Chapter 29: The Will of the People

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The Soul-Bewildering Bend was still shrouded in thick fog. A lone boat drifted down the lower reaches of the Qingyuan River, finally vanishing into the mist, lost from sight.

“As expected, things have changed.”

Standing at the bow, Jiang Chen gazed at the dispersing fog ahead, his mind racing with thoughts as he extended his senses, attempting to grasp the subtle mysteries hidden within.

The plundering of Golden Sands Valley had left many overseers dead or wounded, and the Third Chief, Zhao Meng, had disappeared without a trace. This incident caused quite a stir among the River Outlaws. In the end, Iron Man Tu himself penned a letter to Jiang Chen, asking him to return to Muyu Island—to discuss the future of Golden Sands Valley, and also to congratulate him on his recent rise to the rank of first-class martial artist.

Upon receiving Iron Man Tu’s letter, Jiang Chen had pondered briefly before deciding to comply. Truth be told, he was deeply intrigued by Iron Man Tu’s peculiar condition. This living corpse bore certain similarities to the undead he’d encountered in the apocalypse, save for one key difference: Iron Man Tu possessed full sentience and clarity, unlike the mindless, shambling dead.

Besides, he still needed to make use of his status as a chief of the River Outlaws for certain matters. To be honest, if life here suited him, he wouldn’t mind staying with the Outlaws for a while longer. At the very least, many affairs required no effort on his part, allowing him more time for his own cultivation.

“Chief, we’re about to reach Muyu Island.”

The island’s dock was already close at hand. Seeing Jiang Chen still lost in thought, Shi Tou hesitated briefly, then quietly stepped forward to remind him.

At these words, Jiang Chen opened his eyes and withdrew his senses.

“There seem to be more people here than last time.”

Casting his eyes toward the bustling dock, Jiang Chen remarked casually.

When he’d left before, many had come to see him off, but not nearly as many as today. The reason was simple—though he’d been internally designated as the Fourth Chief, his relationship with the Third Chief had plummeted to freezing point, making many wary. Now, however, Zhao Meng was a thing of the past.

In fact, many were speculating that after this return, Jiang Chen might well become the new leader. Though the three-year term had not yet ended, he had already ascended to first-class, and Zhao Meng’s defection had caused great unrest within the Outlaws. Under such circumstances, the odds of Jiang Chen rising to the top were considerable.

That was why, upon learning that Jiang Chen would return to the island today, many had gathered here early to await him.

“Congratulations to the Chief on advancing to first-class!”

“Welcome back to the island, Chief!”

As Jiang Chen stepped off the boat, waves of congratulatory voices rang out.

Jiang Chen himself remained unmoved, but Shi Tou, following behind him, couldn’t help but straighten his back with pride.

Meanwhile, atop Muyu Peak, Iron Man Tu and the Second Chief, Zhou Quan, silently watched the scene unfold.

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“The people’s hearts are with him.”

Iron Man Tu spoke as he watched the lively scene at the dock. His figure was tall and imposing, standing against the sunlight, casting a long shadow behind him.

At this, Zhou Quan, standing nearby, shook his head in mild disagreement.

“It’s not really Jiang Wang who holds the people’s hearts—it’s you, Chief. You’re only lending him that loyalty for now.”

His tone was low and deliberate, voicing his own view.

Others might not know, but Zhou Quan was well aware that the recent rumors had been deliberately spread by Iron Man Tu to lay the groundwork for Jiang Chen’s succession as leader—of course, all dependent on Jiang Chen passing the necessary tests.

“He returned without hesitation; that means he’s already passed the first trial. Since that’s the case, the rest will be simple.”

Gazing toward the dock, Zhou Quan’s mind raced through his thoughts.

In his view, Zhao Meng was obviously the chief culprit behind the Golden Sands Valley incident, but there were still many suspicious points. Jiang Wang, the valley’s guardian, definitely had his own schemes. That was precisely why Iron Man Tu had summoned him back—to observe his reaction.

If Jiang Wang returned decisively, all would be well; scheming a little was no problem, for in the Outlaws, even the lowliest underling harbored his own ambitions. So long as one was useful, that was enough. But if he hesitated, or tried to make excuses and delay, that would be another matter entirely.

Iron Man Tu smiled at Zhou Quan’s words.

Soon after, under the watchful eyes of Iron Man Tu and Zhou Quan, Jiang Chen ascended to Muyu Peak.

“You’ve broken through to first-class. Come—let’s test your skills.”

There was no beating around the bush. Iron Man Tu spoke with a smile.

Jiang Chen did not refuse. He knew Iron Man Tu wanted to assess him, and he himself was curious to test Iron Man Tu’s strength.

Seeing this, Iron Man Tu was quite satisfied and led Jiang Chen straight to a martial arena.

“My greatest skill is iron-body training. If you can force me to take a single step back, you win this time.”

Standing in the center like a statue of iron, Iron Man Tu’s rugged face brimmed with confidence.

At these words, Jiang Chen moved with the grace of drifting willow catkins, flitting through the air and striking out with a palm—the Heart-Rending Palm.

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Iron Man Tu’s expression did not change; he, too, sent out a palm. If Jiang Chen’s attack was all subtle softness, then Iron Man Tu’s was pure, raw force.

With a resonant hum, the two palms collided. A fierce gust erupted. Iron Man Tu stood unmoving, only the corners of his robe lifted by the wind, while Jiang Chen was flung swiftly backward.

“What terrifying physical strength.”

Borrowing the momentum with his agile footwork, Jiang Chen neutralized the force, his eyes flickering as he stared at Iron Man Tu.

In that clash, he hadn’t used any of his cultivator techniques—only his martial prowess, holding back only his killing intent. Even so, though they were both first-class, Iron Man Tu had effortlessly sent him flying.

If not for his exquisite footwork, allowing him to continually dissipate the force, he would have been injured by that single blow.

“He’s no ordinary man—whether it’s natural talent, some secret technique, or both working in tandem, I can’t say.”

As the thought flashed through his mind, Jiang Chen struck again, this time with a pointed finger. His curiosity about Iron Man Tu only deepened.

Noting this, Iron Man Tu couldn’t help but smile as well—Jiang Chen was performing even better than he had expected. Clearly, Jiang Chen was a true martial prodigy.

Thus, the two became locked in combat: one light and elusive, the other as steady as a mountain.

Outside the arena, watching this scene, Zhou Quan couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

He, too, had sparred with Iron Man Tu after attaining first-class. That experience had entirely extinguished his own arrogance; only those who had faced Iron Man Tu could truly understand his fearsome power.

Though best known for his iron-body training, Iron Man Tu mastered every form—palms, fists, kicks. Most terrifying of all, his body was inhumanly strong—impervious to blades or bullets, like a human-shaped beast, his power far beyond what any so-called first-class martial artist could achieve.

“Jiang Wang’s performance is far superior to mine back then—‘martial genius’ is no exaggeration. It’s only a pity he’s met a true monster of the martial path. Honestly, what puzzles me most now is why the Chief still hasn’t broken through to grandmaster. If even he cannot reach that realm, then I can’t imagine who else in the world could.”

As the two continued to battle, Zhou Quan’s thoughts drifted far away.