Chapter Thirty-Eight: A Hint of Conspiracy

“You should know who I am, shouldn’t you?” In the somewhat desolate lawn of the Mingde Community, surrounded by several tall and imposing bodyguards, a man in his fifties turned around with exceptional elegance. Leaning on a refined gem-topped cane, he addressed Jiang An, his tone composed and measured, every inch a gentleman.

“The Sun family?” Jiang An replied indifferently.

“Indeed. I am Sun Yuntai, the head of the Sun family. Young Brother Jiang, let me first apologize on behalf of my two unruly sons. They were ignorant and made some mistakes.” Sun Yuntai’s smile was sincere and kindly, betraying no trace of malice. “I am here today to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict between you and my sons. It’s always better to resolve enmity than to make it worse. There’s no need for things to turn ugly.”

Jiang An found this rather surprising and laughed. “Oh? I thought you were here to cause me trouble, Family Head Sun. After all, I did injure some of your esteemed family members; that’s a fact. But you’re not only not angry, you’ve come to make peace instead. I must say, this is quite unexpected.”

“No, Young Brother Jiang, you’re mistaken. I am angry—very angry. If anyone else had dared to offend the Sun family like this, believe me, I would have made their life a living hell. But as head of the Sun family, I also have to remain rational. After two days of investigation, I have concluded that the Sun family cannot retaliate against you. Since that is the case, why not shake hands and move on? Continue doing business? After all, you are Old Lord Dao’s adopted son, and the Divine Blade Sect is in its prime, having just destroyed the Liu family. Naturally, the Sun family can distinguish between what is beneficial and what is not. So seeking peace isn’t so surprising, is it?”

Sun Yuntai’s smile remained gentle, his words open and straightforward—though who could tell how much was genuine and how much was feigned.

Hearing Sun Yuntai refer to him as Dao Mo’s adopted son, Jiang An showed not a hint of surprise, as if he had expected it. He asked, “So, Family Head Sun, am I to understand that your willingness to make peace is because the Divine Blade Sect is powerful right now? And that if, one day, the sect should weaken, the Sun family would come seeking revenge for today?”

“Haha! You are refreshingly direct, young man! As for your question, I can only say—I don’t know. Circumstances are always changing; who can predict the future? Or do you lack confidence in yourself, and believe the Divine Blade Sect will one day fall from power?” Sun Yuntai, the old fox, spoke ambiguously, leaving no room for reproach.

“But isn’t it the mark of a fool to rear a tiger that will later bite him? Since I’ve already brought down the Liu family, why not take out the Sun family now as well? What do you think, Family Head Sun?” Jiang An’s voice suddenly took on a murderous edge.

Yet Sun Yuntai was unfazed. He shook his head. “You underestimate me, Young Brother Jiang. The Divine Blade Sect is indeed powerful, and the Liu family fell because they brought it upon themselves by offending you. Your enmity with them is well known, and several other forces also took part in their downfall. But if the Divine Blade Sect were to move against the Sun family, the situation would be quite different. As the saying goes, ‘when the lips are gone, the teeth feel the cold.’ The Divine Blade Sect may be strong, but not by much. Above us all, the Qi family still looms. If you were to make another move, you’d likely unite all of Lin City against you. Even if you were willing, would Old Lord Dao be? This is an obvious truth; who could not see it? So why try to threaten me with such words?”

“Well said, Family Head Sun; you truly understand reason and propriety! Then let it be as you say—we’ll let bygones be bygones and focus on making money together,” Jiang An responded, his tone shifting as he agreed.

“Exactly! Young Brother Jiang, you are indeed prudent and composed—a true talent among men. Since we have reached an understanding, I’ll take my leave. I’m sure you’d rather not have to look at this old face any longer,” Sun Yuntai said with a satisfied smile.

“Not at all, Family Head Sun. Take care—I won’t see you out.”

With that, the two parted ways. As Sun Yuntai turned to leave, taking only a few steps, a cold wind swept past him. He felt a sudden chill, accompanied by Jiang An’s faint, drifting voice: “I have always lived by the rule—if people leave me alone, I leave them alone; but if they cross me, I will eradicate them and their entire family. I hope you’ll remember that.”

A sharp gleam flashed in Sun Yuntai’s eyes as he turned and nodded with a smile to Jiang An before finally strolling out of the community and settling into his warm car.

Once the door was shut, Sun Yuntai’s smiling face darkened, turning ashen. He leaned on his cane in silence, eyes clouded like a brewing storm.

“Master…” Someone beside him began to speak, but was silenced by Sun Yuntai’s look. He merely gestured for them to drive. The car soon departed, winding through several streets before stopping in front of a private club.

Sun Yuntai made his way with practiced ease to a concealed door. Two stern, muscular men stood guard outside. Upon seeing him approach, one stepped forward and scanned him with a device to ensure he carried no recording or surveillance equipment, then opened the door and allowed only Sun Yuntai to enter.

