Forget the fact that Jiang Ran had just eaten a bowl of minced meat noodles.

Even if he hadn’t, he wouldn’t have been able to stomach anything now. Besides, this was hardly the time for a meal.

’This is an opportunity!’

For some unknown reason, the old drunkard had offended Tang Zuo, so much so that even this good-natured, wealthy man had flown into a rage.

This had prompted the old drunkard to write a letter, pleading for help.

Now, Tang Zuo’s daughter had been taken by the Qinghe Gang. ’If I can rescue her...’

’...then no matter what happened between the Tang family and my old master, it should all be forgiven and forgotten.’

’After all, to parents, their children’s safety is the most important thing in the world.’

With this in mind, he immediately stood up.

"I will go with you."

"Ah?"

Tang Zuo glanced at Jiang Ran, looking somewhat hesitant, but after a moment’s thought, he nodded.

"Let’s go."

Jiang Ran quickly picked up his saber and followed.

As they walked, Tang Zuo called over a few of the skilled men from the courtyard.

The large party swept out the gates and headed straight for the Qinghe Gang.

Along the way, Tang Zuo learned the full story from his servants.

The incident had been started by none other than Fan Jiwu.

He was the eldest son of Fan Yumou, the Qinghe Gang Leader.

He had always been highly favored by Fan Yumou.

This had fostered an arrogant and reckless personality, and he was used to doing as he pleased.

However, the man was clever.

No matter how wantonly he behaved, he always knew where the line was.

As a result, he had never caused any truly great disaster.

This time, however, for some unknown reason, he had suddenly decided to abduct a young woman by force.

And it just so happened that Tang Zuo’s younger daughter, Tang Huayi, was strolling nearby.

This young lady had always idolized the heroes of the martial world, yearning for the thrill of righting wrongs and drawing her sword to help those in need.

On days when there were no injustices to be found, she would find ways to stir up some trouble of her own.

So now that she had witnessed this, how could she possibly stand by and do nothing?

She intervened at once, starting a fight with Fan Jiwu.

Fan Jiwu’s martial arts were exceptional. Although Tang Huayi had learned some rudimentary skills, she was no match for him.

In just a few moves, she was captured by Fan Jiwu.

While they were fighting, the girl Fan Jiwu had originally intended to abduct managed to escape.

Enraged, Fan Jiwu declared that Tang Huayi would serve as a replacement and dragged her back to the Qinghe Gang headquarters.

After hearing the story, the flesh on Tang Zuo’s face trembled with rage.

All along the way, he cursed Fan Jiwu for his vile behavior, accusing him of using the Qinghe Gang’s power to act with impunity.

Then he would blame himself for being too indulgent with Tang Huayi, allowing her to get into such terrible trouble.

Jiang Ran, listening on the side, felt there was something strange about this whole affair.

’If he always knew where the line was, why would he suddenly abduct a woman for no reason?’

’And for the abduction to be witnessed by none other than Tang Huayi...’

’How could it all be such a coincidence?’

While he was lost in these thoughts, they arrived at the Qinghe Gang’s headquarters.

The place was located on East Street, a rather large compound.

In front of the gate, Qinghe Gang disciples in cyan robes stood on either side, vigilantly guarding the entrance.

After leading his men over, Tang Zuo took a deep breath, his potbelly preceding him as he took two steps forward and called out:

"I am Tang Zuo. I’ve heard my young daughter and Young Master Fan have had a small misunderstanding, and I have come to offer my apologies."

A few of the Qinghe Gang disciples exchanged glances, and one of them suddenly grinned.

"Ah, Tang Zuo. Our young master has said that today is a joyous occasion, so it’s not a good time for visitors."

"Wait a month, and the Young Master will bring his new bride home for a visit."

"Tang Zuo, you should just head back for now."

Tang Zuo’s face instantly darkened.

"Outrageous! What is this nonsense?"

"My daughter is an unmarried maiden! How can her reputation be sullied like this?"

"What gives the Young Master the right to speak such drivel and ruin a young woman’s honor?"

"Is this how the Qinghe Gang operates?"

