42. Specter
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“Brother Gongsun, you flatter me! The art you cultivate is the ‘Black Tortoise Technique’—exceptionally resilient, with defense as formidable as an impenetrable golden bell! And your ‘Thousand-Pound Legs’ have reached a level of mastery, each leg carrying hundreds of pounds of force—truly terrifying!” Bai Zongnan praised sincerely.
He knew Gongsun Zan had not exerted his full strength.
After all, Bai Zongnan’s “Specter” footwork had reached perfection—seamlessly blending with the balance of heaven and earth, endlessly changing, unfathomable in its mystery.
Moreover, Bai Zongnan excelled at close combat—once the distance closed, his attacks were relentless and inescapable, making Gongsun Zan wary of approaching rashly.
“Heh… Young friend, you are too modest!” Gongsun Zan replied bitterly.
In the previous exchange, Gongsun Zan had the upper hand.
Yet he still lost to Bai Zongnan.
Bai Zongnan’s strength was indeed unfathomable.
Not only was he powerful, but his wisdom was extraordinary.
His earlier words had sounded unremarkable, but on closer reflection, they revealed genuine respect for Gongsun Zan.
Also, Bai Zongnan’s appraisal of Gongsun Zan was lofty.
Gongsun Zan was straightforward, a man who spoke his mind.
Such people easily earned the respect of others.
“Young friend, you overpraise me! My little tricks are hardly worthy of your attention,” Gongsun Zan said.
“Let us continue our friendly contest!” Bai Zongnan smiled. “Let’s keep it light today; we are, after all, evenly matched!”
“Very well!”
Gongsun Zan nodded in agreement.
The two returned to the stone steps.
“Brother Gongsun, since we’re crossing swords again, perhaps we needn’t keep up the pretense?” Bai Zongnan asked with a smile.
Gongsun Zan had just pretended to be injured and defeated, merely to cooperate with Bai Zongnan in deceiving Yuan Shao, Yuan Shaowen, and the four great clan leaders.
“Heh.” Gongsun Zan chuckled dryly. “Of all the young talents I’ve met, you’re the first to truly put me under pressure. Looks like I’d best get serious.”
As he finished speaking, his pupils shrank, his figure flashed like a shooting star, and he crossed seven or eight meters in an instant, unleashing a vicious, cunning whip-kick at Bai Zongnan’s head.
The kick sliced through the air with a howling sound, surging with force and a chilling, oppressive momentum.
A cold, fierce light flashed in Bai Zongnan’s eyes.
He moved calmly, reaching out to seize Gongsun Zan’s right leg.
Then he exerted all his strength, trying to hurl Gongsun Zan away.
Alas, Bai Zongnan underestimated Gongsun Zan’s power.
Gongsun Zan’s strength was astonishing—no matter how hard Bai Zongnan pulled, he couldn’t budge him an inch!
“Down!” Bai Zongnan shouted, driving his knee toward Gongsun Zan’s chest.
Gongsun Zan countered with a palm strike to Bai Zongnan’s knee.
Bam!
They were locked in another stalemate.
A grave look crossed Bai Zongnan’s brows.
Gongsun Zan was indeed worthy of being ranked ninety-seventh on the “Tiger Roll”—a peerless prodigy!
In terms of raw strength, Bai Zongnan truly fell short by a margin.
“Brother Gongsun, you’ve won!” Bai Zongnan smiled. “I admit, you are a peerless talent!”
“Young friend, you exaggerate!” Gongsun Zan withdrew his aura and said calmly, “There’s no point in fighting further today; let’s spar another time.”
“Agreed.”
Bai Zongnan nodded slightly. “Brother Gongsun, if opportunity allows, I hope to cross swords with you again.”
“Certainly!” Gongsun Zan nodded.
Bai Zongnan swept his gaze over the gathered crowd. “Gentlemen, today’s challenge is concluded. Please, everyone, take your leave.”
Gongsun Zan cupped his hands. “I take my leave.”
Yuan Tan, Zhou Tai, Liu Pi, Liu Fan, Liu Yao, and Liu Pan—the five clan leaders—hurried to see him off.
They wore embarrassed looks, faces dark with frustration.
They had hoped to seize the chance for revenge, but instead, Gongsun Zan and Bai Zongnan together had cowed them into submission.
Once Yuan Tan and his group had gone, Bai Zongnan and Li Youyou left together.
