Chapter 86: Chapter 82: Dark Alley

Chen Qing left the Zhou Institute and headed home. Just as he turned the corner of Changping Street, an unremarkable, green-canopied carriage quietly pulled up beside him.

From the driver’s seat, a plainly dressed but sharp-eyed man jumped down. He bowed slightly. “Master Chen, my master wishes to see you. He’s in a private room at the teahouse just up the alley.”

Chen Qing asked, “Who is your master?”

The driver offered a placating smile. “My young master is Huang Mingxuan.”

Chen Qing paused for a beat. “Lead the way,” he said, his expression unchanged.

’Huang Mingxuan!?’

’The eldest young master of the Huang Family, the one rumored to be the next Patriarch.’

“This way, Master Chen.”

The driver gestured for him to follow and led Chen Qing to a nearby teahouse.

The fragrant aroma of tea wafted from a private room by a window on the teahouse’s second floor.

A man of about thirty, dressed in a moon-white brocade robe, carried himself with an air of refined grace.

This was none other than Huang Mingxuan, the eldest young master of the Huang Family.

Half a step behind him stood a plain-faced old man, his hands clasped within his sleeves, his gaze lowered.

Chen Qing raised an eyebrow. He could tell at a glance that the old man was a Transmutation Force expert.

Seeing Chen Qing enter, Huang Mingxuan offered a perfectly measured smile and made a welcoming gesture. “Brother Chen, please, have a seat. I hope you can forgive the sudden invitation.”

Chen Qing took a seat. “You’re too kind, Young Master Huang.”

Huang Mingxuan got straight to the point, wasting no time. “Brother Chen is a straightforward man, so I won’t beat around the bush. I came today for a few reasons. First, to apologize on behalf of Aunt Xu for her previous offenses against you.”

He gave a slight bow, adopting an exceptionally humble posture. “She is a short-sighted woman, incapable of recognizing true talent. Her words were disrespectful. My father was enraged when he found out. Just say the word, Brother Chen, and her fate is in your hands. Beat her, punish her, exile her, or imprison her—whatever you decide, the Huang Family will not object.”

His tone was placid, as if he were not discussing Aunt Xu, but an item to be discarded at will.

Chen Qing’s eyes lifted slightly. He said nothing.

’Such a grand gesture from the Huang Family, and such a ruthless heart.’

’Using Xu Xiuhua as a sacrificial offering, they not only show their sincerity and distance themselves from the incident, but also deliver a chilling warning: in the face of the family’s interests, even relatives are as disposable as old shoes.’

“Second.”

When Chen Qing remained silent, Huang Mingxuan continued, “The Huang Family wishes to sincerely invite you to join us as our most honored Tributor, Brother Chen. One thousand taels of silver, a residence in the Prefecture City, three Qi Blood Pills every month, and access to the Ancient Boxing Manuals from our family’s secret collection for your perusal. Whatever you may require, Brother Chen, the Huang Family will spare no effort to provide.”

’These terms were generous enough to tempt many a Transmutation Force master.’

“Third.”

Huang Mingxuan leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice to a confidential whisper. “As for the feud between you and Master Shi of the Songfeng Martial Arts Hall… my father is aware of it, and he too finds it a thorny issue. Master Shi is grieving the loss of his prized disciple. A hatred like that does not fade easily.”

His tone shifted as he smiled. “However, my father is willing to personally mediate on your behalf, Brother Chen! As long as you give the word to leave the Zhou Institute, the Huang Family guarantees that the past will be wiped clean! As for Master Shi, I can assure you he will never trouble you over this matter again.”

’Offering up Xu Xiuhua as a sacrifice, promising a fortune, and offering to neutralize his enemy, Shi Wenshan—the Huang Family’s three-pronged approach was precise, targeting his deepest vulnerabilities.’

’For a young master from a humble background with a powerful enemy breathing down his neck, this was an offer nearly impossible to refuse.’

’To leave the floundering Zhou Institute and seek shelter under the towering tree of the Huang Family would surely pave the way for a smooth and open road ahead.’

But Chen Qing had latched onto a key piece of information.

’A hatred that does not fade easily?’

His expression remained impassive, but killing intent surged within him.

’Looks like I’ll have to make my move soon.’

Huang Mingxuan poured Chen Qing a cup of tea and quietly waited for his answer.

“You flatter me, Young Master Huang. I am unworthy of such an honor.”

Chen Qing spoke slowly, his tone firm. “I truly appreciate the Huang Family’s sincerity. But this is a decision that affects my future in the Martial Arts and my very life, so I must consider it with great care. Allow me to go home and deliberate for a few days. I will give you my answer then.”

The smile on Huang Mingxuan’s face remained, but a flicker of disappointment, mixed with understanding, passed through the depths of his eyes.

He lifted his teacup, his tone unreadable. “It is only natural for you to be cautious, Brother Chen. The doors of the Huang Family will always be open to you. However…”

He raised his eyes, his gaze profound as he looked at Chen Qing, his words laden with meaning. “The winds in Gaolin can shift at a moment’s notice. Opportunities are fleeting, Brother Chen; you should decide quickly. You wouldn’t want to wait until the storm is upon you to start looking for shelter. By then, it will be too late.”

With that, he made an elegant gesture of dismissal. “Please, Brother Chen.”

“Young Master Huang, farewell.”

Chen Qing offered a cupped-fist salute, then rose and departed.

Huang Mingxuan watched Chen Qing’s retreating figure and sneered. “Good advice is lost on a man with a death wish. Mercy can’t save someone determined to walk into ruin. So be it.”

…

After leaving the teahouse, Chen Qing headed straight home.

Ms. Han came out of the house. “Ah Qing, dinner’s ready. It’s on the stove.”

Chen Qing nodded. “I know. You should head back inside, Mother. It’s windy out.”

Chen Qing returned to his room and placed a Blood Qi Pill in his mouth.

’It’s about time.’

He then began to cultivate the Fishing Toad Force. At once, a deep gurgling sound rose from the depths of his organs, merging into a continuous rumble. It was like muffled thunder rolling endlessly within his abdomen, growing louder and more rapid.

The qi and blood in his body churned and surged, like a volcano on the verge of eruption.

Fine beads of sweat seeped out onto the surface of his skin, only to be instantly vaporized by the intense heat radiating from his body, transforming into wisps of white steam that coiled around him.

He’d reached the Third Realm of the Fishing Toad Force!

But this was only the beginning.

Beneath the skin of Chen Qing’s bare torso, countless fine lines seemed to writhe and dart about madly. His muscles and bones began to emit a faint groan, as if strained to their breaking point.

HUMMMM…

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep