72: Chapter 72 Many Followers, Ambushed Outside the City

Half an hour after the auction ended, the hustle and bustle inside Treasure Gathering Pavilion gradually faded away.

In the settlement room, the final transaction was completed. The Chief Manager of Ten Thousand Treasures Tower transferred thirty thousand Spirit Stones into Heavenly Court's account, took the last batch of Mid-Grade Spirit Stones, and gave Zhao Wuji a deep look: "Manager Zhao, Heavenly Court's success this time is truly worth celebrating. However... wealth stirs the heart; you must be careful on your way back."

Zhao Wuji's expression remained unchanged as he cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for the reminder, Chief Manager. Heavenly Court is prepared."

The Chief Manager gave a meaningful smile and left with his subordinates.

As the last group of guests departed, the main doors of Treasure Gathering Pavilion slowly closed. The heavy obsidian doors shut with a dull thud, as if announcing the end of the clamor, or perhaps the beginning of a storm.

Inside Private Box No. 1 on the third floor, Lin Ye stood before the crystal window, overlooking the streets below.

Twilight had deepened, and the lanterns were beginning to glow. Nights in the Divine City were usually lively, but several streets around Treasure Gathering Pavilion were unnaturally quiet at this moment. Many shop lanterns that should have been lit were extinguished, and the street vendors who should have been hawking their wares had packed up and left early. Only an occasional pedestrian hurried past with their head down, not daring to linger.

"They've all cleared out," Su Qingyue said, standing beside Lin Ye. Her Vast Cold Ice Mirror reflected the scene within a three-mile radius. "The people from Overlord Pavilion and the Blood Fiend Alliance have finished assembling. Twenty-seven are on the second floor of Drunken Immortal Restaurant to the east, and twelve are on the rooftops to the west. Twelve from the Zongheng Alliance are scattered among three tea stalls to the south, but their eyes are all fixed on the back door of Treasure Gathering Pavilion. Nine from Shadow Kill Tower... are still in the underground drainage System, seemingly waiting for a signal."

"What else?" Lin Ye asked.

Qin Ruoxue stepped out from the shadows, holding a piece of intelligence that had just been delivered. "Latest news from the Heavenly Secret Pavilion: besides the four groups on the surface, there are at least three other powers watching. To the east, the 'War God Hall' has sent a ten-man squad stationed in an inn two streets away, their intentions unclear. In the south, the sisters of 'Green Robe Tower,' led by Qingluan, have occupied a teahouse in the southwest corner, seemingly planning to watch the show. Additionally... Commander Wang of the Divine City Guard has yet to return."

She paused and added, "More troublingly, my people discovered that all teleportation Formation nodes within a three-street radius of Treasure Gathering Pavilion have been tampered with. Although they aren't completely destroyed, they are in an unstable state, and using them forcibly would be risky."

"Blocking our retreat?" Chen Hao frowned. "Are they trying to trap us in Treasure Gathering Pavilion?"

"Trapping us won't happen," Shi Potian said coldly. "Treasure Gathering Pavilion has defensive Formations that they can't break in a short time. But if we never go out... they'll find a way to force us out."

Zhao Wuji hurried into the box, his face solemn. "Brother Lin, I just received word that the patrol routes of the Divine City Guard have been temporarily adjusted. The two squads that were supposed to pass by Treasure Gathering Pavilion have been diverted to the south of the city to handle a 'Yao Beast harassment' incident. Currently, there are no official forces within three miles of Treasure Gathering Pavilion."

"Luring the tiger from the mountain, plus clearing the field," Lin Ye sneered. "These people have long reaches, even being able to mobilize the Divine City Guard."

He walked to the round table in the center of the box, where a detailed map of the Divine City and its surroundings was spread out.

On the map, Treasure Gathering Pavilion's location was marked with a red dot. From that dot, three routes extended east, west, and south, each marked with potential ambush points, suitable alleys for retreat, and teleportation Formation nodes.

"Since they've set the stage, we'll play along," Lin Ye's finger moved across the map. "However... it won't be according to their script."

He looked up, his gaze sweeping over everyone in the box.

