"Have you found the bastard who did this to my son?" the Gu Patriarch demanded from one of his men.
The guard captain lowered his head in shame and replied, "My Lord, we're trying to find him, but I assure you, we will find him soon. He can't escape."
"He'd better not, or else… I'll have your head hanged on the gallows," the Gu Patriarch responded calmly, staring at the guard captain.
"Yes, My Lord." The captain responded, his back drenched in cold sweat as he quickly departed from the Patriarch's presence.
The Patriarch tapped his armrest calmly, though he was filled with rage. "No matter where you run or hide, I'll find you," he muttered, his voice dripping with killing intent.
…
Under a tree, Jun Wu sat in a lotus position, cultivating. The air around him swirled gently, and the breeze blew through his long hair.
Suddenly, a sound came from within him as his blood Qi erupted with strong vitality. The tree shook violently, and the gentle breeze turned into a fierce wind.
Jun Wu was undisturbed by this phenomenon, and focused on stabilizing his breakthrough. Since he had returned and sorted his loot from the ruins, he had been cultivating, trying to advance to a Second-Rated Martial Artist.
And now, he had succeeded, becoming an Initial Second-Rated Martial Artist.
Starting his cultivation less than a month ago, he had already moved from an Unrated Martial Artist to an Initial Second-Rated Martial Artist—a speed that left people speechless.
This was beyond mere talent; he was becoming a monster.
In the distance, Mao Yun waited patiently for Jun Wu to complete his training before approaching him.
"Congratulations, Young Master," he said with a light smile.
"Thank you. Have you found the best blacksmith in the city?" Jun Wu asked.
"Yes… He's waiting for you."
In the main hall, an elderly man with sparse white hair and well-built muscles stood straight. His physique was sturdy and more proportional than that of many young men.
When he heard footsteps at the entrance, he turned his head and looked Jun Wu over from head to toe.
"Are you the one who wants to become a blacksmith?" the man demanded arrogantly.
"Is there a problem with that?" Jun Wu shot back.
"As long as you don't quit halfway, I'm fine with it."
To him, the art of smithing transcended everything else. It was his love, his passion, and anyone who disrespected it was his enemy.
"I'm not someone who quits. Whatever I start, I finish," Jun Wu responded calmly, his voice filled with unyielding resolve.
"Good, good. I like that. Follow me; I've wasted enough time already," the man said impatiently.
"Alright."
Jun Wu wasn't disturbed by the man's impatience but rather appreciated it. Just as he was about to follow, Mao Yun stopped him.
"Elder, my Young Master won't be able to start immediately. He'll begin his training tomorrow," Mao Yun apologized.
"No problem." The elder nodded and departed with large strides.
"What's the issue?" Jun Wu demanded, frowning.
"The City Lord has summoned you," Mao Yun said gravely.
"About time…" Jun Wu clicked his tongue, unsurprised by the summons.
…
A luxurious carriage stopped in front of the City Lord's mansion, drawing attention from people on the street. Curious, many slowed their pace, trying to see who was inside.
Jun Wu, dressed in a long black robe and holding a hand fan with flower patterns, emerged from the carriage. His charm captivated the young women on the street.
"Who is that?"
"Do you know him?"
"What clan is he from?"
"I don't think he's from our city…"
People whispered, their eyes locked on Jun Wu's back. Amidst the crowd, an ordinary young man spotted Jun Wu and widened his eyes. He quickly left, striding away before breaking into a sprint.
Unbothered by the stares, Jun Wu entered the City Lord's mansion and made his way calmly toward the main hall.
Liang Chun emerged from the main hall to greet him.
"It is an honor to have you in our mansion, Young Master," Liang Chun said respectfully.
Seeing their young master acting respectfully toward an outsider, the servants and guards were surprised.
Who is this young man? they all wondered.
Once seated inside the main hall, maids came in to serve them tea. Jun Wu glanced at the warm tea but didn't touch it as he asked, "Where is your father?"
"Ah… My father is cultivating and will be here shortly," Liang Chun replied quickly, surprised at Jun Wu's impatience.
From the corner of his eye, he observed Jun Wu, feeling something was different about him, though he couldn't quite place it.
"Young Master Jun, sorry for keeping you waiting," a boisterous voice called out from the entrance. The City Lord entered with a light smile.
"It's fine, now that you're here," Jun Wu responded calmly.
However, the City Lord and his son couldn't understand where Jun Wu got his pride. As a man considered a fool since birth and an outcast by his clan, what gave him the courage to be so self-assured?
Still, they maintained friendly smiles. After a few pleasantries, the City Lord cleared his throat.
"Young Master Jun, are you aware that your clan has placed a bounty on your head?" the City Lord asked, smiling knowingly.
Jun Wu froze momentarily, then recovered and replied calmly, "I'm not surprised…"
The father and son were taken aback by how quickly he composed himself, but the City Lord continued without letting it bother him.
"Five hundred gold coins is a significant amount. Young Master, what do you think I should do? I wouldn't want to be at odds with your clan," he said with a fake look of conflict, clearly enjoying Jun Wu's predicament.
"What do you want from me?" Jun Wu asked bluntly.
"Hahaha. Young Master, I want nothing. But if you could assist the city, that would be best." The City Lord smiled.
Jun Wu didn't respond, waiting for the City Lord to continue.
"I heard you were fortunate enough to find many Mortal Grade weapons in the ruins. How about this? Give half of them to the city, and I'll turn a blind eye to the bounty."
A single Mortal Grade weapon would fetch no less than a thousand gold coins, and now, the City Lord wanted half of his loot. Was he taking Jun Wu for a fool?
'So you have spied on me. Good. Very good,' Jun Wu thought, seething with rage.
'You dare to covet my loot and threaten me… Now, I know where you stand,' he clenched his fist under the table.
"Before you respond, Young Master, remember that the Gao Clan has a branch in this city. Adding them to your problems wouldn't be good for your situation," the City Lord added with a sly smile.
"Are you threatening me?" Jun Wu asked calmly.
"I wouldn't dare! I'm merely reminding you," the City Lord replied, shaking his head with a smirk.
"Good," Jun Wu nodded and stood up.
He looked at the smirking City Lord and his son for a moment before leaving the main hall. Watching him retreat back, Liang Chun looked worried.
"Father, is it wise to threaten a Jun?"
"What could that bastard do? He's nothing but a dead man walking," the City Lord sneered.
"Send someone to inform the Gao Clan. Let's see how long his pride lasts." He laughed wickedly.