Chapter Sixty-Six: The Mass Battle Against the Five Elemental Kings

Yan Donglai laughed and said, "Arrogant? So what? Bai Chengbin, you don't even register with me. If you stand in my way today, don't blame me for being ruthless—I will kill you."

Bai Chengbin was furious, yet unable to argue, for Yan Donglai was famously unmoved by either reason or force. Though both were at the Golden Core stage, their combat abilities differed vastly.

Seeing Bai Chengbin silent, Yan Donglai sneered, "Today, I intend to escort the Bai family leader away. No objections, I presume?"

The crowd was cloaked in silence. Suddenly, a voice rang out: "Wait! If Brother Yan wishes to take him away, he must first consult us old men." Accompanied by the shuffling of feet, hundreds formed a circle, led by two elders—Bai Chengkai and Bai Chengrui—pillars of the Bai family.

Bai Chengkai stepped forward, "Now the fate of the family hangs in the balance. Bai Muyun can no longer serve as head, and the Azure Jade Sword should be surrendered to grant the family a chance to breathe. We beseech Brother Yan to show leniency."

Yan Donglai, never one for reason, loathed wasting words. He placed his hand on the Five Elements King Wheel, his gaze cold. "If I insist on taking them, do you three believe you can stop me?"

"Add us three as well," came a voice from the darkness. Three more elders appeared. Now, all the Golden Core masters who had remained in the Bai family over the past decade were present.

Yan Donglai’s expression shifted, then he burst into wild laughter, "Today, I truly see the Bai family, the foremost in Wuzhou—have any of you a shred of dignity?"

He turned to look at Bai Muyun. Bai Muyun forced a bitter smile, knowing the strength of the elders well. Yan Donglai could handle three and escape, but against six, his death was certain.

These elders, once obedient to him, now disregarded his presence entirely. Six masters, none so much as glanced at their former family head.

"Second Uncle, what’s happening?" The voice of a weeping girl shattered the silence. Bai Zhuluo, supported by guards, stumbled to Bai Muyun's side. Her tears streamed like rain, her former arrogance vanished.

Bai Muyun said nothing, stroking Bai Zhuluo’s hair, his heart heavy. His own hope was gone, but he pitied this niece, whom he treated as his own child. She was in the bloom of youth, and now, fate would be lost alongside him.

Bai Zhuluo cried out to the elders, "Grandfathers, weren’t you always kindest to me? Why do you attack my second uncle today?"

Bai Chengbin and the others ignored her.

Bai Muyun spoke gently, "Zhuluo, there’s no need to plead. Your uncle is doomed today. More words only show our lack of resolve."

Bai Zhuluo nodded through her tears.

Yan Donglai barked at Qiao Xuange, "Why aren’t you taking them away? I’ll cover the rear." With that, he unleashed the Five Elements King Wheel toward Bai Chengkai and Bai Chengrui. The others, shocked by his sudden attack, rushed to aid them, chaos erupting.

Qiao Xuange, wounded, ignored Bai Muyun’s refusal. He ordered his men to carry Bai Muyun into the depths of the night.

Yan Donglai struck first, injuring Bai Chengrui. Alone against six masters, he held his ground, but could spare no attention elsewhere.

Bai Chengbin, surrounded by thousands, unable to help, roared in frustration, "A bunch of useless fools—go after them!" Only then did the crowd realize, rushing after Bai Muyun and his group.

Qiao Xuange led the remaining dozen, fleeing swiftly down the mountain. Bai Zhuluo, no longer crying, gathered her strength, protecting Bai Muyun.

All bore wounds from previous battles, and their speed was hindered by the need to support Bai Muyun and the frail Bai Zhuluo. Soon, shouts and the sounds of pursuit grew nearer.

Five guards exchanged glances, then bowed, "Family head, take care. Let us cover your escape."

Before Bai Muyun could speak, Qiao Xuange gritted his teeth and waved, "Go!" The five remained behind in ambush.