"Starting now, we execute 'Plan Black Wind'."

"Plan Black Wind" was a contingency plan Lin Ye had formulated three days before the auction. Its core concept was just four words: beat them at their own game.

Since the enemy wanted to strike within the Divine City, he would lead them out—out to the city outskirts, to a pre-set battlefield, to a place where they thought they were the hunters but had actually become the prey.

"The plan has two steps," Lin Ye quickly arranged. "First, lure the enemy out of the city. Zhao Wuji, take most of the Spirit Stones from the auction and go directly to the City Lord's Mansion through Treasure Gathering Pavilion's secret passage—I've already spoken with the steward there. You can take refuge there and come out once the situation stabilizes."

"That won't do!" Zhao Wuji said anxiously. "How can I..."

"This is an order," Lin Ye interrupted him. "Your task is to manage the money, not to fight. Two million six hundred thousand Spirit Stones are the Foundation of Heavenly Court; they cannot be lost. The City Lord's Mansion has a Saint-Grade defensive Formation. As long as you don't come out, no one will dare strike inside the City Lord's Mansion."

Zhao Wuji bit his lip and finally nodded. "I understand."

"Step two: split our forces to lure the enemy," Lin Ye continued. "The rest of us will divide into two teams. The first team: Su Qingyue, Chen Hao, Wang Iron Pillar, Zhao Linger, and twenty Heavenly Court elites. You will disguise yourselves as a team retreating with the 'remaining treasures' and leave through the main entrance of Treasure Gathering Pavilion with great fanfare, heading straight for the West Gate."

He drew a line on the map. "I've planned the route: Treasure Gathering Pavilion to West Street to Wangxian Bridge to the West Gate. This stretch is three miles long. You must move 'hurriedly' yet 'cautiously.' Make the pursuers think you really want to leave the city as quickly as possible but are afraid of being robbed, so you don't dare take the back alleys."

"What about after we leave the city?" Su Qingyue asked.

"After exiting the West Gate, follow the Official Road west for five miles, then turn into 'Black Wind Canyon'." Lin Ye pointed to a mark on the map. "The canyon is three miles long, with hundred-fathom cliffs on both sides and only one narrow passage in the middle. It's a perfect ambush spot—for them, of course."

"You mean... they'll choose to strike there?" Chen Hao's eyes lit up.

"They definitely will," Lin Ye affirmed. "Black Wind Canyon is neither too close nor too far from the Divine City. After striking, they can retreat quickly without alerting the city guards. More importantly, the terrain is suitable for an ambush, and also... for being ambushed."

He looked at Shi Potian and Pavilion Master Qin. "Second team: me, Shi Potian, Pavilion Master Qin, and seven elites from the Heavenly Secret Pavilion. We won't go with the main group; instead, we'll leave the city early and sneak into Black Wind Canyon through a secret path. Pavilion Master Qin, your people will be responsible for setting up monitoring and interference Formations at the high points on both sides of the canyon. Shi Potian, take three assassins from the Heavenly Secret Pavilion to clear out any potential enemy scouts."

"What about you, Brother Lin?" Qin Ruoxue asked.

"Me?" A cold smile touched the corner of Lin Ye's mouth. "I'll be at the deepest part of the canyon, waiting for them to enter."

With the plan set, everyone acted quickly.

Carrying the Storage Pouch filled with Spirit Stones, Zhao Wuji entered the secret passage beneath Treasure Gathering Pavilion under the escort of two Iron Blood Mercenary Group elites—this passage led directly to the backyard of the City Lord's Mansion and was one of Treasure Gathering Pavilion's life-saving trump cards. Using it once cost as much as ten thousand Spirit Stones, but it was worth it now.

Su Qingyue and the others began their "disguise."

They changed into slightly disheveled clothes—done intentionally to appear hurried. Everyone had bulging Storage Pouches hanging from their waists, with the spiritual light of Spirit Stones or Materials intentionally peeking out from the openings. The twenty Heavenly Court elites formed a defensive Formation, protecting Su Qingyue's group of four in the middle, looking exactly like they were protecting important people and wealth.

