That evening, the events at the Azure Dragon Mansion spread like wildfire, causing a huge stir in the Dragon Country's underground world!
"Are the Azure and Hong syndicates about to go to war?"
All the big bosses of the underground world across Dragon Country, shocked, couldn't help but ask themselves.
In the past years, the Azure and Hong syndicates had been rivals, but both sides had been restrained and had a tacit understanding, never crossing each other's bottom lines, thus maintaining a delicate balance.
Now, Huang Xiaoxie had led his men to challenge a subterranean boxing ring under the Azure syndicate, resulting not only in the loss of a master like Lei Bao, but Huang Xiaoxie himself was forced to kneel, representing the Hong syndicate, to apologize to Chu Wansong and the Azure syndicate!
This was different from the past conflicts; it had completely shattered that balance!
"Although it's impossible to confirm whether the Azure and Hong syndicates will go to war over this matter, it's certain that given Huang Xiong's approach to handling affairs, this is not over—he will definitely demand an explanation from the Azure syndicate, and may even make a move against Jiang Wuming!"
Ultimately, the bosses of Dragon Country's underground world made this judgment.
While the Dragon Country's underground world was in an uproar, the Dragon Country's martial arts community also experienced considerable commotion.
There were three reasons.
First, although Jiang Wuming was only an Eight-star martial artist, he was only twenty years old and possessed terrifying cross-realm combat capabilities, able to kill the strongest Martial Dao Grandmasters. He was already considered one of the most promising martial arts prodigies in the Dragon Country's martial arts community and was closely watched by many.
Second, Jiang Wuming was the son of Jiang Zhan, whose influence in the Dragon Country and even the global martial arts world was immense!
Third, Jiang Wuming served as a teacher at the Donghai Martial Arts Academy and was part of the Military Department, yet he represented the Azure syndicate in a competition, sparking huge controversy!
"Just an Eight-star martial artist, what trump cards does Jiang Wuming possess? Why is his combat power so strong that he can cross realms to kill Martial Dao Grandmaster overlords?"
This was the first point of curiosity for everyone in the Dragon Country's martial arts community.
The cross-realm combat ability displayed by Jiang Wuming had surpassed many people's understanding.
Whether it was the strongest successors of the top powers in the Dragon Country's martial arts community, or Jiang Zhan in his time, they could not achieve what Jiang Wuming had done at the Eight-star martial artist stage!
"Back then, Jiang Zhan was hailed as the pride and future of the Dragon Country's martial arts community. He led soldiers to guard Loulan, ensuring Dragon Country's stability, and his military achievements were glorious. He was a true national hero!
Now, Jiang Wuming, as the son of a hero, basking in his father Jiang Zhan's glory, joins the Donghai Martial Arts Academy, yet he participates in competitions for underground forces. This is desecrating Jiang Zhan's honor!"
"Setting aside whether Jiang Wuming is worthy of being a hero's son, as a teacher at the Donghai Martial Arts Academy and a formal member of the Military Department, his participation in competitions for underground forces is a serious dereliction of duty! The Military Department and the Donghai Martial Arts Academy should seriously deal with Jiang Wuming and expel him!"
While most people were curious about Jiang Wuming's combat strength, a minority also accused Jiang Wuming.
Among them were those who had had grudges with Jiang Zhan in the past, using this opportunity to retaliate.
Among them were some so-called righteous individuals, pointing fingers from a moral high ground.
Of course, among these people were a few highly respected martial arts seniors who addressed the issue factually, believing that Jiang Wuming's actions would have significant negative impacts on himself, the Donghai Martial Arts Academy, and the Military Department!
For a time, Jiang Wuming was once again thrust into the spotlight of Dragon Country!
...
The next evening, Ye Rui visited the home of Wang Lin and his son Wang Zhisheng.
While having dinner with Wang Lin and Wang Zhisheng, Ye Rui discussed Jiang Wuming's actions at the Azure Dragon Mansion the previous night.
"According to the information I've received, this matter has caused huge controversy in the martial arts community. Many people are criticizing Jiang Wuming's behavior, including some highly respected figures in the martial arts world. Some have even proposed that the Military Department and the Donghai Martial Arts Academy should seriously deal with Jiang Wuming—Uncle, you are truly a prophet!"
