Chapter 114: The Tree Wishes for Calm, but the Wind Does Not Cease

The Wei family of Li'an County, originally besieged on all sides and under immense pressure, had only been able to dispatch one Grandmaster and a portion of their Martial Marquis and martial troops to attack the Liu family. Later, when they sought to negotiate a truce with the Liu family to concentrate their strength against the Qiu family, they were rebuffed. Consequently, they could only station one Grandmaster and a contingent of Martial Marquis and troops near Changfeng City, shifting from an offensive to a defensive posture to prevent the Liu family from stabbing them in the back.

However, not long ago, the Liu family took the initiative and launched a major offensive. In this battle, the Wei family’s Grandmaster was killed. The Martial Marquis and troops stationed by the Wei family near Changfeng City were completely annihilated. This news not only shocked the various major clans within Li'an County but also spread with hurricane-like speed.

Lu Yan set down the intelligence report. While inwardly shocked, he also fell into a contemplative state, his expression heavy. "It seems the Liu family ancestor has made another breakthrough," Lu Yan mused. As fellow Inner Strength Grandmasters, a battle between peers at the same level makes killing an opponent extremely difficult. Unless one possesses a powerful innate martial body or the Liu family ancestor exposed the ability of a Martial Spirit, there was only one explanation: the Liu family ancestor had broken through once more, taking another small step forward within the Grandmaster realm.

Is the Grandmaster realm really so easy to advance through? It has only been a few years. For ordinary people, breaking through a small layer at the Martial Marquis level takes decades, let alone the Grandmaster realm. "Are Martial Spirits truly so profound? No wonder some people cannot resist the temptation and take such risks," he thought. "With the war in such a state, I wonder how it will develop further?" Lu Yan pondered, then instructed Li Quan to keep a close watch on the situation in Li'an County and report back at any time.

Over the next ten days or so, news arrived in succession. After killing the Wei family’s Grandmaster, the Liu family did not strike at Li'an City, where the Wei family resided, but instead turned their blades toward the surrounding Martial Marquis-level clans. Wherever their forces pointed, those clans surrendered and defected to the Liu family one after another. The Wei family did not send a large army to retaliate either. They had already been fighting on two fronts, and now, having lost a Grandmaster and a portion of their military strength, they were severely weakened. Facing the ongoing offensive from the Qiu family of Da'an County, they were barely able to protect themselves, let alone spare forces to attack the Liu family.

After subduing the surrounding clans, the Liu family remained stationary, not choosing to collaborate with the Qiu family to wipe out the Wei family. Clearly, destroying the Wei family and inviting the Qiu family into their territory would not benefit the Liu family. The Liu family needed time to hide their capabilities and build up their strength; this delicate balance was exactly what they required.

Times change. A few years ago, the Wei family wanted to negotiate, but the Liu family refused because the timing was not right. The Wei family’s strength was intact, and once they stabilized, they would have counterattacked. But now, the tide has turned. The Wei family is damaged and unable to mobilize for a counterattack, while the Liu family ancestor’s cultivation has improved, giving them much greater confidence and no fear of retaliation.

"I didn't expect it to turn out this way." Lu Yan frowned; the shifts in the war were somewhat beyond his expectations. With this, the Liu family is now completely stable, as solid as a rock, and can focus on developing the blood vein. Will his own Tier 2 blood vein be discovered? Although he had used various methods to disguise the entrance and exit of the blood vein, making it extremely hidden, there was still a chance it could be found. Furthermore, the stone door on the cliff of the mountain was not entirely without the possibility of exposure. "In the future, I must try to minimize entering and exiting the blood vein to avoid exposure," Lu Yan told himself.

While Lu Yan was focused on the war in Li'an County, an invitation was delivered to him. It was from the Martial Arts Hall Alliance, inviting Lu Yan to discuss important matters at the Chunqiu Martial Arts Hall the following day. Lu Yan did not refuse, as his Sanyue Martial Arts Hall had been a member of the alliance for over a year, having joined long ago. Since that initial competition, the Alliance Leader, Feng Yueming, had visited him in person several times to invite Sanyue Martial Arts Hall to join. After much thought, Lu Yan had decided to join. To thrive, one must sometimes navigate the nuances of human relationships. By following the customs of the land, one avoids becoming an outcast; even if Lu Yan had the power to suppress others, he could not prevent hidden enemies from causing trouble.

The next morning, Lu Yan arrived at the Chunqiu Martial Arts Hall. When he arrived, the masters of the other thirteen halls were already present. He offered a casual salute and sat in an empty chair.

"Now that everyone has arrived, let us discuss the matter at hand," Feng Yueming began. "The competition between the two major factions of the Li family is becoming increasingly intense, with both sides using every means to win over various forces. Whether it is martial arts halls, merchant guilds, or escort agencies, none can remain aloof. To try and stay neutral and help neither side is wishful thinking; maintaining neutrality actually means offending both sides. Therefore, today we are to discuss which side to pledge our allegiance to—do we choose Li Wenxuan or Li Wenxin?"

