Nan Batian, having heard this, said, "Hmm, I see. I will make sure our spies hidden within the Guild Cao are alert."
"Yes, Gang Leader. Moreover, I fear Gu Qingfeng of the Ghost Hand has been exposed."
Tang Ziyue revealed a name, to which Nan Batian responded, "Yes, what a pity. Gu Qingfeng was indeed a useful piece; now it seems we must abandon him."
Upon hearing this, Tang Ziyue said, "Actually, leveraging Gu Qingfengâs connections to set up this trap was overly risky. Once the trap is exposed, he can no longer remain hidden."
Nan Batian said, "Who would have thought that Chen Jiusi could actually decipher this setup. Otherwise, had the plan succeeded, Elder Liu would have lost his son and wouldnât have suspected Gu Qingfeng. He would have been insane with rage seeking trouble from Chen Jiusi, and then Gu Qingfeng would have been safe, and our goals achieved."
"I have been enemies with Elder Liu for many years, and I know his character all too well. This plan was supposed to be foolproof, yet who could have imagined that Chen Jiusi would forge a path out of nowhere, absolutely unimaginable," lamented Nan Batian.
Tang Ziyue also said, "Gang Leader, we must handle Chen Jiusi with caution; he is not easy to deal with, and often acts unpredictably. One moment of inattention could leave us at his mercy!"
"Hmm, Mr. Tang, your words are very true. However, Chen Jiusi is preparing to report todayâs incident to Darugachi. I am afraid?"
Tang Ziyue reassured, "Rest assured, Gang Leader, that actually might not be a significant problem. Currently, the Zoroastrian Sect is causing such an uproar in the North; Darugachi wonât press our guild too hard. In this unstable climate, Daqianâs control isnât as strong as before. Many are eager to act, so Darugachi has much to consider."
Hearing this, Nan Batian reflected, "Hmm, letâs hope so. However, we might have to endure in silence for a while. Taking any untoward action might lead to trouble."
Tang Ziyue advised, "Gang Leader, when one strike fails, refrain from striking again. Being patient for a while might unveil new opportunities."
"We currently have the moral high ground and the advantage in strength. Chen Jiusi thinking he can shake the Gang Leaderâs authority with just one hallâs power is still too naive."
"What about adding Elder Liu into the mix?" asked Nan Batian.
Upon hearing this, Tang Ziyue laughed, "Haha... Gang Leader, you worry too much. If Chen Jie can utilize Darugachi as an ally, so can we. Darugachiâs goal is to maintain balance, not to overpower. Therefore, Gang Leader, even if Chen Jie colludes with Elder Liu, he wonât dare to act overtly. Rest assured."
Nan Batian, after hearing this, said, "You mean Darugachi will intervene?"
"Certainly, he will."
Upon hearing this, Nan Batian fell silent for a while before saying, "Hmm, good. In that case, letâs enjoy a few peaceful days. Also, arrange for someone to pick up the madam this afternoon; sheâs been staying at Jixiang Temple for almost half a month now."
"Yes, Iâll arrange it right away."
Tang Ziyue nodded, then pressed a towel against his face, his eyes betraying an indescribable emotion.
Chen Jiusi indeed proved a formidable adversary. But just because you broke this trap doesnât mean you can break the next.
Chen Jiusi, letâs wait and see!
...
Now, at the Guild Cao!
Elder Liu had his son transported back home; upon seeing her son, Liu Song, injured and unconscious, Wang Family couldnât hold back any longer.
"My son, oh my son, how did you end up like this? How am I to live!"
Wailing...
"Oh my son!"
At this, Wang Family burst into loud crying, her cries so powerful they shook the heavens and even alarmed Bai Mosheng, who came rushing. Only to see Elder Liu standing there with a grim expression.
"Gang Leader, what happened?"
Bai Mosheng inquired, while Elder Liu, also disturbed, snapped upon seeing Wang Familyâs sobbing, "Stop howling! Your son isnât dead yet. Keep shaking him, and he might just die!"
At these words, Wang Family abruptly turned towards Elder Liu and said, "Liu, you caused my son to be like this, and I havenât even taken you to task."
"What happened to my son, tell me!"
"You call yourself a Gang Leader, what good are the Thirteen Grand Protectors if you canât even protect your own son? Oh my son~"
Wang Family resumed her wailing, and Elder Liuâs face darkened to the point where it seemed water could be wrung out of it.
However, he had no temper towards Wang Family because she gave the Liu Family a son.
Out of Elder Liuâs four wives, it was only Wang Family who bore him a son, while the others hadnât produced anything; this elevated Wang Familyâs standing significantly in the household.
Even capable of retorting to Elder Liu.
A motherâs prestige through her son; who wouldnât value her for continuing the family line? She had accrued merit!
Elder Liu, feeling helpless, turned and left, saying, "Mr. Bai, come with me."
Bai Mosheng glanced at Liu Song, frowning deeply; the signs of poisoning were evident!
The two entered the study, and Bai Mosheng asked, "Gang Leader, what exactly happened?"
Elder Liu disclosed, "Gu Qingfeng has betrayed us!"
"What?"
Bai Mosheng was startled by this news; Gu Qingfeng had actually betrayed them.
"This, this canât be, can it?"
Elder Liu relayed everything in detail, causing Bai Moshengâs brows to knit closely, saying, "So Master Gu colluded with Nan Batian, using the young master as bait to spur a conflict between the Gang Leader and Chen Jiusi?"
Elder Liu affirmed, "Indeed, the tale holds no falsehood!"
Upon hearing this, Bai Mosheng said, "This trap is truly sinister. Should they have succeeded, given your temperament, I fear even I couldnât calm you!"
Elder Liu declared, "Definitely, anyone dares harm my son, Iâll have his life!"