Return of the Celestial King

Upon hearing this explanation, Qin Tuo immediately grew more cautious.

Ouyang Feifei continued.

”The members of the Martial Artist Alliance keep each other in check, preventing any one of them from becoming too powerful. But in times of crisis, they’ll also help each other deal with Martial Artist factions from outside the province.”

Qin Tuo nodded, not daring to underestimate the situation.

It was the first time he’d heard of a so-called Martial Artist Alliance existing in the Provincial City.

Qin Tuo couldn’t help but ask.

”So, Miss Ouyang, besides the Liao Family, who are the other three of the four major families in the Martial Artist Alliance?”

Ouyang Feifei spoke with a very grave tone.

”Listen closely. The four major families are the Liao Family, the Huang Family, the Guan Family... and Rose Hall!”

When she mentioned Rose Hall, her voice held a distinct tremor.

Qin Tuo asked in surprise.

”Oh? What’s the story behind this Rose Hall? Why does it sound so different from the other three families?”

Ouyang Feifei said gravely.

”Rose Hall is a mysterious faction that only appeared in the Provincial City in recent years. But they grew incredibly fast. In just a few short years, they took the place of the former fourth major family.”

Qin Tuo nodded. Only now did he realize just how mysterious the origins of this Rose Hall were.

He furrowed his brow and asked.

”Then why are they called Rose Hall? There has to be a reason, right?”

Ouyang Feifei replied.

”It’s because the Hall Master of Rose Hall is named Qiangwei. She’s an incredibly powerful and ruthless woman. She doesn’t give a damn about anyone.”

A flicker of interest appeared in Qin Tuo’s eyes. He was now curious to see what kind of woman this so-called Qiangwei really was.

Ouyang Feifei warned.

”Qin Tuo, I’m telling you, do not provoke Qiangwei. Back then, Jiang Liang of the Jiang Family was arrogant enough to try and challenge her. After she taught him a lesson several times, he learned to keep his head down in the Provincial City!”

Qin Tuo chuckled.

”So, Qiangwei has a sense of justice, huh?”

Ouyang Feifei shook her head helplessly.

”It was more that Jiang Liang was courting death. But because of that incident, a lot of bad blood developed between Rose Hall and the Liao Family.”

Hearing this, Qin Tuo’s eyes lit up. He had a sharp sense that he could use this relationship to his advantage against the Liao Family.

”So, you’re saying I might be able to get Rose Hall to help me?”

Qin Tuo asked thoughtfully.

Ouyang Feifei nodded and said very seriously.

”Exactly. If you can get to know Qiangwei, the Liao Family might actually not dare to make a move on you.”

Qin Tuo immediately said.

”In that case, Miss Ouyang, take me to meet this mysterious Qiangwei! I can’t wait!”

But Ouyang Feifei just gave a wry smile and shook her head.

”Qin Tuo, it’s not just you. Even I have never met Qiangwei in person. In fact, very few people in the entire Provincial City are qualified to see her.”

Qin Tuo was instantly disappointed.

Still, he made up his mind. If he got the chance, he would definitely get to know this remarkable woman.

Seeing his expression, Ouyang Feifei added.

”It’s alright, Qin Tuo. Just lay low here for now. Who knows, Rose Hall might just step in to protect you as a way to deliberately go against the Liao Family!”

But Qin Tuo wasn’t thinking along those lines at all. ’It’s just the Liao Family,’ he thought. ’Why would I need someone else’s help to deal with them?’

His reason for wanting to meet Qiangwei was simply because he was interested in this mysterious woman.

Qin Tuo asked with a grin.

”Miss Ouyang, didn’t you want to bring me to justice just a while ago? Weren’t you afraid I’d run away?”

Ouyang Feifei’s eyes widened as she spoke.

”That’s right, I was afraid you’d run. What’s your point?”

A playful smile spread across Qin Tuo’s face.

”So why are you proactively helping me find a solution now? I’m having a little trouble understanding what you’re up to.”

Ouyang Feifei didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. She suddenly realized she might have been a bit too proactive and eager to help.

But after a moment’s thought, Ouyang Feifei retorted defensively.

”You’re overthinking it! You’re Manni’s boyfriend, so of course I have to help you! If you died in the Provincial City, she’d go insane, and then I’d be the one dealing with the fallout!”

However, Qin Tuo just waved a hand and said confidently.

”Don’t worry, Miss Ouyang. The Liao Family alone is not enough to kill me!”

Seeing Qin Tuo so brimming with confidence, Ouyang Feifei remained unconvinced.

’He’s just putting on a brave face,’ she thought.

...

「Provincial City. The Liao Family Villa.」

Dressed in martial attire, Liao Baicheng entered Liao Feiying’s study.

Liao Feiying slowly set down his calligraphy brush and asked with a frown.

”How did it go?”

Liao Baicheng lowered his head and spoke in a hushed tone.

”Father, Huo Jianqiang has returned, but he didn’t bring Qin Tuo back with him.”

Upon hearing this, Liao Feiying instantly lost control of his temper and began to curse.

”Useless! The men from the Security Pavilion are a bunch of useless trash!”

Liao Baicheng didn’t dare make a sound. He knew that his father had been waiting anxiously for days, wanting to bring the killer to justice.

But instead of justice, all they got was this disappointing news!

Liao Feiying forcefully suppressed his anger and said slowly.

”In that case, send men to Ming City to investigate this Qin Tuo. Find a way to capture him and bring him back!”

Liao Baicheng immediately nodded.

”Yes, I’ll arrange for men to go right away.”

Liao Feiying added thoughtfully.

”However, I suspect it’s also very possible that girl from the Ouyang Family secretly brought him to the Provincial City. Look into that as well!”

Liao Baicheng’s eyes narrowed, and his heart skipped a beat.

He then gave a solemn nod and was about to leave.

Suddenly, Liao Feiying asked another question, his tone concerned.

”By the way, what’s the situation with the Jiang Family’s assets?”

At this, Liao Baicheng frowned and gave a wry smile.

”Father, the situation is not good. Many people have their eyes on that juicy prize. What’s more, many of the Jiang Family’s former partners are getting ready to jump ship. The situation is extremely unfavorable for us.”

But Liao Feiying just let out a heavy, disdainful snort.

”It doesn’t matter! Spread the word right now: anyone who dares to make a move on the Jiang Family’s assets is making an enemy of our Liao Family. And they had better be prepared to face our wrath!”

A look of delight instantly appeared on Liao Baicheng’s face.

”Yes, Father! Don’t worry. With the Liao Family’s name as our guarantee, those vultures won’t dare to make a rash move!”

With that, Liao Baicheng left, his mind at ease.

Soon after, a butler hurried over and whispered in Liao Feiying’s ear.

”Patriarch, Master Wu Jing has arrived...”