After returning to his residence with Li Youyou, Bai Zongnan immediately ordered the servants to prepare a banquet.
When the feast ended, Bai Zongnan retired alone to rest.
The next morning, he woke early, debating whether he should visit the palace to see the emperor.
Suddenly, a knock sounded at his door.
Opening it, Bai Zongnan saw an elderly man waiting outside.
“Young Master Lin, I am sent by Yuan Shu to invite you!” the old man said with a smile. “His Majesty has summoned you—would you do him the honor?”
“Very well!” Bai Zongnan was briefly surprised, then agreed gladly.
He knew that in recent years, Yuan Shu had been biding his time and amassing power, ultimately with rebellion in mind.
Though Bai Zongnan was shrewd and strategic, he was not selfish—if Yuan Shu wished for his aid, he saw no reason not to help.
Following the old man, Bai Zongnan entered the palace.
At that moment,
Yuan Shu sat on the dragon throne, his expression stern, his gaze cold and troubled.
“Your Majesty!” Bai Zongnan bowed respectfully.
“Rise!” Yuan Shu gestured. “I have summoned you to discuss important matters!”
“Please speak, Your Majesty,” Bai Zongnan replied.
“Lord Lin, I would have you look at this…” Yuan Shu produced a letter from his robe and handed it to Bai Zongnan.
Bai Zongnan opened the envelope, read the letter, and his face instantly changed.
“Your Majesty, this matter concerns the safety of the Jiangdong nobility. You must not make a rash decision!” Bai Zongnan cautioned.
Yuan Shu snorted coldly. “Lord Lin, all these years I have endured humiliation, lying low, all for the sake of a grand ambition! If I do not act now, I am doomed!”
“Your Majesty is wise! I am willing to lend you my humble strength!” Bai Zongnan declared.
“Good!” Yuan Shu nodded, pondering for a moment. “This time, I plan to gather the Jiangdong armies and campaign against Lü Bu, to contest Jing Province with Liu Bei.”
“Think carefully, Your Majesty!” Bai Zongnan advised. “Liu Bei is deeply cunning, a master of intrigue and strict in military discipline, with Lü Bu and Xu Shu as his advisors. If you send the Jiangdong army into the heart of Jing Province and fail, the consequences will be dire!”
Yuan Shu sneered. “Though Lü Bu is the bravest of the three armies, I do not fear him! Besides, Lü Bu is but a reckless brute—not a match for the strategist Xu Shu. I am certain I can defeat both Lü Bu and Xu Shu!”
“Oh?”
Bai Zongnan raised his brows. “Does Your Majesty intend to frame Xu Shu, making him the scapegoat?”
“Hahaha…”
Yuan Shu burst out laughing. “Xu Shu is indeed brilliant, but he is also pedantic. He was once a son of the Yingchuan gentry, later demoted to county magistrate, and has never submitted to the court!”
“Your Majesty is wise! I shall send word to Xu Shu—if he refuses, we shall punish him by law!” Bai Zongnan said.
“Very well! I leave this matter to you!” Yuan Shu waved his hand.
Bai Zongnan took his leave.
...
However, he did not hasten to notify Xu Shu, for he intended to let others do his dirty work. Besides, he was sure Xu Shu would not refuse his proposal.
After all, if Xu Shu wished to establish himself in Jiangdong, relying on Gongsun Zan was his best option.
If he offended Gongsun Zan, his days in Jiangdong would be difficult indeed.
Returning to the Governor’s mansion, Bai Zongnan began secluded cultivation.
“Ding! Congratulations, host, on completing the hidden quest ‘Save Xu Shu’, earning one billion chivalry points!”
“Ding, congratulations on leveling up to Martial Master sixth stage, receiving two hundred thousand experience!”
“Ding, congratulations on advancing to Martial Master eighth stage! Reward: twenty million experience!”
...
As the system prompts echoed in his mind, Bai Zongnan’s thoughts stirred.
Suddenly, a powerful surge of energy swept through his body.
He felt a profound sense of well-being.
After his breakthrough, his strength was several times greater than before—a joy beyond words.
“What?”
Bai Zongnan was startled to discover his bloodline had greatly advanced.
He examined his body closely.
His bloodline had always been extraordinary.
But upon ascending to the eighth stage, it seemed to have evolved further.
Originally, Bai Zongnan possessed a Silver bloodline.
Now, it had risen to the Golden tier!
The Golden bloodline was an entire grade above Silver.
