NOVEL WEB Chapter 13: Xiao Ning Return
"Have the Bone Forging Sect or the Crimson Lotus Cult responded yet?"
Wu Li shook his head. "They only offered their condolences—nothing more."
Unlike the Righteous Sect Alliance, the evil factions lacked solidarity and cooperation. Despite relentless attacks from righteous sects, these so-called allies refused to support one another. Instead, each sect acted out of self-interest, leaving them fractured and vulnerable.
Hearing this, Xiao Ning sneered. "Fools. The Evil Alliance has only three Top Nascent Soul Realm Sects remaining. Rather than aiding us, they simply send empty words of sympathy."
The Righteous Alliance was slowly dismantling the evil factions piece by piece. Who knew? Their next target might even be the Shadowclaw Sect itself. Xiao Ning clenched his fists inwardly; he still needed time to recover fully—to reconstruct his nascent soul and stabilize his cultivation. He couldn't afford to let things continue as they were.
"Elder Wu, send a message to all the sects within the evil faction, including the Bone Forging Sect and the Crimson Lotus Cult," Xiao Ning commanded. "Inform them that the Shadowclaw Sect is convening an urgent gathering—an assembly for the survival of our alliance."
Wu Li's expression shifted. "Sect Master, are you certain about this?"
Xiao Ning nodded firmly. "Also, spread the news of my return. Announce that the Shadowclaw Sect will suspend all ongoing operations until further notice."
"What? All ongoing operations?" Elder Zhou blurted out in disbelief.
"And what about the missions we've already accepted payment for?" Elder Qian added skeptically.
Xiao Ning's lips curved into a faint smile. "Return the money."
The three Nascent Soul Realm experts exchanged astonished glances. Never before in the history of the Shadowclaw Sect had such an order been issued.
"You heard the Sect Master," Mie Lin interjected coldly, silencing any objections. "Carry out his orders immediately."
Taking a deep breath, Wu Li bowed and hurried out of the hall.
"Elder Qian," Xiao Ning continued, turning his attention to the elder, "compile a list of all Core Formation Realm cultivators nearing the end of their lifespan. I want it on my desk by tomorrow."
Though confused by the sudden request, Elder Qian nodded and departed without question.
Xiao Ning then reached into his robes, retrieving a jade slip inscribed with intricate runes. With a flick of his wrist, he tossed it toward Elder Zhou.
"Elder Zhou, mobilize every resource at our disposal to acquire these items," Xiao Ning instructed gravely. "I need them as soon as possible."
Recognizing the urgency in his tone, Elder Zhou caught the jade slip and bowed deeply before leaving the hall.
Only Mie Lin remained behind, her gaze fixed intently on Xiao Ning. "What exactly are you planning?" she asked cautiously. "Your first order makes sense given the circumstances, but the others...?"
Xiao Ning chuckled softly. "You don't need to concern yourself with the details just yet. When the time comes, everything will become clear."
Mie Lin frowned slightly. Had it not been for the Dao contract binding her loyalty to him, she would have pressed harder for answers. Still, something about his demeanor unsettled her.
"For now, there's another task I need you to handle personally," Xiao Ning said, breaking the silence.
"Me?" Mie Lin raised an eyebrow in surprise.
He nodded. "Deliver a message to Jiang Chen of the Azure Dragon Sect. Tell him we're willing to reveal who hired us to exterminate his family."
Mie Lin stared at him, stunned. "You can't be serious."
Before Xiao Ning could respond, a handsome middle-aged man appeared in the hall, his face pale and grim.
"Sect Master, there's troubling news," he announced hastily.
Mie Lin's expression darkened. "This had better be important, or you'll regret interrupting us."
The man swallowed nervously but maintained his composure. Bowing low, he spoke. "Our spies within the Azure Dragon Sect have confirmed that Jiang Chen has broken through to the Nascent Soul Realm."
Shock rippled across both Xiao Ning and Mie Lin's faces. Jiang Chen wasn't even a century old—a mere child compared to most cultivators. To achieve such a feat at his age was unheard of.
"A Five-Colored Nascent Soul," the messenger added, his voice trembling. "That's why I dared to disturb you, Sect Master."
A wave of unease washed over Mie Lin. "A Five-Colored Nascent Soul?! That's… impossible! Are you absolutely sure?"
Even Xiao Ning, who prided himself on his unshakable composure, felt a chill run down his spine. A Five-Colored Nascent Soul represented a level of talent bordering on the mythical. Such individuals often ascended to unimaginable heights, standing toe-to-toe with divine beings themselves. Jiang Chen had just become infinitely more dangerous.
Masking his apprehension behind a mask of indifference, Xiao Ning waved dismissively. "Talent alone doesn't guarantee survival, especially in this world. Inform our spies to redouble their efforts. I want to know his every move."
The messenger bowed deeply, sweat trickling down his brow. "As you command, Sect Master." In a flash, he vanished from the hall.
Mie Lin turned to Xiao Ning, her voice tinged with worry. "A Five-Colored Nascent Soul… Forget the Righteous Alliance. If left unchecked, this boy could single-handedly threaten the Shadowclaw Sect."
Xiao Ning rose from his seat, a faint, enigmatic smile playing on his lips. "A threat? Perhaps. But also an opportunity." He strode toward the grand window, gazing out at the jagged peaks surrounding the sect.
"Jiang Chen's rise was inevitable, Five-Colored Nascent Soul or not. He seeks vengeance, and we… we will give him what he wants."
"Do as I instructed earlier," he continued, his voice firm. "His breakthrough changes nothing. Our plans remain unchanged."
Mie Lin studied him closely, searching for signs of doubt. To her astonishment, Xiao Ning seemed unfazed by the news.
"Besides," he added, his eyes glinting coldly, "we aren't the only ones who should fear him. Send a letter to that person. Tell them we intend to assassinate Jiang Chen once again before he becomes an even greater threat. Arrange the meeting to take place in Sound Soul Valley."
"Meeting?" Mie Lin echoed, perplexed. "What meeting?"