Martial Arts Overlord-Chapter 433 - 431: Stroke of Luck

Chapter 433: Chapter 431: Stroke of Luck
Duanmu Xiao paced back and forth in the hall, his eyes glinting sharply. With a sudden wave of his hand, all discussion ceased immediately.
"Is it really just a young man?" Duanmu Xiao’s piercing gaze turned to Duanmu Yu. He was a disciple of Cangxuan and knew Cangxuan’s strength all too well. Within the entire Duanmu Family, Cangxuan’s strength ranked in the top three! Could someone at Black Wind Ridge actually kill him?
Duanmu Yu swallowed and nodded. "It’s absolutely true. The family’s experts have investigated. Judging from the traces of the fight at the scene, the Black Wind Wolf and Elder Cangxuan were likely besieging a single person, and there were no signs of anyone else nearby. Moreover, yesterday, someone did indeed see a young man in the vicinity of Black Wind Ridge."
Duanmu Xiao’s eyes narrowed slightly, a cold light flickering within them. The others remained silent, their faces reflecting immense shock, clearly stunned by this news.
At this moment, a middle-aged Martial Artist stepped forward and said hesitantly, "Family Head, I thought of someone."
"Who?"
The middle-aged Martial Artist took a deep breath and said, "Luo Feng!"
WHOOSH!
Upon hearing this name, Duanmu Yu’s gaze hardened. His left hand involuntarily went to his severed right shoulder, his face contorting, almost twisting with rage. Ever since Luo Feng had publicly severed his arm a few months ago, he had thought of nothing but revenge!
"The Luo Feng who just became the foremost new talent? Impossible. He certainly has great potential and will be a threat to the family in the future. But right now, it’s far too soon for him to defeat Elder Cangxuan."
"Hmm, no matter how talented he is, he couldn’t possibly become strong enough to threaten Elder Cangxuan in such a short time. Not to mention facing the combined attack of Elder Cangxuan and the Black Wind Wolf. Against either one of them alone, he’d likely be killed in a single exchange."
"His strength aside, don’t forget that Black Wind Ridge is within our family’s sphere of influence. He’d have to be insane to come here looking for death."
Everyone in the hall shook their heads; none believed Luo Feng would travel hundreds of miles to Black Wind Ridge just to kill Elder Cangxuan. The middle-aged Martial Artist who had spoken earlier opened his mouth, feeling his guess was somewhat absurd. He shook his head with a wry smile and said, "Perhaps I was overthinking it."
"Whether it’s Luo Feng or not, this person dared to destroy Black Wind Camp and even kill Elder Cangxuan! This is a slap in the face to our Duanmu Family! If we don’t investigate thoroughly and execute this person, how can our Duanmu Family still claim to be one of the six great families of the Flowing Cloud Region!"
Duanmu Xiao waved his large hand and said coldly, "Issue the order: investigate this matter with all our resources! You must find this damned brat for me! I will tear him limb from limb!"
"Yes!"
Everyone in the hall, drenched in cold sweat from Duanmu Xiao’s killing intent, felt a chill. One person rushed out of the hall to relay the order.
"Family Head, with Elder Cangxuan’s unexpected death, do we still need to send anyone to Panlong City?" a high-ranking member of the Duanmu Family asked.
Duanmu Xiao thought for a moment, then waved his hand. "Forget it. The Luo Family is a minor concern; Jier and the others must have been delayed on their journey. Wait another ten days. If there’s still no news, I will personally go to Panlong City."
After a pause, Duanmu Xiao continued, "As for that Luo Feng, his strength has progressed by leaps and bounds in a short time, earning him the title of foremost new talent. His potential is astonishing. We cannot allow him to continue growing. Do any of you have news of him?"
Hearing this, everyone in the hall shook their heads. "Luo Feng vanished without a trace after returning to Purple Sun School some time ago."
A robust man spoke up, "Family Head, do not worry. As long as Luo Feng shows himself, I will personally take action, kill him, and eliminate this threat for good!"
"Good. Elder Chen Kun, I’ll entrust this matter to you. There must be no mistakes!" Duanmu Xiao nodded.
This robust man was named Chen Kun, also an elder of the Duanmu Family and a peak Ninth Stage Heavenly Court Realm master. Dealing with Luo Feng would be more than easy for him.
"Elder Chen Kun, don’t let him die too easily," Duanmu Yu said, grinding his teeth.
Chen Kun licked his lips, a savage grin spreading across his face. "Second Young Master, rest assured. I will make him understand what it means to wish for death but be unable to attain it!"
Duanmu Yu nodded in satisfaction, sneering inwardly.
Luo Feng, you brought this upon yourself! You severed my arm; I will exterminate your Luo Family! I will make you suffer a fate worse than death!
After all arrangements were made, Duanmu Xiao waved his hand. "My birthday celebration is in two days. Many leaders of influential powers will be attending. Strengthen security during these two days. We absolutely cannot allow any mishaps that would disgrace our family."
"Yes!"
Everyone in the hall acknowledged the order and departed one by one.
Watching the crowd depart, Duanmu Xiao took a deep breath. A cold glint flashed in his slightly narrowed eyes.
Daring to destroy Black Wind Camp and not even sparing Elder Cangxuan... I hope I don’t find out who you are. Otherwise...
CRACK!
Duanmu Xiao’s gaze focused. A sharp cracking sound echoed as a chair ten paces in front of him exploded, turning into fine powder.
「...」
Luo Feng, however, had no idea what a commotion he had caused within the Duanmu Family.
After leaving Black Wind Ridge, he headed towards Green Wood Peak, intentionally revealing his tracks from time to time. Luo Feng wasn’t worried about Yao Qing and the others. Captain Fang and his group were seasoned travelers; they certainly knew how to cover their tracks and eliminate evidence.