Its power far surpassed the latter.
Golden bloodline was of kingly rank, with nine distinct tiers.
Each tier signified a different level of quality.
His ancestor, Lin Xiaotian, had a Silver bloodline, giving him might far beyond ordinary Martial Masters.
His mother, Lady Jiang, also had Silver blood, but hers leaned more towards Bronze, her power less than a tenth of true Silver, so her strength barely matched Golden.
The gap between Silver and Golden bloodlines was like a chasm.
Now that Bai Zongnan had reached Golden, his power rose with the tide.
“Your Majesty, I glanced at the letter Yuan Shao sent you—it concerns Cao Cao, Liu Zhang, and Dong Zhuo! Yuan Shao wants to use Cao Cao to eliminate the Yuan clan, then annex Ji Province.
Yuan Shao’s appetite is vast—does he think he is the emperor, daring to covet Hebei? If you agree to his terms, you’ll be at his mercy,” Bai Zongnan said. “And Yuan Shu is ambitious—he’ll be a scourge if left alive. Sire, we should ally with Lü Bu and Liu Bei to destroy Yuan Shu and then divide the realm!”
Yuan Shu’s face was twisted with fury as he ground his teeth. “Lord Lin! That’s right, I want to wipe out the Yuan clan and swallow Ji Province, but timing is everything! My foundation is still shallow; I cannot yet face all the allied lords. That’s why I’ve allied with Cao Cao, Lü Bu, and Liu Bei!
But I already have a plan. Soon, I will destroy the Yuans. Then, I will lead my ministers and Lord Lin to divide their spoils!”
Bai Zongnan thought to himself, “As expected, Yuan Shu is devious—he’s trying to use me as well.”
He did not expose Yuan Shu’s lies; after all, the plan might present him with opportunity.
“When do you intend to strike at the Yuan clan, Your Majesty?” Bai Zongnan asked.
“The sooner the better—tonight if possible!” Yuan Shu’s eyes glinted coldly.
He was eager to rid himself of the Yuans.
“Then I will notify Lü Bu and Liu Bei, informing them that Yuan Shu intends to deal with Yuan Shao and Liu Yu!” Bai Zongnan bowed.
“Go! And remember, do not let anything slip!” Yuan Shu cautioned.
Bai Zongnan nodded and withdrew.
...
“Report… Your Majesty, General Zhang Liao requests an audience!” the eunuch’s clear voice rang from outside.
“Admit him!”
Soon, Bai Zongnan exited the hall.
A tall, powerfully built man strode forward.
This was Zhang Liao—valiant and loyal.
“Your servant greets Your Majesty!”
Zhang Liao knelt in salute.
“Rise.”
Yuan Shu nodded, then asked with a smile, “Fengxian, what urgent news do you bring?”
“Your Majesty, I have learned that Lü Bu is leading his Tiger and Leopard Cavalry south, intending to raid our granaries!”
Zhang Liao reported.
“Heh… Lü Bu at last grows restless!” Yuan Shu narrowed his eyes.
Bai Zongnan frowned—Lü Bu’s southern move was serious.
He was a fierce general indeed.
And in recent years, Lü Bu had built a record of victories, with several formidable warriors under his command.
Such a man was extremely dangerous.
“Your Majesty, if Lü Bu comes with such force, we must send troops to defend!” Bai Zongnan said gravely.
Yuan Shu nodded. “I have made preparations! Now, in this season when the autumn wind sweeps the leaves, I plan to let Lü Bu lead his cavalry to scour the granaries of Henei Commandery, slaughtering its people and seizing their grain. I want Lü Bu to become isolated, then I will lead the army to strike at him!”
“Your Majesty is wise!” Bai Zongnan bowed.
“Send orders to muster our forces! I will lead the campaign myself and eliminate Lü Bu!”
Yuan Shu commanded.
“Yes!” the advisers answered in unison.
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Soon, the news spread.
All the powers of Henei Commandery were shaken.
At such a time, Yuan Shu personally leading a campaign? Was he mad?
Naturally, Bai Zongnan was not fooled.
“So, Yuan Shu is up to no good… Is this all a cover for his ambition to seize Ji Province?” he murmured to himself.
Yuan Shu had summoned two ghostly spirits—albeit low-level, their power not even a tenth of their peak.
Yet,
Ghosts possessed many powerful magical abilities.
If he could summon one or two mighty spirits,
It would be a great help for Bai Zongnan in dealing with enemies.
