The primary duty of an elder in the Long Capital Grand Alliance is to act as a special envoy. When a major incident occurs in a local martial alliance, the Long Capital Grand Alliance can dispatch the elder in charge of that branch to supervise and intervene. This is a measure to prevent the leaders of local alliances from forming factions and framing the innocent. In some respects, it is a position created by the Long Capital Grand Alliance to ensure it never loses control over its branches.

…

"I've yet to visit since taking over supervision of the Tianhai Martial Alliance, and it's truly as shabby as the rumors claim," Lin Zhongtian sneered, his eyes filled with undisguised disdain and contempt.

Hearing this, a flash of anger appeared in Hua Xingxue's eyes, but he suppressed it and explained, "Since Alliance Leader Chen took office, he has advocated for us to be frugal..."

"Enough. Don't bother telling me how frugal your Alliance Hierarch is. Get him out here to see me," Lin Zhongtian interrupted rudely, striding directly into the Tianhai Martial Alliance.

Hua Xingxue's face flushed red with anger, but he couldn't say a word, as the man was sent by the Long Capital Grand Alliance.

Just then, Peng Hetong emerged from the side, a broad smile on his face. "Elder Lin, you've come a long way. It must have been an exhausting journey. Our Tianhai Martial Alliance is rather humble and not quite befitting of your status, so I've already booked a top-notch hotel for you. After this business with Chang Yi and Sun Luo is settled, I'll arrange for a special guide to show you the best of Tianhai."

At these words, a hint of satisfaction appeared on Lin Zhongtian's face. He raised an eyebrow and said, "This is more like it. I was beginning to think everyone from the Tianhai Martial Alliance was as clueless as the guard at the door."

He didn't care whether the Tianhai Martial Alliance was humble or not. What truly infuriated him was that this guard, Hua Xingxue, hadn't immediately started sucking up to him. Now that Peng Hetong had arranged everything so perfectly, he was pleased. He just wanted people to kiss his feet.

Peng Hetong was overjoyed to hear this and shot a smug look at the infuriated Hua Xingxue. "Please forgive him, Elder Lin. Security is a job for those without any real talent."

His words implied that Hua Xingxue was a good-for-nothing, fit only to be a guard, while the truly capable people were inside the Tianhai Martial Alliance.

Hua Xingxue began to tremble with rage. This Peng Hetong is utterly shameless!

Lin Zhongtian nodded noncommittally. "Have you notified your Alliance Hierarch? Hurry up and get him out here. How long have I been waiting?" He suddenly remembered his purpose. "Let's get this matter with Sun Luo settled quickly. I don't want to spend all day in this low-class martial alliance."

His every word dripped with contempt for the Tianhai Martial Alliance. Peng Hetong, however, didn't mind. He was solely focused on flattering Lin Zhongtian, hoping that currying the elder's favor might open up a new path for him.

However, just as Peng Hetong was about to speak, Yuan Shang emerged.

"Elder Lin, you're truly as vigorous as ever. I could hear your voice all the way up on the roof," Yuan Shang said with a strained smile.

Hearing this, Lin Zhongtian's expression immediately darkened. "And who are you?"

Yuan Shang's remark seemed like praise, but it was actually a veiled insult about his loudness. How could he possibly not realize that?

"Yuan Shang, the Tianhai Martial Alliance Vice Leader," he replied, walking forward and cupping his fists.

Standing well over 1.9 meters tall, Yuan Shang naturally looked down on Lin Zhongtian. The towering presence instantly made Lin Zhongtian feel as if his own aura had diminished considerably. The old man's face grew even uglier, and he instinctively took a few steps back to escape Yuan Shang's condescending gaze. "So, just a Martial Alliance Vice Leader. I've come all this way, and your Alliance Hierarch can't even be bothered to come out and see me?" He looked down on Yuan Shang, feeling the man wasn't qualified to speak with him.

"The Alliance Hierarch has been busy with the Long Capital Grand Alliance's competition and might be tied up. However, if Elder Lin requires it, I can call him back. But if that delays his participation in the competition, we might have to ask you to explain the situation to the Grand Alliance," Yuan Shang said, his smile still stiff and failing to reach his eyes.

Lin Zhongtian's face turned completely sour. He really disliked Yuan Shang! The man's words were clear: Chen Xiong was busy with the Grand Alliance's competition. If Lin Zhongtian thought he was more important than that, they would accommodate him, but he would have to be the one to take the fall for it later.

With the situation laid out so plainly, how could he possibly continue to demand Chen Xiong's presence?

He snorted angrily. "That won't be necessary. The Grand Alliance's affairs are more important."

Yuan Shang nodded, a hint of mockery in his tone. "Elder Lin is indeed a man who considers the bigger picture."

Taking a deep breath to quell his irritation from the thinly veiled sarcasm, Lin Zhongtian demanded, "Where are Sun Luo and Chang Yi? I'm here to take them away."

"Take them away?" Yuan Shang feigned surprise. "Those two attacked a Martial Alliance member without authorization in an attempt to kidnap him. They are awaiting sentencing for their confinement period. How can they be taken away on a whim?"

Lin Zhongtian sneered. "I reviewed the evidence you submitted on my way here. Kidnapping? It was nothing more than a private brawl. Besides, that Xu Ke fellow is unharmed, so what need is there for confinement? Don't make such arbitrary decisions."

Before he came, Wong Ting had already sent someone to explain the situation to him. His goal was to take Sun Luo. He was going to take the men by force. What could Yuan Shang do about it?

"And who told Elder Lin that Xu Ke is alright?" The smile completely vanished from Yuan Shang's face.

Lin Zhongtian snorted. "Does that even need to be said? I heard that yesterday, the audacious Xu Ke dared to kill the Ye Family Young Clan Patriarch, Ye Fan, at sea. If he were injured, how could he have been strong enough to kill anyone?"

"Furthermore, it's not my place to comment, but isn't your Martial Alliance a bit too lax with its people? A pretty boy from the Wang Family actually dared to commit murder? What gave him such audacious nerve?! Or is it that your Martial Alliance is backing the Wang Family, giving this pretty boy the courage to flout laws and regulations like this?!" Lin Zhongtian steered the conversation away from Sun Luo, launching an attack on Xu Ke instead.

At this, Yuan Shang's expression turned cold. "Xu Ke was merely acting in accordance with Martial Alliance regulations. He had no choice but to act to apprehend Ye Fan. The situation was critical. Ye Fan defied a Martial Alliance summons and even dared to flee. Fortunately, Xu Ke discovered what was happening and took the initiative to intercept him beyond our waters, helping the Martial Alliance apprehend him. His actions were entirely reasonable and justified. There is nothing in this matter for you to dispute, Elder Lin."

As he finished speaking, Lin Zhongtian's lips twisted into a smirk. "Indeed, according to the Martial Alliance's regulations, I have nothing to say."

After all, Xu Ke's operation was a perfect trap, making Ye Fan's death seem entirely justified. Lin Zhongtian truly had no grounds for criticism. But he had no interest in seeking justice for Ye Fan; he simply wanted to use the fact that Xu Ke was unharmed to prove that Sun Luo's arrest was unnecessary.

"So, since Xu Ke was capable enough to kill both Ye Fan and his Innate bodyguard, it's clear he's perfectly fine," Lin Zhongtian said coolly. "In that light, your arrest of Sun Luo and Chang Yi was completely unnecessary. Now, release them!"