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

Chapter 208 The Tie Family

Gu Guanqi and Shen Qingqiu joined the Qin family's group and then traveled together for two days before arriving at Masang County in Baiyi Prefecture.

This Masang County is the ancestral home of the Hu family.

Upon entering the city, the group headed straight for the Hu family's residence.

As one of the four major families in Yanzhou, the Hu family has extensive connections in the region. With the patriarch of the Hu family celebrating his birthday, people from all walks of life naturally come to offer their congratulations. Therefore, Masang County has been very lively these days, especially the Hu family manor, which is bustling with people coming and going.

When the Qin family's group arrived, it caused quite a stir.

Since this was just an annual birthday celebration, not a grand event hosted by the Hu family, although various factions would send people to offer their congratulations, they didn't take it too seriously. They would usually send a mid-to-high-ranking figure along with a few disciples to express their good wishes.

The fact that Old Madam Yu of the Qin family personally came shows an extremely high level of importance attached to the family. After all, Old Madam Yu is the second most important person in the Qin family, and in terms of seniority, she is the elder of the current head of the Qin family. In the entire Yanzhou martial arts world, she is among the most senior.

Immediately, the patriarch of the Hu family and a group of senior members of the Hu family came out to greet them.

At this moment, at the entrance of the Hu Family Manor.

Several guards from the Qin family unloaded the congratulatory gifts from the carriage, one box at a time, and stacked them neatly beside the stone steps. The boxes were covered with dark red brocade, embroidered with the character for longevity.

A large group of people came out to greet them from the manor.

Leading the group was an elderly man with white hair and a youthful face, who was thin and wiry. He was none other than Hu Changqing, the current head of the Hu family.

"Sister Yu!"

Hu Changqing hurried over from a distance, his voice loud and clear, and he greeted them with a smile as he cupped his hands in greeting, "You actually came in person! Why didn't you send someone to let me know sooner so I could send someone to pick you up!"

Hu Changqing patted his chest and laughed heartily, "Thank you for your concern, Sister Yu. My health is still alright. However, as one gets older, things inevitably decline day by day." As he spoke, he walked up to Old Madam Yu and said, "Sister Yu, you must be tired from your long journey!"

Madam Yu shook her head slightly and said, "It's been many years since we last met, so I wanted to come and see you."

Hu Changqing sighed and said, "It's been quite a few years. Those old buddies I used to run around with back then are dwindling year by year. Every time we meet, it's one less time we'll see each other. I don't even know if we'll ever have the chance to meet again!"

Madam Yu scolded, "Your birthday is approaching, why are you saying such things?"

Hu Changqing chuckled and said, "What's wrong with speaking the truth in front of Sister Yu?" He then stepped aside, gesturing for her to come in: "Come, come, please come in!"

However, Madam Yu did not take a step immediately. Instead, she turned slightly to the side and said, "Brother Hu, let me introduce you to two distinguished guests first."

Hu Changqing was slightly taken aback. His gaze followed the gesture of the old lady Yu and landed on a young couple standing at the back of the line.

The man wore a moon-white robe with a long sword hanging at his waist. He was extremely handsome, with an inexplicable air of otherworldly elegance about him. The woman wore a light blue close-fitting outfit with two swords at her waist. She was agile, with a heroic face and extraordinary bearing.

Hu Changqing quickly asked, "Who are these two?"

Madam Yu said, "Brother Hu, these two are Gu Guanqi, the leader of the martial arts alliance of Qingyun and Hongzhou, and Shen Qingqiu, the governor of the Six Doors of the Great Qian Dynasty!"

Hu Changqing's expression changed slightly.

The Hu family members behind him were also greatly surprised.

After a brief silence, Hu Changqing quickly stepped forward, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and bowed, saying, "I am Hu Changqing, unaware of the presence of Alliance Leader Gu and Governor Shen. Please forgive my failure to greet you properly!"

Gu Guanqi smiled slightly and said, "You're too kind, Mr. Hu."

