Chapter 137 – Mysterious Intervention Causes Turmoil

Three months later, in the bitter cold of deep winter, the long-awaited winter break had finally arrived for students.

What should have been a tranquil scene was shattered when Southern Yuan Northern Ma delivered devastating news, sending shockwaves through the martial world.

Their disciples had been systematically attacked by a mysterious assailant.

What shocked everyone was the assailant’s extreme cruelty – not only were the disciples’ meridians completely severed, but they were permanently crippled.

This sparked widespread speculation throughout the martial world, with many beginning to believe someone was targeting Southern Yuan Northern Ma.

The once unshakable legend now faced its greatest challenge in history.

This was undoubtedly a development many subordinate forces had been hoping to see.

Today marked the scheduled meeting between Southern Yuan and Northern Ma, and the announcement had drawn countless watchful eyes.

Nangong Beifu Five-Star Hotel.

Long before the Yuan Ma representatives arrived, numerous luxury vehicles had already poured into the venue.

At the entrance stood two rows of exceptionally attractive male and female greeters. Whenever successful businessmen in suits came and went, they would smile warmly, perfectly embodying the principle that “the customer is god.”

Entering the main hall, the vast space exceeded all expectations.

The opulence rivaled that of imperial palaces. Throughout the venue, servers of both genders frequently appeared, delivering various exquisite delicacies.

Every private room was packed to capacity, and the main halls teemed with people – a testament to the prestige of the five-star designation.

The reception corridor leading to the Imperial Hall was even more extraordinary. Groups of plain-clothed guards with cold eyes patrolled back and forth, numbering over a hundred!

These were the hidden elite forces of Southern Yuan Northern Ma.

Known in the martial world as the Xingyi Sect’s Hundred-Battle Boxing Champions, each was a top-tier expert in their field!

Their purpose was to uphold the dignity of the Xingyi Sect.

But today, to handle potential troubles and ensure the meeting’s successful conclusion, they had deployed their entire force.

As preparations were finalized, the direct elevators on both sides of the corridor opened simultaneously, releasing dozens of elderly men with graying temples.

“Patriarch Yuan, it’s been too long. How have you been recently?”

“To think Patriarch Ma would come in person – you honor this humble establishment…”

“Not at all, not at all.”

“Thinking back to when we were in our prime, who would have imagined time would change everything? Now we’ve both become old men.”

“Ah, as long as the heart remains young, the spirit never dies.”

“Hahaha… after you!”

As the elders filed in, the main doors closed behind them.

The place had become as impregnable as a fortress – not even a fly could hope to enter.

It wasn’t until half an hour later that ripples finally appeared on this seemingly calm surface.

On the roof, a mysterious figure sat cross-legged in meditation. Gazing down at the sea of people below, he let out a cold sneer.

Whoosh!

He flicked a pebble with his finger.

Thump!

Below, an unfortunate man who had been chatting and laughing moments earlier suddenly felt as if someone had punched him in the back.

Stumbling forward, he fell face-first in a most undignified manner.

“Hahaha, Brother Yuan Xiao’en, what’s wrong with you? There are no elders in front of you – why such a formal greeting…”Hearing these words, Yuan Xiao’en spun around abruptly, only to see the Ma family disciples all wearing mocking smiles, while even some from his own Yuan family watched coldly without intervening.

At that moment, Yuan Xiao’en wished he could burrow into a hole in the ground.

His dignity had been utterly shattered!

Thinking this, Yuan Xiao’en immediately roared: “You Ma clan scoundrels, how dare you lay hands on me!”

The Ma family disciples fell silent at his outburst, inevitably responding with icy stares, but soon broke into unified scornful laughter.

“Yuan Xiao’en, you can eat recklessly, but you can’t speak recklessly. Everyone here is watching – this is pure slander. If you don’t provide proof, even if we truly cripple you, your Yuan family elders likely won’t have much to say.”

“With a clown like you in the Yuan family, your fate is clearly sealed. You fall on your own yet blame others – your framing skills need improvement.”

“Hmph, Yuan Xiao’en, you’re measuring gentlemen’s hearts with your petty standards. If we wanted to beat you, why would we ambush you? I’d dare confront you openly!”

It could be said Yuan Xiao’en’s words had stirred up a storm.

The Ma family disciples erupted in chaotic arguments, all shouting angrily, itching to attack en masse to defend their Ma family’s honor.

Yet Yuan Xiao’en showed no panic, his face cold and stern as he declared righteously: “As the saying goes, a clear conscience fears no knocking at midnight. You’re so quick to throw dirty water on me to divert suspicion – what logic is this?”

Then his tone shifted, growing more convinced of his suspicions as he sneered: “Afraid your guilt is showing? Brave enough to strike but too cowardly to admit it? I utterly despise your kind!”

“You’re full of shit!!”

“You dog! Keep wagging that tongue and I’ll make sure you never leave this place!”

“Are all Yuan family members like this? Even being called Southern Yuan Northern Ma feels deeply shameful now!”

“How dare you slander our Yuan family! Your Ma clan are the true scum of the martial world!”

This scene was naturally witnessed by spies from numerous factions, all secretly delighted.

As the proverb goes: When dogs bite dogs, both end up with fur in their mouths.

They all desperately hoped Southern Yuan and Northern Ma would come to blows!

Thus, this crucial intelligence quickly reached various factions, causing countless hidden sects to begin stirring.

Another saying goes: Chaos breeds heroes.

This represented a rare golden opportunity they couldn’t afford to miss.

Meanwhile.

In the fifth-floor hall, heated discussions were underway about the mysterious figure’s true identity.

With incidents occurring simultaneously on both sides, it suggested the mysterious presence wasn’t limited to just one individual.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

Just then, the door rattled with knocking. The assembled elders ceased their intense discussions, all turning to look at the two family heads.

“Elder Chenghe, please investigate the disturbance.”

“Yes, Family Head.”

“Elder Chenghu, you go check as well.”

“Understood!”

Watching the two elders depart, the assembly resumed sharing opinions – some discussing potential cooperation against future crises, others accusing each other of being connected to the mysterious group.

Once these topics were laid bare on the table, the hall fell so quiet you could hear a pin drop.Yuan Patriarch, Yuan Jiaxiong sighed at this sight and said, “Elders, since we can sit here together, we should set aside our prejudices. Now that someone dares to take action against our Xingyi Sect, if we continue to distrust each other, who stands to benefit? I believe everyone here understands clearly.”

Ma Jiaying, upon hearing this, chimed in agreement, “Indeed. Since Yuan Patriarch has spoken thus, as the head of the Ma family, I naturally support presenting a united front against external threats.”

He then added, “As for the grievances between us, they belong to the past. The current issue is how we should cooperate.”