“You’re here, Brother Sun—a bit later than expected,” came a calm voice from the dimly lit room, perfect for secretive conversation. A round table stood at the center, three men already seated in various directions. The speaker sat at the head, his expression unclear in the shadows.

Sun Yuntai found his seat and sat. No sooner had he settled than the man next to him asked, “Well? What do you think of the boy?”

“Impressive. He’s articulate and shrewd. If the reports of his martial prowess are true, it would be no exaggeration to call him a dragon among men,” Sun Yuntai replied.

“A dragon among men? That’s a bit much,” scoffed another. “We’ve seen plenty of cunning young men. As for his martial skills, unless he’s reached the level of Grandmaster, we could crush him easily! Are you saying he’s a Grandmaster too? In just five years, not only mastering medicine but also becoming a martial arts Grandmaster? I, Old Qiu, don’t buy it.”

“Of course it’s impossible. Becoming a Grandmaster in five years is unthinkable. Even the one in the capital, who rose to that rank at seventeen, had been training since childhood and consumed countless rare elixirs. No matter how extraordinary this Jiang boy is, he can’t surpass the man in the capital.”

“I’m aware of that, which is why we stick to the plan. My two sons are still lying in the hospital. This grudge will not go unavenged,” Sun Yuntai replied coldly.

“You’ve had a hard time playing along with him, Brother Sun. Do you think you managed to deceive him?” someone else asked.

“Hard to say. But there’s no need to worry—he won’t come after us first. I’ve done all that propriety requires. Now, in just half a month, we’ll watch the Divine Blade Sect meet their end—just like we divided up the Liu family.”

“Do you think the Divine Blade Sect has anything better than the ‘Qingyuan Elixir’?” someone suddenly asked.

The room fell silent for several moments. Then a long sigh was heard. “The Qingyuan Elixir is a fine thing, but even if they do have something better, do you think we could keep it? Without a Grandmaster to hold the fort, we’ll never be noticed by those people. Amass all the wealth you want, without the strength to protect it, you’re just making a wedding dress for someone else.”

This sentiment resonated with everyone present. Someone even slammed the table: “A Grandmaster, a Grandmaster! No matter what, my Zhu family will do everything to produce a Grandmaster master this time!”

“But the requirements for a martial arts Grandmaster are too steep. Our sons and grandsons have been spoiled from birth; how many of them would endure the hardship of training? You think everyone is like Qi Tiancong of the Qi family, a martial prodigy from birth?”

“I don’t care for that remark!”

“Like it or not, it’s the truth!”

“All right, gentlemen, let’s get back to business. Should we bring the Li family into this?”

“I think it’s worth a try.”

“Forget it! They were once thick as thieves with the Liu family, and when things went bad, they were the first to jump ship. Besides, what’s the point of slicing the cake into more pieces?”

…

Back at his home in Mingde Community, Jiang An suddenly opened his eyes and murmured, “I casually cast an Eavesdropping Wind spell on Sun Yuntai and have uncovered some secrets. I knew it—when have these noble families ever been so humble and conciliatory? They’re clearly harboring foul intentions, planning to make a move at the celebration. The four great families are backed by the Eastern Marquis’s Shen family? How interesting. Unfortunately, my cultivation isn’t high enough; the spell’s energy has already dissipated, or I’d have heard their exact plan. No matter. When the enemy comes, I’ll meet them head-on. Let them plot as they will—I’ll break them with a single punch!”

It turned out that after falling out with the Sun family a few days earlier, Jiang An anticipated that they would investigate his background. So he had Fan Jun spread a smokescreen: word got out that he was the adopted son of Dao Mo, the leader of the Divine Blade Sect. This was intentional, as Jiang An did not wish to attract too much attention. Only Liu Xu and a few others knew that he was the true master behind the Divine Blade Sect, and they would not reveal it. Meanwhile, Gao Chao, one of the sect’s Three Heroes, often accompanied him, and his respectful demeanor had been noted by many. Claiming to be an adopted son was a convenient cover.

Now, Jiang An was clearly confident in his own strength and cared little for these petty schemes. Of course, had he overheard even a hint of ill intent toward Xiao Shuang and her mother, he would have sent them all to meet their ancestors before the night was out.

The next day—Saturday.

“Ah, I’m exhausted!”

Early in the morning, a young boy yawned long and hard, then kicked off his blanket. Reluctantly, still bleary-eyed, he stumbled toward the bathroom, only to find the door locked—someone was inside.

He knocked and called out, “Who’s in there? Come out, I can’t wait any longer!”

“Hold it!” came a clear, melodious voice from inside.

His sister?!

The boy was startled, then heard the sound of running water. He couldn’t help but raise his voice, “Sis, why are you taking a shower so early? What, is it your period? I thought that wasn’t until later!”

“Tong Hao, go to hell!”