Wu Family New Residence.
Wu Manqing sat upright in the seat of honor, her delicate brows tightly furrowed, her eyes filled with anxiety that would not disperse.
Time trickled away bit by bit, every moment like being fried in a pan of boiling oil.
Wu Zhong's death, the enormous losses, the family's honor, the difficulties ahead—layer upon layer of pressure left her nearly unable to breathe.
Gu Ruohua, sitting opposite her, shook her head. "Manqing! At a time like this, you're still pinning your hopes on Chen Qing? He's alone, with Transformation Force cultivation, and he went to storm the lair of five Transformation Force river bandits? What is that if not courting death?"
She raised the cold tea and gulped down a mouthful before setting the cup down heavily.
Li Wan was comparatively calmer, though her gaze also held disapproval and concern. "Manqing, Ruohua's words may be blunt, but she isn't wrong. The Five Flood Dragons Stirring the River have occupied Black Flood Dragon Shoals for years. They know the waters inside out, and the terrain is complicated. Even an Embracing Dan Strength expert might not come away unscathed. Chen Qing may have some skill, but two fists cannot defeat four hands. I fear the odds are stacked against him. You cannot wait any longer. You must make plans early."
She gently took Wu Manqing's hand, trying to offer her some comfort.
If Gu Ruohua still harbored calculations in her heart, Li Wan's concern was wholly sincere.
The two had known one another for seven or eight years. She truly did not wish to see the Wu Family suffer such a devastating calamity just as it was flourishing.
Wu Manqing pressed her lips together.
Reason told her that their analysis was very likely reality.
No matter how strong Chen