A day later, a remote small town came into Luo Feng’s view. The town was not large and lacked any tall buildings; its entirety could be taken in at a single glance. Luo Feng stopped and reached into his robe to pull out a map.
Black Mountain Town. Only half a day’s journey from Green Wood Peak. I didn’t expect to arrive so soon.
Luo Feng muttered to himself and put the map away.
After some thought, Luo Feng decided to stay the night in Black Mountain Town. Duanmu Xiao’s fortieth birthday was still a day away, which was perfect for him to rest here and also gather some information about the Black Wind Camp incident.
Having made his decision, Luo Feng took out the black mask Yao Qing had given him and put it on. He adjusted his clothes and then strode towards Black Mountain Town.
The town’s environment was not particularly good. The streets were uneven, and many houses were dilapidated. However, it was quite lively, with Martial Artists carrying sabers and swords visible everywhere.
The Duanmu Family was one of the six great families in the Flowing Cloud Region. Duanmu Xiao’s fortieth birthday celebration was a rare grand occasion, attracting many Martial Artists who hoped to broaden their experience.
Luo Feng strolled along the town’s streets, casually observing his surroundings and the Martial Artists around, keeping an eye out for anyone from the Duanmu Family.
"Make way!"
"Get out of the way, quickly!"
Suddenly, accompanied by shouts and curses, a great commotion erupted from the end of the street as several horses galloped wildly towards them.
"It’s people from the Duanmu Family! Quick, move back!"
"AH! My foot!"
The street was very narrow, yet the galloping horses showed no sign of slowing down, charging menacingly. The entire street was thrown into chaos, and a large number of stalls on either side were wrecked.
People from the Duanmu Family...
Luo Feng frowned slightly, his gaze turning towards the galloping horses.
The mounted troop consisted of four riders. Leading them was a young man in his twenties, dressed in fine brocade. He bore a strong resemblance to Duanmu Ji and had an extremely arrogant demeanor. Faced with the street full of wailing people, he not only didn’t slow his horse but instead urged it on faster, charging recklessly, a smug look on his face.
"All of you, get lost! If you obstruct our Young Master’s horse, you’ll suffer the consequences!"
Following the young man were three Martial Artists in green attire. With fierce glares, they cursed at the people on the street, their whips lashing out continuously at the surrounding pedestrians. Those struck were left with skin split open and flesh bloodied.
"It’s Duanmu Lei! That little terror, what’s he doing here in Black Mountain Town?"
Beside Luo Feng, a young merchant watched the youth in brocade, his face a picture of despair. In the chaos, the crowd had trampled his stall to bits; today was a complete write-off for him.
A Martial Artist next to him whispered, "I heard Black Wind Camp was destroyed and an elder from the Duanmu Family died. Duanmu Xiao, the Family Head of the Duanmu Family, is furious. These people are probably here to investigate."
"Hmph, it would be better if more of the Duanmu Family died! Otherwise, we’ll never have a day of peace," the young merchant grumbled, his face filled with resentment and anger.
"Shh! Lower your voice! Do you want to die?"
The people nearby looked horrified and quickly gestured for him to be quiet.
The young merchant, realizing his slip of the tongue, shrank back. Only after the galloping horses were distant did he let out a sigh of relief and say, "But I’m not wrong. We pay so much silver to the Duanmu Family every month, and yet they still trample on us like this!"
"Sigh, what can be done? They are one of the six great families. When you’re under someone else’s roof, you have to bow your head. Just bear with it," the person beside him said, shaking his head with a sigh, his expression helpless.
"I just can’t stomach this insult! I really wish that young man who destroyed Black Wind Camp would completely eradicate the Duanmu Family too!" The young merchant snorted coldly and began to clean up the mess on the ground.
Luo Feng walked over and asked the young merchant, "Excuse me, who is that Duanmu Lei?"
The young merchant sized Luo Feng up. He wasn’t surprised by the mask on Luo Feng’s face; many Martial Artists liked to wear masks when traveling, and he was accustomed to seeing it.
"You don’t know Duanmu Lei? You must be a Martial Artist from out of town, right?" the young merchant asked.
Luo Feng nodded. "That’s right."
The young merchant had an "I knew it" expression on his face. "Duanmu Lei is the son of the Duanmu Family Head’s elder brother."
Luo Feng nodded.
No wonder he somewhat resembles Duanmu Ji.
Looking at the devastated street, he remarked, "This person certainly acts tyrannically."
"He sure does." The young merchant nodded. Seeing that Luo Feng dared to speak ill of Duanmu Lei, he felt a sudden sense of affinity towards him and smiled. "You look quite young, but you’ve got guts. Are you a student from one of the four great academies?"
Luo Feng touched his nose, smiled faintly, and shook his head.
After tidying up the remains of his stall, the young merchant sighed. "We hit it off, so I was thinking of inviting you for a couple of drinks. But I’ve lost everything today and need to go back and sort things out. So, I’ll bid you farewell for now."
"You’ll have good luck," Luo Feng said with a smile, touching his nose.
"I’m down on my luck; how could I have any good fortune?" The young merchant scoffed, then said to Luo Feng, "Duanmu Lei will probably be in town for a while. If you encounter him, you’d best be careful. He has a cruel nature and will kill at the slightest displeasure!"
"Mm," Luo Feng nodded.
"Farewell." The young merchant turned and walked into the crowd.
SWOOSH!
As the merchant turned, Luo Feng flicked his finger, sending a silver ingot into the young merchant’s pocket. The young merchant, completely unaware, strode away and soon disappeared into the crowd.
Duanmu Lei... he’s likely here to investigate my movements.
Luo Feng turned, looking in the direction Duanmu Lei had disappeared. His eyes narrowed, and then he, too, vanished into the crowd.