Chapter 126

“Do you dare to come down?”

Tian Laotou thought, "Tsk, if you're up there, just stay up there. What does that have to do with my young master coming down?"

But the next moment, Tian Laotou's heart suddenly sank.

On the river,

"Walking the River?"

The old man staggered, retreating continuously. But remembering the young men behind him, he quickly pivoted on his toes, executing a smooth turn on the spot.

Only after facing his opponent did he feel safe enough to continue stumbling backward.

With a thud, his calves hit the steps, and he landed hard on his backside.

The old man's eyes widened, his mouth slightly ajar, his expression trembling. Even his recently bandaged wrists began to bleed unconsciously.

Apart from his unwavering loyalty, Tian Laotou was somewhat slow-witted in other aspects. Yet, even he, in his dullness, understood the meaning and weight of the term "Walking the River" in the martial arts world.

For ordinary sects and families, when their inheritors and disciples reached a certain age, they would leave home and their sect. Some called it "experiencing the mortal world," others "undergoing trials in the secular world," some "observing clouds and listening to waves," and still others simply referred to it as training, wandering, or traveling.

Many ancient texts, like the Yin family genealogy, record the stories of almost every generation of Yin family members venturing out. However, the term "Walking the River" was never mentioned.

Strictly speaking, only an inheritor of the Dragon King family could claim to be "Walking the River" after lighting the lamp.

Because this river was walked multiple times by their ancestors. Along the way, there would likely still be many "old friends" and "familiar faces" from those times. Therefore, it wasn't called venturing out or pioneering, but merely retracing the path of their ancestors. While achieving self-realization, it was also a declaration to the rivers, lakes, and seas: "Our family's legacy endures; let the rules continue to be upheld."

Zhao of Jiujiang had a Dragon King during the Qing Dynasty, but he never truly broke through that specific threshold, and the martial arts world didn't acknowledge him as Dragon King Zhao. Internally, his family referred to themselves as "Walking the River," but if one were to be precise... it was indeed a way of glorifying themselves.

After all, your family only had one Dragon King ancestor, and that was so many years ago. How could there be any "old friends" or "acquaintances" for you to visit?

The loyal old servant was a bit slow on the uptake; his young master had been probing all day, but only now did he recognize the possible identity of the group of young men before him.

"The Dragon... Dragon King family?"

Fortunately, they hadn't started a fight while roasting sweet potatoes by the river. If they had truly fallen out, their family wouldn't have been able to protect them in the end.

On the eaves, Zhao Yi, having received a definitive reply, conversely calmed down.

The Yellow River Shovel was a proof of identity, and Guanjiangshou were acceptable variables, but frankly, these were secondary. The most important thing Zhao Yi gradually realized was that the young man before him, while younger, was also more formidable.

As the family's designated candidate for "Walking the River," upon seeing such a person, he could only place him in a higher rank.

"Esteemed Sir, to be 'Walking the River' at such a young age, you must be quite eager."

Seeing that the other party avoided his previous question, Li Zhuiyuan lost interest in him and didn't answer.

His second lamp had ignited spontaneously.

Before he formally decided to walk this river, the river water had already risen past his ankles.

Zhao Yi saw that the other party was ignoring him. He didn't feel disappointed. He lowered his head and shouted down, "Grandpa Tian, please toss a dagger up."

At this moment, Tian Laotou's mind was a bit muddled. Since it was his young master's request, he tossed the dagger upward without thinking.

After throwing it, he realized and quickly asked,