C

Shen Qingqiu cupped his hands in greeting and said, "Old Master Hu, we apologize for our unauthorized visit and any disturbance we may cause."

Hu Changqing hurriedly said, "It is an honor for my Hu family that you two have come to our home! Please come in, please come in!"

As he spoke, he personally stepped aside to lead the way, while simultaneously giving winks to several members of the Hu family who appeared to be managers behind him. The managers understood and immediately turned and hurried towards the backyard, clearly to arrange the banquet and accommodations.

The group walked along the bluestone path through the front courtyard, around the screen wall, and arrived at a spacious hall.

The hall door was open, and inside, a tea table and chairs had been prepared. A few wisps of sandalwood incense rose from the bronze incense burner in the corner, condensing into thin wisps of blue smoke in the afternoon sunlight.

Hu Changqing led Gu Guanqi, Shen Qingqiu, Madam Yu, Qin Lang, Shen Li, and others to their seats. The remaining stewards and guards of the Qin family's second branch were led by Hu's servants to a side hall for tea.

After the guests and hosts were seated, the maid brought up tea and then stepped aside to stand by.

Hu Changqing sat in the main seat, greeting Gu Guanqi and Shen Qingqiu, and then chatted with Old Madam Yu about everyday matters.

Just then, a guard strode in through the side door, bowed, and whispered a few words in Hu Changqing's ear.

Hu Changqing nodded slightly. The guard then bowed and withdrew.

Hu Changqing turned to Madam Yu and said, "Sister Yu, we have another distinguished guest at our residence, Tie Jingshan, the head of the Tie family. He heard that you have arrived and wishes to come and pay his respects."

Madam Yu's eyebrows twitched slightly as she asked in surprise, "The head of the Tie family is here too?"

Hu Changqing said, "To be honest, elder sister, I have a granddaughter who is quite destined for the youngest son of the Tie family head. They have reached the point of discussing marriage. The Tie family head came here today to celebrate my birthday and discuss the marriage."

Upon hearing this, a barely perceptible dark glint flashed in Madam Yu's eyes, but she quickly regained her composure, picked up her teacup, took a sip, and said, "Then congratulations, Brother Hu. A marriage alliance with the Tie family is truly a powerful alliance."

Hu Changqing smiled and said, "It all depends on the younger generation's own fate." Then he asked, "Sister Yu, what do you think, should we invite him over?"

Madam Yu turned her head to look at Shen Qingqiu and Gu Guanqi: "Alliance Leader Gu, Governor Shen, what do you have to say?"

Shen Qingqiu put down his teacup and said, "Then please invite Patriarch Tie over."

A hint of doubt flashed in Hu Changqing's eyes.

He sensed that after hearing about Tie Jingshan, both Madam Yu and Shen Qingqiu seemed to be acting strangely, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

He waved to the guard waiting at the door. The guard immediately obeyed and quickly left the hall.

Before long, a series of steady footsteps came from outside the hall, and a figure appeared at the door.

He was a man in his early fifties, tall and slender, with a handsome face and a calm and composed demeanor.

This person is none other than Tie Jingshan, the current head of the Tie family.

He stepped across the threshold, his gaze falling on Old Madam Yu. He then bowed slightly and said, "Old Madam, it's been a long time. You still look as radiant as ever!"

Madam Yu nodded slightly and cupped her hands, saying, "Master Tie's demeanor is far superior to what it used to be."

Tie Jingliang smiled slightly and said, "It's been a while since I've seen the old lady. Hearing that she's here, I've come to catch up."

.

Madam Yu nodded and said, "Master Tie, please sit down and have some tea!"

Tie Jingshan approached, cupped his hands in greeting to Hu Changqing, and said, "Old Master Hu." Then he sat down in a chair.

At this moment, Hu Changqing stood up and said, "Patriarch Tie, let me introduce you."

Tie Jingshan looked in the direction Hu Changqing gestured and saw Gu Guanqi and Shen Qingqiu sitting together.

