After Wu Ji's death, the higher echelons of the Martial Association summoned Wu Xingteng. Upon learning the full story, Wu Xingteng began to mobilize powerful individuals.
Although Ye Longlin had killed over ten thousand people in the battle at Shenglong Lake, it was inconsequential in Wu Xingteng's eyes; they were merely a scattered mob. A hastily assembled force, unfamiliar with each other, further demoralized by Ye Longlin's onslaught, was like a heap of sand.
This time, however, it was different.
Wu Xingteng, the former chairman, possessed unparalleled influence.
The force he rallied was in no way comparable to the one Wu Ji had gathered!
In essence, this conflict was akin to a struggle between old aristocracy and commoners, with Ye Longlin representing the latter, and the Martial Association, the former.
"In half a month, the Martial Association's quinquennial Martial Arts Tournament will be held at Lingfeng Resort, with invitations extended to martial arts powerhouses from across the land."
At noon, a message disseminated from the Martial Association, down to its various branches, spreading throughout the nation. Simultaneously, a select group of top experts were invited to be on standby.
Upon hearing this news, countless individuals were invigorated.
Many, sensing the impending storm of conflict, declared they would certainly attend.
However, whether they would participate or merely observe remained unknown.
"The Martial Association has invited many strong individuals, Boss. Are we not going to make any moves?"
Yuan Gang had also retired and had little to do, so he preferred to remain by his Boss's side. Furthermore, they were still discussing moving into the Commander's Mansion with the Boss's wife.
The Commander's Mansion was located at Number One Chang'an Avenue, a mere ten-minute walk from the Hall of Glory.
It was a prime location, worth its weight in gold.
This Commander's Mansion was a relic of the last century. Occupying over two thousand square meters, the Hall of Glory had intended to demolish it twenty years prior, but for various reasons, it had not been torn down. Now, with Ye Longlin ascending to the position of Commander of the Three Armies, the Commander's Mansion had naturally been transferred to his name.
Since he was unwilling to appear in public or stand in the spotlight, and considering his countless contributions to the nation over the years, the mansion was transferred to Ye Longlin's ownership with the Supreme Commander's approval.
Now that the Four Great Vajras had all retired, they did not wish to leave their Boss's side. Hence, they continuously tried to persuade him to move in. However, their Boss remained unmoved, so they turned their efforts to persuading Mu Hanqi.
If Mu Hanqi agreed, even if Ye Longlin was unwilling, he would have to move.
Yuan Gang simply wished to be the steward.
"Sister-in-law, think about it. Boss definitely won't be able to leave the capital in a short period. And if something happens, we can provide support quickly. If we move there, let Brother Qinglong and Sister-in-law move in too. You'll have company, won't you?
Moreover, Boss is on the verge of a decisive battle with the Martial Association, and we haven't made any preparations. If we move, the people helping out can also live at home, and at least no one will dare to make a move in secret!"
Yuan Gang pleaded earnestly. He genuinely wished to move in; moving in would significantly elevate their status!
Mu Hanqi hesitated, "Isn't it a bit inappropriate? I quite like this small courtyard, and besides, your brother doesn't want to move."
Xuan Niao chimed in, "Sister-in-law, Yuan Gang is indeed telling the truth. Think about it, the Martial Association is such a massive organization. If Boss pushes them too far and they use you against him, Boss might get hurt. But if we move there, Boss's master can also come over. Not only can he protect your safety, but he can also back Boss up, ensuring Boss doesn't get into trouble."
After more than half an hour of persuasion, Mu Hanqi finally agreed, much to the relief of both men.
In fact, there was a deeper reason.
The owner of the Commander's Mansion was Great Xia. Now that Ye Longlin was moving in, it would project an aura of invincibility. To put it bluntly, even though he had retired, living in the Commander's Mansion clearly indicated to anyone with discerning eyes that if Ye Longlin were to meet with misfortune, Great Xia would be the one to bear the brunt of it.
Anyone else could suffer misfortune, but not him.
Yuan Gang and Xuan Niao exchanged a glance, then proceeded to the Commander's Mansion to make preparations.
Therefore, seeking out the Boss for such matters was futile; one had to appeal to the Sister-in-law. Once she intervened, even the Boss, unwilling as he might be, would have to comply.
That evening, after Ye Longlin returned from playing chess, Mu Hanqi said to him, "Woody, shall we move to the Commander's Mansion?"
Ye Longlin's hand paused, and he smiled as he asked, "Why the sudden thought of moving to the Commander's Mansion? Isn't it good here?"
Mu Hanqi remained silent. What she valued was the protective layer the Commander's Mansion could provide for Ye Longlin. Even without the title of Commander of the Three Armies, living there would at least give others the impression that he would undoubtedly return one day.
Even if he didn't, the Commander's Mansion was not a place just anyone could inhabit.
After all, no one had lived there for decades. Moving in now would undoubtedly stir up considerable speculation.
"If you don't move, I'll move there myself tomorrow," Mu Hanqi pouted, saying with a hint of grievance.
Ye Longlin rolled his eyes in exasperation, "I didn't say I wouldn't move."
How could he not know that this was the 'achievement' of Yuan Gang and Xuan Niao? He agreed to this matter because he recognized its underlying value.
At the very least, it could protect Mu Hanqi.
Even if the Martial Association was cornered, they would not dare to target Mu Hanqi. Doing so would be tantamount to provoking Great Xia.
That evening, the Commander's Mansion was brightly lit. Various housekeeping companies, moving companies, decoration companies, and furniture companies began their work, thoroughly cleaning the Commander's Mansion, equipping it with furniture and appliances, and even undertaking rapid renovations in certain areas.
The entire capital was abuzz that night.
The Commander's Mansion!
One didn't even need to think; it meant Ye Longlin was preparing to move in. However, for the Martial Association, this news was not good; in fact, it was considered dire.
The atmosphere in the capital plummeted to freezing point. It was the most somber and殺伐 (shā fá - murderous/combative) it had been in decades. Every moment felt like an ordeal.
The Martial Arts Tournament in half a month would either see the demise of the Martial Association or the premature end of the former Commander of the Three Armies.
At this critical juncture, Ye Longlin moving into the Commander's Mansion was equivalent to a direct declaration to the Martial Association: "Great Xia is behind me, deal with it as you see fit." This placed the Martial Association in an awkward predicament, as if their face had been slapped invisibly.
At the Martial Arts Tournament, they intended to kill Ye Longlin.
Now, Ye Longlin moving into the Commander's Mansion was like a challenge: "Come and kill me!"
It was an undisguised provocation.