Meng Hao looked at Qian Fengyuan's charred body, his heart heavy as a mountain. His sacrifice was not only to buy time but also to expose the deeper conspiracy of Youmingfu.
"The Forbidden Gate..." Meng Hao murmured, the term swirling in his mind like a spell, bringing an unprecedented sense of crisis. He took a deep breath, suppressing his grief, and cast his gaze over the barely conscious Ju Mu.
Now was not the time for sorrow; he had to use Ju Mu to gather more intelligence about Youmingfu and then unite various factions to combat this evil force capable of overturning the entire martial world.
The setting sun bathed the Kongtong Sect's base in a blood-red hue, the atmosphere tense as if it could erupt at any moment. The flames lit up the sky and painted the faces of everyone present in crimson.
Meng Hao stood tall at the front, his posture straight and his gaze sharp as an eagle. He surveyed the remnants from Kongtong Sect, the Iron Hammer Sect's survivors, and several representatives from Xuan Heng Sect, all gathered together.
The alliance meeting was a spur-of-the-moment decision aimed at uniting all possible forces to resist the shadow of Youmingfu.
"Everyone must already be aware of Youmingfu's wolfish ambitions," Meng Hao's voice resonated powerfully in the silent conference hall. "They are not only targeting Kongtong Sect but also attempting to seize control of the Seven Divine Weapons and open the so-called 'Forbidden Gate' to overturn the entire martial world!"
His words struck with gravity but did not immediately elicit a warm response. Bai Yunzi sat in the first seat on the left, his white beard flowing as he scrutinized Meng Hao with sharp eyes. On the surface, he appeared to be listening, but he was secretly observing Meng Hao's every move, assessing what capabilities this young woodcutter possessed to unite such a disparate array of sects.
The representatives from Xuan Heng Sect wore expressions of disdain; they were already skeptical of this suddenly rising figure and now felt that this alliance meeting was merely a desperate struggle.
They exchanged glances, each calculating how to profit from this chaotic situation rather than genuinely seeking an alliance.
At that moment, Steel King abruptly stood up, his robust frame resembling an iron tower. His voice carried an unabashed arrogance: "Meng Hao! While you may have some tricks up your sleeve, thinking you can make us of Iron Hammer Sect bow down with just a few words is rather naive!"
He scanned the crowd with contempt for his allies: "You weaklings, what makes you think you can fight alongside Iron Hammer Sect?!"
With those words, chaos erupted in the conference hall. The disciples of Kongtong Sect glared angrily, while representatives from Xuan Heng Sect wore grim expressions.
"Steel King! What do you mean by that?!" an elder from Kongtong Sect couldn't help but shout in anger.
Steel King sneered, his eyes ablaze with battle intent: "What I mean is simple—only those strong enough have the right to speak! Meng Hao, if you truly have the ability to lead us, then show us your true skills!"
His remarks were undoubtedly a blatant provocation, instantly escalating the conflict to its peak.
Meng Hao's gaze sharpened slightly; he knew that the Steel King was pressuring him to take a stand while also testing his strength.
Just as the atmosphere became tense, a graceful figure stepped forward. Li Yunyan moved with elegance, her black gown accentuating her alluring curves. A charming smile graced her lips, and her eyes sparkled like autumn waters, yet there was a hint of something enigmatic within them.
She spoke softly, "Steel King Sect Leader, your words are misguided. The alliance meeting is about unity and cooperation, not mere competition."
Her voice was enchanting, carrying a unique charm that calmed the previously agitated crowd.
Li Yunyan glided to Meng Hao's side, leaning slightly as her delicate hand rested on his arm. The soft touch made his heart skip a beat. She leaned closer to his ear, her breath fragrant like orchids. "Meng Lang, if you are willing to listen to me, Yunyan can offer you more... greater power, enough for you to dominate the martial world."
Her voice dripped with temptation, infused with an alluring force that suggested that with just a nod from Meng Hao, the entire world could be laid at his feet.
A shiver ran through Meng Hao; the seductive power emanating from Li Yunyan coursed through him like electricity. However, he quickly regained his composure.
He glanced at Li Yunyan's infinitely tempting eyes, feeling no infatuation—only vigilance. He understood her true nature; this woman’s thirst for power surpassed even his own. Her words seemed enticing but were laced with hidden thorns.
"Miss Li, I appreciate your kindness," Meng Hao replied coolly, gently avoiding her touch. "The matters of the alliance concern the survival of the martial world; we must prioritize the bigger picture."
Li Yunyan's smile faltered slightly, and a barely perceptible glint of malice flickered in her eyes. She hadn’t expected Meng Hao to be so “unromantic,” nor did she anticipate that he could resist her allure.
At that moment, an indescribable sense of crisis suddenly washed over them. Outside the conference hall, several dark figures appeared like phantoms, and a pungent smell of blood filled the air.
"Assassins from Youmingfu!" someone shouted in terror.
Hundreds of shadowy figures surged from all directions, their movements swift and their weapons glinting ominously as they charged toward the hall.
The ambush from Youmingfu was alarmingly quick and precise! They clearly aimed to take advantage of the alliance meeting to eliminate all martial elites in one fell swoop!
"This is bad! It's an ambush!" Bai Yunzi exclaimed, his face paling as he sprang to his feet, readying his Seven Injuries Fist.
The Steel King roared in anger as a massive iron hammer materialized in his hand with a deafening crash.
But there were too many assassins from Youmingfu, and they coordinated seamlessly. They rushed into the conference hall at lightning speed, swiftly surrounding everyone within.
The sharp blades and poisoned hidden weapons poured down like a torrential rain. The representatives of the Xuan Heng Sect were caught off guard, instantly overwhelmed by the assassins' attacks, unable to even let out a scream.
Meng Hao's eyes narrowed sharply. He stepped forward, and the Heavenly Axe in his hand erupted with blinding golden light. "There is no retreat; this is utterly outrageous!" he roared, swinging the Heavenly Axe fiercely. A Golden Shield expanded around him in an instant.
This was the power of the Qingtong Arm. Although it was only in its initial stage, at this critical moment, it acted like an impenetrable wall, blocking all the assassins' attacks.
Clang! Clang! Countless blades and hidden weapons struck against the shield, producing crisp sounds, yet they could not shake it even slightly. Meng Hao's shield not only protected himself but also shielded Bai Yunzi, Steel King, and even Li Yunyan within its embrace.
Everyone stared in shock at this scene; Meng Hao's Mountain Splitter Shield was astonishingly powerful! This strength far exceeded their expectations!
The assassins were also taken aback; they had not anticipated that Meng Hao possessed such formidable defensive capabilities. Seizing the moment of their surprise, a cold glint flashed in Meng Hao's eyes.
"Counterattack!" he shouted furiously. The Heavenly Axe in his hand trembled violently, unleashing a surge of rebound force. The blades and hidden weapons that had been blocked by the shield suddenly rebounded, shooting back like a tide towards the Youmingfu assassins!
Caught off guard, many of the assassins were struck by their own projectiles, collapsing to the ground with cries of agony. This scene unfolded like a miracle before everyone's eyes.
The alliance, which had been on the brink of despair, instantly turned the tide with Meng Hao's strike! Morale was ignited at that moment!
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