This was truly a thorny choice. If he left Cai Qi alone and sought out other members of the Cai Family, he might well encounter someone even stronger than Cai Qi guarding them.
If he made a move against Cai Qi, then plainly speaking, Meng Zhao might not be facing a weakling at all, but a formidable man capable of injuring—or even killing—him. The risk remained immense.
Yet in the end, Meng Zhao still chose to make his move against Cai Qi.
First, he had the advantage of plotting against someone unprepared. At the very least, with such formidable martial strength to protect him, Cai Qi would likely think highly of himself. Once he grew careless, openings would naturally arise, and Meng Zhao would not miss them.
Second, this opportunity was hard to come by. He had already spent no small amount of time, effort, and even money on Cai Qi, drawing closer to him. To turn around now and seek out other members of the Cai Family would mean abandoning considerable sunk costs. He was somewhat reluctant to do so.
Besides, Meng Zhao had considerable confidence. Even if Cai Qi truly was an exceptionally formidable expert, it did not mean Meng Zhao could not take him down.
Cai Qi might be a peerless talent, but Meng Zhao was a talent among talents. How could the foundation of three lifetimes be taken lightly?
Seizing this rare opportunity, Meng Zhao stepped forward to befriend Cai Qi, keeping his attitude exceedingly humble.
Through the introductions of others, Cai Qi also learned of Meng Zhao's assumed identity as an itinerant merchant from elsewhere. He praised Meng Zhao for supporting Qiuyue and told him to keep it up—and increase his efforts.
In other words, he would have to continue supporting Qiuyue in the future,