Starting as a Grandmaster, all of my cultivation techniques are at max level.

"Young man, was it you who laid a hand on my daughter at the market just now?" Pei Linhai reached out and pressed down on his daughter's shoulder, his gaze sweeping over Xia Jin as he spoke in a deep voice.

Pei Linhai's voice wasn't loud, but the oppressive aura unique to those who had long held positions of power was unmistakably released.

If it were an ordinary person, being stared at like that by the city lord of Longyuan City would probably have made their legs go weak with fear.

Xia Jin met Pei Linhai's gaze without flinching and said calmly, "Lord Pei, you flatter me. If your daughter hadn't been so aggressive and made the first move, I wouldn't have dared to act."

Pei Linhai didn't speak, but instead gave Xia Jin a deep look.

This young man is no ordinary person. And judging from his daughter's past behavior, it's probably true what this kid said.

But no matter what, since this brat dared to bully his daughter, if he just let it go like this, where would the face of his city lord's mansion be?

The Grand Hall Master suddenly coughed lightly, "Lord Pei, this might just be a misunderstanding! Xia Jin is my disciple in the lower realm and also the deputy commander of my Silver Sand Army. In tomorrow's competition, she will represent Silver Sand City! It's just a small misunderstanding between young people. It's best to clear it up. There's no need to hurt our harmony."

Upon hearing this, a glint of light flashed in Pei Linhai's eyes.

Who will participate in the competition in Silver Sand City?

If that's the case, then Ling'er's revenge might not have to wait until tomorrow.

Pei Linhai gave Xia Jin a deep look, then glanced at the Grand Hall Master, and suddenly smiled.

"In that case, let's leave it at that!" Pei Linhai nodded. "Tomorrow, I also want to see how your man performs."

"Father!" Pei Qianling's eyes widened in disbelief. "You...you're just going to let it go like this?"

"I said we'll talk about it later." Pei Linhai's tone was gentle, but his eyes became somewhat stern.

Pei Qianling bit her lip, glanced at her father, glared fiercely at Xia Jin, and gritted her teeth as she uttered, "You just wait!"

Then he turned and ran, but after a couple of steps he turned back, swung his fist at Xia Jin, his face full of resentment.

Pei Linhai watched his daughter's retreating figure, shook his head helplessly, turned around and cupped his hands in a gesture of respect to the Grand Hall Master: "Your Highness, please forgive my daughter's unruly nature; she has made a fool of herself in your presence."

The Grand Hall Master waved his hand with a smile, speaking casually: "Lord Pei, what are you saying? Your daughter is straightforward and genuine. Young people are like that, it's normal for them to have a little temper. Lord Pei, you don't need to take it to heart."

After exchanging a few more polite words, Pei Linhai's gaze inadvertently swept over Xia Jin, and he smiled meaningfully before turning and leaving with his men.

......

"Father, are you just going to let that brat go like that?"

In Pei Qianling's boudoir, her face was full of dissatisfaction as she glared angrily at Pei Linhai, who was leisurely sipping tea in front of her.

Pei Linhai slowly put down his teacup, glanced at his daughter, and smiled slightly.

"Let him go?" He chuckled, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes. "Ling'er, you underestimate your father."

Pei Qianling was taken aback, then quickly walked to Pei Linhai's side, plopped down in the chair next to him, grabbed her father's arm with both hands and shook it vigorously: "Dad, what exactly do you mean? Tell me quickly!"

"Hmph." Pei Linhai snorted coldly, reached out and patted his daughter's hand. "Why are you in such a hurry? Jun Wuyuan from Silver Sand City is here today. If I directly clash with him, it will only make my Dragon Abyss City seem petty and oppressive to the younger generation."

Pei Qianling pouted. Although she was still unconvinced, she had to admit that her father was right.