More importantly, Su Qingyue deliberately circulated her Vast Cold Spirit Body, creating a faint barrier of cold Qi around the team—this was both a defense and a "nothing to see here" hint: if there weren't precious treasures, why be so tense?

"Remember," Lin Ye gave his final instructions. "After leaving the city, if someone intercepts you, don't fight to the death. Fight while retreating and lead them into the canyon. Once inside, follow the marked route I gave you; do not take a wrong turn."

"Understood," Su Qingyue nodded solemnly.

"Go."

The main entrance of Treasure Gathering Pavilion opened once again.

Su Qingyue took the lead, with Chen Hao and Wang Iron Pillar guarding the flanks, Zhao Linger in the middle, and twenty Heavenly Court elites providing escort front and back. As soon as the team left Treasure Gathering Pavilion, they immediately picked up speed, rushing toward West Street.

They made no attempt to hide their tracks, even intentionally making hurried footsteps that sounded exceptionally clear in the quiet streets.

Almost as soon as the team appeared, transmission sounds rose one after another from the darkness.

"Target spotted! Heading west!"

"Confirmed, the main force of Heavenly Court is retreating with the treasures!"

"Follow them! Keep your distance, don't get spotted!"

"Notify the people outside the city to prepare for backup!"

Shadows darted out from Drunken Immortal Restaurant, rooftops, and tea stalls, tailing them like ghosts. To the east, twenty-seven people from Overlord Pavilion and the Blood Fiend Alliance merged into one force; to the south, twelve from the Zongheng Alliance split into three groups, taking turns tracking; in the deeper shadows, nine nearly invisible figures moved along the base of the walls—the assassins from Shadow Kill Tower had also mobilized.

Meanwhile, at the exit of Treasure Gathering Pavilion's secret underground passage.

Lin Ye, Shi Potian, Pavilion Master Qin, and seven Heavenly Secret Pavilion elites climbed out of a well in a deserted manor. This was located in the southeast corner of the Divine City, a full five miles from Treasure Gathering Pavilion, and was a blind spot for surveillance.

"Move according to plan," Lin Ye whispered.

Qin Ruoxue nodded and quickly vanished into the night with four Heavenly Secret Pavilion members—they had to leave the city first to set up in Black Wind Canyon.

Shi Potian took the other three Heavenly Secret Pavilion assassins skilled in stealth and headed toward the West Gate—their task was to clear any potential enemy eyes along the way to ensure Su Qingyue's team's "performance" wouldn't be seen through.

Lin Ye himself changed into an inconspicuous grey cloth robe, put on a bamboo hat, and blended into the nighttime crowd.

He didn't leave the city directly; instead, he first went to a medicinal herb shop in the East District.

"Boss, give me three catties of 'Blood-Stopping Grass' and two catties of 'Qi-Recovering Vine'." Lin Ye's voice was intentionally lowered.

The herb shop owner was a hunched old man who glanced at Lin Ye and slowly began weighing the herbs. "Is the customer going on a long journey?"

"Yes, I took a gathering mission to the Chenxing Mountain Range," Lin Ye said casually.

"The Chenxing Mountain Range..." the old man said while wrapping the herbs. "That place hasn't been peaceful lately. I heard the auction at Treasure Gathering Pavilion just ended today, and many people are heading that way."

"Oh? Why is that?" Lin Ye feigned curiosity.

"Who knows." The old man handed over the herb packets. "Maybe some treasure has appeared. But I'll give you a word of advice, young man: wealth stirs the heart, but it also takes lives. Some excitement is better left alone."

Lin Ye took the packets and paid. "Thank you for the reminder, Boss."

He turned and left the shop, turning into a dark alley at the corner. After confirming no one was following, he flickered, executing the Yaoguang Footwork, and sped toward the West Gate like a grey shadow skimming over the rooftops.

The night in the Divine City was full of surging undercurrents.

Near the West Gate, Su Qingyue's team had arrived at the city gates.

The gate guards performed a routine check. "It's so late, and you're still leaving the city?"

Chen Hao stepped forward and handed over a small bag of Spirit Stones. "Officer, please do us a favor; we have urgent business."

