Chapter 454 - 323: Covetous Hearts, a Partnership Reached (Part 2)

Chapter 454: Chapter 323: Covetous Hearts, a Partnership Reached (Part 2)

A flicker of apprehension flashed in Xue Zhanhu’s eyes.

He had long heard of this prodigy from the Tian family.

He knew that despite her youth, she was already a level-four Adept, specializing in the exceptionally strange and unpredictable Illusionary System.

Magic, you see, was also divided into different systems. Some leaned toward support, while others were as fiercely powerful as any Martial Cultivator.

And among them, the Illusionary System was clearly the strangest and most difficult to defend against.

Tian Yushi had shown immense talent in this area since childhood. She had reached level four at a young age and was thus hailed as a once-in-a-century genius of the Tian family.

But why would such a chosen one, a peerless talent standing at the apex of the pyramid, suddenly appear in this shadowy place and walk into his bar?

Though Xue Zhanhu was puzzled, his movements were swift. He reached for a bottle of fine liquor and poured a glass for Tian Yushi.

Tian Yushi raised the glass, took a delicate sip, and then smiled. "Not a bad vintage."

"The great lady of the Tian family graces my establishment. Surely it’s not just for a drink?" Xue Zhanhu said coldly.

"The wine is one reason. More importantly, I want to discuss a partnership with Gang Leader Xue," Tian Yushi said lightly, gently toying with a lock of hair that fell beside her ear.

"Oh? A partnership? What kind of partnership?" Xue Zhanhu raised an eyebrow slightly, a playful look on his face.

Tian Yushi snapped her fingers, and all surrounding sound vanished in an instant.

The Silence Skill!

Although it was a very basic form of Magic that any Adept could learn, her execution was breathtaking. With a single snap of her fingers, she had shielded the entire area around the bar. The process was utterly clean and effortless.

This was no longer just Magic; it was a display of skill bordering on artistry.

At the very least, Xue Zhanhu’s eyelid twitched slightly.

He was realizing that this Tian Yushi was far more terrifying than the rumors suggested.

Tian Yushi swiveled playfully in her chair, her tone casual. "Gang Leader Xue has surely heard about what happened with the Sun family, so I won’t waste words. Wu Liangchen has likely already infiltrated Qing Province City. After he deals with the Sun family, you, Gang Leader Xue, will probably be next."

Xue Zhanhu laughed.

His smile stretched from ear to ear, revealing a mouthful of terrifyingly sharp teeth.

"Don’t be so quick to laugh. I know you’re unconvinced, but this Wu Liangchen is far stronger than you imagine. I’ve been to the scene. The Magic he displayed is on par with my own. Add to that his formidable martial skill... Gang Leader Xue, if this Wu Liangchen were to sneak in and ambush you, what do you think your chances of winning would be?"

Hearing Tian Yushi’s words, Xue Zhanhu fell silent.

Tian Yushi leaned back against the high-backed chair, her long legs swaying gently. The hem of her short skirt danced, offering an endless view.

But Xue Zhanhu was in no mood to appreciate the scenery.

He was realizing the gravity of the situation.

In fact, from the moment he heard what happened to the Sun family, Xue Zhanhu knew Wu Liangchen would come for him.

The reason was simple. For a top-tier Martial Cultivator, maintaining a clear and untroubled mind was crucial.

And to achieve that, one had to settle all debts and grudges.

In the world of Martial Artists, it was an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. The concept of repaying hatred with kindness simply didn’t exist.

He had hunted Wu Liangchen before. Now that Wu Liangchen’s power had surged, he would certainly come back for revenge.

There was no doubt about it.

But Xue Zhanhu hadn’t been particularly concerned.

’Even though I’m relegated to this shadowy place, my strength is no less than those great martial masters in the main city district.’

’My natural physical talents are astounding, and with a series of mechanical modifications, my power is approaching that of a God-Sighted Martial Cultivator.’

So not only was he unconcerned, he was even looking forward to it.

It was only now, after hearing what Tian Yushi had to say, that Xue Zhanhu finally grasped the severity of the situation.

If Wu Liangchen were purely a Martial Cultivator, Xue Zhanhu wouldn’t be afraid.

But to hear Tian Yushi say his Magic was on par with hers... that was just unbelievable.

