The reappearance of Yun Ying after a year's absence caused a stir.
The news of him publicly humiliating the Panshan Martial Arts Hall spread like wildfire through Linhai City.
Everyone who heard the news expressed their astonishment.
Of course.
For the most influential figures in Linhai City, such news was nothing remarkable.
They merely treated it as an inspirational anecdote, something to chuckle about.
Among them.
Guo Hanxiong was the most distressed.
It could be said.
Ever since he learned of this development, Guo Hanxiong had been unable to sleep.
He was the instigator of Yun Ying's injury, and he had also orchestrated the suppression of the Tian Ying Martial Arts Hall.
Now that Yun Ying was unharmed, and even Chen Panshan had backed down, Guo Hanxiong naturally found no peace.
He had been constantly instructing the disciples of his martial arts hall to thoroughly investigate Yun Ying's true strength.
That evening.
The Tian Ying Martial Arts Hall was decorated with lanterns and festoons, celebrating in grand style.
Every time someone raised a glass, they never merely sipped; they drained it in one go.
It could be said.
This was the happiest night for the Tian Ying Martial Arts Hall in a year.
Yun Ying had recovered from his severe injuries and his strength had further improved.
Furthermore, with the Linhai City martial arts competition approaching, Zhang Yang had also stayed to help them.
They were certain to achieve a relatively good result in this competition.
At the very least.
The grudge they held against Guo Hanxiong for what he had done to the Tian Ying Martial Arts Hall would surely be avenged!
"Master, I am so happy. I'll toast you again." Wang Yong picked up his wine glass and drained it once more.
Upon closer inspection, one could see tears glistening in Wang Yong's eyes.
"My children, you have suffered greatly this past year." Yun Ying also raised his glass and drank it down.
Looking at his disciples, he felt a deep sense of sorrow.
These individuals were either injured or disabled.
Apart from Yun Fang, none of them were in normal condition.
It could be said.
During his unconsciousness, if it weren't for them, Yun Fang might also have suffered abuse and been crippled.
"Rest assured, your master will support you for a lifetime and will never abandon any of you. As for your grievances, I will definitely settle them with Guo Hanxiong!" Yun Ying said with a serious expression, making a promise to his disciples.
"Master, as long as you are well, we are content. Let the rest unfold naturally." Wang Yong had come to terms with things.
The other senior and junior brothers also chimed in their agreement.
"Yes, Master. As long as our Tian Ying Martial Arts Hall can continue to operate, and we brothers can continue to live together, we will be satisfied."
...
Hearing the sensible words of his disciples, Yun Ying was deeply moved.
However.
He would not let any of the grudges go unavenged.
There were still five days left until the Linhai competition.
Five days later.
Yun Ying would personally reclaim everything that the Tian Ying Martial Arts Hall had lost!
After several rounds of drinks.
Everyone had had their fill and helped each other leave.
Zhang Yang, who had remained silent throughout, also departed.
Seeing this, Yun Ying quickly followed him.
After the two arrived in Zhang Yang's room.
Yun Ying, with a serious and respectful expression, immediately knelt down.
"Thank you, senior, for saving my life and for your guidance. Yun Ying is eternally grateful." Yun Ying suddenly knelt on both knees.
"Hall Master, you need not do this. Please rise quickly. I only happened to encounter you when you were in danger. I have encountered similar situations before. As for guidance, I cannot claim that honor," Zhang Yang quickly helped Yun Ying up and explained.
However.
Yun Ying shook his head and smiled.
"Senior, although I was severely injured and unconscious at the time, I was aware of my own condition. Without your vital energy infusion, I would never have been able to break through."
"I know that someone like you, senior, must have come to Linhai City with secrets. Please rest assured, I will not pry too much. I simply wish to express my gratitude to you."
Zhang Yang couldn't help but let out a wry smile.
It seemed he had inadvertently revealed himself when he saved Yun Ying.
However, it didn't matter; it was bound to happen sooner or later.
As long as Yun Ying did not speak of it to others, it would be fine.
"Hall Master, rest assured, my affairs will not cause any negative impact on the Tian Ying Martial Arts Hall. If anything, it will only be for the better."
"After this competition concludes, I should no longer be with the martial arts hall. I am very interested in what you call 'Shang Fang' and wish to go and see it."
Upon hearing this.
A glint suddenly flashed in the depths of Yun Ying's eyes.
He recalled the mysterious and powerful energy that had surged into his body when he was severely injured, helping him to break through and heal his wounds. He had already guessed Zhang Yang's identity to some extent.
However, he did not bring it up directly.
"Senior, please rest assured, I will also keep this a secret. And even if what you do later affects the Tian Ying Martial Arts Hall, we will not blame you."
"Because without you, senior, the Tian Ying Martial Arts Hall would have disbanded long ago, and I would not be standing before you now."
Yun Ying's pragmatism greatly surprised Zhang Yang.
The other party knew that his strength was not ordinary and had likely guessed that his purpose in coming to Linhai City was not pure.
Yet, he chose to conceal it.
This suggested that he no longer felt much loyalty towards the Japanese pirates whom Linhai City respected.
Thinking this.
Zhang Yang couldn't help but probe indirectly.
"Hall Master, do you know much about this 'Shang Fang'? After the martial arts competition, I should be able to enter, so I want to learn more."
"I don't know much about 'Shang Fang' either, but with your abilities, senior, entering it should not be a problem," Yun Ying replied.
"However, there is one thing you must be careful about, senior. There are many powerful individuals within the 'Shang Fang' organization, including those with extremely keen insight."
"If you have something you wish to accomplish, you must be extremely cautious. Otherwise, if you are exposed, it will be dangerous."
Yun Ying's warning further solidified Zhang Yang's suspicions.
Yun Ying did not hold the same reverence for 'Shang Fang', whom everyone in Linhai City respected, as Yun Fang and the others did.
Instead, he displayed caution and apprehension.
"What do the people in 'Shang Fang' do? Do they select people to enter every year through the martial arts competition?" Zhang Yang asked.
"They select people every year through the martial arts competition. My grandfather once entered 'Shang Fang,' and it was through that opportunity that the Tian Ying Martial Arts Hall was established."
"However, after entering 'Shang Fang,' my grandfather only returned twice before disappearing."
"We inquired at 'Shang Fang,' but their response was that my grandfather had died in battle. When we tried to ask for more details, they expelled us."
Yun Ying said with a wry smile.
He was still young when this happened, so he didn't know much.
However, he clearly remembered.
'Shang Fang' had been continuously recruiting individuals from Linhai City, as well as refugees and renowned experts from outside Linhai City.
There must be a hidden secret behind this.
Otherwise, why would his grandfather be declared dead in action when no war had occurred?
"Died in action for no reason?" Zhang Yang frowned slightly.
He recalled the intelligence that Xiao Zhan had shown him earlier.
These Japanese pirates possessed the means to mass-produce individuals at the Hunyuan realm.
Could it be...
That the annual martial arts competition was caused by this very reason?
"Alright, I understand. I will be careful," Zhang Yang said.
"Senior, I will take my leave now. When the martial arts competition is held, I will still need your help," Yun Ying said.
"It's fine. I need a stepping stone to enter 'Shang Fang,' so consider it the last thing I'll do for the Tian Ying Martial Arts Hall," Zhang Yang replied with a smile.
...