In Boss Huang's villa.

Luo Xiu looked at the sofa where Boss Huang was sitting, and his thoughts couldn't help but drift to Su Shenyun. I remember that night... right on that sofa, in front of Boss Huang, Su Shenyun and I...

He abruptly cut off the strange thought, walked over, and sat down. "You called me over so early. Is something urgent?"

Boss Huang beamed, affectionately wrapping an arm around Luo Xiu's shoulder.

"Xiao Luo, my brother, I asked you here today mainly to talk about the Lan Gui Casino."

"What about it?" Luo Xiu asked.

Boss Huang poured Luo Xiu a glass of wine and handed it to him.

Luo Xiu took it and had a sip. He frowned slightly but swallowed it anyway.

Boss Huang watched him surreptitiously. Seeing that Luo Xiu had actually drunk it, a meaningful smile crept onto his face. This bottle of poisoned wine was brought over from the provincial capital. Not even a Martial Arts Grandmaster could withstand it! No matter how advanced your martial skills or how great your power, they're no match for technology and dirty tricks.

"Xiao Luo, have you really decided to leave the East District?"

Luo Xiu nodded.

"Sigh!" Boss Huang let out a long sigh, his face a mask of reluctance. "We're brothers. You have the life you want to live, and I support you. Let the wine do the talking!"

He poured another glass for Luo Xiu, then picked up the other cup for himself—the non-poisonous one he had poured out earlier.

"Drink this with me, brother. Even if we don't work together anymore, you'll still be my good brother. If you ever need anything, just say the word!"

Luo Xiu drained the glass in one gulp, looking completely at ease.

Boss Huang set his glass down and suddenly started laughing. "I'm sorry, Xiao Luo. Since you've decided to leave the East District, I can't give you the Lan Gui Casino."

Luo Xiu rubbed his forehead. "That's a given."

"Furthermore..." Boss Huang observed Luo Xiu, certain the poison was taking effect. He stood up and slowly backed away into a corner.

At the same time, a procession of powerfully built experts from the East District descended the stairs, among them Purple Mink, Xiong Zi, and Skinny Monkey. From the other side, Zhu Hongmo and Qian Laoyao entered through the main door, leading a group of experts from the North District.

But Luo Xiu seemed utterly unconcerned, as if nothing was happening.

The atmosphere suddenly grew eerie.

Boss Huang smiled. "Xiao Luo, don't blame me for being heartless. You know too much, and I'm under a lot of pressure from my superiors."

Luo Xiu suddenly picked up the bottle of poisoned wine, leisurely poured himself a full glass, and drank it all in one go.

"This wine is quite good. If you have any more, I'd like a few bottles."

Seeing this, Boss Huang's eyelids drooped. His face turned grim with disbelief. Logically, Luo Xiu should be bleeding from all seven orifices and collapsed by now. When the poison arrived yesterday, I tricked a few of my boys from the East District into testing it. They were dead in less than half a minute, and it was a gruesome sight. But this Luo Xiu... why does he seem completely fine?

"Ah Huang, care for a drink?" Luo Xiu poured a glass for Boss Huang.

A strained smile appeared on Boss Huang's face. "No... no thanks. I drank a bit too much last night, and I still haven't recovered. I really can't."

Luo Xiu gave him a knowing smile, then stood up to leave.

Seeing Luo Xiu approaching with a steady gait, Zhu Hongmo flinched. He quickly ordered the men from the North District to clear a path, then stood to the side with his head bowed, not daring to make a sound.

As he reached the door, Luo Xiu paused.

"Ah Huang, this is the last time I'll call you that."

"Here's some advice for you: three strikes and you're out."

"Next time you get your hands on such fine wine, remember to keep it for yourself. Don't share it."

Boss Huang's face was pale as he struggled to force a smile. Of course, I know what he means.

Luo Xiu suddenly broke into a laugh, his voice booming, "I thank the brothers from the East and North Districts for seeing me off. The world is vast, and our paths may cross again!"

"..."

...

After leaving Boss Huang's villa, Luo Xiu took a deep breath and spat out a mouthful of dark green phlegm. That was the deadly poison from the wine. I just secretly used the Qihuang Technique to filter it out, turning it into this phlegm.

In truth, he knew the wine was poisoned from the first sip, and he understood Boss Huang's intentions perfectly. Boss Huang was setting me up to be killed!

But after a moment's thought, he decided to let Boss Huang go. Boss Huang has treated me quite well during this time. I'll consider this a repayment for his past kindness.

