If the aforementioned was for an opportunity, then what follows was for Ouyang Yue's safety.

"Younger Martial Brother, remember this! You must protect our Younger Sister during the mission, and don't let your gaze wander. Your comprehension of the martial arts Grandmaster mentality isn't perfect yet, and you can be easily influenced! Moreover, her safety is paramount. Otherwise, if any problems arise, you yourself will have to answer to Mentor..." they warned him sternly.

Afterward, even though everyone knew the path ahead was riddled with danger, once all preparations were complete, they acted decisively, without further hesitation. After making all arrangements, they immediately raced towards the west direction of Ming State Underground City, drawing nearer... Without a doubt, the truth was just ahead.

「At the same moment.」

On the eastern side of Ming State Underground City, the Lu Family, who had been concealing their strength and had not shown their faces since entering Ming State Underground City, blended in with the ordinary populace. Under the leadership of Lu Family Ninth Master, they began to sense Wang Zhan's location via Lu Jade. After countless trips back and forth to various places, finally, amidst violent tremors coming from afar, the elderly Lu Family Ninth Master abruptly raised his head, his gaze stern and solemn as he looked into the distance.

Such powerful strength…

He could sense that although neither of the combatants in the distant fight was likely his match individually, if they were to team up, he would undoubtedly perish. After all, for individuals with remarkable talent and excellent strength in martial arts, strength is the ultimate foundation. However, no matter how strong one is, being outnumbered was a common occurrence. Moreover, as a Martial Artist, one never knew what trump cards an opponent might hold, making it difficult to guarantee absolute victory.

Unexpectedly, Lu Jade, who had made no discoveries since entering Ming State Underground City, also followed Ninth Grandpa's gaze after he looked up, her eyes sparkling as she looked ahead.

"Ninth Grandpa..."

Lu Family Ninth Master immediately looked down at her, asking with concern, "What's wrong, little Lu Jade? Have you sensed that person's martial arts?"

Lu Jade nodded vigorously, then pointed in the direction Ninth Grandpa was looking. "Ninth Grandpa, I felt it! He's right there!"

Unexpectedly, this gesture left Lu Family Ninth Master stunned. "Little... Lu Jade, you mean, he's... there?"

He was somewhat incredulous. He had never imagined their approach to that individual would occur under such a fortuitous coincidence. However, in fact, however incredible it seemed, Lu Family Ninth Master no longer harbored the slightest doubt about Lu Jade's judgment. In his own perception, the direction Lu Jade pointed to and the one he had been looking at were identical, without the slightest deviation! Moreover, only such a powerful individual could possess the profound heritage required for such martial arts. Therefore, without a doubt, that person was there.

Lu Jade continued to nod. "Mm-hmm! Ninth Grandpa, I really sensed him! At first, I couldn't feel anything, but now the feeling from that direction is so clear! It's as if he appeared directly in my brain; I can sense him without even looking..."

Lu Family Ninth Master was deeply hesitant. Finally, he gritted his teeth, made his decision, and turning to his followers, he instructed, "You all stay here! I will accompany Lu Jade to see if we can find her future Mentor. However, that place is too dangerous; you cannot get close. Therefore, you must hide well and ensure no one targets you..."

In fact, the Martial Kings of the Lu Family had also sensed the disturbance to the west. It was precisely because of this that a sense of solemnity and gravity settled over them.

To think that guy is so strong…

From this, it seems someone is indeed targeting our Lu Family! Such a powerful individual definitely isn't some nameless person. Otherwise, why would he alone have cultivated such profound comprehension of martial arts for close combat…

...Let's wait and see! If that guy is really him, then we can't do anything about it. If there's truly some scheme, he must have further measures prepared; perhaps even Ninth Uncle won't be able to handle it. We can only find the person first, then let the Family decide how to proceed…

"Okay, let's follow Ninth Uncle's instructions. Everyone, scatter immediately, hide, and do not attract any attention..."

Witnessing Lu Family Ninth Master depart, the remaining people acted swiftly and methodically. They ignored the surrounding chaos, showing no concern for potential upheavals in Ming State Underground City. They were here to find someone, not to pick fights. Moreover, these matters clearly had nothing to do with them...

Of course, in the final analysis, their caution stemmed from an ingrained vigilance. As a martial arts noble family, they were well-acquainted with such situations. Especially now, after this incident, they understood how many people with ulterior motives they might encounter.