Because combining Magic and martial arts wasn’t a simple case of one plus one; the growth in power was exponential.

But gaining entry into the world of Magic was incredibly difficult, and subsequent advancement was fraught with uncertainty. Many people could strive their entire lives and never even cross the threshold.

And that was just for level-one or two Adepts. If Wu Liangchen’s Magic was truly at level four, then he would really have to reconsider his position.

Seeing the shifting emotions in Xue Zhanhu’s eyes, Tian Yushi didn’t rush him. She simply sat in her chair and waited quietly.

Finally, Xue Zhanhu made up his mind and looked at Tian Yushi.

"So, what’s your plan for this partnership?"

Tian Yushi seemed to have expected the question and couldn’t help but smile. "I’m well aware of your martial prowess. You’re among the top fighters in all of Qing Province City. I, on the other hand, am proficient in Magic. If we work together, no matter how powerful this Wu Liangchen is, he can’t possibly be a match for the two of us."

Xue Zhanhu gave Tian Yushi a deep look. "So, what do you want?"

He certainly didn’t believe that this Tian Yushi would be kind enough to help him for free.

"I want Wu Liangchen!"

As she said this, her eyes filled with a fanatical fervor.

"I want to know how his power could skyrocket in such a short time, turning him into a level-four Adept. I have a hunch that this secret will be of great help to me."

This was indeed Tian Yushi’s true motivation.

The day of the incident at the Sun family’s estate, Tian Yushi had rushed to the scene immediately after.

She had been shocked at the time.

Because judging by the residual fluctuations at the scene, this Wu Liangchen was clearly a powerful Adept.

’But how is that possible?’

’Wu Liangchen came from a small world outside the Alliance; there was no doubt about that.’

’So before coming to Qing Province, he should have never even encountered Magic.’

’So how did he manage to learn it, and not only that, become a level-four Adept in such a short time?’

This question sparked a deep interest in Wu Liangchen for Tian Yushi. She even believed he must have grasped some kind of secret.

A secret that would be of immense help to her own advancement.

That was why she had thought of coming to Xue Zhanhu for a partnership.

As for why she didn’t approach the Sun family....

After Sun Lingchen’s death, the feud between the Sun family and Wu Liangchen had become a matter of life and death.

It wasn’t just because Sun Fusheng had lost a beloved grandson; the entire reputation of the Sun family was at stake.

If this matter wasn’t handled properly, the Sun family’s standing would plummet.

Therefore, if Tian Yushi went to them seeking a partnership now, it would be seen as nothing but a provocation and would have no chance of success.

But Xue Zhanhu was different.

He operated outside the main city district, had few entanglements with the major families, and was also facing the threat of Wu Liangchen. This made him the most suitable candidate.

Xue Zhanhu sneered internally.

’Just as I thought.’

’Another scion of a great family, coveting someone else’s talent and scheming to take it for themselves.’

’These people are all cut from the same cloth.’

’The moment they see something good, their first thought is to snatch it and make it their own.’

"Alright," Xue Zhanhu nodded.

"Then I look forward to our collaboration!" Tian Yushi smiled, her eyes brimming with charm.

「Main City District.」

An SUV slowly pulled up in front of a villa.

This was the heart of the main city district, where property prices were exorbitant.

Yet in this land where every inch was worth gold, there were large swaths of villas. Only the rich and powerful could afford to live here.

This villa was, of course, no exception.

The meticulously manicured garden out front was proof enough of the owner’s wealth.

Wu Liangchen got out of the car, a large backpack in hand, and walked to the front door.

A moment later, the door swung open, and Wu Liangchen slipped inside.

Song Ling’Er, who had been peering out from behind the sofa with a pistol in hand, saw it was Wu Liangchen and immediately stood up to greet him.

"Any new developments?"

"No, it’s been quiet here," Song Ling’Er replied.

Wu Liangchen nodded.

This villa was one of the safe houses set up by Luo Qifeng.

Wu Liangchen had chosen this place precisely for its location.

Although it was right next to the headquarters of the major families, the principle of "the most dangerous place is the safest" was universally true.

Furthermore, the security measures here were extremely tight, making it a very safe place for Song Ling’Er to stay.

"Good. This is for you."

Wu Liangchen placed the bag on the sofa. When he opened it, it was revealed to be packed full of weapons.