Chapter Seventy-Nine: Allied Forces

Upon seeing that sinister smile, Ouyang Zijing felt a surge of disgust. “How revolting, Zhao Yin. Call out all your people. I’ve already told you, none of you can hide here.”

The old man called Zhao Yin merely snorted coldly and beckoned with his hand. Instantly, Jiang Xiaotian sensed everyone around him moving outwards.

At the outermost edge stood two martial artists at the peak of external force. Individually, their strength was comparable to those with internal energy, but the two together could hold the line for a while.

There were two others: one appeared to be of similar age to Zhao Yin, while the other was much younger. Yet, both possessed internal energy—the younger man’s aura was particularly refined, likely already at the mid-stage of internal force.

Ouyang Zijing ignored the others, but at the sight of the young man, her expression changed; her smile faded.

“Zijing, it has been a long time. You returned without telling me, how deeply you wound my heart.” The young martial artist seemed familiar with her, shaking his head in disappointment as he spoke.

Perhaps sensing the danger, Ouyang Zijing quickly summoned all her own people.

Leading them were the two internal energy martial artists from yesterday, followed by several others, though all at the peak or mid-stage of external force.

By comparison, they had numbers, but were at a disadvantage.

No wonder even someone as spirited as Ouyang Zijing wore a grave expression.

With a mid-stage internal energy opponent, they had little hope of victory.

“Li Qing, you actually joined forces with Zhao Yin, that old rat! I truly misjudged you!” Ouyang Zijing was no longer angry, but remained unafraid.

The young man, Li Qing, chuckled softly. “I wonder, Zijing, when you rejected me countless times in the past, did you ever foresee a day like this?”

Jiang Xiaotian listened nearby, barely restraining a hiss of disapproval.

So the man had pursued Ouyang Zijing, been rejected, and now sought revenge.

Such a type: unable to possess, he seeks to destroy. Pathetic.

Jiang Xiaotian found the situation entertaining, but planned to slip away once the two sides clashed. This level of melee was beyond him.

He hesitated, mainly because Ouyang Zijing likely belonged to the family of that fairy-like sister.

“Besides, Zijing, you deceived us. Tell me, can someone who breaks through to internal energy in three years possibly lack martial talent? Rest assured, we don’t intend to take your life. Since your Ouyang family insists there are no young martial artists among you, you must stand by your word. If you can’t, I’ll help you keep it. What do you think?”

Li Qing lived up to his name—his voice was almost effeminate, and Jiang Xiaotian felt goosebumps.

Ouyang Zijing clicked her tongue, shook her head, and began to stir her internal energy, preparing to fight. No matter what, she would not sit and wait for death.

Her companions were Ouyang family loyalists, willing to fight even in the face of certain defeat.

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you. My Ouyang family is not so easily bullied. If I fall here today, none of you will escape unscathed!”

But Zhao Yin only laughed loudly. “Only the frightened speak such threats.”

Ouyang Zijing shrugged. “Just the truth.”

“Rest assured, I’ll return the same words to you. Our families are not to be trifled with either.” Li Qing remained in place, not in a hurry to strike.

Jiang Xiaotian tightened his nerves.

This was it—the chance to escape!

Just as both sides were about to erupt into battle, Jiang Xiaotian’s activity watch suddenly lit up.

All the martial artists had released their senses fully, so the sudden glow in the dark grass caught everyone’s attention.

They froze, their focus instantly locked on Jiang Xiaotian’s position.

“Damn!” Jiang Xiaotian panicked. He quickly covered the watch, but the device, usually silent, now emitted a radar-like sound, probably as a reminder to check it.

No doubt, Zhang Guodong’s task had finally stirred.

But Jiang Xiaotian was despondent; he was about to die bravely, unable to carry out the mission.

In truth, everyone stood in place, glancing at one another.

They knew how many people they had brought; the sudden appearance of an extra person seemed like a hidden ploy from the other side.

Especially Zhao Yin, whose brow furrowed deeply.

He had already risked much to cripple Ouyang Zijing today; once he returned, he would face the Ouyang family’s wrath no matter what. Success was essential—failure unacceptable. Yet now, an unknown figure appeared at this critical moment, undetected until now. Could disaster be brewing?

Ouyang Zijing, on the other hand, blinked curiously.

She alone knew that, in this park, only one person could hide so silently.

Moreover, with Zhao and Li’s families united, victory was nearly assured; there was no need for further concealment. Judging by Zhao Yin’s expression, this person was not one of theirs.

Zhao Yin didn’t know who this stranger was or where he came from, but he was displeased. Still, to prevent unforeseen troubles, he cupped his hands toward Jiang Xiaotian in the darkness.

“Brother, there’s no need to watch the show. Tomorrow, such an event will be known throughout Dragon City. Please grant the Zhao family of Dragon City some respect. I am here on Young Master Zhao Zheng’s orders and do not wish for interference. Kindly leave!”

Though his tone was brusque, he showed considerable courtesy.

But Jiang Xiaotian was stunned.

Huh? Zhao family of Dragon City? Zhao Zheng?

He slowly stopped what he was doing, having only paid attention to the effeminate Li Qing before.

Now Jiang Xiaotian understood the situation.

Clearly, this was Ouyang family territory, purchased to give Ouyang Zijing a hiding place. It was an excellent spot for cultivation, and everything had been well concealed. But someone had tipped off the Zhao family, leading them to join forces with the Li family and strike swiftly.

He’d heard from Zhang Guodong that among the families in Dragon City, only the Ouyang family’s women remained stable, yet now the Zhao and Li families were jointly attacking?

He didn’t know the specifics, but he knew the Zhao family’s reputation.

Seeing no response, Zhao Yin grew more irate, his voice rising. “Didn’t you hear? I am Zhao Yin of the Zhao family, Dragon City. If you don’t want trouble, leave now! I won’t repeat myself a third time! This is your last chance!”

With Li Qing at mid-stage internal energy, Zhao Yin was emboldened.

“Ha? What did you say? Zhao family? I’m here to fight you Zhao family!”