Chapter Sixty-Four: Journey to the South of the Yangtze
"Alright!" Wen Hao didn't hesitate for a moment and dashed out of the room.
At that moment, in another manor—
"Boss, I've just received a message," a middle-aged man in a black suit approached a tall, imposing young man and spoke respectfully.
"Speak."
"Someone has made a move against the Azure Dragon Society…" The young man showed no emotion at the news, his voice cold and indifferent. "I know."
"Then…" The middle-aged man hesitated, "Boss, do you want us to intervene?"
The young man pondered for a moment, then slowly shook his head. "No need. Let the kid stir things up as he pleases. It doesn't concern us."
"Understood!" The middle-aged man withdrew at once.
…
Having dealt with the Azure Dragon Society, Qin Feng returned to find Lin Wanting.
By the time he arrived home, night had already fallen, but Lin Wanting was still anxiously waiting for him in the living room.
Seeing Qin Feng return safe and sound, she finally relaxed, her tightly wound nerves loosening as her eyes welled up with tears.
"You're back. Are you alright?" Lin Wanting's voice trembled slightly as she hurried toward him.
Qin Feng smiled gently and patted her back in comfort. "Don't worry, I'm fine. The matter with the Azure Dragon Society is settled."
Hearing this, a wave of warmth surged in Lin Wanting's heart, mingled with lingering fear.
"Thank you, Qin Feng."
She hugged him tightly, tears streaming down once more.
Qin Feng caressed her back softly and whispered, "You are mine. Helping you is only natural."
At those words, Lin Wanting felt even sweeter inside, and couldn't help but murmur, "I would do anything for you!"
A mischievous smile played at the corner of Qin Feng's lips as he drew her into his arms.
"Wanting, do you know how beautiful you look today?"
Lin Wanting blushed crimson, shyly protesting, "You're awful, always teasing me! No more of your nonsense!"
Qin Feng leaned close, grinning wickedly at her ear. "To me, you outshine any flower—peerlessly beautiful."
She shot him a playful glare. "Such a smooth talker!"
…
The next morning, after bidding Lin Wanting farewell, Qin Feng set out for Liu Yunsheng's location.
After all, today was the day to depart; the Martial Arts Tournament would begin tomorrow, and there was no time to lose.
Liu Yunsheng's residence wasn't far from Jianghai City.
In just over an hour, Qin Feng arrived at the secluded villa.
"Master Liu, I'm back!" Qin Feng walked straight up to Liu Yunsheng and clasped his hands in greeting.
Liu Yunsheng nodded at the sight of him. "Sit down, let's have breakfast first."
They sat facing each other.
Soon, a servant brought breakfast. Liu Yunsheng personally picked up his chopsticks and placed a fried egg in Qin Feng's bowl with a smile. "Try this egg. The taste may be ordinary, but it's packed with nutrition."
"Thank you!" Qin Feng accepted without affectation and began to eat.
As they ate, Liu Yunsheng asked with concern, "How did things go? Is everything resolved?"
"Thanks to you, it's all settled," Qin Feng replied with a faint smile.
"Excellent! That's wonderful news. In that case, we'll set out soon. They’re already waiting for us in Jiangnan," Liu Yunsheng said, delighted.
Qin Feng nodded in agreement.
After breakfast, Liu Yunsheng instructed a few disciples to guard the villa, then got into the car with Qin Feng, heading for Jiangnan Province.
The convoy drove grandly away from the villa district.
Qin Feng gazed out the window, watching the hurried scenes flickering past, a cold smile curving at his lips.
He knew that this Martial Arts Tournament would include martial artists from the Wen family.
By sunset, the group arrived in Jiangnan and checked into a luxurious hotel.
"Let's go. The others are probably already here," Liu Yunsheng urged. "Tomorrow's the tournament. Make sure you do us proud!"
Qin Feng nodded and followed Liu Yunsheng inside.
Once in the hotel, the attendant quickly led them to an opulently appointed private room on the fifth floor.
As Qin Feng entered, he saw that dozens were already gathered inside.
Aside from that, all the tables and chairs had been cleared, leaving only a spacious round table.
On either side of the table were rows of seats.
Qin Feng scanned the room, his gaze settling on three old men seated near the door.
All three were white-haired yet youthful in countenance, exuding an air of ascetic refinement. The leader, in particular, wore his long, silvery hair tied back and his beard flowing freely, radiating an imposing presence.
Each of these three radiated extraordinary strength; the weakest among them had reached the peak of the fifth realm, while the strongest was already at the mid-sixth realm.
Qin Feng surmised these must be the three giants of Jiangnan Province.
"Old Six!" As Liu Yunsheng entered, the others immediately rose and bowed in greeting.
"Please, everyone, be seated. No need for formality," Liu Yunsheng said with a friendly smile, and the crowd sat down accordingly.
At this moment, the three white-haired elders near the door spoke up.
They glanced at Qin Feng, their brows knitting in unison.
Liu Yunsheng nodded with a smile. "That's right. This is the young friend I mentioned. I'm sure you all recognize him by now?"
Everyone nodded to indicate they did.
Qin Feng gave them a slight nod in return. "You're too kind," he said calmly.
Another elder echoed, "Young Qin is indeed qualified to compete in this tournament."
But the last elder gave a wry laugh and shook his head. "This year's tournament will be extremely perilous. Though young Qin is strong, facing true masters may prove too much for him."
Listening to the elders discuss him so openly, Qin Feng arched an eyebrow, his heart pondering.
"So they're all sizing me up for my place in the tournament. Do they really believe our tournament here is inferior to those held in other provinces?"
His mind raced, seeking a strategy.
This Martial Arts Tournament, held in Jiangnan and hosted by its most powerful factions, required each province's delegation to gain the organizers' approval to participate.
Qin Feng's main goal was to use the tournament as an opportunity to advance his own strength.
Now, though, it seemed that might not be so easy.
Noticing the change in Qin Feng's expression, Liu Yunsheng patted his shoulder reassuringly. "Relax, my young friend. No matter how it turns out, I stand behind you!"
Qin Feng smiled and nodded in acknowledgment.