Fifty

Zhao Rong, though furious, dared not bring the True Martial Guards to arrest Lu Zhaojin.

Zhao Rong himself was a cultivator at the Seventh-Rank Realm, but he had been stuck in the late stage for years, unable to break through to the Sixth-Rank Realm.

This was a persistent thorn in his side.

Since that young man possessed the means to kill General Banner An, he could certainly kill him.

Zhao Rong was extremely fond of his own life.

Probationary Centurion Chai was even more prudent, even to the point of being cowardly. He never engaged in direct combat, preferring to scheme and manipulate from the shadows.

Therefore, Zhao Rong had never truly trusted him, never daring to turn his back on him, always fearing a blade might be plunged into him at any moment.

Zhao Rong did not dare to act against the young man, but the True Martial Division had plenty of people. Surely, someone could be found to kill him.

Furthermore, the True Martial Division had specially established the Dragon Ranking, which was created precisely for these martial artists who pursued fame.

They were all young people, full of spirit and pride, and would certainly not tolerate being looked down upon.

Zhao Rong planned to pull some strings on the Dragon Ranking, making the young man the target of everyone's ire, using the martial artists as his knives to eliminate this impudent brat who dared to defy the authority of the Luoxia City True Martial Guards.

Lu Zhaojin waited at the inn for two days.

There was still no news from the Brocade Merchant Guild. He wondered if Lu Wenxiu had been too confident that night.

The Brocade Merchant Guild remained silent.

However, the True Martial Division had been making significant moves over the past two days.

First.

The Dragon Ranking, which had been dormant for years, saw a new list updated yesterday. The top rankings remained largely unchanged, with only minor updates to martial arts realms and glorious achievements, drawing gasps of admiration from the crowd, lamenting how one person's success could make another despair.

But upon seeing the last name, a new entry appeared. Everyone focused their gaze, and someone read aloud.

"Fiftieth place, Sword Demon Lu Zhaojin, Seventh-Rank mid-stage cultivation, hailing from the Sihai Escort Agency in Shiqiao Town, Qishan Commandery..."

The True Martial Division truly lived up to its reputation as the imperial dynasty's special agency for martial artists. As long as it invested the effort and time, there was nothing it couldn't uncover.

This small ranking list meticulously detailed Lu Zhaojin's actions in Shiqiao Town, leaving him with no secrets, as if he were walking naked through the streets for all to see.

However, the True Martial Division had intentionally obscured the truth of the matter. Originally, the Sihai Escort Agency was annihilated, which led Lu Zhaojin to kill Zhang Heng and others. But in the True Martial Division's description, they smeared the Sihai Escort Agency, portraying them as acting recklessly in Shiqiao Town, and Zhang Heng and others were forced to eliminate them for the good of the people.

The public's perception of this young man, newly added to the Dragon Ranking, turned negative. At such a young age, his hands were already stained with the lives of countless people, even imperial officials. One could only wonder if he was young and ignorant, thus acting recklessly, or simply audacious and arrogant.

Martial artists who dared to defy the imperial dynasty never met a good end. If captured, they faced execution at noon, dismemberment by five horses, or being torn apart by chariots – a truly tragic fate.

This young man had gained fame by appearing on the Dragon Ranking, but it was mostly a notorious reputation.

Some felt he lived up to the name "Sword Demon," observing his past deeds on the list, which spoke of countless killings, filled with demonic intent.

Others believed he was a God of Slaughter who disregarded life, and the imperial dynasty should send someone to eliminate him before he became a greater menace.

Lu Zhaojin was initially unaware of all this.

It wasn't until Niu Hang came to find him today, holding a booklet of the Dragon Ranking, that he learned about it.

Niu Hang explained, "This Dragon Ranking was established by the Great Ding Dynasty, encompassing the most outstanding prodigies and talents from various commanderies or major sects. It ranks the top fifty prodigies based on their martial arts aptitude, combat achievements, and so on."

Lu Zhaojin listened as he flipped through the pages, skimming the contents. Nothing particularly caught his eye until he reached the page introducing himself. His brow twitched, and he found it rather interesting. "Which faction compiled this Dragon Ranking?"

Niu Hang saw Lu Zhaojin open the booklet and turn to the page detailing his information. He had seen it today as well and was furious at how Lu Zhaojin was portrayed.

