Chapter 15

Bathroom.

Qin Feng lay in the bath tub, closed his eyes to rest, and also reflected on the recent battle.

When he sensed the opponent's powerful Qi, he thought of a countermeasure: show weakness to the enemy and strike the trapped beast.

As early as when Fu Ye Ye was led out to be surrounded, an eighth‑rank warrior appeared; Qin Feng sensed the danger, secretly discussed with Qin Kai, and asked how to deal with an eighth‑ or even ninth‑rank strongman entering the manor—entangle him, then use some clever tactics.

Lime to block sight, then steel‑wire net to trap, and even some methods that hadn't yet been employed.

There were also some secret codes.

When Qin Feng told Qin Kai to guard the family, he was also warning the other side that the enemy was too strong and tactics were needed—be prepared.

That is why Qin Kai and the guards did not forcefully act.

Ma Chao, knowing the situation, held his troops in place.

Zhao Hu, unaware, rashly struck, giving Qin Feng a chance to counterattack—a pleasant surprise.

"Sir, you are the family head; how can you risk danger so lightly? Let Qin Kai and the others fight to the death; that is their duty." Xiao Hong ladled a scoop of hot water onto his shoulder, washing away the offering blood and filth.

She also kept massaging.

Qin Feng was initially unaccustomed, but now he is calmly self‑assured.

He turned his head and saw the wound on his shoulder had healed, leaving only a red mark that would likely disappear by tomorrow.

The blow he took then was intentional.

Show weakness to the enemy, then let blood be the proof.

"How's Zhao Hu?" Qin Feng asked.

"He's been examined; the problem isn't serious. After a few days of rest he'll be a tiger again," Xiao Hong said softly. "Three Captains, only he goes all out."

Qin Feng smiled faintly.

After washing, he returned to his bedroom to rest.

The next day, the living room.

"Family head, this person is completely unknown; none of my subordinates recognize him, nor does anyone in the manor," Qin Kai reported. "We're familiar with strongmen from the surrounding cities, but this one is entirely unfamiliar, likely from elsewhere."

He became even more respectful.

"Another outsider!" Qin Feng frowned. "That makes things complicated."

Qin Kai said nothing, but showed a solemn expression.

"How's the investigation on Uncle Jiu's line going?" Qin Feng asked.

"No useful clues," Qin Kai replied, troubled.

"That shouldn't be!" Qin Feng stood, walked a few steps with his hands behind his back, and thought, "Even a foolish Uncle Jiu would understand that if Fu Ye Ye is killed, he can't escape the connection. Even if done covertly, traces can be found, unless…"

He paused and added, "For now the second branch can't manage it, so the motive must come from outside—either threat or bribery."

"Bribery is hard; regardless, he'd understand the consequences of self‑destruction, so it's most likely a threat."

"How to threaten?"

"Family, debts!"

"Uncle Jiu may not be fully married, but that doesn't mean he has no children. If it's debts, they're huge and hard to evade, making them easy to trace in the city. Investigate these two aspects!" Qin Feng turned and said.

"Yes!" Qin Kai exclaimed.

With that analysis, it was as if the fog cleared.

Watching the other leave, Qin Feng sighed.

This is the result of having no strategist; even modest difficulties require him to handle personally, yet he still needs to cultivate and truly doesn't want to waste effort on these matters.

Fu Ye Ye is experienced, but ultimately it's just experience.

Thinking of the other, Zhang Fu walked in.

"Sir, why did you come over?" Qin Feng greeted him.

"Family head!" Zhang Fu said cheerfully.

Compared to yesterday, he was much more relaxed, because he had personally seen Qin Feng slay a ninth‑rank with the guards' help.

With such strength, the Qin Family now has confidence.

He handed over a gold‑embossed invitation, saying, "This was sent from the City Lord's residence; I happened to be in the front yard, so I brought it over."

City Lord's residence? Qin Feng took it, opened it, and saw that the City Lord will hold a crown ceremony for his son three days later, also known as a coming‑of‑age ceremony.

"My father and the City Lord are that close?" Qin Feng was somewhat surprised.

"Yes!" Zhang Fu nodded. "Perhaps that's why some people are wary, using outsiders against us but not daring to step forward. Yet the old family head eventually left, relationships cooled, and now we must rely on ourselves. This time attending the banquet, you must go personally; once you leave the mansion…"

He showed a worried expression.

"No problem!" Qin Feng's eyes flickered. "Since the City Lord personally invites, I think no one dares to meddle."

"They didn't dare before, now it's hard to say!" Zhang Fu said. "After all, a ninth‑rank fell in the manor, which will make the behind‑the‑scenes people, in panic, try to eliminate you at any cost. Even though we've already released the news that the assassin was taken down by the whole family's effort. By the way, December 18 you need to perform ancestral worship; as the family head you must go, which is also a hassle."