Unexpectedly, although they had hidden themselves as instructed, their every move had, in fact, been seen. For instance, on a residential building just a stone's throw away, five or six men in gray attire, their auras fluctuating, sat upright in the living room, meditating and regulating their breath. Their faces were still covered by those featureless, identical masks. No matter how many times one saw them, the masks could instantly evoke a shudder-inducing smell.

Simultaneously, just as Lu Family Ninth Master sensed the distant fluctuations, suddenly, the six gray-robed individuals in the living room all opened their eyes. In an instant, the living room was enveloped in a dense, gloomy, and suffocating smell. Then, they all looked towards the distant west.

"Sir, Lu Family's Old Ninth has departed. Should we intercept and detain the Lu Family now?..."

Unknown to most, some people indeed intended to target the Lu Family, constantly scheming to diminish their effective strength. It was just that Wang Zhan was not the main instigator.

However, the gray-robed man addressed as 'Sir' shook his head without a second thought, gazing deeply into the distance as he dismissed his subordinate's suggestion. Then he finally spoke, "No need. The Lu Family are merely minor players. They aren't our target this time; it's not worth alerting the enemy."

At this moment, if anyone could have stood before him, they would have discovered that when he spoke, a mouth, looking utterly real, suddenly appeared on his mask. Clearly, compared to the other gray-robed men whose masks were merely worn on their faces, this 'Sir' seemed to have truly made the mask his own face.

After speaking, the gray-robed man Xu Xu rose and addressed the remaining people, "Wang Zhan has appeared! I presume the woman by his side is also nearby. So, remember, our objective this time is to capture both of them completely. We can't let a single one get away!"

Everyone responded sharply in affirmation, "Yes!"

Just then, Wang Zhan, still engaged in a prolonged, fierce battle far away, felt a subtle shift in his heart and his brows furrowed. Although the monster before him was still relentlessly pursuing him, only Wang Zhan knew that the warning he had just sensed did not originate from the current battle. Rather, it came from another group of formidable individuals.

A group of formidable individuals unrelated to my primary target…?

Wang Zhan recalled the scene he had glimpsed. Although he couldn't identify the suspects immediately, it wasn't difficult for him to deduce, and confirming his suspicions would be even simpler. Moreover, such a development was obvious and had long been within Wang Zhan's expectations. He just hadn't expected it to happen so quickly, and the timing was so venomous, erupting precisely at the most critical stage of his mission.

Indeed, plans can never keep up with changes!

Of course, Wang Zhan understood clearly. Even if he knew about the enemy's plans and their ruthlessness, aside from heightening his vigilance, he wouldn't rashly alert them for the time being. Because these people were merely incidental. His true target was still deeply hidden behind the scenes! However…

Since they dare to target me… he thought darkly. He resolved to find a suitable opportunity to make them suffer.

However, "GHE GHE GHE, you dare to get distracted at a time like this! Wang Zhan, do you truly believe that with just one martial art technique, you can render me helpless?"

At this moment, the monster suddenly cackled sinisterly. It had noticed Wang Zhan's momentary hesitation and distraction during the battle.

But Wang Zhan, even though distracted, merely glanced back at it nonchalantly and then chuckled. "How could that be? Against a monster like you, I have more than one martial art technique. However, defeating you completely within ten martial arts techniques is something I can still barely manage!"

Hearing this, the monster flew into a rage.

Damn it! I even showed some professional courtesy by not attacking him when he was distracted. Who'd have thought, give him an inch and he'll take a yard?

Thus, it roared in fury, "Arrogant! Ignorant! Die!..."

RUMBLE...

More and more people, drawn by the commotion, were arriving from all directions! Among them were formidable figures from various factions and powers. No one knew how the situation would unfold next. They could only see Wang Zhan continuing to battle the monster, his back—seemingly ordinary yet incredibly broad—facing them.

「At the same time.」

With another disturbance erupting in Ming State Underground City, Yaotian, the Governor of Ming State, finally received the first report from Ming State Underground City. This city, which had been sealed for four days and had remained eerily quiet with no news, had finally reached a turning point!

For the Federation, even if this was bad news, it was more comforting than the thought of those Martial Kings continuing to hide and lurk endlessly.

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