Public Security Bureau, Golden Scale Guard headquarters.

Lin Wanzhu sat behind her desk, listening to the continuous reports from several Captains. Her usually cool and beautiful face was now an icy mask.

Lately, the Golden Scale Guard had been mobilized in full force, turning the entire district upside down in an attempt to root out the Black Lotus Sect’s hidden strongholds. Yet, they had come up empty-handed.

What was more infuriating was that the Black Lotus Sect, far from disappearing, had grown even more rampant. In the past two days, they had openly hijacked several merchant caravans transporting supplies outside the city.

"What’s the situation outside the city? Have we sent more men to patrol?" Lin Wanzhu asked in a cold voice.

Peng Ye stepped forward, cupped his fist, and said with a bitter smile, "Commander, the area outside the city is simply too vast. When we spread our men from the Golden Scale Guard out there, it’s like a clay ox entering the sea—they just vanish. We’ve already sent our brothers to investigate the larger market towns undercover, but those Black Lotus Sect fiends are too elusive. They haven’t left a single trace behind."

Lin Wanzhu rubbed the bridge of her nose, which was throbbing with a dull ache. She said in a heavy voice, "Send out the order: have the village heads and clan elders of all villages and towns outside the city lead their own investigations! Anyone who discovers traces of Black Lotus Sect fiends or suspicious individuals must report back by swift horse immediately. If anyone dares to conceal information and is found out, they will be charged with colluding with the enemy!"

"Yes, Commander!"

After the Captains received their orders and departed, a dead silence returned to the spacious meeting hall.

Lin Wanzhu let out a long sigh.

They had spent a great deal of time on their investigations, but the city was a chaotic mix of people, and their efforts had yielded nothing.

Compared to the city, the possibility of a Black Lotus Sect stronghold existing outside was also high. They just didn’t have enough manpower, so she could only hope that those villages might uncover something.

"Sigh..."

She sighed again, leaning forward slightly and resting the heavy, proud mounds of her chest on the large, purple sandalwood desk. She instantly felt much of the tension in her tight back ease away.

’That heartless boy... I wonder what he’s been busy with these past few days. I haven’t seen a shadow of him.’

Lin Wanzhu propped her chin on one hand, a trace of fatigue and melancholy showing in her beautiful eyes.

With this tangled mess of responsibilities weighing on her heart, she actually felt a moment of weakness, a desire to find a broad shoulder to lean on.

...

The Qian Family, the rear courtyard’s Martial Arts Arena.

Today, the atmosphere in the Qian Family was particularly grim and solemn.

The core disciples of the Qian Family’s main and branch lineages, along with the elders of the Elder Council, the masters of the Tributor group, and other influential parties invited to spectate, had all gathered here, silently awaiting the start of the battle for the Patriarch’s position.

Qian Qinghong stood at the very front of the main branch’s contingent.

She was not wearing her usual red attire today. Instead, she had changed into a tailored, form-fitting martial outfit of inky black, with a cloud-patterned jade belt cinching her waist. The outfit perfectly accentuated her tall, straight posture and her slender, willowy waist.

Her long, dark hair was tied up in a neat, high ponytail, and her features held less of a maiden’s gentleness and more of the decisive, martial air of a seasoned warrior.

"Qinghong, are you sure about the helpers you found? Can they win?"

Beside Qian Qinghong, a tall, handsome man with a face as pale as paper spoke in a low voice.

He covered his mouth and coughed violently twice, a fierce glint flashing in his eyes. "If you’re not confident, Big Brother’s sworn brothers from the Black Stone Army are waiting in disguise outside the estate gates right now. Just say the word, and they can storm in and take control of the situation at any time."

This man was Qian Qinghong’s eldest brother, Qian Qingyan.

He was a master at the early stage of the Muscle Forging Realm and served as a high-ranking officer in the Black Stone Army. A while ago, while fighting the Black Lotus Sect on the front lines in the Northern Liang Province, he was severely injured by a single palm strike from a Profound Bone Realm Hall Master and had to retire to recuperate at home.

It was precisely because the main branch had lost this pillar of support with a military background that these long-dormant schemers dared to crawl out of the woodwork and force the issue, brazenly initiating this battle for the Patriarch’s position.

Qian Qinghong looked at her brother’s bloodless face, a flash of pain in her eyes, before she shook her head firmly. "Don’t worry, Big Brother. Everything is under my control. Just have your brothers-in-arms continue to wait outside. They must not get involved."

"The Black Stone Army has strict discipline, and they are especially wary of interfering in the internal struggles of noble families. If you were to be punished by military law because of this trivial matter of the Patriarch’s position, I could never forgive myself, even in death."

