Lin Xiao caught Tang Yan’s hint. The Liu family sending Liu Jing to assassinate his daughter had already marked them for death in his mind.

What's more, this young man Tang Yan has unlimited potential.—was only third-rank Mysterious Stage now, but his future achievements were destined to be extraordinary.

Tying the Tang family to the city lord’s mansion wouldn’t be a bad move.

Nodding, Lin Xiao said, “Once we’re back, the mansion will deploy two-thirds of its elite to support the Tang family.”

Tang Yan’s heart soared. Two-thirds of the mansion’s elite could stand toe-to-toe with the Liu family. “Thank you, Lord City! The Tang family will throw everything into wiping out the Liu family.”

Their third-rank steeds galloped tirelessly. Beyond talking with Lin Xiao, Tang Yan spent most of the journey digesting the Mountain-Crushing Wave-Stepping Sword technique, mentally rehearsing it. Over two days, he’d nearly mastered its core.

The Eastern Domain Competition had just ended, and with their breakneck pace, the trio outpaced news of Cloud City’s victory. They arrived before celebrations could begin.

Without prior word, Cloud City showed no signs of festivity—everything as calm as when they’d left.

“Slip in quietly. We move at the fourth quarter of Xu hour tonight!” A sharp glint flashed in Lin Xiao’s eyes.

Tang Yan nodded, vanishing into the city toward the Tang family estate.

“Who’s there!” A bellow rang out. In his study, Old Man Tang’s aura surged as he leapt up from his book.

Tang Yan didn’t knock—he barged straight in. Feeling that towering presence, his heart skipped, then swelled with joy. “Grandfather, your strength’s grown again!”

Grandfather?

Tang Ling’s eyes widened at the young man before him—tall, striking. It was Tang Yan!

“Didn’t the competition just end yesterday? How’re you back so fast?” Recalling Cloud City’s perennial last place, his gaze dimmed, assuming Tang Yan had faltered. “Didn’t make the Azure Dragon Academy cut? No matter—you’re young, there’s time. Treat this as a learning trip to see there’s always someone stronger out there!”

Tang Yan stifled a laugh, but time was tight. To spare his grandfather’s mood, he skipped the explanation and whispered, “Grandfather, tonight we strike—swift as thunder—and wipe out the Liu family!”

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

“Tonight?” Tang Ling’s eyes bulged. “You just got back, barely said a word—what’s the rush?”

“It’s urgent—the city lord’s orders,” Tang Yan explained. “The mansion’s sending two-thirds of its elite tonight to help us crush the Liu family!”

“Lord Lin’s command? Doesn’t the mansion stay out of family feuds?” Tang Ling jolted.

“Before heading to the Azure Dragon Academy, Lin Dongxue and I hit Cangyun Mountain for training. Liu Zhi tipped off the Liu family, and they sent Liu Jing to kill us. Lord Lin was furious—he’s decided to—”

Crack!

Before Tang Yan could finish, Tang Ling slammed his palm into the doorframe.

It splintered under the blow!

“The Liu family! Damn them!” Tang Ling’s eyes blazed, veins bulging. Tang Yan was his everything—if his grandson had been harmed, life would lose its spark.

“Grandfather, where are you going?!” Tang Yan called as Tang Ling stormed out.

“Where else? To slaughter those Liu bastards!”

“It’s still early—half an hour to go,” Tang Yan intercepted.

“Then rally the men!” Tang Ling’s fury roared as he charged to the Tang family lake.

Spotting a massive drum on a platform, he strode up, seized the mallet, and smashed it down.

Infused with his true energy, the strike boomed across the estate.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The deafening beat thundered through the Tang family, bold and rousing.

At the first strike, the clan snapped alert. As the barrage followed, everyone converged on the sound.

The Tang family’s war drum! Only dire matters justified its call—unauthorized use meant punishment.

Seeing the wild-haired Tang Ling wielding the mallet, the gathering crowd sobered.

In moments, every martial artist assembled. Tang Ling dropped the mallet, scanning the guards. “The Tang family never bullies the weak in Cloud City, but we don’t swallow insults either. Over the years, the Liu family’s crossed us repeatedly, striking from the shadows, trampling our dignity. Now they’ve gone too far—threatening our very foundation!

“Tonight, we muster—to eradicate the Liu family!”

The crowd reeled. Tonight?

“Master, our strength matches the Liu family’s now, but the mansion won’t tolerate a brawl this big. Offending them could hurt us,” Mo Bo voiced, echoing the guards’ shared concern.

Tang Ling’s voice cut like a blade. “Tonight’s strike is the mansion’s decree! At the fourth quarter of Xu hour, their elite join us to crush the Liu family!”

The city lord ordered this—and he’s sending troops? Excitement rippled through the crowd.

Tang Yan stepped from behind Tang Ling. His presence stirred the guards—they revered him. His guidance had doubled their strength and boosted their status.

Sweeping his gaze over them, Tang Yan barked, “Eighth-rank Origin Stage and up—step forward!”

Thud! Over forty martial artists below Yellow Stage remained; the rest—all Yellow Stage—advanced.

With a subtle nod, Tang Yan roared, “Old rules: one head, a hundred taels! Triumph, and there’s more loot!”

Roar!

The promise flipped their mood from alert to fiery. Breaths deepened, eyes glinted with battle lust—they itched to fight.

Tang Ling nearly spat blood. I ranted for ages, and Tang Yan tops it with one line!

“Your progress is stellar, but a blade’s edge comes from grinding. True strength demands blood! Tonight tests your recent training!

“We’ve never clashed head-on with the Liu family, but I believe we outmatch them—not just with the mansion’s aid, but because Grandfather’s hit Earth Stage! He’s invincible in Cloud City!”

That bombshell spiked their morale again!

Eyes turned to Tang Ling with awe. Earth Stage! Before, only the city lord held that rank!

With such a powerhouse and the mansion’s elite, losing seemed impossible!