In the morning hours, two swift steeds galloped out from Zhenwu Academy.
The riders were none other than Wei Yi and Uncle Wu.
The distance between the Wei family's home in Jinling City and Zhenwu Academy was not particularly long; with fast horses, half a day's journey sufficed.
Given the current state of affairs in the Wei family, Wei Yi knew he had to hurry back. If he waited until everything had settled, it would be too late to make his move.
Although his father, Wei Tianyang, was the head of the Wei family and held immense power, the three great elders also wielded considerable influence.
In Wei Yi's eyes, the current situation seemed to be a conspiracy orchestrated by the three elders to wrest the position of heir from him.
Naturally, Wei Yi would not allow them that opportunity.
Though he cared little for the title, he would willingly offer it up, but he would not allow it to be taken from him by force.
"Hmph, I'm curious to see what gives these men the right to snatch the heirship from me."
"If they still think I'm the same Wei Yi as before, they will be sorely disappointed."
A cold smile curled on Wei Yi's lips as he urged his horse faster with a flick of the whip.
Uncle Wu followed closely behind, his heart swelling with pride.
It had been over a year since he last saw his young master, and the change in Wei Yi was apparent. Not only had his cultivation grown stronger, but his entire demeanor had shifted. He now radiated a newfound confidence and determination. To Uncle Wu's eyes, he seemed to possess an air that closely resembled that of the master.
"Perhaps, the young master has truly grown up," he murmured to himself, filled with quiet satisfaction.
As they continued on their way, their horses galloping across the landscape, an hour passed before they reached a desolate mountain range. Suddenly, a flock of wild birds took flight from the forest, startling Wei Yi's heart.
Danger!
"Uncle Wu, be careful!" Wei Yi shouted just as six figures clad in black leapt out from the bushes on either side of the road, their swords drawn. Without regard for Uncle Wu behind them, they all focused their deadly intent on Wei Yi.
"Young Master..." Uncle Wu could tell at once that they were under a premeditated ambush. His face changed drastically in an instant.
"Die!"
The six assailants, all Martial Masters, surged their internal energy into their swords, launching six terrifying sword qi that formed an inescapable net around Wei Yi. There was no room for escape.
Wei Yi, still mounted, found his movements severely restricted and could not evade the attack.
"Seeking death!"
His eyes flashed coldly, filled with a murderous intent. In the blink of an eye, the Qinggang Sword appeared in his hand. Without hesitation, he unleashed the ultimate move of his Storm Sword Technique. With his Sixth Rank Martial Master cultivation and a level 10 mastery of his technique, he conjured a dazzling array of sword beams that flashed with radiant light, effortlessly withstanding the six deadly sword strikes.
Boom!
Though Wei Yi could withstand the attack, his horse could not.
After galloping for over an hour, the beast collapsed under the immense pressure, throwing Wei Yi off its back.
Just then, the ground rumbled as a dozen burly men roared out from the forest, each one ferocious and brimming with murderous intent. Their faces twisted in anger, and their aura screamed of ruthless outlaws. They surged forward, surrounding Wei Yi once more.
However, instead of panic, Wei Yi felt a flicker of relief.
Now that he was on solid ground, he had the freedom to move and strategize. He could fight back.
Activating his Black Water Body Technique, Wei Yi flowed through the battlefield like water, deftly dodging his attackers. In a flash, he scooped up Uncle Wu, retreating swiftly, and the two of them were several yards away from the encircling killers.
"Who are you?" Wei Yi placed Uncle Wu down and coldly confronted the attackers.
Over twenty of them, all Martial Masters.
The six men who had attacked first were clearly of a higher rank, possibly Eight or Nine Rank Martial Masters—strong enough to rival instructors from Zhenwu Academy's first and second years. Such an imposing force was no small matter; they would easily overwhelm even an average Grand Martial Master, let alone a mere Martial Master like Wei Yi.
Clearly, the forces behind these men did not intend to leave him any chance of survival.
"Boy, how do you know the Black Water Body Technique?" The leader of the black-clad figures asked in a hoarse voice, his gaze tinged with disbelief.
Wei Yi's heart stirred as a realization struck. He smiled coldly. "So, you're Black Water Bandits..."
The moment those words left his mouth, the leader's face turned pale.
He had not expected that such a simple question would lead Wei Yi to deduce their identity.
"Seems I was right. You truly are Black Water Bandits."
"You must also know my identity," Wei Yi continued, his voice growing cold. "Aren't you afraid of retaliation from my father or the Wei family?"
"Tell me, who sent you? I can offer you double the reward..."
Wei Yi did not hesitate to make a generous offer.
Although he had already killed a few of the Black Water Bandits' underlings, he knew that such a force would not be sent just for a few minor pawns. There had to be someone else pulling the strings behind the scenes.
"Enough chatter! Attack!"
"Kill them both and our mission will be complete!"
Another black-clad figure, his murderous intent palpable, roared. Without waiting for a reply, he was the first to charge at Wei Yi.
The others followed suit, rushing toward him with fury in their eyes.
"Young Master, I'll hold them off, you escape!"
Before Wei Yi could speak, Uncle Wu stepped forward, blocking his path.
Although Uncle Wu was a Ninth Rank Martial Master, age and frailty had worn him down, and he could no longer handle such a dire situation. It was clear he was prepared to sacrifice himself to buy Wei Yi a chance to escape, no matter how slim that chance might be.
Wei Yi's heart surged with emotion.
"Uncle Wu, retreat! Leave this to me."
As he spoke, Wei Yi unleashed his bloodline power. Faced with such a large group of Martial Masters, he had no other choice.
The moment his bloodline power surged, Wei Yi's strength skyrocketed. From a Sixth Rank Martial Master, he instantly reached the pinnacle of the Martial Master realm, his power surging beyond that threshold.
With the wind at his back, Wei Yi spun, positioning himself in front of Uncle Wu. His Qinggang Sword flashed, and a curtain of sword light swept out, its power utterly terrifying.
Before the first five or six men could even react, they were sent flying, crashing backward.
But that was only the beginning.
Wei Yi advanced three steps.
His Storm Sword Technique now erupted like a violent tempest. The blinding, frenzied sword light struck with such intensity that it was impossible to look at. The front line of enemies, still caught off guard, felt a sudden chill in their throats. Instinctively, they clutched their necks as they collapsed, one after another.
Witnessing this, even the ruthless, battle-hardened outlaws could not suppress their shock, their eyes wide with disbelief.
Wei Yi's expression remained cold as he walked forward, while the attackers retreated in fear.