The hotel was adjacent to the Lingjin River. Standing here, one could not only see the lights along the riverbank but also hear the sound of the water striking the shore. The river surged, kicking up thousands of whitecaps.

There is a saying: "Who can stand against the mighty eastward flow of the great river?"

In this vast world, whether you are wealthy enough to rival a nation or your achievements are unparalleled, you are still but a single wave among the countless masses. Under the lashing storms of time, all eventually return to dust. There are no exceptions. The only difference lies in the journey. Some live a life of mediocrity, ordinary until death; others shine with a dazzling light, illuminating the land.

Chen Yang was one of the latter.

Even if I have to burn all my passion to ashes, I will protect this country.

This was not a mere promise, but the duty and mission of a Martial Guard.

In an instant, Chen Yang's eyes flashed, his gaze as sharp as a sword's gleam. It pierced the night, tearing through the veil of this mortal world. Even Yang Hu felt his very soul freeze over in that moment.

"Soon, what if our enemies are no longer the Barbarians, but the top echelons of Cangyun City?" Chen Yang asked abruptly.

"Then we will raise our blades, carve out a bloody path, and forge an era of clarity!" Yang Hu laughed heartily, his spirit soaring. "Even if I can't be a blazing sun, I will dispel the haze and let the sunlight pour down upon the earth."

Chen Yang smiled as well. The men he had brought with him were no cowards.

Whether you are a valiant Barbarian warrior or a powerful aristocrat with boundless wealth, I will mount my horse, draw my blade, and cut down who I must.

「Twenty minutes passed in the blink of an eye.」

While they chatted animatedly outside, Wang Junze remained kneeling on the floor inside the hotel. The pain from his injuries made him dizzy and disoriented, but he dared not rise without permission. The man's strength filled him with terror and panic. All he could do was endure the agony and wait for his backup to arrive and turn the tables.

Fortunately, he did not have to wait long.

BOOM!

The roar of car engines, like a clap of thunder, shattered the oppressive atmosphere that had lingered over the scene. It also dispersed the gloom in Wang Junze's heart.

They're here! They're finally here!

A vicious, cruel smile spread across Wang Junze's face as he scrambled to his feet and rushed outside.

You damn piece of trash, the time for reckoning has come!

SCREECH!

The deafening sound of abrupt braking pierced the air.

Chen Yang turned around slowly, his gaze calm as he watched person after person pour out of the vehicles. Many onlookers were so terrified their Divine Spirits nearly fled, and they scrambled back.

The leader was a lean man not yet fifty years old. His deep-set eyes were cold and sinister, and he was shrouded in an aura of extreme frostiness that created a severe sense of distance. His coldness surpassed even that of Wang Junze, an intensity that was clearly inherited.

Who else could it be but Wang Changming?

Wang Changming led his men and charged directly into the hotel, where he soon came upon the battered Wang Junze.

What kind of monster would do this? My precious son, who I cherish so dearly he might melt in my mouth or fall from my hands, has been beaten to this state?

As Wang Junze sobbed out his story, Wang Changming whipped his head around, his bloodshot eyes locking onto Chen Yang.

Chen Yang, however, seemed to ignore him completely, his gaze fixed on the distant, fading lights along the Lingjin River bank.

Yang Hu glanced at his phone and smiled at Chen Yang. "Boss, Di An says he'll be here soon. Looks like that guy finally realized his mistake and wants to make up for the trouble he caused in Lingjin City."

"I never paid it any mind." At Chen Yang's level, very few things were worth his attention.

Seeing Wang Changming emerge from the hotel, Zhao Xiaoya grew nervous and uncertain. Zhao Dejiang squeezed her hand and shook his head slowly, signaling that she would be alright.

Wang Junze limped outside, wiping away the blood that blurred his vision. He yelled at a man beside him, "Get me a weapon! I'm going to finish off these pieces of trash myself!"

Chen Yang shook his head slightly. Some people never learn. They forget the beating they just took, thinking that calling in a few helpers gives them the right to trample all over others. Naive. Pure wishful thinking.

Wang Junze gripped a meter-long saber, his eyes red and his expression ferocious. Perhaps he was venting his anger or perhaps he was trying to project an air of dominance. He dragged the tip of the saber across the ground, creating a harsh, scraping sound.

Under Wang Changming's lead, the men he had brought followed half a step behind Wang Junze, continuously banging their clubs on the ground.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

The sound was deafening. Every one of them wore a fierce and sinister expression, their eyes fixed on Chen Yang as if staring at a dead man. One had to admit, their presence was powerful, like a rolling thunderclap.

The river wind swept through, making the flags flutter and snap. Chen Yang lit a cigarette, leaned leisurely against the commercial van, and took a drag. He glanced over at the approaching group. "A rabble."

"Feigning composure?" Wang Changming sneered. "You dare lay a hand on my, Wang Changming's, son? It doesn't matter if you're some nobody; even if you were the Heavenly King himself, you would be destroyed today!"

Chen Yang smiled without saying a word. I thought the chairman of the Wanguo Group would be a steady and prudent man, but it seems I was sorely mistaken.

Like father, like son, indeed.

As the head of the Wanguo Group, Wang Changming didn't consider himself arrogant; he believed he had the power and influence to back up his words.

"Who do you think you are, acting all high and mighty in front of me?" Wang Junze glared at Chen Yang, his face a mask of savagery.

"Get on your knees and give me three loud kowtows, now!" he commanded, brandishing the saber.

A satisfied smile touched Wang Changming's lips. My son is finally maturing. I can already see a third of my own imposing manner in him. With a little more time, it won't be difficult for him to surpass me. A real man ought to be ruthless and decisive, especially against his enemies.

After a nod of approval, Wang Changming raised his hand and pointed toward the nearby Lingjin River. "They say the Lingjin River is full of fat fish and shrimp. In a moment, I'll send you down for a closer look."

Zhao Xiaoya's face went pale, her hands twisting the hem of her clothes in extreme nervousness. Zhao Dejiang, in contrast, remained calm and composed. The surrounding crowd held their breath, awestruck by Wang Changming's domineering and murderous aura as they quietly waited to see how Chen Yang would respond.

"I told you to kneel! Are you deaf?"

CLANG!

Seeing Chen Yang remain motionless, Wang Junze assumed he was frightened. He arrogantly slammed his saber into the ground, sending sparks flying. "Weren't you so tough a moment ago? Why don't you show me that arrogance again?"

A wave of unease rippled through the crowd.

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