Qin Feng forced a wry smile, then rallied, "As the family head, I can't stay cooped up forever; this time I'll go in great fanfare."

"Perhaps this is also an opportunity!" He squinted, thoughts flashing.

After Zhang Fu left, Qin Feng summoned Qin Yuan: "Uncle Qin Yuan, according to Dr. Liu's prescription, procure a large quantity of tonic for me."

"Family head, recent consumption has been huge, already overspending; if we continue to spend without regard to cost, it may affect daily operations," Qin Yuan considered.

"If it's not enough…" Qin Feng said unequivocally. "Then go to the shops and Zhuangzi's place, set aside the silver for operations, and divert all the rest. If still insufficient, open the secret vault." He paused briefly, then added, "If anyone blocks, suppress them forcefully. Remember, act quickly; I need it tonight."

"Yes!" Qin Yuan hurried away, worried.

Qin Feng thought a moment more, then checked on Zhao Hu, and after his recovery, went to the family vault to select a weapon as a reward.

Additionally, award five hundred taels of silver.

The guards who acted last night also received rewards.

Then Qin Feng returned to the study.

Making money isn't hard, but now isn't the time; first hold on until after the ancestral sacrifice, then talk!

He sat cross-legged and continued cultivating.

Another manor.

Study.

Master, news came from the Qin manor that last night a powerful assassin appeared and was killed by the guards.

He hasn't returned all night; I knew Fan Chi got into trouble—trouble, big trouble! The rumor says he was killed by a mob; is that really true? No detailed info?

No! The few pieces we had earlier were cleared out for some reason, and the newly arranged ones haven't truly infiltrated yet.

Speed up! Fan Chi is a ninth-rank cultivator, yet the Qin manor killed him—according to our intel, the Qin manor shouldn't be able to do that. Could it be that some old fogey of the Qin Family hasn't truly died? Or is it a false front, that Qin Feng brat is too monstrous?

Hard to say!

The Qin Family, deathless yet not stiff—unexpectedly so hard to deal with. We need other means, but Fan Chi's death… damn it, this dog thing, why come to Wan'an City, why insist on checking out the Qin manor, and still call me trash unable to exterminate the root—what happened? He died himself, yet left me unbearable consequences. Fuck his grandmother!

Another day passed.

Qin Feng had just finished a cultivation session when Qin Kai came over.

Lord, outside rumors say the Lu Family, with the help of the Bai Family of Baiyun City, aims to replace our Qin Family. One of my subordinates, drinking outside last night, accidentally heard that Ninth Uncle has a concubine and even a pair of children. Qin Kai said with a strange expression.

This is someone making a move—trying to muddy the waters or shift blame? Interesting." Qin Feng was somewhat surprised, after a brief thought he said, "I believe Ninth Uncle has a concubine, but if he has children, why not bring them into the manor? There's definitely something fishy. Qin Kai, investigate the Lu Family, investigate Ninth Uncle, and investigate the relationship between Ninth Uncle and the Lu Family.

Yes!" Qin Kai withdrew.

Qin Feng didn't think too much about it, remaining immersed in cultivation.

His relentless cultivation boosted his strength rapidly.

Another day.

Qin Kai came over excitedly: 'Ninth Uncle indeed has a concubine outside—a courtesan who bore him a pair of dragon-and-phoenix twins, though they've now disappeared. My subordinate pried open the mouth of a servant from the Second Branch and learned that Ninth Uncle lost a huge sum gambling at the Lu Family's gambling house, and was once soundly beaten by Second Grandfather.'

Courtesan woman, no wonder! Second Grandfather, what a Second Grandfather." Qin Feng gave a cold chuckle, his eyes sinking, "Person, money, he's got both! Anything else?

Yes!" Qin Kai said, "The Lu Family's Third Young Master once concealed two groups of people entering the city, both lodged in a manor. I had people bring portraits for identification; nearby residents recognized three of them—two were the martial artists who first invaded our Qin Manor, and one was the expert who besieged Fu Ye Ye. To confirm, I inquired at multiple places; all were longtime residents. Also, a few days before the invasion of our Qin Manor, there were incidents of abducting women there, along with miserable screams, and later they were even warned.

With such a commotion, Qin actually didn't know? Fourth Branch, nice!" Qin Feng's eyes grew colder, he suppressed his inner turmoil and said, "Too smooth?

My subordinate also feels it's too smooth, as if being led by the nose." Qin Kai frowned and said, "After careful review, I found nothing.

Regardless of whether someone is guiding us, as long as we confirm it's the Lu Family." Qin Feng said, "Have me check—what experts does the Lu Family have, and what is their strongest strength?

Yes!" Qin Kai withdrew.

(End of chapter)