Not long after, cries and clashing blades echoed from behind. The five had likely perished. Bai Muyun, long resigned to fate, felt his eyes redden. Bai Zhuluo sobbed uncontrollably—the guards had been purchased outsiders, to whom she had never shown kindness.

The group hurried on, finally escaping the Bai residence, hiding in the maze of city alleys. Just as they caught their breath, footsteps signaled the pursuers were close.

Qiao Xuange immediately had Bai Muyun placed on Bai Zhuluo’s back, instructing the two to flee ahead while he and the others defended the alley entrance.

Meanwhile, Yan Donglai alone battled the six Golden Core elders. The seven fought fiercely, each deploying their signature techniques. Unbeknownst to them, half an hour had passed.

The Bai elders, from different branches, united against Yan Donglai but each with their own ambitions. Forcing Bai Muyun out was a means to gain leverage in negotiations with the Four Great Families, hoping to secure their branch’s rise to power. Though Yan Donglai risked all, none wished to sacrifice themselves for an outsider, so their efforts lacked full force, weakening their momentum compared to Yan Donglai.

Individually, the six were far weaker than Yan Donglai, but the Bai family’s deep roots allowed them to form a formation rivaling twelve Golden Core masters. Yet, as the fight dragged on, Yan Donglai’s energy dwindled, and he sustained several wounds.

Bai Chengbin and others lamented—had Yan Donglai remained with the Bai family, he would have been a great asset. Someone urged, "Brother Yan, you see how this goes. If we continue, we might suffer minor wounds, but you will surely perish. You are a rare talent, destined for greatness. With the Bai family's support, you could achieve immortality."

Yan Donglai defended for a moment, then sighed, "Very well, let us end this."

The elders immediately ceased, exchanging relieved smiles. Life mattered most at the brink of death, especially for Golden Core masters who had endured much to achieve their status, revered or ascending to immortality. No reason to throw it away.

Weapons were sheathed, apologies exchanged with Yan Donglai.

Yan Donglai sat on the ground, sighing, "Enough. Do as you wish."

With Yan Donglai’s surrender, the crowd relaxed fully, sending men to track the fleeing group.

Bai Chengbin pondered—Yan Donglai had killed Bai Mufeng from his branch, likely bearing a grudge. Relations would be strained. Determined to resolve this, Bai Chengbin approached Yan Donglai to talk, hoping for his future support.

As Bai Chengbin leaned in, Yan Donglai suddenly looked up, eyes fierce with murderous intent. Bai Chengbin realized danger too late—the Five Elements King Wheel spun, darting straight for him.

A sickening sound. Bai Chengbin, once a Golden Core master, met the same fate as Bai Mufeng, his head severed. The others turned in alarm, seeing only Bai Chengbin’s headless body and Yan Donglai’s shadow vanishing into the darkness.

"Hahaha, how satisfying! I said I’d kill Bai Chengbin today—how could I break my word? Farewell!"

Regret and frustration swept the crowd—he’d also said he wouldn’t fight, yet broke his word. Fifteen years ago, Yan Donglai was infamous for his eccentricity. Today, they foolishly trusted him, relaxed their vigilance, and lost another master.

Yet no one suggested pursuit. The main branch was now fallen; their own hopes remained. Besides, Yan Donglai could not be caught, and the situation was too dire to risk further losses for an outsider.

Yan Donglai, bloodied, followed the trail of corpses to a narrow alley. There lay more bodies—Qiao Xuange, the captain, slumped against the wall, weapon in hand, lifeless.

Yan Donglai looked at the man’s corpse, sighed, then searched further, but found no trace of Bai Muyun and his niece. He was filled with emotion—Bai family hunted everywhere, the Four Great Families and the City Governor would not let Bai Muyun live. Their prospects were bleak. Yan Donglai had fought for him today, and owed him nothing more.

He sighed, heading east toward Linhai City.