C25 – Set up an Ambush

Jiaang Lin sat cross-legged on the bed, channeling the Heaven Earth Creation Spell to draw in the Heaven Earth Spiritual Energy as he began his meditation and cultivation.

The following day greeted him with a bright sun and a clear sky.

Creak~

The door was gently nudged open, and several figures slipped quietly into Jiaang Lin’s room.

“What’s with all the sneaking around?”

From the bed, Jiaang Lin had clearly heard the door open. His eyes snapped open, shooting two icy glares at the intruders.

The visitors were none other than Jiaang Lang, Jiaang Ren, and their companions.

“We’re not up to anything. We’ve brought some fine wine and delicious food as a peace offering,” Jiaang Ren said, a smile on his face as he held two jugs of exquisite wine.

​His companions followed, each carrying enticingly fragrant dishes.

​”Apologize?” Jiaang Lin’s mouth twitched into a half-smile, but inside, he scoffed.

​It was like a weasel paying a New Year’s visit to a chicken—hardly a gesture of goodwill. Jiaang Lin knew all too well the true nature of the brothers Jiaang Ren and Jiaang Lang.

They were not the type to swallow their pride and apologize after being put down by someone else.

“Indeed, we realize we’ve been unfair to you in the past, so we’ve brought these gifts as an apology. We hope you can be generous, Jiaang Lin, and let bygones be bygones. What do you say?” Jiaang Ren offered earnestly.

“Seeing as you’ve all come with such heartfelt apologies, and even brought wine and a feast to boot, it would be churlish of me to refuse, wouldn’t it? We’re all part of the Jiaang family, kin to each other, right? I won’t dwell on the past. So, let’s drink to this wine today and from here on out, let’s be brothers! How about that?” Jiaang Lin responded warmly.

​He didn’t confront Jiaang Ren and the others sternly but instead played the fool, exchanging pleasantries and feigning acceptance of their apology.

Afterwards, I was curious to see what kind of schemes these guys were up to.

“Mr. Jiaang Lin, your generosity knows no bounds. Jiaang Ren, don’t dawdle—fill up the cups! Today, I’m looking forward to sharing a few drinks with you!”

Jiaang Lang said with a smile, instructing Jiaang Ren and the others to quickly set the table with fine wine and sumptuous dishes, before topping up Jiaang Lin’s cup.

“Mr. Jiaang Lin, after we drink this cup, we’ll be brothers for life. I, Jiaang Lang, would brave any danger without a second thought!”

​Lifting his brimming cup, Jiaang Lang gazed at Jiaang Lin and declared confidently.

He then led by example, downing his wine in one swift gulp.

“Mr. Jiaang Lang, your heart is as vast as the ocean! To have a brother like you is a fortune I, Jiaang Lin, am grateful for!”

​Jiaang Lin responded with a laugh and likewise emptied his cup in one go.

“Now, let’s all take a seat. Make yourselves at home here and don’t hold back!”

After enjoying his wine, Jiaang Lin warmly invited everyone to sit, radiating hospitality.

“Jiaang Lin, the truth is, we’ve come today because there’s a favor we need to ask of you.”

Off to the side, Jiaang Ren cleared his throat and spoke with a hint of sheepishness.

“Go ahead, we’re all brothers here. Your concerns are mine, so there’s no need for formalities.”

Jiaang Lin replied with a hearty tone.

Indeed, for a cultivator at the Body Refining Stage to perish in the perilous and treacherous Celestial Peak Valley was hardly out of the ordinary.

“Brother Xuan, we’ve received a message from Jiaang Lang! They’re currently escorting Jiaang Lin towards Celestial Peak Valley.”

A voice echoed in the cave as Jiaang Feng hurried over to Jiaang Gao, brandishing the luminescent communication token and announcing with sheer joy.

“Excellent, Brother Cui, the rest is up to you!”

Upon confirmation that Jiaang Lang and his group had successfully enticed Jiaang Lin to Celestial Peak Valley as planned, Jiaang Gao turned to a black-robed figure at the Body Refining Level Eight and spoke with reverence.

This black-robed individual, known as Nan Wuyan, was a top-tier assassin from the underworld of Clear Water Town, adept in stealth and agility, capable of silently eliminating foes.

His prowess was indeed formidable!

At Jiaang Gao’s words, Nan Wuyan gave a subtle nod, signaling to her associates to proceed with the plan and take cover in the shadows, lying in wait for Jiaang Lin’s arrival.

“Jiaang Lin, this time, I swear you’ll die with nowhere to lay your remains!”

Watching Nan Wuyan and the others disperse from the cave to take positions in the surrounding woods, Jiaang Gao’s face twisted with spite.

The memory of being overpowered and crippled by Jiaang Lin just the night before filled him with unyielding bitterness.

​Consumed by boundless resentment, Jiaang Gao knew that if it weren’t for the timely application of a recovery potion by his family, he would still be bedridden in his room, powerless to orchestrate any plans against Jiaang Lin in Celestial Peak Valley.

At the entrance of Celestial Peak Valley.

“Where is the Azure Demonic Wolf?”

Following behind brothers Jiaang Lang and Jiaang Ren, Jiaang Lin feigned curiosity as he probed deeper into Celestial Peak Valley.

“It’s just ahead, in a cave not too far from here. We got a tip that the Azure Demonic Wolf is fast asleep inside. With your capabilities, if you sneak into the cave, you can certainly catch it off guard and take it down with ease.”

Leading the way, Jiaang Lang responded with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Jiaang Lin nodded, pretending to take Jiaang Lang’s words at face value.

Guided by Jiaang Lang, they arrived in a secluded forest without realizing it.

The forest was a tangle of towering trees and ancient vines.

The massive trees, with their dense branches and leaves, intertwined to form a canopy so thick that not even the sunlight from the heavens could pierce through.

The forest was shrouded in darkness and had an eerie atmosphere.

Stepping into this place felt like entering a chilling underworld, sending a shiver down one’s spine.

“I knew there was a catch!”

As soon as he entered the dark and foreboding forest, a slight smirk appeared on Jiaang Lin’s face, and he chuckled inwardly.

His cultivation had reached the Body Refining Level Eight, and with the aid of the Concentration Technique, his Soul Power had significantly improved.

Thus, with his formidable Soul Power, Jiaang Lin’s senses were incredibly acute.

He could distinctly feel several barely perceptible strands of cold, murderous intent within the forest.

Though these strands were subdued, making them nearly imperceptible to others, Jiaang Lin’s keen perception allowed him to clearly detect the hidden malice.

Not only did he pinpoint the presence of this murderous intent, but he also effortlessly identified that the culprits were all formidable practitioners at the Body Refining Level Seven, with one even at the Body Refining Level Eight!