Cold. Piercing. Rigid...

  These are the sensations High Zhenxiong is experiencing right now.

  He dares not move. The person who challenged the dignity of the Gao family is right in front of him. He only needs to make a slight motion, and with the power of the Bone Refining Realm, he could defeat them all.

  But that small distance... it is an insurmountable chasm.

  Zhenxiong cannot cross it, and he never will.

  Just like how, since the beginning of his martial arts practice, he could never catch up to that person.

  He was a genius, but that person was even more of a genius, ultimately reigning supreme in the younger generation of Black Cloud Town.

  Zhenxiong looked at the person holding the sword. His voice was hoarse.

  "You’re still alive..."

  The one who stopped him at such a critical moment, preventing him from advancing further, must possess a cultivation far superior to his own.

  Bai Ruoyue and Gao Dingtian had just clashed but stopped at this moment, both looking over in this direction.

  Gao Dingtian's expression was stiff, while Bai Ruoyue wore a face of joy.

  "Father!"

  "Master!"

  Han and the others were surprised to see Bai Tian, who had been missing for about half a month, suddenly reappear.

  Holding a treasured sword, Bai Tian placed it on Gao Zhenxiong's hand, his gaze indifferent.

  "Gao Zhenxiong, can your name... not be said?"

  Zhenxiong clenched his teeth, his other hand behind his back, veins bulging.

  "Yes..."

  It seemed like he had drained all his strength just to say that.

  "So, what price do you want my disciple to pay?"

  "They came to cause trouble, it’s not my Gao family's fault." Gao Zhenxiong tried to pull back his hand, but the biting coldness made him hesitate to move recklessly.

  "The reputation of my Gao family has been tarnished."

  "Since my disciple came, it’s your Gao family's fault."

  Bai Tian spoke without hesitation.

  "Bai Tian, don’t go too far..."

  Gao Zhenxiong was filled with frustration. Is there still any law? Is there any justice?

  Aren’t you being too overbearing?

  Forget the facts for now—didn't your disciple bring trouble here, without any fault?

  "Father, it’s their fault! They hired people to kill Junior Brother!" Bai Ruoyue cried out.

  "We have evidence!"

  Bai Tian nodded slightly and then looked up at the sky.

  "Lord Lu, please reveal yourself."

  Everyone was stunned.

  Where?

  Suddenly, Lu Qingmo appeared in the sky, seemingly separated from his physical form, his soul floating down.

  Before Bai Tian had spoken, no one had noticed anyone in the sky.

  However, Han and Bai Ruoyue hadn’t seen him either, but they knew.

  She had always been here.

  Since Lu Qingmo allowed Han and the others to seek justice, he couldn’t just ignore them.

  Han also keenly noticed that Lu Qingmo’s complexion seemed a bit pale.

  After appearing, Lu Qingmo didn’t even glance at Bai Tian, instead focusing on Gao Zhenxiong.

  "Did the head of the Gao family just suspect that I fabricated evidence and colluded with the Taibai Martial Arts Hall to frame the Gao family?"

  "I did not mean that, I just feared that Lord Lu might be deceived."

  "Oh." Lu Qingmo nodded, "So, are you implying that I am ignorant and lacking in judgment?"

  "..."

  Gao Zhenxiong was both furious and helpless. Can we at least be reasonable?

  Putting the facts aside, aren’t you the foolish one for trusting this young man?

  Had Han known what Zhenxiong was thinking, he would have laughed out loud.

  Laugh? You might as well try explaining things to my master, or Aunt Mo...

  At this moment, more figures appeared on the rooftops.

  Leaders of other families and martial arts halls had gathered.

  Such a big commotion, they couldn't possibly have been unaware, they just didn’t want to interfere earlier.

  But now that Bai Tian had appeared with overwhelming force, the situation had taken a new turn, and they had to come see for themselves.

  Even important figures enjoy watching a good spectacle.

  "Since everyone is here, let’s see if I have wronged the Gao family."

  Lu Qingmo took out a soul fragment—the one from the Gao family’s undercover agent.

  He then performed a chant and placed a yellow talisman on the soul fragment.

  A faint light appeared, and part of the soul’s memory unfolded in the air.

  Han was shocked. The restrictions on the Gao family's undercover agent's soul had been broken by Lu Qingmo?

  Wasn’t it said that she couldn’t do this?

  As Han noticed Lu Qingmo’s pale complexion, he wondered about something.

  The memory showed a young man in luxurious robes speaking to the Gao family's agent.

  "The seventh disciple of the Taibai Martial Arts Hall is an unparalleled genius, one rarely seen in this world."

  "Such a person should not exist in Black Cloud Town, it will cause too much of a stir. Go and find two people to eliminate him!"

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  "Second young master, which level of martial artist should we send?"

  "Internal Organ Realm!"

  "That will be quite a cost."

  "Two martial weapons, and a middle-grade internal organ refining method. Don’t worry about it. In Black Cloud Town, it’s not just our family that doesn’t want Han to keep living."

  The scene then shifted to the Gao family agent meeting with Chen Bo, discussing the plan to eliminate Han.

