Conversation

Chapter 38: Conversation

Luoxia City.

City Lord's Mansion.

Main Hall.

Upon learning the outcome of the battle, Cheng Yan was surprised by how formidable the young man was, not only managing to kill Chen Jingchun but also taking down Zhao Rong and others.

However, it was precisely because of the young man's strength that he was worth recruiting.

Cheng Yan stood up, looked towards the landscape screen behind him, cupped his hands in a salute, and addressed Lord Qi.

Candlelight suddenly illuminated behind the screen, casting a figure onto it. A hoarse voice emanated from within, "I heard everything."

The voice continued, "I just received news that the young man has some connection to the Li Family."

Cheng Yan's expression shifted slightly. If Li Xiufang had Lu Zhaojin's help, it would be impossible for him to capture the Jinxiu Building. "But his surname isn't Li."

Lord Qi reminded him, "The Li Family doesn't only have Li Xiufang as a daughter."

Cheng Yan suddenly understood. "Are you referring to Li Xiulan?"

Li Xiulan had been absent for so long, seemingly vanished, that he had almost forgotten about her.

Cheng Yan also reacted, asking in surprise, "Does Lord Qi mean that Lu Zhaojin is Li Xiulan's son?"

Lord Qi replied, "That's correct."

Cheng Yan stroked his chin beard with his right hand, pondering, "Does Lord Qi intend to use Lu Zhaojin against Li Xiufang?"

Lord Qi scoffed, "That's too narrow-minded."

Cheng Yan looked at the screen with great surprise. "Does Lord Qi believe he can deal with the entire Li Family?"

Lord Qi let out a laugh. "Of course not. I just think he could be a good blade for us to use against the Li Family, enough to cripple them."

Cheng Yan thought of the consequences of Zhao Rong borrowing a blade and hesitated. "Although Lu Zhaojin is a good blade, he might not be an obedient one."

Lord Qi assured him, "Don't worry, I have my ways of making this blade obedient."

The next day.

The sun was bright, and the streets were bustling with life.

The bloody scene from last night had already been quickly cleaned up by the City Lord's men, so no one yet knew that people had died there.

Lu Zhaojin went to the innkeeper to check out. Today, he planned to leave Luoxia City and head to Lushui Commandery to eliminate Zhao Jinzhi.

However, just as he reached the city gate, he was stopped by the guards.

They didn't draw their weapons but politely informed him that their City Lord wished to see him.

One doesn't strike a smiling face.

Lu Zhaojin didn't know why the City Lord wanted to see him, but when the city guards mentioned Lu Jinlin's name, he felt a bit curious. He followed them up to the city tower and eventually met the City Lord.

Cheng Yan's appearance seemed quite amiable, but when he put on his scale-like armor and general's helmet, he exuded an aura of imposing authority.

Cheng Yan offered Lu Zhaojin a friendly smile, making him feel at ease. "Young Hero Lu."

Lu Zhaojin looked at him, somewhat surprised. "You know me?"

Cheng Yan chuckled. "There have been many events in the city recently. As the City Lord, I am naturally aware of them. Seeing you today, you truly are a hero who has emerged from youth."

Lu Zhaojin didn't want to beat around the bush. "City Lord Cheng, if you have something to say, please speak plainly."

Cheng Yan's smile faded. "Very well. This is not a place to talk. Please follow me, Young Hero."

Cheng Yan led the way, walking into the city tower.

Lu Zhaojin wasn't afraid of Cheng Yan playing any tricks. Within Luoxia City, unless a Sixth-Rank Realm Martial Artist intervened, no one could withstand his sword.

If he were to use that drop of true essence, he could even contend with a Martial Artist in the early Sixth-Rank Realm.

The interior of the tower was dim, with only the area near the entrance illuminated by daylight. It grew darker the deeper they went, and their vision became blurred.

Cheng Yan stopped ahead.

Lu Zhaojin also stopped, looking at the seat that originally belonged to the City Lord. Now, a middle-aged man with graying temples sat there, looking at him with a pair of narrow, phoenix-like eyes.

Cheng Yan cupped his hands in a salute. "Lord Qi, I've brought him."

Qi Yanqiu nodded, waved for Cheng Yan to stand to the side, and kept his gaze fixed on Lu Zhaojin, murmuring, "He truly resembles him, so much..."

Lu Zhaojin frowned slightly. He sensed a hint of danger from this man, indicating he was a Sixth-Rank Realm Martial Artist, though his exact level was unknown.

However, the fact that Cheng Yan was willing to yield his seat suggested that this person had significant standing within the dynasty.

Lu Zhaojin thought of his own trump cards and was no longer afraid. "Resembles whom?"

Qi Yanqiu, seeing Lu Zhaojin's composed demeanor, looked at him a few more times. "He resembles a dear friend of mine."

Lu Zhaojin knew who the man was referring to, but he couldn't be sure if they were truly friends. "Is she well?"

His father had mentioned that Li Xiufang was under house arrest by the Li Family and couldn't leave their estate. If they were very close friends, they would have the privilege of visiting.

Qi Yanqiu shook his head and sighed, "I'm not doing too well. I don't have to worry about food or clothing at the Li family's place, but I miss her day and night. It's all bottled up inside, and I can't take it anymore."

Lu Zhaojin didn't know what this person's intentions were yet. "What good is telling me all this?"

He feigned dejection. "The Li family is powerful and wealthy. It's not something I can just barge into."

Qi Yanqiu said earnestly, "I can help you."

Lu Zhaojin looked up at the other man's face and asked, "Why do you want to help me?"

Qi Yanqiu hadn't expected this young man to be so difficult and cautious, but it also meant he could play the role of a pawn very well. "I want to help Li Xiulan, your birth mother."

He stood up, walked closer to Lu Zhaojin, and placed his right hand on Lu Zhaojin's shoulder, saying in a deep voice, "You don't want your birth mother to cry herself to sleep every night, do you?"

Lu Zhaojin glanced at the hand on his shoulder, frowning slightly. "So, you mean..."

Qi Yanqiu cut him off. "I can help you return to the Li family, help you return to your mother's side."

Qi Yanqiu looked into Lu Zhaojin's eyes and said earnestly, "The Li family is known for its immense wealth in Luoshui Commandery. Even the Great Ding Dynasty relies on the Li family's finances at times. If you return to the Li family, with your talent, you'll definitely be highly valued."

Lu Zhaojin vaguely guessed Qi Yanqiu's intentions. "And then?"

Qi Yanqiu continued, "After you return to the Li family, I can use the dynasty's influence to help you take over the Li family's business as soon as possible. Once you're in control, all the Li family's resources will be yours. With your talent and these resources, reaching first place on the Dragon Ranking will be within reach."

This Qi Yanqiu was quite something. This was their first meeting, and he had already planned out his future for him.

Lu Zhaojin sneered inwardly. The grand promises seemed delicious, but the filling was surely filled with poison, just waiting for him to consume it.

He even talked about controlling the Li family?

Let alone Lu Zhaojin not having such thoughts, even if he did, he would slaughter the entire Li family first.

What good were more resources compared to EXP?

However, Qi Yanqiu mentioned using the dynasty's influence to help him control the Li family. Doesn't that mean the dynasty already has plans to make a move on the Li family?

For the Li family's fortune?

The Great Ding Dynasty had been recuperating for so many years; they shouldn't be lacking that little bit of money, right?

Lu Zhaojin felt there was a deeper secret. "How exactly will you help me control the Li family?"

To show some respect, Lu Zhaojin used a formal address.

Qi Yanqiu countered, "Do you know the Third Prince?"