Chapter 867: Killing to Destroy the Heart, Xu the Great Demon King

Jiang Xian calmly watched Xu Shao approach, a memory flashing in his mind of their confrontation in front of Duojin Shanghang.

He honestly couldn't understand how such a carefree and seemingly frivolous person could possess such remarkable cultivation at such a young age.

Whether it was jian dao, rou shen, lian dan, ling zhen...

Everything about Xu Shao seemed entirely inconsistent with his years.

In that moment, Jiang Xian realized that no true playboy could possibly master so many paths simultaneously.

Xu Shao’s outwardly flamboyant and attention-seeking behavior was merely a deliberate act.

Who knew how much effort and sacrifice he had poured in behind the scenes to reach this level?

And then there was the gui shou...

Back when San Yan Tong Mu was still active, Jiang Xian had used "Zhuan Yi Kong" on Rong Da Hao.

He was certain that Xu Shao was connected to the gui shou.

Perhaps from the beginning, he should have followed his intuition and not sent anyone to probe.

“Long time no see.”

After a prolonged silence, Jiang Xian managed a slight smile and offered a neutral greeting.

He had secretly scanned the battlefield earlier; the girl who served as the gui shou's host was not present.

Perhaps she had already parted ways with Xu Shao.

Or maybe they just hadn't met up yet.

Regardless, after personally witnessing Xu Shao's combat strength, Jiang Xian had no intention of provoking him.

After all, this was the person who had completely destroyed the Hei Xin Mu Gu.

Outsiders might not grasp the significance of the Hei Xin Mu Gu to the Hei Xin Guo clan, but as a ban sheng successor, Jiang Xian knew it intimately.

He believed Xu Shao must also be aware of the consequences of its destruction.

Yet, he had done it without hesitation.

What did that signify?

It meant Xu Shao wasn't intimidated by potential retaliation from the ban sheng Zang Ren!

Xu Shao grinned as he stepped closer to Jiang Xian, examining him before clicking his tongue. “What a coincidence. Just after our slightly unpleasant exchange in front of Duojin Shanghang that day, my Tian Shang Di Yi Lou was attacked by assassins that very night.”

“Oh?”

Jiang Xian narrowed his eyes slightly and responded casually, though a ripple of unease spread within him.

This Xu Shao was truly bringing up old scores, refusing to let anything go and planning his retaliation later?

“Were those assassins connected to me?” Jiang Xian asked, maintaining a calm demeanor.

“Whether they were or not, I really have no idea.” Xu Shao shrugged dismissively, as if it were nothing, and smiled. “But after those two were captured during the night raid, they couldn't withstand the interrogation. Perhaps they were just trying to frame someone, but they claimed their true identities were from your Jiang clan!”

Jiang Xian remained composed, showing no outward reaction.

In the past, if Xu Shao had addressed him in this manner, he would have confronted him directly.

After all, as fellow ban sheng successors, how could he tolerate such disrespect?

But now!

The scene of Duo Er’s defeat was still vivid in his mind, and the destruction of the Hei Xin Mu Gu remained a fresh memory.

Jiang Xian knew Xu Shao was trying to provoke him into action, and he was determined not to fall for it.

“Instances of framing and slander are all too common. Surely, with your sharp intellect, Xu Shao, you can discern the truth?” Jiang Xian smiled slightly. “Speaking of which, you may act peculiar, but to possess such strength at the zongshi level, you must have put in considerable effort behind the scenes, correct?”

He couldn’t let Xu Shao control the conversation, so he attempted to counterattack.

“Not much effort, really, just a few more naps than most people.”

Xu Shao answered honestly, then redirected the topic. “Doesn’t Jiang Shao want to know what happened to those two assassins who were impersonating members of your Jiang clan?”

Jiang Xian remained as still as a stagnant pond. “As a ban sheng successor, I have enough dangers to contend with. I don’t have the leisure to concern myself with trivial matters... By the way, Xu Shao, why are you so eager to share these minor details with me?”

“This is hardly trivial!”

Xu Shao stated earnestly. “They are slandering you! As fellow ban sheng successors, I feel obligated to teach them a lesson on your behalf.”

Jiang Xian fell silent, his heart suddenly constricting.

Xu Shao flashed a brilliant, toothy grin.

“Those fellows were quite resilient; they survived the interrogation, one dead and one crippled. But whether dead or alive, they confessed everything they should and shouldn’t have.”

“The dead one? I’ve already taken care of the burial for you. Even fallen petals have their charm, and the flowers and plants in the courtyard of my Tian Shang Di Yi Lou could certainly benefit from some high-grade fertilizer like that wangzuo assassin.”

“As for the crippled one…”

Xu Shao leaned in closer, staring directly at Jiang Xian for a moment, as if searching for a trace of hatred on his face.

But he found nothing.

He shrugged indifferently and spread his hands. “The crippled one is still at my Tian Shang Di Yi Lou. If you realize you did send assassins, Jiang Shao, feel free to visit anytime. Pay a small price, and you can take him back.”

