Instead, in his past life, when Ye Qingzhou first practiced martial arts, he roamed around challenging different schools, licking blood off the blade.
Later, he often traveled with delegations on missions, visiting many war-torn regions, so he was no stranger to war.
The reason Ye Qingzhou dared to stay and observe the situation in Huajian City was entirely due to his skill and boldness. Although he wasn’t capable of facing the main force of the rebels head-on, he could easily escape with Brother Wen, and do so with ease.
......
In the deep of night, the silver moon hung high.
Inside the Ironwork Market, the Shanfeng Hao was brightly lit.
Duan Qianfeng gathered a group of disciples, shut the door tightly, and asked solemnly, "Do you wish to be beasts of burden for life, or join me in overthrowing the royal family’s brutal rule?"
Upon hearing this, the apprentices of Shanfeng Hao immediately understood that their master intended rebellion!
Many were instantly terrified, showing expressions of fear, hardly daring to breathe, afraid that the next breath would bring the ferocious Red Feather Guard to break down the door and destroy their families.
Senior brothers Duan Wen and Duan Wu shouted sternly, "What are you hesitating for? Haven’t we had enough of these hard times?"
"For thousands of years, the royal family has been tyrannical, monopolizing the path of the martial dao. We who come from humble backgrounds are destined to serve as dogs to cruel witches, but why? Are we born to be slaves and servants!"
These words immediately resonated with the crowd.
The disciples of Shanfeng Hao mostly came from impoverished families, many not even having the opportunity to participate in the martial arts academy’s assessments.
Because the academy was located in the Outer City District, and the truly poor couldn’t afford the One Blade Coin needed to enter the city.
If not for Duan Qianfeng’s shelter, these lowly, impoverished people born in the slums would slowly rot into mud in filthy corners.
"Overthrow the royal family!"
"Rakshasa People will never be slaves!"
"Damn the bastards!"
Soon, the spirits of the crowd were roused by Duan Wen and Duan Wu.
Just then.
Knock, knock, knock~
The door was knocked on, the sound small, yet it startled many apprentices inside Shanfeng Hao, bringing an instant silence.
Seeing this, Duan Qianfeng comforted, "Do not panic, it’s not the royal family’s lackeys who have come, but our allies. As the saying goes, those who have the way are supported widely, while those who lose the way are alone. We are not the only ones wanting to overthrow the royal family’s brutal rule."
Duan Wen seized the opportunity to agree, "Indeed, as long as we rise up, those in the country dissatisfied with the royal family will respond en masse and join us in this grand venture."
"Victory!"
Once again, the crowd cheered, knowing they were not the only ones planning rebellion, their spirits lifted immediately.
Creaaak~
The door opened, and a group of people shrouded in rain gear walked into Shanfeng Hao.
At the forefront was a tall and robust figure, under a massive straw hat, was a fierce and terrifying tiger head with a hideous scar on the left cheek, adding to his fierce aura.
The wings behind him, feathers in dark black, were even adorned with sharp iron hooks and barbs, a swipe of which could leave someone bloodied and shredded.
Qiong Li grinned, his gaze cruel and savage, "I come as agreed; where are the weapons?"
Behind him stood over a hundred powerful warriors of the Qiongqi race, nine of whom possessed master-level strength, while the rest mostly had cultivation above the professional eighth rank, each seasoned in battle, with resolute eyes revealing a chilling murderous aura.