Volume Two: The Bandit Life, Chapter Thirty-Four: Internal Strife

Gu Tai and the other two were stunned. It was clear that Wan Peng and Yuan Cheng, both Divine Kings, were the people they trusted most at the moment; there was no way they could be spies for the Purple Mysterious Alliance. The four had performed too convincingly, failing to flush out the true suspect, and instead found themselves in an embarrassing predicament.

“Brothers, please don’t get too worked up. I believe there’s still a turning point in this matter!” Lu Qingtian hurried forward to smooth things over. Gu Tai and the others shot a glare at the Divine King who had pressed them last, then all sat down.

“Divine King Yan Ming, what do you mean by that? Do you suspect us? Do you think we would betray the alliance to the Purple Mysterious Alliance, or even join them?” Fang Tao snorted coldly. He was unwilling to doubt Wan Peng and Yuan Cheng; only Yan Ming, who had come forward to question them, seemed somewhat suspicious.

“No one is doubting you. If anyone is to be doubted, it’s yourselves. The Purple Mysterious Alliance’s methods are far more formidable than any of us could imagine. They might already have ways to deal with you. For everyone’s safety, it’s best that we all stay here!” Yan Ming didn’t even glance at Fang Tao as he returned to his seat and spoke slowly. His attitude almost provoked Fang Tao into a sudden outburst.

Yan Ming was the leader of the Twin Swallow Valley, a mid-tier force among the sixty-four robber factions. This was mainly because the two valley lords of Twin Swallow Valley were brothers who had trained together since childhood. Their coordination was so perfect that even three Divine Kings of equal strength wouldn’t necessarily defeat them.

This time, Yan Ming had come alone. His brother, Divine King Yan Liang, remained in Twin Swallow Valley. Now, just like elsewhere, no one’s divine sense could penetrate the valley. By all rights, Yan Ming should be extremely anxious.

Yet, Yan Ming was not only calm but also refused to let Gu Tai and the others leave. Suddenly, all four realized something suspicious about Yan Ming.

“Brother Yan Ming, how is Brother Yan Liang doing? Twin Swallow Valley and Pingxiang Valley don’t seem far apart. Could the Purple Mysterious Alliance have already attacked?” Shui Ruojun, the most perceptive among them, was the first to ask. Gu Tai and Fang Tao looked as if they had also noticed something, their gazes fixed tightly on Yan Ming.

“Brother Yan Ming, I recall your brothers have a special talent: a deep mutual connection that allows them to sense each other no matter the distance. Is that true?” Lu Qingtian appeared indifferent, but in his heart, he was already highly alert to Yan Ming. If the Purple Mysterious Alliance had attacked Twin Swallow Valley, Yan Liang would be unable to hold out. Because of his brother, Yan Ming might have already turned to the Purple Mysterious Alliance.

“Hmph! Our Twin Swallow Valley is as solid as a fortress. Naturally, there’s nothing wrong!” Yan Ming snorted coldly, though bitterness churned within him. Yan Ming and Yan Liang had possessed this unique bond since childhood. No formation or distance could block their spiritual communication. This was a major reason their combined attacks were so formidable.

Shortly after Lu Da’s fall, the Purple Mysterious Alliance had invaded Twin Swallow Valley. Zhao Yongkui, who knew about the brothers’ special connection, used it after Yan Liang surrendered to incite Yan Ming during their meetings.

Qin Si and Qin Shuang, upon learning of the brothers’ special bond, were deeply moved. Their bond was strong, but compared to these two brothers who had lived side by side for countless cycles, it was still far from comparable.

“Solid as a fortress? Ten defenses of Twin Swallow Valley wouldn’t compare to the Profound Valley. The protective formation of Profound Valley was shattered instantly by the Supreme Heavenly God of the Purple Mysterious Alliance. What makes you think Twin Swallow Valley can withstand them?” Gu Tai suddenly stood up and strode furiously to Yan Ming’s side. Judging by his demeanor, if Yan Ming couldn’t explain himself, Gu Tai might attack immediately.

“What’s this, Divine King Gu Tai? Are you declaring war on our Twin Swallow Valley?” Yan Ming’s aura was equally fierce. He stood to face Gu Tai squarely, his retort driving Gu Tai even closer.

When the sixty-four robber factions united to seize Tiehua City, they had set clear rules: no faction was allowed to fight openly among themselves. The first to break this would face the united wrath of the other sixty-three factions.

Gu Tai had no proof that Twin Swallow Valley had joined the Purple Mysterious Alliance. Yet, his pressuring of the valley lord was no less than a declaration of war. As expected, upon Yan Ming’s words, many faction leaders began to look at Gu Tai with different eyes.

