Over the next three days, Lin Mu paid no attention to the affairs of Coiling Dragon Bay, leaving everything for his subordinates to handle. Instead, he took his aunt’s family and strolled leisurely around the outskirts of Jiangling.

He had been far too busy recently, with almost no time to properly accompany his family. So, seizing the opportunity, Lin Mu made time to be with his mother, Qin Luoli, and his aunt’s family, enjoying the scenic landscapes and delicious food. With his naturally lively cousin Xu Yao around, and with his own rare companionship, Lin Mu noticed that Qin Luoli smiled even more than usual. This made him feel somewhat indebted to her.

Qin Luoli had always been understanding. She never asked for anything, nor did she ever make any demands. But Lin Mu knew that all she really wanted was his company. Still, Lin Mu felt a sense of helplessness. Before long, he had to report to the Southeast Military Academy, which meant he would be separated from Qin Luoli for some time.

A soft hand gently took his. Lin Mu turned his head to see Qin Luoli’s bright, smiling face.

“A man’s ambition is to make his mark on the world. The man I’ve chosen can’t be someone who only yearns for a life of comfort, you know,” she said, batting her eyelids. Her large, enchanting eyes curved into crescents, like the moon.

Lin Mu couldn’t help but lean in and plant a kiss on her forehead.

“Luo Li, I’ve wronged you,” he said softly.

Qin Luoli smiled sweetly. “Not at all.”

She wrapped her arms around Lin Mu, her face alight with happiness. “As long as you can spend time with me every now and then, I’m already completely content.”

Her words instantly filled Lin Mu with an even deeper sense of guilt.

What have I, Lin Mu, done to deserve a woman like you by my side? With you in this life, time itself feels short. If that’s the case, then I shall live as long as the heavens and earth to keep you by my side for all eternity!

Holding Qin Luoli tightly, Lin Mu’s gaze grew more resolute.

“It’s about time,” he said, glancing at the sky, a slight curve forming at the corner of his mouth. “Let’s head back.”

The three days were up. It was time to obliterate the Wang Family.

「The Wang Family」

Inside the villa, a lively party was in full swing, filled with the clinking of glasses, music, and dancing.

“Come, Mr. Zhang, Mr. Li! I’d like to propose a toast to you both!” Wang Changrong said, his face radiating enthusiasm as he raised his glass and clinked it with Wen Hao’s.

Mr. Zhang frowned slightly. “Family Head Wang, the man we’re waiting for hasn’t arrived. Should we really start drinking now?”

“Haha, Mr. Zhang, you worry too much,” Wang Changrong suddenly laughed. “It’s almost six o’clock. That brat still hasn’t shown up. He’s probably too scared to come!”

Wang Changrong hadn’t been idle these past three days. His son had been murdered, and that debt had to be paid. He had called the Capital Wang Family that very night, and they had immediately dispatched Mr. Zhang and Mr. Li to Jiangling. These two were Emissaries of the Capital Wang Family, possessing formidable strength that ordinary experts couldn’t hope to match.

Moreover, today was the day of the duel between the Sect Leader of the Eight Extremes Gate and Lin Mu. He wouldn’t have the time to come and cause trouble for the Wang Family.

Mr. Li, sitting nearby, chimed in, “Old Zhang, Family Head Wang is right. That kid is just some nobody who thinks he’s a big shot because he runs a little business and is the president of the Martial Arts Association. He has no idea that, in our eyes, the Martial Arts Association is a joke. It can’t even get into the Martial Alliance—what kind of achievement is that?”

“If he dares to show up, I, Li Sanjiang, could kill him with a single move!” As he spoke, Li Sanjiang’s face filled with arrogance.

Zhang Sihai considered this and had to agree. According to their investigation, this Lin Mu was indeed just an inexperienced young whelp not worth their concern.

Raising his glass, Wang Changrong declared, “Gentlemen, I’ll be honest with you. This man had the audacity to kill my son. If he truly dares to show his face, I ask that you please don’t kill him. Leave him to me—I want to deal with him personally!”