After taking a sip of wine, Ye Rui gave Wang Lin a thumbs-up.
On the day of Huangfu Weixia's birthday banquet, Wang Lin had predicted that Chu Wansong's protection of Jiang Wuming, at the risk of breaking ties with the Huangfu family, would be a misfortune rather than a blessing for Jiang Wuming.
Because Jiang Wuming's association with Chu Wansong could potentially drag him into the conflicts of underground forces, causing him to lose his protective shield as a teacher at the Donghai Martial Arts Academy!
"It's not difficult. After all, Huang Xiong, the boss of the Hong syndicate, was expelled from the Donghai Martial Arts Academy because of Jiang Zhan and was forced into the underground world. He must have hated Jiang Zhan to the bone!
In such a situation, with that Jiang Wuming associating with Chu Wansong, and given Huang Xiong's vindictive nature, he would most likely do something!
I even suspect that the Hong syndicate's challenge at the Azure syndicate might have been instigated by Huang Xiong!" Wang Lin said slowly.
"Dad, would that Huang Xiong dare to kill that scoundrel Jiang Wuming?"
Wang Zhisheng asked excitedly.
On that day, his arm was crippled by Jiang Wuming at the Longlan Hotel, and he was subsequently expelled from the Donghai Martial Arts Academy. He hated Jiang Wuming to the core, wishing to see Jiang Wuming meet a tragic end immediately!
"If Jiang Wuming continues to serve as a teacher at the Donghai Martial Arts Academy, Huang Xiong probably wouldn't dare. After all, taking action against someone from the Military Department is a provocation to the Military Department's authority, and no one would dare to do such a thing!" Wang Lin analyzed.
"Uncle, then do you think the Donghai Martial Arts Academy and the Military Department will deal with or even expel Jiang Wuming?" Ye Rui asked.
"With an incident like this happening, even if the Military Department and the Donghai Martial Arts Academy continue to let Jiang Wuming serve as a teacher at the Donghai Martial Arts Academy out of consideration for Jiang Zhan, they will inevitably face immense pressure.
And if Jiang Wuming commits similar acts in the future, neither the Donghai Martial Arts Academy nor the Military Department will be able to withstand the pressure.
This means that Jiang Wuming has already taken a step, which implies he will be expelled from the Donghai Martial Arts Academy sooner or later!
At that time, he will lose the protection of the Donghai Martial Arts Academy and the Military Department, becoming a target for everyone!"
Wang Lin made another judgment.
"Come, let us toast to the early arrival of this day!"
Upon hearing this, Ye Rui's mood brightened, and he smiled and proposed a toast.
Wang Lin and his son Wang Zhisheng also looked expectant.
The three raised their glasses, celebrating in advance.
...
At the same time.
The headquarters of the Eastern Domain Military Corps of the Military Department.
Qin Yuanzheng, the God of War of the Eastern Domain, was on the phone with Marshal Qi Wufu of the Military Department.
"Marshal, I specifically called Ren Xiaoyao today regarding Jiang Wuming's matter. He stated that he will not take any action against Jiang Wuming," Qin Yuanzheng reported.
"As expected."
On the other end of the phone, Qi Wufu, who was in Yanjing, smiled and said, "Xiaoyao has always been proud of Jiang Zhan, even erecting a statue of Jiang Zhan in the training ground of the Donghai Martial Arts Academy. With Jiang Zhan having died on the battlefield with no remains, it's natural for Xiaoyao to cherish and protect his descendant."
"Marshal, should I remind Jiang Wuming to try to avoid getting involved in underground faction disputes?" Qin Yuanzheng asked for instructions.
"No need."
Qi Wufu decisively rejected the suggestion.
"Why?"
Qin Yuanzheng was confused. "Even if Ren Xiaoyao and we ignore the dissenting voices this time and do nothing, if Jiang Wuming continues to act like this, we won't be able to protect him!"
"Back then, the Military Department owed Jiang Zhan; in the future, I hope Jiang Wuming will owe the Military Department," Qi Wufu stated his reason.
"What do you mean?"
Qin Yuanzheng was bewildered.
"In the future, Dragon Country, and even the world, will need him to protect it!"
Qi Wufu's words were astonishing, his vision far-reaching.