Gou Zai Fei Men made up myths

Upon hearing this, the remaining dozen or so Blood Blade Sect cultivators immediately tried to gather together, attempting to form a strange blade formation radiating blood-red light.

"Want to form an array? Did you even ask your Grandpa Bear?!" Xiong Meng roared, slamming his massive shield into the ground! "Earthquake Wave!"

A powerful shockwave emanated from him, causing the Blood Blade Sect cultivators who were forming a battle formation to stagger and fall into disarray!

"Good opportunity! Kill!" A glint flashed in Sun Hao's eyes. He became one with his sword, transforming into a streak of light that instantly pierced the throats of two Blood Blade Sect cultivators who were trying to regain their footing!

Taking advantage of the opportunity, the disciples of the Battle Hall launched a fierce attack, their swords raining down like raindrops! The Blood Blade Sect cultivators completely collapsed, scattering and screaming in despair.

"Trying to run? Stay here!" Shi Tie laughed loudly upon seeing this, his fists becoming even more ferocious. One punch shook away the Ghost Head Saber, while the other punch, like a poisonous dragon emerging from its cave, slammed fiercely into the chest of the Scarface Master!

"puff!"

Scarface Master hastily parried with his blade, but the terrifying force caused his internal organs to shift, spitting out a mouthful of blood. He was sent flying backward, crashing heavily into the mountainside, and the ghost-headed broadsword in his hand flew out of his grasp.

"Master!" Several trusted confidants still wanted to come to the rescue.

"Get lost!" Shi Tie kicked a boulder, smashing several men and breaking their bones. He strode forward, stomping on the chest of Scarface, who was trying to get up, and sneered, "Is this all the skill you have? You dare to try and rob your Grandpa Shi's mine?"

Scarface, the leader of the incense shop, was ashen-faced, his eyes filled with terror: "You...who exactly are you people? Ordinary rogue cultivators would never possess such strength and battle formation!"

Shi Tie chuckled, leaned close to his ear, and whispered, his voice carrying a chilling killing intent: "Listen carefully, I am Shi Gandang, the chieftain of 'Black Stone Village'! This mine is mine!"

"Go back and tell your sect leader that this southwest corner of the territory now belongs to Black Stone Village and Shadow Moon Valley! If they dare to lay a finger on us again, I'll chop them all up! Get lost!"

Having said that, he kicked him away. Scarface, feeling as if he had been granted a pardon, scrambled to his feet and, with a few remaining soldiers, fled in a sorry state into the mountains.

"Hahaha! That was exhilarating!" Shi Tie laughed loudly as he looked at the mess and the prisoners scattered on the ground. The first battle was a resounding success, not only saving the mine but also establishing their prestige.

The news quickly reached Qingyun Mountain through secret channels. Inside the sect leader's hall, Shen Mo looked at the battle report, a smile appearing on his face. Shi Tie had fought a brilliant battle, demonstrating his strength without revealing his true nature.

However, the trouble was far from over. Having suffered such a significant loss, how could the Blood Blade Sect possibly let it go so easily?

Several days later, an even stronger aura descended upon the outskirts of the copper mine. The Blood Blade Sect Master, the "Blood Blade Ancestor," had arrived in person!

The immense pressure from the late Foundation Establishment stage was like a raging sea of ​​blood, engulfing the entire mine and making it difficult for all the disciples of the Battle Hall to breathe.

"Black Stone Chieftain! Get out here!" The Blood Blade Ancestor's voice was icy cold, filled with boundless rage. Behind him followed dozens of elite disciples, their killing intent palpable.

Shi Tie's expression was grave, but he did not back down. He led Sun Hao, Xiong Meng, and others to meet them. The two sides faced off, and the atmosphere was tense.

Just as a great battle was about to break out, a calm yet clear voice seemed to pierce through space, resounding in everyone's ears:

"Fellow Daoist Blood Blade, why be angry? Why not come inside and have a chat?"

Before the words were finished, the space inside the temporary wooden house in the center of the mine rippled slightly, and Shen Mo's figure quietly appeared. He was still wearing a blue robe, and his expression was calm, as if he had just come here as a guest.

However, the profound spiritual pressure emanating from him, which was no less than that of the Blood Blade Ancestor and was at the late Foundation Establishment stage, made everyone's hearts tremble!

"Shrinking the earth to an inch? No, it's an extremely advanced escape technique!" Blood Blade Ancestor's pupils contracted as he stared intently at Shen Mo. "You are the Black Stone Stronghold Chief?"

Shen Mo smiled slightly and gestured for him to enter: "Shen Shi, a recluse from the mountains. Please, fellow Daoist."

