Starting with a blind date with a female constable, you acquire the Nine Swords of Dugu.

Chapter 172 Inviting the Enemy into the Trap

The night was as dark as ink, the wind died down and the snow stopped, and the town returned to silence.

Gu Guanqi and Murong Qing returned to the inn.

The two then walked straight through the lobby, went up the stairs to the second floor, and stood in front of Chu Yaoyin's room.

Gu Guanqi knocked on the door.

Chu Yaoyin's voice came from inside the door: "Who is it?"

"Heroine Chu, it is I, Gu Guanqi."

Immediately, footsteps were heard in the room, someone quickly approached, and the door was pulled open with a "click," the door panel opening inwards.

Chu Yaoyin stood inside the door, smiling, and said, "Oh, Alliance Leader Gu? Is this because you've been up all night and can't sleep, so you've come to have a heart-to-heart talk with me? You—"

Before she could finish speaking, she saw Murong Qing behind Gu Guanqi, and immediately pouted, saying, "Hero Murong, why aren't you sleeping? What are you doing wandering around in the middle of the night?"

'

Murong Qing smiled slightly and said, "Miss Chu is being too biased. Alliance Leader Gu came to have a heart-to-heart talk with you, while I just came to wander around."

"How can that be the same?" Chu Yaoyin smiled, stepped aside, and said, "Alliance Leader Gu, you must have something to discuss with me. Come in and talk, it's cold outside. Hmm—as for Hero Murong, you can just stay outside and watch."

Murong Qing chuckled to himself.

Gu Guanqi couldn't help but chuckle, but instead of entering, he said, "Miss Chu, I need to ask you about something."

Chu Yaoyin said, "Alliance Leader Gu, please ask whatever you want. I will answer everything I know!"

66

Gu Guanqi asked, "Which side of the imperial court are you on?"

'

A strange light flashed deep in Chu Yaoyin's pupils, but her face remained impassive. She tilted her head, feigning confusion, and asked, "Alliance Leader Gu, what are you talking about? I'm from the Meishan Sect, I—"

6

Gu Guanqi waved his hand, interrupting her, and said, "Miss Chu, let's be frank. I've confirmed that you're with the imperial court, but I'm not sure which side you're on."

Chu Yaoyin opened her mouth, ready to make a pretext for rebuttal.

Gu Guanqi spoke again, "Fine, I won't ask which side you're on. I only have one question: what brings you here to investigate Hua Zhongjun? Do you suspect the Hua family of colluding with Cangmang Mountain?"

Chu Yaoyin frowned slightly and asked, "Alliance Leader Gu, why did you suddenly come to ask about this? There must be a reason. You need to give me a reason before I can consider whether I can tell you."

Gu Guanqi said, "This matter is related to Hero Murong—"

Chu Yaoyin said, "Let's go inside and talk!"

Gu Guanqi and Murong Qing immediately entered the room.

Then, Gu Guanqi and Murong Qing recounted what had happened.

After listening, Chu Yaoyin breathed a slight sigh of relief and said, "So, you want to know whether Hua Manshan is colluding with Cangmang Mountain, or whether the entire Hua family is colluding with Cangmang Mountain. You scared me to death! I thought you were going to attack Hua Zhongjun too!"

Gu Guanqi said, "It seems that Miss Chu knows the truth."

Chu Yaoyin nodded and said, "There are indeed people in the Hua family who are colluding with Cangmang Mountain, but it has nothing to do with Hua Zhongjun. The protector behind them is not the main branch of the Hua family. As for Hua Manshan being the head, I only found out about that myself."

Murong Qing quickly said, "Could you explain in more detail?"

Chu Yaoyin said, "The Hua family is currently experiencing internal strife. Hua Zhongjun's visit to Shangdang County to discuss business was a trap set for him from the very beginning, which is why he went mad. This trap was set for him by people within the Hua family."

The specific reason was a power struggle within the imperial court, which had split the Hua family into two factions, locked in a protracted dispute. However, Hua Zhongjun miscalculated, not expecting the other faction to want him dead and instigate internal strife. This is why he preferred to hire skilled outsiders for protection rather than seek help from the government or acquaintances—he couldn't be sure who wanted him dead and who wanted him alive.

