Chapter 80: The Four Great Guardians of the Nie Family

In the dead of night, a profound silence enveloped the quarters where Master Ye rested. Hao Hu had already issued strict orders that none should disturb the master, so there was scarcely a soul near Ye’s room, save for a few guards stationed just beyond the courtyard.

Several shadows swept across the rooftops, descending quietly before Ye’s chamber and slipping inside with stealthy steps. From their movements, it was clear they were top experts from Pingyang City; the perimeter guards were utterly unaware that intruders had breached the premises.

Once inside, the black-clad figures advanced directly to the bedside. The leading figure drew a sword in an instant and drove it fiercely into the quilted coverlet, aiming for the spot where a heart would lie—a strike meant to kill.

A crisp clang rang out as the assassin’s blade was blocked, sword energy shattering the wooden bed.

“What?!” The masked man’s expression changed, for the person lying in bed was not Master Ye.

“Ha! Bet you didn’t expect me!” Wu Tian suddenly threw off the quilt, laughing heartily at the intruders.

Indeed, it was Wu Tian in Ye’s bed. He had wrapped himself tightly in the covers, and the assassins had failed to notice the deception. This ruse had been devised by Wu Tian and Elder Hao Hu: they deliberately leaked news that Master Ye had survived, anticipating another attempt on his life. Though they knew the assassins were from the Nie clan, capturing them red-handed would be ideal. Thus, Ye was quietly relocated, and Wu Tian posed as the master.

“Wu Tian!” The masked men were visibly stunned.

“Nie Yuntian, drop the act! I know you’re hiding behind that black mask. Since you’ve come tonight, you won’t be leaving alive!” Wu Tian pointed at the foremost assassin and shouted.

“A mere disciple of Qi Tian Sect dares to act so arrogant? You overestimate yourself!” Nie Yuntian sneered, thrusting his sword ferociously at Wu Tian.

A sharp surge of sword energy blasted forth, piercing straight through the wall.

As Wu Tian dodged, the black-clad men leaped onto the rooftop and fled swiftly. Their attempt on Master Ye had failed, and they dared not linger; this was Qi Tian Sect territory—every moment spent here increased their peril.

“Catch the assassins! Surround them!”

At that moment, Hao Hu led a group of elders and elite disciples, suddenly appearing to encircle the intruders. The black-clad men formed a strike formation and charged in a single direction.

A thunderous roar echoed.

In an instant, sword energy swept across the rooftops, tiles flying everywhere. Weaker disciples were flung aside, and only Hao Hu and his fellow elders could withstand the assault. Clearly, Nie Yuntian and his companions were among the Nie clan’s most formidable elites.

“We’ll cover the retreat!” Several of the masked men called out to Nie Yuntian. As soon as their words fell, they scattered; Nie Yuntian wasted no time, his figure vanishing like a shadow.

Hao Hu’s face darkened. “Trying to escape? Not so easily!”

“Form up!” Four masked men instantly arranged themselves into a triangular formation, unleashing a surge of immense sword energy toward Hao Hu.

Hao Hu and the pursuing elders had no choice but to dodge. The tremendous force struck the roof, causing walls to collapse. In the brief moment lost, Nie Yuntian had already fled far; pursuing him now was futile.

“Damn it! He got away! We’ll have to settle for capturing these others.” Hao Hu cursed furiously.

The four masked men had no intention of lingering. Once Nie Yuntian was safely away, they too attempted to retreat. But by now, the sect elders and elite disciples had them surrounded; escape was no longer possible.

“If we can’t get out, we’ll take down as many Qi Tian Sect members as we can. Killing another is a gain!” The assassins’ eyes glinted coldly as they channeled powerful true energy through their swords, slashing at the disciples.

A thunderous roar resounded.

Screams rang out in succession as many disciples fell, and even the elders could barely hold their ground.

“What astonishing cultivation! If I’m not mistaken, these men have reached the fifth rank of Martial Spirit!” Hao Hu stared at them in awe and then addressed the disciples: “All Qi Tian Sect disciples, withdraw—you’re no match for them. Leave these assassins to the elders!”

Immediately, the disciples retreated, leaving only a dozen elders atop the rooftop.

“Brothers, if I’m not mistaken, these four are the Nie clan’s Four Guardians—second only to the patriarch, they are the clan’s strongest force. Be careful!” one elder shouted.

“It’s said each of the Four Guardians surpasses the fifth rank of Martial Spirit. Seeing them today, it’s clearly true!” another replied.

“The Nie clan seeks to destroy our master. Qi Tian Sect will never allow it!”

“Hmph! You think you can stop us? You’re courting death!” The four masked men snorted, charging at the elders and unleashing fierce sword energy.

“Not good, dodge!” Even the elders, facing such overwhelming power from these top-tier experts, could only evade the attacks.

Thunder crashed. The speed of the assault was so great that the sword energy forced the elders back, some coughing blood from the shock.

Below, the disciples’ faces were filled with worry. They longed to help, but the elders had forbidden it, knowing their cultivation was too weak—they would only become cannon fodder.

“So this is Qi Tian Sect’s strength? Hmph, pathetic!” The assassins looked on with disdain.

“That’s because the elders disdain wasting their full power on you. To deal with such trash, I alone am sufficient!” At that moment, Wu Tian landed lightly on the rooftop, sneering at the four masked men.

“Wu Tian! What are you doing up here? This isn’t your fight—stand down!” Hao Hu’s expression changed. He knew Wu Tian was formidable, but these opponents were all above the fifth rank of Martial Spirit, and even the elder council struggled. How could he let Wu Tian take the risk?

“Elder Hao, Master Ye has shown me kindness. Those who seek his death are enemies of mine. I won’t rest until I see them fall!” Wu Tian stared coldly at the assassins.

“But they’re the Nie clan’s strongest force. You’re no match for them!” Hao Hu pleaded.

“Is that so? I’d like to see for myself the so-called might of the Nie clan!” Wu Tian rolled his neck, limbering up.

“Arrogant brat! I alone could crush you to dust. If you’re so eager to die, I’ll oblige!” One of the masked men, enraged by Wu Tian’s words, gripped his sword and leaped forward.

“Just as I hoped!” Wu Tian jumped up to meet him head-on.

ps: Begging for recommendation votes—thank you, brothers!