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

Zhou Tieshan, Commandant of the Military Equipment Division of the Prefectural City!

Born into the Daishan faction, he held military power over a prefecture, ruling over a region with decisive and ruthless actions.

Everyone in the city had previously assumed that this important figure was seriously injured and bedridden, unable to manage affairs, which allowed the Zhao family and the Chamber of Commerce to run rampant and control both the legitimate and criminal worlds.

Only Jiang Lan knew at that moment that it was all an illusion! Zhou Tieshan was not injured at all.

He had been waiting.

Wait until this group of cancerous tumors that have been entrenched in Gaolin for decades completely lower their guard, wait until they have accumulated enough evidence of their crimes, and wait until they walk into a trap from which they are doomed.

Tonight's wind and snow, tonight's reckoning, were all orchestrated by this person.

Jiang Lan felt a slight heaviness in her chest, suppressing all her turbulent emotions.

For those living at the bottom of society, the worst thing they can do is to reveal their true situation due to panic.

He slowly rose, his back straight, neither hunched nor obsequious, and clasped his hands in a gesture of respect.

"Junior Jiang Lan greets Commandant."

Zhou Tieshan stopped in the wind and snow, his gaze falling.

First, glance at his young and composed face, which showed no fear or surprise.

He brushed the thin layer of snow off his shoulder again. The snow did not melt, indicating that he had been crouching on the roof for a long time and had great patience.

Zhou Tieshan's voice was flat, and under the cutting of the wind and snow, one could not detect a trace of joy or anger.

"Traveling on a snowy night is quite an enjoyable experience."

Every word of a seemingly ordinary question is a test.

Jiang Lan responded calmly, her words clear and her logic impeccable.

"I was practicing my martial arts until late at night and was on my way home when I heard sounds of fighting and killing coming from the alley. I became suspicious and climbed up to investigate. I was unaware that you were here, and I apologize for any offense I may have caused."

He said frankly.

The later you arrive at a crime scene, the more cautious you need to be.

The more you need to stay calm, the more you need to remain calm.

You should act like a mere bystander passing by.

Zhou Tieshan stared into his eyes.

The boy's eyes were calm as still water, without any ripples or waves, and there was not a trace of restlessness or guilt after killing someone.

Ordinary martial artists are thrown into a state of mental turmoil when they kill.

An ordinary young man panics when he encounters an official.

Jiang Lan has neither.

"Shi Yunshan is dead."

Zhou Tieshan got straight to the point, immediately sealing the conversation.

"The scene was gruesome, right in the dark alley below. Someone witnessed a figure darting out of the alley at lightning speed, moving with incredible agility, and ascending straight to the rooftop."

"But you just happen to be here."

No charges were brought.

But all the clues pointed to him.

This is both a trap and a test.

Once you've passed through, the road ahead will be wide open.

However, Shi Yunshan may not be the only one whose bodies are buried in the snow tonight.

Jiang Lan frowned slightly, a perfectly measured look of astonishment and disbelief appearing on her face.

It's a normal reaction for ordinary people to hear about the tragic death of someone they know.

"Was the Stone Museum Master murdered?"

He said it in a low voice, then immediately composed himself and his expression turned sincere.

"I do have a past grudge against the Cangsong Martial Arts School, but the outcome of the Qinglin Gathering has already been decided. Martial arts competitions should be fair and square, and I would never seek trouble or attempt to kill someone in secret."

He looked up and met Zhou Tieshan's gaze calmly.

"Master Shi is a master of the Nine Acupoints, far surpassing this junior in cultivation. This junior has only just begun to explore the Nine Acupoints, and his cultivation is shallow. In terms of strength, there is absolutely no possibility of killing him."

Every sentence is true, yet every sentence is also a pretense.

In everyone's understanding, a master of the Nine Acupoints is far superior to someone who has just entered the Nine Acupoints stage.

Unknown to anyone, he cultivated internal and external strength simultaneously, and his physical strength, blood and qi, and combat experience had already surpassed those of others in the same realm.

The wind and snow swirled between the two, the snowflakes hitting their faces, the cold biting to the bone.

a long time.

Zhou Tieshan chuckled softly.

The laughter was very soft, and was swallowed up by the wind and snow in an instant.

"Shi Yunshan colluded with the rebels, illegally traded prohibited drugs, armor, and weapons. His crimes are numerous, and he deserves to die."

