Outside the gate of a large mansion in the Inner City, the sitting hall masters of several martial arts guilds gathered at a nearby restaurant, each drinking tea.

However, judging by their occasional glances out the window with expectant expressions, it seemed more like they were waiting for a spectacle.

Han Yang from the Celestial Eagle Martial Arts Hall asked:

"Have the invitations been sent?"

Mu Chun from the Broken Blade Sect nodded:

"He's a captain from the Zhechong Prefecture; he may not care to show respect to us old folks."

Zhu Wan from the Divine Hand Sect sneered:

"We never expected to rely on our personal connections to make Captain Tao relent. It's just a gesture, and if Bai Qilang sees it, it's a favor all the same."

Mu Chun held two iron balls in his hand, constantly rubbing and colliding them:

"A strong dragon does not suppress a local bully; why doesn't Captain Tao understand this principle?

In Black River County, Bai Qilang can cover the sky with one hand. Why must he insist on making a stand against him?"

Zhu Wan lowered his head and chuckled:

"He's just a captain from Zhechong Prefecture. In Yihai Prefecture, he may be a figure, but if he wants to climb higher, he needs to work for more powerful players to find a path.

Who doesn't know that Bai Qilang is resourceful, with a master who is a Four Cultivation Grandmaster in Circulation of Qi.

A smart person wouldn't seek trouble for themselves, but not everything is within their control."

Mu Chun grabbed the iron balls with his large palm, shaking his head:

"Bai Qilang is not in a hurry; he's composed. Even with his ships seized and his workers detained, he remains as steady as a mountain, without showing up."

Han Yang took a sip of tea and said slowly:

"The one being grilled is Tao Rong. If Bai Qilang takes the initiative to visit, it would give him an out, a reason to release the people. If it were me, I wouldn't bother either, since he'll only lose a thousand taels of silver or so."

Zhu Wan squinted:

"The fish stall recruited Lei Xiong and Wang Ding, clearly intending to change the He Family of Black River County into the Bai Family.

Tao Rong deliberately makes trouble, blocking financial paths, which is akin to killing someone's parents. If this continues, I don't think it will end well."

Han Yang looked at the bright color of the tea:

"Has Master Li been notified?

During the Red Eyebrow Bandits' attack on the city, thanks to Ninghai Zen and Lao Dao from Tongwen Hall stepping in, a great disaster was averted. All the sitting hall masters of the martial arts guilds owe them a favor.

Additionally, with Bai Qi's advice, reorganizing the guards into a militia, the influence of the martial arts guilds has increased significantly.

Therefore, the masters of several martial arts halls in the Inner City all stand with Bai Qilang.

Without He Wenbing stirring up trouble, with Bai's Fish Stall's connections with the kilns and the martial arts guilds, plus pulling in Song Lin from Chai Market, calling the local bullies of Black River County a 'united front' wouldn't be an exaggeration.

"The message was sent to Wagang Village last night."

Mu Chun replied.

"Master Li once served under Grand General Zhao in Celestial Water Prefecture; an officer like Captain Tao isn't much in comparison.

Support is always higher up on the mountain."

Looking at the mansion where Tao Rong was, Han Yang showed no schadenfreude, only hoped that Captain Tao would be wise enough not to make everyone unable to back down.

Otherwise, the Red Eyebrow Bandits might end up with another life debt to carry.

It's quite troubling.

"Doesn't that Tao know that Bai Qilang is Master Li's apprentice?"

Mu Chun frowned slightly.

"They haven't done thorough research. They're new here; how could they grasp the ins and outs of Black River County?"

Zhu Wan's mouth twisted into a mocking smile:

"These city gentlemen naturally look down upon this backwater, thinking themselves grand and expecting everyone to kneel in reverence on sight.

They say a shallow pond can't raise flood dragons, a small temple can't house a great Buddha.

This time, we must let Captain Tao run into a wall!"

...

...

Half an hour later, Li Yuan stormed into the mansion:

"Tao Rong, look at your audacity! You've become a captain of the Brave Guard and pretend not to know this old man here?"

In his early years, he served in Grand General Zhao Pijiang's military office, overseeing military weapon construction and iron smelting, having dealt with many elite fighters.

One among them was the Silver Hammer Grand Protector, Pei Yuanqing, known throughout the Celestial Water Prefecture.

A Brave Guard captain without strong backing like Tao Rong should respectfully call him "Master Li," otherwise it would be seen as impolite.

"Master Li, you've misunderstood! I was just thinking of finishing my duties and then paying you a visit..."

Tao Rong never expected Li Yuan to come so quickly. He had heard Chen Zhao mention that Bai Qi was currently learning at the kiln.

But with the kiln being a large establishment with hundreds of apprentices, was this connection really worth Li Yuan rushing here to sternly question him?

"Visit? You splash mud on our apprentice's head, seize his ships, detain his workers, and still plan to visit! Do you expect me to bow and plead for mercy?!"

Li Yuan, disheveled and travel-worn, seemed like he had ridden hard overnight, his hair and beard standing on end. With spring approaching, Ah Qi was busy wrapping up business affairs so he could peacefully work with him on forging and weapon-making.

But now Tao Rong has thrown a wrench into his plans!

"Master Li, I..."

Tao Rong was starting to sweat, not daring to show any temper in front of Li Yuan.

Although this elder was no longer the Master Craftsman of the General's Mansion and had retired, the favors he held were still significant.

Apart from the Silver Hammer Grand Protector, Pei Yuanqing, there was also the Black-faced Tai Sui, Xue Wentong, with his Iron Oil Pressing Hammer; the Forbidden City Manor Master, Liang Tai, with his Human-faced Black Copper Hammer; and a Golden Hammer Overlord from the Eight Pillars of the Realm, whose real name was unknown.

This fearsome network of connections was enough to make even someone like Chen Zhao step aside, let alone a mere captain like him.

"I only ask you one thing, will you release the people?"

Li Yuan's tiger eyes widened. Had it not been for the martial arts guilds informing him, he wouldn't have known about Ah Qi's trouble.

When a disciple encounters a problem, it's the perfect time for a master to demonstrate their capabilities.