I am about to die of old age, and I have awakened the character of longevity.

Chapter 238 The mastermind behind Li Huai’s rebellion!
South Valley.

Ever since the Prince of Huainan and Li Hao settled in the South Valley, the Valley Master Qiu Chi and his wife Zhou Yu had not been happy.

Originally, the two were influential figures in the Southern Valley, their words having the final say, and their subordinates revered them like gods. But now things were different, as their subordinates had keenly discovered that many of the words spoken by the Valley Master and his companions were not always true.

You still need to ask for instructions everywhere.

Although the subordinates didn't know who the Qiu Chi couple had consulted, they knew that a powerful figure had taken over the Southern Valley. Thanks to this figure's help, the Southern Valley had quickly absorbed the Tianlong Gang. They were currently engaged in a fierce battle with the Zhenwu Sect, and they held a considerable advantage.

As long as we continue with the current trend, it will only be a matter of time before we take over the Zhenwu Sect.

By that time, Nanshan Valley will become the largest gang outside Yunzhou City.

Countless subordinates felt very excited at the thought of it.

There are some powerful people in the sect.

Thanks to the rapid expansion of the South Valley, Qiu Chi and Zhou Yu's displeasure with Mr. Li was also diluted a lot.

After all, if it weren't for Mr. Li, Nanshan Valley would never have reached its current height in their lifetime.

That night, Qiu Chi and Zhou Yu led their men to attack a branch of the Zhenwu Sect and returned victorious. They returned to their own courtyard and had their men prepare a sumptuous meal of herbs and fine wine, and they ate and drank heartily.

After three rounds of drinks, Zhou Yu couldn't contain his excitement and said, "Although Mr. Li orders us around, which is annoying, he's certainly quite capable. Not only is he incredibly powerful, but his strategic planning skills are also truly remarkable. The Zhenwu Sect has already lost half its data points, and it won't be long before they're destroyed."

Qiu Chi raised his glass and clinked it with Zhou Yu, seeming to take credit for it. "I've told you this before. The expert I invited back to take charge is truly extraordinary. You didn't believe it, but now you've seen it for yourself."

Zhou Yu glanced at Qiu Chi with a seductive look, "Yes, yes, you have good taste. I was too narrow-minded before, okay?"

Qiu Chi laughed heartily and stroked Zhou Yu's leg. "That's right. To survive in the martial arts world and become famous, you don't have to rely entirely on your own hands. Finding a big brother is a shortcut. Using the strength of others for our own benefit. Isn't that wonderful?"

Zhou Yu shuddered all over, but did not push Qiu Chi's hand away. Instead, there was a hint of tenderness in his eyes.

Qiu Chi was very happy to see Zhou Yu's reaction. "I don't want to stay outside tonight. We haven't slept together for a long time."

Zhou Yu lowered his head, his face slightly reddened, "Yeah."

Hey.

Qiu Chi was instantly overjoyed. How long has it been...?

"You useless piece of shit, don't touch me anymore." Zhou Yu snorted in frustration, got down to the ground with his clothes on, his face full of resentment.

Qiu Chi put on his clothes in shame, then walked behind Zhou Yu and forced an explanation: "Madam, please don't misunderstand me. I've been running around these past two days and I'm probably too tired. That's why I didn't perform well. Madam, please give me another chance. I will definitely perform well."

Zhou Yu snorted disapprovingly, "It's not like you've only been like this recently. I know what kind of person you are. Don't mess with me in the future. Let's sleep in separate rooms."

After saying that, Zhou Yu stamped his feet, turned around and was about to go out.

After taking only two steps, Zhou Yu suddenly stopped and stared ahead with wide eyes.

Qiu Chi, who was chasing after her, thought that the lady had changed her mind and was overjoyed. However, when he reached Zhou Yu's side, his eyes widened. He saw a man in black sitting in a chair in the living room, leisurely drinking tea.

its not right.

Zhou Yu and Qiu Chi were both fifth-grade Grandmasters. They had been in the room for such a long time, but they didn't even notice anyone in the living room...

Moreover, the South Valley is heavily guarded. How did this person get through the layers of defense and appear here?

Thinking hard.

Both of them felt that the man in black was probably no simple person, and they activated the hidden power in their bodies, ready to take action at any time.

As a man, Qiu Chi still wanted to show off in front of his wife, so he took the initiative to step forward, blocking Zhou Yu behind him, and pretended to be tough and said: "Who are you, sir, and what do you want to teach me?"

