Chapter 330: What Is Absolute Certainty?

Li Banfeng prepared to set out for Yaowang Gou to visit Feng, the owner of Feng's General Store.

Bai Qiusheng was having someone procure travel permits and train tickets when suddenly a messenger reported: "Master Ai from the Qingshou Society has come to discuss business."

Upon hearing "Qingshou Society," Li Banfeng felt a wave of nausea; Bai Qiusheng exclaimed, "Ai Chixiang? What business could they possibly have with us?"

Yuwen Qi said, "Why not just throw them out? We've already got a grudge with them."

Li Banfeng pulled out the contract paper from his pocket and noticed faint rust stains.

This meant Lü Yue San was dead.

"It doesn't hurt to talk to them," Li Banfeng said calmly, "first find out what they want."

Bai Qiusheng went off to negotiate business, then returned shortly afterward.

"Seventh Master, they want to seize our projector business! The brand, the techniques, the factory—all of it."

Yuwen Qi gritted her teeth: "These despicable bastards, seeing us make money, they want to stick their hands in. Old Bai, let's walk out there and curse them to death."

"Cursing them won't help. Ai Chixiang brought plenty of men—they've surrounded our newspaper office. Yue Qingsong came too, saying if we don't agree, they'll go dark."

Upon hearing Yue Qingsong had arrived, Yuwen Qi fell silent.

Yue Qingsong was Wu Decheng's disciple, a Level Four Poison Cultivator; neither Yuwen Qi nor Bai Qiusheng could match him.

But since Li Qi was here, they weren't afraid—even though they didn't know Seventh Master's cultivation level, handling Yue Qingsong should be no problem.

Both looked toward Li Banfeng, who was muttering to himself.

"I show up, and they come to seize my business—is that a coincidence?"

"This isn't a coincidence. They're targeting me."

"How did they know I was here? Did they find out through Lü Yue San?"

"Unlikely. Lü Yue San just left a short while ago—they couldn't have moved this fast."

"They knew I was here before I even returned to the office. They knew the moment I arrived."

"There's a mole in the newspaper office."

"A mole isn't surprising—when business grows, all kinds of people show up…"

Yuwen Qi said, "Seventh Master, what's wrong? Don't act like this. When trouble comes, we figure it out together. Don't scare us."

Li Banfeng waved his hand, signaling not to interrupt, and continued muttering:

"They know I'm at Heishipo—and still come to seize my business? What's their goal?"

"Kill me?"

"Does Tang Pei have the power to do that?"

"Just with these few men from Qingshou Society?"

"The head of Qingshou Society is a Saint. Beyond the Saint, there's only Lu Mao. Is it the Saint who wants me dead—or Lu Mao?"

"If it were the Saint, he wouldn't send just these few. He took a beating from me at Jianren Gang."

"It must be Lu Mao's idea."

"But if Lu Mao wants me dead, why choose Heishipo? Are these few useless fools enough?"

"Are they really here to deal with me?"

Li Banfeng kept muttering to himself; Bai Qiusheng and Yuwen Qi grew frantic.

"Don't panic," Li Banfeng returned to normal. "Keep them talking. Slowly. See what they truly want."

…

In Lu Mao's mansion, in the study, a bamboo scroll fell to the floor.

The chief steward, Xu Yangbo, picked it up and carried it to Lu Mao's bedroom.

Lu Mao's face was pale; after severing his affliction root, his injuries had never fully healed.

Taking the bamboo book, Lu Mao saw faint glimmers on the scroll.

He carved a character into it with his knife: "Read."

The character vanished instantly; a line of text appeared on the bamboo: "Li Qi has arrived at Heishipo."

Before severing his affliction root, Lu Mao had issued orders to all Qingshou Society branches: if they received word of Li Qi's movements, delay him and report immediately.

Qingshou Society had many capable agents, but Lu Mao never expected the first report to come from Tang Peigong.