As he finished, Wang Changrong smashed his wine cup on the table, his face a mask of venomous, murderous intent.

“Haha, of course, of course,” Zhang Sihai laughed loudly, then added, “Still, I heard that Wen Lie from the Eight Extremes Gate is dueling someone on Dongting Lake today. It’s a shame we have to miss such a good show.”

Wang Changrong’s expression stiffened slightly. He dared not speak, because this was a detail he had failed to mention to the two men.

“It’s no matter,” Li Sanjiang said with a chuckle. “I heard it’s just some nameless junior. Not worth watching.”

“What I’m curious about,” Zhang Sihai said, “is who exactly has the nerve to claim they will exterminate the Wang Family! Such audacity is a death sentence!”

“Whoever it is, they’re going to die,” Li Sanjiang said with a grin. “Drinking here by the vast Honghu… and then using that brat’s head for a victory toast afterward. Wouldn’t that be magnificent?”

“Hahaha, magnificent indeed…”

Suddenly, their laughter died in their throats. They stared, dumbfounded, at the surface of the lake.

There, a lone figure was walking upon the water. The swirling mist served only as his backdrop. On the vast lake, he was the only one.

“This is…”

Mr. Zhang and Mr. Li exchanged a look, both seeing the shock in each other’s eyes.

“Walking on water… a Martial Arts Grandmaster!” Zhang Sihai suddenly cried out. “That man is a Martial Arts Grandmaster!”

CLATTER!

The wine cup in Wang Changrong’s hand slipped from his grasp and shattered on the floor.

Because he recognized the man. It was Lin Mu.

A Grandmaster! He’s actually a Grandmaster! How is that possible?!

Seeing the color drain from Wang Changrong’s face, Zhang Sihai took a deep breath. “Family Head Wang, don’t tell me that the person who wants to destroy your family… is him!”

“I… I didn’t know he was a Grandmaster!” Wang Changrong’s face was twisted with fear. “I only knew his surname was Lin and that he was from River City.”

“River City? Surnamed Lin?” Zhang Sihai pondered for a moment, then his face went pale as he exclaimed, “Could he be Lin Wudi?!”

“What? Lin Wudi, tenth on the Heavenly List!” Li Sanjiang’s expression changed drastically, his eyes filling with terror.

“You two… is this Lin Wudi really so terrifying?” Wang Changrong’s voice had become hoarse.

“Terrifying is an understatement,” Zhang Sihai said, his expression grim. “Family Head Wang, if that truly is Lin Wudi, then your Wang Family is in grave danger.”

“Mr. Zhang, what should we do?” Wang Changrong pleaded anxiously. “You have to save me!”

“Sigh… very well.” Zhang Sihai let out a long breath. “I will go and inquire first. If that man truly is Lin Wudi, let’s hope he spares the Wang Family this time for the sake of the person in the Capital.”

After speaking, Zhang Sihai slowly walked out of the villa and stood by the lakeshore.

The man walked upon the water, and though the wind blew and mist swirled, not a single droplet touched his clothes.

Worthy of being tenth on the Heavenly List, a powerful being who could challenge Zhang Daoyun. This presence alone is far beyond that of an ordinary person.

Zhang Sihai’s face paled slightly. He stepped forward, cupped his fists in a respectful salute, and asked, “May I ask if you are Master Lin Wudi of River City?”

“Who are you?” Lin Mu asked, his eyes narrowing as he stared indifferently at Zhang Sihai.

A shiver ran down Zhang Sihai’s spine under that intense gaze. Steeling himself, he replied, “I am Zhang Sihai, an Emissary of the Capital Wang Family. The Honghu Wang Family of Jiangling is a branch of our main family. I wonder what misunderstanding has occurred between you and them, Master Lin? I hope that you might consider…”

As long as he mentioned the person backing him, surely Lin Mu would grant him some face.

“Leave within three breaths, or I will kill you.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep