Chapter 291: Prelude (I)

"Enough!"

Gu Yuanzong's voice was resonant; it was not loud, yet it reached the ears of everyone present, and even the battle-hardened soldiers were shaken to the core by this single sound.

Chen Che's brows twitched violently, and as he gazed at the slowly approaching Gu Yuanzong, he was now certain that this number one figure in the Jinling political and military circles had also reached a realm in Martial Dao that practitioners could only look up to in despair.

Gu Yuanzong's appearance made the scene silent once more, and everyone watched with wide eyes, waiting nervously and expectantly for what would happen next.

Gu Yuanzong arrived before them, first glaring at the father and son Gu Zhengying and Gu Zhangsheng, then signaling Ouyang Guilin and his son to withdraw the soldiers, before looking around the circle, lingering deliberately on Chen Che's face for a moment, and finally looking at Xue Zhangming, saying, "Director Xue, at today's Gu Family banquet, my son offended Director Xue, so please do not take offense."

Xue Zhangming's previous imposing manner weakened a fraction at this moment, and he said, flattered, "Old Gu, you speak too seriously; the eldest young master was only concerned for his daughter. It is just that my duties bind me, and I had no choice but to do this; I ask for Old Gu's understanding."

"I have been in the political and military circles for many years, so I naturally understand Director Xue's difficulties."

Gu Yuanzong glanced at Chen Che, his tone shifting, "It is just that my granddaughter only met with this incident after drinking with Chen Che, so I ask Director Xue to investigate this matter clearly and give my Gu Family an explanation."

"Old Gu, rest assured, I will personally supervise the matter and investigate it clearly."

Xue Zhangming promised solemnly.

"No rush, Director Xue, investigate slowly; make sure not to miss any clues, and of course, do not wrong any innocent people."

Gu Yuanzong stared at Xue Zhangming, his deep eyes full of hidden meaning.

Xue Zhangming froze for an instant, understanding in his heart: "I will certainly do my utmost."

"Dad, you cannot let him leave..."

Gu Zhengying was heartbroken and could not accept handing Chen Che over to Xue Zhangming just like that.

"Shut up!"

Gu Yuanzong shouted angrily, cutting off his words, then immediately ordered, "General Ouyang, Director Xue came alone today; please send your men to assist with the task of escorting Chen Che back to the Inspection Department."

"Yes."

Ouyang Guilin nodded.

"Old Gu is thoughtful; since that is the case, I will not stay any longer."

Xue Zhangming turned to look at Ouyang Guilin, "Then I will have to trouble you, General."

Ouyang Guilin beckoned, and Ouyang Feng personally led men to keep watch over Chen Che.

"Chen Che!"

Jiang Lan and Su Xiao spoke in unison, their tones full of worry.

"It's fine, the innocent are self-clearing; I believe Director Xue will restore my innocence."

Chen Che smiled at the two women, then glanced seemingly unintentionally at a spot in the crowd.

Standing there were the hidden Song Jinhe and Shen Qi. That cup of Poison Wine from earlier had been swapped by Song Jinhe without anyone knowing.

"Should we secretly rescue him?"

Shen Qi asked in a low voice.

Song Jinhe shook her head; when Chen Che looked toward here, she had already understood the meaning in his eyes—do not act rashly.

"It is the Inspection Department and the military; we cannot rescue him, and we must not," said Song Jinhe.

"Then are we just going to watch the master be taken away?"

Shen Qi said uneasily.

"Xue Zhangming has a handle held by Chen Che, it will be fine."

Song Jinhe replied, turned, and left the Gu Family, with Shen Qi following quickly behind.

Chen Che was taken away by Xue Zhangming, the banquet ended there, and the guests all dispersed.

"Dad, should we intercept those two women?"

Watching Su Xiao and Jiang Lan leave following the flow of people, Gu Zhangsheng leaned into Gu Yuanzong's ear and asked in a low voice.

Gu Yuanzong's gaze lingered on Su Xiao, and he said, "That woman should have an Innate Yin-Cold Body, which will be useful when the Ritual is held; find a way to get her to the Altar for me."

"Yes."

Gu Zhangsheng glanced at Gu Zhengying, who was holding Gu Yanran and grieving, a trace of smugness appearing at the corner of his lips; he did not linger and immediately left with the three Protectors.

"Old Gu, is there anything you need us to do?"

Ouyang Guilin asked.

Gu Yuanzong shook his head and smiled, "Today's banquet was the Gu Family's discourtesy; there will be another banquet in three days, and invitations will be sent to everyone's homes then. Of course, it is mainly to let the young people socialize, so I ask that you all do not stop them."

