The Three Rivers Area was composed of three major hubs: River City, Jiangling City, and Jiangqian. These three locales had always been prosperous centers of trade with formidable economic strength, making them one of the most valued regions in the Empire. Beyond their developed economies and large populations, these cities were also bustling hubs where countless Martial Artists sought their fortunes.

The Martial Alliance had established a branch on a large mountain in the outskirts of Jiangling City. The location was renowned for its beautiful scenery and pleasant climate. Since ancient times, it had been designated a scenic tourist area. However, over a decade ago, the Martial Alliance established its branch here, and the mountain was subsequently designated a restricted zone, off-limits to ordinary people.

The purpose of the Jiangling Martial Alliance Branch was to oversee the Martial Arts World of the entire Three Rivers Area. They had the authority and jurisdiction to handle any and all matters related to Martial Artists. This was because the man in charge of the branch, Lu Tong, was a Martial Arts Grandmaster who had been famous for many years. Although Lu Tong's strength was not the greatest among Grandmasters, a Grandmaster was still a Grandmaster—far beyond the likes of any Inner or External Strength Martial Artist.

At this moment, however, the atmosphere in the Martial Alliance Branch was deathly silent.

Hall Master Lu Tong's face was dark, like a volcano on the verge of eruption.

"Arrogance! Sheer arrogance!" Lu Tong slammed his palm on the solid rosewood table. Its surface, over ten centimeters thick, instantly spiderwebbed with cracks.

Everyone's heart pounded in their chests, and no one dared to even breathe too loudly. They knew exactly why the Hall Master was enraged. His distant nephew, Wang Wu, had been crippled, and it had happened in a backwater place like Wufeng Town.

"Tian Boguang, explain yourself!" Lu Tong's eyes were glacial as he stared down at the kneeling man. He clenched his teeth, barely containing the murderous intent simmering within him.

Tian Boguang shuddered. "Hall Master Lu, this matter has nothing to do with me."

BOOM! A violent force slammed into Tian Boguang, sending him flying backward.

Tian Boguang coughed up a mouthful of blood, his face instantly turning deathly pale.

"Are you trying to shirk your responsibility?" Lu Tong's glare was so intense it seemed he might strike Tian Boguang dead if his next words were wrong.

"No... I wouldn't dare!" Tian Boguang cried out in terror. "I failed to protect Wang Wu. It is my responsibility."

Lu Tong looked at him coldly and said in a low, dangerous voice, "Then tell me now why Xiao Wu's Dantian was destroyed, turning him into a cripple."

Although he was the Martial Alliance Hall Master, he was normally busy with other affairs. Coupled with Wang Wu's lack of talent, he had simply allowed the boy to take Tian Boguang as his master. Who would have thought that after participating in the River City martial arts gathering just once, Wang Wu would be crippled? If Wang Wu's talent hadn't been so utterly pathetic, Lu Tong would have already killed Tian Boguang with a single palm strike.

"It was Lin Mu!"

Just then, a figure slowly walked in. It was Wang Wu. His face was now pale, his steps unsteady, and his entire demeanor had transformed into something gloomy and malevolent. Clutching his chest, he coughed violently before speaking. "Uncle, the one who destroyed my Dantian was a man named Lin Mu. It has nothing to do with Master."

Tian Boguang looked at Wang Wu in surprise, a flicker of gratitude stirring in his heart. Since my return, all my old friends have abandoned me. Not one of them dared to speak up for me. To think that in the end, it would be my own disciple who defended me.

"Oh? Tell me," Lu Tong said, his tone softening slightly as he glanced at Wang Wu, though it held little warmth. Now that he's a cripple, he's useless.

"Uncle, I investigated this Lin Mu. He's from River City and appears to be an Inner Strength Martial Artist with no ties to any Ancient Martial Faction," Wang Wu explained. After returning, he had used every connection he had to uncover Lin Mu's identity. He was certain that Lin Mu was, at most, an Inner Strength Martial Artist.