"Alliance Leader Feng, what is your choice?" asked Duan Shenfei, master of the Chisha Martial Arts Hall.

"Very well, I shall state my position first," Feng Yueming said. "I have known Li Wenxuan for many years, so I will certainly choose him."

"The fourteen halls of the alliance share a common destiny," Duan Shenfei immediately declared. "Since the Alliance Leader has chosen Li Wenxuan, I naturally choose him as well."

"Indeed, the alliance must act in unison. If we are divided, won't we fall apart? I also choose Li Wenxuan."

"I do too."

With the exception of the Sanyue Martial Arts Hall, all twelve other masters chose Li Wenxuan. Finally, thirteen pairs of eyes turned to look at Lu Yan. Lu Yan sneered inwardly. *Are you still putting on a show for me?* He had long known that the various halls had intricate ties with the Li family, and most of these connections were with Li Wenxuan’s faction. Therefore, if the alliance was to support a faction, it was destined to be Li Wenxuan. Moreover, seeing how the thirteen masters didn't hesitate to choose Li Wenxuan, it was clear they had already coordinated beforehand. Today, they were trying to pressure Lu Yan into making a choice.

"Master Lu, what is your choice?" Feng Yueming asked.

"I, Lu Shanchuan, only wish to run my martial arts hall peacefully and pass on my knowledge. I have no other desires and do not wish to get involved in the internal competition of the Li family. Therefore, I choose neither," Lu Yan replied, shaking his head.

Feng Yueming shook his head with a bitter smile, while the other masters had varying expressions, their thoughts unreadable. "Shanchuan, I know your nature; you are used to walking alone. But I must advise you that in the current situation in Baicao City, everything is black and white. It is difficult to remain aloof," Feng Yueming said.

"I appreciate your good intentions, Alliance Leader," Lu Yan said, cupping his hands, his attitude firm. First, he truly did not want to get involved in the competition between the two factions; he just wanted to steadily build his strength. Second, even if he had to choose a faction, it could never be Li Wenxuan. In the past, perhaps, but ever since he killed Li Cangxin, it was impossible. He and Li Wenxuan could never reconcile. If Li Wenxuan found any clues, a battle between them would be inevitable. Furthermore, pledging to Li Wenxuan would only increase the risk of exposure the longer he stayed. If he absolutely had to choose, it would have to be Li Wenxin.

"Lu Shanchuan, the fourteen halls of the alliance are bound together. We have all chosen Li Wenxuan, yet you alone refuse. What will others think? How will Lord Li Wenxuan view us? Will he think the alliance is disloyal?" Duan Shenfei said coldly.

"Indeed, in that case, how can we invite you to future meetings?"

"In my opinion, Sanyue Martial Arts Hall should just withdraw from the alliance."

The masters chimed in one after another. However, Liu Zong of the Heidao Martial Arts Hall remained silent. After being visited by a Martial Marquis for no apparent reason last time, he had made up his mind to offend as few people as possible. Several other masters also remained silent, harboring their own calculations. They intended to see if Sanyue Martial Arts Hall could remain aloof without joining either side; if it were possible, they might follow suit.

"Since that is the case, those with different paths cannot work together. I shall withdraw from the alliance," Lu Yan said, rising. He took out the alliance token, placed it on the table, and walked out with long strides.

"Hmph, this Lu Shanchuan thinks too highly of himself just because he has some strength. He will suffer a great loss sooner or later."

"Indeed, he wants to remain aloof, but in the end, he will only offend both factions. Let's see how his Sanyue Martial Arts Hall falls apart."

"In Baicao City, having broken the limit five times is nothing."

Several people spoke up with dissatisfaction. Finally, someone looked at Feng Yueming and asked, "Alliance Leader, now that Lu Shanchuan has withdrawn, what should we do?"

"Tomorrow morning, we shall meet Master Li Canglin and inform him truthfully," Feng Yueming said.

Li Canglin’s residence was on the east side of Baicao City, covering a hundred acres with layers of buildings, pavilions, and water features—the height of extravagance. In the reception hall, after sending off the masters of the thirteen halls, only Li Canglin and a few trusted aides remained.

"So, that Sanyue Martial Arts Hall wants to remain aloof?" Li Canglin leaned back lazily in his chair, a mocking smile appearing at the corner of his mouth.

"My Lord, should your subordinate send someone to give them a warning?" suggested an elderly man with a goatee, wearing a long robe standing nearby. This man was a famous strategist in Li Canglin’s circle, known as Jia Xun.