But he would not meddle with such beings lightly, fearing unnecessary trouble.
Still, he considered that perhaps one day, he could obtain a Spirit Talisman from such an entity.
With that, he could command more formidable ghosts to aid him against his foes.
But for now, it was just a thought.
Obtaining a Spirit Talisman would be extremely difficult.
...
Bai Zongnan left the court and sought out Xiahou Yuan.
“Master, what would you have me do?” Xiahou Yuan asked eagerly.
Bai Zongnan explained his plan and asked, “Brother Xiahou, what do you think?”
“Rest assured, Master! Leave it to me!” Xiahou Yuan thumped his chest and left at once.
...
Bai Zongnan suddenly remembered he had not been home in a long time, and his newlywed wife—Zhen Mi—was probably anxious.
He decided to visit her at the Zhen residence.
Arriving at the gates, he knocked.
Zhen Mi opened the door and, seeing him, broke into a radiant smile.
“Husband, what brings you here?”
She exclaimed in delight.
Bai Zongnan took her delicate hand and entered the courtyard.
“I heard you were ill, so I came to visit!” he said.
“Nonsense! I’ve been healthy all along!” she replied playfully, batting her beautiful eyes.
“Haha! That’s good! Let’s eat together,” Bai Zongnan laughed.
They sat together, eating and chatting.
Suddenly,
A chill filled the air.
A claw, formed of dark mist, reached out from the void.
It grasped for Bai Zongnan and Zhen Mi.
Sensing the spectral claw, Bai Zongnan’s lips curled into a cold smile.
He raised his right hand and lightly slapped the claw.
Bang!
With a resounding crash, the claw was sent flying.
Bai Zongnan rose to his feet, gaze cold as he surveyed the surroundings. He shouted, “Who dares play tricks here? Show yourself!”
Swish, swish, swish—
Figures appeared in the air.
Five or six of them radiated fearsome auras.
All were formidable cultivators.
Clearly, they were top-tier experts.
“Bai Zongnan! I searched high and low for you, yet here you are! Today I shall finally rid the world of you, you little wretch!” Lü Bu sneered.
Three cultivators beside him unleashed murderous pressure, locking onto Bai Zongnan.
Lü Bu fixed his gaze on Zhen Mi, his eyes filled with lechery.
Bai Zongnan looked at Lü Bu with icy indifference. “Lü Bu, don’t say I didn’t warn you. If you wish to live, leave now. Otherwise, I will show no mercy!”
“You despicable thing! Do you think that by defeating Li Yuanba you are invincible? Laughable! I, Lü Bu, could crush you as easily as squashing a bug. Today, I will send you straight to hell!”
Lü Bu sneered.
“Lü Bu… Today, I shall end you!” Bai Zongnan’s voice grew cold as death.
He advanced on Lü Bu.
With every step, the air seemed to crack.
This was the use of the Great Rupture Technique—a celestial art of Bai Zongnan’s own creation, immensely powerful and perfectly suited to his constitution.
The Great Rupture Technique had nine forms.
Bai Zongnan had mastered the seventh—“Shattering the Stars.”
Now, unleashing it, the power was truly terrifying.
Sensing the aura Bai Zongnan exuded, Lü Bu’s face darkened. He realized this opponent was anything but ordinary.
This fellow was utterly monstrous.
He snorted. “You have courage, I’ll grant you that. But let’s see if your strength matches your bravado!”
With that, Lü Bu charged at Bai Zongnan.
Bai Zongnan let out a cold laugh, swung his right arm, and struck at Lü Bu.
This punch carried apocalyptic power, tearing through the void and slamming into Lü Bu.
Crack, crack—the sound of bones breaking, agony searing through Lü Bu as his body fractured.
He was grievously wounded.
Blood streamed from his wounds.
“Damn it… I actually got injured by this brat…”
Lü Bu roared in disbelief, eyes wide as he stared at Bai Zongnan.
“How can your strength… possibly be so overwhelming?”
“Incredible… This is truly beyond belief…”
The observers hidden in the shadows were stunned.
They had expected Lü Bu to suppress Bai Zongnan, but instead Lü Bu was crushed.
The outcome left them all aghast.
Bai Zongnan sneered. “Weren’t you going to kill me? Do it now! Let’s see what you’re made of!”
“Roar…”
Lü Bu howled and attacked again, both fists hammering at Bai Zongnan.
