Chapter Fifty-Two: An Ambush Along the Road

Early morning, at the gates of the Meng residence.

Old Master Meng and several others stood at the entrance, as though waiting for something. Before long, a Meng family guard hurried over.

“Master, two hours ago the Zhang family left Tianlan City, taking their household with them.”

This guard had been sent at dawn to keep watch on the Zhang family’s movements. As Old Master Meng had predicted, Zhang Yuanqin and his family quietly withdrew from the City Lord’s mansion and departed Tianlan City early in the morning.

At that moment, Lu Han appeared, carrying a bundle and the Bilu Sword.

“Grandfather, Uncle.”

“Hanyi, let me send a few people with you,” Old Master Meng said with concern. “I know a little about what happened to your family back then.”

Lu Han could tell his grandfather was worried; the upcoming Lu family assembly would hardly be peaceful.

“Grandfather, you’ve just taken over the City Lord’s mansion, and now is when you need manpower most. Besides, Brother Chen and the others said yesterday they’d go with me to Maple Leaf City. Don’t worry, I’m not a child anymore—I know how to handle myself and won’t act recklessly.” He glanced at Chen Jun and his companions.

The night before, Chen Jun and the others had said over dinner that they weren’t in a hurry to return home, so they’d accompany Lu Han back to his hometown.

Lu Han understood their loyalty; they knew something of his story and wanted to help. Seeing their resolve, Lu Han couldn’t object.

He also understood what worried Old Master Meng. After all he’d been through, and with Elder Ling’s guidance, Lu Han was slowly maturing.

Now that the Meng family had just assumed control of the City Lord’s mansion, Lu Han felt embarrassed to ask his grandfather for people. Besides, he had his own plans—he didn’t intend to march openly into Maple Leaf City; in his heart, he had other calculations.

“Hanyi, safety comes first. You need to be alive to accomplish anything. Don’t act on impulse,” Old Master Meng said, his concern plain.

“Don’t worry, Grandfather. I’ll say goodbye to Cousin and Sister Lingxuan before I leave.”

Meng Liangchen was still unconscious, though not in danger—he would awaken on the third day, the backlash from the “Azure Bull Battle Strength” technique finally subsiding. Qi Lingxuan was caring for him, so neither came to see Lu Han off.

“Take care on your journey,” Old Master Meng called after the departing Chen Jun and his companions.

He then glanced at Meng Lei. “Let’s go to the City Lord’s mansion.”

Lu Han made his way toward the city gates, the crowds lining the street whispering, pointing at him.

Yesterday’s stunning battle was still fresh in their minds—a martial artist at the eighth rank of the acquired realm had blocked an attack from a Xuan Lord!

“Haha, Brother Lu, you’ve become quite the celebrity in Tianlan City,” boomed Niu Gao’s rugged voice.

The four companions left Tianlan City behind.

...

Several dozen miles from Tianlan City, a few carriages moved slowly along the road.

Suddenly, someone at the front halted.

“Duan Jiang, bring Cao Dong here,” Zhang Yuanqin’s domineering voice rang out.

In a moment, Duan Jiang escorted Cao Dong before Zhang Yuanqin and his son.

“Cao Dong, are you sure that boy Lu Han will return to Maple Leaf City today?” Zhang Yunqin’s voice was icy.

Cao Dong shivered inwardly at the tone, then replied, “When I left the Meng family, I heard Chen Jun say they’d celebrate Young Master Meng Liangchen’s birthday and then accompany that little bastard Lu Han to Maple Leaf City.” Speaking of Lu Han, Cao Dong ground his teeth—if not for him, he wouldn’t be in this predicament.

“Ren’er, come with me to intercept Lu Han on the road,” Zhang Yuanqin said, turning to Zhang Ren.

Zhang Ren hesitated. Was his father planning to kill the boy? Wouldn’t that risk provoking Old Master Meng to madness? A Xuan Lord, once enraged, could cause disaster. Zhang Yuanqin himself was a Xuan Lord and would be fine, but the Zhang family might suffer.

