Chapter 30

In front of the entrance to the Ju Ying Building, a young man in his early twenties was calling out to passersby. (www..com)

Seeing a teenager of about fifteen or sixteen leading a tall, majestic horse, he knew it might be a young master from a wealthy family, so he hurriedly approached with a respectful smile.

"Little Master, would you like to stay or dine here? Our Ju Ying Building is one of the top inns in Hao Bai City, with a wide variety of food and drink."

After more than a month of experience, Qin Fengming's mind was already very mature. Seeing the attendant's quick wit, Qin Fengming chuckled, "I've come to Hao Bai City for a visit and want to stay for a few days. I wonder if your inn has any rooms available?"

"You've come to the right place, Little Master. Our Ju Ying Building has over twenty superior rooms, and there are still some available. Please follow me." The attendant said, taking the reins and leading Qin Fengming into the inn.

After handing the horse over to someone else to take care of and registering at the front desk, the attendant led Qin Fengming to a guest room behind the hall, stopping in front of a door on the second floor.

The room was spacious and bright. Qin Fengming, who was not picky, nodded and said, "Alright, I'll stay here."

Hearing that Qin Fengming had no complaints, the attendant was delighted. He quickly fetched water to help Qin Fengming wash his face.

After washing up, Qin Fengming turned to the attendant and said, "Brother, what are your inn's specialties? Please prepare four dishes; I'll have lunch here."

The attendant, being very quick-witted, immediately agreed and went out to prepare.

In just the time it took to drink a cup of tea, four exquisite dishes were placed before Qin Fengming. He casually handed the attendant a two-tael silver ingot and said again,

"I have a question. Is there a branch of the Luoxia Valley in Hao Bai City?"

"Ah, you're asking about the Luoxia Valley branch. Of course, there is. A relative of mine lives next to the branch. It's located in the west of the city. From here, go west for about five li, turn right at a large archway, and you'll see a large estate. That's where the branch is."

Pleased to receive the silver, the attendant beamed and, upon hearing the young master's question about the Luoxia Valley branch, provided a detailed explanation.

As he ate, Qin Fengming began to ponder. The hall master had said that this mission would be led by the fifth senior brother, with him as an assistant for training. But being on his first mission, his youthful enthusiasm was high.

As for how to find the fifth senior brother, Qin Fengming was not worried. With a branch of the sect here, the senior brother would surely go to the branch.

Late at night, Qin Fengming changed into a set of night clothes in his room, then quietly opened the window, leaped out, and landed on the roof. He moved swiftly toward the place the attendant had mentioned.

The western part of Hao Bai City was where the city's laborers and merchants gathered, making the Luoxia Valley branch easy to find.

Standing next to a grand estate that spanned several acres, hidden in the darkness, Qin Fengming looked closely.

He saw a large gate with a sign that read "Luoxia Valley Branch." Although it was late at night, two men still stood guard at the gate.

Qin Fengming, hidden in the shadows, walked around the branch, found a secluded and hidden spot, covered his face with a black veil, and put his sword on his back. In a flash, he was on top of the high wall.

With a focused gaze, the situation inside the courtyard became clear to Qin Fengming.

Although the courtyard was silent, Qin Fengming easily spotted several visible and hidden guards. Impressed by the strict security, Qin Fengming admired the branch leader.

Moving swiftly, he used the Biyun Mizon technique, and his figure, like a ghost, entered the estate.

Qin Fengming was unfamiliar with the layout of the estate, but this did not pose much of a problem. He moved again and headed toward a building that was still brightly lit.

Using the Biyun Mizon technique, he was undetected by the guards.

Silently reaching the building, he saw that it was about seven or eight zhang tall, with three floors. The first floor was very high, about four or five zhang. The first floor was brightly lit, while the upper two floors were dark.

Stopping in a dark spot on the second floor, Qin Fengming listened carefully and found that the second floor was unoccupied. Reassured, he climbed through a window and entered the building.

Standing at the top of the stairs, Qin Fengming held his breath and clearly heard the conversation in the first-floor hall.

"Brother, no matter how much we talk, it won't help. With our current manpower in Hao Bai City, attacking the Wang brothers is too much of a stretch. Moreover, if we launch a full-scale attack on their stronghold, it will certainly lead to a complete falling out, which will be detrimental to our future operations in the city."

Qin Fengming did not know what the people below had been discussing, but he heard this clearly.

As the man finished speaking, another voice immediately responded, "Fifth Brother is right. Openly confronting the Wang brothers will indeed be very detrimental to our future operations in Hao Bai City. We need to carefully consider how to reclaim what belongs to the Luoxia Valley from those two villains."

With these words, a wave of discussion broke out in the hall.

From the conversation, Qin Fengming knew that there were about seven or eight people in the first-floor hall, but the branch leader, referred to as "Brother," had not spoken a word.

After a short discussion, a stern voice suddenly rang out, "Brothers, please calm down. I have already made plans for the Wang brothers. As for how to proceed, someone else will handle it. We just need to wait here."

The speaker's voice was not loud but was firm and powerful, indicating a high level of internal cultivation.

Without much thought, Qin Fengming knew this must be the branch leader, Zhang Qingshan. He was known for his formidable use of a pair of Five Elements Wheels.

"Ah, so you've already made arrangements. Has the Luoxia Valley sent a few elders down the mountain?"

The voice of the man called Fifth Brother echoed, showing his remarkable foresight.

"Ha, Fifth Brother, you truly live up to your reputation as a divine calculator. As soon as the main branch received my message, they made a decision. I kept it secret to prevent the Wang brothers from finding out too early. Now that all of you are gathered, I can inform you. I hope you understand."

The others did not show any displeasure, seemingly understanding the branch leader's intentions.

After further discussion, they all got up and left. Five of them headed to a separate courtyard at the back of the estate, while two others left the branch and walked into the depths of the city.