The air suddenly grew still.

In the office, Luo Xiu stared at Lin Xiyue in silence for a long moment before saying, "Your command of idioms is quite good."

Lin Xiyue's face flushed with annoyance. "Be serious, I'm not joking with you! And what I said wasn't an idiom."

Luo Xiu asked, "Didn't we agree on half a year? Why the sudden rush?"

Lin Xiyue retorted, "Aren't you eager to get rid of me every moment of every day?"

Luo Xiu thought for a moment, then smiled. "You were willing to risk your life and rush into a blazing fire for my Jade Pendant, so I have to keep my word. We agreed on half a year, so half a year it is. It isn't that long, and it'll be over before you know it."

"Alright, you get back to work. I'm heading out."

"Luo Xiu, wait!" Lin Xiyue hurriedly got up and chased after him.

She hadn't anticipated Cao Hong's early discharge from the military. In her original calculations, he would have needed at least another six months. But the fact was, Cao Hong was home early. She was well aware of that hedonist's methods, and she didn't want to get Luo Xiu involved.

Luo Xiu turned back to look at her, about to speak, but then he froze.

"Uh... are ripped stockings in fashion now? I must say, they're quite sexy. A little bit wild, too," he teased with a curious expression, looking at the tattered stockings on her legs.

Hearing this, Lin Xiyue's pretty face turned red as she realized her disheveled state. She hastily moved to cover herself, but there was nothing at hand. Giving up the attempt, her expression turned serious as she said to Luo Xiu, "Let's get a divorce. There's no need for us to continue like this. I only used the Jade Pendant to blackmail you into marrying me as a shield, but I don't need one anymore."

Luo Xiu watched her intently, his brow gradually furrowing. He suddenly asked, "Why were you crying just now?"

"I wasn't," Lin Xiyue said, looking away, not daring to meet his gaze.

Luo Xiu pressed on. "Your clothes are torn and you've obviously been crying... Did someone give you a hard time? Did someone bully you?"

"I said nothing happened!" Lin Xiyue insisted, her tone sharp. She then added, "Luo Xiu, this has nothing to do with you. I already feel incredibly guilty for impulsively dragging you into my mess. So please, stop meddling in my affairs. Just live your own life."

"You should go. I'll contact you another day when I'm free."

"You have a point," Luo Xiu said with a small smile, turning to leave. "Have it your way, then."

***

After leaving Tongyun Building, Cao Hong went straight to Sea City Central Hospital.

He easily dealt with the people from the East District and found Guan Hao. He had learned earlier that the East District was targeting Guan Hao. Their men had beaten him so badly he'd ended up in the hospital, and they'd even posted guards to ensure he'd be sent right back the instant he was discharged.

"Well now, Young Master Guan. Long time no see."

"Cao Hong? How... why are you back?" Guan Hao asked from his hospital bed, surprised to see him.

Cao Hong waved a dismissive hand and sat down. "Let's skip the pleasantries. I've come specifically to rescue you, but on one condition."

"Rescue me?" Guan Hao sneered. "I'm being targeted by the East District. My parents are still negotiating with Boss Huang even after paying one hundred million, and his men are still guarding the hospital. How are you going to rescue me?"

Cao Hong gave a faint smile. "Don't you worry about that. Just tell me where Guan Changyun is, and from now on, the Guan Family's troubles—and your troubles—are my troubles."

Guan Hao's gaze turned somber. "What do you mean?"

Cao Hong smiled. "Sun Fugui, the Phantom Piercer; Mixed Yuan Iron Bone Zhu Hongmo; Su Guobang, the Solitary Cube; and Undefeated Sword Pride Guan Changyun."

"The four Martial Arts Grandmasters of Sea City. The first three are still active in the martial world. As for Guan Changyun, he mysteriously disappeared over a decade ago, and rumors in the martial world claim he's dead."

Guan Hao laughed. "He is dead. If the old man were still alive, would our Guan Family be bullied by the East District like this?"

A small smile played on Cao Hong's lips. "But he's not dead. He suffered a cultivation deviation from his sword training and was hidden away by your Guan Family."

