"Then sorry for the trouble, Elder Zhao."
Lu Mian had nothing more to add.
At that, Zhao Xishan bowed and took his leave.
He needed to carry out Lu Mian's instructions quickly, while the disciples were still there.
Not long after Zhao Xishan left, a pale, plump old man suddenly darted into the room.
"Your disguise technique really is impressive, Guild President He. I almost didn't recognize you."
Lu Mian showed no surprise at the visitor.
"When you make your way in this world... you need a few ways to stay alive."
He Wen chuckled.
He entered the tea room and sat down, his expression turning serious. "Chief Lu, Lü Suhu has invited you and Wan Qifeng to dinner tonight... I doubt he means well."
"If you make a move at the General's Mansion, the Sunflame Daoist Grounds will be left leaderless. It would be easy to wipe everyone out in one fell swoop."
Once the Sunflame Daoist Grounds were gone, the Eight Directions Merchant Guild would surely be Lü Suhu's next target.
When that happened, he would be in a bad position, too.
Of course, He Wen had actually prepared a few escape routes long ago.
But leaving Martial Might Commandery City meant abandoning the foundation his He Family had built over many years. He Wen would never willingly leave unless he had no other choice.
"But if I don't go, I'll be snubbing Lü Suhu."
"He'll use that as an excuse to come after me, too."
Lu Mian countered.
Lü Suhu's move was vicious indeed, leaving him caught between a rock and a hard place.
"But as long as you don't attend the banquet, there's still some room to maneuver."
He Wen still wanted to persuade Lu Mian not to go.
Attending tonight's banquet was far too risky.