The guard weighed the coin pouch, then looked at the team's tense expressions and waved them through with a knowing look. "Go on, go on. It's not peaceful outside the city at night; be careful."

[part:gemini-3.1-flash-lite]

"Many thanks, Officer."

The team quickly passed through the city gate and stepped onto the Official Road outside the city.

Once out of the city, everyone immediately increased their speed. Su Qingyue even cast a light-body Spell, and the entire team sped westward like an arrow released from a bowstring.

Behind them, the forces tailing them also increased their speed.

"They've accelerated! Chase them!"

"Notify the people ahead, prepare to intercept!"

"Brothers of the Blood Fiend Alliance, flank from the left!"

"Overlord Pavilion, the right side!"

In the night, dozens of figures darted out from the shadows on both sides of the city gate, pouncing toward Su Qingyue's team like a pack of wolves. Further away, even more people were gathering and pursuing.

On the Official Road, a chase officially began.

Su Qingyue looked back, a cold sneer curling the corner of her mouth. She deliberately slowed down a little, letting the pursuers see the outline of the team, but not catch up.

"Maintain Formation, don't panic!" she shouted, "We'll be at the safe point in another five li!"

These words were spoken both to her own people and to the pursuers—she was implying that there were reinforcements ahead.

Sure enough, someone among the pursuers shouted: "They have reinforcements ahead! Quick, intercept them before they rendezvous!"

The chase became more intense.

From time to time, arrows, throwing darts, and Spells were fired from behind, but they were all blocked by the shields and protective spiritual energy of the Heavenly Court elites. Su Qingyue occasionally turned back to fire a few ice cones, precisely forcing back those who charged closest. She was displaying her strength without going for the kill—she wanted the pursuers to feel that this team had the ability to resist, but was not invincible.

The five-li journey seemed exceptionally long during the chase.

When the entrance to Black Wind Canyon appeared ahead, a flash of determination crossed Su Qingyue's eyes.

"Enter the canyon!"

The team rushed into the canyon without hesitation.

On both sides were steep black rock walls, over a hundred zhang high, like two silent giants in the night. The canyon was only three zhang wide, the ground rugged and uneven, covered with gravel and dry bones—this had once been a gathering place for Yao Beasts, and also the burial ground for many caravans and Cultivators.

"Screech—!"

A sharp whistle echoed through the canyon.

Immediately after, torches and spiritual light lit up simultaneously from the front, back, and above!

"Friends from the Heavenly Court, why are you in such a rush?" a hoarse voice came from ahead.

Under the light of the fire, over thirty Cultivators blocked the canyon exit. At the head was a burly man with a face full of flesh, holding a giant blade as wide as a door panel—it was none other than the Barbarian King, the vice-president of the Overlord Pavilion. Beside him, six Cultivators wearing blood-colored robes stood coldly; they were the Six Blood Fiends of the Blood Fiend Alliance.

Behind them, the Alliance Master of Henghe Alliance from the Zongheng Alliance brought twelve people to block the retreat.

On the rock walls above, over a dozen archers and mages were already in position.

Surrounded on all four sides, they were in a desperate situation.

Su Qingyue stopped, and the team quickly formed a circular Formation. She looked up at the Barbarian King, her voice cold: "Overlord Pavilion, Blood Fiend Alliance, Zongheng Alliance... are you trying to go to war with my Heavenly Court?"

"War?" The Barbarian King grinned, "Young Miss Su, that's a bit heavy. We just heard that the Heavenly Court made a fortune today and wanted to come and 'borrow' some Spirit Stones to spend. As long as you hand over the Storage Pouch, we can let you live."

"Dream on!" Chen Hao roared, "If you want Spirit Stones, ask my war hammer first!"

"Refusing a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit." The leader of the Six Blood Fiends said grimly, "In that case, don't blame us for being ruthless. Do it!"

"Wait." A cold, clear female voice suddenly rang out.

Everyone looked toward the sound and saw another group of people walking in at the canyon entrance.

At the head was Athena in white, holding the Staff of Wisdom, followed by twelve Olympus elites. Her appearance made the situation even more complicated.

