Since Wu Ji's death, the status of the Martial Association in the capital city had plummeted. However, even in its decline, it remained a top power.
A starving camel is still bigger than a horse.
Furthermore, after Wu Ji's death, the winter and spring recruitment drives were forced to stop. Coupled with the large number of disciples who had withdrawn from the Martial Association one after another, the losses during this period were astronomical.
Even if Ye Longlin did not cause trouble for the Martial Association, the Martial Association would have pressured him to act.
The Martial Association could not afford a prolonged standoff. Instead of passively waiting, it was better to take the initiative.
However, just as they were preparing to strike, Ye Longlin left the capital. Upon his return, he had become the commander of the three armies, leaving the Martial Association helpless and with no options.
"So, the most important thing is to first step down as the commander of the three armies. Otherwise, even with the courage of the heavens, the Martial Association would not dare to make a move."
Lin Langsheng and Qin Hanlie smacked their lips. Just then, Mu Hanqi returned, pushing a small cart loaded with a box of coconut milk and several hot dishes.
Qin Hanlie: "..."
Lin Langsheng: "..."
Yuan Gang: "..."
Ye Longlin: "..."
They weren't water buffaloes, were they? Why bring back such a large box!
"To prevent you from bringing alcohol next time."
Mu Hanqi seemed to sense the confusion in their eyes.
The group was speechless again. Qin Hanlie chuckled, "I have a subordinate who is from a minority ethnic group. I'll have him bring some milk wine next time."
The others gave them a thumbs-up.
"So, after you step down tomorrow, are you planning to declare war on the Martial Association?"
After Qin Hanlie finished speaking, he continued to elaborate. They were all very curious about this matter.
The Martial Association still existed, and it was indeed time to eradicate it.
The reason they were allowed to be established in the past was because the martial arts atmosphere was sluggish, and the military spent considerable time and effort cultivating recruits. Therefore, they wanted the Martial Association to invigorate the martial arts scene to encourage more people to join the army. Who would have thought it would turn out like this?
One could only say that with the changes of the times, some past products should disappear and should not continue to exist.
What was once a good deed had become a present-day trouble.
"More or less. I'm waiting for the Martial Association to make a move. The daily losses they are incurring are not something the people behind them want to see. So, I'm not the one in a hurry."
Understanding his intentions, Qin Hanlie and Lin Langsheng didn't say much more. After a simple meal, they left. Yuan Gang was still there.
"Boss, I want to retire too."
After hesitating for a long time, Yuan Gang spoke.
He finally felt how lonely this path was. No wonder the boss had no interest in these matters after meeting his wife.
He also wanted to retire, to go back and appreciate the magnificent landscape of the country, and perhaps to find his destined woman.
Ye Longlin didn't say much, only stating, "This is your decision, don't ask me."
After Yuan Gang left, Mu Hanqi walked out of the kitchen, her gaze fixed on him as she asked, "Are you going to fight again?"
She put on a stern little face, looking quite unhappy.
Ye Longlin smiled wryly, "There are some things that only I can do."
This time, Mu Hanqi did not stop him. She nodded understandingly, "My Wood is a great hero. No matter what you do, I support you. I just hope you don't forget that you still have me."
The next day.
The news of Ye Longlin's resignation spread throughout the capital city. The position of commander of the three armies was once again vacant. However, many citizens knew that if a war truly broke out, he would definitely return.
Following that, as the news of Ye Longlin's resignation spread, it was followed by the news that the King of Kaoshan had formally submitted his resignation, along with the remaining two Vajras of the Dragon Pavilion. The people who would replace them had all been selected and the process was underway.
Such a major upheaval left many people wondering what had happened, but they were destined to know nothing.
At the same time, upon receiving this news, the Martial Association also released a statement: Wu Xingteng had emerged from seclusion and, upon learning that his son Wu Ji had died because of Ye Longlin, vowed to avenge his son.
This immediately set the capital ablaze.
The Martial Association, a top power that had existed for decades, finally bared its fangs.
The contest was undeniably compelling, with one side being a top power of decades and the other being the newly resigned commander of the three armies. By all accounts, this fight promised great spectacle.
The first major fight of the spring season was shaping up to be so exciting that many were thrilled.
The original president of the Martial Association stood in Wu Ji's office, gazing silently at a picture on the wall.
Since Ye Longlin first entered the capital last year, within a few short months, more than half of the Martial Association's branches had disappeared. All branches in first-tier cities were gone, with none remaining.
Such a visible loss was immeasurable.
If the trouble of Ye Longlin was not resolved, the longer the delay, the more it would shake the foundation of the Martial Association. This was not what they wanted to see.
"President."
While Wu Xingteng was in thought, a middle-aged man walked in. This was his former confidant and the hidden strength of the Martial Association.
Since he had gone into seclusion all those years ago, all the forces under his command had become foundational strengths.
"Have you investigated Ye Longlin's strength?"
Wu Xingteng stood with his hands behind his back, sitting squarely in his office chair. Although his hair had turned gray, his spirit was good.
He nodded, "In the battle at Shenglong Lake, Ye Longlin displayed peak Dao Realm cultivation."
Upon hearing this, Wu Xingteng tapped his hand on the desk, his heart churning with waves.
He had never imagined that Ye Longlin, at such a young age, had reached peak Dao Realm cultivation!
He himself was ninety years old and had only barely broken through to the peak Dao Realm. What right did this young man, less than thirty years old, have?
"Everyone in the capital knows that the Martial Association is backed by our Wu family. The Ye family is merely a nominal leader. Ye Longlin... cannot possibly not know."
"If that's the case, has Ye Longlin found a way to counter us, or is he confident that the Wu family will not intervene?"
Wu Xingteng frowned. To declare war on the Martial Association, Ye Longlin was definitely not foolish. Before acting, he would have certainly investigated the opponent's information thoroughly.
Besides, this piece of information had never been confirmed.
Once the Wu family intervened, it would violate the agreement from years ago, and the subsequent aftermath would not be easy to handle.
"I suggest we first have the Ye family's hidden assassin organization test Ye Longlin. There are rumors that he was injured during a fight with people from the Dark Hall. We can use this to test him. The Ye family also wants us to be their vanguard. Since that's the case, why can't we ask the Ye family to make the first move to test him, which would also give us some insight?"