Zhuang Yu was the leader of the Martial Alliance team this time. Although his strength was not the highest, his status was extremely elevated because he was the junior brother of Lu Tong, the Martial Alliance Hall Master. The two shared the same master, and their relationship had always been good. Moreover, although Zhuang Yu was young, he possessed the strength of Internal Energy Mastery and could solve many problems for Lu Tong at the branch.

Lu Tong had sent Zhuang Yu to River City for two reasons. Firstly, he believed there was no need to mobilize a large force for a mere Lin Mu. Secondly, he wanted to build momentum. Once Lin Mu was defeated and the so-called Master of the Three Rivers was trampled underfoot, Lu Tong would apply to establish another branch in River City. The position of Helmsman would be assumed by his junior brother, Zhuang Yu.

By then, with the two martial brothers supporting each other, their position and power within the Martial Alliance would be even more secure.

"Our master is at a critical period right now. If he advances further, he will inevitably take action. Since our master cannot personally intervene, we disciples must act on his behalf."

Thinking back to what his senior brother had told him on the way here, Zhuang Yu's expression grew solemn, his heart stirring with faint excitement. If his master really did advance further, he wouldn't just be a top figure in the Martial Alliance, but in the entire Martial Arts World. He would be a peerless expert, someone who could be ranked on the Grandmaster List! Therefore, this mission to River City is a must-win!

"Elder Zhuang, so much time has passed, and there's still no news from Elders Zhou and Chen. Could it be..." In the hotel where Zhuang Yu and his party were resting, Tian Boguang voiced his concerns.

Unlike the others, he had seen Lin Mu with his own eyes. He had a profound impression of the young martial arts powerhouse, who was definitely not an easy opponent. Otherwise, he wouldn't have fled Wufeng Town so disgracefully just because of a remark from him. Elders Zhou and Chen were several levels stronger than him, so logically, there was no need for him to worry.

However, for some reason, whenever he recalled the young man's calm and powerful demeanor, Tian Boguang felt uneasy. He couldn't shake the feeling that this trip to River City would be anything but easy.

A faint smile appeared on Zhuang Yu's lips as he looked at Tian Boguang with disdain.

An ant who hasn't even mastered Inner Strength, who only managed to secure a nominal position as a Martial Alliance Elder by selling his daughter... You think you're worthy of speaking to me?

Though he felt extreme disdain for Tian Boguang, Zhuang Yu said with a smile, "Elder Tian, you needn't worry. Elders Zhou and Chen are experienced and prudent. With their strength far surpassing that of ordinary people, I believe capturing that Lin Mu fellow will be effortless."

Zhuang Yu deliberately emphasized the words "ordinary people."

Upon hearing this, Tian Boguang's face flushed a deep crimson, and he was seething with anger.

But he knew his own strength was lacking, which only deepened his hatred for Lin Mu. If that brat hadn't crippled Wang Wu, I wouldn't have been punished by Lu Tong. Not only did I lose my reputation, but I also sacrificed my daughter's lifelong happiness. At this thought, Tian Boguang secretly vowed that if he ever got the chance, he would definitely kill Lin Mu!

At that moment, the door was pushed open. Wang Wu entered with a smile on his face and a self-satisfied look in his eyes.

"Greetings, Master."

"Greetings, Elder Zhuang."

Wang Wu approached, his steps a bit unsteady, but he still bowed to both men.

Zhuang Yu glanced at Wang Wu and said meaningfully, "We're all family now. Why are you still calling him 'Master'? From now on, you should call him 'Father-in-law'."

"Yes, thank you for the reminder, Elder Zhuang." Wang Wu's eyes brightened. He clasped his fist and bowed to Tian Boguang, whose face was extremely gloomy, and said, "Mas— Father-in-law, I assure you, from now on, I will treat her well."

Tian Boguang recalled how Wang Wu had just gone into his daughter's room and had only now emerged. Though he had tacitly consented, his feelings were extremely complicated. He felt anger, reluctance, regret, and yet also a sense of blessing.

Waving his hand, Tian Boguang said, "Your words are enough." He then looked at Zhuang Yu. "The priority now is our mission in River City."

"I have my own plans for that, so there's no need for Elder Tian to worry," Zhuang Yu replied, waving his hand dismissively.

Just as he finished speaking, his phone rang. It was from Zhuang Qing, his son, who had accompanied Elders Zhou and Chen to find Lin Mu.

"Zhuang Qing, is the task complete?" Zhuang Yu asked.

"Dad, Master Lin... Master Lin wants to see you," Zhuang Qing's hesitant voice came through the phone, thick with fear.

"Which Master Lin?"

"It's Lin Mu... Master Lin."

Zhuang Yu's expression suddenly turned ugly. "What exactly happened?"

From Zhuang Qing's tone, Zhuang Yu knew something had gone wrong. Otherwise, Zhuang Qing would never have called Lin Mu 'Master Lin'.

Just then, Zhuang Qing's agonized scream echoed from the phone. Zhuang Yu's expression instantly became extremely grim.

Then, a different voice—cold and detached—came through the line. "You have two choices. Either you come here yourself, or I will pay you a visit. However, you will be responsible for all the consequences."

Lin Mu!

Wang Wu and Tian Boguang exchanged a look. The image of a tall, domineering figure immediately came to mind. They would never forget that tone and voice.

Wang Wu clenched his fists tightly, his eyes filled with venomous hatred.

Zhuang Yu took a deep breath and said, "Fine. You just wait. If anything happens to my son, I swear I'll kill you!"

There was no reply. The call was abruptly disconnected.

"Bastard!" Zhuang Yu cursed, then snorted coldly and strode outside. "I want to see for myself what this so-called Vermilion Bird is capable of!"

Excitement painted Wang Wu's face as he hurriedly followed, while Tian Boguang sighed and trailed behind them.

「Qinzhu Xiaoyuan.」

The scent of tea wafted through the air.

Guan Jiaojiao was silently brewing tea. Her technique was worthy of a master and her posture was elegant, betraying none of her inherently lively and eccentric nature. Meanwhile, Guan Chengye was all smiles, nodding continuously, clearly quite satisfied with his granddaughter's tea ceremony skills.

Lin Mu casually picked up a teacup and downed it in one gulp.

His crude action drew a roll of the eyes from Guan Jiaojiao. This guy! Is that how you're supposed to appreciate tea? It's like a cow chewing on a peony!

However, the thought of the three figures lying downstairs made her worry. Her hand trembled, and a bit of tea spilled from the pot.

"Tea is like Zen. One's mind must be free of distractions," Lin Mu said gently as he set down his teacup. "Otherwise, if you are too hasty, the tea will lack its essential tranquility."

"Putting on airs," Guan Jiaojiao snorted, pouring another cup for Lin Mu. "Take it or leave it."

Lin Mu laughed heartily, not taking offense. He picked up the cup but didn't drink, looking outside instead.

"Surround the area! If anything happens to my son, level this place to the ground!"

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