Chapter 277 Stepping Stones
Inside a presidential suite in a five-star hotel in Jiangzhou, a surprised voice echoed.
“Fatty is dead, and you're injured. How could this happen?”
Concubine Mo stared at the pale, thin middle-aged man, her expression so grim it seemed water could drip from it, her eyes flashing with shock.
Both the stout and the thin middle-aged men were outstanding half-step Inner Strength Grandmasters. Their combined strength was enough to make even an Inner Strength Grandmaster retreat.
How could they have stumbled in this small puddle called Jiangzhou?
The thin middle-aged man gritted his teeth and said, “Concubine Mo, Su Yunxi has an Inner Strength Grandmaster by her side! That Inner Strength Grandmaster looks harmless, like a seven or eight-year-old little loli. We were all deceived, which is why we ended up like this. If we had been prepared, it wouldn’t have happened.”
“A seven or eight-year-old Inner Strength Grandmaster?”
Concubine Mo’s eyes widened, and she then let out a cold laugh.
According to the intel, only Chen Xuan possessed Inner Strength Grandmaster level strength, and there was no record of a second Inner Strength Grandmaster.
Moreover, how could someone seven or eight years old possibly become an Inner Strength Grandmaster?
Even with resources as abundant as those of the Su family in the capital, there wasn’t an Inner Strength Grandmaster this young.
She suspected the thin middle-aged man was making excuses for his failure.
“It’s absolutely true,” the thin middle-aged man quickly defended.
Concubine Mo didn't believe him at all, thinking the thin middle-aged man was finding excuses. “You can explain this matter to the main family when you get back.”
The thin middle-aged man tried desperately to explain, and Concubine Mo finally believed him reluctantly.
“Hmph, what’s there to be arrogant about for a mere fellow who has just stepped into the realm of Inner Strength Grandmaster? Even combined with that live-in son-in-law, they are nothing to fear.”
Concubine Mo was very confident in her own strength.
The thin middle-aged man felt a subtle unease, wanting to caution Concubine Mo, but Concubine Mo wouldn't listen to his explanations.
“Coward.”
Concubine Mo glanced at the thin middle-aged man with disdain.
At this moment, Concubine Mo received a phone call.
It was from Mu Haifeng, the master of Wanyang Martial Arts Hall.
Concubine Mo answered the call, “Concubine Mo, how could you stay in a hotel after arriving? I’ve prepared a master bedroom for you in my villa, please grace us with your presence.”
Concubine Mo asked, “Hall Master Mu, how is the matter of giving Xuanji Hall a warning handled?”
Mu Xuefeng stammered, “Concubine Mo, things have changed. I bribed a section chief from the Jiangzhou Martial Arts Alliance to investigate Xuanji Hall, but for some reason, the son of the Martial Arts Alliance leader has a good relationship with Xuanji Hall.”
Hearing that the matter had failed, Concubine Mo flew into a rage, “Useless, useless, useless!”
Concubine Mo had arrived in Jiangzhou full of vigor, planning to capture Su Yunxi first and then give Xuanji Hall a warning, but to her surprise, both matters had failed.
Mu Xuefeng’s face turned pale.
Even the thin middle-aged man beside him could hear the thinly veiled criticism, and his expression also soured.
Mu Xuefeng’s forehead was beaded with cold sweat. “Concubine Mo, please calm down. Rest assured, I heard that Xuanji Hall will be opening in a few days. If we kick down their venue on the opening day, all the reputation they have accumulated will be ruined. We won’t need to intervene further, and Xuanji Hall won’t be able to operate in Jiangzhou.”
Concubine Mo took a breath. “If you mess up again, Wanyang Martial Arts Hall will cease to exist!”
Mu Xuefeng trembled instantly and whispered, “Concubine Mo, you should still come stay with me. I heard Xuanji Hall is investigating your whereabouts. I know you’re not afraid, but if you clash with them prematurely, it will bring you unnecessary trouble.”
“You’re quite quick to react.”
Concubine Mo snorted coldly. “Fine, we’ll head to Wanyang Martial Arts Hall now.”
“That’s wonderful, I’ll send someone to pick you up!”
Mu Xuefeng was overjoyed!
Concubine Mo was an Inner Strength Grandmaster from the capital, far surpassing ordinary grandmasters. With Concubine Mo present, he could borrow her prestige.
Xuanji Hall would soon be trampled under his feet.
