Chapter 125 - 101: Taking Advantage of the Fire

Chapter 125: Chapter 101: Taking Advantage of the Fire

"I will permit you to ’source’ some of your own equipment, to be prepared for any eventuality."

The word ’source’ carried a profound meaning.

This amounted to tacit approval for Lu Huaiqian to purchase and acquire weapons himself.

Though the cost might be higher and the channels more clandestine, it undoubtedly lifted his greatest restriction.

Lu Huaiqian’s resolve hardened. He knew this was the perfect opportunity to negotiate, and he couldn’t let it pass.

He immediately followed up by proposing several conditions, each one clear and explicit.

An additional special operations fund.

The Provincial Government’s grant of "temporary discretionary authority" over certain matters, with a clearly defined scope.

Finally, he made his most solemn demand.

He wanted to secure a public identity or position for his son, Lu Jing’an—one that would make the Bai Family hesitate to make a move against him in the shadows.

It would serve as both protection and a foundation for his future.

As Secretary Hu listened to this string of extortions, he was visibly displeased, of course, but he had no choice.

He agreed to nearly every condition, making only minor adjustments to a few details.

At this moment, the fact that someone was willing to "extort" him at least showed that this person was still willing to stand with him.

What was truly terrifying was when people were no longer willing to extort him. That would mean his followers had truly scattered, and the momentum was irretrievably lost.

In truth, Lu Huaiqian had considered defecting to the Bai Family.

In Yin Mountain County, the Lu Family was an absolute behemoth.

But on a provincial scale, the Lu Family was merely a county-level power.

If they could follow the Hu Family, they could just as easily follow the Bai Family.

To Lu Huaiqian, there was no difference in that regard.

The reason Lu Huaiqian hadn’t made such a choice was mainly that the risk of choosing the Bai Family was too great.

By choosing the Li Family, the Bai Family had effectively placed the Lu Family on their menu.

As the food, voluntarily surrendering would most likely still end with them being devoured like any other dish.

By the time the phone call ended, Lu Huaiqian felt drained.

Although everything was proceeding according to plan, when the shadow of the great mountain that was the Bai Family truly loomed over him, the sense of oppression still made his breathing heavy.

"Father, since it has come to this, we will simply counter whatever comes our way."

Lu Jing’an handed him a cup of tea, his voice as calm and unrippled as the water in a deep abyss.

"Besides, we are not without a path of retreat."

Lu Huaiqian took the tea, the warmth seeping through the thin porcelain cup and soothing his cold palm.

His son’s steady tone eased the tension in his heart.

He took a sip. The hot liquid slid down his throat, bringing a hint of warmth with it.

’That’s right. The fortune from the Black Shark Gang has long been secretly moved and secured. It’s hidden in a secret location known only to me and Huaichuan; that is the Lu Family’s final trump card. Even if we are ultimately forced to abandon our foundation here, with that money, we could relocate. Change our names, live in obscurity... the Lu Family would still have the resources to rise again.’

"You seem to be taking this well."

Lu Huaiqian sighed, his voice raspy from the strain.

Then he remembered something and looked up at Lu Jing’an.

"By the way, regarding the Six Harmonies Fist, I’ll find a chance to ask Secretary Hu and see if the Hu Family still has a copy. It’s not the right time to press him about it. It would be too conspicuous."

Lu Jing’an’s expression was serene, as if the secret manual crucial to the future of his Martial Arts was of no urgent concern.

"Father, there’s no hurry.

Since we know it’s with the Bai Family, obtaining it is just a matter of time and opportunity.

I still have one part of it, which is enough for me to continue my cultivation for now."

His voice was steady, and his gaze was calm.

Lu Huaiqian nodded, a trace of relief showing through his exhaustion.

"Father, you have many things to plan and oversee. I am not skilled in such matters, so I will not disturb you any longer.

If you need any errands run or specific tasks carried out, just give the order, Father."

Lu Jing’an knew his strengths lay in action and cultivation, not in grand strategy.

Right now, the best way he could help was to not get in the way.

Lu Huaiqian grunted in acknowledgment, watching his son leave the study and gently shut the door behind him.

Silence returned to the study, leaving him alone.

He sat alone in the large armchair, leaning back.

He closed his eyes, then opened them again a moment later.

He began to carefully consider every next move, every possible variable.

When Lu Jing’an returned to his quarters, Orchid could see he was troubled.

She poured Lu Jing’an a cup of tea and stood quietly to the side, waiting for his instructions.

It was only natural for him to be upset. To have had the prize so close within his grasp, only for it to be gone just like that—anyone would be frustrated. But Lu Jing’an wasn’t in any particular hurry to retrieve it. It was just as he had told Lu Huaiqian: knowing its whereabouts was enough, and he would get it back sooner or later.

"Young Master, why don’t I take a trip to the Provincial City?" Chen Xuan, who had been standing to one side, suggested.

Before he could finish, Lu Jing’an shook his head.

He raised the teacup to his lips and gently blew away the floating leaves.

He took a small sip, the warm tea moistening his throat.

Lu Jing’an listened and shook his head. "Master, there’s no rush. For the Bai Family to have amassed such wealth and power, they are sure to be surrounded by experts."

"There’s no need for you to take such a risk, Master. We just have to wait patiently."

"After all, I have more time than the Bai Family does."

"Besides, I already have one part of the manual. It’s enough for me to reach Perfect Muscle Training."

"If I can successfully retrieve the other part, I’ll be able to reach Bone Training Perfection and ascend to the next realm."

"When that time comes, I’ll just go get it myself."

He paused, his tone becoming more sincere and firm.

"Master, I’m not just being polite with you.

I truly mean it.

Besides, these are turbulent times.

The Lu Family seems peaceful on the surface, but dark undercurrents are surging beneath.

We don’t know when the Bai Family will make their next move.

If you remain here at the residence, Master, your presence will be our pillar of stability."