Blood Blade Ancestor snorted coldly and strode into the wooden house, while his disciples were blocked outside, facing off against the disciples of the Battle Hall.

Inside the room, only Shen Mo and Blood Blade Ancestor were present.

"Shen Shi? Never heard of him." The Blood Blade Ancestor's gaze was sharp as a knife as he swept it over Shen Mo. "You concealed your cultivation, occupied this place, and injured my sect's leader. What is the reason for this? Do you think my Blood Blade Sect is easy to bully?"

Shen Mo poured himself two cups of tea, pushed one towards him, and said calmly, "Fellow Daoist, you flatter me. This place was originally unclaimed. We brothers only settled here to find a place to live and make a living."

"It was your sect's disciples who attacked first, attempting to rob us. My brother and I were merely defending ourselves. As for concealing our cultivation... in chaotic times, isn't it normal to have some trump cards up your sleeve?"

The Blood Blade Ancestor took the teacup but didn't drink it, coldly sneering, "A fine way to settle down! This southwest corner of Black Wind has always been within the Blood Blade Sect's sphere of influence! Did you get my permission to mine and establish a stronghold here?"

Shen Mo gently blew on the tea foam and said unhurriedly, "Fellow Daoist, times have changed. Today, the Heavenly Sword Sect and the Profound Yin Sect are things of the past, the Blazing Sun Sect is eyeing us covetously, and the Burning Heaven Valley and the Five Poisons Sect are sharpening their knives."

"When did this southwest corner become the territory of the Blood Blade Sect?"

"Furthermore, as far as I know, Fellow Daoist seems to be focusing your main efforts on the black iron mine in the east that you are fighting with the 'Earthly Fiends Gang' for, right? Why waste your strength fighting us to the death over this red copper mine, allowing others to profit from it?"

Blood Blade Ancestor's eyes flickered; Shen Mo's words had struck a nerve. He truly didn't want to waste too much effort in the southwest corner; the Xuan Iron Mine to the east was far more valuable, and the Earthly Fiend Gang was a tough nut to crack.

"Hmph! Even so, my Blood Blade Sect will take a share of this copper mine!" the Blood Blade Ancestor declared forcefully.

Shen Mo put down his teacup and looked at him calmly: "The mine was mine by us, so it naturally belongs to us. However, I am not an unreasonable person."

"If you, fellow Daoist, are willing to turn hostility into friendship, we can offer you the valley thirty miles to the east, which is rich in 'Fire-Edelweiss'."

"Furthermore, any copper ore mined in the future can be supplied to your establishment at 90% of the market price, with priority given to you. What do you say?"

A slap followed by a sweet treat. Shen Mo understood this principle well. He would demonstrate his strength to instill fear in the other party, and offer benefits to make them weigh the pros and cons.

That patch of Fireweed Valley is of average value and is close to the territory of the Earthly Fiend Gang, making it a hot potato; letting it go is fine. Providing ore at a 10% discount, however, is a real benefit.

Blood Blade Ancestor fell silent. He carefully examined Shen Mo. This man's cultivation was no weaker than his own, and his subordinates were quite elite. If they were to fight to the death, even if he could win, it would be a Pyrrhic victory, which would inevitably benefit the Earthly Fiend Gang.

The conditions offered by the other party, while not particularly generous, provided a way out and ensured a stable source of ore.

After weighing the pros and cons for a long time, the Blood Blade Ancestor coldly snorted, "Hmph! You're smart enough to know what's good for you! We'll do as you say! Eagle Beak Gorge will be the boundary; the west side belongs to you, and the east side belongs to my Blood Blade Sect! The supply of ore will be subject to a contract!"

"Okay." Shen Mo nodded with a smile.

A potential conflict was averted through Shen Mo's combination of persuasion and pressure. The two sides signed a simple contract, defining their respective spheres of influence.

Blood Blade Ancestor led his men away dejectedly. Before leaving, he gave Shen Mo a deep look: "Chief Shen, well done. I hope you can gain a foothold in this southwest corner."

His tone carried a hint of warning and a barely perceptible sense of apprehension.

After seeing off the Blood Blade Sect members, Shi Tie and the others breathed a sigh of relief and admired Shen Mo even more.

"Senior Brother Sect Leader, you are truly amazing! You dismissed that old fellow with just a few words!" Shi Tie exclaimed excitedly.

Shen Mo shook his head, his expression still serious: "The Blood Blade Sect is just the first hurdle. By occupying the territory, we've stepped into the limelight. From now on, more forces will take notice of us. The Earthly Fiend Gang, and even forces from further afield, may come to test us."

"Tell the brothers that we cannot let our guard down. We must intensify our defenses and enhance our strength. The real storm is probably just beginning."