Chapter 134: The Challenge Arrives, Renown Sweeps Through Jiangnan

Jiangnan Mountain, the highest peak in the Jiangnan region!

This mountain has always been the most prestigious place in all of Jiangnan. Yet, for many years, it has remained covered in lush, dense forests, with not a single soul to be seen. Everything about it belongs to only one man—the man who dominates the entire Jiangnan region: Su Yannan.

That night, a fine, persistent drizzle dampened the winding mountain path. A Maybach navigated the twists and turns until it reached the summit. At the top of Jiangnan Mountain sat a cave. Inside, it was pitch black, yet it emanated a terrifying, bone-chilling aura, as if the dark void were the mouth of the mountain itself, capable of swallowing everything whole.

As the Maybach came to a stop, an elderly man in a silk Tang suit stepped out. In the glow of the headlights, one could discern that he was the patriarch of the Su family. However, the typically arrogant Elder Su shed his pride upon reaching this place, becoming profoundly devout and respectful. He approached the cave entrance, peered into the darkness, and asked cautiously, "Third Brother, are you there?"

The cave remained silent for a moment before a deep, resonant voice echoed from within. "Brother, you visit in the dead of night. Is there an emergency?"

"Yannan, you... I... *sob*..." At this moment, the venerable Elder Su of the Jiangnan Su family broke down, weeping like a child.

Two piercing rays of light shot forth from the cave. "Do not weep, Brother. Tell me, what grievance has befallen you?"

Wiping away his tears, Elder Su said with a pained expression, "Yannan, I have enjoyed wealth and status in Jiangnan for decades, thinking that with the protection of you and our second brother, the Su family would flourish forever. But who would have thought that today, some brat would come to the Su family during my eightieth birthday celebration, run amok, kill several of my descendants, and abduct my granddaughter, Yanran!"

"Such a thing happened? What was the reason?"

"He treated Yanran for an illness, but demanded a consultation fee of ten billion!"

"Absurd! It is an honor for anyone to treat a member of the Su family. Not only did he fail to recognize this, but he demanded payment and even harmed our kin. He is courting death!"

Elder Su echoed his sentiment repeatedly. "Indeed! I told him of your name and your strength, but he remained indifferent. He abducted Yanran regardless and demanded that we produce the ten billion for him in three days!"

*Crack!*

Suddenly, a flash of lightning illuminated the sky, causing Elder Su to tremble. At the entrance of the cave, a middle-aged figure had appeared out of thin air. He was bearded and wore tattered, ragged clothes, looking much like a beggar. Yet, his eyes were incredibly piercing—brighter than the car's headlights—cutting through the gloom of the night and inspiring involuntary awe.

"Third Brother... you... you have come out?" Elder Su’s eyes grew red with excitement.

The man before him was none other than the legendary Martial Saint of Jiangnan—Su Yannan! He was the very foundation and pride upon which the Su family stood in Jiangnan.

Su Yannan stood with his hands behind his back, gazing into the distance, and sighed softly. "It seems that after ten years of seclusion, Jiangnan has forgotten the name Su Yannan. If that is the case, it is time to stain the beautiful lands of Jiangnan with blood once more."

...

The next morning, all of Jiangnan was in an uproar. Su Yannan of the Su family had announced the end of his seclusion. His target: Ling Xiao! A young man who dared to provoke the Su family.

At noon, on the Shanghu Lake of Jiangnan, the Martial Saint Su Yannan challenged Ling Xiao of Jiangzhou to a duel. Once the news spread, it shook not only Jiangnan but all eight corners of the realm.

What kind of figure was Su Yannan? He achieved fame in his youth, attaining the strength of a Martial Saint in just twenty-eight years. From then on, he struck down anyone in his path, defeating the masters of every county in Jiangnan and creating a myth of invincibility. Over the subsequent decades, his power grew ever higher, defeating one challenger after another who came to Jiangnan to duel him.

Yu Zhe, the Martial Saint of Lingnan sixty years ago; Chen Yu, the Master of Jiangbei forty years ago; Lu Jianchen, the King of Jiangdong ten years ago... Which of them were not renowned masters of the secular world in their respective eras? Yet, in the end, they all became stepping stones in the legend of Su Yannan.

This was why Su Yannan was a myth in the hearts of all the people of Jiangnan. He was undefeated. And those who are undefeated are myths. Now that the myth had emerged from seclusion, the world was stirred, the winds rose, and the masses were shocked. Countless tycoons and martial practitioners of the secular world flocked to Shanghu Lake, eager to witness the posture of the Martial Saint and to see what kind of fool dared to provoke the Su family.

The day in Jiangnan was overcast, the heavy clouds hanging low, making many feel an oppressive weight in their chests. The city, washed clean by the previous night’s rain, was pristine. Many people who had intended to enjoy the scenery at Shanghu Lake were inexplicably told that the lake was closed for the day, leading to much confusion and complaint.

"Why close the lake on such a nice day?"
"Exactly! It’s ridiculous. It’s hard enough to get a Sunday off, and I wanted to visit, but now this happens. What a buzzkill."
"There are so many weird things today. I went to buy binoculars this morning and checked several shops, but they were all sold out, as if every pair in Jiangnan had been bought up!"
"This is hellish! What a rotten Sunday!"

The common folk, of course, knew nothing of the true events. The truly powerful, however, arrived in a steady stream of luxury cars, rushing to the edge of Shanghu Lake to secure a good viewing spot. Many carried professional binoculars, hoping to catch a glimpse of the legendary undefeated myth of Jiangnan—the Martial Saint, Su Yannan.

Meanwhile, at the hotel, Ling Xiao awoke from his meditation, stretched, and stepped out of his suite. Su Yanran had been waiting for him. Seeing him emerge, her eyes flashed with both hatred and a hint of pity.

"You’re finally awake. I thought you were going to sleep until the afternoon!"

Ling Xiao glanced at her with indifference. "Whether I wake up or not, what does it have to do with you? I didn't ask you to sleep with me."

Su Yanran’s face flushed, and she glared at him fiercely. "Hmph! Don't be so arrogant! I tell you, your good days are over! My Third Granduncle, the Martial Saint of Jiangnan, Su Yannan, has challenged you to a duel at Shanghu Lake. The time is noon!"

Ling Xiao narrowed his eyes. "So, this fellow has finally come out."