100: The Net first arrived in the Central Region

Inside the deliberation hall of the Tianwaitian Headquarters, sandalwood incense wafted. Jun Xiaoyao leaned against a soft couch draped with White Tiger Fur, toying with a translucent Jade Thumb Ring. Intricate cloud patterns were carved into the ring, a replica of a token passed down from the Murong Family.

“Young Lord, the Murong Family’s background has been thoroughly investigated.” Zhao Gao stood at the foot of the steps, unrolling a Sheepskin Scroll densely covered with writing. “The current family head, Murong Fu, is at the Peak Grandmaster Realm, obsessed with the ‘Restoration of the Kingdom’ endeavor. He commands three thousand Loyal Retainers, all at the Grandmaster Realm or above. His uncle, Murong Bo, remains hidden behind the scenes, his true Realm unknown. The Net discovered that he once clashed with a Land Immortal Realm Eminent Monk ten years ago, with neither emerging victorious.”

Jun Xiaoyao’s fingertip gently stroked the Jade Thumb Ring. “Murong Bo… he’s an interesting character.” He looked up at Zhao Gao. “Are you certain that the ‘Canhe Finger Manual’ and ‘Shifting Stars’ they’re hiding are in the secret room of the Old Murong Residence?”

“Confirmed.” Zhao Gao nodded. “The Net’s ‘Shadow’ assassins have infiltrated the old residence three times. They personally witnessed Murong Fu visiting the secret room on the first day of each month to pay respects, with incomplete Cultivation Technique scrolls carved into the stone wall.”

Jun Xiaoyao sat up straight and tossed the Jade Thumb Ring to Zhao Gao. “Send out a ‘Heaven’ rank assassin.” He paused, then added, “This time, there’s no need to be secretive. Let the Murong Family know that Tianwaitian wants these things.”

Zhao Gao was slightly taken aback, then bowed and responded, “Yes.” He understood in his heart that the Young Lord intended to establish authority in the Central Region—the Northern and Jiangnan Regions had already been pacified, and it was time for the Central Region’s aristocratic families to learn of Tianwaitian’s existence.

Three days later, at the old Murong Family residence.

In front of the vermillion gate, two Stone Lions glared furiously. Suddenly, a whooshing sound came, and a pitch-black Crossbow Bolt pierced through the Plaque. The black flag tied to the arrow’s tail unfurled in the wind, embroidered with a ferocious character: “Net.”

“Who goes there?!” The gate guards roared, drawing their swords to advance, only to see a black figure land like a ghost before the gate. It was Dark Blade, the leader of The Net’s “Heaven” rank assassins.

【Name: Dark Blade

Origin: Qin's Moon World

Realm: Late Heaven-Man Realm

Martial Skills: Black and White Twin Swords (Black Sword devours blood, White Sword suppresses souls), Eight Swords of Yue (Sword moves are overbearing, capable of severing mountains and rivers)】

Dark Blade crossed his twin swords, and the Sword Qi stirred up a fierce gust of wind, forcing the guards at the gate to retreat repeatedly. “Tianwaitian is handling business. Murong Fu, come out and speak.”

No sooner had he spoken than a flurry of footsteps echoed from the courtyard. Murong Fu, clad in a brocade robe and wielding a long sword, rushed out with dozens of Loyal Retainers. He saw the black flag at the gate, his face instantly changing. “The Net? How dare you trespass on my Murong Family!”

Dark Blade couldn't be bothered with pleasantries. He flicked his black sword, and a bloody Sword Qi shot straight for Murong Fu’s face. “Hand over the ‘Canhe Finger Manual’ and ‘Shifting Stars,’ and you shall live.”

“Arrogant!” Murong Fu roared, his long sword dancing as he unleashed “Shifting Stars,” attempting to deflect the Sword Qi. However, Dark Blade’s Sword Qi was overwhelmingly powerful, piercing through his Qi energy and grazing his shoulder, carving a deep gash in the Screen Wall behind him.

