Xiao Qi'an rarely got angry, and his cold expression at this moment made people afraid to look him in the eye.

Chu Wenshu comes from Poison Heart Valley, which is not tolerated by the martial arts world of the Central Plains. No matter what, Xiao Yue Manor should not be associated with him on the surface. But he is swaggering in front of everyone. If this leads to their cooperation, it will only affect Xiao Qi'an's next plan. How can he not be angry?

“Chu Wenshu is indeed arrogant, but there are still some questions about the Blood Gu that need his answers. We can’t afford to offend him right now,” Gu Huaizhi advised. This was also the reason why he tolerated Chu Wenshu’s insolence in public.

"No one in the martial arts world has ever seen him, so you don't need to worry too much. Once things are settled, I will send him down the mountain immediately."

"That's all we can do." Xiao Qi'an rubbed his temples, looking exhausted.

Seeing this, Gu Huaizhi asked with concern, "Why do you look so pale?"

“Xiao Changfeng’s forces are deeply entrenched, and those hidden hands have not yet surfaced. Even the Red Robe Workshop cannot find a trace of them.” Xiao Qi’an said worriedly. He let go of Gu Huaizhi’s hand and looked at him. “Huaizhi, it seems that this matter will ultimately have to be entrusted to you.”

Gu Huaizhi hurriedly said, "What are you saying? Just tell me if there's anything I need to do."

Xiao Qi'an said in a deep voice, "Xiao Changfeng has been planning for many years. On the surface, he relies on the Xiao family elders, the Gu family, and the shops under the name of Xiao Yue Manor to gather manpower and financial resources. But you and I both know that he still has plans in the dark. With the martial arts tournament approaching, he will definitely make his move on that day. What I want to do is to uproot his power before then, make him lose his composure, and expose the dark forces hiding in the shadows."

“I know the Xiao family elders’ temperament better than anyone else. Dealing with them is not difficult; it’s just a matter of bribing them with benefits and intimidating them with power. I’m confident I can make them turn against me. However, I’m physically limited, and I’m powerless to deal with the shops and the Gu family. So I’d like to ask Huai to come down the mountain to stir up trouble, make Xiao Changfeng slip up, and expose his hidden spies to the light of day. Only in this way can we bring him down completely.”

Gu Huaizhi nodded in agreement, "You're right. Just tell me if there's anything you need me to do."

"Come closer and listen to me," Xiao Qi'an said.

The two whispered to each other, secretly plotting a major event to disrupt the martial arts world, their faces both as deep and somber as water.

"I understand. I'll go back and prepare now, and try to set off as soon as possible." With the plan finalized, Gu Huaizhi prepared to depart.

“Huaizhi, there’s no need to rush. Let’s meet with Chu Wenshu tonight first, and we can set off after the blood gu matter is resolved.”

If Xiao Qi'an's leg can recover before the martial arts tournament, his plans will naturally have a better chance of success.

Gu Huaizhi thought for a moment and nodded, "Okay, I'll do whatever you say."

Xiao Qi'an forced a smile. "Arrange for Chu Wenshu to come see me tonight."

“Okay,” Gu Huaizhi replied.

*

That night, the sky was as black as ink, with only a few stars dotting the sky.

A dark figure scaled the courtyard wall and entered Xiao Qi'an's courtyard.

The courtyard was quiet, and all the irrelevant people had been cleared out in advance. Only the lights in the hall were as bright as day, as if waiting for someone to arrive.

The dark figure slowly walked towards the hall; before the person even arrived, the sound came first.

"Young Master Xiao, Doctor Gu, how have you been?"

The young man's voice was clear, pleasant, and highly recognizable, like pearls rolling on a jade plate. Unfortunately, the two people sitting in the hall did not respond well to the voice; their faces were identical, filled with indifference.

But these two cold faces changed instantly the moment the man in black stepped into the hall. One face was replaced with a warm smile, while the other, though not smiling, no longer exuded coldness and became perfectly normal.

"Young Master Chu, how have you been?"

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Young Master Chu."

Gu Huaizhi and Xiao Qi'an exchanged pleasantries with Chu Wenshu.

Chu Wenshu gave a forced smile, his eyes full of mockery, and casually chose a seat, sitting down with an air of superiority.

"The tea is brewed exceptionally well today; Young Master Chu, please have a taste," Xiao Qi'an said.

"Speak frankly, you two. I have no personal relationship with you." Chu Wenshu glanced at the two men and said bluntly.

His words and actions can be described as rude.

Xiao Qi'an remained expressionless, even revealing a smile, "Young Master Chu is indeed straightforward. Since you speak so frankly, we'll skip these formalities."

"Previously, when you cooperated with me, I wanted the Blood Gu, and you wanted a life. Now, I have eliminated a major threat for you, but the Blood Gu you promised has gone wrong." His words were barbed, but Xiao Qi'an's face showed no sign of distress; instead, he smiled.

"Is that so? I wonder what happened to the Blood Gu?" Chu Wenshu asked casually, his eyelids half-closed and his left hand lightly pressing his brow.

"It is said that the Blood Gu can cure the poison in my body, but the Blood Gu has been in my body for nearly half a month and has had no effect. I wonder if Young Master Chu can answer my question?" Xiao Qi'an said.

Chu Wenshu lowered his hand and looked at Xiao Qi'an, "Young Master Xiao, I don't remember if I agreed to help you detoxify when we cooperated, right?"

“Young Master Chu did not agree.” Xiao Qi’an nodded.

"Since that's the case, this matter has nothing to do with me. I'll be leaving now." Chu Wenshu suddenly stood up.

"Elder Gu agreed to let you come to Xiao Yue Manor, surely not so that Young Master Chu could cause trouble again and again and embarrass me?" Xiao Qi'an's voice remained normal, but his tone suddenly turned icy.

Chu Wenshu remained motionless, his eyes fixed on Xiao Qi'an, his chilling aura emanating from him. "Since you mentioned my master, did my master ever tell you that I am the most unruly person and that I hate being threatened?"

Xiao Qi'an met Chu Wenshu's gaze and said, "Young Master Chu, I don't mean to threaten you, but rather to discuss another deal with you. Since you left the valley on your master's orders, you surely don't want to disappoint the Grand Elder."

Their eyes met, neither giving way.

After a brief standoff, Chu Wenshu suddenly sat back down in his seat. "Young Master Xiao, please speak."

This means they've given in.

Xiao Qi'an felt slightly relieved. "If Young Master Chu can answer my question, I will deal with the traitors who have fled from Guigu one by one."

"That sounds nice, but they're not easy to deal with," Chu Wenshu said dismissively.

"I can guarantee that I have the ability," Xiao Qi'an said firmly, each word distinct.

Traitors roam the Central Plains, and the martial arts world of the Central Plains has always ostracized Poison Heart Valley. Poison Heart Valley is ultimately too far away to kill all those people, otherwise they would not have come to Xiao Yue Manor.

Chu Wenshu stared at him, "If you go back on your word, even if you go to heaven and earth, even if you spend your whole life trying, my Poison Heart Valley will never let you go."

Xiao Qi'an assured him, "Young master, rest assured, I will never go back on my word."

"The Blood Gu is refined from the blood and qi of the Holy Maiden. Only a handful of Holy Maidens throughout history have been able to refine this Gu. After my master took control of the affairs of the valley, he studied the Gu manual and discovered that although the Blood Gu has the effect of reviving life and detoxifying, it still needs a medicinal guide to take effect," Chu Wenshu said in a deep voice.

"What kind of medicinal ingredient?" Xiao Qi'an asked excitedly, his hand on the armrest tightening suddenly.

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