Hu Changqing continued, "These two are Gu Guanqi, the leader of the martial arts alliance of Qingyun and Hongzhou, and Shen Qingqiu, the governor of the Six Doors of the Great Qian Dynasty!"

Upon hearing this, Tie Jingshan's eyes flashed with surprise. He quickly stood up and eagerly cupped his hands towards Gu Guanqi and Shen Qingqiu, saying, "Alliance Leader Gu, Governor Shen, I am Tie Jingshan. I have long admired your names, and it is an honor to meet you today!"

Gu Guanqi held his teacup, smiled slightly, but said nothing.

Shen Qingqiu sat in the chair, the rim of the white porcelain teacup beside her reflecting the sunlight streaming in from the window, a thin line of light falling precisely on her fingertips. She slightly raised her eyes, looked at Tie Jingshan, and said, "Patriarch Tie, I was just about to make a trip to the Tie family after Old Master Hu's birthday celebration."

Tie Jingshan quickly replied, "The Tie family warmly welcomes you. It is an honor for the Tie family to have Governor Shen as our guest!"

Shen Qingqiu looked at Tie Jingshan, shook his head slightly, and said, "Patriarch Tie, you misunderstand. I went to the Tie family not as a guest, but to seek justice."

Tie Jingshan's expression changed slightly, and he asked, "I wonder what brings you to such a statement, Governor Shen? Has someone from my Tie family offended you? Tell me, and I will certainly give you an explanation!"

Shen Qingqiu slowly put down his teacup and said, "Since I have met Patriarch Tie here today, I will tell you what happened to avoid any unpleasantness later, so that people will not say that I, Shen Qingqiu, am abusing my power."

Tie Jingshan's pupils contracted slightly, his heart skipped a beat, and he realized that things were probably not so simple.

He immediately said, "Please enlighten me, Governor Shen!"

The hall was deathly silent; everyone was looking at Shen Qingqiu.

Shen Qingqiu looked at Tie Jingshan and slowly said, "Patriarch Tie, if we consider my father's lineage, I should call you Seventh Uncle."

"Wh-what?" Tie Jingshan exclaimed in surprise, puzzled. "Governor Shen, you—"

Shen Qingqiu continued, "My original name was Tie Qingqiu."

Tie Jingshan's pupils suddenly widened.

"My father's name is Tie Jingxi," Shen Qingqiu said.

Tie Jingshan blurted out, "You're the daughter of Jingxi, the thirteenth brother of the Yongshan branch? How is that possible? Didn't they say you had already passed away?"

Shen Qingqiu said calmly, "Oh, so they're using this excuse to cover up their misappropriation of the heirs' property?"

Upon hearing this, Tie Jingshan roughly guessed the root of the matter. He quickly asked, "Are you being bullied by your clansmen because of your thirteenth brother's death?"

Shen Qingqiu looked at Tie Jingshan and said, "I didn't expect you to still remember my father."

Tie Jingshan said, "Although the Tie family has many branches, few of them produce outstanding talents. Your father was the most talented in cultivation among all the branches back then, and his martial arts were also the highest. I once thought he would lead the Yongshan branch to merge into the main branch."

It's a pity that he was ambushed and sacrificed during the battle with the demonic force, Half Moon Sect. I personally escorted his body back to Yongshan, so naturally I won't forget him. I specifically instructed your branch sect to take good care of your father's family.

After you helped me quell the rebellion at Banyuemen, I went to Yongshan specifically to inquire about your father's family. They said you passed away from a serious illness, and then your mother remarried and left Yongshan. I never expected this—what happened to you back then?

Shen Qingqiu said in a calm tone, "The matter is quite simple. My father built a considerable business empire back then, and after his death, the main branch gave him a large pension, which aroused envy and led to bullying of us orphans and widows. The business empire my father built and the pension were robbed."

Tie Jingshan's face darkened. He said, "Where are the clan elders? Your father was a meritorious official of the Tie family. They should be protecting you. They—"

At this point, a cold glint flashed in Tie Jingshan's eyes as he said, "Were they among those who bullied you and your daughter?"