In short, all suspicion against Jiang Lan was cleared.

Shi Yunshan is not an innocent martial arts school owner.

He is a traitor.

He deserves to die.

Whoever kills him tonight will rid the government of a scourge.

Zhou Tieshan spoke calmly and continued:

"If he were alive, it would be a lot of work to gather evidence, make arrests, and interrogate him. If he were dead, Gao Lin's mess would be much easier to settle."

The conversation suddenly shifted.

"Ranking on the Martial Arts Examination (Category C). The Azure Scale Society has defeated two of Cangsong's disciples in succession."

"Your physical constitution is average, and your talent is not top-notch."

"But his temperament, forbearance, composure, and courage far surpass those of ordinary people."

"To be trapped in a small county town is a waste of talent."

Jiang Lan's heart skipped a beat, but she didn't show it on her face.

He bowed and asked, "This junior is dull-witted, please enlighten me, sir."

Zhou Tieshan turned around and looked into the depths of the city.

In the darkness, the firelight flickered faintly, and the sounds of fighting, shouting, and clashing weapons echoed intermittently through the wind and snow.

Zhao Family Mansion, Cangsong Martial Arts School, Wangyuan Escort Agency, Zhufeng Shop.

All four sides acted simultaneously.

Gaolin's century-old trend was uprooted tonight.

The dark cloak drew a cold arc in the night wind, and Zhou Tieshan's voice was not loud, but every word landed firmly like nails.

"Would you be willing to join the Daishan Sect?"

boom--

Jiang Lan was deeply shaken.

Daishan School!

This place possesses inner cultivation techniques, superior internal energy methods, and advanced body tempering secrets; it is the true path of martial arts.

This is the ultimate path of martial arts that he has always aspired to, one that he has cultivated diligently and patiently, and that he has always looked up to.

Zhou Tieshan didn't look at him again.

He raised his hand and grasped the long sword in the tile seam.

Pull it up.

The snow-like blade flashed, its cold gleam blinding.

He looked down, staring at the fine scratches on the blade—the marks left by the killing that night.

A moment later, it returned to its sheath.

His movements were steady, clean, and efficient, without a single unnecessary movement.

Think it over carefully.

"Gao Lin's game of chess is almost over."

The words fell.

A figure moved.

Stepping on tiles makes no sound, stepping on snow leaves no trace.

The dark cloak billowed wildly, instantly disappearing into the snowy night without a trace.

The rooftop was filled with wind and snow, and Jiang Lan was all alone.

He stood there, snow falling on his shoulders and covering his eyebrows, completely oblivious to the cold.

The game is about to end.

The old king is dying.

A new chapter is about to begin.

He was a new piece personally selected by a top chess player to be included in the game.

A moment later, Jiang Lan leaped off the roof ridge.

It landed silently.

The alley was covered with a thick layer of snow.

Shi Yunshan's body was half-buried in the snow, his face pale and stiff, one hand stiffly raised, fingers spread wide, palm facing upward.

Like someone who spends their entire life pursuing power, wealth, and strength.

In the end, they caught nothing.

Snowflakes fell on my palm, leaving only emptiness.

Jiang Lan glanced at them indifferently, without pity or sigh.

In the world of martial arts, the strong prey on the weak.

Taking the wrong path, choosing the wrong side, and coveting things one shouldn't have—the only outcome is death.

He turned and strode out of the alley.

……

Changping Street was deserted and lifeless.

Every household had its doors tightly shut and its lights off.

The entire street was frozen over by heavy snow, with only the wind blowing the lanterns, making a crackling sound.

In the distance, the fighting within the city gradually subsided, the shouts decreased, and only sporadic screams drifted away on the wind.

The Zhao family's power has collapsed.

Jiang Lan returned to Shijing Lane via the same route.

Push open the door and enter the hospital.

The courtyard was completely silent.

Cheng Erniang's bedroom was dark, and she was already fast asleep.

He gently closed the door, bolted it, and went into his small hut.

Light the lamp.

A flame leaped up, spreading a dim, yellowish light that dispelled the cold darkness of the room.

Jiang Lan raised her hand and took out the items one by one from her bosom, laying them flat on the table.

A stack of silver notes.

Four hundred and twenty-seven taels, thick and solid, heavy to the touch.

