Two hours later, in the main city of Zhongzhou.
Explosive news reached the various branches of the Martial Arts Alliance.
Shen Hanbing, the Almighty Grandmaster, and the powerful Giant; three top-ranking experts, joined forces but were defeated by the mid-level demonic beast, the Golden Steel Demon Ape. In the end, it was defeated in one move by Shura II.
The name Shura II drew the attention of all the higher-ups in the alliances.
In the meeting hall of the alliance, eight high-ranking members gathered to discuss this matter.
“Shura II, I’ve heard of this person. It is said that he is the reincarnation of the Shura, the God of War, possessing formidable strength. However, he keeps a low profile and isn’t interested in fame and wealth, so he hasn’t joined the Martial Arts Alliance,” one high-ranking member said.
“If he is indeed the reincarnation of the Shura, the God of War, it would be a blessing for our Southern Xia Kingdom. Such a figure should directly enter the Earth Ranking,” another high-ranking member added.
“I have no objections to letting him directly enter the Earth Ranking, but we don’t know much about his strength. I suggest he undergoes a test in the ‘Nine-Layer Illusionary Formation Tower,’ and we can arrange his Earth Ranking based on his performance,” a third high-ranking member suggested.
“Yes, that sounds reasonable.”
The consensus among the high-ranking members was quickly reached.
At this moment, the middle-aged man wearing a black veil and sitting at the head of the conference table expressed his opinion.
“I don’t think it’s necessary.” The middle-aged man with the black veil lifted his head slightly, revealing a face somewhat similar to Ye Xingchen’s.
Apparently, this middle-aged man was Ye Xingchen’s father—Ye Wuya.
Ye Xingchen had naturally reported the truth about the death of the Golden Steel Demon Ape to Ye Wuya. Understanding that they couldn’t let Jiang Yuan enter the Earth Ranking, he agreed with Ye Xingchen’s actions, allowing Shura II to be pushed onto the Earth Ranking and become a puppet in their hands.
After Ye Wuya spoke, the meeting hall fell silent.
All the high-ranking members turned their heads, looking at Ye Wuya with curious eyes.
Ye Wuya explained, “We don’t need to expose his true strength, it’s even more terrifying to let the demonic beasts feel the ‘unknown.’ Moreover, how powerful he is doesn’t matter anymore. What matters is—he is the reincarnation of the Shura, the God of War!”
“Simply having the name Shura, the God of War can bring psychological shock to the demonic beasts.”
“What does the head of the alliance mean?” one high-ranking member asked.
Ye Wuya continued, “We directly push him to the top of the Earth Ranking, replacing the position of Thunderbolt Warlock. We exaggerate and publicize his strength, praising him as the ultimate weapon of our alliance.”
“This way, his presence will not only deter the demonic beasts but also become a reassurance for the Martial Arts Alliance’s warriors, making them feel at ease.”
The proposal from Ye Wuya was considered feasible by the high-ranking members.
“The head of the alliance is right. The former number one in the Earth Ranking, Thunderbolt Warlock, has left the position vacant since he ascended to the Heavenly Ranking half a year ago. It’s indeed time to find someone to replace him.”
“Yes, by exaggerating and publicizing his strength, we can not only deter demonic beasts but also provide a psychological reassurance for the Martial Arts Alliance’s warriors.”
The opinions of the high-ranking members were once again unanimous.
Even the high-ranking member who initially suggested testing Shura II’s strength remained silent.
“So, this matter is settled.” Ye Wuya’s lips curled up slightly, revealing a smile of successful conspiracy.
*
The next morning.
“Breaking news, breaking news! Shura II replaces Thunderbolt Warlock, becoming the first in the Zhongzhou Earth Ranking!”
The news of Shura II defeating the Golden Steel Demon Ape and claiming the top spot on the Earth Ranking spread like wildfire through the streets and alleys, creating a buzz throughout Zhongzhou City.
“Shura II? Isn’t that the number one expert from Luoyun City?”
“He joined the Martial Arts Alliance and directly rose to the top. How powerful is he really?”
“It’s said that he can kill mid-level demonic beasts with a single punch! With such strength, he’ll probably ascend to the Heavenly Ranking soon!”
For a moment, people everywhere were discussing this matter.
This news naturally reached Jiang Yuan and Shen Hanbing.
In the Martial Arts Alliance’s medical hall, Jiang Yuan was accompanying Shen Hanbing while she received treatment for her injuries.
“Their behavior is outrageous! Clearly, you, Master, killed the Golden Steel Demon Ape, but they credited that Shura II!” Shen Hanbing complained indignantly.
If her injuries had been allowed, she would have rushed over immediately to confront the high-ranking members of the alliance.
“Let it go. My purpose in joining the Martial Arts Alliance is just to find demonic beasts that can kill me, not for these fame and rewards.” Jiang Yuan was quite indifferent.
“But their actions are still despicable!” Shen Hanbing couldn’t help but feel upset.
“Do not harbor resentment towards all living beings, do not hold grudges. It only causes suffering for yourself,” advised Jiang Yuan, sounding like a wise monk who had seen through the world.
“Master, your guidance is wise, and your disciple will heed it,” Shen Hanbing replied subconsciously to Jiang Yuan’s advice.
Jiang Yuan nodded, and then asked, “By the way, do you know a place where I can gather materials for refining?”
“If Master wants to refine pills, you can go to the Tang Chamber of Commerce,” Shen Hanbing replied.
“The Tang Chamber of Commerce is the largest in Zhongzhou, founded by the 13th-ranked alchemist on the Earth Ranking. They offer a wide variety of goods, including talismans, pills, weapons, equipment, and refining materials. You should find everything you need there.”
“I understand. Stay here and focus on recovering. I need to prepare items that will make you stronger.” Jiang Yuan patted Shen Hanbing’s forehead and then walked out of the medical hall.
*
At noon.
Jiang Yuan arrived alone at the Tang Chamber of Commerce.
At the entrance of the Tang Chamber of Commerce, several guards holding sabers stood like statues on both sides of the gate.
When wealthy merchants, nobles, or influential warriors entered the chamber of commerce, the guards would bow respectfully.
However, ordinary citizens wearing simple clothes would be unceremoniously driven away as soon as they approached the gate.
“This isn’t the place for you, go away!”
Jiang Yuan was stopped by the guards as soon as he reached the gate.
In the eyes of these guards, Jiang Yuan looked like an ordinary citizen. After all, they couldn’t sense any aura of a warrior from him, and his attire was quite plain, not resembling that of a wealthy person.
The Tang Chamber of Commerce sold high-end goods that ordinary citizens couldn’t afford. Hence, when they saw an ordinary person, they would promptly drive them away.
“I have something to see your guild leader about,” Jiang Yuan said wearily as if talking about a trivial matter.
“Who do you think you are? You dare to see our guild leader?” A thin, tall guard sneered contemptuously.
“Don’t cause trouble here, get lost!” Another chubby guard, not bothering to be polite, directly pushed Jiang Yuan.
However, he was surprised to find that; no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t make Jiang Yuan budge.
“Are you deaf? Hurry up and leave!”
The chubby guard became angry, lifting the saber knife in his hand and pressing it against Jiang Yuan’s neck.
