Proving God begins with the principle that no effort is wasted.

As darkness fell, snow began to fall on the prefectural city.

The wind rushed in from the end of the alley, sweeping across Changping Street, where all the shops were covered with thick wooden planks, turning the area pitch black.

When Jiang Lan walked out of the Guangchang Martial Arts School, he was the only person left on the entire street.

He tightened his collar and walked steadily, neither hurried nor slow.

Just as I turned the corner, I heard the soft sound of horses' hooves.

They deliberately kept quiet, as if afraid of disturbing something.

A green-covered carriage slowly glided out from the depths of the snowstorm and came to a steady stop two feet away from him.

The distance was perfectly controlled.

Not far, nor in a hurry.

One look at him reveals that he is a servant raised in a large family. He is tactful, knows when to advance and retreat, knows how to restrain himself, and knows how to conceal his talents.

The driver jumped off the rickshaw.

The cotton-padded jacket was worn out, with frayed edges, and looked simple and humble.

His back was perfectly straight, his spine was as straight as a gun, his shoulders were steady, and his eyes were clear.

"Master Jiang."

"My young master has prepared a private room at the Moon Gazing Pavilion ahead. Please come in for a chat."

Jiang Lan glanced sideways; the snowflakes landed on her eyelashes and melted in an instant.

Who is your young master?

The coachman lowered his hands.

Every word is clear.

"The Liu family, Liu Mingyuan."

The name has been finalized.

The wind and snow seemed to pause for a moment.

There are three prominent families in the prefectural city: the Zhao, Liu, and Chen families.

The Zhao family is arrogant and expands step by step, openly devouring county resources, acting domineeringly and unafraid of criticism.

The Chen family remained neutral, content with their isolated corner, guarding their ancestral property, avoiding trouble and making enemies.

The Liu family, however, was the most gentle and the most profound.

Everyone knows that the head of the Liu family is kind-hearted, makes many friends, and is humble. He has an excellent reputation in the martial arts circle and is always a peacemaker, leaving room for others and a way out for himself.

Personal relationships are just a facade.

As the next generation heir of the Liu family, Liu Mingyuan never publicly takes sides, never easily makes enemies, and never reveals his ambition.

The less something is revealed, the more terrifying it is.

Jiang Lan instantly grasped all the advantages and disadvantages in her mind.

Having just entered the Nine Acupoints, his reputation soared, disrupting the established order among the younger generation in the prefecture, damaging the reputation of the Cangsong Martial Arts School, and also disrupting the Zhao family's plan to monopolize grassroots martial arts talent.

At this moment, he is the most perfect person to be won over in the eyes of all forces.

The Liu family's move at this time was perfectly timed, neither too early nor too late.

"Lead the way."

Jiang Lan said calmly.

The driver raised his hand, made a gesture of invitation, and stepped aside to make way.

The carriage was undecorated, with hard wooden planks and plain cushions. There was no scent of perfume, only a faint smell of charcoal and old wood.

The expected low profile.

The carriages traveled through the streets and alleys, avoiding the lights of the main street and taking the narrow, side streets.

After making two turns, we stopped at the small door behind Wangyue Tower.

The Moon Gazing Pavilion is a two-story building with a gloomy exterior and sparse lighting, far less bustling and grand than the restaurants in the city. Ordinary diners rarely come here; it is mostly a place for secret talks, private meetings, and transactions among aristocratic families.

The driver led the way upstairs, then gently knocked three times on the door in a rhythmic motion—a secret internal signal.

The door opened.

A wave of warmth suddenly burst forth, dispelling the chill of the wind and snow.

The private room was small, square, and minimally furnished.

A table, two chairs, a stove, and a lamp.

A charcoal brazier sits in the room, its red-hot charcoal burning quietly. The room is hot and dry, making one's blood flow smoothly and one's mind become relaxed.

It is the environment where people are most likely to let their guard down.

A man is seated in the main seat.

He was in his early thirties, wearing a clean and crisp white cotton robe, untouched by wind, snow, or dust. His face was handsome, his brows and eyes gentle, his gaze peaceful, and a faint smile played on his lips.

He looks like a refined country gentleman, or even more like a scion of a wealthy family who doesn't care about worldly affairs.

Liu Mingyuan.

He held the white porcelain teacup between his fingertips, lowered his head and gently blew on the foam on the tea, his movements calm, elegant, slow and methodical, without any haste or impatience.

A man in gray stood half a step behind him.

His posture was upright, standing like a standard.

A half-face mask, covering the mouth and nose, leaving only the eyes visible.

