Chapter Twenty-Three: Instant Enlightenment

Morning.

A hundred meters outside the west gate of the city stood a slab of bluish stone, and Jiang Ming was already seated there, blocking the road to Baiyun Village.

Lu Yuan’s words yesterday had stirred something within him.

Coupled with the information provided by Chief Jin, he had quietly eliminated the top experts hidden around Baiyun Village early in the morning.

The rest were left to Changqing and the Tianwu Army to encircle and suppress, sharpening their skills before rushing here, ready to bring the battlefield to this place.

Jiang Ming had intended to storm directly into the city, but seeing the common folk along the road, he hesitated. A battle between masters would inevitably spread wide, causing unknown casualties among innocents.

The earliest into the city were the farmers. Some carried chickens, others baskets of eggs, still others bundles of vegetables—rising in the dead of night, hoping to secure a good price by arriving early.

“The lowest rung is the largest, and the most toilsome,” Jiang Ming mused, steadying the ripples in his heart.

His ears picked up voices at the city gate.

“Hey, the Xiao family is really shameless, sending out invitations to rally everyone against Baiyun Village.”

“It can’t be that simple. How many have tried to attack Baiyun Village lately? Most never returned. Clearly, the Xiao family has found it troublesome, so now they’re inviting all the experts to join forces. It’s about reputation—and intimidation.”

“With the Xiao family’s strength, they can’t handle Baiyun Village? That’s nonsense! Something’s odd from the start. I think it’s a distraction. Don’t forget, the rumor was that the Sun Yang Sutra appeared here, drawing all sorts of people, then it was said to be in Baiyun Village. Look at how many factions are in town now: Pure Yang Sect, True Martial Sect, Great Forest Temple—even the Demon Sect has sent experts. If attention isn’t diverted, any chaos might ruin Kao Shan City.”

“That theory makes sense. But why bother? Let’s hurry, hide outside Baiyun Village, and after the battle, sneak up—ginseng and silver, and if we get the Sun Yang Sutra, we’ll be rich!”

“Best to sneak up from the rear mountain.”

Hearing this, Jiang Ming rose and walked over.

The Xiao family’s invitation? So they truly mean to nail Baiyun Village as bandits, summoning the righteous to destroy them.

“This road is closed!” Jiang Ming blocked the three men.

“You picking a fight, kid?” The foremost was a monk, carrying a fire-and-water staff, his face broad and fierce, imposing.

“Robbing people outside the city gate? You’re the first. Still wet behind the ears—go home and drink your milk before you lose your head!” another scoffed.

Jiang Ming responded without a word, striking immediately.

These three were formidable: one Innate, two first-class, hardly unknowns in the martial world.

“Bold!” The monk roared, his attack crackling with thunder.

Jiang Ming handled them effortlessly, forcing all three to reveal their skills.

He observed their techniques, studied their footwork, absorbed their martial arts, and enriched his own foundation.

In moments, he had wrung their knowledge dry, then pierced their wrists with the Six Veins Divine Sword, and with a sweep of his sleeve, forced them back.

“A lesson for you. Try anything against Baiyun Village again, and you die!” Jiang Ming leapt back onto the bluish stone, resuming his seat. “I am Jiang Ming, commander of Baiyun Village.”

With that, he closed his eyes.

The three men’s faces were pale, their wrist