Chapter Sixty-Three: Enemies Gather at the Door

Early the next morning, the Yu family, the Zhou family, and the Ou family arrived at the Jiang residence. Though it was called a visit, in reality, it was a forceful intrusion—a horde of martial artists smashed through the gates of the Jiang family estate, leaving them wrecked, and over two thousand people surged inside.

"Master, they've all come! Over two thousand, including those here just to watch the spectacle!" Uncle Zhong hurried to Jiang Ziyang, reporting in a grave tone.

"Here to watch?" Jiang Ziyang sneered, his anger flickering across his face. Everyone present was no child; when two sides clash, even the authorities turn a blind eye, and other families rarely come just for entertainment. Clearly, they were here to fish in troubled waters, to pick up scraps.

It seemed they intended to carve up everything belonging to the Jiang family.

Today, Jiang Liuying donned her martial attire. Having grown up in the Jiang household, scenes like this were familiar; she would never back down. "Dad, they really dare to come here and bully us? Hmph! Do they think there's no one left in the Jiang family?"

Yan Tian spoke in a low voice: "Liuying, don't worry. I'm here. I will keep you safe. If anything happens, stay behind me!"

At this moment, Jiang Liuying could say little more. The Jiang family seemed numerous, and many martial artists who usually ran business outside had been recalled, but their numbers were still far from enough.

She scanned the crowd—familiar faces everywhere: housekeepers, Uncle Zhong, rows of martial artists, distant relatives. Even the timid Aunt Lai Shuqin and cousin Li Weiqiang, still wounded, had come.

Each wore a solemn expression, all aware that today was a matter of life and death for the Jiang family.

Jiang Liuying sighed inwardly. No matter how her father held firm, no matter how the uncles supported him, she could not shake the sense that something was lacking—a true strength. If only her six brothers were still here, things would never have come to this. Or if Su Ye were present... But no, it would be best if Su Ye did not appear today, for his life would certainly be forfeit.

"Since they've all come, let's go out and meet them!" As head of the family, Jiang Ziyang led the martial artists out through the ruined gates.

In the vast estate, people packed every inch. The once-beautiful greenery, precious statues, and ornaments had been ruthlessly destroyed. Chaotic noise echoed; walls were scrawled and defaced, parked cars had their locks forced open. There was not a shred of respect—some thugs even urinated in the elegant swimming pool.

"Haha, damn, I've heard the Jiang family's lair was pretty, and it really is!" someone jeered.

"Heh, I used to want to come in and take a look, but the Jiang family acted all high and mighty, wouldn't let me in. Well, now I'm here, aren't I? Once we take over this estate, I'll ask Seventh Master for a room and stay three or five months!"

These men acted no better than bandits.

Only some, those who stood neutrally in the center, were true, disciplined martial artists. Led by their respective family heads, they stood upright and silent, as if the thugs around them had nothing to do with them.

In the front rows, several long benches had been set out. The five leaders of the Yu, Zhou, and Ou families sat there boldly, chatting without the least attempt to hide their voices.

Yu Xingkun, head of the Yu family, sat in the center like a king. His eyes shone with ferocity; his muscular frame seemed ready to burst through his clothes, and his mere presence gave off a lion's oppressive aura.

Yu Xingkun waved a broad hand and said in a deep voice, "Master Ou, it's rare to see you here in person. To show our sincerity, let your Ou family have first pick among the Jiang family properties."

Master Ou was an elder with bronze skin, his hands covered in scars from countless wounds. Everyone knew the Ou family specialized in forging weapons, and Master Ou was their patriarch. The Ou and Yu families were longstanding business partners—Ou's weapons always went first to Yu.

Master Ou laughed and replied politely, "I'm only here as a supporting guest, to exchange a few words with Master Jiang. As for the business, I've no designs."

"Hmph, you smiths are always so false! Anyway, today the Jiang family must compensate my Zhou family for our losses. So many of ours were killed—including my son Zhou Yuyang. That damned Su Ye! If he weren't still under Martial Alliance's protection, I'd have killed him myself!" The Zhou family head, a fat man, spoke angrily. His bloated face quivered, and his bloodshot eyes showed he'd not slept all night.

"Master Zhou, my condolences," Yu Xingkun offered.

Master Ou merely gave a cold laugh, neither comforting nor arguing, and turned to the two other seated figures.

Both had special status. One was Zhou Jinghao, mentor to Yu Zhisha, reportedly her exchange program tutor in the capital—a figure of some standing. Yu Zhisha, his student, had been struck by Su Ye, her lightning meridian torn out; she still lay in the hospital, not yet out of danger.

As mentor, Zhou Jinghao was determined to pursue justice.

The other was a representative from the Martial Alliance, here mainly to mediate, urging them to negotiate before fighting. His presence was the reason the families were being so polite; otherwise, they would have stormed the Jiang house already.