Xie An, the man in black, took a leisurely sip of tea, then put down the teacup with a thud and said calmly, "I'm doing an experiment and need to capture a few martial arts masters to test it. I'm sorry to bother you two."

The Qiu Chi couple were stunned, looking at the man in black in disbelief. They couldn't believe that such bold words could be said in such a calm tone.

Almost simultaneously, Qiu Chi and Zhou Yu simultaneously took up positions, one on each side of the man in black, blocking any escape routes. Their positioning was meticulously considered, creating a subtle pincer attack. If they engaged in combat, the man in black would surely be caught off guard.

Qiu Chi and Zhou Yu had tried this method countless times in battle, and it always worked. They could even handle a Grandmaster who was one rank higher than them.

They are all worthy of being fourth-grade masters.

How could you be scared by a word from the man in black?
Qiu Chi felt that his position was good and he felt confident. "Your Excellency is underestimating my wife and me. If you leave now, my wife and I will pretend that this incident never happened."

Although Qiu Chi was not in a bad mood, the man in black before him gave him a very dangerous feeling. If this man could leave, it would be best. Qiu Chi did not want to take any risks.

Xie An said, "Since we've come all this way, how can we go back empty-handed?"

After saying that, Xie An stood up and walked towards Qiu Chi step by step.

Qiu Chi was shocked and angry. "Since you don't want to drink my toast, don't blame me for being rude..."

Before he could finish his words, he saw the man in black suddenly speed up, so fast that it was beyond his visual capture. He appeared in front of him, stretched out his right hand, and ignored all his resistance and directly grabbed his neck.

With two "clicks", Qiu Chi felt that he could not mobilize any strength in his body, and was picked up by the man in black like a chicken.

Absolute suppression!
Zhou Yu, who was standing somewhere else, was terrified at this moment. It was the first time in his life that he had seen such a horrible method.

how come……

Snapped!
Xie An let go of Qiu Chi, letting him fall limply to the ground. The next moment, he took a step forward and appeared in front of Zhou Yu. Zhou Yu had already made preparations, ready to draw his sword and strike, while retreating at the same time...

However, Zhou Yu found the opponent's speed too fast. Before she could draw her sword, her body was fixed by an extremely strong force, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't move.

At this point, Zhou Yu finally realized... he was facing a death crisis today.

The strength of this person in front of him is at least third rank, and even reaches the astonishing second rank...

Xie An found a rope, tied the two of them up, and then prepared to leave. Zhou Yu suddenly asked, "Are you planning to take us back for experiments?"

Xie An did not hide anything, "Yes."

Zhou Yu asked, "Does it mean that the stronger the Grandmaster, the better the experimental results?"

"nature."

"We have a leader in our South Valley who is far more powerful than Qiu Chi and I. Wouldn't it be better if you captured him and used him for your experiments? Qiu Chi and I are of similar strength, and I'm afraid it would delay the effectiveness of your experiments."

Xie An was stunned for a moment, then stopped and said, "Yes!"

Then, Xie An actually untied the two men and said, "Lead the way."

Led by the two men, Xie An arrived at a more secluded courtyard. The walls of this courtyard were very high and thick, and had obviously been specially reinforced. The gate was heavily guarded, and if it weren't for Qiu Chi and Zhou Yu leading the way, no outsider would be able to enter.

After entering the yard, Xie An did not take it lightly, but opened his aura and carefully examined every detail around him.

This place is not like Longmen Town, so there shouldn't be any Martial Saints. But Xie An has always been cautious, so it's always a good idea to be on guard.

When they reached the outside of the hall, Xie An gave Zhou Yu a look, and the latter immediately walked to the door of the hall and bowed inside, saying, "Zhou Yu requests to see Lord Li."

There was no echo, and it was quiet inside.

Xie An, who was extremely sensitive to the energy, sensed movement in the backyard.

It seems that two people are running away...

You just came here and you run away?
Moreover, there is a familiar aura...

Without saying a word, Xie An rushed out and disappeared into thin air as a black shadow.

……

In the uninhabited mountains.

The two men ran madly along the mountain road.

"Dad, are you worrying too much? Xie An only came with one person, and we own the entire South Valley. We have seven or eight martial arts masters. Why should we be afraid of him?" Although Li Hao ran all the way, he was obviously a little resentful in his heart, and felt that his father was making a fuss out of nothing.

Li Huai said coldly, "This man has overpowered Qiu Chi and Zhou Yu, and his strength is quite impressive. Judging from his complexion, I'm afraid he has already reached the realm of Martial Saint. If he catches you and me, we'll surely die."

