Everyone nearby froze, hardly daring to breathe. They stared at the Martial Madman in shock and awe. No one had expected him to stand up for Lin Ming, much less act so decisively.
Some were secretly relieved they had not joined in speaking ill of Lin Ming. Others watched the Martial Madman's retreating figure, as though they had begun to understand.
The Martial Madman gave the burly young man no further glance and turned toward Peak Tower. He walked with his back straight as a spear. His voice carried back to them: "Remember this. Lin Ming's name is not yours to tarnish."
The tower doors closed again, and the Martial Madman disappeared into the shadows of Peak Tower. The crowd outside remained silent for a long time before someone murmured, "Looks like the Martial Madman really does respect Lin Ming."
"Yeah. How could someone he'd personally step in to defend be a coward?"
"Maybe... Lin Ming really had no choice."
A plainly dressed middle-aged man in the crowd sighed and muttered, "I've met that kid, Lin Ming. There's a light in his eyes. He's not the sort to run away. He must have gone somewhere far away to do something important."
No one replied, but some of their doubts seemed to fade. Outside Peak Tower, the sun still shone brightly and the crowd still bustled.
But everyone knew that name still held a special place in their hearts.
The Martial Madman entered Peak Tower but did not begin training right away. He leaned against its cold inner wall and closed his eyes. Lin Ming's face rose in his mind.
The tower was dim, lit only by the faint glow of spirit stones embedded in the walls. A trace of spiritual energy lingered in the air, a presence unique to Peak