Even with his strong composure, Jiang Xian felt a surge of anger at that moment; he wanted to punch that utterly detestable face right in front of him.

This man... not only killed, but also aimed for the heart!

It was as if he was implying that Jiang Xian was too cowardly to admit his actions and would even abandon his own clansmen to save himself.

The two ban sheng successors were conversing, and no one nearby dared to approach.

But whether it was Xu Shao’s group or Jiang Xian’s team, they were all gathered nearby, listening to the subtle jabs and insinuations flying back and forth.

Everyone understood.

The assassins were almost certainly sent by Jiang Xian.

Yet, even when pushed this far, was Jiang Shao too afraid to claim his own people?

“Given it some thought?”

Xu Shao tilted his head, reached back, and Xiao Wanfeng, without missing a beat, handed him a freshly brewed cup of tea.

He took a sip, feeling the fatigue from the battle dissipate with the bitter aroma.

The fighting in Yunlun Mountains was over.

But some accounts outside still needed to be settled.

Xu Shao was no longer the pushover he once was; he had developed a habit of settling grudges.

Being attacked at home was never a pleasant experience, even if he was well-prepared and unafraid.

Solving problems was one thing, but Jiang Xian had sent people to assassinate him and even hinted at kidnapping his junior sister.

How could he possibly let that slide?

He was determined to back Jiang Xian into a corner.

He wanted to see just how far this man could go under pressure.

Either Jiang Xian would admit defeat, pay the price, and retrieve the man from Tian Shang Di Yi Lou.

If he did that, Jiang Xian would also have to publicly acknowledge sending assassins after a ban sheng successor.

That matter could be significant or insignificant.

At the very least, Xu Shao could use it as leverage if he ever revealed the “San Yan Tong Mu” in public, giving himself some maneuvering room.

He could even prolong it from Yunlun Mountains until the trial concluded, potentially dragging the entire Jiang clan into the mess.

Alternatively, Jiang Xian could withstand the pressure and abandon Jiang Tai and Jiang Yu as pawns.

If he chose the latter, Xu Shao would objectively respect him more—after all, achieving great things often required letting go of trivial matters.

But subjectively, Xu Shao would look down on him.

How could someone who abandons their companions—no, their blood relatives—ever achieve true greatness?

From then on, no one around him would be genuinely loyal.

Simply surviving alone would be impressive; avoiding betrayal would signify true capability.

Jiang Xian was keenly aware of his predicament.

With a few words, Xu Shao had forced him onto two paths, both leading to unfavorable outcomes.

He had assumed that after the failed probe of Tian Shang Di Yi Lou, the matter was resolved.

But he never expected Xu Shao to bring it up now to target him.

The remaining few dozen people in his Jiang team were already looking at him differently.

Although everyone knew the Wangcheng Trial was a temporary alliance and Jiang Xian had provided substantial benefits,

Compared to that...

One ban sheng successor had hundreds of ling shi followers in the Xu Bang; the other was ready to abandon even his closest blood kin.

People compare, and it was disheartening.

Goods compare, and they are discarded.

Nothing more to it!

After careful consideration, Jiang Xian couldn't find a third option, just as Xu Shao had predicted.

He looked up with a smile and said in surprise, “Xu Shao, what is the meaning of this? If you intend to come after me, there’s no need to go to such lengths. As I said, framing is common—why resort to such tactics against me?”

The moment he spoke, the Jiang team was utterly demoralized.

Although they suspected Xu Shao's story might be a tactic to sow discord,

His evidence was so compelling, and Jiang Xian was acting so indifferent, not even fighting back when cornered like this.

In choosing the second path, Jiang Xian had already fallen behind Xu Shao in stature, and by more than just a step.

Xu Shao remained silent for a while, staring directly at Jiang Xian.

Jiang Xian met his gaze without flinching.

Finally, Xu Shao laughed.

He reached out, patted Jiang Xian on the shoulder, and leaned in to whisper, “You will remember this day. When you achieve a certain breakthrough in the future, Jiang Tai and Jiang Yu will come for you.”

With that, he chuckled and stepped back.

Only then did Jiang Xian completely lose his composure, his face turning ashen and his fist clenching with a crack.

This was truly aiming for the heart!

It turned out Xu Shao’s words from the beginning were never meant to let him off the hook.

Whether it was the first path or the second, Xu Shao had already planned countless moves ahead. Whatever Jiang Xian chose, Xu Shao would have a counter-strategy.

Now, this was his heart-striking move!

He had elevated Jiang Tai and Jiang Yu to the level of "heart demons," aiming to disrupt Jiang Xian's ling shi path.

Perhaps a truly ruthless person wouldn't be affected by Jiang Tai and Jiang Yu.

But Jiang Xian wasn't that person!

He even needed time to make choices—how could he truly let go and move on?

When it didn't involve him directly, Jiang Xian could remain detached.