Qian Qingyan fell silent for a moment before nodding heavily. His injuries were not yet healed, and the situation in the army was no easier than the one at home. His greatest help to Qinghong would be to keep the military stable.

"Miss, this is bad! Brother Su and Miss Dai have been stopped at the gate."

Just then, Qian Wenhao rushed over to report, his face anxious.

"Follow me!"

A murderous glint flashed in Qian Qinghong’s eyes as she strode quickly toward the front gate.

...

Outside the Qian Estate’s main gate.

Qian Family Tributor Zhao Gaolang stood on the steps, looking down mockingly at Su Yu and Dai Xin below.

"Miss Dai, are you sure the Dai Family wants to interfere in the Qian Family’s affairs?"

"And you, Su Yu. You’re just a trivial mid-stage Flesh Refining Realm cultivator. Do you really think you’re some kind of master? You should know, there are plenty of geniuses who never got the chance to grow up."

Faced with Zhao Gaolang’s blatant threats, Su Yu’s expression remained calm. He said nothing, but deep within his eyes, a flicker of killing intent ignited.

"Zhao Gaolang, who the hell do you think you are! You’re just a Tributor for the Qian Family. What gives you the right to speak for them?"

In contrast to Su Yu’s composure, Dai Xin was much more direct. A fierce, unconcealed glare crossed her stunning face.

"Miss Dai, you’re mistaken. Tributor Zhao works conscientiously for my Qian Family, and he speaks from the heart. I, Qian Qingba, agree with him."

A man standing nearby sneered.

This man, dressed in fine brocade, was short in stature. He was Qian Qingba, son of the Fourth Elder Qian Hulyu, and he possessed the strength of the Late-stage of the Flesh Refining Realm.

"Qian Qingba, playing these kinds of dirty, underhanded tricks is all you’re good for."

An ice-cold voice rang out from behind the crowd.

Qian Qinghong, wearing deerskin boots, strode out of the estate gates.

She was remarkably tall, and her ink-black martial attire gave her an aura as sharp as a drawn sword.

The moment she appeared, her sheer presence completely overwhelmed the short-statured Qian Qingba.

"Brother Su, Xin’Er, let’s go in. I’d like to see who dares to block my honored guests today."

Qian Qinghong flashed a radiant smile at Su Yu and Dai Xin, the frost on her face melting away in an instant, replaced by a spring breeze. She walked with extreme naturalness to Su Yu’s side, and they headed into the estate together, shoulder to shoulder.

On the steps, the Tributors who had been so arrogant just a moment ago suddenly lost their nerve when they met Qian Qinghong’s gaze, subconsciously stepping aside to let them pass.

They had all experienced Qian Qinghong’s temper before. When she was truly angered, she was someone who would actually kill.

Watching Qian Qinghong walk through the gates, talking and laughing with Su Yu, Qian Qingba was left standing there. He let out a cold snort, his face so dark it looked as if water could drip from it.

’That damn bitch!’

’She’s always looked down on me, just because she’s from the main branch. After Father seizes the Patriarch’s seat today, I’ll grind her under my heel and give her a taste of a fate worse than death!’

Beside him, Zhao Gaolang also stared daggers at the backs of the trio, the venom in his eyes practically overflowing.

He had coveted Qian Qinghong for a long time, having long since marked her as his private property in his mind. He was just waiting for the Fourth Elder to take power, at which point he would force Qian Qinghong to marry him. Then, not only would he possess this priceless beauty, but he would also logically become a true member of the Qian Family.

But now, this Su Yu, this reckless fool, dared to be so intimate with *his* woman?

’He’s courting death!’

"Qingba," Zhao Gaolang lowered his voice and whispered sinisterly into Qian Qingba’s ear, "Later, during the duel in the Martial Arts Arena, when you’re fighting that Su Yu, find an opportunity and cripple him completely! He’s only at the mid-stage of the Flesh Refining Realm. Your Cultivation is higher than his, and you’ve prepared so thoroughly. It’ll be a piece of cake."

Qian Qingba’s heart tightened upon hearing this. ’This Zhao Gaolang is truly venomous.’

"Brother Zhao, Su Yu is a genius from the White Ape Martial Arts Hall, after all. I can defeat him, but if I cripple him in front of everyone, there will be no small amount of trouble later," Qian Qingba hesitated.

Zhao Gaolang’s eyes darted. "If you can cripple him, I’ll tell you the location of an ancient body of water where a Fish Dragon lies dormant! And when the Fourth Elder steps down in the future, I will give you my full support to become the next Patriarch!"

