Lin Hai took a bite of food and continued, "As for the remaining Ten Renowned Clans, they're all the ten greatest heroes of the present age!"
"They are the Sword Saint, Blade Saint, Fist Saint, Medicine Saint, Apothecary Saint, Halberd Saint, Calligraphy Saint, Fire Saint, Crafting Saint, and Martial Saint—the ten Grandmasters!"
"Because each of them cultivated their chosen field to the utmost, and because they all cared for the world and were kindhearted souls, the common people respectfully honored them as Saints!"
Lin Hai spoke with a look of admiration.
"So, does that mean the Ten Renowned Clans have always traveled throughout Jianghu?" Jiang Liu asked curiously.
"Not exactly. The Ten Renowned Clans used to roam Jianghu often, but in recent years, it's mostly their disciples and followers who have appeared!" Lin Hai explained.
"Oh? Did the Ten Renowned Clans all establish their own sects?" Jiang Liu asked doubtfully.
"Sects? They can't really be considered proper sects. After roaming Jianghu for so many years, the Ten Renowned Clans naturally gathered people around them—helpers, students, and grateful souls who followed them. Once enough people had gathered, they wanted a place to settle down, and a force naturally took shape."
"The Ten Renowned Clans taught them the skills of their respective fields without holding anything back. Those who studied under them claimed to be their disciples and apprentices. Over time, they began acting under the names of the Ten Renowned Clans. The Ten Renowned Clans never came forward to clarify matters, so it became tacitly accepted that these people, who used their martial arts to uphold justice, were their disciples and followers."
"Over time, the Ten Renowned Clans gradually established forces of their own. The Sword Saint established Sword Worship Villa. The Blade Saint established Horizontal Blade Cliff. The Fist Saint established Hundred Fists Gate. The Medicine Saint established Medical Saint Pavilion. The Apothecary Saint established Hundred Herbs Pavilion. The Calligraphy Saint established Calligraphy Studio. The Crafting Saint established Hundred Craft Hall."
"The other three Saints never established forces of their own and simply wandered alone. Whenever someone wanted to follow them, they refused."
"But among the Ten Renowned Clans, those who never established forces had it somewhat easier. Those who did establish forces have constantly been targeted by the various factions and haven't had an easy time of it. After all, the division of benefits was settled long ago. If you force your way in, everyone will certainly join forces to strike at you."
"So they had no choice but to struggle along as best they could. Fortunately, no one dared to wipe them out completely. After all, no matter what, the Ten Renowned Clans were Grandmasters. If they truly fought to the death, they wouldn't be easy to deal with!"
After finishing his explanation, Lin Hai raised his cup and drained it in one gulp, feeling immensely refreshed.
"Thank you, Brother Hai, for clearing things up for me! Let me toast you!" Jiang Liu said admiringly.
Only after hearing Lin Hai's explanation did Jiang Liu truly feel the dazzling variety of Jianghu. At first listen, it sounded endlessly thrilling, but after thinking it over, he was instantly drenched in sweat. Danger really lurked everywhere! And this was only the conflict between the major sects.
There were also the schemes and struggles, as well as disputes over benefits, among countless lesser-known small and medium-sized sects, gangs, and lineages.
No wonder Uncle Hai had given him only one piece of advice: trouble always came from showing off one's strength, so one should think three times before taking action!
The path through Jianghu really was a road to the execution ground!
"What is it, boy? After hearing all that, what do you think?" Uncle Hai asked Jiang Liu with a smile.
"Nothing much! It's just that what Brother Hai talked about was on a level too high for me. I haven't even reached Entry Grade yet, so I can't think that far ahead!" Jiang Liu said, deliberately putting on a blank expression.
"Fine! Since you think that level is too high, do you want to learn about the distribution of forces in Cloud Sun City?" Lin Hai tempted him.
"If Brother Hai is willing to tell me, of course I want to hear it! I just don't know whether it's convenient?" Jiang Liu said with interest.
"You'll have to learn about it sooner or later, and we happen to have some free time now. I'll explain everything to you at once. However, there are some secrets of our gang that I can't let you know. Given your current status as an apprentice, learning them would do you no good." Lin Hai cautioned him.
"I understand, Brother Hai. Please tell me in detail about the other gangs." Jiang Liu spoke with an earnest expression.
"Cloud Sun City is divided into four major districts. The East District is filled with government offices, and the City Lord's Mansion is located there. Cloud Sun City's strongest force, Martial Prohibition Hall, is located there as well." Lin Hai took a sip of wine.
"Martial Prohibition Hall is the strongest force? Isn't our Fallen Blossom Gang the strongest force in Cloud Sun City?" Jiang Liu asked doubtfully.
"Who told you that our Fallen Blossom Gang was the strongest force?" Lin Hai asked in surprise.
"No one told me. I figured it out myself. The South City is the wealthiest district! We're the biggest gang in South City, so doesn't that make us the strongest force in Cloud Sun City?" Jiang Liu said.
"Utter nonsense! Do you know who established Martial Prohibition Hall? With it around, who would dare call themselves the strongest force?"
"Who established Martial Prohibition Hall? Was it really that powerful?"
"Who else could it be? Just by looking at the name, you should be able to guess roughly. It was established by the imperial court to suppress the forces of Jianghu. That's why it's called Martial Prohibition! Do you understand now?" Lin Hai said irritably.
"Ah! I really didn't expect that. The imperial court manages Jianghu affairs too?"
"Why wouldn't it? Heroes who rely on martial strength to defy the law—if the imperial court didn't manage Jianghu affairs, wouldn't everything descend into chaos? So you'd better be careful from now on! Don't let anyone seize a handle against you, or no one will be able to save you!"
"Understood, Brother Hai! I'll be much more careful from now on!" Jiang Liu said respectfully.
Before you continue