Murong Fu felt a chill on his shoulder, and blood instantly stained his brocade robe. He was greatly alarmed—this person was actually at the Late Heaven-Man Realm!

“Family Head, let us go!” The Loyal Retainers behind him roared and charged forward, their blades and swords clashing in a chaotic flurry, but all were blocked by Dark Blade’s white sword. The white sword, as it danced, carried a strange suction force, drawing the retainers’ weapons onto its blade. With a gentle shake, the weapons snapped into several pieces.

Dark Blade moved like lightning, his black and white swords alternating. The black sword drank blood, the white sword suppressed souls, and in just a few breaths, more than ten Loyal Retainers fell. Seeing this, Murong Fu knew he was no match in a head-on fight and turned to run towards the inner courtyard. “Uncle, help!”

In a secret room in the inner courtyard, Murong Bo was meditating cross-legged. Hearing the cries for help, he opened his eyes, a hint of sternness flashing within. His figure flickered, instantly appearing in the courtyard, and he struck Dark Blade’s back with a palm. “Dare to harm my Murong Family members? You’re courting death!”

The palm wind carried a majestic Aura, vaguely possessing the pressure of the Land Immortal Realm. Dark Blade was startled. He crossed his twin swords to block, and with a clang, he was forced back three steps, his tiger’s mouth tingling.

“Land Immortal Realm?” A hint of solemnity flashed in Dark Blade’s eyes. “You are not Murong Bo.”

The old man sneered, tearing off the human skin mask from his face to reveal an unfamiliar countenance. “This old man is ‘Ghost Face,’ entrusted by Murong Bo to protect the family. If you know what’s good for you, retreat quickly, or don’t blame this old man for being impolite.”

【Name: Ghost Face

Origin: Gu Long’s sentimental swordsman, ruthless sword

Realm: Early Earthly Immortal Realm

Martial Skills: Ghost Face Palm (Palm wind is soft and gentle, capable of dissolving all things), Netherworld Steps (Moving like a shadow, traceless)】

Dark Blade gripped his twin swords. “Tianwaitian never fails to obtain what it desires.” His figure flickered as he unleashed the “Eight Swords of Yue,” his Black and White Twin Swords like two streaks of light, attacking Ghost Face’s vital points.

Ghost Face remained calm, his palm winds layered, deflecting all of the twin swords’ attacks. His “Ghost Face Palm” was exceedingly soft and gentle; seemingly powerless, it could dissipate Dark Blade’s Sword Qi, while simultaneously, the palm wind carried a chilling coldness that invaded Dark Blade’s Meridians.

The two fought for dozens of rounds, with Dark Blade gradually falling into a disadvantage. Just then, a flurry of horse hooves sounded in the distance. The Marshal of the Unruly arrived with a hundred Unruly members, pointing his Silver Spear at Ghost Face. “Bullying with numbers, what kind of skill is that?”

Ghost Face saw the Marshal of the Unruly, and a hint of apprehension flashed in his eyes. “Marshal of the Unruly Yuan Tiangang? I didn’t expect Tianwaitian to deploy you.”

The Marshal of the Unruly sneered, his Tiangang Art circulating, causing his Silver Spear to glow with golden light. “Murong Bo hides, afraid to show his face, and sends a substitute out. Does he even qualify to negotiate terms?” He flicked his spear tip, and a surge of Qi energy struck Ghost Face. “Today, we will definitely raid this Murong Family!”

Ghost Face was forced back by the Qi energy, and seeing more and more Unruly members flooding into the courtyard, he knew the tide had turned. He snorted coldly, “Tianwaitian, I will remember today’s humiliation!” With that, he unleashed “Netherworld Steps,” his figure transforming into a black shadow, disappearing behind the courtyard wall.

Seeing this, Murong Fu’s legs gave way, and he collapsed to the ground. Dark Blade stepped forward, pressing his black sword against Murong Fu’s throat. “Where are the Secret Manuals?”