"Are you serious?" A sharp glint flashed in Qian Qingba’s eyes.

A Fish Dragon was a Profound Tier treasure fish, and the Dragon Tendon within its body was the best medicine for breaking through to the Muscle Forging Realm. The only reason Qian Qinghong managed her breakthrough was her good luck in finding a Silver Dragon Shuttle, a treasure comparable to a Fish Dragon.

"Of course I’m serious!" 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

"Alright! I’ll be sure to cripple that Su Yu!"

...

On the Martial Arts Arena.

The Qian Family’s Great Elder, Qian Lusheng, stepped forward from the crowd. He was an extremely burly man, his hair and beard as thick and bristly as steel needles. Just standing there, he resembled a dormant lion, radiating an aura of power without any hint of anger.

The originally boisterous members of the Qian Family instantly fell silent.

"The auspicious time has arrived." Qian Lusheng’s voice boomed like a great bell. "I’m sure you are all clear on the rules for today’s battle for the Patriarch’s position. It will be Qian Qinghong of the main branch versus the Fourth Elder, Qian Hulyu."

"Qinghong, Hulyu. Step forward!"

Qian Qinghong and Qian Hulyu each took a step forward, standing on opposite sides of the dueling platform.

Qian Lusheng’s fierce gaze swept across the entire arena. "The position of Patriarch concerns the very foundation of our Qian Family’s century-long legacy. Especially in this chaotic era with the Black Lotus Sect running rampant, the Qian Family is like a candle in the wind, in danger of being extinguished at the slightest misstep. Only a true, brilliant strategist can lead the family through this calamity. Therefore, today, regardless of age or seniority, only the most worthy will be chosen!"

"This first test is the martial arts platform! A Patriarch must not only possess the martial strength to suppress troublemakers but also have the ability to attract allies and build connections, which are also a reflection of their power and prestige... Today’s contest will be two wins out of three!"

"Both sides, show us what you’ve brought to the table."

The moment Qian Lusheng’s voice fell, Qian Hulyu couldn’t wait to shout, "For this contest, Tributor Zhao is representing the Qian Family’s entire group of Tributors in giving this old man their full support! In addition, more than a dozen other powers, including the Liu Family from the east side of the city, the Divine Fist Escort Agency, and the Jubao Chamber of Commerce, have all pledged to advance and retreat with me!"

As soon as he said this, a triumphant cheer erupted from the branch family’s side.

On Qian Qinghong’s side, however, not a single ripple of emotion showed on her incomparably beautiful face.

The Tributor group had been bought off by Qian Hulyu with promises of the Qian Family’s future profits, and their betrayal was her only real problem. As for the so-called Liu Family and the chamber of commerce, they were nothing but opportunistic bandwagoners who had caught a scent of profit and were trying to get a piece of the pie. They were of no concern at all.

"As for those who have come today to support me, Qian Qinghong..." Qian Qinghong surveyed the entire arena, her clear voice, amplified by her Qi and Blood, reaching every corner.

"There are only two."

"From the Dai Family, Dai Xin! From the White Ape Martial Arts Hall, Su Yu!"

As soon as she finished speaking, the expressions of the Qian Family members instantly changed.

The Dai Family was a first-rate, major family in the Outer City, in no way inferior to the Qian Family. In fact, over the past year, with the Qian Family lacking a Patriarch, they had even started to fall behind the Dai Family.

And Dai Xin was one of the three great beauties of Black Stone City, with strength at the Perfection of the Flesh Refining Realm. Her support alone was worth more than that of many other factions combined.

As for Su Yu, he was the number one genius of Black Stone City, his fame widespread!

Born to a fisherman’s family, he had grown step by step. He participated in the Martial Examination, placed in the top five, and first made a name for himself. At the Yuan Lantern Festival, he suppressed a foreign enemy and defeated Ding Mianyue of the Flying Fish Martial Arts Hall, becoming the number one expert of the younger generation.

After breaking through to the Flesh Refining Realm, he further displayed his might at the Dinglong Association, helping the White Ape Martial Arts Hall become the leader among martial arts halls.

Such a genius was a surefire future powerhouse at the Muscle Forging Realm, or perhaps even the Profound Bone Realm.

One could say that Su Yu standing here alone represented a future hegemonic power!

Everyone’s gaze involuntarily shifted to Su Yu and Dai Xin. Many of the young ladies of the Qian Family, in particular, looked at Su Yu with a shyness mixed with fiery passion.

Many of them were seeing Su Yu for the first time, and they never expected that this famous genius would be so young, so handsome and tall. He was, quite simply, the perfect husband they had always dreamed of.