At this point, Chu Yaoyin paused for a moment, then said, "Looking back now, the reason he miscalculated was probably because he didn't guess that Hua Manshan would be the leader of Cangmang Mountain. This identity already destined that only one of the two brothers could survive sooner or later!"

Gu Guanqi said, "It seems you even know about the people behind Cangmang Mountain."

Chu Yaoyin nodded and said, "This matter is a secret to those outside the court, but it is tantamount to public knowledge to those inside the court. The mission of the four of us, my fellow disciples and I, is to do our utmost to protect Hua Zhongjun as he returns to the Hua family and regains power."

"Um."

Gu Guanqi nodded, then stood up and said, "Okay, we understand. That's all for now, goodbye!"

After saying that, Gu Guanqi turned around and prepared to leave.

Chu Yaoyin looked bewildered and said, "That's it? Aren't you going to ask anything else?"

Gu Guanqi asked in confusion, "What else do I need to ask? I already know what I need to ask. I just need to know if Hua Zhongjun is colluding with Cangmang Mountain, because I promised to escort him across Cangmang Mountain."

I came to you to verify this because I was worried that he was putting on a show to clear his name. I didn't want to send someone who was colluding with thieves. Now that I have the answer I wanted, I have nothing more to ask.

"No," Chu Yaoyin said, "Aren't you curious about who's behind Cangmang Mountain? And which side I'm on?"

"I'm not curious," Gu Guanqi said.

Chu Yaoyin: "————"

"I'm leaving." Gu Guanqi turned around.

"Why don't you ask?" Chu Yaoyin said with a smile. "Alliance Leader Gu, if you're willing to seduce me a little, I might tell you everything. Why don't you give it a try!"

Gu Guanqi: "————"

Murong Qing, standing to the side, scratched his head and said, "Does being good-looking make things so easy?"

Gu Guanqi chuckled and said, "Hero Murong is overthinking it. The reason why Heroine Chu was willing to speak is because she knows my identity. Although I am not a member of the court, I have actually been involved in court affairs for a long time and have already taken sides in a roundabout way."

So, the moment Miss Chu chose to answer our questions, I already knew which side she was on, only I wasn't sure which specific person within that side she was working for.

Murong Qing suddenly realized and said, "Is that so? It seems my level is too low."

At this moment, Chu Yaoyin stood up and said, "Hero Murong, why don't you step aside for a moment? Since Alliance Leader Gu has already put things this way, I have to explain everything to him clearly."

Murong Qing nodded slightly, turned around and left, closing the door behind her.

Inside the room, Chu Yaoyin said with great disappointment, "I was hoping to use this opportunity to see if I could trick Alliance Leader Gu into sacrificing his looks, but I didn't expect Alliance Leader Gu to be so perceptive. My little scheme has backfired!"

Gu Guanqi chuckled softly.

Chu Yaoyin said, "I am an undercover agent of the Eastern Depot. I usually mingle in the martial arts world and am responsible for collecting intelligence for the Eastern Depot."

This incident happened suddenly. Among the secret agents of the Eastern Depot in the Shangdang area, only my fellow disciples and I were capable of fighting.

But at this moment, Hua Zhongjun was so paranoid that he trusted no one, so we didn't reveal our identities and instead protected him as the Four Heroes of Meishan.

Gu Guanqi nodded slightly.

Chu Yaoyin continued, "Alliance Leader Gu should have guessed that the Cangmang Mountain is backed by the Left Prime Minister's faction, which specializes in doing shady things like selling stolen goods and laundering money for them. However, we still don't know that the leader of Cangmang Mountain is actually Hua Manshan."

That guy really hid himself well. Everyone said he was neither good at literature nor martial arts, no wonder the internal strife in the Hua family was so swift and well-executed. It seems Hua Manshan has been secretly plotting for many years.

Gu Guanqi sat down again and said, "Is the Hua family supported by the Eastern Depot?"

