Cooperation

After hearing his son's analysis, Wen Tiancheng found it quite reasonable and felt reassured. He swept his gaze over the others again and saw them all nodding in approval.

"Do you all think Long'er's proposal is workable?" Wen Tiancheng asked once more. Everyone agreed that Wenlong's analysis made sense.

Seeing that everyone approved of his views, Wenlong said, "Since we all agree to help the He Family, let's send Daniu and Wenzhu to protect He Da. We can't let someone kill him before the job is done."

Everyone agreed that this was only right. "Father, send Fourth Brother and his old companions to Brightlight City to gather information. Have them keep in touch with Daniu and Wenzhu. It's time Fourth Brother gained some experience too."

He feared his father would be unwilling to let Wen Tie take the risk. He himself had to face danger at eight, while Wen Tie was already ten. How could his brother amount to anything without being put through his paces?

Wen Tiancheng nodded slowly, making up his mind. Helping the He Family offered more advantages than disadvantages. Judging by the martial artists who had come to challenge them, he had no concerns about Daniu and Wenzhu's safety.

Just as Wenlong stepped out of the hall, a roar came from behind him. "You brat need to be taught a lesson!" Not daring to look back, Wenlong dashed away. He knew his father was still angry over what had happened earlier.

Once home, Wenlong stayed right behind his mother. Wherever she went, he followed, refusing to leave her side.

Most infuriating of all, Wenlong kept smiling, making Wen Tiancheng grind his teeth with anger. Long'er's mother also found it strange. Why had the boy been trailing at her heels ever since he came home?

"Long'er, what's gotten into you? You've been following me around since you got home. You're not usually this clingy." His mother looked puzzled.

"Mother, ask Father." Wenlong still wore that maddening smile.

"You shameless old rascal, what has Long'er done to you? Why are you bullying him?" Without even asking what had happened, Long'er's mother began scolding Wen Tiancheng.

Wen Tiancheng was dumbfounded and felt terribly wronged. Your son is the one bullying me!

Before long, Wen Tie came in, and Wen Tiancheng stopped paying attention to Wenlong's maddening smile. He called Wen Tie over and gave him instructions about going into the city to gain experience.

"Tie'er, I'm entrusting this to you. Make sure you gather useful information and stay in touch with Daniu and the others," Wen Tiancheng said gravely.

Thrilled, Wen Tie thrust out his chest and answered loudly, "Father, don't worry! I'll complete the mission!"

"Don't celebrate too soon. Your third brother still needs to test your lightness skill and martial arts. If you don't have the skills to save your own life, forget it," Wenlong said, still smiling.

"I'll choose a few capable companions to protect you," Wen Tiancheng told Wen Tie. Then he turned and left. He truly could not bear to look at that irritating, smiling face any longer.

Afterward, Wenlong coached Wen Tie in his lightness skill, reminding him to put safety first, think before acting, and never be reckless.

Daniu and Wenzhu also received their orders and prepared to leave. Daniu patted his chest and declared confidently, "Rest assured, Third Young Master. With Wenzhu and me there, that fellow He Da won't die." Wenzhu nodded beside him.

Watching them leave, Wenlong silently prayed that the operation would go smoothly.

Meanwhile, at the Huaxia Sect, He Da anxiously awaited Wen Tiancheng's arrival, wondering what conclusion they had reached in their discussion.

He knew full well that without the Wen's help, the He Family would likely struggle to maintain a foothold in Brightlight City's power struggles from then on.

And in the shadows of Brightlight City, pairs of eyes watched the He Family's every move. Everyone wanted to sink their teeth into that juicy slab of meat.

After his anxious wait, He Da finally saw Wen Tiancheng. Noticing two masked youths following behind him, He Da hurried forward with a smile to greet them.

Seeing the anticipation in He Da's eyes, Wen Tiancheng knew how anxious he was and did not keep him in suspense.

He came straight to the point. "Young Master He, here's to a fruitful partnership. Once you return, have your clansmen prepare and gather intelligence on the enemy's strengths and weaknesses. Then send someone to inform me."

"Of course. Here's to a fruitful partnership. Once I return, I'll discuss a thorough plan with my clansmen. Only by coordinating our actions and proceeding carefully can we win." He Da was delighted. If his earlier smile had been merely polite, this one certainly came from the heart.

Remembering Wenlong's smile, Wen Tiancheng was beginning to loathe that expression. He pointed at the masked figures behind him. "These two will help keep you safe."

Unexpectedly, the Lineage Attendant behind He Da sneered. One of the masked figures said coldly, "Not convinced? Want to give it a try?"

The He Family Attendant replied just as coldly, "Then let's give it a try." Without another word, he stepped forward and drew his longsword. Had he been facing an elder or the sect master of the Huaxia Sect, he would never have dared act so insolently.

But seeing that they were only two youths, he dismissed them with contempt. He might as well teach this brat who knew neither the height of heaven nor the depth of earth a lesson in front of the sect master.

He Da looked troubled. This Attendant held a very high position within the Lineage, and he dared not offend him. He could only look awkwardly toward Wen Tiancheng.

Wen Tiancheng understood his predicament. He Da depended on others to protect his life; how could he dare offend them? "It's fine," Wen Tiancheng said calmly.

Seeing that his opponent had already drawn his sword, Daniu no longer felt any need for courtesy. He stepped forward with his long saber in hand.

The He Family Attendant saw the youth step forward and stand still. Intent on teaching him a lesson, he fixed his eyes on the youth, abruptly exerted his strength, and charged.

He believed himself to be very fast and intended to subdue the youth in a single move, teaching him a lesson he would never forget.

But the youth was even faster. The Attendant had barely taken one step when a long saber pressed heavily against his neck. He was certain that if he dared move, his throat would be cut.

Cold sweat instantly soaked his clothes, and he stood there without daring to move. But that saber was so heavy! His face went from white to red, then green, its color changing constantly.

Shocked, He Da looked pleadingly at Wen Tiancheng again. Wen Tiancheng did not make things difficult for him. "If you don't need protection, Young Master He, I won't insist." He then gave Daniu a meaningful glance.

At the signal, Daniu withdrew his saber. Only then did He Da breathe a sigh of relief. "Sect Master, not at all, not at all! Every extra person adds to our strength."

He had phrased it that way to spare the Attendant's pride. But the Attendant had already lost all face. Utterly dazed, he still stood there staring blankly.

"Very well, then. The two of them will accompany you and protect you. I hope you can agree on a plan soon. I won't see you out. I'll await your good news." With that, Wen Tiancheng turned and left.

He Da was also drenched in sweat. This young boy had defeated the He Family's finest martial artist before the man could withstand even a single move.

Just how high a level must their sect master's martial arts have reached? He did not even dare imagine it.

Not long after Daniu and Wenzhu left with He Da, Wen Tiancheng selected the companions who would accompany Wen Tie. The three were around fifteen, and their martial skills were quite good. He was reasonably satisfied.

"This mission isn't important. Its purpose is to give you experience. Wen Tie is young, so protect him as much as you can."

Wen Tiancheng had made himself perfectly clear. Unless they were very foolish, they would certainly understand what he meant.