Chapter 1: A Hidden Utopia, A Sea of Blood and Vengeance

"What are you doing, miss?"

Deep within the forest, Jiang Chen found himself pinned beneath a stunningly beautiful woman who insisted on giving him a physical examination.

The woman had strayed into Peach Blossom Village by mistake. Jiang Chen, out of kindness, offered to show her the way, only to be suddenly pushed down by her.

"Damn, my strength has been sealed. This woman is a martial arts grandmaster—right now, I have no power to resist!" Jiang Chen was alarmed. He had guarded his chastity for twenty-four years—was he really going to lose it here today?

No! There was still a chance to salvage the situation!

"Miss, you’ve been drugged. I can use silver needles to help expel the poison, but you’ll need to let me go first so I can get them—ah!"

Although his master had sealed his strength, Jiang Chen's medical skills remained. He noticed the woman had been poisoned and developed a fever, and wanted to use acupuncture to remove the toxins, but it was already too late!

No one knew how much time passed. By the time the forest calmed again, dusk had fallen.

Jiang Chen noted how the strange flush faded from her skin, leaving it fair and supple—she had recovered.

Before him, she dressed quickly, her face clouded with fury and cold as ice, a murderous aura faintly emanating from her.

She was Ye Qingchan, heiress of a distinguished family in the Dragon City, the city’s foremost martial arts genius, and a hidden emissary of Dragon Soul. For her to be defiled by a country bumpkin—it was an unbearable disgrace!

"You were the one who initiated this. I’m merely the victim," Jiang Chen pointed out, gesturing to the bite marks and bruises on his body.

"If I hadn’t been drugged and lost consciousness, would I, a woman of my status, ever have willingly touched a yokel like you?" Her eyes locked on him with contempt and disdain, her voice icy and sharp.

"If my strength hadn’t been sealed by my master, you wouldn’t have stood a chance, even if you had wanted to," Jiang Chen replied casually, dressing himself and dusting off his clothes.

"Insolence! You’re just an ordinary villager—what strength could you possibly have that needs sealing? Don’t try to protect your pitiful pride before me!" Ye Qingchan snapped. She’d already sensed during their encounter that he had no martial strength whatsoever.

"What’s done is done, there’s no point in arguing further." Jiang Chen spoke earnestly. "Whether you initiated it or I did, I will take responsibility—"

"Shut up! You’d better keep everything that happened today buried deep in your heart. If I even hear a hint that you’ve breathed a word of it, I will kill you!" Ye Qingchan cut him off, warning him sharply.

Jiang Chen considered for a moment, then nodded in agreement. "Fine. I respect your wishes."

"But let me be clear—I have a marriage contract arranged by my master. I was planning to annul it and marry you, so as not to be labeled a heartless man. Since you refuse, when I do marry in the future, don’t you dare go back on your word."

"You? You think you’re worth my regret? You dream of marrying me? Like a toad lusting after a swan! I’d rather die of thirst or hunger than ever marry you!" Ye Qingchan sneered, her mockery biting.

"Let’s hope you keep your word," Jiang Chen replied, turning to leave.

"Wait!" Ye Qingchan called after him. No matter what, he had saved her life; otherwise, she would have died from organ failure. She did not wish to owe him. "I can help you once!"

"No need," Jiang Chen replied without looking back.

"You’re so proud it’ll be the death of you. Don’t blame me for not giving you a chance—you just don’t know how to grasp it!" Ye Qingchan snorted coldly and strode off in the opposite direction.

"Village Chief!"

As Jiang Chen returned to Peach Blossom Village, the villagers greeted him with warmth and respect.

Peach Blossom Village was a hidden utopia, home to a legendary old healer—Jiang Chen’s master and the former village chief. The villagers here were all once great figures living in seclusion: former heads of powerful families, retired martial sect elders, and even the previous Dragon God of Dragon Soul.

They had all come to the village to heal old injuries and live out their days in peace.

Jiang Chen was the new village chief, tasked with caring for their wounds, for his master had passed all his medical knowledge to Jiang Chen before leaving to travel the world.

"Village Chief, have you considered my granddaughter’s marriage? She’s not only a young lady from a prestigious family in Dragon City, but also excels in all the arts!"

"Don’t butt in! I spoke with the chief first. My granddaughter is a top martial grandmaster—she and the chief are a perfect match!"

"Step aside, all of you! My granddaughter is an undefeated war goddess..."

Jiang Chen hurried to stop their matchmaking chatter—their persistent offers to marry off their granddaughters were wearing his ears raw.

He had only one thing on his mind now: revenge!

Four years ago, the Jiang family had suffered a catastrophe. His parents were killed while helping him escape. Fleeing to a raging river, he dove in to survive, where his master found him and brought him back to Peach Blossom Village.

Before leaving on his travels, his master had sealed Jiang Chen’s powers. He was to break the seal and grow stronger before seeking revenge, for leaving prematurely would only mean death.

Moments ago, after his union with the beautiful woman, the seal within him had been broken, and his strength had soared to its peak—a blessing in disguise.

"My friends, I have matters to attend to outside the village. Until we meet again!" Jiang Chen bade farewell, preparing to depart.

"Village Chief, thank you for healing me all these years. There’s only a few billion in this card—a small token of gratitude, please accept it!"

"Chief, this is the Dragon Soul Token. With it, you can travel anywhere in the country unhindered. If you encounter evildoers, you may execute them first and report later!"

...

The villagers showered him with gifts, which Jiang Chen accepted before waving goodbye.

Returning to Linzhou City, where the Jiang family had once lived, Jiang Chen discovered his parents had been buried at Panlong Cemetery and hurried there at once.

At his parents’ grave, someone had already placed offerings of liquor and fruit. A woman knelt before the tombstone, bowing her head in prayer.

"Father, Mother, if your spirits are in heaven, please bless Xiao Chen and keep him safe!"

She pressed her hands together, closed her eyes, and prayed.

"Sis, is that you?" Jiang Chen called out, his voice trembling with emotion as he recognized the familiar figure.

The woman’s eyes flew open. She turned and, seeing Jiang Chen, her eyes welled with tears.

"Xiao Chen! I knew you were still alive!"

She rushed into his arms, sobbing. She was Jiang Chen’s elder sister, Jiang Qing.

"Tsk, tsk, what a touching family reunion!"

A mocking voice rang out.

A tattooed man clicked his tongue, grinning as he approached with four thugs in tow. He kicked over the offerings at the grave—wine spilled everywhere, fruit was crushed underfoot.

"You dare pay respects on my turf without paying protection? Don’t you know the rules?" the tattooed man barked, his tone brutish.

"Excuse me, but you must be mistaken. I’ve already paid twenty years of grave-keeping fees in one payment. I’ve never heard of an extra protection fee," Jiang Qing replied politely, patiently explaining.

Jiang Chen frowned. Today he truly widened his horizons—he never imagined anyone would collect protection money even at a cemetery. Why didn’t these scoundrels go collect from the dead themselves?