Bang, bang, bang—
Each punch fiercer than the last, but no matter how powerful Lü Bu was, he could not withstand Bai Zongnan’s blows.
Finally,
Splat.
Bai Zongnan thrust his sword through Lü Bu’s brow, killing him.
“Husband…” Zhen Mi cried out, throwing herself into Bai Zongnan’s arms, tears streaming down her cheeks.
“Don’t cry… You still have me…” Bai Zongnan gently stroked her hair, his voice soft.
“Mm…” Zhen Mi nodded.
Bai Zongnan took out a pill for her to swallow, then a spirit stone to speed her recovery.
Soon, Zhen Mi was fully healed.
“Husband, thank you for saving me. If not for you, I would have perished. There’s no way I could ever repay you…” Zhen Mi said.
“Silly girl… Don’t say such things again!” Bai Zongnan replied.
“Mm,” she nodded obediently.
He took her into his embrace, her delicate body trembling slightly.
Bai Zongnan asked, “Will you marry me?”
“Of course I’m willing… But what about my parents…”
Zhen Mi said with concern.
Bai Zongnan smiled. “I’ll speak to them personally. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure they agree. Let’s set out now—no need to tempt fate by waiting.”
Zhen Mi nodded.
She too wanted to leave this dangerous place as soon as possible.
After all, it was a den of dragons and tigers.
...
Bai Zongnan and Zhen Mi departed, and the others followed suit.
“Your Highness, do you truly intend to marry Bai Zongnan?” a maid asked softly.
“He saved my life—I ought to marry him!” Zhen Mi replied seriously.
The maid smiled wryly. “Your Highness, I know all about Bai Zongnan. He’s not worthy of your lifelong devotion. You are of noble birth—don’t demean yourself. Besides, he’s a royal of a foreign clan…”
“No more! My mind is made up. I trust he won’t let me down. And if any of you dare to leak this, don’t blame me for being harsh!” Zhen Mi said.
The maids fell silent, not daring to argue, and quickly withdrew.
...
Half a month passed in the blink of an eye.
One midnight, Bai Zongnan opened his eyes, exiting his cultivation.
“Brother Bai Zongnan, you’re awake! I just finished brewing your medicine. Drink up—though your wounds have healed, they were grave, so you must rest!” Little Mink ran in, proudly carrying a tray with a steaming bowl.
Bai Zongnan sat up, drained the bowl, and found the taste mild and pleasant.
He couldn’t help but reflect: since joining the Lin family in Qingzhou City, he had enjoyed luxury, but he knew the old saying—a poor couple faces a thousand sorrows. He and Zhen Mi were fated for no happy ending, though he could not deny her feelings for him.
Zhen Mi liked him.
Yet she never said it.
He, too, never broke the ambiguity.
Their relationship hovered in that hazy, ambiguous realm.
Perhaps it was because Zhen Mi was the daughter of the man who had saved his life.
Bai Zongnan felt indebted, and for that reason,
He did not wish to hurt her.
He set down the tray and patted Little Mink on the head.
These days, his health had recovered somewhat.
He picked up Little Mink, then drew Lord Mink from the Mountain-River Ring.
Lord Mink was sprawled on the bed, snoring.
Awakened by the noise, it cried out in excitement, “Hahaha, Boss, you finally let me out of the ring!”
“You seem pretty carefree! Looks like you don’t miss me much when you’re in that ring!” Lord Mink pouted.
Bai Zongnan laughed. “How could I not miss you?”
Lord Mink replied, “If you miss me, I miss you too! It’s been so long—I missed you terribly. I’m so hungry now, you’d better treat me to a feast!”
“No problem—let’s have a barbecue! I’ll get it ready,” said Bai Zongnan.
He called out to the guards, “Tell the kitchen to prepare some roast meat—I’m treating Lord Mink tonight.”
“Yes, sir!” The guards hurried off.
Bai Zongnan took Lord Mink to the kitchen to prepare the barbecue.
Lord Mink curled up on his shoulder, half asleep.
The little fellow had been exhausted recently.
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He spent every day guarding Bai Zongnan, barely sleeping.
Of course,
He never seemed truly tired—one nap and he was lively again.
Bai Zongnan’s barbecue skills were exceptional.
He personally slaughtered over twenty fierce beasts, roasting them over the fire.
The meat was sliced into strips and placed on the table. A swarm of beautiful butterflies fluttered in, dancing around the bonfire.
