My strength increases by one percent every day; I can destroy stars with my bare hands.

Upon arriving at the military camp, the army was already prepared and awaited only Li Xuancang's order to set off.

Du Tianfeng led his military officers to see them off, and the atmosphere was solemn.

"Lord Li, take care on your journey."

"Lord Li, have a safe journey."

"Lord Li, have a safe journey."

"..."

Li Xuancang returned the greetings to everyone, then mounted his horse and waved his hand.

"Set off."

At a single command, thousands of troops set off in a grand procession, their imposing presence alarming countless forces within the city.

"Li Xuancang has left."

"Li Xuancang's departure to take up his post in Liuyun County is not as simple as it seems on the surface; the imperial court is about to take action against Liuyun County."

"Li Xuancang is incredibly audacious and powerful; he's a formidable force that has crossed the river. This is going to give the forces of Liuyun County a run for their money."

"..."

Many factions were discussing it, and some even seemed to be gloating.

They were all aware of the situation in Liuyun County, and Li Xuancang's purpose in going there at this time was self-evident.

The people of Liuyun County are a bunch of lawless bastards, and Li Xuancang acts even more recklessly. A conflict between the two sides is inevitable. It remains to be seen whether Li Xuancang, this powerful dragon, can suppress these local bullies of Liuyun County.

Liuyun County was one of the nine counties under the jurisdiction of Anzhou.

The area is characterized by intersecting mountains and crisscrossing waterways, far from the central government seat.

Over the years, it has long since slipped out of the control of the imperial court.

There was no law in the city, the government was a mere formality, and the administration was paralyzed.

Dozens of large and small martial arts sects and gangs carved out their own territories, controlling the county's taxes, city defenses, checkpoints, and trade routes.

Martial arts practitioners roam the streets, and gangs and private soldiers are everywhere in the countryside.

The county government officials were nominal officials, their orders could not be issued beyond the government offices, and they could only compromise and swallow their anger in every way with the underworld forces.

This place is a melting pot of people and teeming with powerful figures; it is a typical semi-separatist, chaotic region.

It is also the most chaotic, wildest, and most difficult to govern of the nine counties of Anzhou.

The imperial court hesitated for a long time, with no one daring to suppress the rebellion or capable of governing it.

The news that the imperial court had appointed Li Xuancang to lead three thousand soldiers to Liuyun County was sent to Liuyun County as quickly as possible.

In an instant, the undercurrents of the martial arts world in Liuyun County surged.

The top martial arts forces in the county, more than a dozen second-rate gangs, and local martial arts heroes were all alarmed.

In a secret chamber of Tianxiang Tower in Liuyun County, numerous factions held an emergency meeting.

Those who can enter this gathering are all powerful and domineering figures who control the lifeline of Liuyun County and rule over the region.

A prestigious and righteous family, a waterway tycoon, a mountain stronghold king, and a martial arts family.

Dozens of powerful rulers who controlled the life and death of the prefecture gathered together, creating a somber and murderous atmosphere.

For many years, Liuyun County has been autonomous and self-governing, with the people of the martial arts world having the final say, and has long been accustomed to being free from the control of the imperial court.

They do not pay taxes, do not obey the law, are not subject to military control, act recklessly, and control the interests.

Now the imperial court has suddenly dispatched a powerful captain with three thousand elite troops to garrison the area, clearly indicating that it intends to weaken the interests of the martial arts world and is aimed at them.

When interests are at stake, it's a fight to the death.

Inside the secret room, voices clamored, each person harboring their own secrets, arguing endlessly.

The first to speak was the most domineering leader of Erlong Mountain in Liuyun County.

He was a master of martial arts, with a violent and bloodthirsty nature. He had been terrorizing Liuyun County for many years, and his hands were stained with the blood of government officials and constables.

"Bang!"

He slammed his hand down on the table beside him, shattering it, his eyes flashing with malice.

"A mere imperial officer? My Liuyun County is teeming with martial arts masters and powerful figures. Does he dare to come? We'll just kill him."

"Execute this newly arrived captain and hang his head on the city gate as a warning to the court. Let Liuyun County not be ruled by just anyone."