Li Qi had really come to Heishipo?

Even Lu Mao was surprised.

Was it really Li Qi?

Among them, Ma Wu was the one who frequently visited Heishipo for business—why would Li Qi go there?

Li Qi's whereabouts were nearly impossible to track. Had Tang Peigong lied to gain favor?

Lu Mao carved a reply on the scroll: "Is this true?"

The scroll responded: "Absolutely true."

Tang Peigong had no real ability, but he wouldn't dare lie to me.

Lu Mao pondered a moment, then replied: "Delay him."

Putting away the scroll, Lu Mao immediately summoned his steward: "Send men to investigate Lu Chunying, Ma Wu, and Tan Fucheng's movements."

The steward left at once; soon, news arrived:

"Lu Chunying is in her own residence. Zuo Wugang and two branch guards are with her."

This was expected by Lu Mao. After Qiu Zhiheng left, Ma Wu assigned branch guards to rotate protection for Lu Chunying—today was Zuo Wugang's turn.

The steward continued: "Ma Wu fell seriously ill a few days ago. He's still weak and recovering at Xiaoyao Wu."

"Ma Wu is sick?"

The steward nodded: "It was an acute illness—he nearly died."

No wonder Li Qi went to Heishipo—Ma Wu was just recovering and couldn't leave his bed.

A faint smile appeared on Lu Mao's face. He asked: "What of Tan Fucheng?"

"Tan Fucheng is managing his own business territory."

Opportunity!

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

But was it really Li Qi at Heishipo?

Lu Mao remained uneasy, so he ordered the steward to bring the bamboo scroll again and carved four characters: "Is this true?"

The reply remained: "Absolutely true."

Lu Mao replied: "Delay him until dawn!"

The steward said beside him: "Master, Li Qi is at Heishipo, far from here. We should be worried about Zuo Wugang."

Lu Mao shook his head: "Zuo Wugang isn't hard to handle. He has great martial skill but lacks decisiveness in crisis. If the situation shifts, he's useless!"

"Li Qi is elusive—that's the real threat. What has he turned Qingshou Society's Heishipo branch into?"

"He's a traveling cultivator. If he decides to flee back, things could still go wrong. We must keep him pinned at Heishipo, and send more men to delay Tan Fucheng—to ensure absolute certainty."

The steward said: "Master is right. Should I arrange the men?"

Lu Mao nodded: "Arrange the men, and prepare the message. When you take Lu Chunying's head, spread the news immediately—blame it on Duan Shaoxia."

The steward quickly organized the men. When preparations were nearly complete, he handed a letter to a lowly cleaner.

The cleaner asked no questions, slipped away unnoticed, and ran toward the Lu family mansion.

…

Lu Chunying was reviewing accounts at home.

She was intelligent and eager to learn, but mastering the management of a great clan wasn't something achieved overnight.

After Qiu Zhiheng left, Ma Wu was busy with business and now recovering from illness—no one was teaching her, and some matters remained unclear.

She invited her cousin Lu Yuanxin to her home.

Lu Yuanxin was the son of Lu Dongjun, and due to his father's downfall, he was currently the lowest-ranked among Lu family peers.

Once, at Lu Mao's mansion, Lu Chunying had defended Lu Yuanxin; he was deeply grateful. Today, he came as her teacher, and he treated her with great respect, teaching earnestly.

Though Lu Yuanxin had lost his family fortune, he was still a nobleman with broad experience—Lu Chunying learned much from him.

At dusk, heavy rain fell. Lu Yuanxin prepared to leave, but Lu Chunying urged: "Brother, stay for dinner—it'll keep you dry."

Lu Yuanxin looked uneasy: "I couldn't possibly impose. I'll leave now."

"Just a simple meal—don't be so formal," Xiao Yeci personally cooked a few small dishes.

Lu Chunying had no rigid customs; she brought along several branch guards and ate with them at the same table.

