Chapter 64: Taming

Xu Gan, Xu Wen, and Xu Tianxiao were dismayed when the Plum Blossom Gang refused their demands and quickly chose a new Gang Leader. However, they did not dare to act too rashly. On one hand, they were all members of the same clan, and the clan elders might not tolerate their reckless actions. On the other hand, even though Xu Dongxue had died, the Plum Blossom Gang still had over two hundred members and remained a formidable force.

Additionally, if their gang alone fought the Plum Blossom Gang, it would create an opportunity for the other two gangs. Once they and the Plum Blossom Gang weakened each other, their own gang would likely be swallowed by the other two. None of them wanted that outcome, so the situation reached a stalemate.

Then, at some point, a rumor began to spread. It was said that the clan’s newly emerged spiritual leader, Xu Ziyan, had taken an interest in the Plum Blossom Gang. Xu Ziyan supposedly declared that if the Plum Blossom Gang knew what was good for them, they would submit to her willingly. But if they dared to resist, she would cripple every single disciple in the gang.

This rumor infuriated everyone in the Plum Blossom Gang. How could a new disciple dare to make such arrogant claims? They thought, “We might not be able to stand up to the three Senior Disciples’ gangs, but are we supposed to fear a mere new disciple?”

So, Xu Huniu led the Plum Blossom Gang disciples to confront Xu Ziyan. Xu Huniu was always straightforward and acted without careful thought. Upon hearing the rumor, she rushed over impulsively, and the other disciples had no choice but to follow.

To everyone’s surprise, Xu Ziyan, the new disciple, defeated them all. She single-handedly took down hundreds of them, including their Gang Leader, who was at the First Layer of Houtian, in just a few dozen breaths.

After hearing Xu Hualing’s account, Xu Ziyan grew very angry. Her experience far surpassed those around her, and she quickly pieced together what had happened. It was clear that the Brave Gang, the Splendid Gang, and the Lingtian Gang had orchestrated this.

These gangs were fighting for their own interests but had dragged Xu Ziyan into their conflict, which infuriated her. With a stern face, she walked slowly to Xu Huniu, unsealed her acupoints, and helped her up from the ground. She said firmly,

“Huniu, I had no grudge against Gang Leader Xu Dongxue while she was alive. We are all members of the Xu Clan and fellow Outer Hall Disciples. Gang Leader Xu Dongxue died for the clan, which is an honor for our entire Outer Hall. As an Outer Hall Disciple, I should have paid my respects earlier. I was busy with my Closed-Door Cultivation, and that was my oversight. Now, I will lead all the New Disciples to mourn Gang Leader Xu Dongxue.”

Accompanied by Xu Huniu and Xu Hualing, Xu Ziyan headed toward the Plum Blossom Gang’s base. Scouts from the Brave Gang, Splendid Gang, and Lingtian Gang had already reported everything that happened.

Soon, Xu Ziyan and the others arrived at Xu Dongxue’s Spirit Hall. Xu Ziyan and over twenty New Disciples paid their respects, and many Plum Blossom Gang disciples broke down in tears.

Unable to bear the sorrowful atmosphere, Xu Ziyan burned some paper offerings before Xu Dongxue’s spirit and then left the Spirit Hall. After saying goodbye to Xu Huniu, she turned to leave. But suddenly, Xu Huniu called out softly from behind,

“Ziyan… Senior Sister!”

Xu Ziyan turned and looked at Xu Huniu, saying gently, “Huniu, just call me Ziyan. I’m younger than you.”

Xu Huniu looked at Xu Ziyan, her eyes filled with gratitude and guilt. She lowered her head slightly and said quietly,

“Ziyan, adversity reveals true friendship. Our Plum Blossom Gang thanks you!” After saying this, she bowed deeply to Xu Ziyan.

Xu Ziyan quickly stepped forward and stopped her, saying, “Huniu, you’re being too formal. We both belong to the Xu Clan and are like sisters. Since it was a misunderstanding, let’s just put it behind us. Besides, neither of us was harmed. There’s no need for such a grand gesture.”

Xu Huniu straightened up and smiled bitterly. “Ziyan, I won’t pretend anymore. The Plum Blossom Gang is now being targeted, and I’m not a worthy Gang Leader. My Cultivation Level isn’t enough to protect the gang. Most of our disciples are women, and I don’t know what will happen in the future.”

Her voice choked, and two streams of tears flowed down her cheeks. She sighed sorrowfully, “Are we women destined to suffer so much?”

Xu Ziyan fell silent, unsure how to answer Xu Huniu’s question. Since coming to this world, she had learned that it traditionally did not prioritize men over women; strength was what mattered. However, women seemed to lag in Cultivation, gradually putting them at a disadvantage.

Xu Ziyan’s silence made Xu Huniu’s heart sink. She had followed Xu Ziyan hoping to ask her to join the Plum Blossom Gang, even offering her the position of Gang Leader. But Xu Ziyan’s silence disappointed her, and she laughed at herself inwardly,

“With Xu Ziyan’s superior Cultivation Level and the loyalty of the New Disciples, if she wanted to start a gang, she would have done so long ago. Why would she wait to join ours now?”

A bitter smile appeared on Xu Huniu’s lips. “After Gang Leader Dongxue died in battle, Xu Hualing suggested we invite you to be our Gang Leader. But at that time, I refused because you were only at the Tenth Layer of Houtian and couldn’t protect our disciples. I never expected you to break through to the Eleventh Layer of Houtian in just a few days and defeat me so easily.”

Xu Ziyan comforted her, “Huniu, you did nothing wrong! Your decision was for the good of the Plum Blossom Gang. Let the past be past; what matters is now!”

Xu Huniu looked up slightly into Xu Ziyan’s gentle eyes, and her heart stirred.

“She said, ‘Let the past be past; what matters is now!’ Is Xu Ziyan hinting at something? Is she waiting for me to invite her to be the Gang Leader of the Plum Blossom Gang?”

Xu Huniu’s face flushed, and hope surged within her again. She grew nervous and stammered,

“Do you mean… you don’t blame me for leading the attack on you?”