Shen Qingqiu said, "I am a woman, and in their eyes, I am not worthy to take my father's things. Therefore, those clan elders not only did not stand up for me, but also colluded with them."

My mother and I had nowhere to turn and could only accept our fate. But they were also worried that I would take revenge when I grew up, so they suppressed me in various ways, which became more and more excessive, to the point that my mother and I could hardly survive.

Later, it was my mother who handed over all her dowry, and I took her away from Yanzhou that very night, which saved our lives.

After saying this, Shen Qingqiu looked at Tie Jingshan and said, "Patriarch Tie, I have explained everything to you today. I just hope that when I return to Yongshan to seek justice, the Tie family will not say that I am abusing my power."

Of course, the Tie family has its own considerations, and the choice you make is your business. If you want to protect those people, that's fine too; then we'll see who's the best.

Tie Jingshan looked at Shen Qingqiu and said, "I'm sorry, it was my mistake. You and your mother have suffered. This is a dereliction of duty on our part!"

Shen Qingqiu waved his hand and said, "I know very well what happened back then, and it has nothing to do with the main branch. My father died fighting for the Tie family, and the Tie family's main branch did not deduct his credit."

The Tie family has dozens of branches, and even the main branch couldn't possibly be involved in every detail. Besides, it was the Yongshan branch that concealed the truth, so the main branch was also unaware of the situation. Therefore, I have never blamed the main branch. Otherwise, when Zhang Jiexi's rebellion failed and the Tie family was implicated, I would have kicked them while they were down!

Tie Jingshan took a deep breath and said, "Governor Shen—I will give you an explanation for this matter!"

Shen Qingqiu said, "I will seek justice myself."

Tie Jingshan clenched his fists and said angrily, "I also need to seek justice. You may not know, but over the years, I have been supporting the Yongshan branch a lot because I feel guilty."

"Because I feel that the Yongshan branch finally produced a prodigy, but he died in battle for the Tie family, causing the Yongshan branch to lose a once-in-a-century opportunity to rise. And yet, in the end, they treat you and your mother like this behind your back!"

With that, Tie Jingshan slammed his fist on the table, jumped up, and said, "I won't let any of those people from back then get away with it!"

After saying that, he cupped his hands to Hu Changqing and said, "Grandpa Hu, the marriage arrangements will be postponed for a while. I need to go back to the Tie family first."

Hu Changqing quickly asked, "Is it in such a hurry?"

"I can't wait a second longer!"

Tie Jingshan cupped his hands in greeting to Madam Yu, then turned to Shen Qingqiu, cupped his hands in greeting again, and strode out the door.

Then, he rushed to a small courtyard.

In the courtyard, a young man was drinking tea with a young woman when he saw Tie Jingshan storm in. He quickly stood up and asked in confusion, "Father, what's wrong with you?"

Tie Jingshan's face was grim. He said, "Immediately send a message back to Yanzhou City, ordering the clan to gather two hundred martial arts experts and get them to Yongshan as quickly as possible. Arrest all the elders of the Yongshan branch, don't let a single one escape. They must all die. Then prepare to open the ancestral hall; I want to expel the entire Yongshan branch from the Tie family!"

"Huh?" the young man exclaimed in surprise.

"What the hell?" Tie Jingshan roared angrily, "Pack your things right now and come with me to Yongshan. I'll beat those people to death if I don't!"

Tie Jingshan slammed his fist on the stone table, smashing it to pieces. He was so angry that his chest felt like it was about to burst. He roared, "I'm so angry right now! These cancers, these bastards! We finally produced a talent, and they've turned us into enemies!"

Do you know that's Shen Qingqiu? Even without Gu Guanqi's connection, Shen Qingqiu became the commander of the Six Doors in her early twenties. None of the younger generation in my Tie family can compare to her.

"She's the orphan of a meritorious official, with impeccable family background! Her father was a great hero who died fighting for the Tie family. Someone like that, with even a little talent, would be heavily supported by the Tie family. But these bastards not only didn't protect her, they even preyed on her! They deserve to die! Bullying an orphan and widow, the whole family bullying an orphan and widow!"

