Chapter 25: Falling into the Path of Evil

"Report! The evil cultivators on the outskirts of the Zhu estate have been cleared!"
"Report! There are no signs of evil cultivator activity within the Zhu residence!"
"Report!..."

A series of victory reports came in. Bai Zhiyuan looked pleased, nodding as he stroked his beard. "Now, only the head of the Zhu family remains."

It was not just the Bai family that had joined the siege this time; the scale of the operation suggested that the Zhu family had truly provoked the wrath of the public, Gu Liuyun mused to himself. Eliminating evil cultivators could bring fame in the world of cultivation, but their strength was rarely low. It was a "kill a thousand enemies at the cost of eight hundred of your own" scenario, something no one would undertake unless absolutely necessary. Consequently, the cultivation world had tacitly agreed to coexist with evil cultivators, though they remained at the very bottom of the social hierarchy.

"Grandfather, let me go in your stead," Bai Xiyu said, dropping to one knee to petition him.

Startled by her action, Bai Zhiyuan hurriedly helped her up, his heart aching. "Girl, what are you doing?"

"Grandfather, I have grown up, and as the future head of the Bai family, I ought to lead by example," Bai Xiyu said, not standing up, her gaze fixed firmly on him.

The veteran warriors of the Bai family watched from the side, leaving him in a dilemma, unable to speak for a long moment. On one hand, he doted on his granddaughter and did not want her to face danger. On the other hand, she was right; as the successor, she could not remain under his protection forever.

"Old Master Bai, if you don't mind, I can accompany her," Gu Liuyun stepped forward at the opportune moment.

Seeing this earnest-looking young man, Bai Zhiyuan felt his teeth itch with irritation. However, knowing the lad’s capability, he realized that if he went along, he could at least look after the girl if something happened. With this thought, Bai Zhiyuan nodded with a cold face.

Bai Xiyu and Gu Liuyun, accompanied by several veteran Bai warriors, arrived at the perimeter of the Zhu estate. The Zhu family wielded immense power in Hexi, to the point of being able to cover the sky with one hand. Their residence was exceptionally grand, built atop an entire mountain peak, fully displaying the nouveau riche arrogance of the clan.

"Such taste, tsk tsk," Gu Liuyun couldn't help but click his tongue.

"Shh," Bai Xiyu signaled for him to be quiet.

The Zhu courtyard was devoid of light, shrouded in the night and appearing deathly silent, which was somewhat chilling.

"You’ve finally arrived."

Suddenly, a voice rang out. The gates of the Zhu residence swung open automatically, as if welcoming them inside. The veteran Bai warriors instantly became vigilant, exchanging glances as they discussed a strategy.

"It seems the host is inviting us in," Gu Liuyun shrugged and stepped across the threshold.

"Hey! You..." Bai Xiyu was startled by his move. Hesitating for two seconds and seeing that he had no intention of stopping, she hurried to follow. "You are too reckless! What if there's an ambush?" she whispered a reprimand as she caught up to him. The veteran warriors followed suit.

"Don't worry, even if the sky falls, I'll hold it up," Gu Liuyun said, patting his bicep.

Bai Xiyu gave him a reproachful look. "You'd better." Her initial tension eased significantly after his playful distraction.

"Isn't this the young master, Gu Liuyun?" Ye Qingqing's voice was sharp and piercing, like a small knife scraping against one's eardrums.

Everyone looked up to see Ye Qingqing, flanked by a group of lackeys, appearing before them like a flock of strutting, arrogant peacocks. Gu Liuyun frowned slightly. The evil aura emanating from her was even heavier than it had been a few days ago; it seemed she had descended further into the dark path. The veteran warriors immediately entered combat readiness.

The atmosphere turned tense, thick with the scent of gunpowder, as if it could ignite at any moment. Gu Liuyun shifted his position subtly, shielding Bai Xiyu. "You are no match for these people; do not leave my side."

Hearing this, a flush spread across Bai Xiyu's pretty face. She stammered, "You... you... why are you saying such things in this situation..." Gu Liuyun was momentarily baffled by her sudden stuttering.

"Heh, since you're here, don't blame me for being ruthless!" Ye Qingqing sneered and launched the first attack. She waved her hand, and scorching flames transformed into cyan birds that streaked toward them like arrows. The evil cultivators behind her followed suit, unleashing a barrage of spells. Fireballs, ice shards, and wind blades wove together in a display of multicolored light, carrying a heavy pressure as if to swallow them whole.

Gu Liuyun’s eyes narrowed. He shifted his feet, his figure flickering like a phantom as he dodged the incoming onslaught.

"Form the formation!" the Great Elder of the Bai family shouted.

Several middle-aged men followed suit, their hands moving rapidly in front of their chests. Golden light surged, instantly manifesting as a barrier in front of the group.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!" The spells struck the golden shield with deafening roars, sounding like a barrage of thunderclaps in the sky. The barrier wavered, looking as if it might shatter at any moment.

"Let's see how long you can last!" Ye Qingqing’s cohorts continuously shifted their attack patterns, trying to break the defense. Their strikes came in wave after wave, without a moment's respite.

The Great Elder, bearing the brunt of the assault, felt his features contort, blood trickling from his lips.

"We won't last long like this!" Bai Xiyu frowned deeply. "Brother Yun, what should we do?"

Gu Liuyun stood his ground, calmly observing the patterns of their attacks, searching for a flaw.

"Ugh!" The Great Elder spat out a mouthful of blood and collapsed backward. Bai Xiyu rushed to support him. "Grandfather Jingxiu!"

With the fall of the Great Elder Bai Jingxiu, a gap appeared in the golden barrier. Ye Qingqing spotted the opening and struck it with dozens of flaming birds. "Go to hell!"

Bai Xiyu pressed her fingers together, her spiritual energy surging as she manifested a golden light to defend against the attack. However, having descended into the evil path, Ye Qingqing’s cultivation had increased exponentially; the girl was no match for her. The barrier shattered instantly. Bai Xiyu felt a stinging pain in her eyes as the scorching heat of the flames loomed over her.

With a single wave, Gu Liuyun deflected the attack and pulled Bai Xiyu firmly behind him. Ye Qingqing, nearly struck by her own reflected fireball, dodged and glared at Gu Liuyun with fury.

"You bastard! Why must you always stand in my way?"