Chapter 90

Tai Island is located at the center of the Pacific shipping route, serving as a crucial economic and transportation hub between China and various countries in the Pacific region, as well as a strategic military location.

The Taiwan Strait is a vital maritime route between the north and south of China, acting as a natural barrier along the southeastern coast. However, due to various reasons, it wasn't until the outbreak of the Destroy virus that Taiwan was reclaimed by China, forming one of the five special zones of China along with Nangang, Nan'ao, Southeast Asia, and North Korea.

As the underground world of Hanghu changed, an elder from the Hongwu Gate paid a visit to Lin Tianyi, the leader of the Nanqinghong, at their headquarters in Taipei.

As the leader of the Nanqinghong, Lin Tianyi did not give off the same menacing aura as Qiao Bazhi. Instead, he wore a silk robe all year round, enjoyed calligraphy, and exuded a refined and scholarly demeanor, making him appear more like a scholar.

Despite being over fifty, Lin Tianyi had not a single wrinkle on his forehead. His complexion was rosy, and even his hands were as smooth and tender as a baby's.

"It seems Lin is about to break through again, congratulations."

Seeing signs of rejuvenation in Lin Tianyi, the elder from the Hongwu Gate knew this was due to Lin channeling his energy to his skin, and he immediately congratulated him with a bow.

"Brother Huang, you are too kind. I have merely stumbled upon the threshold of the peak innate realm," Lin Tianyi smiled slightly, then changed the subject, "I assume Brother Huang has come today regarding the matter in Hanghu?"

"Yes, Qu Feng, one of my disciples, accompanied your people to inland Hanghu. On one hand, it was to assist you in dealing with the Donghai Gang, and on the other, to investigate the disappearance of my disciple Wu He."

Mentioning the main issue, the elder surnamed Huang, named Qi, reined in his smile and said seriously, "Now, Qu Feng has lost contact with our sect. The sect leader called you, and you also couldn't reach Hanghu. Therefore, I was specially sent to communicate with you."

"Earlier, I contacted an informant we have planted in the Hanghu police force."

Lin Tianyi's expression turned grim, "According to the information received, Qu Feng and my people successfully kidnapped the daughter of the Donghai Gang leader, Situ Chen, but they were likely ambushed by Situ Chen and his men..."

"Brother Lin, do you mean that Qu Feng and the others are likely in grave danger?"

Huang Qi's face changed. Although the Hongwu Gate was powerful, the number of innate experts was limited, and Qu Feng was one of the most promising candidates to reach the innate realm. Losing Qu Feng would be a significant loss for the Hongwu Gate.

"Yes, otherwise my people would not have delayed reporting the situation to me."

Lin Tianyi nodded, frowning slightly, "Moreover, according to the information just received, Situ Chen, in a fit of rage, sent people to smash several of the Nanqinghong's venues in Hanghu, injuring several people."

"Brother Lin, based on the intelligence provided by the Nanqinghong, Situ Chen of the Donghai Gang only had one expert, Fei Si, at the peak of the acquired realm. There were no other experts. Given this, it is impossible for Qu Feng and the others to have met their end in Hanghu!" To Huang Qi, he was not concerned about what happened to the Nanqinghong's venues; he only cared about Qu Feng's fate.

"Brother Huang, at this point, there are only two explanations."

Lin Tianyi said solemnly, "First, our intelligence was incorrect, and Situ Chen might have hidden experts assisting him. Second, Qu Feng and my people might have encountered people from the Yanhuang Organization!"

"The Yanhuang Organization?"

Upon hearing these four words, Huang Qi's expression became serious. Like all martial artists, he had a deep fear of the Yanhuang Organization, which had the power to eliminate any martial arts sect!

"Brother Huang, you may not know, but three days ago, Ye Wenhao was sent to Jiangnan and became the second-in-command there..." Lin Tianyi continued.

"Ye... Ye Wenhao?"

Before Lin Tianyi could finish, Huang Qi's face changed dramatically!

Originally, as an elder of the Hongwu Gate, he had no connection with Ye Wenhao, who came from China's first noble family. However, Ye Wenhao's other identity made his name well-known in the martial arts world!

First on the Qing List!

Twenty years ago, Ye Wenhao, from the first noble family, the Ye family, suddenly appeared in the martial arts world and, with a devastating force, defeated the then top-ranked martial artist on the Qing List, taking his place and shocking the Chinese martial arts world!

The Qing List refers to the ranking of young martial arts experts under thirty in China.

All young experts took pride in making it to the Qing List!

"Twenty years ago, after Ye Wenhao's shocking battle, he retired from the martial arts world and focused on his political career, aiming to reach the pinnacle of power."

Seeing Huang Qi's stunned expression, Lin Tianyi continued, "Recently, the storm in the official and business circles of Hanghu was orchestrated by the Ye family to pave the way for Ye Wenhao. Ye Wenhao went to Jiangnan to gain experience. In such a situation, to intimidate the martial arts world, he might have sent people or personally killed Qu Feng and my people."