Hearing this, the Qinghe Gang disciple dug in his ear with his pinky and said with a smirk:

"Don’t get upset, Tang Zuo. We’ll all be family soon. It’s better to be civil."

"Truly... truly outrageous!"

Tang Zuo took a sharp breath, his footing becoming unsteady. Sun Fu quickly stepped forward to support him.

Tang Zuo’s furious voice boomed:

"Fan Yumou... Where is Fan Yumou? I want to see him!"

"Oh, what a shame."

The Qinghe Gang disciple chuckled.

"Our Gang Leader accepted an invitation from Shopkeeper Wan, so he’s not here at the moment."

"I’m afraid it’ll be over a month before he’s back. Why don’t you try again then?"

At these words, Tang Zuo began to nod his head repeatedly.

"Good, good, good. So the Qinghe Gang is powerful, and you think you can just throw your weight around."

"But I, Tang Zuo, have made my way in Cangzhou Prefecture my entire life. I will not be bullied by the likes of you!"

"Even if I, Tang Zuo, die at the gates of the Qinghe Gang today, I will take my daughter home!"

"Men! Charge!"

"I’d like to see who dares!"

A furious roar suddenly erupted from within the compound.

The voice, laced with Inner Strength, made the ears of all who heard it ring.

Looking up, they saw a fierce-faced, middle-aged man leading a group of Qinghe Gang disciples out from within the compound.

"This is the headquarters of the Qinghe Gang. Trespassers... will die!"

"Hu Man?!"

Tang Zuo stared at the man, his jaw clenched tight.

The Qinghe Gang, unlike the Tang family, was one of the three great gangs of Cangzhou Prefecture.

Its disciples were killers who lived and died by the sword; violence was their trade.

Although the Tang family had its own Martial Artists to guard the estate, they could hardly contend with this pack of ruthless brawlers.

What’s more, the Qinghe Gang had four Hall Masters.

Every last one of them was an expert!

This Hu Man before them was none other than the Hall Master of Weihu Hall. His martial arts were profound, far beyond those of any ordinary Martial Artist.

At his arrival, the men beside Tang Zuo froze, not daring to make a move.

Tang Zuo felt a wave of fury and helplessness wash over him. Just as he was at a loss for what to do...

...he saw Jiang Ran part the crowd, his hand resting on the hilt of his saber as he slowly strode forward.

"My good son-in-law?!"

Tang Zuo started. "Don’t go over there, it’s dangerous."

Jiang Ran gave him a small smile and cupped his fist.

"Master Tang, you’ve mistaken me for someone else."

"This junior is Jiang Ran. I am not the son-in-law you speak of. I came to the Tang family to rescue my master."

"Half a month ago, I received a message from my master, informing me that he had offended you, Master Tang. I set out immediately to come to his aid."

"I never expected to be mistaken by you."

"But that doesn’t matter now."

"Now, Miss Tang is being held by the Qinghe Gang. This humble junior is willing to step in and rescue her. I only hope that in light of this, Master Tang, you will not make things difficult for my master."

"I apologize on his behalf!"

With that, he performed a deep bow, his attitude utterly sincere.

Though his current martial skill was astounding, he would never use it to bully others.

Before Tang Zuo could say another word, Jiang Ran turned to face Hu Man.

"Step aside."

"Who are you?"

Hu Man’s expression darkened.

"Jiang Ran."

Jiang Ran rested a hand on his saber.

"I am here to escort the Second Miss Tang home. I advise you not to stand in my way. Otherwise... don’t blame my saber for being merciless!"

"Hahaha, what nerve!"

Hu Man roared with laughter. With a swipe of his right hand at his waist, a nine-section whip appeared in his grasp.

"I don’t care who you are! Since you’re so determined to court death, I’ll be happy to oblige!"

The moment the words left his mouth, he flicked his wrist. The nine-section whip in his hand shot out like a Spiritual Snake flicking its tongue, moving like a dragon soaring through the sky.

Its momentum was unstoppable yet its movements were erratic and unpredictable. The tip of the whip aimed for several major acupoints on Jiang Ran’s chest.