleeing for their life is no easy task.
This rescue operation featured an exceptionally strong lineup, particularly from the Farmer Sect. Leaders like Tian Guang, Tian Meng, Tian Hu, and Tian Zhong all participated.
Tian Guang, confident in his plan, relied on intelligence from his position as Luo Network's Yanri and the strategic acumen of Tian Yan, the Farmer Sect's so-called "female Guan Zhong." He anticipated losses but was certain of rescuing Lord Changping.
Unfortunately, they underestimated Wang Jian. Although Daniel Davis did not share specific intelligence with Wang Jian, the famed general's prowess ensured a decisive counterattack. The four legendary generals of the Warring States era were not mere titles.
Even a cunning figure like Zhao Gao would be no match for Wang Jian in a direct confrontation. Compared to Wang Jian, Meng Tian's skills in this area were far inferior.
---
### "It's my turn."
As some members of the Iron-Blood Alliance broke through the encirclement, Daniel Davis pursued one of the escaping figures: Ji Bu, renowned for his martial skill and later famed as "The Man of His Word."
At this point, however, Ji Bu had yet to earn that title. As the heir to the Shadow Tiger Corps, he was far from being a wandering hero.
"Ji Bu, why so hurried? Where are you headed?" Daniel called out as Ji Bu fled toward Puyang. Ji Bu was heading there to regroup with Lian Yi and others who had left Shouchun earlier.
Puyang, later known as Dongjun, was near the Farmer Sect's base in Mount Daze. The famous Flame Emperor's Six Sages' Tomb was hidden deep within those mountains, which also served as the site of the later Daze Township Uprising.
Hearing Daniel's voice, Ji Bu abruptly changed direction, fleeing to the right. He recognized Daniel from his appearance on the city wall and knew his martial prowess. Ji Bu was not one to act recklessly; fighting Daniel would be a grave mistake.
But as Ji Bu fled, Daniel calmly uttered a single name: "Lian Yi."
Those two words stopped Ji Bu in his tracks. He turned to face Daniel, his gaze wary.
Despite suspecting it might be a trap, Ji Bu dared not take the risk. Lian Yi's safety depended on her anonymity; few knew of her true identity. But Daniel, as the Imperial Adviser of Qin, mentioning her name was no trivial matter.
"What a devoted man," Daniel mused, watching Ji Bu stop and turn toward him. What had been a spur-of-the-moment attempt turned out to be surprisingly effective.
"Ji Bu, for your loyalty, I'll make you an offer. Take Lian Yi—no, Mi Lian—and hide. Live in seclusion for the rest of your lives, never opposing the empire, and I will let you both go."
Initially, Daniel planned to kill Ji Bu, but he reconsidered. The old adage "Though Chu is reduced to three households, it will bring down Qin" held little sway over him. So long as Ying Zheng lived, no amount of prophecy could destabilize the empire.
He had killed Long Ju not to break any so-called destiny but to prevent him from leading large-scale uprisings that could disrupt the empire. Similarly, Ji Bu's potential as a leader of resistance forces made him a threat.
Men like Ji Bu, Ying Bu, and Zhongli Mei had identities that could rally Chu's remnants. Without them, any such resistance would lose momentum.
But Ji Bu's response dashed Daniel's offer. His grip tightened on his Shadow Tiger Sword, its aura thick with killing intent. He seemed prepared to risk everything, even death, to protect Lian Yi's secret.
Daniel sighed. "It seems we have no agreement. Don't blame me for what happens next."
---
Ji Bu's reputation as a skilled fighter was well-earned. His Shadow Tiger Sword was a masterpiece, a stunningly decorated weapon that suited his identity as the Hidden Tiger of the Flowers.
In this era, a fine sword was a symbol of nobility and status. Among all the famed swords, few could rival the Shadow Tiger Sword's exquisite design. Perhaps only the Confucian Lingxu Sword, adorned with 18 North Sea Blood-Red Gems, could surpass it in luxury.
Ji Bu acted swiftly. From his left hand, previously hidden, a golden peony appeared, glowing brightly as it bloomed between him and Daniel. The sudden burst of light in the silent night aimed to disrupt Daniel's vision.
Ji Bu moved with the speed of lightning, his Shadow Tiger Sword silently targeting Daniel's heart.
"Impressive tactics," Daniel remarked, genuinely surprised by Ji Bu's approach. Confident in his own strength, Daniel had underestimated Ji Bu's cunning. For a moment, the dazzling light forced him to squint.
Yet the disparity in their abilities was insurmountable. Just as Ji Bu's sword neared Daniel's chest, it stopped. Daniel's left hand had effortlessly caught the blade between his fingers.
Ji Bu tried to pull his sword back but failed. Desperate, he reached for another golden peony. Before he could act, Daniel closed the gap in a blur, striking Ji Bu's chest with his palm.
A chilling force surged through Ji Bu, freezing his internal organs and meridians. He flew backward, landing lifelessly on the ground. Daniel had not held back, ensuring a swift end for Ji Bu.
"White Dew Deceives Frost," a pinnacle Yin-Yang technique, proved fatal. Even Daniel could not undo the damage caused by such a powerful strike.
---
Back at the Farmer Sect
In a wooden cabin, the surviving Farmer Sect members—Tian Guang, Tian Meng, Tian Hu, Tian Zhong, Tian Yan, and others—gathered. Their faces were grim after their failed rescue attempt.
Tian Guang had been reluctant to attempt the rescue, knowing Lord Changping had resolved to die. But the risk of him falling into Qin's hands—and revealing the Azure Dragon Plan—had forced their hand. If they couldn't save him, they were to kill him instead.
"Let's head back to Mount Daze. We may need to involve the elders," Tian Yan suggested, her voice weak as she coughed delicately, maintaining her facade of frailty.
The group agreed and began preparing to leave. Reaching the Farmer Sect's stronghold in Mount Daze would provide safety.
Suddenly, a sword's cold gleam flashed in the cabin. Tian Meng groaned as Tian Ci's blade pierced his body.
"Tian Ci, you—" Before Tian Hu could react, Tian Zhong attacked him from behind. Tian Hu deflected, retreating in confusion.
"Traitors!" Tian Guang shouted, only to be stabbed through the chest by Tian Yan herself. Gone was her frail demeanor; the aura she exuded was as formidable as any of the Farmer Sect's leaders.
"Impossible…" Tian Mi dropped her pipe in shock.
Tian Guang, bloodied but alive, muttered bitterly, "She's the Luo Network's first-class assassin, Jingniu."
"Look who's talking, Yanri," Tian Yan retorted coldly.
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