Chapter 140: 139. Settlement (Ally Master Bonus: I

139. Chapter 139: Settlement (Ally Master Bonus: I’ll Give You All the Cilantro)

During the time Li Yi killed Jin Zhihuan, on another front, his master Zhao Ge, accompanied by Skinny Monkey and Zhao Qian, began visiting various factions in the city based on the information extracted, his goal simple: rescue any surviving disciples.

These disciples were core members of the Zhao Family Dojo, loyal and trustworthy; Zhao Ge could never abandon them.

Their first stop was the Jin family’s dungeon; they came here because fighting sounds had already reached the Jin Family Dojo, meaning its defenses must be thin—perhaps only one or two Blood-Refining martial artists remained on guard, insignificant to him, especially since even with his unhealed wounds, killing a few Blood-Refiners was effortless.

Accompanied by several screams echoing through the air.

The dungeon was instantly breached; Zhao Ge punched his way through, no one able to stand against him, and even Jin family disciples fled in terror at the sight of his face.

“Father, won’t Brother Li Yi be in danger? Should I take the sniper rifle to lend support? After all, Brother Li Yi is facing a Qi-Aperture expert.”

At this moment, Zhao Qian followed her master and Skinny Monkey into the dungeon, yet she was worried about Li Yi’s safety outside.

“No need. Meng De is strong, and with my guidance, killing Jin Zhihuan, that old bastard, is no problem. Moreover, Meng De intends to use the blood of a Qi-Aperture martial artist to temper his fist intent; if he carries firearms, he’ll rely on them and lose the benefit of cultivation.” Zhao Ge said.

“Besides, this firearm is a hidden trump card—don’t reveal it unless absolutely necessary. Who knows how many enemies we’re facing? We must keep some reserves. Daughter, hide your firearm. Right now, countless eyes, visible and hidden, are watching us. If they learn it’s a weapon capable of killing Qi-Aperture experts, who wouldn’t want it? Then the imperial court will covet it, and that’ll be trouble.”

“I understand, Father,” Zhao Qian nodded.

The sniper rifle in her hands was not only a life-saving trump card—it could also become a death sentence. If it drew out a third-tier martial artist, they were finished.

Thus Zhao Ge treated the sniper rifle with extreme caution; he would never use it unless utterly desperate.

Soon.

The group arrived at the dungeon and found over a dozen Zhao Family Dojo disciples imprisoned inside. Their condition was slightly better than those outside the city, but still battered and bloody. The only relief was that their sinews hadn’t been severed—their limbs remained intact, and with proper care, they could still become pillars of the dojo again.

“Master! Is it Master? It’s really you—I didn’t imagine it!”

“Great! Master, you’ve come to save us!”

“Master!”

Upon seeing Zhao Ge, the disciples immediately became emotional, their eyes lighting up with hope.

“Good, you’re all alive. Excellent. You needn’t fear anymore. Your master has come—everything will improve from now on.” Zhao Ge smiled, his heart eased seeing them unharmed.

“Skinny Monkey, open the doors and free your senior brothers and sisters.”

“Got it, Master!” Skinny Monkey didn’t wait for the words to finish—he immediately acted, drawing his waist blade to slash open the prison doors and unlock the shackles.

In moments, all ten-odd Zhao Family Dojo disciples were freed.

“I still need to rescue others; I can’t stay here to care for you. For now, endure a little. When today’s affairs are over, I’ll bring you back to the dojo.” Zhao Ge spoke, knowing time was urgent and they couldn’t linger.

“Master, be careful—Jin Family Dojo and Han Family Dojo’s Qi-Aperture experts are still searching for you,” one disciple urgently warned.

Skinny Monkey chuckled beside him: “Don’t worry. After today, there won’t be any Jin Family Dojo or Han Family Dojo in San Yang City. Master brought back our senior brother this time—our senior brother is incredibly powerful, avenging us now. All those who wronged us will die.”

“Senior brother? Skinny Monkey, what’s going on? Explain clearly,” one disciple pressed.

“I can’t stay to explain now. I’ll tell you later. Senior brothers and brothers, take care of yourselves. Tomorrow, you’ll know everything.” Skinny Monkey said.

Soon.

He followed Zhao Ge and Zhao Qian out of the dungeon.

After rescuing these disciples, Zhao Ge’s mood noticeably improved. He mounted his horse again and galloped off: “To Weiwu Escort Agency. I have some old ties with their chief escort, Hu Weiyuan. I want to see what fate our Zhao Family Dojo disciples met in his hands. If that bastard adds insult to injury, don’t blame me for breaking ties and killing him myself.”

They galloped hard, heading straight for Weiwu Escort Agency.