“So many beautiful butterflies dancing around the fire—truly a delight to behold!” Bai Zongnan sighed in admiration.
At that moment, Zhen Mi entered, clad in a red gauze gown.
The fabric clung to her, accentuating her curves.
Her seductive figure was on full display.
Bai Zongnan couldn’t help but swallow.
“Master Lin, your barbecue is ready—try it and see how it tastes!” Zhen Mi said, her cheeks flushed as she set the food box on the table.
Bai Zongnan nodded, opened it, and tore into a leg of lamb.
He had sliced it paper-thin and basted it with honey, spices, and seasonings.
Perfect for summer—though it would spoil quickly in winter.
Bai Zongnan devoured it hungrily.
He had a prodigious appetite, eating three or four pounds before stopping.
Patting his stomach, he declared, “That was excellent—Lord Mink is full and satisfied!”
Lord Mink nodded in agreement.
Zhen Mi looked at Bai Zongnan with eyes full of admiration.
Bai Zongnan said, “Come, let’s visit Little Yao. I’ve been so busy lately, I haven’t had time for you!”
“Yay! Little Yao is so pretty—Lord Mink likes her best…” Lord Mink leapt for joy, then dove into Bai Zongnan’s arms.
Bai Zongnan carried him as they flew to Little Yao’s chamber, landing on the roof.
“Daddy!” Little Yao squealed in delight, rushing to hug Bai Zongnan’s neck and nuzzle him.
“Little Yao is such a big girl now…” Bai Zongnan pinched her delicate cheek.
“Mm! And Daddy is even more handsome and heroic!” she giggled.
“Did you miss Daddy?” Bai Zongnan ruffled her hair.
“Of course!” she replied in her childish voice.
Then, blinking her big eyes, she said, “Daddy, I heard you’re joining the army to fight. You must come back safe, or I’ll worry! When I grow up, I’ll protect you so no one can ever bully you!”
Bai Zongnan’s heart warmed at her words.
He gently stroked her hair.
“Don’t worry! Daddy will come home safe. When you’re older, you can learn martial arts from me. If you’re not grown yet, I’ll teach you cultivation. Work hard, and you’ll protect me, your mother, your sister…”
Encouraged, Little Yao’s big eyes sparkled with hope.
“Mm! When I grow up, I’ll protect Daddy!” she nodded resolutely.
...
The next day.
A luxurious carriage arrived, and a young, arrogant noble leapt down.
“Bai Zongnan! Get out here! I know you’re in the city lord’s mansion. Come out, kneel, and beg for mercy—maybe I’ll spare your dog life!”
“Who is this? Such arrogance…” the crowd whispered, faces stunned that this youth dared demand Bai Zongnan kneel.
“Brother, my master is resting. Please wait a moment,” said the Poison Ancestor.
“And who are you? Seeking vengeance is a courtesy to your master, yet he won’t come greet me?”
A cultivator emerged, scoffing.
“That’s Zhang Wenbo—he serves the King’s heir! Word is, the heir has bought off Zhang Wenbo,” someone whispered.
Zhang Wenbo served Zhao Haoyu, the King’s heir, so everyone guessed Zhao Haoyu was behind this.
...
Zhang Wenbo kept shouting, “Still not coming out?”
He clearly looked down on Poison Ancestor and the others, confident in his numbers.
Though Bai Zongnan was formidable, he was one man—the others were not their match.
Bai Zongnan frowned. Poison Ancestor and the others had only just recovered; now was not the time for anger.
He did not act immediately—if they could not bear the provocation, he would act then.
Bai Zongnan stepped out and said coolly, “Who are you, to dare challenge me? Do you know the meaning of death?”
Zhang Wenbo sneered, “You’re nothing but a lowborn cur—unworthy of knowing my name! If you know what’s good for you, crawl over and beg. Maybe I’ll let you die whole. If not, I’ll see you die without a grave. Believe it?”
“You dare!” Poison Ancestor roared in fury.
Zhang Wenbo was insufferably arrogant, making Poison Ancestor long to teach him a lesson.
But Bai Zongnan raised his hand to stop him.
He said, “Since you’re so eager to die, I’ll oblige you…”
“You lowly worm, cursing me to die? You’ll be crying soon…” Zhang Wenbo scoffed. He lunged at Bai Zongnan, kicking at his chest.
Zhang Wenbo was an experienced fighter, his attack swift and hard to evade.