"Olympus wants to get involved too?" The Barbarian King frowned.

"Get involved?" Athena smiled slightly, "We are just passing by, saw it was lively here, and came to take a look. You continue, don't mind us."

She said it lightly, but everyone could hear that this meant watching the tigers fight from the mountain.

The Barbarian King's face was gloomy, but he dared not offend Olympus, so he could only grit his teeth and say: "Then please wait a moment, Young Miss Athena. After we finish dealing with this small matter, we will invite our friends from Olympus for a drink."

"Please do." Athena took her subordinates and retreated to the side, clearly intending to reap the benefits.

And in the deeper darkness, there were a few more pairs of eyes watching.

In a rock crevice on the south side of the canyon, Qingluan of the Green Robe Tower and seven sisters were quietly lurking.

"Big Sister, are we really just watching and not intervening?" a sister asked in a low voice.

Qingluan nodded: "Since the Heavenly Court dared to lure the enemy into the canyon, they must have a backup plan. We will wait and see. If the Heavenly Court can win... then they are worth cooperating with; if not, we have nothing to lose."

Above the north rock wall, a ten-man squad from the War God Hall was also watching.

"Captain, should we go down and help?" a team member asked.

The burly man at the head shook his head: "Help whom? The Heavenly Court or that mob? Don't forget the Hall Master's order: observe the Heavenly Court's strength, and do not intervene unless absolutely necessary. And... haven't you felt it? There are fluctuations of a Formation in this canyon."

"A Formation?"

"Yes, and more than one layer." A flash of light crossed the captain's eyes, "The Heavenly Court... is indeed not simple."

In the center of the canyon, the atmosphere was already tense.

The Barbarian King stopped talking nonsense and swung his giant blade: "Kill! Leave no one alive!"

"Kill—!"

The three forces launched their attacks simultaneously!

The six people of the Blood Fiend Alliance formed seals simultaneously, and six blood-colored banners flew out from their sleeves, forming a hexagram Formation in the air. A blood-red light shot into the sky, a rich smell of blood permeated the air, and the temperature of the entire canyon dropped by several degrees.

[Blood Fiend Great Formation · Six-Banner Trapping Kill]

Quality: Rare (Formation)

Effect: Using the six Blood Fiend Banners as the Formation eye, it forms a Blood Fiend Domain. Within the range, the enemy's total attributes decrease by 15%, they lose 100 Health Points per second, and healing effects received are halved.

Duration: Until the Formation Flags are destroyed or the caster dies.

Range: 50 zhang in diameter.

"A Formation!" Su Qingyue's expression changed slightly, "Break the Formation!"

She formed seals with both hands, and her Vast Cold Spirit Body operated at full power. Piercing cold air erupted from her body, turning into an ice-blue halo that spread out, colliding fiercely with the blood light of the Blood Fiend Great Formation. The collision of ice and blood made a "sizzling" corrosion sound.

But the Blood Fiend Great Formation was maintained by six people, and Su Qingyue alone could not resist it. The ice-blue halo was gradually suppressed by the blood light, its range shrinking from thirty zhang to twenty zhang, then to ten zhang...

"Hold on!" Chen Hao roared, his war hammer smashing away an Overlord Pavilion member who rushed up, but more enemies swarmed in.

Wang Iron Pillar and Zhao Linger defended back-to-back. Although the twenty Heavenly Court elites were well-trained, they began to suffer casualties under the siege of enemies three times their number.

"Hahaha! The Heavenly Court is nothing more than this!" The Barbarian King laughed, his giant blade slashing toward Su Qingyue with the force of splitting mountains and shattering rocks.

Su Qingyue dodged, but a beam of blood light struck from the left—it was a sneak attack by the fourth of the Six Blood Fiends! She hurriedly condensed an ice wall to block, but the ice wall shattered under the impact of the blood light, and the aftermath shook her, causing her Qi and blood to churn.

"Sister Qingyue!" Zhao Linger exclaimed, wanting to cast a healing Spell, but an arrow flew over, forcing her to dodge.

Seeing that the Heavenly Court team was about to collapse—

"Now."

