Chapter Fifty-One: Ouyang Xin

"Let’s set aside for the moment whether you truly have the strength to wipe out those two families—even if you did, you still couldn’t do it. Because the moment you make your move, the other factions of Yuyang City’s underworld would come together to kill you first."

"Why is that?" Yang Ze asked, perplexed.

"Yang Yuanzhen should have told you before: the reason all your families wield so much influence in the city is that, when facing the authorities, the factions of Yuyang’s underworld unite as one to oppose the government. You’ve destroyed several gangs in the past, but those weren’t essential to the city’s balance, so no one stopped you. Besides, you’re one of their own—it didn’t disrupt the underworld’s overall strength.

But the Fengs and the Fans are different. These two are among the city’s most prominent families—if they fell, the underworld’s power would be greatly diminished. Who knows if they'd be able to withstand government pressure then? Don’t forget, the authorities have not just martial experts but also the city’s garrison at their disposal."

As Yuan Heng finished, he pressed the lid down on his teacup with a sharp click.

Hearing this, Yang Ze became instantly alert. Until now, he hadn’t encountered any trouble after eliminating several gangs, so he’d assumed there was nothing to worry about. But with this question, Yuan Heng had revealed the true intricacies hidden beneath the surface. If he really dared to take on both the Fengs and the Fans, Yang Yuanzhen would likely emerge from seclusion just to execute him.

"If I don’t exterminate the Fengs and the Fans, but only kill their heads, will there still be consequences?" Yang Ze asked.

"Yang Ze, I have high hopes for you, but I truly wonder where your confidence comes from. Since you’ve asked, I’ll tell you: if you really have the ability to kill those two peak Qi Channeling experts, the Fengs and the Fans likely won’t be destroyed, but they’ll certainly lose their standing. The Northern City would descend into chaos, at least until another top faction emerges.

As for you—the other factions’ experts might not kill you, but they’ll definitely resent you. They’ll target you for two reasons: first, to prevent you from seizing the North City for yourself; second, because no one likes a man who can upend the balance," Yuan Heng explained.

"Yang Ze, I truly don’t know where your assurance comes from. Still, let me tell you—last time, my palm didn’t even carry the full force of Feng Lixuan’s blow, yet it was enough to injure you. Don’t think that advancing to higher ranks of Qi Channeling puts you on their level.

Moreover, destroying a family isn’t simple. Families like theirs, built up over the years, can unleash such power that even a peak Qi Channeling expert would struggle to withstand them," Yuan Heng advised.

"Thank you for your guidance, Master Yuan. I was merely asking—nothing more," Yang Ze replied with a hearty laugh, taking a sip of tea.

"Young men are always so headstrong, daring to think of anything. If the authorities had the power to suppress you underworld types, I could have arrested you all for murder alone," Yuan Heng remarked suddenly.

Yang Ze merely smiled, saying nothing. He understood well—they were not the same kind of people. The authorities would never welcome an underworld that grew too powerful.

"Young Master Yang, it’s a pity Lord Ouyang isn’t here. Otherwise, I’d introduce you to him—I’m sure he’d take an interest in you. Perhaps you’d even have joined us," Yuan Heng said with a touch of regret.

A flash of insight crossed Yang Ze’s eyes. Yuan Heng hadn’t called him by name, nor referred to him as the second young master, but addressed him as Young Master Yang. It seemed Yuan Heng was finally taking him seriously.

"Lord Ouyang?" he asked.

Yuan Heng was surprised by Yang Ze’s ignorance of the name. "Your father never mentioned Ouyang Xin to you?"

Yang Ze shook his head. "He never did."

"Did he at least tell you who the top experts in Yuyang City are?"

"Xu Wenwu of the Xu family, White Blade Bai Fei of the Flying Sand Gang, my father of course, and you, Master Yuan," Yang Ze recited honestly.

"Hahaha! Clearly, that battle left a deep impression on him—he didn’t even dare mention Ouyang Xin. The four of us are indeed considered top experts in Yuyang City, but let me tell you—Ouyang Xin is truly the number one master here!

In the constabulary, I am a chief inspector, and the Wang brothers, Wang One and Wang Two, are also chief inspectors—all of us at the peak of Qi Channeling. But above us, there’s the chief constable—Lord Ouyang Xin."

Yang Ze listened intently—these were things he’d never heard before.

