Chapter Forty-Three: The Challenge in Jiangbei! (First Update)

After examining Xia Ning’s injuries, Jiang Yu was deeply moved. She still clutched that string of jade beads in her hand as if it were her most precious possession. Her vacant eyes, when they glimpsed that gentle, handsome face before her, filled with a bitter smile as she said, “You’ve come.”

For once, a rare, gentle smile appeared on Jiang Yu’s face. “Those jade beads were originally crafted by me to save your life, yet now you risk your life to protect them.”

Though Xia Ning was of noble birth, surrounded by dazzling honors, before a master of worldly martial arts, all status was rendered equal.

Forty years of cultivated strength unleashed in a single blow—how could Xia Ning’s frail body withstand it? The force of Han Hu’s fist had nearly broken her spine, the violent energy penetrating flesh and bone, striking directly at her lungs. Even now, traces of that energy lingered, wreaking havoc on her most vital organs.

“This bracelet was given to me by your own hand. If I use it up, wouldn’t that mean I’ve lost the last gift you gave me?” Blood trickled from the corner of Xia Ning’s mouth, the mark vivid and stark.

To her, it was not the tool’s power that mattered, but the unique meaning it held—worth more than gold.

Jiang Yu gave a wry smile. “If the artifact is gone, I can give you another. But if your life is gone, then everything is lost.”

He gently pressed his palm to her delicate frame, and a surge of spiritual energy, powerful as a pump, poured into Xia Ning’s body. After sustaining such a blow, her internal condition was in utter chaos, her life hanging by a thread.

Xia Ning felt as if a vibrant substance had been infused within her, slowly soothing the pain that had been unbearable. Minutes passed, and the last trace of agony faded completely.

Yet this was a deceiving sensation, born of the dense spiritual energy. As the purest force between heaven and earth, spiritual energy brimmed with the vast breath of life itself.

With Jiang Yu’s current cultivation, he was not yet able to heal her injuries with a mere snap of his fingers.

All he could do was stabilize her condition and prevent further deterioration, so that she could be properly treated upon returning home.

Behind them, Sun Wanyue hugged her knees, her teary eyes fixed on Jiang Yu and Xia Ning.

“Jiang Yu, I regret it!” Sun Wanyue’s heart cried out, bitter remorse tearing her apart.

After witnessing everything, she now regarded Jiang Yu as a deity.

What she didn’t realize was that, even if she had accepted Jiang Yu’s pursuit in the past, his character would not have allowed their relationship to go further. At best, he would have treated her as a younger sister, not as a stranger as they were now.

Jiang Yu’s earlier, deadly methods had exceeded Sun Wanyue’s understanding of the world—a power like a god’s, mysterious and unfathomable.

Once Xia Ning’s condition was stabilized, Jiang Yu gathered her in his arms. A blush of shyness colored Xia Ning’s pale cheeks, restoring a hint of rosiness.

She pursed her lips, stretched out her slender, snow-white arms, and gently wrapped them around Jiang Yu’s neck.

“Are you alright?” Jiang Yu asked offhandedly.

Though she did not turn, Sun Wanyue knew this question was directed at herself.

But what right had she to say more now?

“Mm…”

Sun Wanyue rose from the ground, dazed, as though waiting for Jiang Yu’s next words.

But he fell silent, striding away.

Before leaving, he glanced back at the three people he had slain. Now, only scorched, blackened marks remained where they had fallen.

Sun Wanyue, lost and desolate, walked to the street and flagged down a taxi at random. As soon as she got in, her pent-up grievances burst forth, and tears began to fall.

“Waaah!” Sun Wanyue collapsed onto the back seat, sobbing uncontrollably.

“Child, are you alright?” The driver glanced at her with concern, assuming she was just another heartbroken youth.

…

Halfway up the mountainside, at the Xia family villa.

Bang!

Xia Housheng smashed his porcelain teacup on the ground, roaring, “I, Xia Housheng, swear to heaven—even if I must search the highest heaven or the deepest underworld, I will find the mastermind behind this!”

The chief steward, Xia Wuchang, bowed low, sweat pouring down his brow.

Since the death of Xia Ning’s mother, he had never seen the usually composed and resolute Xia Housheng so enraged.

“Shadow Kill! Shadow Kill! You dare provoke me, you bastards!” he cursed.

Beside him, Old Shen spoke up. “Brother Xia, according to Master Jiang, those three Shadow Kill members were all martial artists of the Condensed Strength level. To deal with a single ordinary person, they mobilized such a force—it seems they intended to execute a swift, ruthless strike.”

He stroked his white beard, smiling proudly. “But it’s a pity they encountered Master Jiang.”

Xia Housheng turned and sank onto the sofa, dialing his phone.

The Xia family’s greatest strength lay not in their wealth, but in the network of connections they had amassed over the years. That was what truly inspired fear.

Presently, a maid hurried down the stairs. “Sir, Master Jiang is asking whether you still have any of the medicinal herbs you purchased last time.”

