Upon hearing Zhang Yao's words, Qingzhuo remained silent for a moment, then spoke in a low voice: "On the night of the incident, a senior brother protected me, and we fought our way out of the ambush of the chaotic army."
"But in order to protect me, that senior brother eventually succumbed to his injuries and passed away, leaving only me to survive."
"As for Lord Guanlu..."
He paused, revealing a trace of sorrow: "He and several other lords all perished in the Battle of the Atrium, witnessed by that senior brother."
Zhang Yao felt his heart sink.
Qingzhuo's words completely shattered the last trace of hope he held onto.
Lord Guanlu indeed died, forever remaining in Qingping Palace, leaving Zhang Yao with no chance to repay his kindness.
"...I understand."
Zhang Yao took a deep breath and slowly said: "It seems that after the upheaval that night, only the two of us managed to escape by chance."
He looked at Qingzhuo and Daoist Guan Yuan, asking: "I wonder what brought you two to me today?"
"If there's anything I can assist with, I won't hesitate as long as it's within my capabilities."
He still had some affection for the remaining members of Qingping Palace.
As long as it didn't conflict with his own interests and there was no danger, he was willing to lend a hand.
Upon hearing his words, Daoist Guan Yuan and Qingzhuo exchanged a glance and both breathed a sigh of relief.
"Nephew Qingxu, here's the situation."
Daoist Guan Yuan was the first to speak, his tone carrying a touch of politeness: "Now that you've joined Hall Master Zhou, your future looks promising. I'm genuinely happy for you."
"However, Qingzhuo and I have been worried, restless day and night, trying every possible means for the reestablishment of Qingping Palace."
"If convenient, I'd like to ask you to introduce us to Hall Master Zhou. We have something to discuss with him."
"Oh?"
Zhang Yao's expression shifted slightly, considering for a moment before speaking: "Alright, I'll inform him on your behalf."
Soon, Zhang Yao returned to the inner courtyard of the martial arts hall and sought out his master Zhou An, detailing the matter to him.
"Oh, the survivors of Qingping Palace want to meet me..."
Zhou An furrowed his brows but then slowly relaxed them, saying: "I understand... Let them come in."
...
After entering the inner courtyard of the martial arts hall, Daoist Guan Yuan and Qingzhuo met with Zhou An behind closed doors for a discussion.
An hour later, Daoist Guan Yuan and Qingzhuo bid farewell to Zhang Yao and departed with joyful expressions.
"Master, how did it go?"
Zhang Yao curiously asked Zhou An.
He could roughly guess the purpose of Daoist Guan Yuan and Qingzhuo's visit but was quite curious about their bargaining chips.
"It went well, a win-win result."
Zhou An smiled, seemingly in a pleasant mood: "They are isolated and need external forces to reestablish Qingping Palace, so they naturally have to offer their last resources."
"Besides the arranged silver coins and Qingping Palace's century-old accumulated wealth, they've also promised to hand over Qingping Palace's Inner Family True Inheritance once the matter is settled!"
"What?"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Yao was taken aback.
An Inner Family True Inheritance is the foundation of a clan or sect, as precious as life itself.
However, he quickly realized that it made sense—Qingping Palace was already destroyed, so why hold onto it?
"A Yao, this is also your opportunity."
Zhou An patted his shoulder, laughed heartily, and said: "Earlier, I was worried about this matter, but unexpectedly, the opportunity presented itself."
"However, the chaotic army entrenched in Qingping Palace is not weak, and my Golden Furnace Martial Arts Hall alone might not be able to handle it."
"I need to contact a few more parties to join forces because, after all, the most important Inner Family True Inheritance can be copied, and the remaining gold, silver, and wealth can be equally split."
He paused, speaking solemnly: "Your strength already rivals that of a Great Success Martial Artist, but your fist technique isn't yet proficient, and your combat experience is insufficient."
"This attack on the chaotic army in Qingping Palace is the best combat opportunity, and with me and a few of your senior brothers watching over you, you won't be in much danger."
"You'll also have the chance to personally seek revenge and fulfill one of your wishes."
"Yes."
Zhang Yao nodded heavily, his emotions stirred.
Months ago, the chaotic army's surprise assault shattered his stable life and future aspirations.
He fled like a wild dog, without the courage to resist, filled with repressed grievances and indignation.
He knew his own weakness, which is why he kept it all hidden within.
"As the saying goes, 'A thousand days of soldier training for one moment of battle!'"
"I've been tirelessly practicing martial arts day and night to play a role at this crucial moment."
Zhang Yao took a deep breath and said: "I understand, Master. Please rest assured, I will prepare myself."
"Good."
Zhou An appreciatively patted his shoulder, saying: "Then wait for my good news."
...
With Zhou An mediating, everything progressed smoothly.
Apart from the Thunder Martial Arts Hall, almost no one from the martial arts circles of the city, including martial arts halls and escort agencies, could resist the temptation of an Inner Family True Inheritance.
After all, it symbolizes a better future and higher status, and even if one can't master it, passing it on to future generations is excellent.
Just three days later:
"The matter is settled."
At the dining table, Zhou An spoke with a relaxed demeanor:
"This time, a total of three martial arts halls and two escort agencies will jointly take action."
"Lord Guanyuan has secretly returned to Lotus Village, contacting local prominent families to provide cover for our surprise attack."
"That little Daoist child is still around, and when we're ready to act, he'll guide us."
Speaking thus, he looked at those seated at the table and said: "This time, Yao'Er will also join us in action, while Hongxiu will stay home."
Zhou Hongxiu grumbled discontentedly but dared not voice opposition.
She knew her Martial Dao talent was average, and her "Hong Yun Leg Technique" had yet to reach Great Success; joining them would only be a hindrance.
Meanwhile, Meng Zongwei and Zhang Yannian maintained calm expressions, showing little emotional response.
Having practiced martial arts for over a decade and participated in numerous battles, including the suppression of some Refugee Army and bandits, they were no strangers to bloodshed.
The next morning.
Zhou An gathered Zhang Yao and the others, twisting a vase in the study.
"Rumble..."
Accompanied by the sound of machinery, the bookshelf moved, revealing a hidden chamber that slowly opened.
"Come in."
Zhou An called out and stepped inside first.
Zhang Yao curiously surveyed the scene, and upon entering the hidden chamber, he saw several suits of armor hanging on racks, all forged from fine iron, gleaming with a cold sheen.
"Hiss..."
He gasped lightly, showing some surprise.
To discover armor hidden in the martial arts hall truly astonished him.
However, in these chaotic times, it seemed quite normal; those with resources would prepare in advance rather than resign themselves to fate.
Zhou An caressed the suits of armor, his eyes filled with emotion: "The battle array is perilous, blades and swords know no mercy, no matter how skilled one is in martial arts."
"These suits of armor are my secret acquisition at a high price; they're the martial arts hall's treasury."
Saying this, he turned to look at Zhang Yao, gesturing: "A Yao, give it a try and see if any suit fits you."