Soon, after passing several streets,

a stately, imposing gate appeared before them. Above it hung a plaque bearing golden characters: Weiwu Escort Agency.

“Zhao Family Dojo’s master, Zhao Ge, comes to pay respects to Chief Escort Hu Weiyuan. Please come out and meet me!” As soon as he reined in his horse, Zhao Ge roared with martial force, his voice like a tiger’s roar, piercing metal and stone, echoing instantly across the entire agency.

Every disciple of Weiwu Escort Agency heard the long roar; many turned pale with shock.

Yet San Yang City had just witnessed a major event, and Weiwu Escort Agency had inevitably heard rumors—everyone in the city was watching Zhao Family Dojo’s destruction, and whether it could rise again and seek vengeance.

After all, Zhao Ge, the Qi-Aperture master, had not died; his banner still stood. There was still a chance for redemption.

Zhao Ge now chose courtesy before force—he didn’t want to ruin past goodwill. After all, enemies’ words couldn’t be trusted. If Weiwu Escort Agency hadn’t kicked him while he was down, storming in recklessly would make him the villain.

He was, after all, experienced and cautious.

As his roar echoed, roughly ten breaths later, the main gate of Weiwu Escort Agency slowly opened.

Chief Escort Hu Weiyuan, accompanied by his escort team, swiftly emerged—they had clearly prepared, anticipating Zhao Ge’s arrival after his reappearance.

“Hu Weiyuan greets Master Zhao,” said a sturdy, mid-thirties man clad in tight martial attire, bowing respectfully.

Zhao Ge studied Hu Weiyuan, sensing an unfamiliar aura—his expression shifted slightly: “Your blood qi has retreated inward? That’s the sign of Blood-Refining entering the Aperture. Have you broken through to Qi-Aperture?”

Hu Weiyuan smiled: “San Yang City is in upheaval. Weiwu Escort Agency, caught in the storm, couldn’t avoid being affected. So I took a gamble—broke through to Qi-Aperture. Fortune favored me. But before a seasoned master like you, I’m nothing but a novice.”

“Those enemies knew of our friendship. As chief escort, you faced pressure to break through the Qi-Aperture—truly bold.” Zhao Ge’s eyes flashed; he instantly deduced the chain of events. “Before entering the city, my last disciple killed a Jin family Blood-Refiner. From him, I learned many of my disciples had been captured by the Weiwu Escort Agency. Is this true?”

Last disciple? Killed a Jin family Blood-Refiner?

These key details stunned Hu Weiyuan, triggering rapid speculation.

When did Zhao Ge gain a last disciple? How had he never heard?

And this last disciple, upon appearing, could kill a Blood-Refiner—his strength was extraordinary. Combined with Zhao Ge’s return for vengeance, if Zhao Ge acted alone, it was impossible. Everyone knew Zhao Ge’s soul was wounded, his power greatly diminished, perhaps even unable to summon his heart’s blood.

In such a broken state, he wouldn’t just fail to avenge—he’d be hunted down the moment he entered San Yang City by other Qi-Aperture masters.

Yet Zhao Ge had come openly, recklessly. That meant only one possibility: he had backing—and that backing was almost certainly his last disciple.

“Could it be… his last disciple has reached Qi-Aperture?” A startling thought flashed into Hu Weiyuan’s mind.

If true, this was no small matter.

Two Qi-Aperture masters in one family.

Only with such power could they dare return to San Yang City for vengeance. Otherwise, the city was a death trap for Zhao Ge and his followers.

Realizing this, Hu Weiyuan immediately said: “Master Zhao, your disciples—about ten or so—are indeed guests at our agency. But I’ve harmed none of them. For these days, I’ve treated them with courtesy. Regrettably, my strength is insufficient. I wanted to help more, but ten is the limit of what Weiwu Escort Agency can manage.”

He sighed helplessly.

“Oh? Truly?” Zhao Ge looked surprised—he hadn’t expected Hu Weiyuan to offer aid instead of betrayal.

“Master Zhao, if you doubt, just look.” Hu Weiyuan gestured immediately.

But Zhao Ge narrowed his eyes, still mounted, motionless.

Hu Weiyuan instantly realized—he slapped his forehead and laughed: “My apologies, my apologies—I was careless. Someone, bring out the Zhao Family Dojo disciples. Tell them Master Zhao has returned—they should come out to reunite.”

One escort immediately ran inside.

Soon, a series of footsteps hurried toward them.

Zhao Ge looked up—there, before him, stood ten-odd core disciples, unharmed. His heart leapt; he now understood: Hu Weiyuan had truly offered help in the snow—not empty words.

