The Return of Stars to the Jianghu

Chapter 160 Tang Xiao Assassinated, Tang Clan Swordsmen Captured

Illusory Star Continent, Azure Continent, Cao Kingdom.

"That's what happened." Chu Ji took a deep breath and recounted his experience in the dilapidated temple in detail to Qi Yuan and the others. He tried his best to keep his tone calm, but his words still revealed a hint of tension and unease.

After listening to Chu Ji's account, He Shihui frowned and said in a deep voice, "Tang Xiao is probably already dead. His injuries were too severe, and he was in such a remote place. It's hard to imagine that he could have survived."

“Tang Xiao…” Qi Yuan repeated the name, his brows furrowed. “Is he loyal to the Wuji Sect or the Tang Sect? Or could he be a double agent? We must find out the answer to this question.”

Bili shook his head and said, "Things might not be that simple. What we need to focus on now is Tang Xiao's safety and the information he has. I suggest we go to the ruined temple now and see if we can find any clues."

Ji Mi nodded in agreement: "Indeed, we should act as soon as possible. However, Song Han and the others are currently in Cai State, otherwise we could ask for their opinion."

Chu Ji said in a deep voice, "The situation is indeed complicated, but we cannot sit idly by. The information provided by Tang Xiao is crucial to us, and we need to confirm his safety as soon as possible."

"Yes!" Qi Yuan and the others agreed. They quickly gathered their gear and headed towards the dilapidated temple in the north of the city. In the darkness, their figures hurried through the streets, their steps firm, yet their hearts filled with worry.

Upon arriving at the dilapidated temple, the group found the doors open, revealing a pitch-black interior, as if something were watching them from the shadows. Chu Ji took a deep breath, signaling everyone to remain vigilant, and then stepped inside first.

The temple was deathly silent, broken only by the occasional sound of the wind and the breathing of the people inside. They moved cautiously, gripping their weapons tightly, fearing a sudden attack.

Reaching the center of the temple, they found Tang Xiao lying on the ground, covered in wounds, clearly having met with certain death. Chu Ji's heart sank, and he knelt down to carefully examine Tang Xiao's injuries. He discovered that a dagger had pierced Tang Xiao's chest, blood gushing out—clearly a fatal wound. Chu Ji's eyes reddened; he knew Tang Xiao was beyond saving.

"Tang Xiao..." Chu Ji called softly, but Tang Xiao was no longer responding. A wave of grief washed over him; he hadn't expected his comrade-in-arms, with whom he had fought side by side, to leave like this. He silently stood up, gave Tang Xiao a deep look, and then turned to the others, saying, "We need to get out of here quickly."

Qi Yuan nodded in agreement: "It's no longer safe here. We need to leave this dangerous place as soon as possible."

The group quickly left the dilapidated temple. Before leaving, Ji Mi noticed that Tang Xiao's Tang Clan waist token was missing. He frowned but didn't say anything. He knew this discovery could bring even greater uncertainty to the entire situation. But right now, their first priority was to leave this dangerous place as quickly as possible.

Qi Yuan piloted the Lingyun Boat, leading everyone on a continued northward flight.

"I don't know if you guys have noticed, but Tang Xiao's Tang Clan waist token is missing," Ji Mi said.

"Waist token?" Chu Ji frowned upon hearing this. "You mean, someone came here and took Tang Xiao's Tang Clan waist token?"

“That’s right.” Ji Mi nodded. “I noticed that Tang Xiao’s Tang Clan waist tag is gone. This likely means that someone came here and took it away.”

"Who could it be?" He Shihui asked疑惑地, "Could it be someone from the Xuantian Sect? Why would they take the Tang Clan's token?"

Bi Li shook his head and analyzed, "It's not necessarily someone from the Xuan Tian Sect. It could also be someone from the Wu Ji Sect. They might want to use the Tang Sect's token to create chaos or frame the Tang Sect."

"Whoever it is, this means that the situation we face is more complicated," Chu Ji said in a deep voice. "We must act carefully and not give the enemy any opportunity to take advantage of us."

Everyone nodded, understanding Chu Ji's meaning. They knew the journey ahead would be even more dangerous and arduous. However, they also believed that as long as they worked together, they would be able to overcome all difficulties.

The cloud-piercing boat sped through the night sky, quickly disappearing into the clouds. However, their hearts were filled with worry and unease. They knew that the martial world was no longer as simple as they had imagined.

However, at that moment, they received shocking news. This news stunned them and made them realize just how deep the waters of this underworld truly ran.

"What? You said Song Han and the others were captured by the Xuan Tian Sect?" Chu Ji stared wide-eyed at the messenger in disbelief.

The messenger nodded, his expression anxious, and said, "That's right. According to reliable sources, Song Han and his group were surrounded by the Xuantian Sect in Cai Kingdom. After a fierce battle, they were ultimately no match for them and were captured by the Xuantian Sect."

"This..." Chu Ji was stunned, a surge of indescribable emotion welling up inside him. He hadn't expected to receive such news at this time. He knew all too well what Song Han and the others meant to them. They were not only his friends and comrades-in-arms, but also one of their most important supports in this martial world.

"We have to find a way to save them quickly!" Qi Yuan said anxiously. "They can't fall into the hands of the Xuantian Sect!"

“The Xuan Tian Sect’s real target shouldn’t be the Tang Sect, but the Wuji Sect. However, the Tang Sect has already been infiltrated by the Wuji Sect. Therefore, dealing with the Tang Sect is the same as dealing with the Wuji Sect,” He Shihui analyzed.

“Let’s continue north. Once we reach Wuzhong Kingdom, we’ll learn about all of this,” Chu Ji said.

"I hope we can arrive safely," Bili said.

In the darkness, the Lingyun Boat continued its flight, piercing through layers of clouds as if traversing an unknown world. The group's spirits were as heavy as the night; they knew the journey ahead would be even more arduous.

However, just as they were about to leave this land, a powerful aura suddenly descended from the sky, enveloping the entire Lingyun Ship. Chu Ji and the others' expressions changed drastically; they knew this was definitely not an ordinary enemy.

"Quick! Land!" Chu Ji shouted, steer the Lingyun Boat towards the ground. However, the powerful aura clung to them like a persistent leech, making it impossible for them to shake it off.