Harkins stepped outside. A few of his men settled down elsewhere.

"Sir, should we wipe out the Heavenly Earth Association's branch? They're responsible for the young lady's death."

"This is the black market. Even if the Heavenly Earth Association finds out, what can they do? Invade the Bach Family residence to kill someone?"

"The young lady's death is undeniably linked to the Heavenly Earth Association."

"I think what that Jin Yunxi said might actually be true."

Harkins nodded. "Yes, I've already pieced it together. Eleanor wanted to subdue Jiang Chen and followed him to the black market. Unfortunately, my sister was plotted against by him."

"He used the Heavenly Earth Association as a pawn to kill my sister. My sister was foolish, still thinking she could capture their Young Master. Didn't she consider what would happen even if she succeeded?"

"Kill the Young Master of the Heavenly Earth Association? Wouldn't their leader come after us with everything he has?"

"The Heavenly Earth Association Leader is a Demigod-level existence. If he saw his own daughter killed, he definitely wouldn't stand by. Our Bach Family would end up at war with the Heavenly Earth Association."

"So, what's our plan?"

"First, capture those three from the Evil Alliance. They used my sister's head to claim merit. We absolutely cannot let them go. Moreover, I'm certain Jiang Chen will come to the black market. He won't be able to stay away."

Harkins paid a visit to the Orc Alliance. He issued a mission to capture the three individuals from the Difiled Camp.

Soon, the Difiled Camp received the mission. Harkins just had to wait.

「...」

Harkins was right; Jiang Chen arrived.

Wearing a mask, he swaggered towards the Cloud End Tavern. Just as he was about to enter the Cloud End Bar inside, he heard a voice.

"I, Chen Jinnan, have roamed the martial world for years, slaying countless foes..."

Jiang Chen sighed in exasperation. Chen Jinnan is here too? Is this guy really all that?

Jiang Chen entered the tavern and saw a burly, middle-aged man sitting inside, gulping down wine and tearing at meat.

So this oaf is Chen Jinnan? He seems quite weak, though. His True Qi is probably only around the Third-stage; he's only just managed to condense his protective Gang Qi. Fodder like him? One Sword would be enough for each.

Jiang Chen entered the private room.

"You're quick. Came right over after hearing the news, eh? But you're a step too late. Harkins has already been to the Etheric Trade Association, visited the Orc Alliance, and even came here."

Jiang Chen remained unconcerned. "I figured as much."

"You figured and still dared to show up?"

"What's there to be afraid of? Firstly, I didn't kill Eleanor; she was beheaded by the Evil Alliance. Even if Harkins catches those three Corrupted Heroes, what's he going to do? He wouldn't dare lay a finger on me."

"Don't forget, I'm also a Ninth Stage [Apostle]. I've earned merits for the Alliance. I've bled for the All Gods. They can't treat me this way."

The old man muttered, "Shameless."

Who the hell are you calling shameless, old man?! Make yourself clear! Am I as damn shameless as you? I've freaking supported you for decades, and this is how you repay me!

"What about the Heavenly Earth Association then?"

Jiang Chen chuckled. "Aren't you here? Didn't you say you'd smooth things over for me? They might know I used them, but they don't have any proof, do they?"

"Hah! You think you can reason with the Heavenly Earth Association using 'proof'? They won't listen to your nonsense! And when did I ever say I'd smooth things over for you? Don't you dare spout such rubbish!"

The old man refused to budge, denying it outright.

"You said it before."

"No, I did not."

"I'm a bit short on funds lately, old man. From now on, you'll have to fend for yourself."

The old man, who had just taken a swig of wine, sprayed it all out.

He sighed. "Kid, is this how you treat your master?"

"If you consider me your disciple, then just handle it for me. I'll deal with Harkins myself. This time, I'll take action personally."

"You're not actually planning to kill Harkins, are you?"

"Yes, your guess is spot on. Since his sister ended up dead, taking him out as well wouldn't be a big deal. I'm even tempted to storm the Bach Clan and eliminate everyone, down to their dogs."

"Do they even keep dogs?"

"Perhaps!"

KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK...

"Come in."

The door opened, and Jin Yunxi walked in. She casually closed the door behind her, a cold smirk playing on her lips as she looked at Jiang Chen.

Jiang Chen smiled. "Well, if it isn't the beautiful and charming Miss Jin! It's been too long. I've missed you dearly!"

The old man overheard this. This disciple of mine certainly has a knack for wooing women! He ought to give me some pointers sometime...

Jin Yunxi said coldly, "Don't try those lines you picked up on the Continent of All-Gods on me. They're completely useless."

"Now, now, I'm speaking from the heart."

"I already have a partner."

"I don't mind."

As the old saying goes, a woman with a husband is a *real* woman...

Jin Yunxi's right hand drifted to her waist. Where did I put my knife...

Sensing the palpable murderous intent, Jiang Chen coughed. "Just kidding! Your partner... he's a very fortunate man..."

"Jiang Chen, let me be blunt. The Heavenly Earth Association's 'blade' isn't so easily borrowed for your 'kill with a borrowed knife' schemes. You'd best be prepared."

Just as I thought...

Jiang Chen coughed. "Actually, this was all my master's idea. I was merely forced into it."

It's always the disciple who throws the master under the bus. Who first said that? ...Ah, never mind. It feels about right in this situation.

The blind old man nearly choked on his own blood and keeled over on the spot.

Are you freaking serious?! My disciple? You're more like my freaking father! You'd even sell out your own master—are you even human?!

Jin Yunxi stated coldly, "Shameless."

Lady, be specific! Who's being shameless here? Did I freaking do anything to *you*? Your husband's the shameless one!

The blind old man nodded. "Miss Jin, you are absolutely correct. He is indeed shameless."

Jiang Chen grinned. "She already has a partner, old man, yet you still call her 'Miss Jin'?"

The old man mused, "Well, that other young lady, the one from the Heavenly Earth Association, died before her wedding. So, in her case, calling her 'Miss' would still be appropriate."

Jiang Chen thought to himself, eyeing Jin Yunxi, So... does that mean *you're* still available?

Jin Yunxi looked at the blind man. "Senior Lin, are you intending to interfere in this matter?"

"Sigh... my retirement fund depends on this brat. If I don't step in, he won't support me in my old age."

Jiang Chen drew his Longsword and declared righteously, "Master, you leave first! I'll bear full responsibility for everything. A man must answer for his own actions. I absolutely will not let you be implicated!"

The old man thought, Still acting? How long can he keep this charade up? Telling me to leave now... Where the hell would I even go?

Jin Yunxi nodded. "Very well. Someone will be looking for you. You just wait."

Jin Yunxi turned and departed.

Jiang Chen asked, "Master, why aren't you leaving?"

"Done with your performance?"

"I was serious. I can handle this all by myself. There's no need for you to get involved."

"And what about you cutting off my pension just now?"

"That was a joke."

"Who knows whether you're telling the truth or lying through your teeth?"

Jiang Chen was silent for a moment, then said, "Go to Xileruo World."

"No."

"Why not? It's dangerous here."

"Danger is everywhere. Here, at least, I feel at peace."

Jiang Chen fell silent. He had meant it sincerely. He didn't know what kind of experts the Heavenly Earth Association would dispatch, but they would undoubtedly be formidable.

The blind old man understood his sincerity. However, he had no desire to leave the black market, nor would he seek protection from the Alliance of All-Gods. If he'd ever wanted to, given his status, he could have done so long ago.

A Seventh-stage Wanderer like him—countless factions would be clamoring to take him in and treat him like a revered ancestor.

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