But upon realizing this could become a barrier during a future breakthrough, his face immediately fell.

“You!”

“What about me?”

Xu Shao interrupted him sharply, raising a finger and pointing it at Jiang Xian’s forehead, smiling. “Remember, my words always carry weight. Whenever you are ready to admit this, Jiang Xian, prepare a gift, go to Tian Shang Di Yi Lou to apologize, and you can get your man back.”

Instantly, the surrounding crowd erupted.

The Xu Bang members mocked without holding back.

“Oh, so it was true! I thought Jiang Shao was so quick to deny it, assuming those ‘assassins’ were just impostors. Turns out they really were from the Jiang clan?”

“Getting worked up, are we? Look at him—mention heart demons and he completely cracks. His face is so dark... Hey, is that ink on the ground? Who spilled it?”

“He’s panicking! He’s panicking! Fists clenched, ready for a desperate fight!”

“Xu Bang leader is mighty! Xu Bang leader for eternity, uniting the jianghu!”

Thousands of people around joined in with their jeers, one after another.

Their mockery was so polished, the trash talk seamless—it must have come from specialized training!

And it was true.

Back when Mu Bangzhu hadn't been forced to step down, the Xu Bang members would scheme against enemies and then watch as Mu Bangzhu handled them alone, leaving them with nothing to do but jeer like professionals.

Mocking an ordinary ling shi was fun, but nothing beat mocking a ban sheng successor!

The outburst came so suddenly that even Xu Shao was startled by his own group’s enthusiasm.

He glanced in surprise at Mu Zi Xi.

The young girl covered her eyes and turned away, as if to say, “It wasn’t me—they did this on their own.”

The mockery struck at just the right moment!

Jiang Xian was on the verge of losing control and striking out.

Until he felt the lively jian intent from Xu Shao's finger on his forehead, reminding him of the man's fighting strength, Mu Xiao Gong's suspected "Zhi Sheng Ti," and the unseen gui shou host by Xu Shao's side...

Hold back!

Jiang Xian, hold back!

You absolutely cannot jump into this mess!

Whatever humiliation Xu Shao throws at you today, he’ll face even stronger retribution from the Sheng Shen Hall tomorrow!

But only if you don't get dragged in...

Jiang Xian thought to himself, took a deep breath, and regained his composure. “Xu Shao, you certainly know how to manage your subordinates.”

Xu Shao could hear the sarcasm in those words—implying that as a ban sheng successor, he had gathered such a crude bunch. But he didn't mind.

They weren't his recruits anyway.

But the sarcasm... it was working perfectly!

This was exactly how to deal with someone like Jiang Xian!

“Jiang Shao is so magnanimous, able to endure all this?” Xu Shao lowered his finger and glanced at Jiang Xian’s team behind him. “So, if you can abandon your own clan, it shouldn't be a problem for me to ask for an unrelated person, right?”

Jiang Xian was taken aback. “What do you mean by an unrelated person?”

Xu Shao opened the trial map, where the coordinates for the fire yuan stone, space yuan stone, and thunder yuan stone all overlapped.

“The third yuan stone is right here. It couldn't be with my people, so it must be hidden on one of yours.”

“Or perhaps…”

Xu Shao smiled slyly at Jiang Xian, “On you?”

Jiang Xian was stunned.

If he had the thunder yuan stone, why would he wade into this mess?

He should have played it safe and waited as a fisherman to reap the benefits at the end—why charge in from the start?

But when he checked the trial map, the three yuan stones’ coordinates were indeed overlapping.

Jiang Xian turned back in shock to look at his team.

So, there was a traitor among his own people?

Xu Shao saw Jiang Xian's genuine surprise and frowned slightly.

But that didn't stop him from controlling the situation.

He scanned the area and declared, “Come out now. You don’t want me to order the Xu Bang members to search you one by one, do you?”

His words echoed, and the mountain fell silent.

After a moment, from behind Jiang Xian, a petite young girl stepped forward hesitantly, head down.

“Is... is this what you’re looking for?”

Nangong Jin Er held out the yuan stone, not even daring to meet Xu Shao’s eyes.

She had planned to bring the thunder yuan stone here and stir up some trouble.

But she never imagined Yunlun Mountains would have someone like Xu Shao, a force that suppressed everything single-handedly.

Stirring trouble? Even a ban sheng successor like Duo Er had been wiped out—who was she, Nangong Jin Er, to keep stirring?

“Lucky one?”

“Mm-hmm.”

“You’re not with Jiang Xian?”

“Mm-hmm.”

“Then come with me!”

Xu Shao waved his hand, sending the girl behind him, then reached out and grabbed the thunder yuan stone into his palm.

“Delivering a yuan stone from afar—it's the thought that counts.”

“For the rest of the Wangcheng Trial... I’ll protect you!”

Nangong Jin Er looked up blankly at this bold and unrestrained man, feeling a strong sense of security wash over her.

She moved her lips but couldn't form a complete sentence, only nodding shakily.

“Good... good.”