Li Hao was shocked. "Martial Saint? How is that possible?"

Li Huai said seriously, "The facts are before our eyes. Nothing is impossible. If you don't want to die, follow me closely. Let's go to the refugee camp ahead. The environment there is mixed and it's convenient for hiding."

The two men ran all the way to the refugee camp, found two lone refugees, killed them, then put on the refugees' clothes and blended into the refugee group.

The two of them, holding ceramic bowls, lined up in a long queue to get some porridge from the porridge stall in front, then squatted among the refugees to drink it. While drinking the porridge, Li Huai kept looking around, taking in the surroundings.

Li Hao looked reluctant. After drinking two mouthfuls of coarse rice porridge, he couldn't help but vomit, thinking to himself: Is this for humans to drink? My father is just too cautious. He still doesn't believe that Xie An has become a martial saint.

When he was in Qingwu County, although Li Hao had never had a direct conflict with Xie An, he had paid attention to this person and knew that his strength was similar to his own.

How could he become a Martial Saint in just over ten years?

The two stayed in the refugee camp for more than ten days. During this time, Li Hao wanted to leave many times, but was stopped by Li Huai, "Don't go out. Xie An is watching us in the dark."

Li Hao pursed his lips. Although he did not express his dissatisfaction explicitly, he was already quite dissatisfied in his heart.

The living conditions here are too harsh.

Li Hao, who grew up with a silver spoon in his mouth, was very uncomfortable.

Can't stand it.

Li Huai seemed to have read Li Hao's thoughts and gave him a serious warning: "Don't think I'm exaggerating. I'm a first-rank master and can sense the fluctuations of innate energy. We've both practiced the secret method of concealing our acquired energy. This is how we can avoid being tracked by the enemy. Once we leave this place, you and I will surely die."

Li Hao didn't dare to disobey his father, so he nodded and said, "I understand."

Two more days passed.

The refugee camp was plagued by death and plague, with people dying every day. Rotting corpses lay scattered throughout the camp, and the stench was overwhelming. Many refugees left.

The number of remaining refugees is dwindling.

Li Hao couldn't stand such a harsh environment and almost collapsed. "Dad, everyone has left. Let's go too. This place is really not a place for people to stay. What's more, it's been almost half a month. Xie An must be gone."

Li Huai looked around and finally said, "For the sake of caution, we can't leave now!"

Li Hao's patience was already running low, and the pent-up resentment in his heart had reached its peak. He ignored his father's authority and said, "Dad, how long are we going to stay here? A year? Ten years? If we don't go back, South Valley will be out of control. Our plan to come to Yunzhou will fail. If Dad doesn't want to leave, I'll go first. I'll also go check on the situation in South Valley."

Of course he knew that everything he said was false.

The core reason was only one: he simply couldn't stand the life here. Every day was torture!
He didn't want to stay here for another day.

Li Huai stared at Li Hao deeply, probably knowing that Li Hao's emotions were on the verge of collapse, and no matter how he, as a father, tried to stop him, it was useless.

Finally, Li Huai sighed and said, "If you really can't stand the life here, then go first."

Li Hao was overjoyed. "Thank you, father. I will go to the South Valley immediately to check the situation. I will also call for help here."

Li Huai stretched out his right hand and gently patted Li Hao's shoulder, "Yes. Take care on your journey."

Li Hao was deeply moved, thinking that his father finally understood him. His eyes were a little red. "I know. Father, please pay attention too. I'll be back soon."

Li Huai waved his hand, signaling the other party to leave.

Li Hao bowed deeply before turning to leave. However, after taking two steps, he stopped as if struck by lightning. He looked down in disbelief, seeing a dagger protruding from his chest, and bright red blood dripping from the blade onto the ground.

Li Hao turned his head with great effort and looked at Li Huai behind him, "Father...Father. What are you doing?"

Li Huai burst into tears and murmured, "Hao'er, your father originally had high hopes for you. Even if it meant leaving his career behind, he would take you with him. He hoped that you could make great contributions to our Li family. Unfortunately, you are disobedient. Then your father has no choice but to send you on your way."

Xie An has seen you before. If you were arrested, he would know my identity. To fulfill my father's wish, I have no choice but to let you down."

Li Hao suddenly laughed, "You are so vicious!!"

After saying this, Li Hao finally died.

Li Huai put away the dagger and hid Li Hao's body among the pile of dead refugees. Then he looked around and breathed a sigh of relief when he found that no one noticed this corner.