"Hmm, send people to investigate the background of that Lu Shanchuan. Also, send someone to give him a warning. If he doesn't know what's good for him, then have the Sanyue Martial Arts Hall shut down," Li Canglin said casually, rising to leave.

After Li Canglin left, another follower, Zhao Lu, asked Jia Xun, "I remember that last time, the Young Master didn't want to harass the Sanyue Martial Arts Hall, saying it would push them toward Li Wenxin's side. Why did he agree to it this time?"

"Times change," Jia Xun explained with a smile. "Now that the Martial Arts Hall Alliance has pledged to us, yet only Sanyue Martial Arts Hall has withdrawn, if we don't apply some pressure, what will the other halls think? Will they also think they can remain aloof? Therefore, it doesn't matter if Sanyue Martial Arts Hall is pushed toward Li Cangqing. Compared to the entire alliance, the Sanyue Martial Arts Hall is nothing. But we must show our attitude to make the alliance feel secure in following us."

"I see, thank you for the instruction," Zhao Lu said, cupping his hands.

Three days later, five men dressed in green robes with long knives at their waists arrived in front of the Sanyue Martial Arts Hall. The two guards took one look and immediately stepped forward, bowing cautiously. "We greet the five lords of the Baicao Guard. Is there something you need at our Sanyue Martial Arts Hall?"

The Baicao Guard was the force under the Li family responsible for maintaining order, similar to the Red-Clothed Guard of the Liu family, having replaced the old constables. However, the overall strength of the Baicao Guard far exceeded that of the Red-Clothed Guard; the captains and squad leaders were all individuals who had broken the limit five times. It was also rumored that there was a commander and two deputy commanders, all of whom were Martial Marquis-level figures.

"Get lost!" one of the Baicao Guards barked. He grabbed the two guards and threw them several meters away, where they fell to the ground and couldn't get up for a long time. The five Baicao Guards strode into the martial arts hall. The students of the hall looked at the five men in astonishment and stopped their training.

"Five lords, please forgive us for not welcoming you properly," Li Quan said, seeing that the situation was dire. He immediately walked up with a smiling face, smoothly pulling a hundred-tael silver note from his sleeve and handing it to the leader of the Baicao Guard.

The lead guard took it, his expression slightly softening. "You are running a martial arts hall here, recruiting students and teaching martial arts—do you have official authorization?"

"Official authorization?" Li Quan’s face changed. He had never heard Lu Yan mention such a thing. The previous official documents had referred to the Great Chu imperial court; now, they naturally referred to the Li family.

"Without official authorization, you dare to open a martial arts hall, teach martial arts privately, and cultivate your own force? What are you trying to do? Are you trying to rebel?" the lead guard shouted, his voice like a lion's roar, shaking the entire hall.

"This..." With such a heavy accusation leveled against him, even the resourceful Li Quan was momentarily at a loss, standing there stunned.

In the training room, Lu Yan frowned. "It has come as expected." He stopped his training and walked out of the room.

"Master!" Li Quan hurried over.

"I heard everything," Lu Yan nodded and walked up to the five Baicao Guards. "I am Lu Shanchuan, greetings to the five lords."

"Lu Shanchuan, you heard what was just said. Do you have the official authorization? Bring it out for inspection," the lead guard said.

"When I opened the hall, I heard nothing about needing official authorization," Lu Yan replied, shaking his head. Moreover, as far as he knew, no other hall required such authorization. This was most likely sent by Li Wenxuan's faction. Otherwise, how could it be such a coincidence? He had just refused to join, and the Baicao Guard had shown up?

"No official authorization?" The lead guard sneered. "Then... close the hall on a chosen day, dismiss the students, and do not teach martial arts privately. We will come back in a few days. If it has not been closed, it will be treated as treason."

"Let's go!" With that, the five Baicao Guards strode away. In the training courtyard, the students looked at each other, not knowing what to do.

"Master, how should we handle this?" Li Quan asked.

Lu Yan’s brows were locked in a deep frown. To be honest, he had no good solution. The other side was clearly trying to force his hand. Either he pledged allegiance, or he shut down. "To live peacefully and build strength steadily—why is it so difficult?" Lu Yan sighed inwardly.

"Everything continues as usual. Let's observe the situation first; I have my own countermeasures," Lu Yan instructed. If it really came down to it, he would have to seek help from Li Cangqing. But once he actively sought Li Cangqing's help, it would be equivalent to getting on his ship. *The tree desires stillness, but the wind will not cease.*

*Clang, clang, clang...* In the courtyard of Wang Dao’s residence, two figures clashed rapidly. Two blades flashed with dazzling, lightning-fast speed, like ribbons of light. In the blink of an eye, they collided dozens of times. After dozens of strikes, one blade light surged, while the other began to shrink rapidly, suppressed within a few feet. With a clang, one figure stumbled backward.