Making a Move

"Indeed, the Shangguan Family must hand over Wan Sanhuo, this murderer!"

"Hand over Wan Sanhuo, hand over Wan Sanhuo!"

Outside the Shangguan Family mansion, layers upon layers of martial artists had completely surrounded the main gate.

Many common folk had also gathered to watch, making the scene incredibly lively.

"Who dares to bark so ferociously outside my Shangguan Family!"

A roar echoed, and Shangguan Feiyun leaped out like a dragon or a fish. His Meridian Opening Realm True Qi surged, instantly pushing back all the martial artists blocking the gate and silencing the clamor.

Seeing Shangguan Feiyun, though his face was covered in injuries, the martial artists were momentarily speechless.

They were well aware of the second young master of the Shangguan Family's conduct. He never followed the rules, acted according to his whims, and would resort to violence if provoked.

They had no desire to get into a dispute with such a rogue.

The next moment, an even stronger aura erupted. Shangguan Liuyun emerged with a group of Shangguan Family servants.

"The eldest young master is here! The eldest young master is understanding and will surely make the right judgment."

"That's right, Eldest Young Master, you mustn't be foolish!"

"Eldest Young Master, you must consider Dongjiang City!"

The noisy shouts erupted again, like a group of unruly commoners spotting a weak official they could easily manipulate.

But the next moment, a sharp aura exploded. Shangguan Liuyun, filled with rage, abandoned his usual gentlemanly demeanor and resorted to brute force!

Feeling the oppressive aura press down, everyone's hearts skipped a beat. They finally realized that Shangguan Liuyun today was completely different from his usual self.

"Hehehehehe, Nephew Liuyun, what a fiery temper! What has happened?"

The crowd slowly parted, and two figures walked out.

Upon seeing them, Shangguan Feiyun's expression changed slightly, and even Shangguan Liuyun frowned.

"Old Master Wang, Mr. Xu San, I did not expect your esteemed presence. Shangguan Liuyun has failed to welcome you properly."

Shangguan Liuyun cupped his fists in a bow, and Shangguan Feiyun, standing beside him, reluctantly did the same.

Old Master Wang, whose name was Wang Jin, was the helmsman of the Weiwu Martial Arts Hall. He was rumored to have once reached the Energy Gathering Realm, but after suffering severe injuries in a conflict with an enemy, his cultivation regressed to the Meridian Opening Realm.

He returned to Dongjiang City, established the Weiwu Martial Arts Hall, and since then, it became the place for martial arts enlightenment in Dongjiang, holding extraordinary prestige.

The other man, surnamed Xu, was the third child in his family. He was not from the martial arts world but was righteous and outspoken. He held significant weight among the common folk of Dongjiang City. Anyone in the city facing trouble would consider it an honor to have Mr. Xu present.

With both of them arriving together, the situation today was likely to be difficult.

The two men also smiled and cupped their fists towards Shangguan Liuyun.

"With both elders arriving today, the Shangguan Family is truly honored. Please, come inside for a chat."

Shangguan Liuyun lowered his stance, showing respect to the two of them.

"Ah, with so many martial arts colleagues here, it wouldn't be good to leave them out. Let's talk here today," Wang Jin spoke first.

"Indeed. There is nothing that cannot be spoken of openly. Today's matter concerns Dongjiang City, so it is better to discuss it in front of everyone," Mr. Xu added.

Their words clearly indicated their stance, causing the hearts of the two Shangguan brothers to sink further.

"Very well, then what is the purpose of you all surrounding my Shangguan Family today?"

With the conversation not going smoothly, Shangguan Liuyun's tone turned colder.

"Ah, Nephew, do not misunderstand. This matter is not directed at the Shangguan Family. It is simply that Wan Sanhuo's killing intent is too strong; his presence in Dongjiang City is a menace."

Wang Jin's expression was grave, as if Li Yan were truly an irredeemable villain.

"What do you mean, Old Master Wang? Brother Wan fought against the Fierce Wind Bandits, ultimately to protect my sister. The enemy was relentless; must Brother Wan show mercy when facing death?"

Shangguan Feiyun snorted, but Wang Jin immediately retorted, "Heh, Second Young Master, you are young and impulsive, but that's not how it works."

"Martial feuds are indeed unavoidable, but how many feuds throughout history have resulted in the complete annihilation of the opponent? Especially repeated annihilation?"

"In less than five days, over a hundred lives have been lost by his blade. Is he cultivating the Demon Blade?"

The words "Demon Blade" sent a shiver through everyone present.

The Demon Blade did not refer to a specific martial art but to a type of person who entered the path of killing with their blade. Influenced by the malevolent energy of the blade, they killed for the sake of killing, ultimately becoming scourges upon the land and causing tragic events in the martial world.

"Nonsense! Brother Wang killed to protect someone, and he killed the wicked Fierce Wind Bandits. Now you twist the truth and blacken his name. How dare you call yourself a martial arts elder?"

"Enough."

Shangguan Liuyun raised his hand to interrupt Shangguan Feiyun, his gaze towards Wang Jin turning colder. "I have had some contact with Brother Wan and understand his character. The accusation made by Senior Wang is something the Shangguan Family cannot accept, nor will we act upon these baseless speculations."

"If you expect the Shangguan Family to hand over Brother Wan based on this, then please leave."

Seeing that Shangguan Liuyun was not going to give them any face, Wang Jin's expression darkened. As the situation grew increasingly tense, Xu San stepped forward.

"I cannot interfere in martial arts matters, but regarding the Shangguan Family, you also know that the young man named Wan killed members of the Fierce Wind Bandits."

"Those scoundrels kill without blinking, their methods are brutal, and they come and go like the wind. You martial artists may look down on such things, but the common people of Dongjiang City cannot afford to bear such risks."

"I heard that the leader of the Fierce Wind Bandits personally came yesterday, which means they are sworn enemies. Must the ordinary people of Dongjiang City bear the consequences of your personal vendetta?"

As he spoke, Xu San became visibly agitated, repeatedly banging his cane on the ground, producing dull thuds.

The voice wasn't loud, but it drowned out all the other noise in the hall.

The faces of the martial artists present showed a variety of expressions: some were solemn, some lost in thought, and some dismissive.

The two Shangguan brothers exchanged troubled glances.

What Mr. Xu San said made sense. Martial artists might be able to handle bandits with force, but ordinary people would face certain death.

Now that Li Yan and the Fierce Wind Bandits had clashed, if Li Yan remained in Dongjiang City, the citizens would inevitably suffer retaliation.

After all, they were bandits, devoid of humanity!

"Shangguan family, I don't care how you handle things on your end. I'm standing with the common folk, and I'll give you two choices: either make that Wan Sanhuo scram, or you go deal with those damn Fierce Wind Bandits."

As soon as these words were spoken, the already silent hall fell into complete quiet. Everyone stared at Shangguan Liuyun, awaiting his reply.

Li Yan was the savior of the Shangguan family's youngest daughter. The Shangguan family couldn't bring themselves to act like ungrateful wretches and drive away their benefactor. Thus, the two brothers exchanged a look, their decision already made.

Just as Shangguan Liuyun was about to speak, a mocking laugh rang out. "Interesting. Saving someone led to trouble, and killing bandits led to enmity."

"Good and evil are reversed, right and wrong are confused. This world is truly interesting."

Several people looked up and saw that someone had appeared on the red tiles at some point. Li Yan calmly looked down at the people below, his face filled with undisguised mockery.