Murong Fu trembled, pointing to the Rockery in the inner courtyard. “In… in the secret room beneath the Rockery. The key… the key is in the Inkstone in my study.”

Dark Blade gestured for his subordinates to guard Murong Fu, then turned and walked towards the Rockery. The Marshal of the Unruly, meanwhile, led The Unruly members to clear out the remaining Loyal Retainers in the courtyard, while also sending people to seal all exits of the Murong Family residence.

Half an hour later, Dark Blade returned, holding two yellowed Secret Manuals, and handed them to the Marshal of the Unruly. “Found them. They’re genuine.”

The Marshal of the Unruly opened them and saw that the “Canhe Finger Manual” recorded the essence of finger techniques, each move containing profound natural principles; the “Shifting Stars” detailed the method of using an opponent’s strength against them, profoundly subtle. He nodded. “Keep them safe and report back to the Young Lord.”

Just then, an Unruly member rushed to report, “Commander, a group of people has arrived outside, claiming to be from the Shangguan Family, saying they wish to see you.”

The Marshal of the Unruly raised an eyebrow. “Shangguan Family? What are they here for?”

A moment later, Shangguan Jinhong, the head of the Shangguan Family, was led in. Dressed in a purple robe and holding a Folding Fan, he saw the mess in the courtyard, a hint of fear flashing in his eyes. He then cupped his hands to the Marshal of the Unruly and said, “I have long admired the Marshal of the Unruly’s great name. I am Shangguan Jinhong, specially here to present a humble gift to Tianwaitian.”

He clapped his hands, and his attendant behind him presented a brocade box. Upon opening it, inside was a “water-repelling pearl” the size of a pigeon’s egg, emitting a soft blue light.

“This pearl can ward off all dangers in water,” Shangguan Jinhong smiled. “I heard Tianwaitian is recently searching for ‘Deep Sea Cold Iron.’ With this water-repelling pearl, it will surely be twice as effective with half the effort.”

The Marshal of the Unruly looked at the water-repelling pearl, then at Shangguan Jinhong, understanding in his heart—this was a gesture of goodwill. He said lightly, “We appreciate Patriarch Shangguan’s intentions. Go back and tell the Shangguan Family that Tianwaitian is benevolent, but also never fears trouble. Take care of yourselves.”

Shangguan Jinhong nodded repeatedly. “Yes, yes, I understand.” He dared not linger and hastily bowed his farewell.

The Marshal of the Unruly watched his retreating figure and said to Dark Blade, “It seems the aristocratic families of the Central Region now know what to do.”

Dark Blade nodded. “The Murong Family is a good example.”

That evening, news of the Murong Family being severely damaged by The Net spread throughout the Central Region, shaking all the major aristocratic families. Some were terrified, some angry, but no one dared to step forward easily—if even the Murong Family couldn’t withstand Tianwaitian’s assault, who would dare to challenge its might?

At the Tianwaitian Headquarters, Jun Xiaoyao looked at the two Secret Manuals presented to him, a faint smile playing on his lips. Zhao Gao, bowing beside him, said, “Young Lord, the Shangguan Family sent a water-repelling pearl, wishing to befriend us.”

Jun Xiaoyao flipped through “Shifting Stars” without lifting his head. “water-repelling pearl? Perfect. Have The Net prepare to go to the East Sea and retrieve the Deep Sea Cold Iron.”

“Yes.” Zhao Gao responded and withdrew.

Jun Xiaoyao closed the Secret Manuals and placed them on the bookshelf, alongside the previously acquired items like the “Medicine King’s Divine Tome” and the “Heaven-Shaking Cannon Secret Formula.” Sunlight streamed through the window lattice, illuminating the rows of ancient texts on the shelf, and also the unfathomable ambition in Jun Xiaoyao’s eyes.

The winds and clouds of the Central Region had just begun. And Tianwaitian’s Net had quietly spread, enveloping the entire Jianghu.