A small, sealed porcelain bottle.

Upon uncorking, a rich medicinal aroma instantly filled the air—mellow, subtle, and lingering with spiritual energy. Three dark brown pills lay quietly, their quality far surpassing that of ordinary Qi-Nourishing Pills sold in supermarkets.

The last booklet.

The cover is blank, the pages are yellowed, the edges are rough, and it is quite old.

My fingertips brushed across the paper; it felt rough and dry.

Turn to the title page.

The four characters "Iron Pen" caught the eye—

【Iron Bones and Golden Body】

Jiang Lan lowered her gaze and read through the words one by one. The more she read, the more alarmed she became.

This is a top-notch manual!

It has five layers.

Iron sheet, copper reinforcement, steel frame, golden body, indestructible.

Each floor has its own set of breathing techniques, body tempering moves, ancient medicinal bath formulas, and precautions.

After reaching the highest level, the skin becomes as tough as iron, the fascia as strong as copper, the bones as solid as steel, and the body becomes indestructible, capable of blocking weapons and resisting hidden forces.

Worldly martial artists mostly use light and hard techniques.

Everyone knows that hard qigong has great drawbacks: it only trains the physical body, does not generate internal energy, cannot strengthen the foundation, and will inevitably accumulate hidden injuries over the years, leading to disability and shortened lifespan in old age.

This is inferior martial arts.

But that's just ordinary hard skill.

Iron bones and golden body represent the true superior path of physical cultivation.

The defects still exist: it cannot generate internal energy on its own and cannot nourish the five internal organs.

But for others, it's a dead end.

For Jiang Lan, it's a perfect complement.

He cultivates the internal strength of the internal organs.

It nourishes the five internal organs, warms and nourishes the qi and blood, strengthens the foundation and cultivates the original qi, and eliminates all hidden injuries to the body.

The internal organs act as a furnace, nourishing the viscera.

Iron bones and a golden body form armor, the outer body is forged with hammers.

One inside and one outside.

One is gentle, the other is firm.

Perfect in both directions, without any omissions or deficiencies.

The more than four hundred taels of silver notes were enough to support the initial stages of medicinal baths and the consumption of medicinal materials.

An opportunity has presented itself.

Those who do not accept what Heaven has given them will surely suffer the consequences.

Jiang Lan calmed his mind and silently memorized the entire cultivation formula, medicinal bath recipe, and breathing rhythm.

A flash of inspiration struck me.

[Introduction to Iron Bones and Golden Body (1/100)]

The progress is extremely shallow.

However, his vital energy and blood were far superior to that of ordinary people, all nine acupoints were open, and his foundation was extremely solid.

It takes an ordinary martial artist half a month to learn the basics.

He only needs a few days.

Within a month, the first layer of Iron Skin Realm will surely be completed.

Put away the banknotes and lock them in the wooden cabinet.

The elixirs were put into a drawer and sealed securely.

The martial arts manual was placed under the pillow, close to the body, so that it would be safe from any mishap.

After finishing everything, Jiang Lan sat on the edge of the bed.

Close your eyes.

The energy of the internal organs slowly circulates throughout the body.

When Qi and blood are balanced, the mind is calm and at peace.

Outside the window, the sky over Gaolin County had completely changed.

The wind and snow continue, and the fighting never stops.

Deep within the Zhao mansion, the swift purge continues.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

The Zhao residence.

The heavy, vermilion-lacquered gate shattered with a deafening roar.

Wood chips, nails, snow, and debris flew everywhere.

Flames shot into the sky, illuminating the entire mansion.

Squads of soldiers in black iron armor surged in, their steps precise and resounding in the snow.

Everyone was armed with powerful crossbows, long swords, and iron shields.

His eyes were cold, and his face was expressionless.

The murderous aura remained dormant, suffocating the entire courtyard.

"By order of the Commandant! Arrest traitors! Those who illegally possess weapons or collude with rebels! Take them all down! Those who resist arrest will be killed without mercy!"

His roar, like thunder, rolled across the courtyard.

The Zhao family's guards, retainers, and servants all awoke in alarm and rushed out with knives in hand.

For decades, the Zhao family had dominated Gaolin, acting arrogantly and domineeringly. They had never seen such a thunderous siege.

Chaos erupted instantly.