On the other side, in the Hu family's main hall.

Gu Guanqi took a sip of tea, looked at Shen Qingqiu, and said, "Does the main branch of the Tie family really not know about what happened back then?"

Shen Qingqiu nodded and said, "I've investigated, and they really don't know. The Tie family has become a prominent family for hundreds of years, and the main branch has always been clear-headed. They would never allow such things as exploiting those who have died out and bullying descendants who have contributed to the family. Otherwise, who would dare to risk their lives for the family in the future?"

Gu Guanqi nodded slightly and said, "That's true."

Shen Qingqiu said, "However, the large number and wide distribution of aristocratic families have both advantages and disadvantages. The advantage is their strength and influence. But the disadvantage is the difficulty in management. Not to mention the branches, even the main line has its share of unsavory dealings!"

Gu Guanqi said, "That's how it is; it's the same for any power."

Shen Qingqiu said, "Therefore, I don't blame the main branch; I only hate the Yongshan branch."

Gu Guanqi nodded.

-

Hu Changqing, standing to the side, sighed and said, "I never imagined that Governor Shen would have such a connection with the Tie family. Alas, the head of the Tie family must be furious right now; he certainly won't let the Yongshan branch off."

"It doesn't matter," Shen Qingqiu said. "Whether the Tie family decides to deal with it or not, I will settle accounts with those people from back then. I'm telling the Tie family head today only to avoid unnecessary conflicts later."

Hu Changqing cupped his hands and said, "Governor Shen has a clear sense of right and wrong; I admire him!"

Just then, Madam Yu suddenly said, "Brother Hu, I also have something I'd like to tell you."

Hu Changqing quickly said, "Please speak, Sister Yu."

Madam Yu said, "I heard that there have been some problems with your Hu family's Heavenly Calamity Sword. Is this true?"

Hu Changqing remained calm, waved his hand, and said, "Sister Yu, my Hu family's Heavenly Calamity Sword is an unparalleled divine weapon. How could there be any problems? It's just a rumor spread by some people who have grudges against my Hu family, trying to shake the foundation of the Hu family!"

Madam Yu continued, "I see. I thought there was really a problem. Governor Shen happened to have a piece of meteorite iron crystal, and I was thinking of asking him for you, but it seems we won't need it now!"

Hu Changqing's eyes lit up, then he slightly waved his hand, signaling all the servants in the hall to leave. He then looked at Shen Qingqiu and quickly asked, "Governor Shen, do you really possess meteorite iron crystals? How much?"

Shen Qingqiu said, "About two hundred jin!"

Hu Changqing's voice was slightly urgent as he asked, "Complete? A single piece?"

Shen Qingqiu nodded slightly and said, "I have brought it."

Hu Changqing swallowed hard and asked, "Governor Shen, what is your price for this meteorite crystal?"

Shen Qingqiu smiled slightly and said, "Grandpa Hu, meteorite iron crystal is a supreme treasure for making divine weapons. It is extremely rare and its value cannot be measured in gold or silver."

Originally, I planned to forge a suitable weapon for Alliance Leader Gu. However, Old Madam Yu said that you two are bosom friends and repeatedly pleaded for a chance for the Hu family, saying that this item is very important to the Hu family.

As she spoke, she looked at Gu Guanqi and said, "As for Alliance Leader Gu, with his martial arts skills, weapons are indeed dispensable. And since Madam Yu is my elder, I couldn't go against her wishes, so I personally brought the meteorite iron crystal to the Hu family. Therefore, Old Master Hu, just name your price for the meteorite iron crystal, and I won't haggle!"

"this----"

Hu Changqing froze.

The most difficult kind of bargaining is not haggling at all.

For a moment, he couldn't figure out what Shen Qingqiu meant, so he could only turn his gaze to Old Madam Yu.