He stood there like a piece of gray, withered wood, devoid of presence, without any fluctuation of breath, even his breathing was suppressed to the extreme.

Jiang Lan saw right through him; he must be a seasoned master of the Nine Acupoints.

"Brother Jiang, please have a seat."

Liu Mingyuan looked up, his smile gentle, his tone warm, as if he were speaking to an old friend.

Jiang Lan clasped his hands in greeting and took his seat.

The tea on the table was emerald green, steaming gently, with a light and refreshing aroma.

"Young Master Liu invited me late at night; I wonder what brings him here?"

Jiang Lan skipped the pleasantries and got straight to the point.

Liu Mingyuan put down his teacup, leaned forward slightly, lowered his voice, and shed all his casual demeanor.

The atmosphere instantly tightened.

"Brother Jiang is a straightforward person, so I won't stand on ceremony."

He spoke slowly.

"You are aware that the Zhao family recently integrated all the scattered merchants, escort agencies, and workshops in Gaolin to form a regional chamber of commerce."

Jiang Lan nodded.

"clear."

"Then you should also be aware of their methods."

Liu Mingyuan looked straight ahead, unhurriedly and slowly tearing away the outermost fig leaf covering the county town.

"By acquiring smaller businesses, squeezing out competitors, monopolizing water and land transportation at low prices, and controlling docks and warehouses, the ostensible purpose is to regulate trade routes, stabilize prices, and benefit the county."

"secretly."

He paused for a moment, his tone still calm, but every word he spoke was piercing.

"They illegally purchased banned drugs, smuggled themselves across the border, colluded with martial artists from other counties, raised private armies, and kept assassins, using the name of the Chamber of Commerce to carry out their separatist regime."

"What the Zhao family wants is not business."

"It's a county town."

In short, it gets to the heart of the matter.

The Zhao family wants to turn the entire Gaolin County into their private property.

The government can be deceived.

The Military Equipment Department can conceal this.

Merchants can take it.

The martial arts school can be bet.

Over time, the county became privatized, the law became ineffective, and the Zhao family became local tyrants.

Jiang Lan listened in silence, her expression unchanged.

He had a vague idea of ​​what these things were.

But when it comes from the mouth of the Liu family heir, the meaning is completely different.

"The Liu family has lived in Gaolin for generations. Their ancestral home, ancestral graves, century-old business, and network of connections are all here."

Liu Mingyuan's voice softened slightly, carrying a hint of helpless composure.

"If the Zhao family wants to establish a separatist regime, they must first purge the old local forces. My Liu family will be the first to bear the brunt."

"We do not want to fight."

"But we must be on guard."

The rhetoric was exceptionally skillful.

They disguise their proactive game as a passive self-preservation strategy.

They transformed the struggle for power and profit into the protection of their ancestral heritage.

It is both reasonable and morally sound.

This is the power struggle among powerful families!

"In order to check the power of the docks, my Liu family secretly supported Huo Yuanlong of the Canal Gang."

Liu Mingyuan openly acknowledged the existence of the Grand Canal Gang, without any intention of concealing it.

"Huo Yuanlong is daring, courageous, loyal, and knows when to advance and retreat. He is a useful person. It's a pity that the Cao Gang comes from humble origins and has a weak foundation. Without top experts to keep things in check, they can't control the situation or win people's hearts."

Minor disputes can be resolved peacefully.

"If it were to be crushed by the Zhao family's thunderous power, it would surely shatter."

Liu Mingyuan's gaze fell on Jiang Lan, gentle and sincere, full of earnestness.

"Therefore, the Liu family has specially invited Brother Jiang to join us today."

"On behalf of the Liu family, I hereby appoint you as—the family's retainer."

"Annual salary of one thousand taels of silver."

"A street-front house in the center of the county town, for permanent residence, the property rights belong to you."

"Five Qi and Blood Pills are provided monthly, ensuring a stable supply and no shortage of cultivation resources."

"The Liu Family Secret Treasury contains generations of boxing manuals, ancient scores, and fragments, all accessible to you for reading and study."

Resources, money, housing, and martial arts foundation—all provided in one go.

An opportunity that ordinary, independent martial artists would seek their entire lives but could not obtain, he offered up without hesitation.

Then, Liu Mingyuan added more chips and played his most moving card.

"besides."

"Several eligible young women from a collateral branch of the Liu family are of good character and appearance, gentle in nature, and of respectable family background. If you are interested, the Liu family is willing to arrange a marriage between them."

"Our Liu family sincerely wants to befriend Brother Jiang."

Once a marriage is arranged, one's identity is locked in, and one is bound to a faction.

