Chapter 49 – Betrayal Upon Betrayal

"So it really was the Ye Clan. In that case, tell your master this—when the Hong Clan returns, we'll repay this a hundredfold!"

The maid in green next to Bai Xue suddenly stepped forward and barked at the man in black, puffing herself up with the prestige of her mistress.

"Xiao Huan, be quiet!" Bai Xue frowned. It's fine to think such things, but how could she just blurt it out like that? Isn't this just painting a target on them?

"First, give me the instructions on how to use it," the man in black spoke in a muffled but menacing tone. His aura was suffocating—as if he'd attack immediately if she didn't comply.

"I'll give it to you. But I hope you'll keep your word." Bai Xue took out a paper covered in writing from the pouch at her waist and tossed it to him.

"Go, bring down the boxes." The man in black glanced at the sheet, then ordered his men.

"Yes, sir!" Nine men quickly dismounted, each grabbing a box—just enough for everyone.

"Now, kill everyone except these two women." The man's tone turned cold as he issued his next command.

"What, are you going back on your word?" Bai Xue's brows tightened, her expression livid.

"Haha! Not only am I going back on my word—I'll rape and kill you both, then do it all over again!" The man laughed maniacally, slashing a finger across his throat in a threatening gesture.

But before Li Chang'an could move, Bai Xue suddenly smiled—a beautiful, enchanting smile.

"Hahaha… Did you Ye dogs really think I didn't have a trump card?" As her voice fell, a guard who had always seemed ordinary suddenly stepped forward. With every step, his soul power surged more intensely.

'Spirit Sage! No wonder I couldn't sense him earlier!'

Li Chang'an stared at the man who had pretended to be a common guard. Then he looked at Bai Xue again and mentally slapped another label on her: scheming witch.

This woman... really knows how to play her cards.

At the Spirit Sage level, a spirit master had already stepped into the realm of high-level masters. Their control over soul power was precise. It made sense that Li Chang'an hadn't noticed.

"Young Madam!" the Spirit Sage approached Bai Xue and bowed respectfully.

"Elder Yan, kill them all," Bai Xue said seductively, but her tone carried lethal intent.

"Yes, ma'am."

Behind Elder Yan, two yellow, two purple, and three black soul rings floated up—a perfect soul ring combination. Then his entire figure shot forward like a green meteor, slamming into the group of black-clad attackers.

The gap between a Spirit Sage and Spirit king was one that sheer numbers couldn't overcome. With Elder Yan's optimal ring configuration and beast martial soul, the enemy stood no chance. In mere moments, they were reduced to corpses.

"Young Madam, it's done," Elder Yan returned to Bai Xue's side without emotion, reporting calmly.

"Good work, Elder Yan. Let's clean up and move out," Bai Xue said with a lift of her chin.

"Wait!"

Suddenly, a sharp voice rang out. Xiao Huan stepped forward, eyes gleaming as she smiled at Bai Xue.

"Elder Yan, I order you to restrain this slut Bai Xue right now! We'll use this opportunity to frame the Ye family and fulfill the Second Madam's mission!"

"What… You…!" Bai Xue's eyes widened in shock. She had never imagined her most trusted people—her guard and her maid—were actually working for the Second Madam!

No wonder. No wonder Xiao Huan provoked them earlier. She had planned to flip the table all along!

But it was already too late. Elder Yan took one quick step and stood coldly in front of Bai Xue.

"Wait!"

Another shout echoed.

This time, it was the simple, honest-looking man named Shou who spoke.

"You have a death wish?" Xiao Huan sneered at him. Just a three-ring spirit Master—what can he do?

"Heh… To be honest with you all, I'm actually from the Second Master's faction. I've already poisoned your lunch earlier today. It's a poison that even works on Soul Sages. So I suggest you all behave," Shou said, a silly grin spreading across his face.

Today's coup had gone off perfectly.

Now, the Second Master could report that the main and second branches of the family were locked in deadly conflict and unfit to manage the clan guild. He could then take control smoothly.

"Hahaha! You're probably feeling weak right about now, yeah? Dizzy, too? Good! You're all going to die today! Oh, and let me formally introduce myself: I'm Shou Tao!"

"Wait a second!"

"Shou Tao! What a name, Shou Tao!" Li Chang'an finally clapped after watching the entire show unfold.

"Bravo. Absolutely brilliant. So many plot twists today, I can hardly keep up. But I must say—it's been eye-opening."

"You… You ate the lunch I made! How are you not poisoned?" Shou Tao was dumbfounded. Li Chang'an didn't show even a hint of weakness. How is this possible?

"My poison affects 99% of spirit masters! Why are you the exception?"

"Heh, what if I said I'm just lucky enough to be that 1%? Would you believe me?" Li Chang'an said helplessly. 'Sometimes, I don't even understand my luck…'

"Hmph! Lucky or not, I'll still kill you! I'm a Spirit Elder!" Hui Shou growled, his expression turning vicious.

As he spoke, three soul rings appeared around him—white, yellow, and purple. His body grew covered in yellow fur, and his hands turned into fierce tiger claws.

"Die!!" Shou Tao lunged, channeling his strength through his limbs like a starving tiger pouncing on its prey.

Li Chang'an shook his head. "Fine. I'll let you contribute a few points before you die."

As he raised his right hand, a heavy, black ancient-looking axe appeared in his palm. Its dark blade emanated an intense sense of sharpness, though it gleamed with no special effects.

At the same time, four soul rings emerged behind him—one purple, three black. The fourth ring was the darkest of them all, even tinged with blood-red.

"S-Spirit Ancestor? How… How is that possible?!" Shou Tao froze midair, stunned. 'He's so young… and that ring combination… that's insane!'

[Shou Tao—Points +8]

[Bai Xue—…]

"All right, it's time for you to go." After gathering a small pile of points, Li Chang'an swung his axe lazily.

There was no soul power ripple. No flashy lights. And yet, Shou Tao died instantly—killed in a single blow.

"You… You're amazing!"

A fiery-red figure dove into Li Chang'an's arms, her hot body clinging to him as she murmured softly.

Li Chang'an: 'What exactly did I do that was so amazing?'

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T/N:

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