Huang Qi remained silent.

If it was indeed Ye Wenhao who acted, the situation would be completely beyond his control, and he would need to report to the Hongwu Gate's leader.

"Of course, this is just my personal judgment. The exact truth is still unknown."

Seeing Huang Qi's silence, Lin Tianyi added, "My suggestion is that both sides send people to Hanghu to thoroughly investigate the matter. Once the truth is revealed, we can make further plans. What do you think, Brother Huang?"

"I agree with your decision, but as you said, if Ye Wenhao is in Hanghu, will he act again if we send more people?"

Huang Qi's brows furrowed. Although he did not know how strong Ye Wenhao was now, based on his terrifying strength twenty years ago, even he and Lin Tianyi would be doomed if they encountered Ye Wenhao!

"Brother Huang, while Ye Wenhao is indeed powerful, you forget one thing—now he is focused on his political career and, in a sense, is not a martial artist. If he wants to reach the pinnacle of power, he cannot commit such atrocities!"

Lin Tianyi's eyes gleamed with confidence, "As long as our people in Hanghu do not act rashly, Ye Wenhao will not act. At most, he will send people to monitor them! This will not affect our investigation of the truth!"

"Since Brother Lin is so confident, let's do as you say." Huang Qi thought for a moment, "I will report this to the sect leader and have him send people."

"Good." Lin Tianyi nodded, "I plan to send Ao Feng and Wang Dong, the Fast Knife, to Hanghu."

"Huh?"

Huang Qi was taken aback by Lin Tianyi's words. He did not expect Lin Tianyi to send his son to such a dangerous place, and even to send one of his Eight Great Protectors, Wang Dong, the Fast Knife!

After his surprise, Huang Qi vaguely felt that Lin Tianyi intended to use Ye Wenhao to intimidate his son, Lin Ao Feng, to temper his arrogant and unruly nature.

Understanding this, Huang Qi said, "In that case, I will suggest to the sect leader that Yang Qing be sent."

"Good!"

Lin Tianyi nodded, knowing that Huang Qi understood his intention.

Because... Yang Qing, mentioned by Huang Qi, was a leading figure among the young generation of the Hongwu Gate, with the potential to become an innate expert and compete for a top ten spot on the Qing List!

With such status and strength, Yang Qing, like Lin Ao Feng, had a smooth path and lacked setbacks. If Yang Qing went, it would be a good opportunity to temper him, and he might even fully enter the innate realm.

Beijing.

In an inconspicuous alley, an old man in a black robe walked swiftly, his figure elusive like a ghost.

Soon, the old man leaped into a courtyard.

"Who's there?"

In the study of the courtyard, Chu Ji, who was engrossed in reading "The Art of the Hidden Door," suddenly sensed movement outside the door and stood up, shouting coldly.

Creak!

The study door slowly opened, and the old man entered.

"Master... Master?"

Seeing the old man, Chu Ji was stunned, dropping "The Art of the Hidden Door" onto the desk.

"Why are you here?" Chu Ji, recovering from her shock, asked, "Is it because of Xiaofan?"

"Didn't I tell you to keep an eye on him?" Chu Xuanji glared at Chu Ji coldly.

"I knew that, apart from your precious disciple, no one could make you come down the mountain." Chu Ji feigned jealousy, then, seeing Chu Xuanji's anger, quickly explained, "I just returned from Hanghu a few days ago."

Chu Xuanji remained unmoved, still staring at Chu Ji.

"Master, it's not that I was lazy, but there was no need for me to stay in Hanghu."

Chu Ji, on the verge of tears, explained, "Ye Wenhao has taken up a post in Hanghu. With him there, no innate experts from the martial arts world would dare to go to Hanghu. As for those below the innate realm, provoking your precious disciple would be asking for trouble."

Chu Xuanji's expression softened, asking, "Did you tell Ye Wenhao?"

"Even if you gave me ten lives, I wouldn't dare to."

Chu Ji pouted, "Your precious disciple, in a fit of rage for a beauty, caused a storm in the official and business circles of Hanghu. The Ye family secretly fueled the chaos, toppling the Bai family's pawns in Jiangnan, and Ye Wenhao took their place to gain experience and advance."

Chu Xuanji's pupils dilated, seemingly surprised by the coincidence.

"Not only that, your precious disciple has already made an enemy of the Nanqinghong. In a fit of rage, he bloodily washed the Nanqinghong's Hanghu branch, killing two peak acquired realm martial artists and one great accomplished acquired realm martial artist." As she spoke, Chu Ji couldn't help but marvel, "Master, his involvement has far exceeded our expectations."

"Destiny accumulates blessings, and hearing the scriptures is like meeting a beloved one."

Chu Xuanji sighed softly, speaking with a double meaning.

The chess game is beginning.

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PS: The curtain is slowly rising, and the story will become even more exciting. Guys and gals, please follow, vote, and support!

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