Volume One: A Youth Enters the World Chapter Thirty-Four: The Plan

The crowd gathered at the entrance of the Chen family residence immediately perked up upon hearing Chen Shikang announce that their distinguished guest had arrived. They readied themselves to welcome him.

The carriage stopped at the gate, and everyone stepped forward to greet the guest. The coachman secured the carriage and respectfully turned to address the passenger inside, “Sir, we have arrived.”

A calm voice responded, “Very well.”

The guest reached out, lifted the curtain, and descended from the carriage. He straightened his robes, then smiled at the assembled members of the Chen family. Though his smile was gracious, a palpable aura of hostility emanated from him, and the fluctuations of spiritual energy around him were formidable—perhaps even surpassing the Chen family patriarch, Chen Shikang. An unspoken, commanding presence radiated from him, weighing heavily upon the Chen family’s members.

Chen Shikang gazed at their esteemed visitor and quickly bowed, showing utmost respect. “Greetings, Lord Qi Liang. I apologize for not welcoming you sooner. Please forgive our oversight.”

“It is of no consequence,” Qi Liang replied.

“Sir, it is rather inconvenient out here. Let us go inside and discuss matters in detail. Please, follow me.”

Qi Liang said nothing further and allowed Chen Shikang to escort him into the Chen family manor.

Inside the Chen family’s parlor, Qi Liang sat in the central seat, while Chen Shikang and the others took their places at either side, a clear indication of Qi Liang’s extraordinary status.

Qi Liang picked up a cup of tea, took a contemplative sip, and then set it down, his gaze settling upon them.

“You hope for my involvement to deal with that man called Fang Tian, am I correct?”

Chen Shikang, still uncertain how to broach the subject, seized upon Qi Liang’s direct inquiry. “Yes, my lord. Fang Tian injured members of the Chen family, and I cannot swallow this insult. That is why I sent for you.”

“I suspect that is not the full story. To call me here from afar merely for such a matter seems rather trivial.”

Chen Shikang conceded, “You see through me, my lord. Besides dealing with Fang Tian, I wish for you to help me become the foremost family in Red Leaf Town.”

“Oh? To become the leading family of Red Leaf Town? How do you intend to accomplish that?”

“I hope you can assist me in eliminating the patriarchs of the Zhou and Sun families.”

Upon hearing this, Qi Liang’s spiritual energy surged; his brows furrowed, and a chill flashed in his eyes. He addressed Chen Shikang in a cold voice, “Do you realize what you are saying?”

“My lord, please restrain your aura. I am fully aware such actions would cross certain boundaries and bring you trouble.”

“Since you know this, you still dare ask me to do it? If it were just dealing with an unknown outsider, that would be another matter. But to eliminate the patriarchs of the other two families—do you understand the consequences? This would encroach upon the interests of the city lord. It is absolutely forbidden.”

“I have considered your words, my lord. It is true that losing two major families without cause would be suspicious. However, I have devised a plan to ensure everything is seamless. Please, rest assured.”

“And furthermore, once I become the leading family in Red Leaf Town, aside from the annual tribute, I will allocate thirty percent of the Chen family’s yearly profits to you. How do you find that, my lord?”

Qi Liang was momentarily tempted. Although he enjoyed considerable standing in the city and received many benefits, such an offer was hard to refuse. Who wouldn’t wish for more?

“Tell me your plan.”

Seeing Qi Liang’s interest, Chen Shikang hurried forward and whispered his scheme in Qi Liang’s ear.

Qi Liang nodded in approval. “Very well. I will remain here for now, and at the appointed time, I will deal with them all. However, you previously offered thirty percent of profits; I want fifty percent, or I will not agree.”

Qi Liang’s sudden demand stung Chen Shikang, but he gritted his teeth and acquiesced. “Alright, fifty percent it is. But you must not ask for more, my lord. After all, the annual tribute takes a large share, and the Chen family can only retain a small portion.”

“Rest assured, I will take only as much as agreed. By the way, the contest between the three families is about to begin, isn’t it?”

“Yes, my lord. But there is no rush. Let them wait; without us, the contest cannot commence. Besides, they have no idea what awaits them.”

“Haha! Chen Shikang, you are truly cunning! But I like it.”

“My lord, please do not mock me.”

“Is the young man beside you your son?”

“Yes, he is. Do you wish to speak with him?”

“No, I merely observed that his cultivation seems to have reached the ninth stage of Spirit Attraction. He has remarkable talent.”

“Thank you for your praise, my lord. Yufeng! Come greet Lord Qi Liang!”

Chen Yufeng rose, cupped his hands, and said, “Younger generation Chen Yufeng pays his respects.”

“No need for formalities. When matters here are settled, you may come serve under me. I promise you will not be treated unfairly.”

“Really?”

“Yufeng, quickly thank Lord Qi Liang.”

“Then I thank you in advance, my lord.”

“No need for such ceremony. We will surely interact often in the future. I am your elder; just call me uncle.”

“Yes, Uncle Qi Liang.”

“Very good. That sounds more familiar.”

Chen Shikang understood the purpose of this rapport—merely a means to bind their interests together. By having his son serve under Qi Liang, he ensured the Chen family would never dare expose their dealings. With his son in Qi Liang’s hands, any rebellious thoughts would be carefully weighed.

But, at present, favors must be sought and offense avoided. Only after matters concluded could he consider other strategies. He mused to himself that Qi Liang was indeed a wily old fox.

Checking the time, he deemed it was nearly time for the three-family contest at the martial stage. He addressed Qi Liang, “My lord, it is about time. We must take our leave. You are free to roam the Chen residence as you please. If you require anything, the servants are at your disposal.”

Qi Liang nodded. “I understand. Go on.”

Chen Shikang then instructed Chen Shiqing to gather those participating in the contest. After Chen Shiqing departed, Chen Shikang bowed to Qi Liang and left the parlor with Chen Yufeng.

Meanwhile, at the martial stage, the Sun and Zhou families had already arrived. Only the Chen family was absent. The crowd waited a long time, growing vexed at the Chen family’s apparent disregard for the contest. How could they be late at such a crucial moment?

Sun Zhengyun, patriarch of the Sun family, glanced at the distant Zhou Yunshu and saw him meditating serenely, unhurried and composed. Yet in Sun Zhengyun’s heart, he harbored strong resentment toward the Chen family’s tardiness.

He called out loudly to Zhou Yunshu, “Zhou Yunshu, Chen Shikang isn’t here yet—aren’t you the least bit anxious?”

Zhou Yunshu opened his eyes and looked at Sun Zhengyun, replying slowly, “Worrying is useless. We must wait regardless.”

“If you ask me, why not let our two families simply divide the Spirit Pool? What’s the point of this contest? Let the Chen family go hungry for all I care.”

“Have patience a while longer.”

“…”

After some time, the Chen family finally arrived. As Chen Shikang walked toward the other two families, he noted their long wait but remained indifferent. Still, he put on a courteous front.

He laughed loudly, “Gentlemen! There were matters at home that delayed us. Apologies for our tardiness!”