But as his kick came within five meters, Bai Zongnan vanished.
In the next instant, he appeared at Zhang Wenbo’s side and struck.
Sensing danger, Zhang Wenbo dodged and crossed his arms to block.
Bang.
With a thunderous impact, Zhang Wenbo’s arms snapped, and Bai Zongnan’s hand gripped his shoulder.
Crack, crack.
With the sound of breaking bones, half of Zhang Wenbo’s arm was dislocated.
Bai Zongnan slammed Zhang Wenbo’s head into the ground.
Zhang Wenbo screamed in agony.
Bai Zongnan pinned him underfoot, looking down.
“Who sent you?”
“Bah! Who do you think you are? You’re unworthy to know who sent me! I’m unlucky today, but we’ll see who laughs last…”
Zhang Wenbo spat curses.
Bai Zongnan kicked him in the face.
His head slammed into the ground, blood spurting.
Zhang Wenbo lost consciousness.
“He actually crippled Zhang Wenbo’s cultivation—what audacity!” the passing cultivators gasped. Zhang Wenbo’s father was a patriarch of one of the empire’s four great families—now Bai Zongnan had destroyed his cultivation.
His father would be furious, possibly involving the King’s heir, Zhao Haoyu.
“Well done, splendidly done…” Poison Ancestor laughed.
Bai Zongnan sneered, “Didn’t you say I’m unworthy to know your names? Let me tell you, I am Lin Feng. Who cares about your King’s heir? Even if the heavens themselves come, if they cross me, I’ll kill them all…”
“What? Bai Zongnan, you are Bai Zongnan?” Zhang Wenbo’s eyes widened—he knew Bai Zongnan’s reputation.
In the past, he had single-handedly routed millions of elite troops.
Such a feat was legendary.
Zhang Wenbo wanted to retort, but in the end, he held his tongue.
Now, Bai Zongnan truly had the strength to back his words.
...
Bai Zongnan said, “Take your friends and get out…”
“Let’s go…”
Zhang Wenbo hurriedly ordered his men to carry him away.
Soon, they disappeared from view.
“This won’t be the end of it, will it?” a cultivator remarked.
Others nodded.
They all doubted the matter would end here.
After all, Zhang Wenbo’s father was a Zhang family patriarch.
At that moment, a massive warship approached from the distance.
It docked at the harbor.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh.
Three streaks of light shot from the ship.
Leading them was Zhang Yuan, patriarch of the Zhang family.
With him were his son, Zhang Yunfeng, and granddaughter, Zhang Yunyan.
“Greetings, uncles…” Bai Zongnan cupped his fists.
“Brother Bai Zongnan, no need for such formality…” Zhang Yunfeng and Zhang Yunyan returned the salute, then asked, “What happened here?”
Zhang Yuan glared coldly at Bai Zongnan, eyes brimming with murderous intent.
He said icily, “Brother Bai Zongnan, isn’t this a bit much?”
Bai Zongnan replied calmly, “I didn’t bully anyone—I merely punished an insolent slave. I didn’t kill him, after all…”
“You—you—you…” Zhang Yuan trembled with rage, nearly spitting blood.
Didn’t Bai Zongnan’s words mean he considered Zhang Wenbo a mere slave?
His own son, his nephew,
Called a lowly servant by Bai Zongnan.
Intolerable!
“Father, save me! He crippled me and destroyed my dantian—avenge me!” Zhang Wenbo screamed with venom.
“Outrageous…” Zhang Yuan roared.
He stepped forward, releasing a crushing aura.
His presence enveloped the entire harbor, a wave of icy power sweeping forth.
Such cold contained terrifying destructive force.
Zhang Yuan had cultivated the Nine Yin Profound Art, reaching its peak level.
The Nine Yin realm had several stages—early, middle, late, consummate, and peak.
Each stage allowed the condensation of a Nether Frost Seal.
The Nine Yin Profound Art was not his main technique, but it was extraordinary.
Its seals could evolve, their power multiplying.
Zhang Yuan had reached the peak of the ninth Yin realm, able to unleash a fearsome assault.
“Bai Zongnan, you dared cripple my son and insult him—you deserve death a thousand times over…!”
Zhang Yuan’s fury was boundless, killing intent surging.
“Is that so? Your son was at fault first—I merely disciplined him. Would you have me swallow my anger, letting your son strut before me? I detest arrogance, and so I always root out threats at the source…”
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