From then on, Jiang Lan was no longer a lone cultivator, but became a member of the Liu family.

All the benefits are laid out before you, openly and honestly, making it impossible to refuse.

Finally, Liu Mingyuan added softly.

"Your feud with Shi Yunshan of the Cangsong Martial Arts School is known throughout the city."

"Master Shi is still grieving the loss of his disciple and harbors deep resentment. Given your current situation of being alone, it will be difficult for you to resist him for long."

"As long as you agree to join the Liu family."

"The Liu family stepped in and mediated the dispute."

"Past grievances are wiped clean."

A thousand taels of silver, a luxurious mansion, elixirs, ancient recipes and resources, protection from in-laws, and the resolution of past grievances.

This is a treatment that ordinary martial artists in the county town would never dare to dream of.

If it were an ordinary young expert, he would have been moved at this moment, immediately bowed to express his gratitude, and swore to serve the country to the death.

But Jiang Lan saw things more clearly.

What the Liu family wants is not cooperation.

It means submission.

"Young Master Liu's kindness is too much for me to bear."

Jiang Lan slowly clasped his hands in a fist salute, his tone respectful and his attitude calm, yet he did not yield an inch.

"The position of 'official' is of great importance, involving the future of martial arts, one's life and fortune, and one's factional stance."

"Give me three days to consider."

"Return in three days to report back."

Liu Mingyuan looked at him, his gentle smile still on his face, but the gentleness in his eyes gradually faded.

He has seen too many young people who are greedy for profit, power, and stability.

It is rare to find a newcomer who is unmoved by temptation, unfazed by intimidation, clearly understands the pros and cons, and knows when to advance and retreat.

Jiang Lan's calmness exceeded his expectations.

"should."

He spoke calmly.

"In martial arts training, caution is fundamental."

"The doors of my Liu family will always be open for you."

"The day I understand can come anytime."

see a visitor out.

Jiang Lan stood up, turned around, and pushed open the door.

His back was straight, his steps were steady, and he showed no sign of lingering.

The door closed, isolating the inside from the outside.

The next second, the private room shattered gently.

A disdainful sneer escaped from Liu Mingyuan's throat.

"Ungrateful."

Jiang Lan, who was outside the door, heard everything clearly.

He didn't stop walking, and his expression remained unchanged.

I had long anticipated that the gentle demeanor of the young master from a prominent family was merely an act for outsiders.

Beneath the surface lies the arrogance of power and the obsession with control.

If he does not submit, he is ungrateful.

……

Jiang Lan returned to the courtyard.

The night was deep and quiet.

Cheng Erniang had already gone to sleep; the lights in the house were off, and the courtyard was silent.

He pushed open the door, went inside, bolted the door, and closed the window.

The room was pitch black. I pulled open the drawer and there lay a lustrous, nourishing pill.

He took the pill into his mouth and held it in his throat.

Let the medicinal power slowly penetrate the skin, nourish the meridians, and replenish the internal organs, thread by thread.

The bottleneck that had accumulated over many days has already loosened.

The power of the internal organs is stuck at the critical peak, and the tide repeatedly washes over the dam, only one final, complete breach is needed.

Tonight, the wind and snow have blanketed the city, and all human voices have fallen silent. It's the perfect time to cleanse the marrow and break through to a higher realm.

Jiang Lan sat cross-legged on the bed, closing her eyes and concentrating.

Lock the mind in clarity and direct the medicinal power to the dantian.

next moment--

break out!

A faint gurgling sound came from deep within the abdomen, like an underground current surging.

In an instant, the fragments merged into a roar.

A rumbling thunderclap, originating from the internal organs, reverberated throughout the chest and abdomen.

The body's blood and qi instantly boiled, like a river bursting its banks, surging wildly and washing over every crevice of the meridians.

The skin and flesh felt hot, the muscles and bones swelled, the pores opened, and the heat penetrated the body.

Wisps of white steam rose from all around, swirling and lingering in the dimly lit room.

Immediately afterwards, a clear and resonant sound rang out from deep within the marrow.

It's a sound from the marrow!

The most fundamental movement occurs when the foundation of martial arts in the human body is reshaped.

Om-!

The thunderous roar rose higher and exploded, continuing like a continuous rumble of thunder.

The rolling thunder echoed through my limbs and bones.

The bones trembled, the joints rubbed together, making a dense, creaking sound that was both piercing and numbing.

Excruciating pain followed.

It far surpasses the suffering caused by acupuncture and acupoint opening.

It's as if an invisible giant hand reaches into flesh and blood, tears apart bones and tendons, crushes the old body, and recreates a new life.