Chu Yaoyin shook her head and said, "It's all thanks to the Empress Dowager's money bag. Hua Zhongjun's ability to become a Grandmaster and the Hua family's status as the richest family in Tianzhou are all due to the Empress Dowager's support. Of course, Hua Zhongjun has not disappointed the Empress Dowager's expectations."

Over the years, the Hua family's financial support has played a significant role in the power struggle between the Empress Dowager and the Left Chancellor. The Hua family is also the Empress Dowager's biggest economic pillar. Therefore, the internal strife within the Hua family was a move by the Left Chancellor to undermine the family's foundation.

We were quite puzzled before, how the Left Prime Minister managed to get so many high-ranking members of the Hua family to defect in such a short time. We never imagined it would be Hua Manshan pulling the strings behind the scenes. If that's the case, the Left Prime Minister was planning this day more than a decade ago!

Gu Guanqi said, "It's not necessarily that far-sighted. Not many people would spend more than ten years setting up a scheme; there are too many variables in the process. I think the reason why Zhang Jiexi was able to instigate the internal strife in the Hua family so smoothly is more due to the fact that those within the Hua family were assessing the situation and making decisions accordingly."

In the current court situation, Zhang Jiexi wields immense power, already suppressing the Empress Dowager and the Eastern Depot. Now, General Yan Kunlun has immediately submitted a memorial impeaching Wei Tanjin, the supervisor of the Eastern Depot, sending a clear signal.

In the eyes of the Hua family, the Empress Dowager was about to lose power and fall from grace. If they didn't withdraw and side with Zhang Jiexi now, the Hua family would inevitably face retribution once the Empress Dowager completely lost power, and then it would be too late.

Chu Yaoyin curled her lip and said, "Without Hua Zhongjun, the Hua family would be an insignificant, third-rate family, perhaps even wiped out long ago. Yet they still tried to kill Hua Zhongjun. And without the Empress Dowager, the Hua family wouldn't have its current glory, yet they still betray us. What ungrateful wretches!"

"People naturally seek good fortune and avoid misfortune," Gu Guanqi said. "However, as an undercover agent, is it appropriate for you to tell me everything?"

Chu Yaoyin said, "Two days ago, not long after we set off, I received a secret letter from the Eastern Depot. It gave me clear instructions: if Alliance Leader Gu notices any problems and comes to ask me, I should tell you everything. If you don't ask, then I don't need to tell you on my own initiative."

As we all know, you have a blood feud with the Left Chancellor for killing his son, and you are naturally our ally. However, both the Empress Dowager and the Grand Eunuch know that someone like you can only cooperate with us, and it is impossible to recruit you.

Therefore, the Eastern Depot's instructions were: "I will fully cooperate with whatever you need, but I cannot proactively intervene in any of your decisions or interfere with anything you do, lest you misunderstand and think we are plotting against you."

Gu Guanqi nodded slightly.

He understood the concerns of the Eastern Depot. At his current level, whether it was his personal martial prowess or the power behind him...

Their influence has already reached a point where they can affect the overall situation in the imperial court.

However, he is the type of person who makes decisions entirely based on his own subjective will, without being influenced by anything else. Even a slight misunderstanding could lead him to make decisions that are inconsistent with the politician's thinking, resulting in great turmoil.

"According to your current statement, Hua Zhongjun is already trapped in a dead end," Gu Guanqi said. "Since Zhang Jiexi has already made a move against him and instigated internal strife within the Hua family, he will certainly not let Hua Zhongjun return alive. Therefore, on the surface, the mission is to escort Hua Zhongjun across the Cangmang Mountains, but in reality, it is to confront the deadly trap that Zhang Jiexi has set for Hua Zhongjun."

“Yes,” Chu Yaoyin sighed and said, “To be honest, when we received this mission, the four of us, my fellow disciples and I, were already prepared to die. We didn’t expect to survive. We couldn’t see any hope of survival.”

Of course, in my opinion, Hua Zhongjun was probably taking a gamble, but he never expected it to be so coincidental that he would run into you, giving him a glimmer of hope. That's why I was so proactive in wanting to help you cultivate. However, it seems that for now, I haven't been able to move you or be of any help.

