"Dao Wuming's rapid rise in River City was in no small part due to the support from the Dark Web behind him."

The burly man sighed. "He was just a small-time figure working at the docks. How could he have risen so quickly in River City without someone backing him? That's just a fool's dream."

A hint of mockery flashed in the man's eyes.

Lin Mu said nonchalantly, "It seems you know more than I thought."

Realizing his slip of the tongue, the burly man's expression shifted slightly before he said calmly, "I don't actually know that much. It's just that I'm responsible for intelligence between River City and the outside world, so I know a little more than most."

Lin Mu was no longer in a hurry. "Then tell me everything you know. Remember, everything."

The burly man considered for a moment before speaking. "I've been with the Dark Web for just as long as Dao Wuming, maybe even longer. Our roles are just different. He's in charge of managing the Dark Web's operations and has some authority to mobilize its combat division, but his rank isn't particularly high."

The burly man glanced at Lin Mu. "However, the series of assassinations targeting you were all Dao Wuming's decisions. They have nothing to do with me. To a certain extent, I was also just following his orders."

Lin Mu pondered for a moment. "Is this Dao Wuming's rank in the Dark Web very high?"

A cold, disdainful smile touched the corners of the burly man's lips, but his tone was serious. "Not too high, but not too low either. The reason is that he knows someone of high status within the Dark Web. Plus, I heard he's acquainted with a Martial Arts Grandmaster, so he's highly regarded by the higher-ups."

No wonder. It seems all the assassination attempts were orchestrated by this Dao Wuming. Back then, I destroyed the Drink and Enjoy Bar and unintentionally killed that man, Zeng Wen. I heard he was Master Ding's disciple?

"That Martial Arts Grandmaster, what's his surname?" Lin Mu asked.

The man shook his head. "I don't know his name; I've never even seen him. All I know is that in the Dark Web's triennial evaluation, Dao Wuming always ranks third. The rumor in the organization is that he has an expert helping him."

"And I believe that rumor is true."

The man continued, "The hierarchy in the Dark Web is strict. Every evaluation is incredibly brutal. Meeting the standards is one thing, but failing to do so can cost you your life."

Lin Mu's eyes gleamed. "Then do you know where Dao Wuming is now?"

Avenging the original owner by eliminating Qi Fei and his group had resulted in numerous assassination attempts from Dao Wuming. He wasn't afraid of Dao Wuming, or even the Dark Web, but these endless assassination attempts were becoming a real nuisance. It was like a fly. You could choose to ignore it, or you could swat it dead. But if it constantly buzzed around you, you would undoubtedly choose the latter.

However, to Lin Mu's disappointment, the burly man didn't know.

"As the organization's agent in River City, Dao Wuming's information is certainly top secret. Unless he chooses to appear, no one knows where he is."

The burly man looked at Lin Mu. "I know you want to find him for revenge, but I advise against it. Never mind Dao Wuming's position within the organization. If you kill him, the organization will certainly not let you go. That includes the Grandmaster behind him—you're no match for someone like that."

"I've never met a Martial Arts Grandmaster, but I've heard they can wound people with nothing more than a plucked flower or a fallen leaf. I admit you have considerable skill; otherwise, you wouldn't have survived our several assassination attempts. But in front of a Martial Arts Grandmaster, you are no match."

Lin Mu nodded. "Hmm, I'll consider what you've said."

But inwardly, he was filled with disdain. A Martial Arts Grandmaster? If one dares to show up, I could obliterate them with a single hand!

Besides, a conflict between them was already inevitable, whether due to the original owner's grudge with Dao Wuming or because of Master Ding. He knew this, and Dao Wuming surely knew it too. Otherwise, Dao Wuming wouldn't be pursuing him so relentlessly after so many failures.

"Actually, if you choose to give up, I can mediate," the burly man said suddenly. "You can't imagine how powerful our organization is. With your strength, you could easily obtain a high-ranking position. For you, this would be a chance to soar to the heavens in a single step."

"Are you trying to recruit me for your so-called Dark Web?"

Lin Mu suddenly sneered. "Someone like you isn't qualified to speak to me like that. As for your Dark Web... this venerable one wouldn't give it a second glance!"

The burly man's face darkened. "Kid, I'm doing this for your own good. Don't be ungrateful!"

"Is that so?"

Lin Mu replied indifferently, "It seems that's all you know. Since I'm done with my questions, you can die now."

The burly man's eyes widened. "You... you want to kill me?"

Lin Mu shook his head. "That's a very stupid question."

"No... you can't..."

SQUELCH!

With a wave of Lin Mu's hand, a bloody hole appeared in the burly man's chest.

THUD. The burly man collapsed, his eyes closing, unwilling to accept his death.

Killing the man had no effect on Lin Mu whatsoever.

"Dao Wuming, the Dark Web, a Martial Arts Grandmaster?"

Lin Mu scoffed. "This venerable one would like to see what you're all really capable of!"

...

Half an hour after Lin Mu left the basement, two figures appeared in the dark room.

They were slightly startled when they saw the burly man's corpse.

"Pigeon is dead. It seems someone is targeting our Dark Web," one of them said in a low voice.

"Indeed. And unfortunately, that waste of space Shi Kaimin has already attracted the higher-ups' attention. This stronghold must be abandoned," the other nodded.

"Report this up the chain," the first man commanded. "Tell everyone in River City to lay low and be cautious. Safety is paramount."

The two quickly departed, taking the catatonic Shi Kaimin with them.

「Guan Family.」

Guan Jiaojiao had just returned home, intending to complain to her beloved grandfather, but she immediately sensed the tense atmosphere in the house.

"Jiaojiao, you're back?" In the main hall, an old man in traditional Tang-style clothing was drinking tea, his face etched with worry.

However, the moment he saw Guan Jiaojiao enter, the worry vanished from his face, replaced by a loving smile.

Guan Jiaojiao hurried in. "Grandpa, did something happen at home?"

The old man smiled. "What could possibly happen? I was just worried about you."

But Guan Jiaojiao looked at her grandfather and shook her head. "Grandpa, you're lying. Something definitely happened to the family."

"Where's Dad?"

The old man sighed inwardly but didn't speak.

"Dad's injured. You need to behave yourself for a while and stop causing trouble for the family."

Just then, Guan Feifei walked over, his expression stern as he seriously warned his younger sister.

"What? How could that be?"

Guan Jiaojiao's face went pale. "Wasn't Dad on a mission? How did he get injured?"

The old man sighed and muttered to himself, "So, it seems that young man, Lin Mu, was right about everything."

Guan Jiaojiao's jaw dropped. "Lin Mu? Grandpa, what did Lin Mu say?"

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