C15 Conflict!

As Chu Lin stepped out of the Treasure Gathering Pavilion, night had already enveloped the sky. The once bustling streets were now quieting down, the clamor of the day dissipating into a subdued hum.

With the gold card securely hidden, Chu Lin's spirits were high, and a slight smile graced his lips. The sum of 50,000 gold coins was a fortune to him, enough to purchase ten Beast Cores and secure his place as an Outer Court disciple of the Martial Academy.

But Chu Lin had bigger plans than simply buying his way in. His journey to Black Wind Gorge wasn't just about acquiring the necessary Beast Cores; it was about honing his combat skills through rigorous training.

He arrived promptly at the crossroads where he was to meet Yang Hu, yet Yang Hu was nowhere to be seen.

"Let's check it out. I've heard someone's crossed the Sword Edge Alliance," a voice drifted by.

"The Sword Edge Alliance? Isn't that the group formed by a prodigy from the Martial Academy?"

"To think someone would dare to cross the Sword Edge Alliance here in Black Wind Town. Who could be so bold?"

"It seems to be a rather burly youth. He's a disciple from the Academy as well, likely at the Body Tempering Level Two."

"This is shaping up to be quite the spectacle."

As these murmurs reached Chu Lin, his heart skipped a beat, and he hastened his pace, following the direction of the voices.

Meanwhile, a commotion stirred on another street.

"Kid, you've dirtied my shoe. Do you think a mere apology is enough to settle this?" A shrill, arrogant voice cut through the crowd. Over a dozen young men had encircled a fellow youth. The speaker, a green-robed figure wielding a folding fan, clearly led the pack, with the others arrayed behind him, deferential to his command.

Each of these youths bore the emblem of the Sword Edge Alliance—a finely crafted short sword—on their chests.

At the center of this encirclement was Yang Hu, his frustration boiling over. He had only intended to gather a few essentials for his venture into Black Wind Gorge, but the crowded street led to an unfortunate misstep onto the shoe of a Sword Edge Alliance member. Yang Hu knew the gravity of the situation; the young man's connections were not to be trifled with.

Familiar with the Sword Edge Alliance's reputation within the Outer Court, Yang Hu had no desire to provoke them. He had promptly offered his apologies.

But the green-robed youth was not looking for a peaceful resolution.

"Senior Brother, I'm truly sorry. It was an accident," Yang Hu said earnestly, bowing deeply. The last thing he wanted was to stir up trouble, especially after Hu Zhi and Lyi Laomu had previously targeted him, causing Chu Lin to be involved not once, but twice. If he were to draw Chu Lin into another mess, especially one involving the Sword Edge Alliance, the guilt would be unbearable.

Despite Yang Hu's conciliatory stance, the Sword Edge Alliance youth was relentless. Seizing the opportunity as Yang Hu bowed, he grabbed the hair at the back of Yang Hu's head, yanking him down to the ground.

"Firstly, I don't like being apologized to by someone who's standing up. Secondly, I might accept your apology, but only if you lick my shoes clean," the youth taunted.

"Look at him, groveling like a dog before our Young Master Yuh."

"Servant disciples are hardly any different from dogs, after all!"

Laughter erupted from the group of young men.

"You've gone too far!" Yang Hu seethed with anger, his Spiritual Energy surging in an attempt to resist. But the grip on his head was unyielding, and he found himself trapped.

"Don't bother struggling. You're only at Body Tempering Level Two. If I wanted, I could end you right here," the youth sneered, his grip tightening as if to crush Yang Hu's skull against the cobblestones.

Pain shot through Yang Hu's head as if it were splitting open. "You'll regret this. I will have my revenge!" he roared.

Unbeknownst to them, a figure had been making his way through the crowd, witnessing the entire scene.

Chu Lin's eyes widened with shock.

"Mu Rui, the pain you've inflicted upon me will be returned tenfold, a hundredfold!" The memory of being pushed off a cliff by Mu Rui flooded back, fueling his anger.

Amidst this, a scornful laugh echoed in Chu Lin's ears.

"Am I hearing this right? A mere servant disciple, no different from trash, dares to speak such words? Being lowly isn't your fault, but not recognizing your place is. Do you realize there are some people you'll never measure up to?"

With fists clenched, Chu Lin approached Young Master Yuh with determined steps.

"And who might you be?" Young Master Yuh rose abruptly, eyeing the newcomer with suspicion.

Blood trickled from the corner of Yang Hu's mouth. Seeing Chu Lin, his eyes filled with regret. "I'm sorry, Mr. Chu... I've caused you trouble again."

"What's going on?" Chu Lin cut off Yang Hu mid-sentence, his voice cool but laced with suppressed rage.

"It was me who scuffed his shoes first. Mr. Chu, they're from the Sword Edge Alliance." Yang Hu, aware of Chu Lin's temperament and not wanting to drag him into a feud with the Alliance, spoke with a hint of reluctance.

"Young Master Yuh asked you a question, you..." A young man standing next to Young Master Yuh began to chastise Chu Lin.

But before he could finish, Chu Lin was already in front of him, his pale hand slicing through the air.

The sound of bones snapping was sharp and sudden.

The young man had no time to react, his arm hanging limply at his side. The searing pain in his shoulder sent him crashing to the ground, vision darkening.

"Zhang!"

Shouts of alarm rose from the Sword Edge Alliance members, yet none dared to approach.

Onlookers inhaled sharply, their eyes wide with astonishment as they stared at Chu Lin. Their shock stemmed not only from his formidable display of power but also from the audacity of someone in Black Wind Town daring to strike a member of the Sword Edge Alliance!

Amidst the sea of stunned faces, Chu Lin turned and gave a respectful bow to Young Master Yuh. "My brother stepped on your shoes. I offer you an apology on his behalf."

A smile broke through Young Master Yuh's previously sullen expression. He had been wary of the young man's strength, but it now appeared that Chu Lin was equally cautious of the Sword Edge Alliance's influence.

"I'm not interested in dwelling on this incident. Pick up Zhang and let's get out of here," Young Master Yuh instructed, signaling for his men to lift the injured youth as he prepared to depart.

"Hold on a moment!"

Chu Lin's voice rang out once more, halting Young Master Yuh in his tracks. The crowd around them turned their gaze back to Chu Lin, their curiosity piqued.

"You've forgiven my brother, but it seems he hasn't had the chance to forgive you yet, has he?" Chu Lin's expression remained serene as he locked eyes with Young Master Yuh. "You've dirtied my brother's clothes. How do you propose we settle this?"