Gu Guanqi suddenly realized why Chu Yaoyin, as an Eastern Depot spy, would act so rashly. It was precisely when Ah Feng told him that he had agreed to stay and escort Hua Zhongjun.

"Alliance Leader Gu, is there really nothing that can move you?" Chu Yaoyin asked.

"This—" Gu Guanqi said, "Miss Chu, these things depend on fate."

"That means I'm not pretty enough," Chu Yaoyin said dejectedly. "After all, short-term attraction is based on appearance. Sorry, Alliance Leader Gu, I couldn't help you!"

Just then, a system notification sounded in Gu Guanqi's mind: [Blind date activity completed]

[Reward: Max level "Ambidextrous Fighting Technique" has been awarded]

Do you want to claim the reward?

Gu Guanqi silently recited "Receive".

A profound realization instantly flooded Gu Guanqi's mind, and the previously extremely difficult-to-grasp method of multitasking was instantly mastered.

He felt his mind split in two, yet the two parts did not conflict; one mind guarded the real, while the other wandered in the void. The left and right hemispheres of his brain were completely separated, and his left and right hands were no longer bound by the same set of thoughts.

Gu Guanqi regained his composure and said, "I will remember Miss Chu's kindness."

Chu Yaoyin chuckled and said, "If I survive this time, I will go to the capital to report on my duties. At that time, I will introduce you to a great beauty to help you cultivate. She will definitely make your heart flutter at first sight."

Gu Guanqi asked, "Who?"

Chu Yaoyin said, "Wen Shuyi, a female scholar of the Imperial Academy, is known as the most talented woman in Tianzhou, and also as the most talented woman in Qian Kingdom. —"

She is beautiful, learned, talented, and comes from a prestigious family. She is also very skilled in martial arts and was once ranked first on the Qilin Ranking of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion. Two years ago, she defeated a grandmaster from Qizhou and was removed from the list.

She's so perfect, almost superhuman, there's nothing wrong with her. You'll definitely fall for her when you meet her.

Gu Guanqi raised an eyebrow slightly. This Wen Shuyi was one of the three women that Hua Zhongjun had promised to introduce.

"Don't you believe me?" Chu Yaoyin asked.

"No," Gu Guanqi said, "I was just thinking that I probably wouldn't need Miss Chu's help in making introductions, because the condition on which Hua Zhongjun asked me to escort him across Cangmang Mountain was to introduce me to a few women who could help me with my cultivation, one of whom is the Wen Shuyi you mentioned."

"I see," Chu Yaoyin said, "Then I won't interfere any further."

After chatting for a few more minutes, Gu Guanqi said goodbye and left the room.

The next morning, the heavy snow showed no signs of stopping.

Snowflakes, as white as goose feathers, poured down from the leaden sky, enveloping the entire town in a white, deathly silence.

The corpses on the long street were mostly covered by snow, with only a few stiff limbs and tattered clothes showing, blending into the road surface. From a distance, they looked like piles of snow mounds.

As Gu Guanqi stepped out of his room at the inn, Chu Yaoyin approached him and said, "Alliance Leader Gu, Patriarch Hua requests your presence."

"Hmm?" Gu Guanqi asked, puzzled.

Chu Yaoyin said, "I just told him that the leader is Hua Manshan. He probably wanted to make things clear to you in person because he was afraid you would mind."

Gu Guanqi nodded slightly and said, "Okay."

Chu Yaoyin sighed and said, "I thought we were hiding it quite well, but it turns out you knew we were spies, and the Hua family head knew too. He even knew long ago that I was a member of the Eastern Depot. It's really too embarrassing!"

Gu Guanqi chuckled and said, "If we didn't have some vigilance and skill, we could easily have spies planted around us. The Hua family wouldn't have reached its current level."

"That's true."

The two chatted casually and soon arrived at Hana-jun's room.

Chu Yaoyin stood at the door without going in.

Gu Guanqi went in alone.

As soon as he entered, he saw a tightly sealed sedan chair, next to which sat an elderly man with white hair, pale face, and barely breathing, but still quite imposing.