  The area fell silent. The Gao family members could no longer speak.

  Lu Qingmo glanced at Gao Zhenxiong, "Luckily, Lord Yun is also here. If Gao Zhenxiong doesn’t believe me, he can ask Lord Yun if I fabricated these images."

  "All of this is true." The gentlemanly Lord Yun immediately replied, without hesitation.

  Bai Tian then asked, "Who was wrong?"

  "The Gao family was wrong."

  Bai Tian retracted his sword.

  "The law of Great Qi forbids martial artists from fighting privately, and it is illegal to hire someone to kill. Even more so, killing a member of the Ghosts and Gods Division."

  Lu Qingmo added, "Attempting to harm a Ghosts and Gods Division member is one of the gravest crimes."

  If Han were killed, he would have been under the protection of national laws, and the reasoning that the opponent colluded with the Heavenly Mother Sect made it worse for the Gao family.

  Bai Tian nodded. "Multiple crimes committed. Gao Zhenxiong, as the head of the family, you should know the consequences."

  "My son was just confused for a moment..."

  "If I were to kill you now, would you say you were just confused?" Bai Tian interrupted Gao Zhenxiong.

  "Say the word, and I will not pursue this matter any further."

  Gao Zhenxiong dared not speak, fearing Bai Tian would actually kill him.

  He couldn't defeat Bai Tian, or else he wouldn’t have been pressed down to this point after Bai Tian arrived.

  If Han hadn’t been too abnormal, if Bai Tian hadn’t been away for so long, if not for all the preparations...

  They wouldn’t have attacked Taibai Martial Arts Hall.

  But who could have known that despite all these preconditions, the plan would still be exposed?

  Of course, the most crucial thing that led to this outcome was that two Internal Organ Realm experts failed to kill Han.

  This was something Gao Zhenxiong couldn’t comprehend—two against one, even with a large gap in cultivation, and they still couldn’t succeed. Were they even skilled?

  Had Han been killed, Zhenxiong would be dealing with all the survivors, but how did it come to this?

  "Where is Gao Hong?" Gao Zhenxiong whispered.

  Someone timidly answered, "Second young master is outside drinking with friends."

  "Tell him to get back here!"

  "No need. I’ve already sent the Dingwu Division to find him. He’s outside now." Lu Qingmo said.

  As he finished speaking, two Dingwu Division martial artists escorted a pale, delicate-looking young man into the room.

  Gao Zhenxiong's second son, Gao Hong.

  Gao Zhenxiong had four sons—Gao Yuan and Gao Hong were both in the Internal Organ Realm, the third son was a cultivator training in the county city, and the fourth son was Gao Lu, who had been defeated by Han in one strike, the least talented.

  "Father, save me, save me!" Gao Hong shouted as soon as he entered. He knew the situation had reached a critical point.

  "Unfilial son! Who gave you the courage to do such things?" Gao Zhenxiong scolded.

  "Apologize immediately!"

  "Forget it, it’s not worth it," Han said.

  Bai Tian nodded. "Handle it as it should be. No need for an apology."

  A dark look flashed in Gao Zhenxiong’s eyes. "Bai Tian, do you really want to do this?"

  "This Is My Own Flesh and Blood!"

  "This is also my disciple!" Bai Tian declared. "Your Gao family started this, not following the rules!"

  "According to the laws of Da Qi, disputes between martial artists can be handled by the authorities or resolved privately," Lu Qingmo said, turning to Han. "What do you intend to do?"

  "Father, help me!" Gao Zhenxiong glared at his second son and signaled him with a look.

  Gao Hong immediately understood and shouted, "I want to settle this grudge with Han myself!"

  Breaking bones and severing veins... You won’t die, but you’ll be seriously injured!

  "You don’t get to decide that!" Bai Ruoyue scoffed.

  Han thought for a moment before saying, "Then let’s fulfill his wish."

  Everyone was taken aback. Wasn’t targeting the meridians and organs a surefire way to die?

  "Master, can you seal his cultivation?" someone asked.

  "You think I’d fight you fairly in a situation like this?" Han thought, silently mocking them.

  The crowd, realizing what was going on, couldn't help but look at Han with newfound respect. "This kid... he knows exactly what he's doing."

  Gao Hong’s expression darkened. "This is cheating!"

  Bai Tian nodded, "It’s fine, we’re following Han’s instructions." Without saying more, he kicked a stone at Gao Hong, piercing his forehead. He collapsed instantly, breath gone.

  That felt good. You wanted to hire someone to kill me? Now look at you.

  No matter what Han chose, a deadly feud with the Gao family was unavoidable. It was better to act personally, at least for the satisfaction.

  Gao Zhenxiong turned to Lu Qingmo, "Lu, this isn’t following the rules!"

  "According to the rules, it is," Lu Qingmo replied seriously, as Bai Tian also fixed Gao Zhenxiong with a piercing gaze.

  The law, the strong, and the judge—everything was on our side!

  "Not following the rules? Ridiculous!" Lu Qingmo stood firm.

  "Since Lu agrees, then it’s settled," Gao Dingtian said coldly. "Bai, do you agree?"