Since Lu Dongjun's downfall, Lu Yuanxin had endured endless scorn; this rare gesture of respect from the main family moved him deeply.

Halfway through the meal, someone knocked on the door.

This was strange.

Lu Chunying's residence was small, but it had gatekeepers and stationed branch guards.

Visitors were always announced—why knock?

That meant something was wrong—the gatekeepers and guards were probably already down.

Zuo Wugang ordered everyone to stay put. Cao Zhida went to open the door; Zhen Jincheng took position by the window.

This was their long-practiced Moqi: Cao Zhida would respond first upon opening, Zuo Wugang would control the battle, and Zhen Jincheng would watch for ambushes and plan escape routes.

When the door opened, Cao Zhida froze in place, offering no response.

Zuo Wugang grew tense and rushed to the door.

When he reached the threshold, he too froze.

"Lady..."

Standing outside the door was Duan Shaoxia, unaccompanied by attendants or guards, drenched to the skin by the heavy rain, arriving alone at Lu Chunying's residence.

Zuo Wugang turned to look at Lu Chunying.

In Zuo Wugang's eyes, Duan Shaoxia was nothing but a white lamb.

He could fight if needed—he wouldn't spare old feelings—but only if Lu Chunying had no reservations either.

Duan Shaoxia looked at Lu Chunying and smiled faintly: "Such a heavy rain, and you're letting me stand at the door?"

Lu Chunying bowed her head and invited Duan Shaoxia inside.

Duan Shaoxia scanned the room and spotted Lu Yuanxin: "Yuanxin is here too?"

Lu Yuanxin gave a slight bow, keeping his distance from Duan Shaoxia.

He didn't know whether Duan Shaoxia had cultivation, but seeing her arrive alone at Lu Chunying's residence while the gate guards and attendants outside showed no reaction, he realized she was no ordinary person.

Duan Shaoxia turned to Xiao Yeci: "Sister, do you have hot soup? Pour me a bowl—I'm freezing."

Xiao Yeci nodded: "I'll get you some soup. I've got spare clothes too—you can change into one."

Lu Chunying tugged at Xiao Yeci's sleeve, signaling her to avoid Duan Shaoxia's gaze at all costs.

Duan Shaoxia said to Lu Chunying: "I'm here to save you. Do you believe me?"

Lu Chunying froze, then asked: "You came alone to save me?"

Duan Shaoxia smiled: "If I'd brought others, some things couldn't be explained. Chunying, do you want to fight—or run?"

"What do you mean by 'run'? And what about 'fight'?"

Duan Shaoxia spoke with grave seriousness: "Fight, and it's one battle. Run, and you run for life!"

Heishipo, "Ye Lai Xiang" Newspaper Office.

Bai Qiusheng was still negotiating business with Ai Chixiang; hours had passed without any result.

Bai Qiusheng refused to sell the film projector business. Ai Chixiang threatened: "I'm telling you plainly—if you won't sell, you'll never make a living with this business in Heishipo again."

Bai Qiusheng replied that he couldn't make that decision.

Ai Chixiang laughed: "You can't decide? Then go ask your boss. I know he's right here."

His bluff was exposed; Bai Qiusheng broke into a sweat.

Ai Chixiang threatened again: "Tell your boss, Mr. Ye—we've come to negotiate with him in good faith. If he refuses, he bears all consequences himself!"

Though threatening, Ai Chixiang never lifted a hand.

Yu Wenqi didn't know how to respond and hurried to the back courtyard to inform Li Qi.

Li Banfeng grew increasingly suspicious of the situation.

All talk, no action.

They're not here to confront me—they're here to stall me!

But why stall me?

Is this Lu Maoxian's order?

Li Banfeng muttered to himself; Yu Wenqi turned pale with fear.

"Seventh Master, perhaps you should..."

"Go watch Bai Qiusheng's side. Probably nothing serious."