Afterwards, Li Huai acted like nothing had happened, pretending to be a refugee. He slept on the ground and went to get porridge during the day. All his actions were no different from those of a refugee.

The days passed by.

Until this day, conflict broke out in the refugee camp.

Unable to bear the conditions here, countless refugees demanded that the soldiers of the garrison send doctors and epidemic prevention equipment. When they were refused, a fight broke out between the two sides. Li Huai was undoubtedly the one who started the disturbance.

Once a conflict broke out, Li Huai would stop, find a corner where no one was paying attention, and secretly leave the refugee camp.

After walking a long way and finding no one catching up with him, Li Huai finally breathed a sigh of relief and a smile appeared on his lips.

"It seems that my decision was right. That person gave me a secret method, and I can feel the existence of innate vitality. Although Xie An hid it deeply, I still felt it. This person is a martial saint.

I absolutely cannot be discovered by the imperial court. This was the agreement I reached with them. If I am discovered, I will be dead.

Hao'er, I will avenge you."

Li Huai turned into a shadow, running swiftly along the mountain. After rushing far away, he stopped at a hilltop and looked back towards the distant south valley with a look of reluctance.

"Oh, what a pity! I've been planning here for over a decade, thinking I could become the overlord outside Yunzhou City. Then I'd wait for an opportunity to find the ancient city of Kongsang. But in the end, all my efforts were in vain because of Xie An. I have no choice but to give up my foundation here.

Xie An, oh Xie An, you are so hateful."

Li Huai gritted his teeth and finally left the place cruelly.

I plan to go to a place where there is no one and start a new business.

After walking a few hundred meters, Li Huai suddenly stopped and looked at a man in black standing at the intersection ahead in disbelief, stunned.

Xie An!

Although he was shocked, Li Huai pretended to be indifferent on the surface and said, "Sir, why are you stopping me? What do you have to teach me?"

Xie An, the man in black, slowly walked towards Li Huai and said calmly, "Li Huai, stop keeping me in suspense."

hiss!
Li Huai's heart was pounding, and his whole body felt like it had been struck by lightning, but he pretended to be calm and said, "What Li Huai? I don't know what you are talking about. I think you have recognized the wrong person."

Xie An said, "I followed Li Hao many years ago. He went to the South Valley and disappeared. You and Li Hao fled together before. Your identity is naturally Li Huai. But you are really cruel. In order to prevent your identity from being exposed, you even killed your own son."

Li Huai knew he couldn't hide it any longer, so he said harshly, "Xie An, you and I have no grudges against each other. There's no need to be like this, right?"

Xie An stepped forward, "Of course it's necessary. If you hadn't rebelled, Qingwu County wouldn't have been so devastated. Countless people died in the war. Many of my old friends were forced to leave their homes. This matter must be resolved. The court is looking for you. I will capture you and hand you over to the court."

After saying that, Xie An appeared in front of Li Huai, raised his hand and pressed down, crushing all of Li Huai's resistance, and slammed him to the ground, causing him to spit blood repeatedly.

The huge gap between a Martial Saint and a First-Rank Grandmaster cannot be made up by many techniques.

Then Xie An picked up Li Huai like a chicken and strode towards Yunzhou City.

There was no personal grudge between Xie An and Li Huai, but if he was handed over to the eldest princess for disposal, it would surely help the eldest princess to gain a firm foothold in the court.

"Don't struggle. I won't kill you. After I hand you over to the princess, someone will take care of you."

The eldest princess...

Li Huai was relieved after hearing this, "You really won't kill me?"

Xie An said: "Killing you is meaningless to me."

Li Huai stopped talking.

Xie An took Li Huai back to the South Valley, intending to capture Qiu Chi and Zhou Yu for experiments. Unexpectedly, the couple was quite sensible and took the initiative to tie up the four masters and hand them over to Xie An. They even knelt on the ground and begged for mercy.

Qiu Chi said, "Sir, these four masters are from the Zhenwu Sect. We have captured them. It is most appropriate for you to conduct experiments on them. From now on, we in the South Valley are willing to follow your lead."

Zhou Yu quickly agreed, "That's right, that's right. I don't think your experiment will succeed on the first try. If you need a martial arts master later, why not give us the order? We'll do the work and capture a master for you. Wouldn't that save you a lot of effort?"

Xie An thought for a moment and said, "Yes."

Immediately, Xie An found a carriage, tied the four masters and Li Huai into the carriage, and drove away himself.

