Qin Siyuan gave a slight smile and said, "Whether this situation benefits him or not is currently unknown. However, it definitely brings no advantage to the Lu family. The Lu family has been selling elixirs recently, possibly indicating a connection with some cultivation power or cultivator. Zhao Tai’an has seized this opportunity to trouble them, and it’s now a matter of how the Lu family will respond."
"Do you plan to involve yourself in this matter?" Qin Muge asked.
"In this matter, Wei Chengzhou has already intervened. I will watch patiently for now and adjust accordingly. I will order someone to thoroughly investigate this young man named Su Cheng. It’s quite astounding that he could become a Great Grandmaster in his twenties. What is your impression of him?"
Qin Muge pondered for a moment and said, "He is deep and inscrutable. In any case, this man is definitely not simple."
In the reception room of the Lu family’s manor, Lu Wanhong personally entertained both Zhao Tai’an and Wei Chengzhou. Lu Wanhong is the cousin of Lu Wanrong and is exceptionally powerful, being an eighth-rank Great Grandmaster.
Lu Wanhong seldom shows himself publicly. He has a separate building within the Lu family manor, dedicated completely to martial arts, never interfering in family affairs.
However, with both Zhao Tai’an and Wei Chengzhou paying a personal visit, Lu Wanhong had no choice but to receive them personally.
Upon returning to the Lu family’s manor, Lu Wanrong found Zhao Tai’an and Wei Chengzhou sitting in solemn silence. Not beating around the bush, Lu Wanrong greeted them, and asked directly, "You two must be here for Su Cheng, aren’t you?"
"Lu, just hand over the person. He’s not within your power to protect," Wei Chengzhou said.
"I’ve heard about what happened at the banquet, but Su Cheng isn’t under my roof right now. You’re asking me to hand him over, but I am unable to do so," Lu Wanrong replied.
"Do you think you can dismiss the two of us by simply declaring to be unable to hand him over? The person in question was taken to the banquet by your daughter. Moreover, it was said he is your daughter’s boyfriend, which effectively makes him the Lu family’s future son-in-law. You, too, have a responsibility in this matter and owe us an explanation."
Wei Chengzhou spoke coldly.
Lu Wanrong explained, "You two have misunderstood. Su Chengyu is indeed a friend of my daughter’s, but they are not dating. They are merely acquainted. I agree this matter is of great importance. As soon as I learned about it, I tried to find Su Cheng but discovered he has disappeared. Believe it or not, I genuinely cannot bring him to you."
At this point, Zhao Tai’an joined the conversation, "Since he’s a friend of your daughter, tell us what kind of person he is."
Lu Wanrong sighed and said, "I don’t know much about Su Cheng’s background. My daughter only met him at an auction sale a while ago."
Wei Chengzhou slammed the table and roared, "Lu Wanrong! Would you really risk falling out with us over a nobody? I advise you to hand him over. Otherwise, you will gain nothing when Zhao and I join forces against you."
However, Wei Chengzhou’s anger did not intimidate Lu Wanrong. He responded calmly, "There is no need to threaten me. Every word I have said is true. You’re right. I have no reason to offend the both of you for the sake of an irrelevant individual. What’s in it for me?"
Zhao Tai’an added, "Regardless of your excuses, the person was brought by your daughter, and your family bears an undeniable responsibility."
"I will mobilize our resources to track Su Cheng’s whereabouts. As soon as there is any news, I will immediately notify you. I certainly won’t look the other way." Lu Wanrong said.
"So you plan to dismiss us just like that?" Zhao Tai’an said in displeasure.
"What do you have in mind, Brother Zhao?" Lu Wanrong asked.
"Two conditions. First, I heard that your Lu family has connections with the cultivators and could get numerous elixirs. We want a share of the benefits as compensation! Second, Su Cheng’s life must be taken within ten days." Zhao Tai’an stated."
In reality, Zhao Tai’an believed that Lu Wanrong couldn’t present Su Cheng. After all, it was inconvenient for the Lu family to offend both the Black Dragon Commerce Association and the Dragon Soul Ministry because of a young junior."
But this incident serves as a mere excuse to move against the Lu family."
Upon hearing this, Lu Wanrong’s face darkened and he chuckled coldly. "Brother Zhao, your calculations are indeed excellent. Let me explain. I don’t know any cultivators. The elixirs sold at the auction were provided by a mysterious client, who might be a cultivator, but never made a personal appearance. Our auction company only earns commission fees. Surely, this isn’t something you’re interested in?"
"Regarding your second condition, I will do my best to locate Su Cheng. However, taking his life is unrelated to me. If any news comes up, I will inform you. Both of you being Great Grandmasters, it should be easy for you to take his life without involving the Lu family."
Lu Wanrong, who has managed to remain the richest man in Jiangdong, is no easy rival. Having weathered many storms, it isn’t going to be easy for Zhao Tai’an and Wei Chengzhou to take advantage of him."
"So, you’re saying that you neither will hand him over nor provide any compensation?" Wei Chengzhou, squinting his eyes, asked.
"I believe I’ve made myself clear," Lu Wanrong replied solemnly.
"Very well! Let’s see what resources the richest family in Jiangdong has at its disposal. We’ll see how this plays out!"
Weif Chengzhou stood up, angrily brushed his sleeves and stormed out. Zhao Tai’an also left without saying another word. Being able to join forces with the Dragon Soul Ministry to suppress the Lu family was a beneficial development for him.
After Zhao Tai’an and Wei Chengzhou had left, Lu Wanhong, who was standing by the side, finally spoke. "Brother, now that Zhao Tai’an and Wei Chengzhou have teamed up against our family, you need to be well-prepared and cautious."
Lu Wanrong rubs his forehead and said, "The situation has gotten to this point. There isn’t much that can be done."
That night, there were murmurs of undercurrents in Jiangyang. This groundswell entwined the three top figures of Jiangdong, an unprecedented event. The balance of power in Jiangyang is likely to be reshuffled due to it."
While the protagonist, Su Chengyu, undisturbed, enjoyed his time with his lover, blissfully engaging in fervent verbal sparring. Regardless of the turmoil in the outside world, he remained unperturbed."
The next morning, Su Chengyu bought plenty of groceries, enough for his girlfriend and her mother to eat for almost half a month. Then, he drove out."
Given he was already planning to head to Jianghuai, any chaos in Jiangyang wouldn’t affect him."
In the Jiangyang Provincial Office Building, Fang Ming had just arrived at his office to handle some official tasks when he received a call from an unknown number."
"Mr. Fang, would it be possible for us to meet?" Su Cheng’s voice came from the other end of the line."
Fang Ming was surprised and said, "How did you get my phone number?"
"If I want to know something, I naturally will. Can we meet?" Su Cheng continue to ask."
Fang Ming hesitated as getting involved with Su Cheng would bring nothing but trouble. He didn’t want to see Su Cheng privately at this time."
"If Mr. Fang is hesitant about meeting me, I can ask my question over the phone," Su Cheng did not make things difficult for him."
"Go ahead..." Fang Ming responded."