Why do I have so many masters?

"Being wanderers of Jianghu, you've got to keep your eyes open. In my view, is there anything in this world we can't get over? Besides, it's already December, and the New Year is just around the corner. Brother Wang, shouldn't you go home first?"

"No matter how big the issue is, one has to return home for the New Year, right? Hahaha..."

Wang Anfeng seemed stunned for a moment, a trace of nostalgia rising in his heart. Before him stretched a bleak winter landscape, and counting the days, it was already December, less than a month from the New Year. After the New Year, he would be seventeen years old.

Initially, he only wanted to leave Great Liang Village to see the outside world; little had he expected to experience so many things in just a few short years—deceitful people, secret dangers, as well as heroic figures who wielded their swords in a straightforward manner, loyal to their word. The sword lights and shadowy figures, the storm of blood and violence, the numerous tribulations within Jianghu – once entered, it was hard to leave.

Now, those tranquil days back in Great Liang Village seemed incredibly precious. Thinking of his youthful experiences, he couldn't help but feel a surge of nostalgia.

Seeing his expression, Wang Xingqing laughed and asked again:

"So, Brother Wang, have you made any plans?"

Wang Anfeng diverted his gaze and nodded, saying:

"Indeed..."

"Then, I shall take my leave from everyone in Anzhu City."

Anzhu City was on the border of Fufeng County and not far beyond lay Guan City. Guarded strictly and surrounded by vast plains, crossing them would lead directly into Wangxian County.

When Wang Anfeng first traveled from Wangxian to Fufeng, he constantly dodged pursuers, killed bandits in the forests, and murdered officials in the county cities. Therefore, he didn't take the official roads but passed directly through dense forests, entering right outside Fufeng County City, unfamiliar with this route.

This caravan was precisely traveling from Fufeng County City to Guan City, with carts full of rare New Year's goods. Given the relative poverty of the border areas compared to the county city and the scarcity of resources, with the New Year close at hand, these goods wouldn't have to worry about sales, making it a genuinely good business.

Hearing Wang Anfeng's answer, Wang Xingqing laughed:

"That's great. I'll inform the shopkeeper and arrange a separate room for you whenever we book accommodations. However, Brother Wang, the cost of the room will have to be covered by you. Following the caravan does save some expenses."

Wang Anfeng nodded and thanked him. Wang Xingqing waved his hand and joked a bit more. Then, he energetically clamped his legs around his horse's belly. The startled horse started moving, heading towards the front of the caravan, seemingly to inform the shopkeeper.

Wang Anfeng diverted his gaze.

The dry branch in his hand swung through the air.

Since the clue from White Tiger Hall had been lost, the only option was to find the senior Jiu Zizai, who had made a pact with him years ago. This ranger roamed unpredictably through Jianghu but had visited Qingfeng Edge to celebrate his birthday, indicating a significant connection.

Perhaps after the New Year, he should make a trip to Qingfeng Edge...

Wang Anfeng's eyes glazed over as he watched the landscape recede. His mind was flooded with thoughts, but thinking of returning to Great Liang Village, where he had grown up, made his heart stir with many ripples, no longer as calm as before.

Great Liang Village.

Uncle Li, Uncle Wang.

"Home..."

............

"Heavenly Sword Hong Hui, disarmament..."

"What a pity, the world has lost another great man."

Gongsun Jing sighed, closing the scroll in his hands and placing it on the table. It was densely packed with text, detailing the recent battle at the foot of Heavenly Sword Sect.

After the Giant Whale Gang absorbed the Twenty-Seven Allied Gangs of Xi Dingzhou, it had become a top-tier force in Fufeng. The Tan Residence, led by two generations of head chiefs, had planted numerous spies, now all under his control.

Any movement in the martial world of Fufeng could hardly escape their network. Not to mention others, just the information recorded in the scroll on Gongsun Jing's table alone was more than what ninety-nine percent of martial artists in Fufeng knew.

Upon receiving this news, Gongsun Jing was even tempted to consider setting up a branch near Heavenly Sword Sect.

But after some thought, he decided against it.

Although the Giant Whale Gang was powerful through his meticulous planning, they had only fully absorbed the region's martial power not long ago. Extending their influence further might seem overly ambitious and akin to biting off more than they could chew.

Moreover, stepping back, the Giant Whale Gang was a newly risen power in Jianghu, not yet solidly established. To the veteran forces, they were probably quite an eyesore. Any rash move that incited a collective attack would be a net loss.

His finger curled, tapping gently on the tabletop.

Gongsun Jing's brow furrowed slightly.

Still, though he decided not to establish a branch near Heavenly Sword Sect, as newly emerged powers in the Fufeng martial world, interaction was inevitable. He doubted how to approach Heavenly Sword Sect.

Should it be cautiousness, or should they ally?

The practices of martial sects differ from those of the Jianghu gangs. Sects have fewer disciples, but each is trained intensely by a dedicated master, giving them considerable individual strength above the common Jianghu followers.

However, when Jianghu gangs unite in battle formations, they can match others in combat, have broader support, and own more industries. Their access to information far exceeds that of ordinary sects.

In Fufeng, leading figures like Gongsun Jing, a skilled Middle Third Rank martial artist possessing territories in two states, ensured that the Giant Whale Gang could claim a prominent name. Although Heavenly Sword Sect had been declining due to the aging of their strongest member in recent years, Hong Hui's final strike had brought them back into the ranks of the major sects in Fufeng.