Ah Feng stood beside the old man, gently patting his back. The two were very intimate, and it was clear that their relationship was extraordinary.

"Alliance Leader Gu, I am Hua Zhongjun," the old man said, bowing.

Gu Guanqi sat down on the chair next to him and asked, "Isn't Patriarch Hua supposed to be protected from the wind? Why is he out here?"

Hua Zhongjun waved his hand and said, "I was faking it."

"You didn't suffer a qi deviation?" Gu Guanqi asked.

Hua Zhongjun said, "No, it's not that. I really have gone mad from practicing qi cultivation, but it's not as serious as I've shown. I know that Zhang Jiexi is controlling Cangmang Mountain behind the scenes, and he definitely won't let me go back alive."

So I pretended to be completely defenseless, thinking that if things really got desperate, I could launch a surprise attack and see if I could take as many people down with me. Showing weakness to the enemy might just have a surprising effect!

Gu Guanqi suddenly had a sense of déjà vu, as if he were seeing Yan Wangchuan.

As expected, Yan Wangchuan was right. Among those who live long lives in the martial arts world, either they are masters of martial arts or they are shrewd and cunning.

Gu Guanqi looked at Hua Zhongjun and said, "How about I take a look at you? My medical skills are pretty good."

Gu Guanqi's medical skills are not just good, but actually very high. He has the Medicine King's Divine Manual as a foundation and later obtained the Heavenly Silkworm Demon Art. This martial art integrates Gu techniques and reaches the Gu Immortal realm. Since medical skills and Gu techniques are largely interconnected, Gu Guanqi's medical skills have made great breakthroughs.

Upon hearing Gu Guanqi's words, Hua Zhongjun said, "Then I'll have to trouble Alliance Leader Gu!"

Gu Guanqi reached out and took Hua Zhongjun's pulse.

A moment later, Gu Guanqi withdrew his hand.

"How is it?" Ah Feng asked hurriedly.

Gu Guanqi said, "It is indeed a case of qi deviation, but there are two problems. One is the disordered meridians, and the other is the severe mental injury. I can cure the disordered meridians, but the severe mental injury is related to the martial arts practiced by the Hua family head, which cannot be cured by medicine, and I am powerless to help."

Ah Feng hurriedly replied, "Even curing just one thing would be good!"

Gu Guanqi said, "Then let's treat it now!"

"No rush," Hua Zhongjun said. "Let me explain things to Alliance Leader Gu first. Just now, Heroine Chu told me that Alliance Leader Gu already knows about the current situation of my Hua family. So, I asked you to come here because I was afraid you would worry that I wouldn't be able to fulfill the promised reward."

"Alliance Leader Gu, rest assured, no matter what becomes of the Hua family, as long as I live, I will fulfill my promise to introduce you to that girl who can help you with your cultivation. I will not use the Hua family's favor, but my own, that of Hua Zhongjun."

Gu Guanqi said, "I'm not worried about that."

Hua Zhongjun added, "Furthermore, I ask Alliance Leader Gu for his understanding, as Cha was able to truthfully inform me of my situation earlier."

Gu Guanqi waved his hand and said, "There is absolutely no need for that. We are just doing normal work. You pay me and I contribute my labor. You have no obligation to tell me about your family affairs. You only need to tell me the details of the work."

"So, Patriarch Hua, you don't need to think that way. I won't feel that I've lost out by doing this job in Jiaoxian just because your Hua family has changed. After all, no matter how the Hua family changes, my mission hasn't changed. From beginning to end, it's to escort you across Cangmang Mountain. As for what's on Cangmang Mountain, it's what it is. Even if Zhang Jiexi himself comes to block our way, it's still Cangmang Mountain!"

Hua Zhongjun cupped his hands and said, "As expected of Alliance Leader Gu, you are indeed insightful and perceptive!"

Gu Guanqi waved his hand and said, "However, if you need my help with anything when we get to Tianhu County, that will be at a different price."

"That's natural, that's natural," Hua Zhongjun said. "However, as long as I can return to Tianhu County alive, the Hua family's troubles will cease to be troubles, because the most crucial prerequisite for the Hua family's internal strife is that I cannot return alive."

