I bought a secret manual of the Hehuan Sect for ten yuan.

"What the hell? The Enforcement Department, and an Elder?"

"What era are we living in? Can't you use a different way of saying things? Anyone who didn't know better would think you were from the Beggars' Sect!"

"Is Elder Chao, whom you're talking about, a traitor?"

Once Qin Ge started talking, he couldn't stop until Yu Jinghong glared at him, which stopped him from speaking.

"Don't talk nonsense. The Enforcement Department is responsible for the discipline of the entire Shadow Martial Hall, and bears the responsibility of supervision and enforcement. How could Elder Chao be a traitor!"

Yu Jinghong was also helpless. Every time she talked to Qin Ge about the Shadow Martial Hall, he would change the subject and even said that she was trying to trick people into joining the Shadow Martial Hall.

As a result, they knew nothing and still loved to talk nonsense.

Did I say something wrong?

"Appearing at this time, especially with the Dongyang people, their buffs are already maxed out; it was only a matter of time!"

"Look at her expression again."

Qin Ge pointed at Shen Yulan, "If Chao Wu were a decent person, would she have this expression?"

"Stop making sarcastic remarks!"

"Jinghong, come with me, I'll lead you out the back door!"

Shen Yulan's expression was quite solemn; she had to admit that Qin Ge's words made sense.

It might not be as serious as Qin Ge described, but Chao Wu's appearance with the Dongyang people at this time was aimed at her master and also at Yu Jinghong!

Yu Jinghong shook her head. "If I leave, how will you explain this to the law enforcement department?"

"You are loyal and righteous, and I, Yu Jinghong, am not a heartless person either!"

"Alright, so you're not leaving after all!" Qin Ge knew Yu Jinghong had made her decision. "Then I'll go with you to take a look!"

"Your Shadow Martial Arts Hall is truly entangled in endless muddy waters!"

"You, you guys..." Shen Yulan looked at Yu Jinghong, then at Qin Ge, her feelings complicated.

She was surprised that Qin Ge, who seemed rather unserious, was so loyal and devoted at this crucial moment, and so... doting on Yu Jinghong!

There was no questioning, opposition, or dissuasion regarding Yu Jinghong's decision; there was only unconditional support.

Shen Yulan anonymously expressed her envy.

Qiao Song was left out in the cold, as if everyone had forgotten his existence, and he felt a little embarrassed.

His lips twitched, as if he wanted to say something.

In the end, he just sighed silently and said nothing.

If you can't even beat someone in a fight, yet you try to act like an old-timer and lecture them, that will only make you look more pathetic.

Qiao Song changed his clothes and then led Shen Yulan to the main hall.

Qin Ge and the other two followed behind, whispering among themselves.

Yu Jinghong glanced at Qin Ge, then followed his gaze to Shen Yulan's slender and graceful back. "Where are you looking? Is she pretty?"

"Beautiful! Graceful and elegant, swaying with captivating charm!"

"I can tell you're wavering and drooling, aren't you? Why don't I go talk to her and grant your wish?"

"Really?! Can it really work?"

Yu Jinghong grabbed Qin Ge's waist, "It really is!"

"You can't resist a pretty girl? You'd make advances on anyone, wouldn't you?"

"No, no!" Qin Ge winced in pain. "No, you're entrapping me!"

"Didn't I just say, 'graceful as a swan'? She's only beautiful because she resembles you; compared to you, she's a million miles away!"

Yu Jinghong couldn't help but smile and released her grip. "Smooth talker! Is that how Pianruo Jinghong understands it?"

......

"Brother Chao, what brings you to Jinling so suddenly?"

Qiao Song completely ignored the presence of those Dongyang people, suppressing his anger as he exchanged pleasantries with Chao Wu and the others.

The atmosphere in Shadow Martial Arts Hall is getting worse and worse. When did people from other countries start interfering in the affairs of Shadow Martial Arts Hall?

They even brought people here. Is it that Chao Wu has lost his mind, or has the entire law enforcement department gone mad?

"Master Qiao, do you really not know why I'm here?" Chao Wu gestured to the oldest man in the group of Dongyang people, "This is Mr. Wu Nanxiong."

"Wu Nanzhi, the president of the Jinling Chamber of Commerce, is his granddaughter!"

"And then?" Qiao Song couldn't stand Chao Wu's face anymore. He didn't want to pretend anymore, and he couldn't keep up the act.

"Whose grandfather he is, whose granddaughter he is, is none of my business!"

"Just say what you mean. I don't understand beating around the bush!"

Damn it, they're trying to act all high and mighty in front of me. I'm a martial artist, a brute, and I'm not going to play along with their act!

Chao Wu was taken aback by Qiao Song's sudden assertiveness and remained silent for a while before straightening his face. "Hall Master Qiao, we are guests. Aren't you being a bit too rude?"

"Did I invite him?" Qiao Song didn't mince words. "Whose guest he is is none of my business, he's not mine anyway!"

"We martial artists are tough; we can't be as obsequious and servile as Elder Chao!"

"What did you say?!" Chao Wu's face darkened. "Qiao Song, don't go too far!"

"Do you think I came here today for personal matters, or to do someone a favor?"

"China has been a land of etiquette since ancient times. Your behavior is extremely impolite and shows a narrow-mindedness!"

"Don't give me that nonsense!" Qiao Song was completely unconvinced and wouldn't fall for it. Since they had already turned against each other, why should he care about those bottles and jars?

"I only believe what I see with my own eyes. You know perfectly well how you feel about these people!"

"Since you're here on official business, why did you bring outsiders? If you were going to the battlefield, would you bring your three wives and four concubines with you?"

"Does the Shadow Martial Arts Hall now allow outsiders to interfere in its operations?"

"If that's the case, are you going to recruit foreigners into the law enforcement department in a few years?"

Qiao Song had been putting up with Chao Wu, that old scoundrel, for a long time.

Since the day of the Seven Star Bay explosion, Chao Wu has called him countless times, each time pressuring him in the name of the law enforcement department.

Every time, he would bring up how the people of Dongyang were, demanding that he investigate the truth as soon as possible and give an explanation.

Threatening and setting deadlines, acting all high and mighty like some kind of grandmaster!

The incident occurred in Jinling, and investigating the truth was indeed the responsibility of the Jinling Shadow Martial Arts Hall. In order to have more time to train younger generations like Shen Yulan, Qiao Song endured it.

But now he's not going to put up with it anymore; he might as well quit being the branch leader!

After losing to Qin Ge, he had a new realization: each generation has its own destiny, and young people like Qin Ge are already far stronger than him.

If Shen Yulan is truly capable, does she really need him?

Don't overestimate your role, but don't underestimate young people either. The younger generation will surpass the older generation; you should let go when it's time to let go.

Qiao Song's words stunned everyone present once again. Chao Wu and the others were speechless, and even Qin Ge and the others were dumbfounded.

Shen Yulan stared blankly, wondering what was wrong with her master.

Although she used to have a fiery temper, she wasn't this headstrong, was she?

At such an advanced age, having weathered so many storms, he should at least be able to remain composed normally. How come he's become such a different person now?

Was it because he lost to Qin Ge and was stimulated?