The clanging of swords was ear-piercing, and the force of their impact crisscrossed.

Blood splattered on the pristine snow, the red and white colors glaringly bright and shocking.

The screams of the guards rose and fell, and corpses piled up one after another.

The once noble and prosperous Zhao family mansion was instantly transformed into a slaughterhouse.

Inside the inner hall, Zhao Yuanlang rushed out, his face pale and his whole body trembling.

He dominated Gaolin for half his life, having connections in both the legal and illegal worlds. He single-handedly built up the Gaolin Chamber of Commerce, believing his foundation was solid and untouchable.

Tonight, everything will be overturned.

Beside him, a gaunt figure slowly stepped out.

The old man had a hunched back, sharp eyes like an eagle, and a calm, still aura around him, as the power of his nine acupoints fully unfolded.

The Zhao family offered generous tribute to a reclusive old martial arts master.

Few could rival him beneath the city walls.

The old man's gaze swept over the county soldiers who rushed in, his face full of disdain and coldness.

"How dare a mere soldier from the prefectural city trespass on my Zhao residence with such insolence?"

With a cold snort, he took a step forward.

He pressed down with his withered palm.

An invisible force exploded outwards, sweeping across all directions.

Several armored county soldiers in front had no time to react. Their armor dented, their sternums shattered, and they coughed up blood as they flew backward like broken sacks, landing dead on the ground.

With a single move, he severely injured several people.

When all nine acupoints are fully formed, their power is terrifying.

A glimmer of hope ignited in Zhao Yuanlang's eyes.

As long as the old retainer can hold off the attack, he can break through the encirclement, contact the remaining forces, and still have a chance to turn the tide.

The next moment—

A piercing whistle tore through the wind and snow!

fast!

Extremely fast!

The sound of something cutting through the air pierced the eardrums, and the air was instantly penetrated.

The old man, a veteran of countless battles, was instantly overwhelmed by a deadly crisis.

My scalp tingled, and my mind was shaken.

He dared not hold back in the slightest, his energy surging wildly as he thrust his palms forward with all his might.

Boom!

The powerful energies collided and exploded.

In the next instant, a cold light pierced through all obstacles.

The longsword pierced through the palm!

Piercing through the bones and tendons of both palms!

Pierce the chest again!

It came out through the back!

Scalding blood mist gushed out and filled the sky.

The old man let out a heart-wrenching scream as his body was flung away by the immense force of the sword and pinned to a pillar in the inner hall.

His limbs convulsed, and his life was cut off in an instant.

The entire room fell silent.

Amidst the wind and snow, a tall and upright figure slowly walked into the firelight.

Zhou Tieshan.

His posture was ramrod straight, and his eyes were as cold as frost.

Where is there even a trace of serious injury or weakness?

They remained hidden and disguised throughout.

All for today, to catch them all in one fell swoop.

Zhao Yuanlang felt ice-cold all over, his pupils shrank, his voice trembled, and he was filled with disbelief.

"Zhou Tieshan...you've been lying to everyone! You've been waiting for this day!"

Zhou Tieshan lowered his eyes and looked at the former overlord.

"I gave you a chance to stop long ago."

"Those who cross the line will die."

With just five simple words, the Zhao family was sentenced to death.

Zhao Yuanlang looked at the corpses filling the courtyard, at the loyal servant who had died tragically on the spot, and at the soldiers surrounding the area layer by layer. The situation had completely collapsed.

He suddenly threw his head back and burst into maniacal laughter, a shrill laugh filled with resentment and despair.

"The victor is king, the loser is villain! There's nothing more to say! My Zhao family...accepts defeat!"

Before the laughter subsided, the armored soldiers surrounded and charged forward.

At the same time.

The three locations in the prefectural city were simultaneously liquidated.

Cangsong Martial Arts School was leaderless, and its disciples scattered and fled, but all of them were brought under control.

At Wangyuan Escort Agency, the guards fought desperately, their crossbow bolts piercing their armor, blood flowing like a river, until the headquarters completely fell.

The Zhufengpu warehouse was forcibly broken open, and piles of banned drugs, illegally manufactured armor, and unauthorized military equipment were exposed under the flames, revealing a mountain of evidence.

The howling wind and snow buried screams, buried slaughter, buried decades of darkness.

Overnight.