“Master!” The disciples’ faces lit up with surprise and joy.

Zhao Ge nodded, then barked: “Yuan Tianfei—you’re the eldest among them. If you still recognize me as your master, obey my order: gather the other disciples, head to Jin Family Dojo’s dungeon, bring out the remaining prisoners, then occupy Jin Family Dojo. Secure their inner treasury, medicine room, and weapons depot.”

“Yes, Master,” said a young martial artist in his twenties, bowing—but then hesitated.

“Don’t hesitate. The Jin Family Dojo’s resident master and Jin Zhihuan, that old dog, have already been killed by your senior brother. Jin Family is leaderless—likely in chaos. With your dozen men raising the Zhao Family Dojo banner, Jin’s remnants will scatter like birds and beasts—dare not touch you.”

Zhao Ge said immediately.

Earlier, he’d heard Li Yi’s thunderous fist energy—now he realized his side was done. Perfect timing to send men to take over.

“Yes, Master!” Yuan Tianfei’s face brightened with joy.

He never imagined—the Jin Family Dojo’s resident master and master were both dead. This was truly earth-shattering news.

“What are you waiting for? Move!” Zhao Ge barked.

The disciples immediately bowed and obeyed.

Hu Weiyuan stepped forward: “My agency has some fine horses. I’ll lend them to Master Zhao’s disciples to aid their mission. Go, bring out the horses—no delay.”

Several escorts dashed back inside to fetch the horses.

Zhao Ge now narrowed his eyes slightly: “Chief Escort, you’ve seen the situation. My Zhao Family Dojo has birthed a true dragon. Returning to San Yang City isn’t just about vengeance—it’s about reclaiming our dojo and raising our banner. Jin Family Dojo is finished. Next is Han Family Dojo. Then the Three Markets, the Canal Wharves—I will settle accounts with each.”

Hu Weiyuan’s expression hardened—he’d known it.

Zhao Ge’s return wasn’t just vengeance—he aimed to sweep away all these factions and seize control of San Yang City. His ambition was vast.

“Chief Escort, you’ve done us a great favor. Why not join me? When this is done, I, Zhao Ge, swear: the Canal Wharves and medicine trade are yours. My Zhao Family Dojo will claim not a single share.”

The Canal Wharves and medicine trade were gold mines.

But Zhao Ge now needed allies. He offered grand promises—his forces were too weak. Even with all disciples gathered, they couldn’t achieve much alone.

“Master Zhao, so confident?” Hu Weiyuan’s eyes flickered—he weighed whether to dive into this chaos.

After all, in times of upheaval, one misstep could doom an entire family.

“Hah!”

Zhao Ge laughed loudly: “My last disciple is peerless—born with dragon sinews and tiger bones. He’s already killed Jin Zhihuan. If you and I join forces, with my last disciple, we’ll have three Qi-Aperture masters. Do you think we can’t succeed?”

Hu Weiyuan’s hand twitched; his heart surged with unexpected excitement.

If true, they could seize San Yang City and sweep away all the old factions.

Then Zhao Family Dojo would dominate alone, and he’d gain the Canal Wharves and medicine trade. Add the escort business, and perhaps in time, he could even breed one or two Qi-Aperture masters.

Weiwu Escort Agency’s three-generation legacy was worth one bold gamble today.

“Master Zhao, if I refuse your generosity, I’d be ungrateful. Very well—my agency’s hundred-plus escorts will accompany your disciples to Jin Family Dojo. If you truly seize it, from this day forward, Weiwu Escort Agency bows to Master Zhao.”

Though tempted, he hadn’t lost his head—he wanted to confirm whether Jin Zhihuan was truly dead.

If true, Hu Weiyuan would bet Weiwu Escort Agency’s future on it.

If he stayed neutral now, whoever won would crush him later—worthless.

“Good. Yuan Tianfei, accompany the Chief Escort to Jin Family Dojo.”

“Yes, Master.”

Yuan Tianfei was overjoyed—if all went well, they’d gain another Qi-Aperture master. Zhao Family Dojo was truly rising again.

Zhao Ge added: “Chief Escort, once this is done, hurry to Han Family Dojo. My disciple has likely already stormed their gates. By the time you arrive, it’ll be over. I must go rescue other disciples from the Three Markets—excuse me now.”

With a bow, he turned his horse and galloped off in one direction.

“Wish all senior brothers a smooth journey,” said the Skinny Monkey loudly, then mounted his horse and left.

Zhao Qian said nothing, merely bowed to everyone, then followed after them.

Yuan Tianfei watched his master depart, his face still alight with excitement; he growled, “All senior brothers and comrades, prepare yourselves—we’re going to rescue the others, then take over the Jin Family Martial Hall.”