Gu Guanqi said, "It shouldn't be a big problem."

Hua Zhongjun added, "This is, after all, their home turf. Alliance Leader Gu should still be cautious. Under the leadership of that chief, the Cangmang Shipi Village has recruited an impressive number of experts over the years. Alas—"

At this point, Hua Zhongjun sighed and said, "I really didn't expect my second brother, Hua Manshan, to be so well hidden. All these years, I've felt guilty towards him and always put him first. I never expected him to be like this... sigh—"

Gu Guanqi said, "Human nature is quite complex. Let's not talk about this anymore, let me treat your injuries first!"

"Then thank you very much, Alliance Leader Gu!"

Gu Guanqi immediately began to treat Hua Zhongjun's injuries.

At this moment, deep in the vast mountains, in a large village built against the mountain, several charcoal fires were burning in the main hall, and the smoke swirled among the low beams, carrying a dull, acrid smell.

Seated at the head of the table was a man wearing a lion-head mask. The mask, cast in bronze, had a dull luster from years of handling, revealing only a pair of eyes hidden in the shadows. He was a burly man with broad shoulders and a commanding presence, even while seated.

A sense of oppressive power that could not be underestimated. This was the leader of the vast, desolate mountains.

Seated to the lower right was a scholar, about forty years old, with a thin face, a long beard, and wearing a faded gray-blue robe, holding a folding fan in his hand. He was none other than Ji Piqian, the chief advisor of the Left Chancellor Zhang Jiexi, known in the martial arts world as "the one with no solutions."

Seated in the chair to the left was a burly middle-aged man with a square face, his mustache standing straight up like iron spikes, and a strong sense of menace between his brows. He wore a black, close-fitting outfit, with a broad-backed, thick sword hanging at his waist, and his expression was extremely arrogant.

This man was Pan Daorong, the top general under General Yan Kun.

The charcoal fire crackled softly in the iron basin, its flames flickering gently.

The leader, hiding behind the lion's head mask, spoke first: "Gentlemen, Gu Guanqi is already in a dead end."

Ji Piqian lightly waved his folding fan and said, "Piqian would like to congratulate the chief in advance on his unparalleled achievements."

The leader waved his hand and said, "It's too early to celebrate. Gu Guanqi is no ordinary person. If we're not careful, we'll lose everything. The General and the Left Prime Minister can't come to kill him themselves. Our plan can't have the slightest flaw."

Ji Piqian said, "Don't worry, Chief. I've already set up the killing formation in Wansong Forest. Even if there's a slight mistake, we can make up for it. Besides, I don't think Gu Guanqi has any chance of survival in this round."

Then, Ji Piqian looked at Pan Daorong and said, "Besides, we still have General Pan to back us up!"

Pan Daorong quickly waved his hand and said, "Mr. Ji, please don't flatter me. I know my own limitations. Gu Guanqi is currently ranked seventeenth on the Heavenly Ranking. On the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion's list, there are only six or seven people in our Ru Kingdom who can rank higher than him. He is truly one of the top ten martial artists in the Ru Kingdom!"

Ji Piqian waved his hand and said, "Mistake, General Pan. Gu Guanqi may be ranked high, but you are not low either. Although you are currently ninth on the Earth Ranking, with your strength, you are no weaker than a Grandmaster on the Heaven Ranking. You just don't have the opportunity."

As far as I know, the Grand General has already repaired the damaged Tian Shu Armor and given it to you. With your martial arts skills, coupled with the invulnerable Tian Shu Armor that is impervious to swords and spears, and water and fire, which master on the Heavenly Ranking cannot fight you? You need not be modest!

The leader added, "Among the Grandmasters on the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion's Earth Ranking, my elder brother ranks sixteenth. He has also said that the Earth Ranking is generally fair, except for General Pan, whose ranking is seriously inconsistent with his strength; his rank is too low."

Now, with the supreme treasure, the Heavenly Pivot Armor, even the supreme grandmasters on the Heavenly Ranking might not be a match for General Pan!

