Chapter 171: Do It Yourself…

A tall, weathered silhouette stood against the backlight, exuding a powerful aura comparable to the mysterious man's, as steady as a mountain, instantly overwhelming the oppressive atmosphere in the private room.

Old Wei!

Lu Xiao saw the newcomer, and his eyes lit up instantly.

The newcomer wore a grey Zhongshan suit, his hair silvered, yet he was vigorous, his gaze sharp as an eagle—he was Wei Wuji, the Southern Inspection Envoy, one of the Dragon Group's five inspection envoys!

The mysterious man stiffened slightly upon seeing Wei Wuji.

Wei Wuji? I didn't expect the Dragon Group to send you.

Hehe, you have a keen eye.

Wei Wuji walked slowly into the private room, his gaze sweeping over those present before finally settling on the mysterious man.

Thirty years ago I joined the Dragon Group, and few have called me by my real name since; you seem to know me, so you must be an old acquaintance, right?

His voice was not loud, yet it resonated like a great bell throughout the private room, causing Chen Chujiang to shiver.

The mysterious man was silent for a moment, seeming somewhat wistful, then let out a low laugh.

I wouldn't call you an old friend, perhaps just an old acquaintance. Since we're old acquaintances, how about we pretend you haven't seen me tonight?

Wei Wuji twirled the beard on his chin, his gaze deep as he looked at the mysterious man.

After a moment of thought, he slowly stepped aside, clearing the passage behind him.

Fine. But Next Time I see you meddling in affairs beyond your jurisdiction within the Dragon Group's territory, it won't be so easy to talk.

Old Wei!

Lu Xiao grew anxious and hurried to speak.

He kidnapped Ling Zhaixing; how can you just let him go?

But Wei Wuji only shook his head at Lu Xiao.

Lu Xiao didn't understand, yet she knew Wei Wuji's decision was beyond her power to change, so she clenched her teeth and reluctantly sheathed her side sword.

The mysterious man gave Wei Wuji a slight nod, said nothing more, and turned to walk toward the Outside of the private room.

Sir! Wait for me!

Seeing this, Chen Chujiang felt he had grasped a last lifeline and hurriedly got up from the ground.

He staggered forward, seized the mysterious man's arm, his face full of pleading.

Sir, please take me with you! Group Leader Lu won't let me go, please save me!

He knew his betrayal of the Dragon Group had been exposed; staying here meant certain death.

Only by following the mysterious man was there a sliver of hope.

The mysterious man frowned, a hint of disgust flashing in his eyes.

With a flick of his hand, an invisible force erupted, knocking Chen Chujiang straight to the ground.

Bang!

Chen Chujiang hit the ground heavily, a sharp pain shot through his chest, and a mouthful of fresh blood nearly spurted out.

He stared at the mysterious man in disbelief, his eyes filled with despair.

The mysterious man looked at him coldly, his tone devoid of feeling.

You are of no value to me now. Wei Wuji could spare me a favor and let me go, but if I take you with me, it would be openly opposing the Dragon Group—not worth it.

His words were blunt and cruel; Chen Chujiang's complexion turned pale as paper in an instant, his whole body chilled.

He finally understood that he had been a pawn from the start—useful when needed, discarded without hesitation when not.

No... don't... Sir, please give me another chance! I can still serve you!

Chen Chujiang lay on the ground, reaching toward the mysterious man's back, but only saw him walk out of the private room without looking back.

Chen Chujiang sat helplessly on the ground, his gaze empty.

After a long while, he suddenly scrambled to his feet, knelt before Lu Xiao, and hammered his forehead in repeated kowtows.

Group Leader! I was wrong! I truly understand my mistake! Please spare my life! I will never dare again! I am willing to atone and help the Dragon Group retrieve Ling Zhaixing and the Tiger Talisman!

Wei Wuji glanced at Lu Xiao and said lightly.

Little Lu, this is your subordinate; handle it yourself.

After speaking, he turned and walked out of the private room, closing the door behind him, leaving the space for Lu Xiao and Chen Chujiang.

Lu Xiao stood where she was, watching Chen Chujiang kneeling and begging for mercy, her face showing no emotion, only deep disappointment.

Chen Chujiang had been personally recruited by her into the Dragon Group and had followed her for years; he usually seemed honest and diligent, never expected to betray the Dragon Group and collude with outsiders.

Why?

Lu Xiao's voice was soft, yet carried a bone‑chilling cold.

Chen Chujiang, I have not treated you poorly, and the Dragon Group has not treated you poorly; why did you betray?

Chen Chujiang stopped kowtowing.

He lifted his head again, his face smeared with blood and tears, his eyes full of resentment and despair.

After a long silence, he suddenly shouted loudly, "Why? Because I had no choice!"

I am just an ordinary person! I lack Shao Jinpeng's family background, and I don't have Duan Fei's extraordinary talent!

His voice carried a hysterical accusation.

After joining the Dragon Group for so many years, I am still a low‑rank investigator, risking my life on missions, earning barely any salary—can't even save enough to buy a bathroom in Jingcheng! I want a better life, I want to stand out; is that wrong?

The Dragon Group can't give me what I want, but he can!

Chen Chujiang pointed at the doorway of the private room, his tone agitated.

He promised me that if I get him information on the Tiger Talisman, he'd give me endless money for life, freeing me from my current circumstances! I just want a better life, what wrong is that?

Lu Xiao watched him, her disappointment deepening until it turned into complete indifference.

If you want a better life, you must rely on your own effort, not betray the organization! You know the Dragon Group's rules; traitors die!

She paused, her Tone flat as she said.

"Since you've followed me for years, I'll give you a decent way—end it yourself."

Chen Chujiang's body suddenly stiffened, the Excitement on his face vanished in an instant, replaced by deep fear.

He looked at Lu Xiao's cold gaze and knew she wasn't joking.

"No… don't… Group Leader Lu, I beg you for another chance! I don't want to die!"

He kowtowed again, his forehead pounding until blood streamed.

"I am willing to be a beast of burden, to atone for my mistakes, I beg you to spare me!"

Lu Xiao no longer looked at him, turned around, back to him.

"Either you end it yourself, or I will act; you choose one."

Chen Chujiang watched Lu Xiao's resolute silhouette and knew he had no way out.

He, in Despair, laughed, his Laughter harsh, bearing endless remorse.

After a while, the Laughter stopped.

Lu Xiao heard a muffled thump from behind, did not turn, only closed her eyes, a trace of fatigue appearing on her face.

She knew Chen Chujiang was dead.

After a moment of silence, Lu Xiao opened her eyes, inhaled deeply, smoothed her coat, turned and walked out of the Box.

Outside, Wei Wuji was Standing in the Corridor.

Lu Xiao walked up to him, unable to hold back, she asked.

"Old Wei, who exactly is that masked person? Why did you let him go?"