Madam Yu said, "Brother Hu, as Governor Shen said, meteorite iron crystals cannot be measured in gold or silver, so we can only exchange them for something that cannot be measured in gold or silver."

Hu Changqing quickly said, "Please give me your guidance, Sister Yu."

Madam Yu smiled slightly and said, "That is naturally what Governor Shen needs."

Hu Changqing said urgently, "Good sister, please stop beating around the bush with Governor Shen. I'll tell you the truth. My family's Heavenly Calamity Sword has indeed malfunctioned. As you know, our Hu family's ability to establish itself in Yanzhou is mainly due to the Heavenly Calamity Sword. Sigh, just name your conditions. As long as I can do it, I will not refuse!"

Madam Yu said slowly, "Since Brother Hu has said so, I won't beat around the bush. Brother Hu, you should understand that now that the rebels Zhang Jiexi and Yan Kunlun have been brought to justice, most of the forces in Yanzhou originally had some connection with Zhang Jiexi."

Now that the Emperor is in power, what brings Governor Shen to Yanzhou at this time? Don't you really know? What does Governor Shen need? Do I need to spell it out for him?

Hu Changqing's expression hardened. He looked at Shen Qingqiu and asked, "Governor Shen, is this a reorganization of the Six Doors in Yanzhou?"

Shen Qingqiu nodded slightly.

Hu Changqing frowned slightly and said, "This matter is of great importance, and I cannot give an immediate answer. I ask Governor Shen to give me some time to think about it."

Shen Qingqiu smiled slightly and said, "I came here to celebrate Old Master Hu's birthday. I'm not in a hurry, so there's no need for you to rush."

"Very well, thank you very much, Governor Shen!"

Night falls at the Hu family manor.

In Hu Changqing's study, the candlelight was dim, flickering gently on the desk and casting two shadows on the towering bookshelves behind him, which grew longer and shorter with the swaying of the flames, bright and dim.

Hu Changqing sat upright, and sitting in front of him was Hu Bing, the current head of the Hu family.

Hu Bing put down his teacup, his brows furrowed, and said with a serious tone, "Father, I think we should forget about it. If the Heavenly Calamity Sword has a problem, our Hu family will at most gradually decline. Our Hu family has cultivated the Yanzhou region for many years, so it shouldn't be too much of a problem. But if we were to join Shen Qingqiu's forces, that would be much riskier."

Hu Changqing looked down at the teacup swaying slightly, gently shook it, and after a long while, he finally spoke: "You're too optimistic."

Hu Bing looked up at Hu Changqing.

Hu Changqing continued, "Now, rumors are spreading in the martial arts world that there is something wrong with the Heavenly Calamity Sword. You and I both know that once this news gets out, it can't be stopped."

If the Heavenly Calamity Sword fails to demonstrate its power for a long time, this matter will inevitably be confirmed. Among the four great families, only our Hu family is the most—

Weak, lacking top-tier experts, it has always relied on the Heavenly Calamity Sword to forcibly close the gap with the other three families.

Once it's confirmed that the Heavenly Calamity Sword is malfunctioning, all forces will swarm in. Not to mention the other three of the four major families, we can't withstand even the seven major gangs alone. Moreover, with all forces attacking simultaneously, the Hu family won't last long.

Hu Bing shook his head and said, "Even so, the Hu family can still choose to back down and let go of the wealth that they can't hold onto. They will only become a second- or third-rate family, but they won't be wiped out."

But getting involved with Shen Qingqiu would be troublesome. Once it involves the imperial court, a slight misstep could wipe out a family as large as ours, Hu.

"Don't even mention our Hu family, you've seen the Tie family's situation now. One failed alliance has wiped out years of hard work in Tianzhou, forcing them to retreat to Yanzhou. But Yanzhou isn't their backyard either; now they're even thinking of forming a marriage alliance with us."

.

Hu Changqing remained silent.

Hu Bing continued, "Furthermore, Father, we don't know the current situation in the court. Everyone says the emperor has seized power, but to what extent? We don't know. We also don't know what level Shen Qingqiu is in the court. If we rashly pledge allegiance without knowing anything, we'll be in big trouble."