Cleansing the marrow, clearing the meridians, transcending the mortal realm.

Old impurities, old blockages, old drug toxins, and old strains are all hidden deep within the flesh, bone marrow, and meridian dead ends.

It is not noticeable on ordinary days.

At this moment, it was forcibly lifted, crushed, and stripped away by the violent blood and qi.

Sweat seeped out, bringing with it a thick, black grime.

Layer upon layer, covering flesh and skin, stinking and filthy black like mud.

That was the grime accumulated in my mortal body over decades, all of which was expelled from my body.

Jiang Lan clenched his teeth, veins bulged on his forehead, and muscles trembled all over his body, yet he remained calm, focused, and undisturbed.

The worst thing in spiritual practice is to lose your mind in pain.

He desperately clung to the last vestiges of clarity, letting the thunderous sounds cleanse his bones and his qi and blood cleanse his marrow.

One wave after another.

The thunderous shockwave gradually weakened, transitioning from violent to prolonged.

The body becomes less impurity-free, muscles and bones become more solid, and qi and blood become purer.

I don't know how long it's been.

The final thunderous sound from within the marrow slowly dissipated.

The boiling blood and qi throughout the body slowly returned to the sea and settled in the dantian.

Everything has calmed down.

The room was so quiet you could hear the snow falling.

Jiang Lan slowly opened her eyes, her gaze clear and bright.

His movements, from raising his hand to lowering it, were fluid and effortless. Every gesture was natural and effortless.

Blood congeals like lead and mercury, internal organs are as tough as refined iron, and bone marrow is as white as frost and jade.

The old body sheds, and a new body is born.

The third stage of Visceral Strength – Thunderous Sound Cleansing Marrow – is complete!

With the nine acupoints fully developed, the foundation is thoroughly solidified.

At this point, he was absolutely certain that he could take action against Shi Yunshan.

Jiang Lan felt a surge of murderous intent.

……

At the same time.

Prefectural City, Military Equipment Department.

A solitary lamp illuminates the cold, solemn courtroom.

Zhou Tieshan sat upright behind the desk, his fingertips lightly tapping the edge of the table. Each tap made the air feel increasingly heavy.

A black-clad official stood upright, hands at his sides, not daring to make the slightest unnecessary movement.

"Finished the investigation?"

Zhou Tieshan's voice was deep and imposing, carrying an air of official authority.

"Reporting to Your Excellency, the investigation is complete."

The official presented a thick stack of files, invoices, and canal transport documents with both hands.

"The Zhao Family Chamber of Commerce, Wangyuan Escort Agency, and Zhufeng Shop colluded, openly engaging in joint trade while secretly smuggling prohibited trauma drugs and potent powders that were strictly forbidden by the imperial court."

"All invoices, ledgers, and release documents have been verified, the seals are genuine, the supply chain is complete, and the evidence is conclusive."

Zhou Tieshan turned the pages one by one, and the more he read, the more somber his expression became.

The Zhao family did not only seek wealth, but also used commerce to establish a separatist regime.

Turning to the last page, he clenched his fingers and slammed his palm down.

Snapped--!

The entire hall resounded.

"Fraudulent practices, deceiving the government, smuggling prohibited drugs, and accumulating power to disrupt the law."

"What a fine Zhao family."

"What a magnificent Cangsong Martial Arts School!"

He stood up, strode to the wall, and placed his fingertip on the map of Gaolin County.

The red dot is eye-catching and conspicuous.

"The Zhao family's old residence".

"Cangsong Martial Arts School Main Hall"

"The headquarters of the Wangyuan Escort Agency."

"Zhufengpu Warehouse".

The matter was settled at four o'clock.

His words were cold and stern as he issued military orders.

"Tomorrow at the hour of Chou (1-3 AM)."

"Four channels operating simultaneously, all at once."

"Any resistance encountered should not be reported; kill without exception."

The officer clasped his hands in a fist and bowed, replying in a deep voice, "As you command!"

He turned and strode away, the manhunt under the cover of night, the iron net quietly spread out.

The wind and snow lashed against the paper windows, making a loud, pattering sound.

Zhou Tieshan stared at the map, his eyes flashing with a cold light.

……

The back room of the Cangsong Martial Arts School. Candlelight flickers, casting shadows.

Shi Yunshan sat upright in the main seat, his face ashen and his eyes filled with a fierce aura.

The three people below were dressed in gray short-sleeved shirts and had lean and agile figures.

All three were desperate assassins he had hired from the prefectural city at great expense.

Shi Yunshan glanced at the three of them and said, "Tomorrow at the hour of Chou (1-3 AM)."

"Let's do it."