“Yes, yes, I’ll get them at once,” Xia Housheng replied.

In Xia Ning’s boudoir, Jiang Yu frowned in concentration.

Her smooth, pale back was mottled with large, purplish bruises—strikingly vivid. The lifeforce of ordinary people was all too fragile before worldly martial artists.

Xia Ning’s upper body was bare. She bit her lip hard, her delicate body trembling—not from pain, but from the shame and anger of having her modesty exposed to a young man.

A sidelong glance revealed a breathtaking curve.

Jiang Yu, still a young man himself, could not help but react. Yet, as soon as the sensation arose, he suppressed it—he had seen all manner of alluring figures over the years.

“Jiang Yu, are you done?” Xia Ning’s voice was barely a whisper, trembling with a maiden’s shyness.

Jiang Yu replied coolly, “You seem very nervous.”

His tone was icy, devoid of emotion.

Xia Ning bit her lip harder, her heart fluttering wildly. “I’m sorry for troubling you.”

Xia Housheng entered with the herbs, pausing in surprise at the scene before him. Quickly averting his gaze, he set the herbs beside Jiang Yu. “Master Jiang, here are the herbs you requested.”

The atmosphere between the two was tinged with intimacy.

As a father, Xia Housheng allowed himself a knowing smile before withdrawing.

“After tonight, my daughter and Master Jiang will surely grow closer,” he mused. Knowing Xia Ning was out of danger, he could set his worries aside; otherwise, he’d have no energy for such thoughts.

“As I said, with my daughter’s beauty, even Master Jiang can’t resist. After all, young blood runs hot—any rash act is understandable.”

Inside the room,

Xia Ning’s cheeks were flushed, as if she were a maiden awaiting her wedding night.

Jiang Yu chuckled. “He’s your father. Is this really the time for such thoughts?”

This night possessed an air of nostalgia.

In the tranquil atmosphere, Xia Ning turned her head and caught a glimpse of Jiang Yu’s focused gaze.

After over half an hour, a few drops of medicinal liquid splattered onto her wounds. Jiang Yu rose. “You’ll recover soon enough. Get some rest.”

With that, he left the room.

Xia Ning stared in surprise, her lips parted. “Does this blockhead not understand romance? Am I not attractive enough? He didn’t even give me a second look.”

A trace of grievance crept into her heart.

In the main hall, Jiang Yu said, “Tonight’s assassins were clearly targeting Xia Ning. It seems someone has grown impatient.”

Xia Housheng nodded. “Leave this matter to me. I’m sorry for troubling you tonight, Master Jiang.”

Jiang Yu waved a hand. “Think nothing of it.”

In front of Jiang Yu, both Xia Housheng and Old Shen were exceedingly respectful, gazing at the young master with reverence.

After a moment of silence, Xia Housheng spoke. “Master Jiang, I have one more request. If you agree, I will personally offer you thirty million as compensation, in addition to the hundred million consultation fee I promised after my recovery. The full amount will be delivered as promised.”

Jiang Yu remembered the condition he’d set for treating Xia Housheng: a hundred million upon recovery.

Clearly, Xia Housheng had not forgotten.

Jiang Yu had kept silent, wanting to see the Xia family’s sincerity.

At least for now, he was satisfied with their actions.

It was worth saving Xia Ning’s life.

He smiled. “What is it?”

Xia Housheng explained, “In a few days, the annual Jiangbei Arena Tournament will be held. It’s an underground competition. Normally, the grudges and unresolved interests among Jiangbei’s major players are settled on that stage by force.”

“I’ve heard of it,” Jiang Yu replied casually.

“But is the tournament authoritative? Publicly, it’s said that disputes and grudges can be settled there. But what if the losing side refuses to honor the result afterward?”

Xia Housheng laughed heartily. “The tournament exists only because all the Jiangbei bosses agreed to it. Although it has no official status and is technically illegal, participation means acceptance of its rules. If anyone reneges, the entire Jiangbei underworld will unite to destroy them.”

“Since its inception, no one has dared go back on their word. Remember, it was a grandmaster who helped set the rules of the tournament.”

Jiang Yu nodded. “I see. The threat of overwhelming power ensures no one dares defy the rules.”

Xia Housheng continued, “I hope Master Jiang will protect the Xia family. Xia Ning was the last target; next, it could be me. As for competing in the matches, Old Shen will represent us. As a Transforming Strength master, he can easily dominate the field. Grandmasters are generally forbidden to enter, according to the rules.”

Jiang Yu laughed. “Grandmasters aren’t allowed, then?”

Old Shen replied respectfully, “Such figures have already transcended worldly affairs. If they entered, the rules would be meaningless—no one would dare to follow them. Grandmasters stand above most laws of the world.”

“I understand,” Jiang Yu said with a smile. “This time, I will participate in your so-called Jiangbei tournament, but not alongside you. I’ll watch over you from the shadows.”