Upon hearing this, many violent gang leaders in the room echoed his sentiments, their murderous intent palpable.

"The Second Chief is absolutely right."

"Over the years, the officials and generals sent by the imperial court have either been forced to leave by us or died quietly in the prefecture."

"He's just a captain, why should we be afraid of him? Just kill him and eliminate any future trouble."

"Make an example of him to deter others, so that the imperial court will never dare to interfere in the affairs of Liuyun County again."

"..."

This group of people are lawless and have long been audacious and disregard the law.

In their eyes, the authority of the imperial court was far less important than the weapons in their hands, and they did not take the elite troops of the government army seriously.

Killing officials and generals is no longer a taboo for them; it's just a common means of maintaining their own interests.

Among those present, there were also mature and prudent sect leaders who immediately retorted in deep voices.

"Do not be reckless."

"Li Xuancang defeated the strong with the weak, repelling tens of thousands of barbarian troops and powerful demons. He broke into the camp in the dark of night, killed generals, and escaped unscathed from the midst of thousands of troops."

"This man's combat prowess, temperament, and ruthless methods are far beyond those of ordinary military generals."

"..."

An elderly man, with a solemn expression, continued to offer his advice.

"Even the fierce barbarians were forced back by him. If we were to fight him head-on, no one could stop him."

"We must not start a war lightly. If we act rashly, we will all be in danger."

Those who knew of Li Xuancang's terrifying strength nodded repeatedly, their faces full of fear, and resolutely opposed it.

"Is there any way to drag him down with us? We'll give you whatever you want: beautiful women, money, resources."

A scholar-like man slowly spoke, attempting to lure Li Xuancang onto their pirate ship with promises of profit.

This statement was immediately met with opposition from the crowd.

"What a joke! How could we possibly submit to the henchmen of the imperial court?"

Everyone considered themselves heroes of the martial world, so how could they possibly show weakness to Li Xuancang?

For a time, the scene became noisy and difficult to control.

One side, arrogant and bloodthirsty, insisted on killing Li Xuancang directly to eliminate any future trouble.

One side knew how terrifying Li Xuancang was and advocated for patience and observation, advocating against any rash actions.

The two sides were deadlocked and argued endlessly, with a mixture of murderous intent and fear, resulting in a stalemate.

Unable to reach an agreement, everyone subconsciously looked at the owner of Tianxiang Tower, who controlled most of the trade routes and entertainment venues in Liuyun County.

This person is extremely cunning, ruthless, and treacherous.

His eyes were cold and indifferent as he spoke softly.

"Directly killing officials is too blatant. If we simply endure and show weakness, Li Xuancang will only think that the Jianghu of Liuyun County is weak and easy to bully, and in the future he will gradually erode and swallow up our foundation."

Everyone turned to look at him, waiting for him to continue.

The master of Tianxiang Pavilion curled a cold smile at the corner of his mouth, his voice deep and gloomy in the echoing secret room.

"Since we can't kill him, then let's give him a taste of his own medicine."

"Before he stepped into Liuyun County and officially took office, he executed several county officials and imperial messengers."

"Public slaughter, bloody publicity campaigns, and corpses dumped at the entrance of the government office."

His gaze was vicious, his tone icy, as if he were killing pigs and chickens with ease, not people.

"Firstly, it serves as a warning to Li Xuancang that Liuyun County does not obey the law and is not afraid of government troops."

"Secondly, we should dampen his spirits and suppress his arrogance, letting him know that this place is not up to the imperial court to decide."

"Thirdly, we should make an example of him to warn others, so that he knows that anyone who dares to meddle in matters of the martial world will face bloodshed."

The room fell silent the moment he said that.

It's ruthless and vicious, but it also leaves room for maneuver.

It both revealed its fangs and left room for maneuver, while simultaneously suppressing Li Xuancang's momentum.

"This plan is brilliant!"

"First kill the officials and establish our authority through bloodshed, then wait for Li Xuancang to arrive."

"To instill fear in him even before he takes office."

"..."

Everyone agreed and immediately dispersed to prepare for action.