"Seventh Brother, you're right. If we include Liu Rumei in this, the Grand Tutor should believe us now," Liu Mazi said excitedly.
With their plan settled, the three changed into clean clothes and eagerly headed for the VIP Tower.
Inside the VIP Tower.
Sima Wushuang had settled the Peerless Daoist and was about to return to his room when he heard someone say from behind, "Sir Sima, three people have arrived at the entrance, insisting on seeing you. As per your instructions, we told them you weren't here, but these three refuse to leave and are causing a commotion."
Sima Wushuang's eyebrows shot up. "Very well, come with me and let's see."
Sima Wushuang strode to the entrance and saw Hu Laoqi and the others. He didn't recognize them.
Hu Laoqi, however, was unceremoniously friendly. He bowed and scraped towards Sima Wushuang, "Sir Sima, my name is Hu Laoqi, this is Liu Mazi, and this is Cao Bei. We are all from the Vermilion Bird Gang of the Tianzhu Kingdom. It is truly a fortune to meet you today."
Sima Wushuang frowned. He knew of the Tianzhu Kingdom's Vermilion Bird Gang, but these three clearly seemed like minor figures.
However, their boisterous presence at the entrance did not align with their pre-arranged strategy.
"Oh, the three of you, come with me."
Sima Wushuang led the three into a nearby reception room.
"What business do you have with me?"
Hu Laoqi cupped his fists. "Sir Sima, I know you've come to Qingniu County primarily for the dragon脉, haven't you?"
Sima Wushuang's heart gave a slight jolt.
"How did you know?"
Seeing that he had guessed correctly, Hu Laoqi appeared quite smug. "Sir Sima, to be frank, we, the Vermilion Bird Gang, were invited by Liu Rumei to come here specifically to help him guard the dragon脉 of Qingniu Mountain. Our leader also invited several highly skilled young ladies, and they are currently staying in Hetou Village."
Hu Laoqi's words piqued Sima Wushuang's interest. He remained outwardly nonchalant, feigning indifference. "What Vermilion Bird Gang, what Liu Rumei, they wouldn't last a few rounds against me. What's to worry about!"
Upon hearing this, Hu Laoqi began flattering him again. "Yes, yes, Sir Sima is absolutely right, they are all ants before you. But, Yang Zhi and the others already know the secret of the dragon脉. Oh, and he has a map, it's drawn very clearly."
This statement finally moved Sima Wushuang.
He probed again, "Then how did you come to know this?"
Hu Laoqi was quite forthright, raising both his hands. "Sir Sima, you see, the three of us, due to a minor transgression, had our fingers cut off by Yang Zhi. We were too angry to let it go and had to leave Hetou Village for the county town."
As he spoke, Hu Laoqi suddenly knelt with a thud. "If Sir Sima can help us avenge ourselves, we are willing to serve you like oxen and horses, repaying your great kindness."
Seeing Hu Laoqi kneel, Liu Mazi and Cao Bei also quickly knelt down.
As he watched the three kowtowing, a glint of ferocity flashed in Sima Wushuang's eyes.
"Alright, Hu Laoqi, if you want my help to avenge yourselves, it's simple. Draw me a map of Hetou Village."
After speaking, Sima Wushuang gestured to the two men guarding the door.
These two immediately said to Hu Laoqi and the others, "Come with me, I'll take you to draw the map."
Hu Laoqi and his companions gleefully followed the two men into the adjacent room.
Sima Wushuang, however, quickly left the room and quietly approached the Peerless Daoist's door. "Daoist, are you resting?"
"Sir Sima, please come in!"
Sima Wushuang entered and cupped his fists towards the Peerless Daoist. "Daoist, I'm afraid we'll have to change our location."
"Oh." The Peerless Daoist frowned. "Has something gone wrong?"
"It's all due to my lack of discretion, Daoist. I shouldn't have appeared in public in my true form. I was recognized, and they've come looking for me, moreover, they are subordinates of Zhuque Bu La'erduo."
Upon hearing this, the Peerless Daoist stroked his beard and pondered for a moment. "Where is this person now?"
"He's next door. I've asked him to draw us a map of the terrain, and once he's finished, we'll deal with them."
The Peerless Daoist nodded slightly. "Good. Once we've dealt with them, we'll leave. By the way, where should we go next?"
Sima Wushuang bowed again. "Twenty li southeast of Qingniu County is a town called Xiaojia. We have a secret contact point there. We can only find refuge there."
"Don't show your face after leaving the VIP Tower. Let them drive the carriage," the Peerless Daoist said, beginning to pack his clothes.
Meanwhile, Hu Laoqi and the others in the room were completely unaware. They drew a detailed and clear map of Hetou Village, meticulously marking the location of the four mu of land, the school, and Liu Rumei's residence.
Sima Wushuang examined the map and nodded with satisfaction, a smile on his face. "Very good, the drawing is sufficiently detailed. By the way, who did you say you wanted me to help you kill earlier?"
"Yang Zhi, the second leader of the Vermilion Bird Gang," Hu Laoqi said through gritted teeth.
Sima Wushuang smiled faintly. "In my life, I detest one type of person the most. Do you know who that is?"
Hu Laoqi and the others exchanged glances and then shook their heads.
"Well then, I shall tell you. In my life, I detest traitors the most."
Upon hearing this, Hu Laoqi and the others were stunned.
"That, we, we're not really called traitors, are we?"
Before he could finish speaking, Sima Wushuang moved his hand, and a cold gleam flashed and disappeared instantly.
Then, a thin red line appeared on the necks of Hu Laoqi, Liu Mazi, and Cao Bei.
"You, you..." Hu Laoqi could not finish his sentence before he collapsed to the ground with a thud.
Alas, what a pity. The three had schemed with all their might, only to meet such an end.
Sima Wushuang kicked them lightly. He then turned to the two guards at the door and said, "Dispose of the bodies cleanly and find us in Xiaojia Town."
Returning to Hetou Village, Chen Xiaobei was very conflicted.
Sun Jian's return was clearly aimed at Qingniu Mountain.
Should he tell Liu Rumei and the others about this?
Seeing his dejected demeanor, Cui Hongyu couldn't help but ask, "Husband, what's wrong? Is something troubling you?"
Chen Xiaobei sighed and recounted his encounter with Sun Jian.
"I'm wondering whether to tell Liu Rumei and the others."
"Hongyu, honestly, I don't want to get involved in their affairs anymore."
Cui Hongyu's stance was resolute. "Husband, you must tell them about this. Don't forget that Sun Jian and so many others are still imprisoned in the cave. If all of them are released, it might not just be Liu Rumei and the others who suffer, but our common people as well."
"You mean to say..." Chen Xiaobei didn't finish his sentence before Cui Hongyu cut him off. "Yes, Miss Liu is a benevolent leader, and Sun Jian and the others are devils. Therefore, they absolutely cannot be released."
Chen Xiaobei did not understand why Cui Hongyu would use such strong words.
However, upon further reflection, it made sense. Sun Jian and his group ambushing Yang Zhi and causing him heavy losses was indeed a dishonorable and unsavory act.