Jun Wuyuan, that old fox, may seem calm and unassuming on the surface, but he is no ordinary person to be able to hold the position of city lord in a place like Silver Sand City. It would indeed be unwise to break ties with him in front of everyone.

"Besides, that kid is going to represent Silver Sand City in the competition tomorrow. Wouldn't it be more satisfying to have your sworn brother teach him a lesson on the stage in front of everyone?"

Pei Qianling's eyes suddenly lit up.

Seeing his daughter's expression change from aggrieved to excited, Pei Linhai couldn't help but smile and continued, "You know your sworn brother's strength. Over the years, among the younger generation of the five cities, has anyone been his match?"

Pei Qianling finally smiled.

"Father, you're right!" She slammed her hand on the table, stood up, and her eyes gleamed with excitement. "With my sworn brother's help, that brat is doomed! Hmph, let him be arrogant, let him be cocky. Let's see how he tries to cause trouble on the competition stage tomorrow!"

Pei Linhai looked at his daughter, who was eager to get started and couldn't wait for tomorrow to arrive. He shook his head helplessly, but his eyes were full of doting affection.

His daughter has been pampered by him since she was little. When has she ever been bullied by anyone? Today, she was humiliated in public by that brat. No wonder she's upset.

But it's okay, everything will be settled tomorrow.

Although out of respect for Jun Wuyuan, the boy's life will not be harmed, but he can be spared the death penalty but will not escape punishment!

"Alright, it's getting late, get some rest." Pei Linhai stood up, reached out and rubbed Pei Qianling's head. "Tomorrow at noon, at the North City Training Ground, you'll come with me to see what kind of trouble that kid can cause."

"Yes!" Pei Qianling nodded heavily, a cold glint flashing in her eyes.

Meanwhile, inside a mansion on the west side of the city lord's mansion in Longyuan City.

Xia Jin followed the Grand Master into the mansion, passing through the front hall and arriving at a study in the backyard.

The head hall master sat down behind his desk, poured himself a cup of tea, then looked up at Xia Jin and said calmly, "Sit down."

Xia Jin didn't stand on ceremony and sat down in the chair opposite him.

"There is an important matter that I need you to handle!!" The Grand Hall Master's voice deepened. "Tomorrow at noon, at the North City Training Ground, the Five Cities Competition will be held, and you will represent Silver Sand City in the battle."

"Hmm!?" Xia Jin frowned slightly.

This arrangement came somewhat suddenly. Although he had vaguely guessed that he was going to Dragon Abyss City with the Grand Master because there was something he needed to do, he was still surprised to find that he would directly represent Silver Sand City in battle.

Xia Jin was silent for a moment, then nodded.

He did not refuse.

Seeing Xia Jin's quick and decisive agreement, a hint of satisfaction flashed in the eyes of the Grand Hall Master.

"I'm not worried about the others. The younger generation in Twin Moon City, Golden Radiance City, and Heavenly Treasure City hasn't been particularly outstanding in recent years, and they're quite a bit inferior to you. But..."

The Grand Hall Master's gaze sharpened: "You'd better watch out for that guy from Dragon Abyss City."

"Who?"

The Grand Hall Master nodded, a hint of solemnity flashing in his eyes. "Shen Jinghong, Pei Linhai's adopted son."

Xia Jin seemed somewhat puzzled.

The Grand Master didn't say anything more, but instead reached into his sleeve and pulled out a roll of yellowed parchment, tossing it casually in front of Xia Jin.

"Take a look for yourself. It contains some information about that kid. Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated."

Xia Jin's gaze fell on the parchment. At first, he remained calm, but when he saw one line of text, his pupils suddenly contracted and his eyes narrowed slightly.

"Shen Jinghong, the adopted son of Pei Linhai, the city lord of Longyuan City, is currently at the fifth level of the Immortal Ascension Realm."

The fifth level of the Immortal Realm.

A glint of light flashed in Xia Jin's eyes.

In terms of skill level alone, this person is two minor levels higher than me.