  "In that case, send ten spiritual herbs and a weapon to the Taibai Martial Academy within the day."

  "Good, that's what I should do," Gao Dingtian immediately agreed.

  Gao Zhenxiong remained silent, leaving everything to Gao Dingtian.

  Bai Ruoyue then whispered something to Bai Tian.

  Bai Tian turned to Long Tianchong, who immediately had a bad feeling.

  "Long, my disciple owes me three spiritual herbs and three forged weapons. How about instead of three, you give six spiritual herbs and one weapon for good luck?"

  Long Tianchong’s eyelid twitched. What was this "good luck" nonsense?

  But, gritting his teeth, he agreed. "Fine!"

  Bai Tian turned to Lu Qingmo and said, "Thanks for your help, Lu."

  Lu Qingmo simply nodded distantly before turning to Han. "When this is all over, come find me."

  With that, he flew off, barely sparing Bai Tian another glance.

  "Congratulations, Bai. We will visit again soon," Yun, the head of the Yun family, cupped his hands to Bai Tian before soaring into the sky.

  His soul-based expertise made travel by body far too fragile. For him, traveling by soul was far safer.

  The others also exchanged pleasantries with Bai Tian before departing.

  Bai Tian glanced at Gao Zhenxiong one last time, then turned and left.

  Once the group from Taibai was far enough away, loud rumblings and vengeful growls echoed from the Gao family estate.

  On the way back, Bai Tian’s face returned to its usual calm. He asked Han, "Han, do you hold it against me that I didn’t deal with Gao Zhenxiong?"

  "Master, you avenged me, so how could I possibly hold anything against you?" Han shook his head.

  "Then, the memories from the Gao family's hidden son only link to Gao Hong. The evidence ends there. Gao Hong’s death is the best possible outcome."

  The facts were clear: Gao Hong hired the assassin, not anyone else.

  Attempting to take down the entire Gao family would be unrealistic.

  As for torturing Gao Hong for more information...

  That was impossible. At this point, Gao Hong had to die. Most of the Gao family wanted him gone anyway.

  The Gao family certainly had some responsibility, but with the main culprit dead, all they owed was compensation.

  Of course, this was assuming Han had a powerful enough background to overpower the Gao family.

  Had the situation been more evenly matched, Gao Hong would never have died. The Gao family would have only been required to compensate.

  Had Han been weaker today, there would have been no compensation—perhaps even Han and his group would have ended up compensating the Gao family.

  Earlier, Bai Tian spoke of Da Qi's laws, but for those in privileged positions, the law was just a piece of paper.

  It was merely an excuse to cover up their actions.

  This wasn’t a world of laws, it was a world of power and background!

  Han was grateful to have joined the Taibai Martial Academy, where he wouldn't be oppressed by others' power.

  But he had to admit, wielding power to suppress others... it really was satisfying.

  If Han hadn’t joined Taibai and had trained alone, it was easy to imagine the challenges he’d face as his reputation spread. A practitioner with no background but rapid cultivation would quickly find himself surrounded by enemies.

  A person without a background but growing stronger faster than normal would face countless dangers.

  "You understand now," Bai Tian nodded. "But after today, Taibai and the Gao family will be completely at odds."

  "Things will be fine here in Black Cloud Town, but be careful when you meet people from the Gao family outside."

  "And the people from Tenglong Martial Academy too. This likely isn't just the Gao family targeting you."

  Bai Tian paused, then a look of satisfaction appeared on his face.

  "I'm glad to see you all helping each other, with no complaints, no giving up, even when facing danger. You’ve chosen to face it together."

  "Your loyalty has proven I didn’t pick the wrong people. I’m proud of you all."

  "Joining Taibai Martial Academy was one of the best things I’ve done in my life," Han said with a smile.

  The atmosphere here, the people here, it all felt so comfortable.

  Harmony and friendship were much more enjoyable than scheming and competition.

  "True," Bai Ruoyue agreed, nodding. "Not everyone is lucky enough to have a big sister like me."

  Han nodded, "You’re right. Whatever you say is true."

  Bai Tian smiled and then looked at Han, unable to resist asking:

  "So, Han, what’s going on with your cultivation?"

  This was a question Bai Tian had wanted to ask the moment he saw Han for the first time on the way back, but back then, he had to maintain the dominant image of a master, so he couldn’t ask.

  At the time, Bai Tian even wondered if his eyes were playing tricks on him.

  What was this "Meridian Realm" nonsense?

  My disciple just started his martial path, didn’t he?

  Yet, after being away for barely a month, guess what? He’s already broken through.

  This doesn’t make sense! This isn’t how martial arts work!

  "My cultivation is fine, right? Meridian Realm is normal, right? Did I mess something up?"

  "...No, it’s not a mistake."

  But, is it really "normal"?

  "How did you cultivate?"

  "Just normal training. Eat, practice martial arts, sleep early, then keep training until I broke through. It was pretty easy."

  "My big sister and the others were watching the whole time."

  Han, being the honest person he was, didn’t hold anything back.

  Bai Ruoyue’s gaze shifted toward Han, and her eyes now held an unmistakable desire.

  A desire to devour Han.