The Frail Guide Who Devoured an Entire Pollution Zone

Chapter 98: Chapter 98: Shen Ling’an’s Confusion

Housekeeper Liu was nothing if not fiercely loyal, and without even understanding the situation, he was already shouting about getting revenge for Qi Qin.

He was fuming, about to contact his people, when Qi Qin grabbed his arm to stop him.

”I’m fine. Go and prepare something else. Gather all the Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures with healing properties in the residence and send them to He Sheng.”

”Master, you...” Housekeeper Liu was dumbfounded. He didn’t understand why, after seeing his master get pushed around, he was now being told to give away his personal treasures.

”Just do as I say! Go arrange it at once!” Qi Qin’s tone was firm as he commanded.

Housekeeper Liu looked resigned. With a sigh, he turned to carry out the order.

”One more thing. Go tell Jingyu that my actions were unintentional, but they fanned the flames and caused a disaster. I’ve done all I can. Tell him to be wary of Qiu Fang and that he must protect the Heiyu Alliance.”

After saying this, Qi Qin seemed to be completely drained of strength, and his body slumped to the ground.

Seeing his master in such a state, Housekeeper Liu dared not delay and hurried out of the old residence after them.

Just after Housekeeper Liu left, blood rushed to Qi Qin’s head. His upper body convulsed twice, and then, GAG, he spewed a mouthful of fresh blood.

When Housekeeper Liu caught up with Lu Jingyu and Xu Qingsui, he relayed Qi Qin’s message to him word for word.

He then made sure to mention that Qi Qin had instructed him to send all his household’s healing-type Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures to He Sheng.

After hearing this, Lu Jingyu’s expression softened considerably. He told Housekeeper Liu to return to his master.

”Tell Mr. Qi I will do everything in my power to protect the Heiyu Alliance. He doesn’t need to worry about the Alliance anymore and should just enjoy his retirement.”

At that moment, as if shouldering Qi Qin’s greatest wish, Housekeeper Liu gave Lu Jingyu a deep, respectful bow before heading back.

After accompanying Lu Jingyu on his visit to Qi Qin, Xu Qingsui was now certain her guess had been correct.

’So Lu Jingyu is planning to make his move on the Alliance elders, sounding them out to see where they stand.’

Lu Jingyu had taken the first step. It seemed the Heiyu Alliance was now headed for a great battle that would decide its ultimate fate.

Watching Lu Jingyu, who was still visibly moved by Qi Qin’s message, Xu Qingsui couldn’t help but feel a little worried.

’Even though the potential threat from Qi Qin is gone, who knows how many hidden dangers lurk among the remaining elders? Can Lu Jingyu really win this all on his own?’

It wasn’t that she doubted Lu Jingyu’s strength, but even the mightiest warrior can be overwhelmed by numbers. He was, after all, at a disadvantage.

Thinking about the position Lu Jingyu was in, Xu Qingsui couldn’t help but let out a sigh.

”What’s wrong?” Lu Jingyu asked, concerned, having noticed the shift in her mood.

Xu Qingsui gave a wry smile. ”How can you be worried about me right now? Aren’t you concerned about what you’re about to face?”

Lu Jingyu wasn’t surprised. Xu Qingsui was very perceptive; of course she understood the current situation.

He looked at a few stray strands of her hair, which had been ruffled as they walked, and reached out to tuck them behind her ear. The gesture was intimate and practiced, as if he had done it countless times before.

Xu Qingsui’s eyes followed his hand. She didn’t flinch away; in fact, she seemed to be enjoying the touch.

”Taking this step means I know exactly what I’m up against,” he said. ”Certain people have been coveting the Heiyu Alliance for a long, long time. But too many people have poured their blood, sweat, and tears into this Alliance. I will never let it fall into the hands of those schemers.”

”So, no matter who I have to face, I won’t back down. And I will never let them get what they want.”

”You can stay by my side without worry. I’ll make sure you don’t get involved. If you’re afraid, I can have someone take you somewhere safe.”

Lu Jingyu never acted unless he was sure of the outcome. He was quite confident about how this upheaval would play out.

But when it came to Xu Qingsui, he found himself becoming hesitant. He was worried that a moment of distraction on his part could put her in danger.

Gazing at Xu Qingsui, an impulse surged within Lu Jingyu—a desire to pull her into his arms and hold her so tightly she’d become a part of him.

He had only recently become aware of his own feelings, and the words to express them were already on the tip of his tongue.

But his rational mind suppressed the impulse. He swallowed the words back down, deciding to wait until the dust settled before confessing his feelings.

When she heard Lu Jingyu offer to send her away if she was afraid, Xu Qingsui suddenly felt a spark of anger.

’Does he really see me as that kind of coward, someone who’s afraid to die?’

Feeling indignant, Xu Qingsui crossed her arms. ”What’s there to be afraid of? Now I’m curious. I want to know just how many factions there are in the Heiyu Alliance, who has the greatest ambition, and who is willing to pay such a steep price to see their plans through. Most importantly, I want to see with my own eyes who gets the last laugh.”

He could sense she was a little displeased, but the thought that she would be staying with him was enough, so Lu Jingyu didn’t press the issue.

”Then come with me on a trip to visit the other elders! As for Qiu Fang... there’s no need to test him. We’ll pay him a visit last!”

Xu Qingsui nodded and immediately set off with Lu Jingyu for the next elder’s residence.

Meanwhile, a guest had also arrived at Qiu Fang’s home.

Surrounded by his adoring teammates, Shen Ling’an had let the victory go to his head, basking in his moment of glory.

But once he returned to his quarters and the crowd dispersed, he gradually began to cool down.

As he replayed the events in his mind, he started to vaguely recall the details of the fight.

As the memories returned, Shen Ling’an’s expression grew grim.

According to the original plan, he was supposed to have been surrounded by admirers right after dealing with the first wave of Mutants, heroically earning everyone’s respect.

What happened next, however, was not part of the plan at all.

The more he replayed the events, the more terrified he became.

Facing that serpentine Mutant, he had felt an unprecedented amount of pressure.

Although he had fought above his weight class against an S-Level Mutant in the dungeon last time, he could tell just by standing in front of this serpentine Mutant that they were in completely different leagues.

If he hadn’t been forced into a corner with no path of retreat, he would have abandoned the plan and fled long ago.

All he could remember now was being forced into a rage. As for how he actually defeated the Mutant, he had no clue.

But everything was telling him that there was more to today’s plan than what he had been told.

After a moment’s thought, Shen Ling’an suddenly remembered Xu Ruming.

She hadn’t even left her room lately. When he went out to fight the Mutant today, she had specifically told him not to worry, that everything was under control and he’d be perfectly fine, so she didn’t go with him.

Yet, when he opened his eyes, Xu Ruming was right there. When did she arrive? Why the sudden change of heart?

Realizing that Xu Ruming must know something, Shen Ling’an’s expression darkened. He immediately stormed out and went next door.

BANG!

With a tremendous crash, Xu Ruming’s door burst open. Her body jolted, and she quickly looked toward the doorway.