Pan Daorong waved his hand dismissively and said, "Mr. Ji, Chief, please don't say that. I'm just a farmer with some farming skills. You two are both renowned masters, how could you not know the difference between the Heavenly Ranking and the Earthly Ranking? It's not something that a set of armor can make up for!"

Despite saying that, Pan Daorong's face was full of smiles.

Ji Piqian continued, "Under normal circumstances, a set of Tian Shu Battle Armor is definitely not enough to bridge the gap between the Earth Ranking and the Heaven Ranking. But General Pan, you are different. Your martial arts skills are already strong enough to reach the top of the Earth Ranking. With the Tian Shu Battle Armor, you will reach even greater heights. How could you be weaker than a Grandmaster on the Heaven Ranking?"

"Hahaha—" Pan Daorong laughed loudly, "Mr. Ji, you jest. However, I do indeed wish to spar with a supreme master from the Heavenly Ranking, but I've been struggling to find the opportunity. How about this: in a couple of days, when I kill Gu Guanqi, I'll personally restrain him. You two can't compete with me, can you? I just want to spar with a supreme master!"

Ji Piqian said, "Besides General Pan, who in the world would dare to practice against a supreme master on the Heavenly Ranking? I admire you. The chief and I will back up General Pan!"

The leader said, "It is truly an honor for us Wu cultivators to witness the duel between two supreme masters!"

"You two are joking, joking—hahaha, leave the direct confrontation to me, you can rest assured," Pan Daorong said. "I wouldn't dare say I can fight Gu Guanqi to a draw, but I can definitely hold him off for fifty moves!"

The leader sighed with relief, "With General Pan here, I'm relieved. When the time comes, General Pan will easily restrain Gu Guanqi, Mr. Ji will activate the grand formation, and my elder brother and I will deliver the fatal blow to Gu Guanqi. The mission will be accomplished!"

Having said that, the leader looked at Ji Piqian, cupped his hands, and said, "Mr. Ji, your plan is truly ingenious! This two-birds-with-one-stone strategy can both eliminate Gu Guanqi and allow my elder brother to infiltrate Wei Tanjin's inner circle in the capital and wait for the right opportunity to act!"

Ji Piqian smiled slightly and said, "What kind of brilliant plan is this? It's just going with the flow. It's only because Patriarch Hua and the Chief are so righteous that they've abandoned darkness for light. Otherwise, what plan could I possibly have?"

Pan Daorong chimed in, "Boss, to be honest, the eunuch faction is wreaking havoc on the court, deceiving the emperor, and framing loyal officials. Your Hua family actually followed them blindly all along; you were practically aiding and abetting the evildoers!"

The head of the family hurriedly said, "Alas, General Pan is right. Our Hua family was blind to people's true character before. We were deceived by Wei Tanjinren and thought he was the loyal minister, which is why we have always supported him."

Now, thanks to Mr. Ji's guidance, they have finally realized their mistake and have abandoned their evil ways, joining General Pan to set things right. My elder brother deeply regrets his error and has decided to disregard the danger and infiltrate Wei Tanjin's inner circle as an inside agent for the Grand General and the Left Prime Minister, hoping to cleanse the court of corruption, eliminate the eunuch faction, and restore order to the world!

Pan Daorong nodded and said, "It's not too late for the Hua family to realize their mistake!"

The leader and Ji Piqian exchanged a glance.

A faint smile flashed across Ji Piqian's face before he said, "General Pan, let me explain the specific arrangements for the next few days. You will directly restrain Gu Guanqi, but don't get carried away with the fight. You must yield when necessary."

Otherwise, if we miss our chance and he's determined to escape, we'll be truly helpless. Although your martial arts are no weaker than his, if he's focused on running away, and you're not skilled in light footwork, you won't be able to catch him. Our martial arts are also weak; even if we catch up, we won't be able to defeat him.

"good!"

Pan Daorong said, "Don't worry, I understand. After exchanging a dozen or twenty moves with him, I'll let him go and hand him over to you."

Ji Piqian then looked at the chief and said, "Chief, you'll have to arrange the specific details. This is your home turf, especially when it comes to dealing with Gu Guanqi's mindset."

"Don't worry, everything is ready."

",