Battle

The midday sun was just right, a gentle breeze blowing, carrying a hint of coolness and rippling the river.

As the most outstanding of the Liu family's current generation, even though his relationship with the main family wasn't good.

On this joyous occasion, only Liu Zhengde had the right to slowly push his now-mute father onto the stage. Similarly, only Liu Zhengde had the right to have a family disciple who had been missing for many years, Liu Yun, push and follow alongside him.

He slowed his steps, ready to respond to any attack, but unexpectedly, until Liu Zhengde and Liu Yun had pushed their father onto the stage, there were no attacks.

However, this was not unexpected by Liu Zhengde. After all, not everyone would jump into a trap with full knowledge of it—even if the person himself was a madman, the success rate of this obvious trap was only fifty-fifty.

Perhaps it had failed?

Many people finally breathed a sigh of relief, their hearts at ease.

These people hadn't wanted to be involved in this matter. But firstly, the City Lord's death was the biggest case in nearly ten years. According to regulations, since Pei Commandery requested nearby families to contribute manpower and resources, they had to bring a group of people. Secondly, there was subtle evidence suggesting that the person who stole from their family had a close relationship with the instigator of this current event. Coupled with the tense international situation, Liu Zhengde's status as a military officer had also risen, making him a potential investment.

These three factors combined, plus the common sense that no one would casually step into an obvious trap, led to this grand event being held.

It could be said that families from all the surrounding commanderies had sent representatives, and even many people familiar with Liu Zhengde from the Capital City's army had arrived.

It seemed they weren't coming.

Thinking this, Liu Zhengde slowly began to speak, "Thank you all for attending my father's hundredth birthday banquet!"

As if waiting for Liu Zhengde to say these words, before his voice even fell, the main gate was violently kicked open. The powerful force instantly turned the sturdy wooden door into a massive projectile, tearing through the air and hurtling towards the stage.

A hoarse male voice came from behind the door, "You should also thank them for attending your memorial!"

Before it could reach its destination, two people leaped from the crowd, intercepted the wooden door, and threw it back. Then, as if they had rehearsed it long ago, all non-essential personnel systematically and swiftly retreated.

"It really is you!" Although he hadn't seen the person yet, Liu Zhengde recognized the identity from the familiar voice. While turning to signal Liu Yun to take his father to safety on the other side, he said, "I always thought you were dead—War Hound, Edward."

"I crawled back from hell, my dear." The door, which had been thrown back, was instantly shattered. As the dust settled, the leader revealed himself.

He was a man with pale hair, a sturdy build, and a large scar running from his left jaw to his chin. Besides that, there were countless smaller scars, and a noticeable indentation on his forehead.

"I told you I wouldn't die so easily. Come, Hunter, let's have another match." The man called Edward pulled at the corner of his mouth, his sharp steel teeth glinting in the sunlight. "If you lose this time, everyone present today will die—just like you killed all my comrades back then."

"How dare you speak such arrogant words!" Before Liu Zhengde could reply, two people who had been waiting impatiently rushed out. Both clearly practiced leg techniques, their lower bodies well-developed, their forms streamlined. Although their shouts sounded provoked, they clearly held back, ready to change their moves at any moment.

The man on the left was around forty years old, with what looked like leaf-like battle marks on his forehead. The man on the right appeared younger, with a pattern of three wave-like lines on his forehead.

"It's Mizong Leg Chenlang and Yang An of Linzhongniao." Clearly, these two had some local fame. They were immediately recognized by the waiting Fighters. "With them intervening, we should be able to get a good read on the newcomer's skill level."

For Fighters who specialized in leg techniques, having long surpassed the limits of human speed, a distance of tens of meters took less than two seconds to cross. While others were still talking, the two, forming a pincer attack, had already reached Edward and struck with lightning speed.

Mizong Leg. Myriad Shadows!

Tan Leg. Wind Sweeping Leaves!

Although it was their first time cooperating, the two moved as if they had telepathy, one attacking high, the other low, instantly enveloping Edward within their techniques, blocking all escape routes.

Bang!

But before the two could land a hit, a gunshot suddenly rang out. Despite being a single shot, both men's thighs were instantly injured, blood gushing out. Before they could react, a snake-like shadow suddenly appeared behind Edward—

Wild Bite!

Holding nothing back, Wild Bite attacked with full force, shattering both their bones in an instant.

The newcomer, having just arrived, had instantly achieved two kills.

"Gun is fast beyond seven steps, and fast and accurate within seven steps." Edward said, playing with a modified revolver that had appeared in his hand at some point, loading premium bullets one by one. "The main course hasn't even started, why are you two clowns making so much noise?"

"Ladies and gentlemen!" Seeing the approaching figures, Edward made no move to stop them, merely spreading his arms and saying, "How can a battle like this be without an audience? Therefore, I won't harm you for now. You have five minutes to leave—though not too far, of course."

"After all, I'll need you as sacrifices later."

"Where is that kid Liu Tian?" The Snake asked, sticking out his tongue to catch a drop of red blood falling from mid-air, a cruel smile on his face. "Did he run away with his tail between his legs? This time, I will definitely make you into my collection and keep you safe—just like my master and senior brothers!"

"Snake, you're as perverted as ever." A powerful voice descended, casting a shadow that could envelop Snake entirely. His strong muscles looked as solid as iron, and he had the Prince Battle Mark on his forehead. The man called Tiger had arrived on the battlefield without anyone noticing. "I thought those few days lying in bed would have made you change your ways."

"How can Snake change? I think after this is over, we should just kill Snake, right? Keeping him around just ruins our image." With a physique no less imposing than Tiger's, his fists were as solid as iron pillars. His bare upper body formed a perfect inverted triangle with his waist under the sunlight, and he had ox-horn-like battle marks on his forehead. The man called Ox walked over slowly. "We could use some fresh blood, coincidentally."