...

"Damn it!" Boss Huang slammed his fist on the table, his chest heaving with fury. "What the hell is wrong with that kid? Why didn't the poison work on him?!"

At his side, Zhu Hongmo wiped the cold sweat from his face. "It's a good thing he didn't make a move. Otherwise, we'd all be dead today."

Hearing this, Qian Laoyao frowned. He looked at Zhu Hongmo and asked, "Master Zhu, you're a Martial Arts Grandmaster of Sea City, after all. Why are you so terrified? Is that Luo Xiu kid really so frightening?"

Zhu Hongmo couldn't help but recall that night. With a casual swing of his sword, the mere Sword Qi he projected was enough to cleave a stone building in two from a hundred meters away. How could an existence that terrifying not be feared?

Boss Huang asked, "What's the plan now? We can't handle that kid in a direct confrontation."

Qian Laoyao mulled it over for a moment before speaking. "I heard that Cao Hong's master is incredibly strong, even ranked as an expert on the Xuan List. Since Cao Hong died because of Luo Xiu, perhaps we..."

A smile of understanding spread across Boss Huang's face. "Use someone else's knife to kill him?"

Qian Laoyao nodded and turned to Zhu Hongmo. "What do you think?"

Zhu Hongmo pondered with a frown. "An expert from the Xuan List would be a true martial arts powerhouse, so it should be feasible. With us providing support from the sidelines, I believe taking down Luo Xiu alone shouldn't be a problem."

"Either way, that kid must die. He's too terrifying. Leaving him alive is an absolute threat to our Holy Boi Religion!"

Boss Huang clapped his hands together. "Then it's settled!"

Qian Laoyao added, "I've made inquiries. Cao Hong's master will be arriving in Sea City soon."

Boss Huang was curious. "Speaking of which, how did you come by this information?"

Qian Laoyao gave a mysterious smile. "Because I'm quite familiar with Cao Ende's wife."

"Liu Xuelian? You're familiar with her?"

Qian Laoyao clasped his prayer beads together and muttered, "Amitabha," before continuing, "Familiar enough to have shared a bed."

"You might not believe it, Boss Huang, but even though Liu Xuelian is a bit older, she's kept her skin in great condition, and her skills are exceptional."

"Amitabha."

"Not long ago, she needed a large sum of money and came to me for help. We spent two full days and nights together in a hotel."

"You sly dog, you really know how to live it up," Boss Huang said, laughing and shaking his head.

Qian Laoyao said seriously, "Truly, Boss Huang... a hero's life is wasted if he hasn't been with Liu Xuelian."

"Amitabha."

Boss Huang suddenly felt an itch of curiosity. "Hearing you say all this, I'm actually tempted to try that old vixen myself."

Zhu Hongmo interjected, "So Liu Xuelian was the one who revealed all this to you?"

Qian Laoyao said, "In any case, our superiors can't send any experts down right now. To deal with Luo Xiu, our only option is to wait for Cao Hong's master to arrive in Sea City."

"..."

「Approaching noon.」

Luo Xiu returned home, his hands full of bags of groceries from the market.

Lin Xiyue was practicing the Fist Technique Luo Xiu had taught her with intense dedication. Her yoga suit was soaked with sweat, especially a large, strange-looking patch on her thigh.

Luo Xiu wanted to crack a joke but held his tongue, afraid of getting hit.

"Alright, take a break. You can continue practicing this afternoon."

Lin Xiyue looked curiously at the bags in his hands. "What did you buy?"

Luo Xiu smiled. "All your favorites."

Lin Xiyue's watery eyes widened. "How do you know what I like to eat?"

Luo Xiu froze. That question... I honestly don't know how to answer. Right, how do I know her favorite foods? When I was at the market, I didn't even have to think. I just instinctively bought all these things she loves.

"Uh... well, I'll go start cooking." Luo Xiu fled toward the kitchen.

Lin Xiyue watched his retreating back, a faint smile on her lips. This insufferable guy... though he's usually flippant, shameless, and always gets on my nerves... he actually has a gentle side. That gentleness is always revealed in unguarded moments.

"Oh, right, Luo Xiu, Sun Qian stopped by earlier."

Luo Xiu stopped and turned back to her. "What did he want?"

Lin Xiyue walked over to a chair and picked up a gold-embossed invitation.

"He came to deliver this. The day after tomorrow, in the morning, Xiao Li and that Duan Feibai are holding their wedding on the Bai Shi Cruise Ship."

"..."

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