Chapter 720 - 436: Sanshui County Warlord Hu Weibang! All Unorthodox Paths Attack Lu Xuan_2

Chapter 720: Chapter 436: Sanshui County Warlord Hu Weibang! All Unorthodox Paths Attack Lu Xuan_2

Hu Weibang exhibited extreme humility, even personally guiding Lu Xuan to his seat, arranging him in the honored guest position at the head of the table.

What drew the most attention was the woman Hu Weibang deliberately placed beside Lu Xuan.

This woman appeared to be about sixteen years old, wearing a light moon-white qipao embroidered with twin lotus flowers. The fabric was exquisite, the cut impeccable, perfectly outlining her stunning curves.

Her brows and eyes were picturesque, her skin fairer than snow, her apricot eyes and peach cheeks radiated a soft vulnerability, exactly the kind of Jiangnan beauty that the original Lu Xuan favored most.

Before Lu Xuan could inquire, Hu Weibang introduced her with a knowing smile in a tone all men understood: "Commander Lu, this is Miss Su Wan, a renowned talent of ours from Sanshui County, skilled in all arts, especially proficient with the pipa."

"Having heard of the commander’s sophistication, I specially invited her to enliven today’s banquet, hoping Commander Lu will not find it lacking."

Upon hearing this, Su Wan rose and gracefully saluted Lu Xuan, her movements elegant, her neck slightly bowed, revealing a delicate, inviting arc, her voice soft and enchanting.

"Wan’er greets Commander Lu."

When she looked up at Lu Xuan, her eyes shimmered like spring water, containing just the right amount of shyness and admiration.

Faced with such beauty and allure, any normal man would find it hard to resist.

Hu Weibang observed Lu Xuan’s reaction closely, a cold smile in his heart.

Even heroes fall for beauties; what more for someone like you, who is as lustful as a hungry ghost?

As long as you let your guard down for a moment, it will be your doom!

Lu Xuan calmly glanced over Su Wan, as if appreciating a piece of fine porcelain, nodding slightly in acknowledgment.

In the insight of his Heavenly Master’s divine sight, all pretenses and deceptions were laid bare.

Though this woman appeared frail, her steps hidden a pattern, light as feather.

Her breathing subtle and prolonged, far exceeding the norm; she clearly mastered a remarkable seductive art, a technique of the heretical paths.

Hu Weibang’s schemes were indeed sinister.

If it were still the original Lu Xuan, a debauched fool before such beauty and calculated seduction, he would have long lost his composure, half swooned, devoid of any caution.

At that moment, ambushes would descend, not knowing how he had died.

At this, Hu Weibang introduced the few seated as companions: "This is Director Wang of the Chamber of Commerce, and this is the local gentry Mr. Li..."

Until introducing the last two silent, plainly clothed elders did he pause, laughing as he spoke.

"These two are Hu’s personal guests, slightly acquainted with health preservation techniques, brought out to see the world."

Lu Xuan’s gaze seemingly unintentionally glided over the two "guests" standing behind Hu Weibang.

One was thin as a withered bamboo, hands tucked in his sleeves, though his occasionally revealed fingers bore inch-long grey-white nails.

His eyes appeared murky, yet deep within flickered an unsettling green light.

Gu master.

Lu Xuan immediately surmised, such malevolent arts used poisonous insects as medium, mercilessly destroying life, insidiously venomous.

The other had a healthy complexion, always wearing a harmless, friendly smile like a benevolent elder.

However, the unassuming black gourd hanging at his waist emitted a faintly soul-capturing, mind-disrupting eerie vibe.

Techniques of the Soul Possession Sect, specialized in soul attacks, mastering illusions and control, also outstanding among heretical paths.

In dealing with him, Hu Weibang truly went to great lengths, gathering this array of demonic entities.

Lu Xuan appeared unfazed, even raising a teacup for a light sip, as if merely assessing two insignificant decorative pieces.

In his Heavenly Master’s eyes, these heretical tricks were nothing but petty devils, easily exterminated.

Three rounds of drinks, five courses of dishes.

Hu Weibang, seeing the atmosphere "harmonious," felt the timing was right, began expounding on the "benefits" of the alliance.

He spoke earnestly, with an appearance of considering Lu Xuan’s interests: "Commander Lu, possessing the treasures of the previous dynasty truly invokes envy, but... such fortune can be a hot potato sometimes."

Feigning a worried expression, Hu Weibang continued: "Surely you know, that ’mad dog’ Zhang Tianbiao has long coveted your territories in these three counties!

He commands ten thousand guns, controls the at Blackstone County, ferociously armed and brave, not easy to deal with!"

"Moreover, that ’Stone Buddha’ Zhao Shoucheng commands eight thousand troops, guarding the treacherous passes of Pan’an County’s mountains, also a troublesome character."

At this point, Hu Weibang leaned in a bit, lowering his voice, as if sharing a secret.

"To be honest, Commander Lu, both of them have already contacted me, intending to act against you!"

Switching his tone, he plastered a "sincere" smile on his face.

"But! As long as you, Commander, are willing to show sincerity and cooperate wholeheartedly with me... I may not be much, but in Qingzhou, I carry some weight. By mediating, I can ensure those like Zhang Tianbiao and Zhao Shoucheng wouldn’t dare to lay a finger on you!"

Having said this, Hu Weibang extended two fingers, then, feeling it insufficient, finally spread his palm, showing a "seven" gesture, smiling as he stated his ultimate aim.

"Not much is required, Commander Lu, you only need to hand over seventy percent of the gold, silver, and treasures from your recent acquisition, and allow me to sort things out with all parties."

"In this way, ensuring your safety, and our families becoming allies, fighting external threats, isn’t this killing two birds with one stone?"

Seventy percent?

Lu Xuan’s hand holding the glass slightly paused as he looked up at Hu Weibang.

Expecting such a windfall with nothing done, seeking to claim seventy percent of the ancient tomb’s treasure?

Truly considers him, Lu Xuan, as an easily manipulated fool.