Yang Jing and the Jiang Family Third Elder exchanged a look and both nodded.

’Judging by Li Tieyun’s attitude, it seemed the River Gang was in for a major house-cleaning once this crisis passed.’

The Jiang Family Third Elder turned to Yang Jing, a genial smile on his face. "Your arrival is a great help, Young Hero Yang. With you here, our chances of catching that culprit are that much greater."

He paused, a flicker of admiration in his eyes. "I’ve heard that Young Hero Yang also practices a Body Technique, and has even reached the Dark Energy level with it. A Dark Energy Body Technique supplementing your Huajin cultivation... I’m afraid your speed might even surpass my own. The culprit managed to slip away right under my nose, but he may not be able to evade your pursuit."

Though his words were praise, they were also true.

Yang Jing’s "Raging Wave Legs" technique had reached the Dark Energy level. When used to supplement his Huajin-level speed and Body Technique, the swiftness of his movements meant he likely had few rivals in Yuhe County. Even when compared to a veteran Huajin powerhouse like the Jiang Family Third Elder, he had the upper hand in terms of agility.

’After all, as far as he knew, none of the other veteran Huajin powerhouses in Yuhe County had cultivated a supplementary Body Technique to the Dark Energy level.’

At these words, Yang Jing cupped his hands and replied humbly, "You flatter me, Third Elder. I will do my best."

With that, his gaze fell to the woman on the floor. He then turned to Li Tieyun and said, "Gang Leader Li, this young woman is severely injured. Please see that she is cared for properly."

"Rest assured, Young Hero Yang," Li Tieyun quickly replied. He then turned and yelled to the men outside, "Quick, get two capable women in here! Take this young lady to my wife and have a physician tend to her immediately!"

A response came quickly from outside the door. Two female gang members in simple cloth dresses hurried in, carefully lifted the woman onto a waiting stretcher, and rushed off toward the rear hall.

Once that was settled, Yang Jing looked to Li Tieyun and the Jiang Family Third Elder and said gravely, "I’ve only just arrived at the River Gang Stronghold, so I’m not yet familiar with the recent events. Please, tell me everything you know about the killer."

Li Tieyun nodded. "This way, Young Hero Yang. Let’s head to the front hall. We can talk as we walk."

Yang Jing nodded, his gaze happening to sweep over Ma Chaoyun and Xiang Yongfeng behind Li Tieyun. Something stirred in his mind.

’Back when they annihilated the Flying Horse Thieves, three Vice Gang Leaders from the River Gang had participated, in addition to Li Tieyun.’

’But now, only two stood behind Li Tieyun. The Vice Gang Leader with the wiry build was gone. He must be the one he’d heard about, the Vice Gang Leader killed by the culprit.’

Yang Jing sighed inwardly.

’That wiry man had been quite strong, and he’d fought well when they teamed up. To think he’d end up being the first River Gang Vice Gang Leader to die at the killer’s hands. Truly unlucky.’

The group made their way through winding corridors, heading toward the main hall.

「Elsewhere.」

In a shadowy, junk-filled corner deep within the stronghold, Li Hongyu lay in silent ambush.

He watched from a distance as the backs of Yang Jing’s group vanished at the far end of a corridor. Then, he faintly overheard two patrolling gang members talking nearby.

"Was that Young Hero Yang from Sun’s Martial Arts Hall? I hear he’s a Huajin powerhouse..."

"Yeah. Even the Jiang Family Third Elder is so respectful to him. They say his Body Technique is astounding. With him on the case, we’ll definitely catch that killer."

The name ’Yang Jing’ made Li Hongyu’s heart lurch. A flicker of shock crossed his eyes.

’What is he doing here?’

Li Hongyu frowned.

While lurking near the stronghold for the past two days, he had caught bits and pieces of rumors about Yang Jing.

’That brat has actually broken through to the Huajin realm, becoming Yuhe County’s youngest Huajin powerhouse. His potential is astounding.’

’He’d originally planned to slaughter the River Gang to avenge his son, then bide his time and find a chance to eliminate Yang Jing, the chief architect of the Flying Horse Thieves’ destruction. He never imagined his target would deliver himself right to his doorstep.’

’This saves me the trouble later on.’ Li Hongyu licked his cracked lips, but he didn’t dare let his guard down.

’He’d heard that Yang Jing also practiced a Body Technique at the Dark Energy level, making him incredibly fast. For someone like himself, who specialized in stealth and assassination, that was definitely a complication.’

But on second thought, a vicious glint ignited in Li Hongyu’s eyes.

’No matter how strong Yang Jing was, he had only just broken through to the Huajin realm. His foundation couldn’t be stable yet.’

’So-called potential is just that—potential. It isn’t true power!’

’I was steeped at the Peak of Dark Energy for years, and while on the run, I received the Holy Sect’s aid to break through to the Huajin realm. I’m not the man I once was. Even the Jiang Family Third Elder couldn’t sense my presence. Against a brat who’s just barely reached Huajin, my chances of success are high.’

’Since you’ve served yourself up on a platter, don’t even think about leaving.’ Li Hongyu tightened his grip on the short blade hidden in his sleeve. The cold steel seemed to sharpen his focus. ’I was planning to deal with you later, but since you’re asking for a death wish, you have no one to blame but yourself. Potential means nothing when you’re dead and buried.’

He took a soft breath and retreated silently, melting into the deeper shadows. His gaze remained locked on the direction Yang Jing and the others had taken.

...