He had interacted with Lu Zhaojin in Qishan. Although recalling it still felt bloody, he understood the young man's personality and knew he wasn't someone who killed indiscriminately.

Therefore, Niu Hang did not believe the description on the Dragon Ranking. "The Dragon Ranking was established by the imperial dynasty, but the content is generally written by the True Martial Division. I heard that this Dragon Ranking was proposed by the Commander of the True Martial Division."

Lu Zhaojin nodded and stopped inquiring about the True Martial Division's affairs. "What brings you here today?"

Niu Hang scratched his head and smiled honestly, "Do you have any plans for your next journey, young hero? If it's on the way, perhaps we could travel together."

Lu Zhaojin shook his head. "I still have matters to attend to in Luoxia City, so I won't be traveling with you."

Niu Hang looked disappointed. "Alright then."

However, he quickly recovered and cupped his fists in a salute. "I am departing for Luoshui City today. Since you have matters to attend to in Luoxia City, I shall not disturb you further."

Lu Zhaojin watched Niu Hang leave and then began to focus on his own business.

Since the Brocade Merchant Guild wasn't coming to him, he would go to the Brocade Merchant Guild.

Lu Zhaojin left the inn and headed towards the Brocade Merchant Guild.

Meanwhile.

At the city gate.

A group of figures, disregarding the panicked crowds scattering to make way, rode their horses into the city. Even the guards at the gate were unable to stop them.

The guards relayed the news to the City Lord's Mansion, but the reply they received was to ignore it.

Since that was the case, they let it go.

The group rode their horses towards the True Martial Division.

The True Martial Division was guarded by True Martial Guards. Seeing the group approaching with such an imposing aura, as if they intended to force their way in, the guards quickly sounded the alarm. More True Martial Division members were summoned, and they drew their True Martial Sabers, pointing them at the group.

At the forefront of the group was a young master, clad in fine silks and adorned with a jade-inlaid hairpin. He held the reins of his spirited horse, which paced back and forth at the entrance. His gaze swept over the True Martial Guards with disdain. "Call Zhao Rong out."

The True Martial Guards exchanged glances. Before anyone could go find Centurion Zhao, Centurion Zhao himself emerged from the True Martial Division, even jogging. He signaled the guards to sheathe their sabers while greeting the young master with a smile.

Seeing their Centurion's demeanor, the True Martial Guards surmised that the young master's status was not low. They sheathed their weapons and moved to the sides, allowing the young master and his entourage to enter the True Martial Division.

Within the crowd, Wei Kailang's expression was grim, but he kept his head down, not wanting anyone to see.

Although he harbored ambitions, he also knew his own strength was meager, and it was not yet time to reveal his prowess.

True Martial Division, Assembly Hall.

Zhao Rong invited the young master to take a seat. "I didn't expect Young Master Chen to grace us with his presence personally. It is I, Zhao Rong, who has failed to welcome you properly. As an apology, I have already sent someone to book a private room at the Spring Flower Pavilion. We await Young Master Chen's convenience to sample the Spring Flower Brew."

Chen Jingchun looked at Zhao Rong with a half-smile. "I wouldn't dare drink Centurion Zhao's wine. Otherwise, I might be sold off and still have to help count the silver."

Zhao Rong chuckled. "What are you saying, Young Master Chen? How could I, Zhao Rong, be such a sinister person?"

Chen Jingchun produced a booklet, the Dragon Ranking, and tossed it to Zhao Rong without warning. "Then how do you explain this Dragon Ranking?"

Zhao Rong was not angered. He flipped through a few pages before closing it. He explained with difficulty, "This matter is not something I can decide. The changes were made by those above. There's nothing I can do."

Hearing this, Chen Jingchun, who had already anticipated such an explanation, did not press further. Instead, he rose to leave.

Zhao Rong saw him off with a smile. Once Chen Jingchun was out of sight, the smile vanished from his face. "Lu Zhaojin, I wonder if you can withstand this saber strike of mine."

The former fifty-first ranked prodigy on the Dragon Ranking.

Chen Jingchun, from the Chen Family of Jinshui City, Qishan Commandery. Twenty-three years old, with late Seventh-Rank Realm cultivation. He was skilled in spear techniques, and his ancestral spear technique, the Universe Meteor Spear, had reached the Great Accomplishment stage