"Old Gu, you joke; since there is nothing else, we will take our leave."

Ouyang Guilin bowed to Gu Yuanzong, glanced at Gu Yanran and Gu Zhengying, wanting to say something, but ultimately did not speak.

The Ouyang Family left, and the Ding Family, Huang Family, and Fang Family did not stay any longer either, leaving one after another.

Gu Yuanzong looked at Gu Zhengying and the long-deceased Gu Yanran with a cold expression, saying, "I have already hinted to Xue Zhangming; Chen Che will not be able to come out. Regardless of whether he was the one eavesdropping, there is no need to worry about him affecting the Ritual for now. Yanran... things have reached this point, let's focus on the Ritual first."

Gu Zhengying looked up at Gu Yuanzong, his heart sinking to the bottom, and after a long while, he spat out one word: "Yes."

………

"Stop the car."

After the Ma Family's car left the Gu Family, Ma Zijun requested to pull over.

"Grandfather, Dad, I have something to attend to, so I won't be going home first."

Ma Zijun said to Ma Youxiang and Ma Yiren.

Ma Youxiang looked at Ma Zijun and asked, "Zijun, are you aware of tonight's events, and did you participate in any of it?"

Ma Zijun pondered for a moment, nodded, and confessed: "Yes. The Gu Family has problems; Gu Yuanzong is the true master behind the Martial Arts Alliance."

Ma Youxiang and Ma Yiren were both stunned at the same time; this explosive news instantly stirred up turbulent waves in their hearts.

"What you said... is it true?"

Ma Youxiang's lips trembled, unable to believe it.

"It is true, and Chen Che is going to war with the Gu Family; tonight was just the prelude, and the direct confrontation should be coming soon."

Ma Zijun's expression was hesitant, "Grandfather, I..."

Ma Youxiang raised his hand to interrupt, saying: "I know what you want to say, and I can tell you, there is no need to worry. Since I have decided to stand on Chen Che's side, no matter what happens, my mind will not change. Furthermore, the Gu Family is no longer worthy, whether in terms of morality or the law.

Go ahead and do it with peace of mind; regardless of whether Chen Che succeeds or not, the Ma Family will bear all the consequences together with him."

Ma Yiren, however, was filled with worry and said: "Dad, the Gu Family has deep roots, and what's more, they have connections in Beijing. Pulling one hair affects the whole body; Chen Che is indeed rare in this world, but the Gu Family is different from any enemy we have faced before. Besides, Chen Che has been taken to the Justice Inspection Department now, and it is not certain if he can even get out."

"I trust Chen Che, and I also trust my own judgment. And since Gu Yuanzong is the Alliance Leader of the Martial Arts Alliance, then our Ma Family, even if we are smashed to pieces, cannot continue to wallow in the mire with them."

Ma Youxiang looked at Ma Zijun, his smile gentle and firm, making Ma Zijun feel a sense of peace in his heart, "Go, and remember to send my regards to Chen Che."

Ma Zijun nodded heavily and headed toward the Scorpion Society with Lin Su.

………

The Rolls-Royce drove at a steady speed along the winding mountain road, and in another ten minutes, it would leave the area where the Gu Family estate was located.

Inside the car.

Jiang Lan and Su Xiao both had grave expressions; the two exchanged glances several times, but both stopped themselves from speaking.

"Chen Che must have a plan, right?"

After a long silence, Jiang Lan spoke first, staring blankly at Su Xiao, waiting for the answer that could bring her comfort.

Su Xiao looked at Jiang Lan and said: "Perhaps. Xue Zhangming has a weakness in Chen Che's hands; at the very least, Chen Che will not be harmed, but..."

"But what?" Jiang Lan pressed.

Su Xiao shook her head: "It's nothing. Chen Che has always been good at bringing surprises to others; let's just go back and wait for news."

"That makes sense. Others must be on their way to the Scorpion Society right now too; let's discuss it together once we get back."

Jiang Lan rested her fist against her towering chest, calming her heartbeat as she comforted herself.

"Screech—"

The Rolls-Royce braked sharply to a stop, and the driver said: "Madam, someone is blocking the road."

Su Xiao stared ahead vigilantly and recognized the people blocking the road; they were Gu Zhangsheng and Gu Yao, along with an attendant who had attacked Chen Che earlier—it was White Tiger.

"What's the situation?"

Jiang Lan looked back and discovered that two figures dressed as attendants had also appeared behind them; they were Black Tortoise and Azure Dragon.

"It seems it won't be so easy to leave today."

Su Xiao let out a sneer of disdain.

…………