A calm voice rang out from the deepest part of the canyon.

The voice was not loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears.

Immediately after, the entire Black Wind Canyon lit up.

Not the light of torches, not the light of Spells, but... the light of a Formation!

Red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, blue, purple, black, white—nine-colored light lit up simultaneously from the canyon ground, rock walls, and even the Void Realm! The light intertwined, forming a giant Formation network covering the entire canyon!

[Nine-Orifice Illusion Kill Formation · Fully Activated]

Quality: Epic (Compound Formation)

Effect: Composed of three overlapping Formations: Mist Illusion Formation, Five Elements Trapping Formation, and Thunder Exorcism Formation, harmonized by Lin Ye with Chaos Divine Power to form a compound Formation.

Specific effects:

① Mist Illusion Formation: Distorts vision, hearing, and Divine Sense perception, creating illusions.

② Five Elements Trapping Formation: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth Five Elements binding, movement speed reduced by 50%, skill cooldown time increased by 30%.

③ Thunder Exorcism Formation: Continuously releases Heavenly Thunder power, dealing an extra 200% damage to targets with Yin-evil attributes and adding a paralysis effect.

Formation range: The entire Black Wind Canyon (three li long, width varies from three to ten zhang).

Maintainer: Lin Ye (Chaos Divine Power as energy source).

Formation status: 100% integrity.

"What?!"

The Barbarian King, the Six Blood Fiends, the Alliance Master of Henghe Alliance, everyone from the enemy forces changed color simultaneously.

The ground beneath their feet suddenly became sticky like a swamp, making movement difficult; the scene before their eyes began to distort, and the figures of their companions became blurred; in the sky, purple thunderclouds began to gather, and bolts of Heavenly Thunder fell like rain, precisely striking the Cultivators of the Blood Fiend Alliance!

"Ah—!"

The third of the Six Blood Fiends bore the brunt of it, struck by a bolt of Heavenly Thunder as thick as a bowl. The Blood Fiend Cultivation Technique he practiced feared thunder most; his protective blood light collapsed instantly, and he fell to the ground charred, life or death unknown.

"Third Brother!" The fourth was furious, wanting to rescue him, but the Five Elements binding under his feet made it difficult for him to even take a step.

"A trap! This is a trap!" The Barbarian King finally realized it and roared, "Retreat! Retreat quickly!"

But it was too late.

At the canyon entrance, the Olympus team, which had originally been "watching the tigers fight from the mountain," suddenly moved.

Athena held her Staff of Wisdom high, and the gem at the top of the staff lit up with a holy white light.

"Divine Domain · Open!"

The white light spread like a tide, overlapping with the Mist Illusion Formation of the Nine-Orifice Illusion Kill Formation, making the illusions even more realistic. The twelve Olympus elites attacked simultaneously, not targeting the Heavenly Court, but... attacking the members of the Overlord Pavilion and Blood Fiend Alliance who were trying to escape!

"Athena! You—!" The Barbarian King was both shocked and angry.

"Sorry, Vice-President Barbarian King." Athena's voice remained calm, "Olympus and the Heavenly Court are allies."

Allies!

These two words hit the Barbarian King's heart like a heavy hammer.

He finally understood why Olympus appeared here, and why they "happened" to be passing by. Everything was planned! The Heavenly Court had long since joined forces with Olympus!

"Retreat! Retreat out!" The Barbarian King swung his giant blade frantically, trying to hack a bloody path out.

But at the canyon exit, a figure slowly emerged.

In gray cloth clothes, a bamboo hat covering his face, holding a bronze battle spear in his hand.

The tip of the spear was burning with a grayish-white flame; the flame appeared weak, but it made everyone who saw it feel a tremor from the depths of their Souls.

"Come when you want, leave when you want?"

Lin Ye raised his head, his eyes under the bamboo hat as cold as cold stars.

"Black Wind Canyon, since you've come today—"

He took a step out, Yaoguang Footwork like starlight sweeping across the ground, and instantly appeared in front of the Barbarian King.

"Then all of you stay here."

The spear thrust like a dragon, Chaos Fire tearing through the night.

The real hunt has only just begun.