"An Inner Strength Martial Artist?" Lu Tong murmured. He suddenly looked at his nephew. "Xiao Wu, do you want revenge?"

Wang Wu was startled, then gritted his teeth. "Yes! I dream of it! I want to personally destroy Lin Mu's Dantian, sever his hands and feet, and turn him into the same kind of useless cripple he made me!"

Ever since Lin Mu had destroyed his Dantian, turning him into a cripple, Wang Wu could think of nothing but killing the man to avenge himself. But I knew Uncle would never stick his neck out for me. He had never imagined his uncle would bring the subject up himself.

Lu Tong smiled. "Good. I will let you take this revenge personally."

"Thank you, Uncle!" Wang Wu exclaimed, his eyes blazing with a fervent fire.

Lu Tong waved his hand. "Alright, you are dismissed. Once your body has recovered, I will arrange for someone to take you to River City."

"Yes!"

After Wang Wu left, Lu Tong turned to Tian Boguang. "I hear you have a daughter around the same age as Xiao Wu?"

Tian Boguang's body tensed, but he forced himself to answer, "That's right. Xiao Duo and Xiao Wu grew up like siblings. They've always been very close."

Lu Tong nodded with a smile. "Hmm. Their closeness is a good thing. I consider Xiao Wu my own flesh and blood, so naturally, I hope he has someone to care for him for the rest of his life. Therefore..."

Tian Boguang knew exactly what Lu Tong was implying and immediately said, "Thank you, Hall Master, for bringing these two children together!"

Lu Tong chuckled. "It seems the two young ones already had this in mind. I hope Deacon Tian won't blame me for this arranged marriage."

Overjoyed, Tian Boguang immediately dropped to his knees. "Thank you, Hall Master! From this day forward, I, Tian Boguang, will dedicate my life to the Martial Alliance!"

He hadn't expected to escape punishment, let alone be made a Deacon of the Martial Alliance. Even though the position doesn't hold much power, I'm finally one of them. As for Xiao Duo... she has no talent for the Martial Way anyway. Being with Xiao Wu is a fine choice for her.

"That will be all. You may go," Lu Tong said, dismissing Tian Boguang with a faint smile playing on his lips. An expert at the peak of External Strength isn't much, but every little bit helps strengthen the Martial Alliance.

"Hall Master, are you really sending people to River City?" someone asked.

Lu Tong nodded. "That's right. Our branch is responsible for managing the Martial Artists of the Three Rivers Area, but aside from Jiangling and Jiangqian, we've never been able to get a foothold in River City. This is our chance."

The crowd instantly understood, and a chorus of praise erupted for Lu Tong's foresight, which was far beyond their own.

「Five days later.」

A group from the Martial Alliance set out for River City.

By now, seven or eight days had passed since the martial arts gathering in River City. News of Lin Mu's performance there had already spread throughout the Three Rivers Area with terrifying speed.

"Did you hear? A new Martial Arts Grandmaster emerged in River City and swept the entire gathering. It was incredible!"

"That's old news. I heard this Master Lin not only has a heaven-defying Cultivation Level and is skilled in the Thunder Law, but he also personally killed Grandmaster Liu Xianhe and Zhang Yan, a disciple from the Celestial Master Mansion!"

"Yeah, right. No matter how powerful this Master Lin is, could he really kill a fellow Grandmaster? And don't forget the Celestial Master Mansion. Who doesn't know what they're capable of? I think you're exaggerating."

"I agree. It sounds improbable."

Some believed the stories, while others dismissed them. Yet, for some unknown reason, the Jiangling Martial Alliance Branch remained completely unaware.

In an elegantly decorated private room of a hotel in River City, several people were seated. They didn't speak, merely nodding to one another, but a glimmer of excited anticipation shone in everyone's eyes.

Suddenly, the door to the private room was pushed open, and a tall figure strode inside.

It was Lin Mu.

Upon seeing him, everyone in the room shot to their feet and bowed deeply. "Greetings, Master Lin!"

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