Everyone shouted in unison, equally exhilarated.

After days of suppression, today’s release of vengeance—how could one not rejoice?

At his side, Chief Escort Hu Yuanwei also cut through hesitation, immediately assembling his men, preparing swift horses, and charging straight toward the Jin Family Escort Agency.

Only moments passed.

Over a hundred men galloped forth in a single surge.

Soon.

The group arrived at the main street before the Jin Family Martial Hall.

From afar, they saw chaos in the street; several corpses lay scattered, and half the front gate of the Jin Family Martial Hall had been smashed clean off—as if a brutal battle had just occurred, with someone storming in from the south and slaughtering their way straight into the hall.

“Chief Escort, I’m going to the Jin family’s dungeon. I leave the rest to you.”

Yuan Tianfei, seeing this scene, knew his master’s words were true—the Jin Family Martial Hall was finished.

But rescuing fellow disciples mattered more than taking over the hall.

“Fine. I’ll prepare all the medicinal pills inside the Jin Family Martial Hall for you—I’m sure your disciples will need them soon,” Hu Yuanwei nodded, then spurred his horse onward.

Yuan Tianfei thanked him and departed with the others down another street.

But as Hu Yuanwei rode further, his heart grew colder.

The corpses on the ground had been shattered by some divine force, splattering blood mist across the walls.

From the scene, it was clear several Bone-Refining experts had died in a single instant.

Then, when he reached the main gate of the Jin Family Martial Hall, he saw several familiar corpses.

“Chief, look—Jin Dadao of the Jin Family Martial Hall. He’s dead too,” a escort shouted, pointing to a headless body.

“It’s truly Jin Dadao’s corpse. He didn’t even have time to draw his blade before he died. What a ferocious punch—one strike shattered his skull. Fast, precise, ruthless. Let’s go inside,” Hu Yuanwei thought with dread—he had never been Jin Dadao’s match before breaking through the Meridian stage.

Yet such a man had been killed so easily, as if merely a lowly soldier swept aside.

The group galloped into the Jin Family Martial Hall. Most of its occupants had already fled; only a few maids, servants, and attendants were frantically looting valuables, trying to profit from the chaos.

“Send men to secure the hall—no one is to cause further disorder,” Hu Yuanwei ordered.

Dozens of escorts immediately split into teams, subduing all looters, then rushed toward the hall’s medicine storehouse, weapon armory, and other vital areas—these were the hall’s core assets, and none could be lost.

◆C〇

After giving the order, Hu Yuanwei dismounted at once and strode purposefully toward a direction in the front courtyard.

Soon.

He stood before a headless corpse.

The body was withered and shriveled, as if all its blood and qi had been drained—strangely eerie.

“It’s truly Jin Zhihuan’s corpse.”

Hu Yuanwei fell silent, then knelt and pressed his fingers to the corpse’s heart. The organ was sunken and dry. His face hardened: “Jin Zhihuan used his heart’s blood before he died. That old devil channeled it to restore his power to its peak, fought to the limit, drained every drop of his blood and qi—then was finally slain outright.”

“Who is this senior brother under Zhao Ge? How fierce he is.”

He rose and scanned the battlefield around him.

The ground was littered with debris—sword cuts everywhere, punch forces scattered in all directions.

Merely standing at the center of the fight, one could almost imagine how brutal the battle had been.

“I am no match for that senior brother of the Zhao Family Martial Hall.”

After a brief pause, Hu Yuanwei felt a strange dread rise within him.

If such punch forces raged across his own body, he doubted he could survive ten breaths.

Though old, Jin Zhihuan of the Listening Wind Blade had been among the top fighters in San Yang City. His blade had once tasted the blood of Meridian cultivators. Yet even such a man had been pounded to death—how monstrous must the killer be?

“So now that senior brother has gone to settle accounts with the Han family? The next to die will be Han Tianbao.”

Hu Yuanwei’s heart stirred with sudden urgency. He wanted to see for himself—who was this man daring to storm San Yang City alone, seizing two martial halls in a single day, slaying two Meridian experts?

Thinking this, he barked: “Two squads, ride with me to the Han Family Martial Hall. The rest—when Zhao Family’s men arrive, hand over everything immediately. Do not touch any loot. Disobey, and lose your hands.”

Immediately, twenty escorts prepared themselves.

“Depart.”

Hu Yuanwei did not linger. Since Zhao Ge’s claims were true, he too must go to cheer on Zhao Family’s senior brother, lend him support—and, incidentally, take over the Han Family Martial Hall as well.

Once these matters were settled, he could then claim his share of the grain transport and medicine trade without guilt.