“Brother Yan Ming, that’s harsh. We currently share a common enemy—the Purple Mysterious Alliance. Divine King Gu Tai’s words were harsh, but he only wishes the best for all of us. Please don’t take it to heart!” Lu Qingtian stepped in again to smooth things over, inwardly cursing Gu Tai for his recklessness. The four only suspected there were spies within but had no proof. If they exposed it, it would only cause more chaos and worsen the situation.

“I’ll give Lord Lu some face, but once this is over, I will demand Gu Tai to give our Twin Swallow Valley an explanation!” Yan Ming glanced at Lu Qingtian and snorted coldly, his attitude only further enraging Gu Tai.

“Youngster, how arrogant!” Gu Tai had long been a Divine King before Yan Ming and was known for his hot temper. Yan Ming’s repeated provocations finally made Gu Tai lose his patience.

In anger, Gu Tai struck with great force. A crafty gleam flickered in Yan Ming’s eyes as he used only about eighty percent of his divine power to defend.

“Boom!”

Yan Ming, not using his full strength, was blasted backward by Gu Tai’s heavy punch. Lu Qingtian’s heart skipped a beat; he glared angrily at Gu Tai and immediately flew to Yan Ming’s side.

“Brother Yan Ming, are you alright?” Along with Lu Qingtian, a dozen Divine Kings rushed over. Gu Tai’s public insult and sudden attack on a faction leader at the alliance meeting had disgusted many. These Divine Kings either already disliked Gu Tai or were close to Yan Ming.

“Everyone, you’ve seen it. Gu Tai first insulted and framed me, then directly attacked me. From now on, Twin Swallow Valley and the Eternal Tower will be mortal enemies!” Yan Ming spat several mouthfuls of fresh blood before bitterly declaring this. Gu Tai’s cultivation was indeed higher than Yan Ming’s. To stage this self-inflicted injury, Yan Ming’s wound was quite severe.

“Divine King Yan Ming, you must not!” Lu Qingtian was horrified. Yan Ming’s words effectively pitted Twin Swallow Valley and the Eternal Tower against each other in an unrelenting conflict. Such strife could split the alliance internally. They might fall into chaos without even facing the Purple Mysterious Alliance.

“What’s wrong with that? Gu Tai humiliated me like this—who could tolerate it?” Yan Ming shouted again, his furious expression and the blood dripping from his mouth immediately evoking sympathy from many Divine Kings.

“I stand with Twin Swallow Valley. Brothers, I believe we all remember the original purpose and rules of our alliance. Gu Tai of the Eternal Tower’s unauthorized attack on Brother Yan Ming of Twin Swallow Valley is tantamount to declaring war. According to our rules, the sixty-three—or now sixty-two—factions should unite to eliminate the Eternal Tower first!” Wu Mian, leader of the Boundless Mountain and secretly bought off by Zhao Yongkui with a hefty sum, was the first to side openly with Yan Ming. His words resonated with many lower and mid-tier factions. Gu Tai’s arrogance now threatened them all; if he could insult Yan Ming so blatantly, he could do the same to them. Besides, Gu Tai’s overbearing nature had earned him many enemies.

“I’m with you!” another faction leader joined Yan Ming’s side, not influenced by the Purple Mysterious Alliance, simply unwilling to tolerate Gu Tai’s behavior.

“Support the rules! Suppress the Eternal Tower!” In just a short while, more and more rallied behind Yan Ming. Of the more than forty factions present at Tongmu Village, nearly half were demanding the immediate suppression of the Eternal Tower.

“That’s enough! Everyone, quiet down!” Lu Qingtian suddenly shouted. His roar, imbued with his full strength, instantly silenced all Divine Kings. They realized at once that Lu Qingtian’s power far exceeded theirs.

“Everyone, even if Divine King Gu Tai acted improperly, it was for the greater good of our alliance. We share a common enemy. I hope you can forgive his rudeness. Once we have dealt with the Purple Mysterious Alliance, I will give you all a full explanation!” Lu Qingtian’s face was ashen as he reluctantly apologized on Gu Tai’s behalf. Gu Tai’s rashness had now stirred widespread anger; if Lu Qingtian didn’t intervene, the alliance might tear itself apart before even confronting the Purple Mysterious Alliance.

“Hmph!” Gu Tai didn’t appreciate Lu Qingtian’s goodwill but knew he was in the wrong. Now, feeling unjustified, he said little. If all these twenty or so factions united against the Eternal Tower, he would be the one who ultimately suffered.

“No, I disagree!” Yan Ming rose and slowly approached Lu Qingtian, suddenly declaring.

(To be continued)