"Jiang Lan, kill him!"

The anger that had been building up in his chest for so long finally burst forth.

"A greenhorn, arrogant and naive."

"You publicly crippled my beloved disciple Tu Gang, severely injured Luo Lie, disgraced my Cangsong martial arts school, and ruined its reputation."

"As long as this child lives, I, Cangsong, will never be able to raise my head."

The leader of the assassins had a hoarse, dry voice, devoid of any emotion.

"Don't worry, Master."

"The three of us working together, even with our advanced internal energy cultivation, can hold them back. We can easily wipe out a mere newly promoted junior with nine acupoints with a flick of our fingers."

In their eyes, no matter how talented Jiang Lan was, he was only a newly advanced cultivator with a shallow foundation, insufficient experience, and immature fighting skills.

Killing them is not difficult.

Shi Yunshan nodded slowly.

"Get into position, and make your move at 1-3 AM."

"After the matter is accomplished, you will receive a thousand taels of silver, a share of Zhao Family Wharf, and permanent dividends."

Where there is great profit, there will be those who will fight to the death.

The three clasped their hands in a fist salute, their figures blurred, and they silently withdrew from the secret room, disappearing into the darkness.

Only the flickering candlelight remained in the hall, casting a distorted and chilling light on Shi Yunshan's face.

A cup of cold tea goes down the throat and chills your internal organs.

Tomorrow at dawn, the county town will be reshuffled.

Cangsong Martial Arts School is destined to return to its peak!

……

The game is decided; victory or defeat is in our hands.

He turned into a back alley.

High walls stand tall, creating narrow alleyways.

The snow's light was blocked by the high walls, and the alley was pitch black, so dark that you could hardly see your hand in front of your face.

The cold wind swept through the alley, howling and wailing like the cries of ghosts.

The entire alleyway was desolate and deserted, with no one passing through.

As I walked along Shiyun Mountain, the snow crunched softly under my feet.

Just as he passed through the middle of the alley, and his mind relaxed slightly—

Shadow Riot.

From the depths of the shadows cast by the high wall on the left, a dark figure suddenly burst forth.

The extreme stillness suddenly turns into the extreme killing.

His figure swept through the air, leaving no trace on the snow.

A punch was thrown!

The fist struck with explosive force, accompanied by a low, thunderous roar. Its power was deep, heavy, and domineering, locking onto Shi Yunshan's vulnerable ribcage.

Before the punch arrives, the powerful wind arrives first.

The biting force cut into the skin, causing a stinging pain and making the hairs on the forehead stand on end.

A split second between life and death!

Shi Yunshan was, after all, a veteran master at the peak of the Nine Acupoints, and decades of fighting instincts were ingrained in his bones.

At the critical moment, he expended all his energy to the extreme, twisted his waist sharply, and hastily pushed his elbow back to block the fatal punch!

boom--!

A massive earthquake shook the narrow alley, and snowstorm raged!

Click!

The clear sound of bones cracking pierced the deathly silence.

An unimaginable, violent force pierced through his elbow, shattering his tendons and bones, rendering his entire left arm useless in an instant, leaving him numb and excruciatingly painful.

Shi Yunshan staggered and crashed heavily into the cold, blue brick wall.

The walls trembled, and thick snow crumbled down.

He slid down the wall onto the snow, his right hand pressing tightly against his crippled left arm. His whole body trembled, and his eyes were filled with a mixture of shock, anger, horror, and disbelief.

He suddenly looked up.

In the middle of the snowstorm in the alley, the dark figure stood firmly.

Dressed in dark, fitted clothing, with a youthful and upright figure, he stood at the boundary between light and shadow, his aura deep and unfathomable.

"Who are you!"

Shi Yunshan's voice trembled, filled with barely suppressed fear.

This force, this foundation, this immense pressure—

This is definitely not the level a junior who has just broken through to the ninth level should have!

The visitor did not answer.

He simply took a step forward slowly.

With each step, the wind and snow seemed to be forcibly parted.

He slightly raised his right hand, took a step forward, and spread his five fingers slightly, his starting posture was solemn and ancient.

Mountain-Crushing Fist - Tiger Warrior!

At this moment, in Shi Yunshan's eyes, it was like the Grim Reaper raising his sword, suppressing the entire scene.

Shi Yunshan's pupils suddenly shrank to the size of pinpoints, his blood froze, and his face turned deathly pale.

Extreme shock rushed into his mind. He stared intently at the extremely familiar starting stance, his throat tightened, and he uttered the name with difficulty.

"Jiang Lan...!"

The murderous intent in the alley was boiling over to its extreme.