The Zhao family's influence, which controlled both the legitimate and criminal worlds in Gaolin County, and the henchmen affiliated with the Gaolin Chamber of Commerce, all collapsed.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

The sky was just beginning to lighten.

The wind and snow gradually subsided.

The entire town was immersed in the restlessness of surviving the disaster.

The long street was trampled into a muddy and dirty mess.

The teahouse on the street was blazing with fire, but no one was there to drink tea.

People gathered at doorways and windowsills, whispering and gossiping.

"Last night, government troops ransacked the Zhao residence! They killed people all night long! Flames soared into the sky!"

"Not just the Zhao residence! The Cangsong Martial Arts School, Wangyuan Escort Agency, and Zhufeng Shop—all have been wiped out!"

"So, the Commandant was feigning illness to lure these traitors into revealing themselves!"

"What kind of chamber of commerce is this? It's nothing but a den of traitors! Smuggled medicine and armor—each of these is a crime punishable by extermination!"

The explosive news swept through the entire city.

Everyone was shocked and terrified.

Everyone knows that the situation in the prefectural city has completely changed.

Inside the Guangchang Martial Arts School, the atmosphere was equally turbulent.

All the disciples gathered together, discussing amongst themselves, their faces filled with awe and horror.

A behemoth that had dominated for decades collapsed overnight.

This earth-shaking power instilled awe in every lowly martial arts apprentice.

Jiang Lan stood in a corner of the crowd.

His face showed just the right amount of astonishment, shock, and a hint of bewilderment.

My heart is as still as a deep well.

The game has ended, and the old forces have collapsed; this is simply the inevitable result of the strong maneuvering.

Sun Gengsan moved closer to him, lowered his voice, and said with a sense of relief.

"Junior Brother Jiang, with the Chamber of Commerce gone, the mountain weighing on our heads is gone. We can finally get our martial arts school positions back in peace, and I won't be forced to venture into the prefectural city anymore."

Jiang Lan nodded gently: "It's a good thing."

In times of chaos, peace is fleeting.

But this moment of peace is something to cherish.

The curtain in the backyard was lifted.

Liu Changqing walked out slowly.

His brows were furrowed, his expression was grave, and his eyes held a lingering worry.

Last night's bloody purge, seemingly clearing away the darkness, actually signified the complete intervention of the prefectural city's forces in Gaolin.

The old order dies, and the new order arrives.

The unknown is the most dangerous.

"Silence, everyone."

His voice wasn't loud, but it carried the authority of the museum owner, instantly silencing the noise in the courtyard.

"The situation has changed dramatically recently, people's hearts are unpredictable, and the turmoil has not yet subsided."

"No one may leave the premises without urgent business."

"Seclude yourself to cultivate your character, practice martial arts diligently, be cautious in your words and deeds, avoid trouble and disturbances."

"Disaster comes from the mouth; in chaotic times, the worst thing is to be ostentatious."

The disciples, their hearts pounding, responded in unison, "Yes, Master!"

The voice just fell.

The crisp sound of armor clashing came from outside the courtyard.

Two soldiers in black uniforms strode into the hall, their sharp gazes sweeping across the entire space, their imposing presence overwhelming.

The disciples in the courtyard fell silent instantly, and no one dared to move.

Immediately afterwards, a capable figure appeared at the door; it was Zhou Tieshan's personal bodyguard.

His gaze was like lightning, piercing through the crowd and precisely locking onto Jiang Lan in the corner.

The guards quickly stepped forward, bowed respectfully in front of everyone.

"Master Jiang, my master, the Captain, requests your presence."

One sentence.

The martial arts hall was deathly silent.

All the disciples stared in disbelief, their eyes fixed on Jiang Lan.

County military commander, the highest military authority in a region.

Last night, a ruthless man quelled the unrest in the entire county with lightning speed.

He even personally called upon an ordinary martial arts school disciple to meet with him.

They also addressed each other as "Master".

The exceptional treatment and honors they received defied everyone's expectations.

Liu Changqing was also taken aback, then quickly stepped forward, suppressing his shock, and asked in a deep voice, "May I ask what orders you have for my apprentice, sir?"

The guard clasped his hands in a fist salute, his tone polite, yet every word carried weight.

"Master Liu, please don't worry. Master Jiang is a distinguished guest of my master."

