Xuan Xian never anticipated needing signal flares; he hadn't planned on stepping out today at all.

If he lost the old man today, he'd be too ashamed to face his master.

Holding his sword defensively across his chest and reflecting on his recent training, he poised himself atop the car, challenging, "Come on, you'll have to get past my lifeless body first."

Abandoning the mystic arts, he employed the swordsmanship taught by Zhou You. His moves were graceful, almost dance-like, making his adversaries nearly drop their weapons in laughter.

"Enough fooling around! Surrender now, we won't kill you... yet."

A sword's edge breezed past his neck. The man quickly stepped back, colliding with a vehicle, the chill of the blade slicing his skin.

A hair's breadth closer and his head would've parted from his body.

"The kid can wield sword energy! Watch out!" The injured man shouted while clutching his neck.

Against more than a dozen adversaries, Xuan Xian held his ground. He wasn't winning, but he wasn't losing either, for the moment.

From a distance, the city guards urgently overturned vehicles, hurrying to the scene. Yet, even quicker were a few experts sprinting to the scene.

Light on their feet, they raced atop the cars and arrived just when Xuan Xian was nearing his limits.

"Bold move, attempting a murder in broad daylight within the city. Who sent you?" Qin Yuantian roared, his voice echoing. Holding his battle blade, he cleaved an opponent with its dominant edge.

"It's Qin Yuantian, the head of the Blade Alliance! Retreat!" Recognizing the formidable reinforcement, the attackers knew they stood no chance and began their withdrawal.

"Think you can escape?" Qin Yuantian blocked one thug's escape, grabbing and wrenching his shoulder, disarming both his limbs.

The arriving reinforcements were also the heads of various sects. Dealing with these underlings was child's play, none escaped.

Exhausted, Xuan Xian sat on the ground. After the foes were subdued, he rose with the help of his weapon and expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, revered sect leaders, for your timely assistance."

"Wait, aren't you... Elder Xuan's grandson?" Qin Yuantian recognized him. Despite Elder Xuan's infrequent presence in Dawn City, his status was unquestionable.

"Yes, Uncle Qin, it's me."

The sect leaders happened to be leaving the stadium and stumbled upon this scene, stepping in to help without realizing they were rescuing a familiar face.

"Who's in the car?"

"My great-grandfather." Xuan Xian hurriedly opened the car door, ensuring the elderly Shao was unharmed.

The old man stepped out, and seeing familiar faces, they all marveled at their good fortune.

Although Qin Yuantian and the others were curious about when Xuanmen became close to the Shao family, they didn't voice their questions.

"Let's go. I'll personally escort you home," Qin Yuantian said without much elaboration, knowing those who'd attack the elderly and children at this time are likely connected to military power struggles.

The Martial Arts Association and the military are intertwined, and as the military vies for power, there's unrest within their ranks as well.

Zhou You called several times without an answer, growing anxious. He left the house and circled the neighborhood before heading to the sports stadium.

He deduced that the stadium was likely where they had gone.

Spotting his family car at an intersection, Zhou You honked twice and waited.

Seeing unfamiliar faces in the car, Zhou You cautiously inquired, "Who are you?"

Qin Yuantian and the others alighted from the car. "Mr. Zhou, I've long admired your reputation. I'm Qin Yuantian of Dao Alliance. These are Master Cheng of the Wanjian Sect and Master Li of the Northern Gang."

Ever since Cheng Suyan went back, he had been in seclusion, and the banquet they planned for Zhou You had been postponed.

However, Master Cheng was no stranger to Zhou You, having heard of him numerous times.

"Your reputation precedes you, Mr. Zhou. You exude even more of a grandmaster's aura than I had imagined," Master Cheng complimented.

"Thank you, Master Cheng. How has Cheng Suyan been lately?"

"He's doing remarkably well. His rapid progress is thanks to your guidance and the life-saving favor you bestowed. I've kept it in mind."

"I merely did what was necessary."

As Xuan Wei relayed the events to Zhou You, a flash of rage passed through Zhou You's eyes upon learning of the dangers they faced.

"Thank you, esteemed leaders, for your life-saving grace. Please accept my gratitude," Zhou You said, bowing.

"No need for formalities," the three leaders said in unison, sidestepping the bow. "We're familiar faces. Would you mind if we visit your home?"

"Of course, please come in." Zhou You instructed Xuan Wei to drive his car as he drove the elder home.

Chapter 230: You Were Right

Once inside the Shao residence, everyone noticed the absence of any memorial tablets. Although the mourning hall was set up outside, didn't the family mourn inside their home?

Master Cheng touched the white cloth wrapped around his arm, his emotions mixed. He had noticed that none of the family wore mourning bands, a stark contrast to ordinary citizens mourning for Marshal Shao.

Was there a hidden story here?

"Please have a seat." After guiding the elder upstairs to rest, Zhou You returned with his disciple to serve their guests.

Glancing at the clock, he said, "Please wait a moment. The Master of the Qingfeng Sect should be arriving shortly."

"What? You invited the Qingfeng Sect's Master?" Qin Yuantian asked in surprise, realizing they weren't the main guests.

"Indeed. I thought it would be a good opportunity to discuss with all of you. I hope you don't mind."

People are already here, it's too late to have second thoughts now. Besides, they're curious about why Zhou You invited them.

If it concerns the military, how should they respond? And how would their leader choose to act?

When Master Qingfeng arrived, he kept a low profile, arriving in a common ride-hailing car. The driver's name was Zhang Huaishen. After Master Qingfeng got off, Zhang drove the car out of the courtyard, made a circle, and entered the Shao family's gate.