Hu Changqing tapped his fingers lightly on the table and said, "I understand your reasoning. But you've overlooked a fundamental issue: Shen Qingqiu's backer has never been the emperor or the court!"

Hu Bing was slightly taken aback and said, "You mean Gu Guanqi?"

Hu Changqing nodded and said, "Who doesn't know that Shen Qingqiu is Gu Guanqi's woman? Now Gu Guanqi has even come to Yanzhou with her."

Your concerns are not unfounded. Shen Qingqiu may not be able to maintain her position in Yanzhou, and there is a possibility that things could go wrong if we join her forces. However, Shen Qingqiu is already in an invincible position. As long as Gu Guanqi doesn't fall, who would dare to truly kill Shen Qingqiu?

Even if she loses, she can retreat to Tianzhou. As long as she's willing to protect the Hu family, she can safeguard it from Tianzhou. However, if she wins, our Hu family will usher in a great opportunity.

Hu Bing was silent for a moment, then said, "Father, if you've thought it through, then do as you wish. But I still reserve my opinion."

Because let alone Shen Qingqiu, even if Gu Guanqi were to recruit me, I wouldn't dare to serve him given the current state of affairs. The situation is too chaotic. Even though the emperor was able to exonerate himself with Gu Guanqi's help this time, the court is rotten to the core.

I'll say something outrageous: how many more years can the Great Qian Dynasty last? Nobody can say for sure. Once the edifice collapses, who can predict what the situation will be like? By siding with Shen Qingqiu now, we mean we'll inevitably be on Gu Guanqi's side in the future.

Who is Gu Guanqi? What are his thoughts? He can become the leader of the martial arts alliance, and he is indeed a peerless martial artist, but is he a good leader? We don't know. All we see now is a charming young man who leaves his mark on everyone.

The Heavenly Calamity Sword has malfunctioned, and our Hu family is indeed in big trouble. However, it's not a crisis of annihilation. I know my own problems; I'm almost fifty years old now, and I've been timid and hesitant my whole life. But my principle is this: I'd rather miss an opportunity than take a risk.

I don't have a high opinion of Shen Qingqiu, and I don't have a high opinion of Gu Guanqi either. Shen Qingqiu relies too much on Gu Guanqi, while Gu Guanqi acts recklessly. Even now, with his current status as the leader of the martial arts alliance in three states, and even having absolute influence in Qi State, he still acts alone. He is too confident and too arrogant.

The network of interests centered around him is vast, that much is undeniable. However, given his actions, if anything were to happen to him, the entire network maintained by Qingyun and Hongzhou would instantly crumble.

Hu Changqing sighed softly and said, "You can go now. I'll think about it some more."

"it is good."

Hu Bing nodded and got up to leave.

After Hu Bing left, Hu Changqing slowly stood up, walked to the bookshelf, reached out and took out a few books, and then took out a long wooden box from a hidden compartment.

Then he opened the wooden box, inside which was a long sword that was entirely blood red. There were several cracks on the blade, as if magma was contained inside, and it even seemed to be flowing faintly.

This is the Hu family's divine weapon, the Heavenly Calamity Sword.

Hu Changqing gently stroked the sword and said, "Old friend, Bing'er is right, but as he said, how big is the Hu family? He thinks the Hu family has a choice and can back down, but in reality, what right do they have to make a choice? The martial world doesn't survive by making concessions."

"I agree to Shen Qingqiu's conditions. I will definitely obtain the meteorite iron crystal from her to repair you. Back then, I had nothing; it was you who laid the foundation for the vast Hu family business. At worst, I can just give it all back. I believe that as long as I'm alive and you're still here, the Hu family will never fall!"

Just then, a gust of cold wind came through the door, making it creak.

Hu Changqing turned his head to look, but in that instant, a red light flashed past and instantly slashed through Hu Changqing's throat. He clutched his neck, his eyes wide with terror, and then collapsed to the ground.