The words "distinguished guest" definitively set the tone.

This is a courteous audience.

Liu Changqing looked at Jiang Lan, his eyes filled with a complex mix of emotions.

He left the Cangwu Sect in his early years and spent half his life confined to a small county, never managing to leave the prefectural city.

Now, his disciple has been noticed by a prominent figure from the Daishan School.

The road ahead is far beyond what I can achieve in my lifetime.

Jiang Lan remained calm and bowed to Liu Changqing, saying, "Master, I will be right back."

He then looked up at his personal guard and said, "Please lead the way."

"please."

The bodyguard stepped aside to lead the way.

Jiang Lan calmly stepped out of the martial arts school.

The long street was a scene of devastation.

Soldiers escorting prisoners and laborers carrying stolen goods could be seen everywhere.

The once high-ranking servants, guards, and dependent forces of the Zhao family are now shackled and chained, cowering in the cold wind, like stray dogs.

The ups and downs of life, the reversals of fortune, can happen in the blink of an eye.

They walked to the temporary prison.

Jiang Lan glanced at it briefly, then paused slightly.

In a corner of the snow, several women, their clothes disheveled, knelt in submission.

One of them looked up.

His face was deathly pale, his hair was disheveled, and his magnificent brocade robe was stained with mud and blood. He no longer possessed any of his former pride and nobility.

Zhao Wantang.

On the martial arts examination stage in the past, she relied on her superior family background and agile skills to easily win a game against him, her eyes filled with contempt and her posture arrogant.

At that time, she was the high and mighty Miss Zhao.

He was a peasant boy from a humble background who was not valued by anyone.

today.

She became a prisoner, her life and death at the mercy of others.

He was treated as an honored guest by the local military commander, and he traveled with ease and received courteous treatment.

Their eyes met.

Zhao Wantang's pupils contracted sharply, and her lips trembled violently.

Humiliation, fear, disbelief, and an overwhelming sense of loss instantly overwhelmed my mind.

She abruptly lowered her head, burying her face in her arms, her shoulders trembling violently, and dared not look up again.

Jiang Lan's eyes remained calm.

That's just how the world is.

Choosing the wrong side means your support system will collapse, leading to an abyss.

The guard followed his gaze and asked with a smile, "Does Master Jiang know him?"

Jiang Lan remained silent for a moment before speaking calmly: "We had a match once on the martial arts arena."

"She is young and inexperienced, and may not have been deeply involved in the Zhao family's rebellion."

"If no evidence is found, please grant leniency as appropriate."

In short, it was a favor done for me.

His composure and tact were just right.

The guards understood perfectly, and were even more certain that it was no coincidence that the captain valued this man.

He immediately agreed: "Don't worry, Master Jiang, I will give instructions shortly to conduct a thorough investigation. Those who are innocent will be released."

"Thank you." Jiang Lan clasped his hands in thanks.

"It was just a small favor."

The two continued on their way, heading straight into the county garrison camp.

The camp gates were heavily guarded, with armored soldiers standing in rows, and a constant air of killing intent emanating from the camp.

After passing through the training ground, we arrived at the inner stone hall.

The charcoal fire blazed brightly inside, providing warmth and shelter from the outside wind, snow, and cold.

Zhou Tieshan sat in the main seat.

On the large table in front of him, there were piles of valuables and treasures confiscated the previous night.

Jade box, medicine cauldron, land deed, house deed, stacks of silver notes, high-grade precious medicines...

A dazzling array of goods, an astonishing display of wealth.

A single reckoning can yield wealth that ordinary people could only dream of in ten lifetimes.

"My lord, Master Jiang has arrived," the guard reported, bowing.

Zhou Tieshan raised his eyes and gestured.

"sit."

Jiang Lan sat down as instructed, her back straight, neither humble nor arrogant, composed and measured.

Zhou Tieshan's gaze fell on the remaining snow outside the window, his tone indifferent.

"Demons and monsters occupy the land, thinking themselves all-powerful, secretly amassing private armies, hoarding contraband, and wreaking havoc in the region."

"Little did they know that the law is like a furnace, and the net of heaven hangs high; those who cross the line will be burned."

Jiang Lan lowered his hands and said, "My lord, I have made a clear decision."

Zhou Tieshan withdrew his gaze, looked directly into his eyes, and got straight to the point.

