Chapter 6: Who Is the Prey?

Grandpa, how do you feel? Liu Qingxue supported the awakened Liu Quan, asking with concern.

Liu Quan waved his hand, indicating he was fine, but his eyes fixed on Zhang Jun, full of gratitude: "Little Zhang, this time I owe you; otherwise my old life, and little Xue, would likely have perished there."

"You're too kind, Grandpa." Zhang Jun gave a light smile, seeming not to take credit.

Liu Quan gave him a deep look, then brought up the previous topic again: "Little Zhang, you and little Xue's marriage……"

Before Liu Quan could finish, Liu Qingxue interjected: "Grandpa! I admit he's capable and saved us, but…… I still can't accept it."

Although she had witnessed Zhang Jun's astonishing strength and even had him detoxify her, in Liu Qingxue's heart the gulf between them remained.

"Little Xue, you……" Liu Quan, somewhat helpless, turned to Zhang Jun: "Little Zhang, look at this……"

Zhang Jun shrugged indifferently: "Grandpa, you can't force a melon to be sweet; don't push too hard."

Seeing Zhang Jun so "sensible," Liu Qingxue secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Liu Quan, however, had no intention of giving up; after a moment's thought, he said: "Little Zhang, I know you might have some ideas. How about this: let's not mention the marriage for now, but could you stay with the Liu Family and help us?"

"Oh? How would you help?" Zhang Jun asked, intrigued.

"To be frank, the Liu Family now can be said to have internal troubles and external threats." Liu Quan sighed, his face showing fatigue: "Outside, the Black Tiger Hall eyes us covetously; inside…… there are also some discordant voices."

"Dad, are you referring to Second Uncle and them?" Liu Qingxue frowned.

Liu Quan nodded: "This attack probably isn't that simple. Although the Black Tiger Hall is arrogant, they might not dare to strike directly at our Liu Family, unless……"

Unless someone is backing them from behind!

Father and daughter exchanged a glance, both grasping the seriousness of the problem.

"So, Grandpa, what do you want me to do?" Zhang Jun asked directly.

"Little Zhang, I'd like to ask you to help investigate the origins and details of this matter." Liu Quan said sincerely, "Furthermore, if possible, I hope you can protect little Xue's safety."

"Grandpa, this……" Liu Qingxue hesitated a bit.

"Little Xue, don't say more; it's decided." Liu Quan's attitude was firm: "Little Zhang, as long as you're willing to help, you can set the conditions."

Zhang Jun smiled: "Conditions, we'll talk later. However, I'm quite interested in the Black Tiger Hall and the forces behind them."

That evening, the Liu Family convened an emergency family meeting.

In the hall, the atmosphere was solemn.

The core members of the Liu Family all gathered together.

Besides Liu Quan and his daughter Liu Qingxue, there was also Liu Qingxue's second uncle Liu Yunfei, and several Liu Family elders.

"Big Brother, are you alright?" Liu Yunfei looked at Liu Quan, asking with concern.

"I'm fine." Liu Quan replied lightly, his gaze sweeping over those present: "Today I've gathered everyone to discuss how to respond to the current situation."

"Dad, what's there to discuss?" Liu Qingxue said directly: "The Black Tiger Hall is bullying us too much; we absolutely cannot just wait for destruction!"

"Little Xue, don't get worked up yet." An elder advised, "Everyone can see the Black Tiger Hall's strength; a head‑on clash would be unfavorable for our Liu Family."

"Yes, Qingxue, we should still plan carefully." Another elder agreed.

Liu Yunfei also advised: "Big Brother, I think the elders make sense. The Black Tiger Hall may have powerful backers; we shouldn't act rashly."

Hearing everyone's words, Liu Qingxue felt anxious.

She knew these people were either frightened by the Black Tiger Hall or had ulterior motives.

"Then what do you suggest? Are we just supposed to watch helplessly as the Liu Family gets swallowed up?" Liu Qingxue countered.

"Well……" Several elders looked at each other, momentarily speechless.

"Cough, cough." Liu Yunfei gave a light cough and said, "Big Brother, I actually have an idea. Why don't we negotiate with the Black Tiger Hall and see if we can turn swords into jade and silk?"

"Negotiate? How? Are we supposed to bow to them?" Liu Qingxue sneered.

"Little Xue, how is that bowing? This is knowing the times makes a hero." Liu Yunfei spoke with a tone of earnest advice.

"Enough!" Liu Quan slammed the table, cutting off the argument: "My mind is made up—we will take the initiative!"

"Big Brother, you……" Liu Yunfei's face changed.

"Dad, I support you!" Liu Qingxue firmly stood by her father's side.

"But……" Several elders still wanted to say something.

"No need for more words." Liu Quan waved his hand: "I've already decided."

At that moment, the hitherto silent Zhang Jun suddenly spoke: "Grandpa, everyone, I actually have a suggestion."

Everyone's gaze turned to him in unison.

"What's your suggestion?" Liu Qingxue asked.

Zhang Jun gave a slight smile: "Since we're taking the initiative, we first need to know who our enemy is and where they are."

"Do we even need to say? It's definitely the Black Tiger Hall!" An elder said dismissively.

"No, the Black Tiger Hall is only the surface enemy." Zhang Jun shook his head: "Behind them, there must be a greater power pulling the strings."

"What evidence do you have?" Liu Yunfei stared at Zhang Jun, his eyes hinting at suspicion.

"Evidence? It'll come soon." Zhang Jun said confidently, "Give me a few days, and I'll uproot the Black Tiger Hall completely!"

"Bombastic!" an elder snorted, "Young man, do you know how strong the Black Tiger Hall is?"

"Strong? In my eyes, they're nothing but a bunch of mud‑caked chickens and scurrying dogs." Zhang Jun said contemptuously.

"You!" that elder was left speechless.

"Alright, enough arguing." Liu Quan said, "I trust Little Zhang."

He looked at Zhang Jun and said solemnly: "Little Zhang, this matter is entrusted to you. If you need anything, just speak up."

"Don't worry, Grandpa." Zhang Jun nodded, "I'll give the Liu Family an answer."

After the meeting dispersed, Liu Qingxue called out to Zhang Jun.

"Do you really have confidence?" She looked at Zhang Jun, her eyes holding a hint of worry.

"What, you don't believe me?" Zhang Jun replied with a laugh.

"I just think you're too reckless." Liu Qingxue said, "Black Tiger Hall isn't that simple."

"I know." Zhang Jun put away his smile, speaking seriously, "But don't worry, I'll be fine."

Liu Qingxue looked at his determined gaze, and inexplicably felt a hint of reassurance.

Night fell.

Zhang Jun left the Liu family alone.

He didn't drive, didn't bring anyone, just walked slowly along the street.

The night was as dark as ink, and the streetlights were dim.

Zhang Jun's figure appeared somewhat lonely in the night.

But his steps were steady.

His target was the headquarters of Black Tiger Hall.

He wanted to meet that mysterious Hall Master in person.

Let's see just how strong this so-called number one power in Jiangbei really is.

The night wind blew, bringing a hint of chill.

Zhang Jun's mouth corners curled up slightly.

A hunt was about to begin.

Just didn't know who was the hunter and who was the prey.