Recently, Jiangbei had sent another batch of jade, among which were several pieces suitable for setting up formations. Chen Xuan was once again tinkering with formations.
He wanted to set up an illusionary formation outside the villa, which would primarily serve to confuse enemies and obscure the sky.
At this moment, Chen Xuan received a call from Hei Hu.
“Mr. Chen, I’ve investigated. A total of three people came from the capital, all martial artists. One is dead, one is injured, and the other, an old man, appears unfathomable. He should be the Grandmaster you mentioned.”
Chen Xuan clenched his fist, a fierce glint flashing in his eyes. “Where are they?”
“They have already checked out of the hotel and gone to Wanyang Martial Arts Hall. I also happened to check Wanyang Martial Arts Hall and discovered that Wanyang Martial Arts Hall receives investment funds from the Su family in the capital every year. Wanyang Martial Arts Hall should be a force of the Su family in the capital.”
“Wanyang Martial Arts Hall?”
Chen Xuan frowned.
It seemed the Su family in the capital sent three people not only to snatch the ancient jade but also to suppress Xuanji Hall.
“Mr. Chen, by the way, we also received a piece of information. Wanyang Martial Arts Hall has made it known that they will challenge Xuanji Hall on its opening day,” Hei Hu said solemnly.
“Oh?” Chen Xuan’s brow twitched.
Hei Hu was very displeased. Challenging them on their opening day was an insult. “Wanyang Martial Arts Hall is truly detestable. Should we find a way to deal with Wanyang Martial Arts Hall in advance?”
Chen Xuan’s gaze sharpened, and he shook his head. “No need.”
“Mr. Chen, what do you mean?” Hei Hu was somewhat confused.
“It just so happens that I don’t know how to expand Xuanji Hall’s reputation. Since Wanyang Martial Arts Hall is willing to be a stepping stone, I’m happy to oblige!” Chen Xuan said lightly.
Hei Hu chuckled, “Mr. Chen, I understand! Now Wanyang Martial Arts Hall has kicked a steel plate!”
“By the way, keep a close eye on that Inner Strength Grandmaster from the capital. If he appears alone, report to me immediately,” Chen Xuan’s tone was laced with a chilling killing intent.
“I understand, Mr. Chen. I’ll report to you as soon as there’s any news,” Hei Hu quickly nodded.
Xuanji Hall was accelerating its preparations for opening, and Chen Xuan was not idle, still busy with the matters of formations.
That day, Chen Xuan received a call from the southeastern region.
His heart stirred, and he answered the call.
A trembling voice came through the phone, “Mr. Chen, I am Ma Dazhuang. I have found a batch of holy artifacts from the Xuan Yin Sect’s treasury. My men are already waiting outside your villa. Please receive them.”
Ma Dazhuang was the person who had come to trouble him with the Xuan Yin Sect leader at that time. However, Chen Xuan had later planted a蠱 (gu) on him, sending him to the Xuan Yin Sect to find the holy artifacts and bring them to him.
“Alright, I understand.” Chen Xuan was inwardly delighted.
He hadn’t expected Ma Dazhuang to be so quick. It had only been over twenty days, and he had already found a batch of holy artifacts.
However, considering the timing, it was just right.
The 蠱 (gu) he had planted on Ma Dazhuang required an antidote once a month, and factoring in the travel time, this timing was perfect.
Seeing that Chen Xuan didn't mention the antidote at all, Ma Dazhuang couldn't help but remind him, “Mr. Chen, please don’t forget about the antidote. The brothers are all waiting.”
“Don’t worry, I won’t forget. Remember to bring the holy artifacts to exchange for the antidote next month,” Chen Xuan said.
“I understand, Mr. Chen.”
Ma Dazhuang nodded like a pounded garlic.
Having been affected by the 蠱 (gu), he knew better than anyone how unbearable it would be without the antidote.
Suddenly, Ma Dazhuang remembered something and said urgently, “After your killing of our Xuan Yin Sect leader, the Dark Blood Organization has abandoned us, the Xuan Yin Sect. However, I heard that the Dark Blood Organization is planning something else, intending to eliminate you.”
“Oh? This Dark Blood Organization is still restless?”
Chen Xuan felt a headache coming on. “I understand, thank you for telling me.”
He gritted his teeth in his heart.
Since Dark Blood is seeking death, then don’t blame me for being impolite!