Unrivaled Soldier in the City

An icy aura enveloped the main ancestral hall, causing everyone’s expression to darken. Their gazes turned toward Chen Lingzhen, uncertain and slightly alarmed, because it had been a long time since he had last lost his temper. This time, he was clearly furious.

Even Chen Zhongxiang, Chen Zhongyu, and Chen Zhongmian—the top echelons of the Chen Family—had their expressions shift slightly as they watched Chen Lingzhen with anxious, uncertain eyes.

"Remember this: no member of the Chen Family shall die in vain," Chen Lingzhen said coldly, his words exceedingly domineering. "Regardless of right or wrong, it’s a life for a life. Kill them first, and we’ll talk later!"

The statement made Chen Zhongxiang frown involuntarily. "Big Brother..." he began.

But just as he uttered the words, Chen Lingzhen cut him off. "Second Brother, say no more. My mind is made up. Fourth Brother, take your men to the East Sea and kill Lin Kuang. If Yang Wucheng interferes, kill him as well!"

As he spoke, the murderous intent in Chen Lingzhen’s words surged, and his gaze fell upon Chen Zhongyu.

Hearing this, Chen Zhongyu was inwardly pleased. This is more like it. Right or wrong doesn’t matter—just kill them first!

"Yes, Big Brother. I’ll take my men and handle it immediately," Chen Zhongyu affirmed before turning to leave.

Little did they know, this erroneous decision by Chen Lingzhen would nearly bring about the downfall of the entire Chen Family. A family must have a good leader, for often, the fault lies not with its members, but with its leader. A single misguided decision could plunge an entire family into an irrecoverable disaster.

"Alright, Second Brother, Fifth Brother. Have Zhongrui and Shaowen cremated, and place their ashes in the ancestral hall," Chen Lingzhen commanded before turning to leave.

Seeing this, Chen Zhongxiang and Chen Zhongmian exchanged a look, their eyes filled with confusion and bitterness. Is this really the right decision?

With that thought, the two men instructed their subordinates to carry the bodies of Chen Zhongrui and Chen Shaowen out for cremation.

Chen Lingzhen returned to his room, shut the door tightly, and twisted something on his headboard.

CREAK.

A grating sound echoed as the wooden bed slid aside, revealing a stone stairway about a meter wide beneath it. Chen Lingzhen swiftly walked down the stairs while the bed slowly slid back into place, sealing the entrance. Nobody knew about the secret passage beneath Chen Lingzhen’s bed. It was the greatest secret of the Chen Family.

Following the stone stairs, Chen Lingzhen descended to the bottom and then continued forward through a long tunnel. After walking for nearly half an hour, he saw another set of stairs and ascended them. Pushing open the wooden plank above, Chen Lingzhen emerged into a room.

The room was lit with candles and enclosed by solid walls. At the far end of the room was a wooden bed. Seated upon it was a white-haired elder who looked to be well over a hundred years old.

The moment he saw the old man, Chen Lingzhen quickly fell to his knees and prostrated himself. "I pay my respects, Second Uncle."

"Mm. Rise," Chen Fengyuan spoke in an even tone.

Despite his great age, his voice was strong, betraying no sign of weakness. It was clear that Chen Fengyuan was in excellent health.

"Yes, Second Uncle," Chen Lingzhen replied, respectfully getting to his feet but not daring to raise his head.

"How are things progressing?" Chen Fengyuan asked indifferently.

"I have already sent Zhongyu to kill Lin Kuang. I will instruct him shortly to also acquire the Nameless Sword that Lin Kuang possesses. There is still no news about the Slash Path Sword and no updates from the other families in the Ancient Martial Realm. Either nothing has happened yet, or it has been hidden. I am currently investigating," Chen Lingzhen reported, his head lowered and his tone respectful.

Chen Lingzhen’s order to kill Lin Kuang had come solely at Chen Fengyuan’s behest, with the intention of obtaining the Nameless Sword from him.

"Good. Speed up the investigation," Chen Fengyuan said. "Legend has it that the true Tai Chi Manual created by our ancestor is hidden within that so-called treasure. We must obtain the secrets of this treasure. At the very least, we must acquire one of the swords."

Chen Fengyuan spoke lightly, his voice utterly calm.

Hearing this, Chen Lingzhen nodded vigorously. "Yes, I understand, Second Uncle."

"Then go and do it. After obtaining Nameless, remember to bring it to me. I want to see for myself what secrets it holds," Chen Fengyuan spoke again, this time with a hint of disdain in his tone.

"Yes, Second Uncle. But... I still have a question, though I’m not sure if I should ask," Chen Lingzhen said cautiously.

"Speak. What is it?" Chen Fengyuan asked indifferently.

"Second Uncle, I can’t understand it. Old Man Nameless’s strength is considered top-tier in the Ancient Martial Realm. Why would he give the Nameless Sword to a mere boy? What could be the reason? Did Old Man Nameless discover something about him? Or does he have some ulterior motive?" Chen Lingzhen asked, frowning at Chen Fengyuan as he voiced his doubts.

Hearing this, Chen Fengyuan also frowned. "I’m not sure either. Old Man Nameless is mysterious and elusive, coming and going without a trace. Moreover, he can perform the Heavenly Machine Technique. Perhaps he discovered something about Lin Kuang. Otherwise, there would be no reason for his actions."

Chen Lingzhen nodded. "Then, Second Uncle, in that case, should we kill Lin Kuang or not? Could he be useful to us?"

"Hm? Now that you mention it, you’ve reminded me of something. If Old Man Nameless acted this way, then Lin Kuang must hold some secret. In that case, capture him. Just make sure he’s left breathing," Chen Fengyuan concluded with a smile after a moment’s thought.

"Yes, Second Uncle. I will take my leave now," Chen Lingzhen said respectfully.

"Go ahead," Chen Fengyuan said, waving a hand dismissively.

Seeing the gesture, Chen Lingzhen bowed and backed away, re-entering the underground passage and returning to his room.

Back in his room, Chen Lingzhen dialed Chen Zhongyu’s mobile number. Although they were an ancient martial family, they still maintained essential communication devices, unlike some reclusive families that had vanished entirely from the public eye.

When Chen Zhongyu answered, Chen Lingzhen spoke. "Zhongyu, Lin Kuang has the Nameless Sword. Remember to bring it back. Also, do not kill him. Bring him back alive; he still has his uses."

"Alright, Big Brother, I understand," Chen Zhongyu replied with a laugh.

Meanwhile, Lin Kuang had worn Lin Guo’er out to the point that she barely had the strength to walk. After all, their ’fun’ had gone on for quite some time, as it was now well into lunchtime.

Lin Guo’er glared at him irritably. "You bastard, are you trying to wear me to death?!"

"Cough, cough. Not at all," Lin Kuang said, a little awkwardly. "It’s just that my dear Guo’er is too irresistible. I lost control for a moment." He had to admit, he had indeed gone a bit too far.