“All these years, have you lived as a dog? Lu Han has such a precious martial skill—now that opportunity’s in front of me, if I don’t seize it, I’ll be struck by lightning!” Seeing Zhang Ren’s confusion, Zhang Yuanqin’s temper flared. If not for him, the City Lord’s mansion would have collapsed long ago.

“Hmph, as soon as I get the martial skill, I’ll kill them, destroy the evidence. Once I master the technique, Tianlan City will no longer be worthy of me.” The memory of Lu Han’s martial arts yesterday made even Zhang Yuanqin, the Xuan Lord, covetous. He possessed only entry-level Xuan-rank martial skills.

Besides, if not for Lu Han, they wouldn’t have had to leave Tianlan City—everything now was thanks to him.

From yesterday’s display, Lu Han’s skill was at least mid-level Xuan rank, perhaps even high-level.

“If this information is correct, we’ll ambush him halfway. Boy, you’d better hope Lu Han shows up—otherwise, you’ll be the one to die.” With that, Zhang Yuanqin grabbed Cao Dong and swept away.

Zhang Ren followed close behind.

“Duan Jiang, take Mang’er and the family to Black Source City. We’ll join you soon,” Zhang Yuanqin’s command reached Duan Jiang’s ears, and he saw only two distant figures fading away.

Zhang Mang, wounded by Lu Han the day before, was resting inside the carriage.

“Father, do you really need to act personally?” Zhang Ren asked, keeping pace.

For a Xuan Lord to personally deal with someone at the acquired realm seemed excessive.

“You know nothing! Even a lion uses all its strength to hunt a rabbit!” Zhang Yuanqin snapped, accelerating.

...

Lu Han and Chen Jun’s group traveled with laughter and conversation.

Lu Han noticed something had changed between Chen Jun and Hong Banmei, though he couldn’t pinpoint what. As he puzzled over it—

“That young lady surnamed Hong has always liked him, and Chen Jun likes her, too, but never dared to confess. If not for the Wind Sound Valley incident, they’d never have pierced that final veil. Truth is, Chen Jun is a blockhead—everyone knows Hong Banmei likes him, except him. The one involved is always blind,” Old Man Ling’s voice suddenly sounded.

That day in Wind Sound Valley, facing death, Chen Jun had finally spoken his feelings.

“I never thought Master would be so knowledgeable about such things,” Lu Han teased.

“You brat, haven’t I smacked you enough lately? Are you itching for another?”

“Just joking,” Lu Han replied with a wry smile.

“Hanyi, though I made things clear last night, I still want to remind you: your future won’t be limited to Maple Leaf City. Your path is long—you’ll go beyond the Great Xia Empire, beyond the Northern Yue region. The road ahead is vast—don’t become complacent over a small achievement. For instance, at your age, I was already innate,” Elder Ling said, astonishing Lu Han.

“Innate at fifteen or sixteen?” Lu Han swallowed.

“I’m not bragging, just telling you this continent is vast—full of geniuses and monsters. Of course, your progress these three months hasn’t escaped my notice. Passable, I suppose—barely a passing grade,” Elder Ling said, a touch disingenuous.

In truth, given Lu Han’s achievements in this remote Northern Yue, he was very satisfied—even he might not have done better.

“Remember, you must have the resolve of a strong man!” With that, Elder Ling’s voice faded.

The four had just passed through a mountain forest when suddenly a fierce wind arose.

“Whoosh, whoosh!”

Three figures appeared ahead—two standing, one thrown to the ground.

“Zhang Yuanqin? Zhang Ren? Cao Dong?”

“May I ask what City Lord Zhang means by this?” Lu Han asked, his voice steady but uneasy. Their intentions were clearly hostile.

“What does it mean? You little bastard, if not for you, would we have left Tianlan City like beaten dogs?” Zhang Ren’s face twisted with anger.

He had ruled as City Lord for years, now forced to relinquish the position and leave Tianlan City because of Lu Han.

“Haha, you little bastard, did you imagine this? None of you will live today!” Cao Dong crawled from the ground, his face twisted with malice.

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