Three years passed quietly.
By the time the cycle of missions, returns, and departures settled into something familiar, the four were no longer the inexperienced youths who had first stepped out into the wider world. Now eighteen, they had grown through constant work rather than sudden trials, their strength shaped by repetition and real encounters.
Among them, Wang Yan stood at the forefront. During this third year, his cultivation reached Rank 40, allowing him to obtain his fourth soul ring. The ring came from a powerful Scarlet Sunblade Mantis, a soul beast more than 8,000 years old, its purple color marking a clear leap in quality. After absorbing it, his soul power surged directly from Rank 40 to Rank 42.
His fourth soul skill, Sword Shadow Separation, reflected both his Iron Sword martial soul and the mantis's lethal hunting style. When Wang Yan executed a sword strike, the physical blade remained firmly in his hand, while one or more sword shadows split away mid-motion and continued the attack independently. These shadows were not energy projections, but high-speed residual blade traces formed through extreme precision, angle control, and refined sword intent. Their slightly delayed impact and altered trajectories made defensive timing unreliable, often striking just after an opponent believed they had already avoided the attack.
The others advanced steadily alongside him.
Liu Ming, now at Rank 37, continued to temper his spear martial soul through direct combat. His third soul ring, taken from a Stone-Pattern Mountain Rhino nearing 1,900 years, granted Mountain-Piercing Drive—a concentrated forward thrust that detonated upon impact, designed to shatter defenses and break formations through pure penetration.
Zhao Qing, also at Rank 37, refined his Thunder Beast martial soul into a sustained pressure weapon. His third soul ring came from an Azure Thunder Horn Leopard of approximately 1,850 years, forming Thunder Chain Rend. Lightning surged outward and leapt between nearby enemies, disrupting formations and forcing constant movement rather than relying on paralysis.
Chen Yu, slightly behind at Rank 36, strengthened his Wind Wolf martial soul through consistent combat experience. His third soul ring originated from a rare Solar Gale Flame Wolf, close to 2,000 years old. The soul skill Solar Wind Severance released compressed wind blades infused with solar heat—attacks that sliced first and scorched afterward, fast, difficult to block, and ideal for sustained pressure rather than single decisive strikes.
Strength never rises unnoticed.
It only decides who notices first.
Iron Guard had become more than a familiar name in Green Pearl City. Their missions were completed efficiently, their reliability recognized, and their independence drew attention beyond the usual circles. Whispers of the four friends' successes began circulating in guarded halls, and those who preferred control started to take note.
The city lord noticed.
Not casually, not with curiosity—but with calculation. He remembered the time when his envoys had approached the group, offering protection, authority, and a place under his banner. Wang Yan and his companions had refused, politely but firmly, insisting on remaining independent. That refusal had left a mark, a quiet resentment the city lord had never let fade.
Now, with Iron Guard's reputation growing steadily, their independence seemed like a direct challenge. Their rising influence, their refusal to bend—all of it became a problem in the eyes of a ruler who tolerated no rivals.
The city lord would not strike directly—not yet. Instead, he devised a plan to undermine them quietly, to make the city question Iron Guard's reliability and dependability. Their public image, their standing among clients and citizens, was the true target.
A "bandit attack" was to be staged.
These were no ordinary criminals. Carefully chosen, well-organized, and positioned to create maximum public effect, the strike was designed to make it appear that Iron Guard could not protect what they promised. The city lord intended for the incident to raise doubts, tarnish their reputation, and weaken their influence—all without revealing his own involvement.
An important event finally came to Iron Guard.
Two powerful families held sway over Green Pearl City: the Fang Family and the Liang Family. Both commanded influence in trade, political matters, and mastery of security, earning them respect throughout the city. The Fang Family, in particular, controlled the city's auction houses, which collected and traded the most valuable goods across the region.
It was the Fang Family who entrusted Iron Guard with a major assignment. A caravan carrying an immense collection of important items was waiting in Silverwind City, to be transported safely to the Fang Family's Green Pearl City auction house. The task required the direct involvement of Wang Yan, Liu Ming, Zhao Qing, and Chen Yu, accompanied by three of Iron Guard's most capable elite members. Every detail, every precaution, and every decision rested on their shoulders.
Early the next morning, the four friends and their elite companions set out from their base, traveling toward Silverwind City. Their objective was clear: arrive at the city, secure the caravan, and ensure its safe journey back to Green Pearl City. The road ahead would be long and demanding, but they moved with purpose, fully aware that this mission carried great importance for both the Fang Family and their own reputation.
Unbeknownst to them, the city lord had been observing closely. The group's movement and the caravan's impending journey presented a perfect opportunity to challenge Iron Guard's growing influence. Shadows waited along the route, ready to act when the time was right.
Upon arriving at Silverwind City, the four friends—Wang Yan, Liu Ming, Zhao Qing, and Chen Yu—joined by three of Iron Guard's elite members, received the caravan entrusted to them. Every crate and chest was carefully inspected and secured, the valuable items ready for transport.
With the caravan fully prepared, the group set off on the long journey back to Green Pearl City. The road stretched ahead, winding through forests, hills, and open plains. Minor beasts occasionally appeared along the way, and small groups of opportunistic bandits tried their luck, but each challenge was handled efficiently. The caravan moved steadily, and the group remained focused on their task.
The caravan moved steadily, winding its way across hills and plains. By midday, Iron Guard had crossed a range of low mountains, the path stretching endlessly ahead. The day had been long, the sun beating down as they pressed on, keeping the caravan on schedule.
As night fell, the group found a semi-open area of the forest to rest. The ground was dotted with rocks and scattered trees, offering enough cover to secure the caravan without venturing too deep, avoiding the dangers of denser woods. The horses were watered, the caravan secured, and a small fire was lit to provide warmth and light. For a moment, the forest seemed calm, the only sounds being the crackle of flames and the occasional rustle of leaves.
End of chapter.