By the time they returned to Lingjin City, it was nearly evening.

The heavy, goose-feather snow was still falling, showing no sign of stopping.

Snow blanketed the branches, and icicles hung from the eaves, creating a unique charm.

At this moment, the Brocade Residential Area was deserted. Whether on the roads or in the public square, there wasn't a soul in sight, only the occasional turtledove flitting from branch to branch in search of food.

However, the activity center on one side of the square was another scene entirely. In the center of the hall, a bowl-shaped fire pit had been built from bricks, and dozens of honeycomb briquettes burned brightly within. Flames leaped and danced like nimble snakes, driving away the chill and filling the hall with a comfortable warmth.

Some played cards, some played chess, and others chatted—the hall was abuzz with voices, creating a lively atmosphere.

"Old Ghost Ren, you're cheating again!"

Beside the fire, Ren Tong and Liu Changzheng sat on two small stools with a chessboard between them.

Liu Changzheng was frowning fiercely, his eyes practically spitting fire.

Ren Tong just chuckled. "It's just one take-back. What's the big deal?"

"We've only made eight moves, and you've already taken back five! And you ask what the big deal is? Have some shame!" Liu Changzheng roared indignantly.

"Hmph!" Ren Tong scoffed. "I don't even want to play with you anymore."

With that, he turned away, making it clear he wouldn't play again even if he were begged.

Nearby, Liu Xuan covered her mouth and giggled before asking, "Grandpa Ren, I heard Chen Yang is back. Why haven't I seen him?"

"Little Xuan, my Chen Yang is already a married man. You'd better not pine for him, or you'll be the one who gets hurt," Ren Tong said with a grin.

Liu Xuan was speechless. "…"

Liu Changzheng was also speechless. "…"

Is there no limit to this old geezer's shamelessness?

He had to admit, though, that Chen Yang truly was an outstanding man.

The Nine Gates Admiral... Tsk, tsk... Who wouldn't want to latch onto a connection like that?

Seeing Liu Xuan pouting with a look of disappointment, Liu Changzheng sighed. Ever since she met Chen Yang in the square that day, her heart has been stolen. Why else would she ask about his whereabouts the moment she opened her mouth? What a pity. They have a connection, but no fate.

If Chen Yang were also single, Liu Changzheng would have gladly helped bring the two young people together.

Shaking his head inwardly, Liu Changzheng changed the subject. "Old Ghost Ren, you must know that people from the Martial Association have been coming in and out of the neighborhood lately, right? Do you think they might be coming for Chen Yang?"

"That's right," Ren Tong nodded. "Because Chen Yang killed a King Kong from the Martial Association."

Liu Changzheng fell silent. "…"

Could this old geezer be any more nonchalant?

"Old Ghost Ren, the Martial Association is no simple matter. It has a complex and powerful network of backers that's said to reach the heavens!" Liu Changzheng pointed to the ceiling and said in a low, serious voice, "It would be better for Chen Yang to be cautious."

The implication was clear: Chen Yang's bright future shouldn't be ruined over something like this.

Ren Tong grabbed a handful of melon seeds and said helplessly, "Chen Yang isn't a three-year-old. Can I really stop him from doing what he wants?"

In truth, he too hoped Chen Yang would avoid conflict with the Martial Association. It was too dangerous and simply not worth it.

BANG!

The main door of the activity center was suddenly thrown open from the outside, and a cold wind carrying flurries of snow poured wildly into the room.

The previously bustling center fell silent in an instant.

Everyone turned to look.

They saw a young man striding in brazenly. He wore black leather and boots, and his short hair stood on end like steel needles. With his hands in his pockets, he led a middle-aged man and an elderly man inside.

"Who's that, barging in so rudely?" someone demanded.

"Keep it down. I think they're from the Martial Association. Weren't they here yesterday too?"

At that remark, the room went quiet. They were all retired Martial Guards, long accustomed to treading on thin ice. They knew exactly who they could afford to offend and who they couldn't. The Martial Association was an existence they wanted no part of.

"Gentlemen, my name is Zhang Kun, a disciple of the Martial Arts Association President. My apologies for the disturbance."

Zhang Kun scanned everyone present. Then, pulling a hand from his pocket, he pointed at Ren Tong with a toothy grin. "I've come for him. Please, continue what you were doing. Don't mind us."

He slid his hand back into his pocket and walked straight toward Ren Tong.

CRASH.

Zhang Kun swept the chessboard off the table. He pulled the small table toward himself and sat down with a commanding air.

"Old man, you have an adopted son named Chen Yang. Where is he?" Zhang Kun crossed his legs, staring at Ren Tong. "Some things can't be avoided. The fact that I've come looking for you means I have plenty of evidence. Daring to kill a member of our Martial Association… I must say, he's got quite some nerve."

"Hmph!" Ren Tong scoffed. "You should be looking for the Ten Thousand Martial Guards."

He remembered Chen Yang telling him that the Martial Association's King Kong had ultimately been killed by the Ten Thousand Martial Guards.

"Someone will handle the Ten Thousand Martial Guards. As for your adopted son, he can't expect to get away with it either," Zhang Kun said nonchalantly.

Ren Tong laughed. "Since you've investigated this far, haven't you figured out why my adopted son was with the Ten Thousand Martial Guards?"

"Do you think I care about such details?" Zhang Kun also laughed, spreading his hands. "Let's just say he's an Eighth Rank Military General. So what?"

The words were incredibly arrogant.

A strange look passed over the faces of the people nearby.

The one you're looking for isn't some Eighth Rank Military General, he's the Nine Gates Admiral. Your Martial Association might be powerful, but you shouldn't underestimate this man.

"Well? Where is he?" Zhang Kun drew a short sword from his belt, tapping it against his palm as he stared at Ren Tong.

Ren Tong's expression darkened for a moment, then he smiled again. He pointed behind Zhang Kun. "Look. He's here."

Two figures walked through the entrance.

It was none other than Chen Yang and Yang Hu, who had just returned to Lingjin City.

"Dad, I didn't see you at home, so I figured you'd be here," Chen Yang said with a smile for Ren Tong, casting a brief glance at Zhang Kun and his men.

"Well, well. How unexpected." Zhang Kun stood up, his gaze drifting toward the snow fluttering outside. He smiled faintly. "To think the one who dared to kill a member of our Martial Association would be so young. 'Heroes are often young,' as the old saying goes. The ancients did not lie."

"So you're the one who's been looking for me these past few days?" Chen Yang took a step forward, coming to stand shoulder to shoulder with Zhang Kun.

To the middle-aged and elderly men standing behind Zhang Kun, this simple action was a sign of grave disrespect.

"You cur, what right do you have to stand beside our Young Master? Kneel when you speak!" the middle-aged man stepped forward and snapped.

"Eh, no need to get angry. The young man doesn't know any better," Zhang Kun said, waving his hand dismissively with the air of a seasoned master. "So, tell me. Why did you kill someone from our Martial Association?"

"That's a long story." With a perfectly harmless expression, Chen Yang patted the half-melted snow from his shoulder. "In Lingjin City, I didn't just kill your Martial Association's King Kong. I also killed an Elder, a Steward, and a Protector."

"I believe that Protector's name was Ye Nantian?"

Zhang Kun was speechless. "…"

"His two disciples died by my hand as well," Chen Yang stated earnestly. "Oh, that's right. The Chief Disciple of your Association President, Liu Ruyan? I killed her, too."

Zhang Kun was speechless. "…"

His face turned visibly ashen, his pupils contracting to pinpoints.

W-what… what kind of monster have I run into?

…

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