"Last night on the rooftop. I asked you something, and I've been thinking about it all night. Have you made up your mind yet?"

Jiang Lan did not hesitate for a moment and bowed with her hands clasped.

"This junior wishes to seek guidance on the future; please, sir, show me the way."

A firm attitude and a clear mind.

Zhou Tieshan nodded slightly and slowly explained the true rules for joining the Daishan Sect.

"The Daishan School accepts disciples through the martial arts examination, a path known to all."

"That's a mediocre path for ordinary, poor martial artists."

"The true rules of a sect are divided into two paths: internal and external."

"There are no entry requirements for the outer sect. No one is asked about their background. As long as you pay the fee to register, you can enter the outer sect to learn intermediate and lower-level martial arts."

"Those who wish to enter the outer sect must endure three years of arduous training and accumulation of merit, awaiting selection by the head of the inner sect."

"If one is not selected within three years, one will remain an outer disciple for life, unable to glimpse the Great Dao."

Jiang Lan listened quietly, her mind clear.

Three years wasted in the outer gates, passively waiting to be selected, with too many variables, wasting time.

Now that its nine acupoints are complete and its foundation is solid, it is in the midst of rapid growth.

He can't afford to waste time.

Zhou Tieshan saw through his thoughts and changed the subject, revealing the real shortcut to success.

"But the Daishan School has special regulations."

"Those who possess a high-level recommendation letter can be exempted from three years of hardship in the outer sect and can directly submit their qualifications to participate in the inner court's review."

"Upon approval, you will be directly designated as an inner disciple and will learn the sect's superior mental cultivation methods and orthodox energy cultivation techniques."

A leap forward.

A meteoric rise.

By skipping three wasted years, one can directly embark on the orthodox path of martial arts.

A glint flashed in Jiang Lan's eyes, but she remained calm and composed, showing no sign of elation or loss of composure.

Zhou Tieshan raised his hand and took out an antique-looking envelope from his wide sleeves.

The paper is old and heavy, sealed with a dark red lacquer seal with solemn lines, subtly conveying both official and military authority.

He gently pushed him in front of Jiang Lan.

"This is a letter of recommendation personally written by this official."

"No names required, no limit on the number of participants."

"Those who hold the faith are those whom I approve of."

"They can directly participate in the final trial of the Cangwu inner sect."

A simple letter.

It is a top-tier opportunity that countless martial artists in the prefecture dream of but can never attain in their entire lives.

Jiang Lan gently cupped her fingers and steadily accepted the envelope.

With a solid foundation, the road ahead will suddenly become clear.

He bowed deeply and said, "Thank you for your guidance, sir."

"No need to thank me," Zhou Tieshan said indifferently. "I'm just giving you a stepping stone."

Whether you can gain a foothold, survive the sect's turmoil, or achieve the Great Dao depends entirely on yourself.

"On the path of martial arts, no one can win or lose for you."

"I will remember this."

Zhou Tieshan continued, "Three days later, board the ship at the North Wharf of the Prefectural City."

"The Liu family's exclusive cargo ships travel north by waterway, heading directly to Anxi City."

"The flight path is stable, and the manpower is reliable, so you don't need to worry about your safety during the journey."

The road ahead has been paved.

Jiang Lan hesitated for a moment, then raised his eyes, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and expressed his only concern.

"I have traveled far from the prefectural city, and my return date is uncertain. My elderly mother lives alone in Shijing Lane."

"I humbly request that you take care of things for me."

Zhou Tieshan remained silent for a moment, then nodded.

"It's nothing."

"I will send someone to be stationed here to keep an eye on things and ensure your home is safe and undisturbed."

Once the debts are settled, the transaction is complete.

Jiang Lan bowed deeply, then took her leave.

We left the stone hall and the camp.

The sky broke through the clouds, and the sun shone brightly after the snow.

The sunlight shone brightly on the snow-covered plain, dazzlingly bright.

The streets are bustling with activity again, vendors are calling out their wares, and pedestrians are coming and going.

The noise was as usual, and the gentleness was as usual.

It's as if last night's bloody massacre and collapse of power were just a dream.

Only the sealed-off mansions along the street, the soldiers escorting prisoners, and the bloodstains still staining the ground serve as a reminder to the world—

The city has undergone a complete transformation.

……