Misty Rain Tower

On a frigid night, the cold wind cut to the bone.

Li Ziye, with the Fish Intestine Sword in hand, stood bloodied in front of everyone, a glaring sight.

On the ground, Ao Qiong was breathing more out than in, his chest carved open by the sharp sword, flesh gaping and bone peeking through, as blood pooled out, staining the earth beneath him red.

The Great Sovereign of Helian and the warriors of the Helian tribe behind him watched this scene with both rage and shock.

They were furious that someone dared to kill one of their own right before their eyes, and shocked that such a young man could be so ruthless.

"Insolence!"

After snapping back to reality, the Great Sovereign of Helian could not contain his anger. "Although Ao Qiong was at fault, his crime does not warrant death. You, young man, are so cruel despite your age. Today, I must discipline you on behalf of the Confucian School. Men, seize him for me!"

"Yes!"

Upon hearing the command, the warriors of the Helian tribe immediately stepped forward.

"Father!"

Seeing this, Helian Lanruo's expression changed, and she urgently cried out, "No, please!"

Beside her, Bai Wangyu and Wen Xiuru said nothing, but both stepped forward and stood behind Li Ziye, their swords drawn three inches from their sheaths, their aura of sternness clearly stating their stance.

To live not together, to die not apart.

"Great Sovereign, you should think this through."

Li Ziye looked at the tense scene before him, his expression calm, and smiled, "Today, so many have witnessed that Ao Qiong nearly killed us and Princess Lanruo. If not for our risking our lives to protect her, you might never see the princess again. Do you think, Great Sovereign, that the life of Princess Lanruo is less important than that of Ao Qiong? One day, when word of today's events spreads, how will the world view you, Great Sovereign, for sheltering a criminal and repaying kindness with ingratitude?"

Hearing the young man's words, the face of the Great Sovereign of Helian turned extremely ugly.

"Great Sovereign."

Stepping forward, the old kinsman who had tested for poison earlier whispered, "The young man makes a fair point. We cannot treat the saviors of the princess this way. After all, they saved Princess Lanruo's life. If this gets out, the world will laugh at our tribe for not distinguishing right from wrong and repaying kindness with resentment."

Upon hearing this, the Great Sovereign of Helian clenched his fists tightly, gradually regaining his composure, and then, suppressing the anger in his heart, he signaled the Helian warriors to stand down.

Seeing this, Bai Wangyu and Wen Xiuru also sheathed their swords.

"Great Sovereign, wise decision," Li Ziye said with a smile.

"Let's go!"

Just then, from afar, the sound of galloping horses approached, led by Law and Confucianism, with three instructors and numerous disciples of the Confucian School arriving.

Seeing that Li Ziye and the others had not returned for a long time, Law and Confucianism followed the horse tracks left by the Helian tribe to find them.