Grinding to the Martial Sage from the White Ape Fist

「Black Stone City, South Gate.」

By the time Su Yu and the other two returned, wading through the muddy ground, the chaotic battle had already concluded.

The scene at the city gate was horrifying.

The once-sturdy, iron-reinforced gates had been torn to shreds by furious astral energy. The bluestone streets were pocked with massive craters, as if bombarded by meteorites.

Dozens of bodies lay strewn across the ground, most of them Black Armor Guards from the Public Security Bureau, clad in Heavy Armor. Their bright red blood mixed with the rainwater, forming crimson rivulets that gurgled down the sewers.

Clearly, the Public Security Bureau had paid a terrible price to stop the Black Lotus Sect fiends from breaking out.

The sight left Su Yu and the others with grim expressions.

"The Black Lotus Sect... they truly are the cult that conquered all of Liangzhou," Li Jingxuan said, his face grave. "This is the destructive power of several Hall Master-level Profound Bone Realm experts working together. If their legendary Earth King were to personally join the fray..."

He didn’t finish the thought, but the others knew exactly what he meant.

Things had reached a point where even with the Inner City’s resources, let alone the meager forces of the Outer City’s Public Security Bureau, Black Stone City’s defenses were on the verge of collapse.

"Commanders, the Lord Manor Master has been waiting for you." A Captain of the Black Armor Guard, his left arm wrapped in a bandage, hurried over and reported respectfully.

The three immediately composed themselves and strode through the bloody water toward the top of the gatehouse.

"Lord Manor Master!"

Li Jingxuan, Ye Xiaohong, and Su Yu all saluted with cupped fists.

Pang Xuan stood before the gatehouse, his hands clasped behind his back, a trace of unconcealable exhaustion on his face. He nodded slightly, his gaze fixed on the trio. "Well? Did you catch the fiends who escaped?"

Ye Xiaohong immediately stepped forward. "We have not failed you!" he announced in a deep voice.

As he spoke, he focused his divine sense, and an unassuming white jade accessory at his waist flashed faintly.

THUD! THUD!

Two mangled, bloody heads materialized out of thin air and rolled across the gatehouse floor.

They belonged to Hong Lei and Luo Gui!

Watching from the side, a flicker of surprise passed through Su Yu’s eyes.

He had seen Ye Xiaohong store the heads earlier, so he knew the man possessed divine sense and could use a storage ring. However, neither the Mansion Master nor the others seemed surprised by the display.

’It seems the higher-ups at the Public Security Bureau are aware of storage rings, and can probably even use them.’

"Excellent!"

Pang Xuan’s eyes lit up with delight when he saw the two heads, especially after recognizing one as Luo Gui, an Incense Master of the Black Lotus Sect. He praised them without reservation.

The Black Lotus Sect’s recent raid on the Inner City had put the Public Security Bureau under immense pressure. Now, by successfully eliminating such a key fiend, Pang Xuan finally had a strong card to play when he reported to the Inner City in a few days.

"Besides these two heads, did you recover any other important items?" Pang Xuan pressed.

"Yes!"

Ye Xiaohong’s expression grew solemn. He stepped aside to reveal Su Yu. "Commander Su’s contribution to intercepting the Black Lotus Sect fiends was indispensable. In fact, the most critical item was seized by Commander Su himself when he killed Hong Lei!"

Su Yu understood, of course, that Ye Xiaohong was giving him credit as a show of goodwill.

He stepped forward and, with a calm expression, took a jade-white Divine Statue of the "Vacuum Mother" from his robes, presenting it with both hands.

Pang Xuan snatched up the Divine Statue and immediately felt the dense power of faith emanating from it.

"AHAHAHAHA!"

The Mansion Master, a man who rarely showed his emotions, could no longer contain his ecstasy and threw his head back with a loud laugh.

"Well done! A magnificent job! By capturing this Core Sacred Statue, which they use for their ’divine descent’ rituals, we’ve essentially pulled the fangs of the Black Lotus Sect and foiled their plot to destroy Black Stone City from within! What you’ve done today is a monumental service—you’ve saved the entire city!"

After his bout of laughter, Pang Xuan’s gaze fell on Su Yu, burning with an appreciation and esteem that was practically overflowing.

"Su Yu, did you truly seize this Divine Statue yourself?"

"I did, my lord," Su Yu replied, neither servile nor overbearing.

"Good! Excellent! They say heroes are forged in youth, and I see now I wasn’t mistaken about you!"

Pang Xuan strode forward and clapped Su Yu firmly on the shoulder. His tone held an undisguised attempt to win him over and take him under his wing.

"I will not forget this incredible service you’ve done! You’ve been through a series of bloody battles tonight and must be exhausted. Go home and get some proper rest. I’m granting you a full day’s leave tomorrow to recuperate. Once I’ve finished cleaning up this mess in the city, I will personally see to it that you are rewarded for your achievements!"

"Thank you for your guidance, Lord Manor Master!"

...

「Late that night, at the Su Mansion.」

The rain had passed, leaving clear skies. A bright, elegant moon hung in the night sky, bathing the spacious courtyard in its cool, silvery light.

When Su Yu returned, cloaked in moonlight, two young guards were patrolling meticulously before the mansion gates. Long sabers hung at their waists, and they stood as straight and tall as pine trees.

"Sir, you’re back!"

"Greetings, sir!"

As Su Yu approached, the two immediately snapped to attention, their eyes filled with heartfelt awe and respect.

"Mm. You’re working hard, being on duty so late." Su Yu paused and asked casually, "Does the mansion give you any extra pay for the night shift?"

One of the men, a dark-skinned and capable-looking youth, scratched his head in embarrassment. "You’re joking, sir. Just bein’ able to work at the Su Mansion is a blessing. The monthly pay we get is already somethin’ most folks can only dream of! Plus, Young Master Su Can is real good to us guards. He gives us room and board, and he often treats us to wine and meat. We’re more grateful than we can say. We wouldn’t have the nerve to ask for anythin’ extra."