Sunlight slanted across the bank of the stream, its water glittering as if ripples of endless poetry were gently spreading.
Within this tranquil, picturesque scene, the graceful Ye Lingyun sat cross-legged by the stream, cultivating with her eyes closed in deep concentration.
Suddenly, she sensed a slight stir and opened her eyes—as bright and profound as autumn pools.
She rose quickly, walked over with light steps, and stopped beside the black-clad Chu He, addressing him respectfully, "Teacher."
Chu He slowly opened his eyes.
They were profound, having weathered the trials of time, as if capable of piercing through all the world's illusions.
He glanced around and saw that the once-peaceful stream was now completely surrounded by a group of fully armed personnel.
The aura of Elemental Power surging from them, like a turbulent undercurrent, revealed that every single one was a powerful Martial Artist.
"What on earth happened here?"
"The son of the Turtle Shell City Lord was murdered. He was stabbed over thirty times."
"Oh? Something like that happened?"
"That guy was a total menace. Him ending up like this is basically ridding the people of a pest."
"That son of a bitch had it coming! Someone should have dealt with him long ago."
"Keep your voice down! You'll be in for a world of hurt if the City Lord's men hear you."
"I'm just saying. Everyone knows the City Lord is furious and looking for someone to take it out on."
This had originally been a peaceful recreational area where people leisurely strolled or stopped to admire the scenery.
The arrival of these fully armed personnel shattered the tranquility as they drove away all the onlookers.
Unwilling to leave just like that, the dispersed crowd hid beyond the cordon, curiously watching everything unfold.
Among them were a few well-informed individuals, whispering amongst themselves about the murder case.
Just then, Chu He took off his sunglasses and swept his gaze over the group of armed personnel.
In that instant, the entire scene seemed to freeze. A dead silence fell.
"Isn't... isn't that the National Guardian War God, Chu He?"
"That's right, it's him! For him to show up here... now things are getting interesting."
"Quick, get this news to Her Majesty the Queen! Tell her we've found Chu He's exact location."
"Looks like the Turtle Shell City Lord has really bitten off more than he can chew this time."
"Hmph. Chu He's reputation as a glory hound is well-established. He's probably all show and no substance. It looks like he sacrificed everything for the Great Jing Empire all these years, but maybe he was just lucky."
"Be that as it may, Chu He is a King-level expert, after all. His strength shouldn't be underestimated."
"A King-level expert? The Great Jing Empire has no shortage of experts at that level. Twelve King-level experts went to the Demon Cave at once. *They* are the real heroes."
Just then, someone in the crowd muttered, "The only reason the Great Jing Empire developed into the prosperous and powerful state it is today is because Chu He drove all the Evil Spirits into the Demon Cave and suppressed them, isn't it? Other nations weren't so lucky, nor did they have a National Guardian War God like Chu He."
The moment these words were spoken, they immediately drew hostile glares from those nearby.
In the current Great Jing Empire, the mainstream public opinion was one of disgust toward Chu He.
Even Chu He's own wife had chosen to divorce him, which was proof enough of how many outrageous and immoral things he had done to betray the people's trust.
Therefore, anyone who dared to speak up for Chu He would be met with a barrage of public condemnation.
Amid the noisy discussions, Chu He sat quietly. The whispers washed over him like a tide but failed to stir the slightest ripple on the lake of his heart.
His gaze pierced through the crowd, finally locking onto a man walking slowly out from among them.
That man was none other than the City Lord of Turtle Shell City,
his face a mask of complex emotions at that moment.
"You are the City Lord of Turtle Shell City?" Chu He asked.
The Turtle Shell City Lord nodded, his eyes glinting with a complex light—a mixture of awe for Chu He, and the grief and rage from his son's death. "Yes."
"Did you bring all these men to surround me today to avenge your son?"
Chu He continued to ask.
The Turtle Shell City Lord nodded again. "That's right."
Chu He gave a slight nod, his gaze lingering on the City Lord for a moment as if scrutinizing him.
Although the Turtle Shell City Lord appeared calm on the surface, Chu He could sense his inner trepidation and unease.
After all, standing before him was the National Guardian War God, whose name once struck fear into all corners of the world.
"Do you have any idea how many depraved things your son did in Turtle Shell City?"
Chu He's voice suddenly turned frigid, like a north wind in the dead of winter that sent a chill down the spine.
The Turtle Shell City Lord was silent for a moment before replying, "So what if I know? So what if I don't? He was my son, after all.
I am not a native of Turtle Shell City.
Ever since I began practicing Martial Arts, I was dragged into this war against the Evil Spirits.
I have sacrificed too much, even my home far away.
In the dead of night, I still dream of my hometown's rivers, its wheat fields, and the peaceful chirping of cicadas in the village.
I've given so much for the Great Jing Empire, and now I'm still stuck here, guarding this city just to keep it stable.
My son may have made some mistakes, but that was just because he was young and hot-headed.
These people owe me. This Empire owes me."
At this, the Turtle Shell City Lord became even more agitated.
His eyes were red and bloodshot, and his voice trembled slightly. "I know I'm no match for you, but I will still have my revenge.
Because you killed my only son! My body is ruined; I can't have another child.
So, you must pay the price for my son's death!"
However, faced with the City Lord's fury and agitation, Chu He remained exceptionally calm.
He asked coolly, "What do your grievances have to do with me?"
The Turtle Shell City Lord was choked speechless by Chu He's words, fury burning in his eyes like a raging fire.
He glared at the face that had once struck terror into countless enemies. "As expected of the National Guardian War God. Your reputation is well-deserved. However, your legend ends here today."
Before his voice had even faded, three figures slowly emerged from behind the City Lord, all clad in fine robes and each with a distinct aura.
One had a contemptuous gaze, as if he had already seen through Chu He completely.
Another wore a grave expression, clearly wary of the impending battle.
And the third had a smirk playing on his lips, as if enjoying a good show.
Seeing this, Ye Lingyun's heart sank.
She knew instinctively that these three were no ordinary individuals; they had to be King-level masters.
King-level masters could briefly levitate in the air and ride the wind. Their appearance undoubtedly added a new layer of uncertainty to this battle.
She had long known that her teacher, Chu He, had an extraordinary identity, but she knew very little about his true strength.
The King-level realm was still far beyond her reach, its mysteries too profound for her to fathom.
"You all should stand back. This is not something you can take part in."
The gentle-faced man spoke softly, his quiet voice carrying an undeniable authority.