"Lord Ouyang is a bit older than I am. By thirty, he’d already reached the peak of Qi Channeling. Five years ago, in the Eastern City, your father, Bai Fei, and Xu Wenwu joined forces to fight him—and all three were defeated. That’s why Ouyang Xin is recognized as the city’s top expert."

As Yuan Heng spoke of the past, admiration shone on his face. Indeed, Xu Wenwu surpassed him in martial arts, yet even Xu, Yang Yuanzhen, and Bai Fei together couldn’t best Ouyang Xin. Such a man deserved respect.

"Has Chief Constable Ouyang already broken through to the innate realm?" Yang Ze suddenly asked.

"Five years ago, he hadn’t—but now, who can say? If Ouyang Xin had broken through five years ago, do you think the city would be in such chaos? All the factions vying for power, order in turmoil, the people living in fear—if the authorities had an innate expert, they’d surely have put an end to all this," Yuan Heng exclaimed, slamming the table, heedless of Yang Ze’s presence.

Yang Ze ignored the outburst and asked, "So, Master Yuan, Lord Ouyang is not in the city?"

Yuan Heng nodded. "He reached the limits of Qi Channeling five years ago, but couldn’t break through. He left to train, saying he’d return once he reached the innate realm—or in five years, regardless. That five-year mark is upon us. Why do you think all the Qi Channeling experts in the city have locked themselves away in seclusion? They fear Ouyang’s return and their own demise."

"Are you so sure Lord Ouyang is alive? The world beyond the city isn’t exactly peaceful. If he’s been gone so long, could he not have met with misfortune?"

"Impossible. He sends letters home every year. That’s how we know he’s alive. Treasure your remaining time—if you make it into Wuyang Martial Academy, you’ll leave this quagmire behind. If not, you’ll have to choose a side," Yuan Heng said sternly.

Yang Ze’s expression grew serious. He cupped his fist and said, "I understand, Master Yuan. The Fourth Passage Market—I will take it!"

Having learned the mysterious master his father spoke of was in fact Ouyang Xin, Yang Ze’s sense of impending crisis intensified. If Ouyang Xin truly reached the innate realm, Yuyang’s underworld would erupt in bloodshed, and he’d have no choice but to join the authorities. But he would never do that—he didn’t want to be bound here for life, and besides, joining them would expose his own secrets. The darkness he carried could never be revealed to another soul.

He could only strive for the Wuyang Martial Academy’s selection now. But to secure a place, he first had to take the Fourth Passage Market.

Leaving the constabulary, Yang Ze had already formulated his plan. He could not delay any longer; the matter of the Fourth Passage Market had to be settled—time waited for no one.

He had, of course, come to Yuan Heng with a purpose: to probe for information. Some things Old Xie would not know, but Yuan Heng had not let him down.

Yang Ze was not a patient man. If someone wanted him dead, he would strike first. Yes, he would take the initiative—he would kill Feng Lixuan and Fan Yongnian before they could act.

This was not a reckless decision. After clashing with both men, Yang Ze was confident that, if he gave it his all, he could defeat either of them now. The perfected Black Tiger Saber Technique produced a blade aura that was overwhelming, and with his high-level Qi Channeling, he could use it more often. Defeating them was truly within reach.

All he needed was the right opportunity.

Returning home, Yang Ze summoned Old Xie. "Old Xie, assign men to watch Feng Lixuan and Fan Yongnian’s every move. The moment anything happens, report to me at once."

"Second Young Master, I know you’re worried they’ll strike again, but those two are not easy targets—ordinary men can’t keep up with them."

"You and Meng Yitian will handle this yourselves. Whatever you’re doing now, drop it—this comes first! And make sure there’s no leak—not a soul must know but the three of us," Yang Ze said, his tone unusually stern.

Old Xie had never seen him so serious and could only agree.

Even so, Yang Ze felt uneasy. Simply shadowing them wasn’t a solution. He couldn’t just barge into their homes—he’d have to create an opportunity, lure them out if possible.

"If all else fails, I’ll have to challenge them openly. But if I do, I’ll only have one shot, and my true strength will be exposed—a last resort, to be considered only if there’s no other way." Yang Ze sighed. His head ached. If only he were stronger, he wouldn’t have to plot like this.

Meanwhile, ever since his failed attempt to capture Yang Ze alive, Fan Yongnian had secluded himself, refusing to see anyone. Even the most important members of the Fan family had not laid eyes on him.