Black Wind Tribe.
The tribe was brightly lit, and voices were clamoring, presenting a scene of chaos.
Lei Zhan raised his cup and said, "Brother, come, drink! Congratulations on your recovery and returning to the ninth level of Body Forging."
The bald man beside him laughed heartily.
"Thanks to Jiang Zhenyuan! Without him, I wouldn't know how long it would take to recover!"
He then exclaimed to those below, "Tonight, I'm happy—no one leaves sober!"
"Oh! Oh! Oh..."
Instantly, eerie cheers erupted from the crowd below.
Lei Zhan regretted, "Had I known you'd recover, I would have made that kid bring more silver to improve the brothers' meals."
"Hey!" The bald man waved his hand dismissively, "Money is just a worldly possession. It's enough if it suffices, hoarding isn't a long-lasting path. And don't underestimate the heroes of the world; even in Lin'an County, this small place might have someone stronger than me."
"You're right, boss!"
Lei Zhan acknowledged, raising his cup again, "Here's to your success in breaking through and becoming an Immortal, so that you can lead us to a life of luxury."
"Of course!" The bald man laughed heartily, "It's much more fun to be here with the brothers. Thinking back to those twenty years, I lived so miserably, so pointless!"
Lei Zhan nodded in agreement, "Brother, freedom is much more delightful than rules and regulations!"
...
The next day.
The noise of Lin'an County's morning market began.
The heavy iron gate of Zhenyuan Escort Agency slowly opened.
Once again, everyone's attention was drawn to the mighty gate swinging open.
"That is…" Someone's expression hardened.
"So many coffins, what's Zhenyuan Escort Agency up to?"
At this moment.
Old Ma sat on the carriage, asked softly, "Young Master, isn't this too ostentatious?"
"Without coffins, how can I bring back my father's body? How can I bring back the bodies of the twenty-some brothers from the agency?" Jiang Yuan said casually.
"Let's set off!"
He closed his eyes.
Following Jiang Yuan's command, several young bodyguards cracked their whips, driving multiple carriages toward the city gate.
Meanwhile, this news hurriedly spread to various forces within Lin'an County.
...
A quarter of an hour later.
At the city gate.
Jiang Yuan sat on the carriage, eyes slightly closed, hands holding his sword.
Suddenly.
"Whoa!"
The carriage abruptly stopped.
Old Ma's angry shout immediately echoed.
"Jia Wandao, what do you mean by this?"
Jia Wandao stood in front of the carriage, eyes slightly narrowed, face kindly said, "I came to see my dear nephew! The outside world says Brother Zhenyuan met misfortune. I heard the news was both shocking and unbelievable, so I came to see my dear nephew, hoping nothing happens to him."
"You talk nonsense! Where do these rumors come from? Our Grand Old Master has unparalleled prowess. How could anything happen?" Old Ma scolded.
"Then what is this?" Jia Wandao pointedly looked at the coffins in front, smiling.
At the same time, information about Jia Wandao appeared in Jiang Yuan's mind.
Jia Wandao, a wealthy magnate in Lin'an County, involved in all aspects, including food and provisions.
Short stature, naturally cheerful with an extremely kind face.
He had a strong deceptive demeanor, known in the martial world as the "smiling tiger," feared by most.
But among those people, Jiang Zhenyuan was not included.
Throughout Lin'an County, there were few people Jiang Zhenyuan considered noteworthy; each was extraordinarily strong, capable of stirring the county, excluding Jia Wandao.
Jia Wandao's cultivation was only at the sixth level of Body Forging, relying on wealth to recruit several seventh-level experts, yet his own strength was limited, still not worthy of mention in Lin'an County.
Jiang Yuan slowly opened his eyes.
"Move aside!"
"Nephew, why be so heartless? Given the situation, it's extremely dangerous for you to leave the city. I brought some good hands who are at your disposal, able to protect your safety."
He stepped closer.
"Is the rumor true? Are the coffins meant to gather Brother Zhenyuan's body?"
Jiang Yuan said nothing, eyes coldly fixed on him.
Jia Wandao's previously smiling face suddenly froze.
Cold sweat broke out on his forehead.
At that moment, a powerful sense of impending life-and-death crisis welled within him.
This sense of danger was unprecedentedly intense.
It was his innate gift, naturally sensitive to danger.
This mysterious intuition had saved his life numerous times.
He felt this familiar vigilance once more.
The crisis of death was coming.
Without delay.
He quickly retreated, instantly blending into the crowd.
He chuckled awkwardly, "Since nephew doesn't need it, let it be!"
As soon as he said this, he ducked into the crowd, disappearing quickly thanks to his short stature.
At the same time, in the crowd.
Someone gritted his teeth, "What is Jia Wandao doing? How does he hesitate at this crucial moment? Though Zhenyuan Escort Agency's assets were handed over to the County Honour, he still has Wind Thunder Sword! This sword technique is extraordinary."
Above the city wall, a burly man in brass-colored armor stroked his chin, "Interesting, Jiang Zhenyuan's son can make Jia Wandao fearful."
"General, do you mean Jia Wandao was scared off by Jiang Zhenyuan's son?"
The burly man nodded slightly, "Indeed, I could clearly see cold sweat breaking out on him. It's said Jia Wandao has an unusual talent, able to sense danger coming. His reaction suggests he sensed a great crisis."
"This... seems unbelievable!"
"Truly unbelievable! Though Jia Wandao appears short and stout, he's a capable fighter at the sixth level of Body Forging!"
The armored burly man nodded in agreement.
Below.
Seeing Jia Wandao's retreat, Jiang Yuan closed his eyes, "Let's go!"
"Yes, Young Master!"
Old Ma replied, then drove the carriage toward the city gate.
A moment later, Jiang Yuan and the others traveled further away.
On the city wall.
"General, where are they going?"
"To collect the bodies!"
"Ah? Did Jiang Zhenyuan really meet misfortune?"
"No kidding. Didn't you see the County Honour took over Zhenyuan Escort Agency's assets yesterday?"
After saying this, the armored general jumped down from the wall.
"Stop! By order of the County Honour, none of you may leave the city for two days!"
"What for?"
"What for?" The general bared his white teeth, "Because of my strength! If anyone secretly leaves during these two days and I find out, I'll come and destroy your den!"
His words deflated many.
This gate-guarding general was at the eighth level of Body Forging, a master in nurturing one's spirit.
In Lin'an County, few could rival him.
Words from such a man couldn't be ignored by anyone.