Guan Hao's eyelids drooped. "How do you know that?"

"Never mind how I know. Just take me to him."

"It's not my decision," Guan Hao said. "Before my grandfather passed away, he left a will stating that no one is to disturb my great-grandfather until he comes out of seclusion on his own."

"I can help him emerge sooner," Cao Hong said. "I won't hide it from you. Guan Changyun and I are from the same martial school. According to seniority, I should call him Martial Uncle. I'm looking for him on my master's orders."

Guan Hao looked at Cao Hong deeply. "It seems you've been through a lot these past few years." He then asked, "But what exactly do you want with my great-grandfather?"

Cao Hong replied, "As long as he comes out of seclusion, the other three Grandmasters will be nothing to fear."

Guan Hao stared at him. "You've changed."

Cao Hong remarked with a hint of emotion, "Back when I was just a rich heir, hanging out with you lot, all I thought about was women, cars, and money... Looking back, it was all so childish, stupid, and ignorant."

"So what do you want to play with now?" Guan Hao asked.

"After being away for three years, I've met many people and seen the world," Cao Hong said. "My perspective and mindset have naturally changed. The things that used to interest me seem unimportant now. What I pursue now... is power."

Returning to the matter at hand, he asked, "So, have you considered my offer? Without my intervention, the Guan Family alone will be trampled under the boot of the East District for the rest of your lives."

Guan Hao was silent for a long time before nodding, his face grim. "Then do one thing for me first."

"Name it."

"You said you pursue power, right? I assume you have plenty of it now... Take me to Lan Gui Casino tonight!"

Cao Hong understood his intent and smiled. "No problem. I can take care of Wu Tianhua and those small fry for you anytime."

***

Inside a moving commercial vehicle, Guan Hao, still wrapped in bandages, said, "Come to think of it, my dad took me to see him once when I was a kid. But he was completely insane and didn't recognize anyone. To be honest, I'm terrified of seeing him. I really don't want to go."

"Cao Hong, are you sure you can handle it once we're there?"

"Don't worry, I'm prepared."

Seeing Cao Hong's confident demeanor, Guan Hao said nothing more.

A long while later, the car left the urban area of Sea City and arrived at a secluded place in the outskirts. Cao Hong got out of the car and looked at the giant, mountain-ringed building ahead, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly.

"Jushan Psychiatric Hospital... Huh. Who would've thought the Guan Family would hide him here."

Leaning on a walking stick, Guan Hao came up beside him. "He's truly terrifying. Are you sure you want to see him?"

"Take me to him."

...

A nauseating stench filled the dark, damp corridor—a mixture of mold and decomposing rats. Guan Hao's face was pale and he was on high alert, looking around nervously as if he were afraid of something.

"Jushan Psychiatric Hospital was abandoned decades ago but never demolished because our Guan Family bought it. Great-grandfather is the only one who lives in this entire building."

As he was speaking, a white shadow suddenly drifted by in the darkness ahead, accompanied by a piercing screech.

Guan Hao jumped in fright, his voice trembling. "Just go straight ahead... you'll find it... Go by yourself! I'll wait for you out here!"

With that, he turned and hobbled back the way he came, not wanting to stay a moment longer.

Cao Hong crushed a poisonous snake that appeared from nowhere under his foot, his expression growing solemn as he continued forward. The white shadow in the darkness suddenly flew over and circled him, emitting a sharp, ear-piercing sound as if in greeting.

He remained unfazed, smiling faintly. "This is Sword Qi taking form... It seems Uncle Guan has already reached that realm."

A short time later, Cao Hong stopped before a large, rust-covered iron gate. He suddenly knelt on one knee and declared in a resonant voice, "Martial Nephew Cao Hong pays his respects to Uncle Guan! On my Master's orders, I have come to visit you!"

Having spoken, he took out an exquisite small wooden box from his pocket. He opened it to reveal a softly glowing Elixir.

"This Qi Origin Pill is a gift from Master for you, Uncle Guan!"

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.