After sending Yu Wenqi away, Li Banfeng returned to his quarters and muttered again: "Why is Lu Maoxian trying to stall me? What's his intent?"

"I've had little direct contact with him—I truly don't know his nature."

Everyone else knew Li Banfeng's habits: when he muttered to himself, it was best not to interrupt.

The projector, just arrived, mistook Li Banfeng's muttering as a question and volunteered: "Seventh Director, I know Lu Maoxian's nature well—he's still vigorous, truly vigorous!"

The gramophone slapped the projector: "You don't know the rules—when the Master is thinking, don't keep interrupting."

Li Banfeng was intrigued and asked the projector: "What do you mean by 'still vigorous'?"

The projector played a clip: "This was recorded from Lu Maoxian's home using Ling Miaoying's hook. Most of the film reels aren't with me—only this small fragment remains. Seventh Director, look—three girls together. Isn't that 'still vigorous'?"

Li Banfeng stared, transfixed.

The gramophone snorted: "Short. Too short. What a waste of three good girls."

"Husband, why are you staring so closely? That old man is nowhere near as good as you."

Li Banfeng asked the projector: "Is this Lu Maoxian's home?"

The projector replied: "Yes—his bedroom has a hook!"

Li Banfeng thought for a moment: "Play this clip ten times."

"Ten times?" The gramophone exclaimed. "Husband, what's gotten into you? Is it really that fascinating?"

Li Banfeng shook his head: "Not fascinating at all. But I can't understand what Lu Maoxian did—I need to ask someone who understands."

"Hey, husband, who's the one who understands?"

"Lu Maoxian himself—wasn't he the one who did it?"

The gramophone was confused.

Li Banfeng watched the film intently, studying every detail in the room.

In his bedroom, Lu Maoxian swallowed an elixir to keep his body in peak condition.

Everyone in the household capable of fighting had been dispatched.

Some were to tie up Tan Fu, others to monitor Ma Wu; the most critical group was sent to take Lu Chunying's head.

Tang Pei had just delivered word: Li Banfeng was still detained in Heishipo.

It was too late for him to return now.

According to Lu Maoxian's estimate, Zuo Wugang and his men, fighting to the death, could hold out for no more than ten minutes.

In such a short time, none of Li Qi, Ma Wu, or Tan Fu could arrive to reinforce her.

Once Lu Chunying was dead, the news would be leaked—blamed squarely on Duan Shaoxia.

Everyone knew Duan Shaoxia harbored hatred for Lu Chunying; she would have no defense.

Killing a daughter of the Zong family, Lu Maoxian could justifiably expel Duan Shaoxia from the Lu family—even kill her, without question.

At that point, Lu Maoxian would become the lawful head of the Lu family.

Then he would turn his full attention to He Jiaqing—to settle the score!

That score must be settled! Thinking of it, Lu Maoxian gritted his teeth in rage!

Though He Jiaqing had disguised himself, Lu Maoxian was certain he was the one behind it.

He had once considered gathering the entire Lu family to seek revenge on He Jiaqing.

But how could he explain it? He Jiaqing, far away in Waizhou, returned to castrate him?

Who would believe it?

He told the matter to a Disciple of the Sage, but the Sage deemed him useless and sent a White Robe Disciple to scold him instead.

He had to settle this himself. Once he became head of the Lu family, he would expose the truth outright. Whether He Jiaqing admitted it or not, he would mobilize the full power of the Lu family to eradicate the He family entirely—then the entire Pulu Province would be his.

"Flawless. Absolutely flawless!" Lu Maoxian couldn't help laughing aloud.

Puff!

A Tang Dao suddenly pierced through Lu Maoxian's chest.

A voice whispered beside his ear:

"Tell me—what exactly was 'absolutely flawless'?"

PS: Lu Maoxian's steward had been bribed by Duan Shaoxia—see Chapter 308.

(End of Chapter)