Chapter 11: Defiance

Clang!

In the living room, hearing her father's words, Chu Qingcheng immediately felt her face flush. She looked at Chu Qing with indignation and embarrassment, "What nonsense are you talking about!"

"Oh, my precious daughter, this is something Old Jiang and I have discussed long ago. Now that Young Master Jiang's engagement in the imperial capital has been dissolved, it's very suitable..."

Chu Qing beamed with a wide smile. "If you and Young Master Jiang could be together, both Old Jiang and I would be very pleased."

Jiang Chen, for his part, felt nothing in particular, but he didn't mind spending more time with Chu Qingcheng. Because of his father's wishes, he would always give it a try.

As for the outcome, it didn't really matter.

"It's getting late; I'm going to bed," Chu Qingcheng's face was flushed with a mix of shame and anger. Unwilling to listen to her father's ramblings any longer, she rose and headed for the door.

And then she heard her father mutter to Jiang Chen, "My daughter's character is very good, very independent, and she's the most famous beauty in Wild City! Jiang Chen, you must seize the opportunity; proximity breeds affection..."

This old rascal!

Chu Qingcheng's face darkened, her lips twitching as she quickened her pace.

If she stayed any longer, she truly feared her father would say something even more outrageous!

"Uncle Chu, you can just call me Chen. I also think Qingcheng's pretty good, but as for what happens next, we'll just take things as they come," Jiang Chen chuckled softly.

Glancing at Chu Qingcheng, who was fleeing in slight embarrassment, he felt an inexplicable amusement rise within him.

...

"Shocking! Luo Chuan is dead, and the Luo family has fallen!"

"Suspected to be the work of General Jiang's son, currently residing in the Chu family!"

...

As expected, in the next two days, news of Luo Chuan's death spread throughout Wild City!

In response, the Luo family maintained silence from beginning to end, and even began packing up to leave Wild City.

They had no choice; without a martial arts master to oversee them—and with the Luo family having dominated Wild City for so long—if they stayed, their demise would surely come swiftly.

Naturally, all the powers in Wild City now turned their gaze toward the Chu family.

"The imperial capital will dispatch new martial artists to take over Wild City. Until then, the elite families have chosen us, the Chu family, to temporarily manage Wild City and affairs on the northern battlefield."

Evening, Jiang Chen's residence.

Chu Qingcheng, dressed in a white dress that accentuated her graceful figure and exquisite beauty, truly lived up to her name.

She sat nearby, gazing at Jiang Chen intently. "Jiang Chen, Uncle Jiang's ashes are now kept at the Chu family. When you leave, you can take them with you—or shall we send them directly to Jiangnan?"

"Send them back to Jiangnan. I still need to visit each battlefield, to return the ashes of all our Jiang family's loyal martyrs back to Jiangnan," Jiang Chen pondered for a moment, then spoke softly. "There's nothing left to investigate here. Luo Chuan revealed nothing before his death. When all this settles, I'll leave."

"Alright," Chu Qingcheng replied after a brief silence, her voice gentle.

A surge of impulse rose within her. The Chu family had suffered great calamity as well; she wanted to follow Jiang Chen and avenge their enemies. Yet she knew she was powerless, and accompanying Jiang Chen would likely only be a burden.

Jiang Chen glanced at her, as if he understood her thoughts, but he did not respond.

This journey would be fraught with mountains and dangers; he couldn't take her along unprompted. But if she wished to follow, Jiang Chen would not refuse.

Chu Qingcheng's keen business sense would be invaluable for Jiang Chen in building a powerful force.

"By the way, now that your family is managing the northern battlefield, I need you to handle something for me," Jiang Chen said calmly after a moment's thought. "From the northern martial forces, assemble an elite unit for me—one that will be absolutely loyal to me personally."

He paused, then spoke softly, "Draw them from my father's original core troops."

He knew well that since Luo Chuan's appointment, his father's loyal soldiers had certainly suffered. Drawing an elite force from them would be both a support and a message.

Let the northern troops know—the Jiang family has not fallen, and is gathering strength. One day, the Jiang family will stand at the summit again!

"Alright, I'll arrange it as soon as possible," Chu Qingcheng agreed without hesitation, despite this being the formation of a private force. "This elite unit will follow you everywhere!"

With the Chu family's resources, supporting Jiang Chen's endeavors across the land would be no problem.

"Mm. As for your father's words, you needn't take them to heart," Jiang Chen said, his tone casual but thoughtful. "Marriage is a matter one must decide for oneself."

Clang!

Chu Qingcheng's cheeks flushed again. Her beautiful eyes glared fiercely at Jiang Chen, irritated. "Why do you always bring up the most awkward topics?"

A curious nervousness stirred within her.

Indeed, Jiang Chen's actions had left a deep impression on her. Yet Chu Qingcheng knew how heavy the burden on his shoulders was; she mustn't add to it now.

And most importantly, he would soon be leaving, wouldn't he?

"Heh, what, do you actually like me a little?" Jiang Chen's eyes sparkled with mischief as he laughed, "I must admit, you do fit my tastes. But, would you be willing to journey with me?"

"Nonsense!" Chu Qingcheng's cheeks grew even hotter as she stood and moved toward the door. "Enough, it's late. You should rest."

With that, she vanished through the door, while Jiang Chen glanced in a certain direction and shrugged, "Uncle Chu, you heard it. It's not that I don't have the idea—it's your daughter who doesn't agree!"

Outside the courtyard wall, Chu Qing, who had been eavesdropping, flushed awkwardly and walked away helplessly.

This stubborn girl—clearly moved, yet not a single response!

...

The next day, Jiang Chen personally accompanied Chu Qingcheng to send his father's urn onto a special flight to Jiangnan.

In a certain courtyard, nearly fifty imposing soldiers stood at attention.

Creak—

The courtyard gate opened. Chu Qingcheng led Jiang Chen inside.

Rustle!

All at once, the soldiers' bodies tensed, their faces solemn.

They knew that this cold-faced, noble young man before them was the only son of General Jiang—their future and only leader.

Yet the burly middle-aged man at the front looked impatient and irritable. "Reporting! The entire Dragon Squad, forty-eight members, reporting to you!"

Jiang Chen stood at the front, while Chu Qingcheng stood obediently behind him, watching quietly.

"Are some of you dissatisfied?" Jiang Chen frowned slightly, sensing the squad's faint hostility. "If you pledge loyalty to me, speak any grievances now—otherwise, I won't accept you."

With that, he turned to leave.

The next moment, the burly middle-aged man spoke up,

"Reporting, Young Master, indeed, we are dissatisfied!"