Hearing Mr. Lu’s words, Fu Yanxiong realised how childish and laughable his thoughts had been. Others might not know the strength behind Mr. Lu and Mr. Du, but he knew it clearly. Otherwise, why would he, Fu Yanxiong, cooperate with them?
But learning they had been driven out of Tianhai City by the four great families years ago sent a chill through him. He had harboured some ideas about the four families, but now they vanished.
He had no grudge against them and would not provoke them needlessly. He lacked the strength and energy to fight them.
Not only Fu Yanxiong was shocked; Li Feng in the vent was too. But he admitted Mr. Lu was right. If the four families were easy to deal with, they would not have dominated Tianhai for decades.
Li Feng recalled Fu Xiyan’s words about the battle fifteen years ago between the four families and the Emperor’s Pavilion. Clearly, the Pavilion had crossed the backer’s bottom line.
For Li Feng, the four bottom lines were an unexpected boon. Though they implied at least Post-Natal Peak experts, one Innate Realm master far outmatched ten Post-Natal Peaks. He would rather face ten Post-Natal Peaks than one Innate.
He had worried about Innate interference at the gathering, but now he relaxed. At least against the four families, he was less wary.
Li Feng silently rejoiced. Had he not followed that figure, he would not know this. If Fu Yanxiong were a beauty, he might rush down and kiss him.
“Young Master Fu, if possible, I do not mind you provoking the four families. Tianhai is vast; there is room for growth.” Mr. Lu continued.
“Rest assured, I know my limits.” Fu Yanxiong nodded.
“Of course, never appear weak before them.” Mr. Du added.
Fu Yanxiong glanced at him, waiting.
“The four families bully the weak and fear the strong. To survive in Tianhai, show overwhelming power. Do not offend them, but awe them. Otherwise, if they sense weakness, they will pounce and devour you whole.” Mr. Du said.
A glint flashed in Fu Yanxiong’s eyes. “I understand.”
“Young Master Fu, time is short. You should go.” Mr. Lu said.
“No rush. I need one more favour.” Fu Yanxiong said.
“What is it?” Mr. Du asked, surprised. “You know our relationship. Mobilising our men to help you is already risky. Unless necessary, please do not ask more.”
Mr. Lu nodded beside him.
“Mr. Du, Mr. Lu, relax. It is simple.” Their reaction was expected; Fu Yanxiong was not angry. He knew they spoke truth and would not overhelp due to his status.
“What is it?” Mr. Lu asked.
“Send men to beat someone for me.” Fu Yanxiong said gravely.
“Beat someone?” Mr. Lu and Mr. Du exchanged glances, unprepared for this.
“Who?” Mr. Lu asked.
“Ma Xiaoyong.” Fu Yanxiong uttered the three words softly.
“Ma Xiaoyong?”
They exchanged looks again. With their status, they knew who Ma Xiaoyong was, but had never heard of enmity between him and Fu Yanxiong.
Not just them; Li Feng above was stunned. He thought Fu Yanxiong meant him—their hatred was irreconcilable.
But unexpectedly, it was Ma Xiaoyong.
Did Fu Yanxiong have a grudge against Ma Xiaoyong?
Li Feng recalled their earlier encounter: Fu Yanxiong had demanded Ma Xiaoyong crawl out of the Imperial Hotel.
It was possible. Among the eight top families, which lacked internal conflicts? Enmity between Fu Yanxiong and Ma Xiaoyong made sense.
As Li Feng pondered, Fu Yanxiong rose to leave.
After he departed, Mr. Lu said, “Old Du, it seems Fu Yanxiong fully trusts us now.”
“He is just a greenhorn with a bit of cunning.” Mr. Du sat back on the sofa, scoffing. “This time, he will serve us better.”
“Choosing him was a last resort. If possible, I would rather not.” Mr. Lu shook his head, pouring tea and sipping. “But having one of the Fu family’s five heroes work for us is not bad.”
“True.” Mr. Du glanced at the time. “It is time. She should be here.”
Li Feng above grew puzzled. He thought Mr. Lu and Mr. Du were allies with Fu Yanxiong, but their words showed they were using him, not treating him as one.
Who were these men to dare exploit Fu Yanxiong? He was a direct Fu descendant, not a labelled waste like Li Feng.
More importantly, from their earlier words, they were once from Tianhai. Had such a force existed here before?
Li Feng wished to ask Fu Xiyan; she had been in Tianhai over a decade and would know.
But with them awaiting someone and the hidden figure unidentified, he decided to wait.
Then the door opened.
Mr. Lu and Mr. Du stood. “Greetings, Young Miss.”
“No need for formalities. Sit.” A soft, pleasant voice replied.
Li Feng’s expression changed. It was Ying Suyan’s voice.
He never expected Ying Suyan here. And as their young miss? Were these men from the Ying family?
“Thank you, Young Miss.” They sat cautiously below her.
“Fu Yanxiong was just here?” Ying Suyan asked calmly.
“Yes.” Mr. Lu nodded, recounting the conversation.
“Fu Yanxiong trusts you now.” Ying Suyan nodded. “But do not slip before him. Ranking third among the Fu five heroes is no fluke.”
“Understood.” Mr. Lu nodded quickly.
“You must not interfere in upcoming Tianhai events.” Ying Suyan glanced at them. “Moreover, leave Tianhai soon.”
“Rest assured, Young Miss.” Mr. Lu nodded, then hesitated. “But about Fu Yanxiong’s request to discipline Ma Xiaoyong?”
“Ma Xiaoyong?”
A cold light flashed in Ying Suyan’s eyes. “Do as he says. Beat him severely, but leave him alive.”
“Yes.” Mr. Lu sensed her anger but dared not ask.
“Before leaving Tianhai, investigate someone for me.” Ying Suyan said slowly.
“At your command.” They stood.
“Investigate Li Feng.” Ying Suyan said gravely.
“Li Feng?” They exchanged puzzled glances.
“Is it the Li family’s Li Feng from Yanjing?” Mr. Lu asked cautiously.
“Precisely.” Ying Suyan nodded. Only Li Feng had called her an idiot; she would not let it go. Moreover, his performance differed from rumours.
She recalled her brother warning her about Li Feng upon arriving in Tianhai. She had dismissed it then, but now saw his foresight.
Why did Hu Yuanyuan willingly follow Li Feng? Probably because he was no simpleton.
“Yes.” Though puzzled why investigate a waste, they showed no confusion before her.
“Do not underestimate him. He is harder to handle than Fu Yanxiong.” Ying Suyan glanced at them, as if reading their minds.
They shuddered. If she said so, Li Feng was extraordinary. Shame coloured their faces. “Young Miss, we will not disappoint.”
“I hope not. Time is short; I must go.”
Ying Suyan rose gracefully to leave. Suddenly, her expression shifted, eyes shooting cold light as she shouted, “Who is it? Show yourself!”
