In the past few days, Ling Chen’s days at the Dragon Tiger Hall have been quite idle. Every day, he makes tea, watches disciples train, occasionally offering some guidance. Sometimes, the two old masters, Golden Dragon and Wang Teng, would come outside to chat with him, reminiscing about martial arts anecdotes from decades ago.

However, the good days didn’t last long; this leisurely life was disrupted by a phone call.

"Hello! Elder Tong, I just received a message, is it true?" Ling Chen dialed Tong Zhentian’s number, his tone somewhat grave.

"I received it too, the martial arts association has just confirmed it, it’s absolutely true, the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion was attacked, with more than half of the people dead or injured, even Master Su was lightly wounded. Fortunately, Du Kang arrived in time to save her life."

Ling Chen said in a serious voice, "Who did this? Could it be the Dark Pavilion?" Although the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion is no longer as powerful as it once was, they are still the number one force in martial arts, yet they were easily breached. This shows how terrifying the attackers were. After much consideration, the only group with enmity and such power would be the Dark Pavilion.

"I don’t know exactly who, the martial arts association is sending people to investigate, and if there’s any news, I’ll notify you immediately. However, with the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion facing such a disaster, it may be difficult for them to recover in the short term."

"Elder Tong, doesn’t the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion have so many hidden experts secretly supporting them? How could they be so easily defeated?"

"Master Hui Yun and Dan Xuzi both have their own temples and Taoist halls to manage, they can’t stay at the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion all the time. Unless the pavilion is in trouble, then they will help. In any case, this incident has caused quite a stir in the martial arts world, creating fear among the people. Even a major force like the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion suffered heavy losses, causing others to worry they might be targeted as well. Ling Chen, with such events occurring in the martial arts world, I can’t return for the time being, I need to stay at the martial arts association to oversee things. During this time, be extra careful and contact me if there’s anything."

"I know." After hanging up, Ling Chen put down the phone and gently massaged his brow.

The incident at the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion seems simple, yet it might become a catalyst, bringing more martial arts forces back into the fight for fame and profit. A while ago, he discussed this topic with Golden Dragon and Wang Teng, as both the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion and Dragon Tiger Hall are currently the largest forces in the martial arts arena. Thus, their existence might inevitably become a thorn in the side of others.

Now, with the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion being attacked and its power greatly diminished, many people might take advantage, trying to suppress them further. Once the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion is defeated, the next one might be their Dragon Tiger Hall.

No! Suddenly, Ling Chen thought of something. Su Cheng’en and Su He have yet to show up; as long as these two are alive, they wouldn’t let anything happen to the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion. As thoughts raced through his mind, Ling Chen couldn’t help but smile. Perhaps the pavilion’s troubles are a good thing, drawing out Su Cheng’en and Su He. Ever since the last martial arts tournament, these individuals went to Beijing and vanished without a trace. Initially, he thought Su Cheng’en and the others went to participate in the tournament, but they didn’t appear, and he has no idea what they’re doing in Beijing.

While pondering, the phone beside him suddenly rang. Seeing the unfamiliar number displayed, Ling Chen pressed the answer key. Immediately, a cold voice came from the other end of the line, "Ling Chen, you’ve gone too far."

Upon hearing this inexplicable comment, Ling Chen was momentarily stunned and asked, "Who are you?"

"The person I sent should have explained clearly to you. Jiang Yue’e is returned to you, from now on we won’t interfere with each other, yet you killed my man, it seems you are determined to go against us."

Netherworld Snake’s people! Instantly, Ling Chen realized.

"Sorry, I wasn’t trying to cause you trouble, there was a bit of a mistake. I wonder if I can still accept your proposal now?" 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

"Mistake? Humph! Ling Chen, do you really think we’re easy to bully? Since you want to start a fight, fine, we’ll accompany you to the end." After saying that, the other party directly hung up, leaving Ling Chen without a chance to speak.

Ling Chen shook his head; it had been over a week, and he thought the Netherworld Snake’s people wouldn’t pursue it. Unexpectedly, they still came to him. Just as he was thinking, a person walked into the office from outside. It was a disciple from the Dragon Tiger Hall, holding an arrow in hand, quickly running up to Ling Chen and said, "Deputy Hall Master, someone just shot an arrow into the hall."

Upon hearing this, Ling Chen sat up straight and reached out to take the arrow. Upon closer inspection, he saw a note tied to the arrow’s tail. He took off the note, which was written with a time, midnight two days later. Apart from that, there was no other content. However, the back of the note was printed with a pattern of the Netherworld Snake.

This is not... Ling Chen squinted his eyes, immediately recalling what Ling Gengqiu had told him. The time on this note means he’ll be killed at midnight in two days. Informing the target in advance of when they’ll die is a typical style of the Netherworld Snake, although it’s been abandoned for many years. But after all these years, in the whole martial arts world, the Netherworld Snake has become a history. Even if someone receives such a note, they might not understand what the time on it signifies.

Humph! Really interesting, just after receiving the call from the Netherworld Snake, they immediately sent this thing, it seems he’s already under their surveillance.

After some thought, Ling Chen crumpled the note into a ball and threw it into the trash can. If the people from the Netherworld Snake want to kill him, let them come then. He’s already a master on the Heavenly List, why should he fear a few assassins? Besides, the two senior masters, Golden Dragon and Wang Teng, are at the Dragon Tiger Hall. These two are even more powerful than himself, with them around, he wants to see what kind of skills the Netherworld Snake’s people have to kill him.

In the evening, Nanrong Wanqing called, inviting Ling Chen to her home for dinner. Originally, Ling Chen planned to decline, as the Netherworld Snake’s assassins are watching him, it’s better to reduce outings. However, Nanrong Wanqing told him that Jiang Yue’e extended the invitation. If Jiang Yue’e invites him, he can’t refuse, or it would be too discourteous.

After hanging up the phone, Ling Chen didn’t delay and immediately drove to the Nanrong Family.

As he entered, he saw more than a dozen dishes on the dining table, all perfectly cooked in appearance and aroma. In the kitchen, Nanrong Wanqing was helping Jiang Yue’e.

"Mrs. Jiang, why are you personally cooking today?" Ling Chen asked with a smile.

"It’s been a long time since I cooked. I don’t know whether my cooking skills have declined or not. You better not dislike Auntie’s dishes later."

"Mrs. Jiang, you’re too modest. With your skills, I guess even five-star chefs can’t compare."

Hearing Ling Chen’s compliment, Jiang Yue’e’s face was filled with smiles.

"You really know how to talk, Wanqing, go sit with Ling Chen, it’s enough with just me here."