"I think Darugachi has also been pondering this matter recently," said Chen Jiusi. "He is now considering how to discuss it with you and Nan Batian. Actually, it’s Chen Jiusi who was smart, severing the operations at North Mountain Iron Mine early on. Now, nothing concerning the Zoroastrian Sect can be linked to him, which is the safest."
"If the Gang Leader proposes to close the mining operations at North Mountain now, you would effectively be speaking on Darugachi’s behalf. How could Darugachi not favor you, how could he not value you?"
Upon hearing this, Liu Laoguai said, "But in this way, what about the gang’s income?"
Scholar Bai Mosheng replied, "To hesitate at this point would only bring chaos. Actually, it’s Nan Batian who will suffer the most. His Fishing Guild is inferior to our Guild Cao, and North Mountain Iron Mine accounts for a third of our income, while it could go up to half for Nan Batian’s Fishing Guild."
"While we might face heavy losses by doing this, it is akin to injuring ourselves to kill a thousand enemies. There’s profit in this!"
Scholar Bai Mosheng continued speaking with Liu Laoguai. Liu Laoguai, after a profound consideration, took a deep breath and made up his mind, "Alright, one cannot trap wolves without sacrificing some sheep, nor can one deal with scoundrels without risking something. I’m all in!"
Scholar Bai Mosheng: (⊙o⊙)... (The Gang Leader truly has a way with words~)
Liu Laoguai said, "However, before I go to see Darugachi, I need to arrest that scoundrel Gu Qingfeng. If he escapes, I will not be able to rest easy!"
Upon hearing this, Scholar Bai Mosheng said, "Gang Leader, let’s not be hasty. First, send someone to notify Gu Qingfeng to attend the meeting at Headquarters and stabilize him! If he dares to show up, directly capture him here, and at the same time, block his villa to prevent his escape!"
Liu Laoguai replied, "We should indeed listen to Mr. Bai. Let’s follow your advice."
"Good, I will send someone. Gang Leader, gather the troops and let’s capture Gu Qingfeng!"
Liu Laoguai immediately agreed.
Meanwhile, at Gu Qingfeng’s villa.
"The belongings are ready, my lord."
Gu Qingfeng said, "Hmm, it’s a pity. After so many years in Mianshui County, I never expected one slip to lead to such a checkmate."
Upon hearing this, the butler fell silent.
Gu Qingfeng continued, "Take the valuables, rally the guards, and escort the young master away first."
"Ah, my lord, what about the six madams?"
"With power, money, and strength, what woman can’t I find? Leave the women behind."
"We are fleeing, we can’t bring too much. So, let’s not take anything unnecessary."
The butler complied, and Gu Qingfeng said, "Alright, you all go quickly."
As Gu Qingfeng was speaking, a Guild Cao disciple rode up on a horse and dismounted, saying, "Master Gu, the Gang Leader invites you to a meeting."
Gu Qingfeng glanced at the man and then smiled, "Oh, alright, tell the Gang Leader I will be there shortly."
"If there’s nothing else, I can escort you back to the gang."
Hearing this, Gu Qingfeng’s face showed a trace of a cold smile, then with a tip of his toe, he disappeared on the spot.
Before the Guild Cao disciple could react, he suddenly felt a presence behind him, only managing to cry out before his neck was snapped.
At that moment, Gu Qingfeng got on his horse and said, "Gu Zhong, take the young master and the valuables, head east to Lin’an Prefecture and wait for me there."
"Ah, my lord, what about you?"
Gu Qingfeng laughed, "Heh... I’m staying to have some fun with them. Being driven away so shamelessly doesn’t sit right with me, you go first."
Gu Zhong quickly complied and immediately led the guards to escort the young master away.
Gu Qingfeng turned his horse’s head towards the west, towards the Fishing Guild where Nan Batian was based.
About an hour after Gu Qingfeng left, Liu Laoguai and his men arrived, only to find an abandoned estate and several foolish women. Gu Qingfeng had long since vanished.
Worse still, Gu Qingfeng had left them a letter.
[Liu Laoguai personally]
[Liu Laoguai, I knew you were coming after me, and I knew you’d learned of my affairs, but so what? I’m not afraid, nor do I regret my actions.]
[You ungrateful dog, haven’t you forgotten that your position today was lifted by me and my brother Gu Qingshan? When everyone doubted you, it was us who protected and helped you carve out your career. My brother died in battle for your sake, but how did you repay me?]
[You only made me Ghost Hand Hall Master, even ranking below that destitute Scholar Bai Mosheng. I cannot accept this, and I resent it!]
[Yet I could tolerate all this, but what I cannot tolerate is your plan to strip me of North Mountain Iron Mine for your unworthy son. On what grounds? If that’s the case, don’t blame me for being ruthless.]
[What a pity that Chen Jiusi intervened; otherwise, I would have killed your worthless son long ago. But don’t worry, we’ll see. One day, you will regret your actions today!]
[Lastly, Liu Laoguai, may you die without heirs!]
Liu Laoguai, upon reading the letter, was furious. His eyes bulged, and with a roar, he smashed a thick stone pillar with one palm.