Zhou Yu and Qiu Chi personally saw Xie An off.

Only after seeing Xie An's carriage completely disappear from their sight did the two men dare to get up from the ground.

Qiu Chi said, "Lord Li was captured by this man. Could this man be a Martial Saint?"

Zhou Yu said, "This gentleman doesn't seem to be too bloodthirsty. If my Nanshan Valley can get close to him, it would be a good choice."

……

Xie An first drove his carriage to the outskirts of Yunzhou City, then carried Li Huai over the wall into the city, crippled Li Huai's cultivation strength, and broke his legs. He then found a servant, gave him precious silver, and asked the servant to take Li Huai to Su Yuqing's residence.

After completing all this, Xie An climbed over the wall and returned to the outside of the city. He drove a carriage and headed towards Qixingzhai with four martial arts masters' experimental subjects.

Capturing Li Huai this time is a great achievement.

It can be considered that I have done something for my hometown.

I feel very comfortable.

……

Su Yuqing's residence.

When she received Li Huai from the servant, she naturally knew that the person behind the scenes was Xie An.

Thinking of this, Su Yuqing was still very grateful to Xie An, and felt that Xie An and himself had a tacit understanding. He did not come directly to the mansion, but delivered the goods through a stranger.

I think Xie An also knew that Ye Nantian was targeting him.

Really smart and cautious.

Su Yuqing rewarded the servant with a piece of precious silver and let him go. She then took Li Huai into the courtyard for interrogation.

Arresting Li Huai is a matter of great importance.

"Li Huai, I didn't expect you to be here and even arrested. Logically, I should have escorted you to the capital immediately and had you interrogated by the Three Courts. However, the situation is urgent right now, so I will interrogate you here first."

Su Yuqing took out a scroll and writing brush, and while taking notes, he asked, "Tell the truth. Why did you rebel in the first place? Tell us all the details. Is there anyone behind this?"

Li Huai shook his head and said nothing.

No matter how Su Yuqing asked, Li Huai didn't say a word.

Finally, Su Yuqing also became annoyed, "You have to be tortured before you confess, right?"

Li Huai said, "It's useless to torture me. You can't handle this case. I advise you to stop here. Let me go. It will be better for both you and me."

Su Yuqing raised her eyebrows, "You're quite arrogant. Is there a case I can't take?"

Li Huai lowered his head again and said nothing.

The two sides fought for several days.

Finally, Li Huai probably realized that there was no way he could survive and gave up hope of survival. As a result, his thoughts changed drastically, and he said, "Hahaha, Su Yuqing, you are really pathetic."

Su Yuqing frowned, "Are you trying to mess with my mood?"

Li Huai laughed grimly. "To be honest, I admire you quite a bit. Back then, you were supposed to marry into Beiliang, but to seize the opportunity, you took the initiative to go to Nanyang Prefecture and laid out your plans for thirty years. You broke the century-old deadlock in Dayin Mountain. One major event after another was accomplished by you."

You truly cherish the lives of the people of this world and truly want to do something for the court. Unfortunately, you were born in the wrong era. Under this court, you are destined to become a tragedy."

brush.

Su Yuqing took out the Demon-Suppressing Knife and placed it on Li Huai's neck. "If you are saying these words just to disturb my mind, then I advise you to give up. I, Su Yuqing, have my own will and ambition in this life. Those who practice martial arts see themselves, the world, and all living beings. I have my own way."

"Hahaha."

Li Huai showed no fear of death at all. He laughed fiercely and said, "What a great way to see yourself, the world, and all living beings. Perhaps in your eyes, I am an unforgivable person. It was me who provoked the war in Nanzhou and caused the suffering of all the people in Nanzhou."

Su Yuqing said: "Isn't it?"

Li Huai said, "But you haven't thought about this. After the battle at Dayin Mountain, more than twenty Grandmasters died, and the fate of the Martial Saint Demoness of Beiliang is unknown. Why would I rebel under such circumstances?"

Su Yuqing was stunned. This was the question that had been on her mind all along, "Why?"

Li Huai shouted, "I know that such a rebellion will lead to certain death and there is no chance of success. Do you think I want to? If there is a way to live, who would choose death?"

At this point, Li Huai suddenly looked up to the sky and cried out, then laughed heartily. Finally, he turned around and stared at Su Yuqing intently, saying fiercely, "I'm really desperate. Because the person who forced me to rebel was none other than your father! Emperor Jingtai!"

(End of this chapter)