World's Strongest Martial Warrior

Upon noticing Peter Parker in the carriage with Luo Qing'er, Luo Alonzo's gaze sharpened. "Miss, you may enter, but this young man is not part of the Luo Shui Merchant Union. He's not permitted to enter."    

"He's my friend," Luo Qing'er asserted.    

"What? Am I, Luo Qing'er, not allowed to bring a friend into the Luo Shui Merchant Union?" she questioned, her brow furrowing in displeasure.    

Luo Alonzo offered a polite smile and explained, "Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't obstruct you, Miss. However, we're in a critical period for the Merchant Union. As the one responsible for our safety, I must exercise caution. I trust you understand. Should any trouble arise, I, Alonzo, would be accountable."    

"I brought him here. Should anything occur, I'll accept full responsibility," Luo Qing'er declared, her expression turning icy. "Luo Alonzo, step aside!"    

"Since the young lady insists, I have no objections," Luo Alonzo conceded, promptly clearing the way for Luo Qing'er and her companions.    

Catching Peter Parker's eye, Luo Qing'er offered an apologetic glance. "Let's go in, Young Master Peter Parker."    

Peter Parker simply nodded, choosing to remain silent. Despite sensing something amiss within the Luo Shui Merchant Union, he resolved to stay calm. After all, leaving now wouldn't offer him a better refuge.    

After Luo Qing'er and the others entered, Luo Alonzo's eyes gleamed briefly before he vanished in an instant.    

Shortly thereafter, Luo Alonzo reappeared in a secluded courtyard deep within the Luo Shui Merchant Union. There, an old man in his fifties, clad in a richly embroidered robe, was engrossed in a solitary game of chess. His presence was commanding, reminiscent of a hawk surveying its territory, and the aura he exuded was that of a formidable Celestial Immortal.    

Even someone as formidable as Luo Alonzo, a ninth-grade True Immortal, felt nearly suffocated by the overwhelming pressure.    

The elderly man before him was the esteemed Great Elder of the Luo Water Merchant Union, Luo Changkong, who possessed the impressive cultivation level of a ninth-grade Celestial Immortal.    

"Great Elder," Luo Alonzo greeted, advancing with a respectful bow to Luo Changkong.    

Luo Changkong, with a contemplative gesture, placed a chess piece on the board before inquiring, "Have Luo Qing'er and the others returned without harm?"    

"Yes!" Luo Alonzo responded eagerly, nodding.    

"The Scarlet Moon Bandits are utterly incompetent. They fail at even the simplest tasks," Luo Changkong commented dismissively, shaking his head. He then turned his gaze to Luo Alonzo. "Did you uncover anything during your investigation?"    

"I found virtually nothing," Luo Alonzo admitted, shaking his head. "Aside from a Third Stage True Immortal youth joining their ranks, there was nothing noteworthy."    

"Just a Third Stage True Immortal..." Upon hearing this, Luo Changkong lost interest in the matter. He knew that no matter how exceptional a Third Stage True Immortal might be, they posed no threat to the Luoshui Merchant Union.    

"First Elder, it's likely that Luo Qinger has returned with the immortal medicine that can heal the Alliance Leader's wounds. What's our next move?" Luo Alonzo inquired.    

Luo Changkong replied calmly, "Dispatch someone to watch over Luo Qianqiu's place of seclusion. I want no one to approach, particularly Luo Qinger and her group. They mustn't be given the opportunity to get close to Luo Qianqiu."    

Luo Alonzo hesitated briefly before suggesting, "Great Elder, shouldn't we take direct action now to prevent future complications?"    

"I have a strategy in mind for this situation. You need only follow my orders," Luo Changkong stated, his eyes glinting with intent.    

He pondered the possibility of seizing control of the Luo Shui Merchant Union directly – a tempting thought indeed.    

However, the true extent of Luo Qianqiu's injuries remained a mystery. As a ninth-grade Heavenly Immortal, Luo Changkong was acutely aware of the formidable power wielded by a Golden Immortal. Even with severe injuries, if Luo Qianqiu could muster even twenty to thirty percent of his strength, he would easily overpower any adversary.    

Before Luo Changkong could fully grasp Luo Qianqiu's condition, he wouldn't dare make any rash moves. After all, the Luo River Merchant Union had risen to become one of the three dominant forces in Heavenly Water Immortal City largely due to Luo Qianqiu's formidable presence as a Golden Immortal. If Luo Changkong were to assume control now, without the Golden Immortal's influence to intimidate others, the union could face significant challenges. The most prudent course of action was to buy time. Standing at the pinnacle of the Grade Nine Heaven Immortal level, he was merely a step away from ascending to the Golden Immortal Realm. With a little more time, achieving that breakthrough would be effortless. And then, wouldn't managing the Luo River Merchant Union be simple?    

Meanwhile, as Luo Changkong and Luo Alonzo conversed, Luo Qing'er returned to her courtyard to settle Peter Parker into his new quarters. Subsequently, she planned to visit her father's place of seclusion to deliver the healing immortal medicine to him.    

"Miss, Luo Changkong is ambitious and has long coveted the role of alliance leader. I fear he won't allow you to deliver the immortal medicine to the leader without a struggle," Luo Li remarked gravely. "We need to think this through carefully."    

Luo Qing'er's brow furrowed with concern. "What should we do, then? My father's injuries require immediate attention."    

Taking a deep breath, Luo Li reassured her, "I've reached out to Elder Wuji. He will return shortly. Let's wait and discuss our next steps once Elder Wuji is back."    

Within the Luo River Merchant Union, aside from Alliance Leader Luo Qianqiu, a Golden Immortal Realm expert, there were several elders of the Heavenly Immortal Realm. Of these, Luo Changkong was the most powerful, having attained the ninth-grade Heavenly Immortal Realm. Just below him was the youngest Heavenly Immortal elder of the union, Luo Wuji. A prodigious talent, Luo Wuji's reputation for genius was well-established throughout Heavenly Water Immortal City. He had achieved Heavenly Immortal status in under a thousand years, with his cultivation already at the seventh-grade.    

Although his cultivation level was significantly lower than that of Luo Changkong, a ninth-grade Heaven Immortal, his combat prowess was exceptional. It wasn't entirely out of the question for him to stand his ground against Luo Changkong.    

However, Luo Wuji was known for his laid-back nature and his deep passion for cultivation. Having spent many years traveling, he seldom involved himself in the affairs of the Luo Water Merchant Union.    

This time, however, Luo Li found it necessary to summon Luo Wuji back home.    

"Given the circumstances, let's wait for Uncle Wuji's return before taking any action," Luo Qing'er suggested, recognizing the need for restraint. They would only be able to challenge Luo Changkong with Uncle Wuji's support.    

"Miss, since you're currently unoccupied, perhaps you should spend more time with Peter Parker," Luo Li proposed, the thought of their recent companion coming to mind. Peter Parker, who had accompanied them to the Luo Water Merchant Union, possessed a talent almost demonic in nature, suggesting he might hail from a prominent Great Luo family.    

Securing his assistance could prove invaluable in fortifying the Luo Water Merchant Union's position.    

And even if they were to face defeat against Luo Changkong, Peter Parker's intervention could very well ensure Luo Qing'er's safety. The potential of a prodigy from the Great Luo was beyond measure!    

If Luo Qing'er could forge a strong bond with Peter Parker, her security would be all but guaranteed.