Among the martial artists stood Ning Shuang of the Ning family, Jiu Yeyue and Jiu Zheng of the Jiu family, and Jiang Chengzhi—those who had past grievances with Su Ye. All remained silent, wisely refraining from speaking out of turn.

Yu Wenhuan, however, shouted, "Where is that damned Su Ye? Why hasn't he come out to face death? Are the Jiang family cowards, hiding like turtles? Get out here! If you dare mess with the Yu family, do you know what 'death' means?!"

"Who dares bark around my Jiang family!" Suddenly, a crisp, cold voice rang out, and the Jiang family emerged en masse from the gate.

As both sides met, the cacophony vanished instantly. Even the thugs dared not act up, instinctively shrinking into the crowd to avoid being recognized.

Yu Xingkun, Master Ou, and the Zhou family head all wore smiles, gazing at Jiang Ziyang. Neither spoke, each measuring the other's presence.

Jiang Liuying, seeing her beloved estate ruined, flew into a rage. She had heard Yu Wenhuan shouting and immediately pointed at him, calling out, "Was it you barking? Telling us to come out and die? You're nothing but a dog relying on others. If you're not convinced, come fight me! I'll slap your mouth bloody!"

"You... you, what's with your arrogance?" Yu Wenhuan was startled, his face reddening. He was no match for Jiang Liuying and dared not accept her challenge—or she'd beat him senseless. At school, Jiang Liuying was known as a little devil; no one dared provoke her.

Still, Yu Wenhuan felt humiliated and shouted, "Your Jiang family is on the brink of destruction—let's see how long you stay proud!"

Jiang Ziyang spoke in a calm, clear voice, "Gentlemen, what brings you to my Jiang family so suddenly today?"

The Zhou family head sneered, narrowing his eyes. "Old Jiang, don't pretend! Didn't you see our summons? Su Ye killed so many of ours; shouldn't your Jiang family give us an explanation?"

"Su Ye killed your people? Do you have proof?" Jiang Ziyang asked, turning to the Martial Alliance representative. "With the Alliance present, we must be reasonable. If you say Su Ye murdered, do you have evidence? What do you say, Alliance representative?"

The representative merely smiled, refusing to play Jiang Ziyang's game. "Today, I'm here on behalf of the Martial Alliance to observe how you resolve this. Speak as you wish."

Master Ou suddenly stood and said, "Enough beating around the bush! Su Ye killed—there are witnesses and evidence. On the island, he murdered in public! Are you still trying to shield him? I think your Jiang family is the real mastermind—you bear the main guilt!"

As he spoke, Master Ou slammed a strange cane onto the ground, shattering the stone beneath.

Martial artists all around tensed, awaiting orders to strike.

Jiang Ziyang, unruffled, asked, "You say Su Ye killed, but did he kill anyone from your Ou family?"

"No," Master Ou was momentarily at a loss.

"Then what does this matter have to do with your Ou family?" Jiang Ziyang pressed.

Master Ou snorted, "Some of our martial artists came to visit your Jiang family days ago, but they've not returned. To this day, they're missing. Did you imprison them? Let us search the house!"

"Ridiculous!" Jiang Ziyang laughed coldly. "The Jiang family is no place for your lawlessness. If you're missing people, try looking in pigsties, chicken coops, or graveyards—your Ou family always favored filthy places. But here, you won't have your way!"

Yu Xingkun suddenly laughed, thunderous and resonant. "Old Jiang, you're halfway to the grave—why make things hard for yourself? This city never belonged to your Jiang family. Your luck has run dry. Give yourself a peaceful retirement!"

"You've coveted our Jiang family holdings for years, haven't you?" Jiang Ziyang said, voice deep.

"Indeed! Especially your business interests—too deep! Today, we don't want blood. Hand over Su Ye, and your Jiang family leaves with nothing. Move out of the city, and the Yu family won't pursue you further!" Yu Xingkun named his price.

Yan Tian, who had been silent, now spoke: "Su Ye is Su Ye, Jiang family is Jiang family. If you want Su Ye, we have no objection. He's now in the hands of the Martial Alliance—if you want him, ask them."

Jiang Liuying frowned, surprised at Yan Tian's words. She snapped, "What nonsense are you talking? If they dare harm Su Ye, we'll fight to the death!"

Yan Tian grew anxious, whispering, "It's just a delaying tactic. I've said, they won't dare kill Su Ye. Trust me!"

"No!" Jiang Liuying retorted angrily. "I said, whoever kills Su Ye, the Jiang family will fight them to the end!"

Yan Tian was exasperated but, in front of so many, could not argue. A sharp, ruthless glint flashed in his eyes—what luck did Su Ye have to make Jiang Liuying so anxious for him?

Yu Xingkun, seeing them quarrel among themselves, laughed heartily; it seemed today's opponents were even weaker than he'd imagined.

The Jiang family, it appeared, was collapsing without a fight.

Just then, outside the estate gates, a commotion arose. The crowd parted in surprise.

A familiar voice suddenly rang out: "It seems everyone is looking for me!"