Among the city guards, not all are from noble families; the Deputy Commander, Xie Qiang, is a martial arts prodigy from a commoner background.

The city guards are divided into three factions.

The Xing Family faction, the Commoner faction, and another noble family faction, to which the Chen Family belongs.

As a Martial Artist from a commoner background, Mr. Han allied himself with Xie Qiang and belongs to the Commoner faction.

"Mr. Lin, if you don't retreat with us, can you imagine how worried Yuxiang would be?" Ren Qingfeng teased with a smile.

It was obvious to everyone that Xu Yuxiang had feelings for Lin Zheyu, and the Xu Family continuously matched them, but unfortunately, Lin Zheyu had no interest in such matters.

"Mr. Ren, please don't speak nonsense. Mr. Lin and I are merely friends, and as a friend, I am just somewhat concerned," Xu Yuxiang blushed and said.

She glanced at Lin Zheyu secretly, noticing his expression remained unchanged but somewhat wistful.

"There's still a chance we can meet again. Once Mr. Lin heads to Bafang City, we can reunite."

"However, Mr. Lin should be careful staying in the city. After we leave, there will be far fewer strong individuals guarding Songyi City."

"The Nine-Star Gang also plans to retreat around the same time as us, leaving the Xing Family as the dominating force in Songyi City."

"Previously, the fifth elder of the Xing Family had his eyes on Mr. Lin, and it's highly likely he will make a move against you this time, so please be cautious."

Xu Qin Yi said grimly.

"Regarding the Xing Family, I'm a bit puzzled. Why are they targeting me?"

"Although my talent is indeed somewhat strong, I'm merely a Martial Artist at the Bone Forging Realm. Why would such a large family keep focusing on me?"

Lin Zheyu asked, voicing his confusion. Xing Jinglong's targeting could be explained by past conflicts.

Xing Jinglong's father and brother wanted to capture him to uncover the truth behind Xing Jinglong's death and seek revenge.

But the Xing Family's fifth elder was different—it was clearly for him.

"I know about this."

Chen Xihong interjected, and everyone else looked on curiously.

"It's said that the Xing Family has a secret medicine that can stimulate a Martial Artist's potential, rapidly boosting their power to reach the Qi Blood Realm."

"However, this secret medicine has high requirements for the Martial Artist; it demands extraordinary talent and aptitude. Otherwise, it not only has no effect but also depletes the Martial Artist's potential and lifespan."

"The Xing Family focuses on Mr. Lin because they plan to use the secret medicine to cultivate Mr. Lin into a Qi Blood Realm master."

"The cost of this secret medicine is high, and the lifespan of those cultivated to the Qi Blood Realm is very short, not exceeding five years. It's worthless in peaceful times."

"But with the looming chaos, the Xing Family senses a crisis and intends to use the secret medicine to cultivate a group of Qi Blood Realm death warriors."

"According to spy reports, not only in Songyi City, but the Xing Family has also placed many people in other cities, searching for talented Martial Artists without any background."

Chen Xihong said with a heavy expression.

Hearing this news, everyone felt uncertain and didn't expect the Xing Family to have such means.

"I've also seen related records in our family's ancient books."

"It's said that when Songyi City was established hundreds of years ago, the Xing Family ancestors were able to secure their first family's reputation in Songyi City using several dozen Qi Blood Realm Martial Artists as private soldiers."

Xu Qin Yi said, "This Qi Blood Realm private army was likely created using such methods."

"I see, no wonder the Xing Family keeps focusing on me!"

Lin Zheyu realized.

If he hadn't always hidden his strength, and his rise had exceeded the Xing Family's expectations, he would probably have been secretly captured by the Xing Family long ago.

"Mr. Lin, I think it would be more prudent if you leave with us," Ren Qingfeng said solemnly after hearing everything.

"Don't worry, I have my own plans, and nothing will happen."

Lin Zheyu feigned a conflicted expression, contemplated for a moment, then spoke with a tone of reluctant determination.

"Since that's the case, I won't persuade you further. Be very careful, and we'll see you in Bafang City!" Xu Qin Yi said.

They could tell that Lin Zheyu had some private matters to handle.

However, since Lin Zheyu didn't mention it, it wasn't appropriate for them to inquire.

"If you need anything, feel free to ask. Let's see if I can help," Ren Qingfeng offered with a smile.

"No need, I can handle it myself."

Lin Zheyu shook his head and said.

It must be said, these young nobles were indeed good friends.

...

Three days later, most of the families from the Feihong Gang withdrew.

Two days after, the families behind the Nine-Star Gang began their retreat as well.

The two forces quickly contracted, leaving only their core businesses, making Songyi City a domain dominated solely by the Xing Family.

Mr. Han agreed to let his parents and wife and children evacuate early. With Chen Xihong's help, they would leave with the second batch of evacuees from the Feihong Gang.

It was when the chaotic forces launched an attack on Guanning City that they left with the Feihong Gang members, heading towards Bafang City for refuge.

Having ensured a way out for his parents and family, Han Mo couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

Xing Family.

After the Feihong Gang and Nine-Star Gang contracted, the Xing Family, along with the Wuding Gang led by them, began mobilizing to seize the industries vacated by the two forces.

"Father, that Lin Zheyu didn't leave with the Xu Family. I thought he would escape this time," Xing Penghai said, his face full of smiles.

They had previously mentioned Lin Zheyu's situation to the fifth elder, but the elder had been delayed by events in Lion Valley and had yet to act.

They thought that with Lin Zheyu's outstanding talent, he would leave with the first wave of Xu Family members, but surprisingly, he didn't.

This was indeed an unexpected delight.

"Do you think the fifth elder truly forgot about this matter?" Xing Zhicheng said meaningfully.

"What do you mean?" Xing Penghai asked, puzzled.

"When the first group from the Feihong Gang evacuated, they were ambushed by bandits on the way. Although there were few casualties, they lost a lot of silver taels and goods."

Xing Zhiyuan laughed coldly, his face full of significant expressions.

"I see, no wonder the fifth elder hasn't acted and isn't worried about Lin Zheyu leaving early," Xing Penghai realized.

"Father, since Lin Zheyu didn't leave with the Xu Family, and with the City Lord absent from Songyi City, we no longer need to be so cautious."

"Why don't I take some people tonight and capture him directly?" Xing Penghai suggested.

Finding out the cause of Zhiyuan and Jingan's death was secondary.

The main goal was to capture Lin Zheyu and provide the Xing Family with a talented Martial Artist, earning significant contributions.

"Hmm."

"Be careful. His proficiency in Poison Tao must be significant, or else Zhiyuan and Jingan wouldn't have disappeared so silently."

Xing Zhicheng reminded.

"Yes, I'll have Fugui assist me," Xing Penghai replied.

In Songyi City, undercurrents were surging.

Lin Zheyu was not idle either. Besides cultivating every day, he disguised himself and used the Turtle Breath Skill to conceal his presence, secretly tracking the whereabouts of important individuals in the Xing Family.

In a hidden corner outside the Xing Mansion.

Lin Zheyu silently watched the direction of the Xing Mansion's entrance, his gaze somewhat cold.

This chaos was both a crisis and an opportunity for the Xing Family, and the same was true for Lin Zheyu.

However, unlike the Xing Family, for Lin Zheyu, opportunity far outweighed the crisis!

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