The last night of the ten-day agreement made by Bai Zihe was drawing to a close.
Su Hang City was in turmoil. Everyone knew that the city was on the brink of a drastic change.
The Qin, Zheng, and Ling families were the three established powerhouses of Su Hang. Although they had suffered heavy casualties, a fallen camel was still larger than a horse, and they were not to be trifled with by lesser families.
As for Bai Zihe... After the destruction of the Bai family four years ago, he disappeared and recently returned, launching a fierce assault on the three major families and remaining at large. The outcome of the confrontation would undoubtedly determine the new power structure of Su Hang City.
That night, the streets were devoid of pedestrians. Only the cold night wind wailed, as if weeping. The citizens of Su Hang had long since bolted their doors and windows, seeking to avoid being caught in the crossfire of the impending battle.
At the entrance of the Zheng family manor, Zheng Dingtian, Qin Wuguo, and Ling Dalong, the patriarchs of the three major families, gathered. Qin Shengtian, the elder of the Qin family, had his head twisted off by Bai Zihe, and his eldest son, Qin Wuguo, was currently acting as the family head.
In front of the three men, an altar was set up. Upon it lay three bowls of thick blood, still emitting a foul odor.
"I, Zheng Dingtian, head of the Zheng family!"
"I, Qin Wuguo, head of the Qin family!"
"I, Ling Dalong, head of the Ling family!"
The three men suddenly lifted the bowls of blood before them, raising their right hands to the sky, their expressions solemn.
"We hereby swear a blood oath, offering sacrifice to heaven, to form the 'Crane Extermination Alliance'!"
"We seek no glory, no wealth."
"We only seek to slay Bai Zihe on the Western Mountain tomorrow, and restore a bright future for our three families!"
After the oath, they raised their bowls and drank the blood.
"Where are the people of my Zheng family!" Zheng Dingtian suddenly roared.
"The Zheng family is here!"
The elite fighters, household guards, and bodyguards of the Zheng family, all mobilized at this moment, stood behind Zheng Dingtian. They numbered hundreds, an imposing sight.
The Qin and Ling families were no less prepared.
"Tomorrow, we will fight Bai Zihe to the death."
"Are you all..."
Zheng Dingtian's gaze was icy as he looked at all the elites of the three families and demanded, "Afraid?"
"Kill!"
"Kill!"
"Kill!"
The crowd roared. A powerful killing intent surged towards the heavens. At this moment, even the stars and moon seemed to shrink back, hiding themselves.
*Dong!*
*Dong!*
*Dong!*
Just then, rhythmic thuds echoed from afar, causing the very ground to tremble and wail!
Everyone looked up. A contingent of five hundred men was marching towards them in a grand display. Leading them was a man with a sinister gaze, wearing a white silk scarf emblazoned with a red sun in the center. It was none other than the president of the Karate Club, Yatada Ichiro!
Behind him marched five hundred fully armed warriors from the Land of the Rising Sun. They wielded long, slender Japanese swords, striking the ground with their hilts with every step, exuding an aura of might and menace.
"Patriarch Ling!" Yatada Ichiro's gaze lingered on Ling Dalong for a moment before turning to Qin Wuguo and Zheng Dingtian. "Gentlemen..."
"Since it is to eliminate Bai Zihe, I have come uninvited. I hope you do not mind."
Qin Wuguo immediately replied, "Lord Yatada, you are too kind. Anyone who is an enemy of Bai Zihe is a friend to all of us in the Qin family!"
Zheng Dingtian added, "The arrival of Lord Yatada adds strength to our 'Crane Extermination Alliance,' which is a truly wonderful thing!"
"The 'Crane Extermination Alliance'?"
"I like that name!"
Just then, another cold voice rang out. Everyone looked up. The leader was a stranger to most. However, Qin Wuguo recognized him – this was Luo Shuli, the second son of the Luo family, and his brother-in-law! He was dressed in mourning attire, his expression grim, his eyes like venomous snakes, ready to strike at any moment!
Behind him, a dense crowd filled the street, stretching as far as the eye could see, numbering at least four to five thousand people! The Luo family, indeed a formidable power in the provincial capital. Such a force was enough to wage a small-scale war!
"Brother-in-law, your arrival is most timely!" Qin Wuguo exclaimed with joy and rushed to greet him.
Luo Shuli nodded in acknowledgment.
"Everyone!" With Luo Shuli's arrival, he became the linchpin for the three families. He let out a soft roar, and all eyes turned to him.
"Since it is the 'Crane Extermination Alliance,' the primary task is to eliminate Bai Zihe!"
Luo Shuli looked up at the sky. The moon had begun its descent to the west, and the morning star was rising in the east. Dawn was approaching! However, layers of dark clouds still loomed overhead.
"In my opinion..."
"Why don't we set out immediately and make preparations?"
"When Bai Zihe arrives, we will strike with overwhelming force, chop him into mince in an instant, giving him no chance to resist, and secure victory in one fell swoop. What do you say?"
Qin Wuguo, Zheng Dingtian, and Ling Dalong's eyes flashed with brilliance, and they all exclaimed, "Slay Bai Zihe, and secure victory in one fell swoop!"
The disciples of the three families also shouted in unison, "Slay Bai Zihe, and secure victory in one fell swoop!"
"Slay Bai Zihe, and secure victory in one fell swoop!"
"..."
Luo Shuli stood at the forefront, drawing his sword and severing the noose of a bound animal for a sacrificial flag. "Move out!"