The night was as black as ink, and the dim candlelight cast shadows on the room. Kang Min, her chin resting on her hand, sat at the table, flipping through a register, pondering her recent gains and losses.
Suddenly, a figure flipped in from the window. Kang Min was startled, but when she saw who it was, her heart swelled with joy. However, she pretended to be indifferent and said coolly, "My husband has recently passed away. Flower Gongzi, you come at such a late hour, don't you find it inappropriate?"
Hua Wu Que rushed back to the inn, first apologizing profusely to Huang Xue Mei, then calming the shaken Zhou Zhi Ru before hurrying here. Seeing this scheming woman act the part, he thought back to her dignified demeanor earlier in the day. He decided to play along, "I had made a promise to the Beggar Gang earlier. The Beggar Gang's affairs are my affairs. Deputy Head Ma was tragically killed, and I couldn't bear to see you, Madam, alone. I was deeply conflicted, but I live by the word 'righteousness' in my travels. I had to shed this disguise."
Kang Min jumped up in alarm, backing away in a panic. She exclaimed, "You, you're talking nonsense! Quickly, quickly leave! Otherwise, I'll call for help!"
Hua Wu Que was impressed by her convincing performance. He swayed over, pulled the dignified Madam over to him, and laughed, "Go ahead and call. The louder the better. Let everyone see just how charming our Hall Master Kang is!~"
Kang Min struggled in his arms, shouting, "No, no, don't! How can you be so cruel? No, not there! I'll help, I'll help you find another way..." Her voice was filled with despair.
After a long while, Kang Min nestled in Hua Wu Que's embrace. Looking up at the man she longed for, she whispered, "I didn't expect to meet you here, Master. My heart is filled with joy. The methods you taught me have truly proven effective. I've subtly implemented them, winning over the wives and daughters of most of the Beggar Gang's members. Now, they are gradually deepening their impressions of me. Once Qiao Feng is gone, I will take control of half the Beggar Gang for you, Master. Give me some time, and I will surely put the Beggar Gang in your hands!"
Hua Wu Que secretly used the Heavenly Demon Art and realized that this beautiful woman spoke from her heart. He felt pity for her and gently tapped her forehead, saying softly, "I know your intentions. But the Beggar Gang isn't worth my attention. Rest assured, I will never break my word when I promised you what Huang Rong had. The Beggar Gang is yours. If you truly want to thank me, then focus on your cultivation. The Absorbing Skill can only be used for self-defense. It's good for intimidation, but that's it!" He then gave the beautiful woman a few hard slaps, causing Hua Wu Que to have other thoughts. "Look at how lazy you are. How far have you progressed in the Jade Maiden Art I taught you?"
Kang Min winced but her expression became even more alluring and seductive. She deliberately twisted her body, refusing to comply. "How am I lazy? All I do is think about you, Master, and cultivate. I don't know how far I've progressed yet. Since you were close to my late husband, Flower Gongzi, you will have to personally check for me, I'm afraid."
Hua Wu Que patted her, then said seriously, "Since you are sincere about learning, and I was like a brother to Ma Da Ge, then I'll reluctantly examine you. Come, let's see how well you've trained, Madam."
......
The next day
Hua Wu Que, after diligently teaching the widow all night, returned to the inn, only to be told by the innkeeper that Zhou Zhi Ru had left a message saying she had gone to the Liu Mansion to offer congratulations. Huang Xue Mei was nowhere to be found. Unwilling to miss the good show, he called on Lin Ping Zhi, whose injuries were beginning to heal, and rushed to the Liu Mansion.
When they arrived at the Liu Mansion's gate, they saw a crowd of people from the martial arts world who had come to offer congratulations. Hua Wu Que's eyes twinkled as he decided to take Lin Ping Zhi to the back alley.
They climbed over a courtyard wall and peeked over the top. Lin Ping Zhi asked in confusion, "Flower Da Ge, why don't we go through the front gate? Climbing over walls is not something a righteous gentleman would do! No, let me down. I'll go through the front gate."
Hua Wu Que said seriously, "Yu Cang Hai of the Qingcheng sect is probably in this Liu Mansion. If you enter from the front gate, wouldn't you be a lamb going to the slaughter?"
Lin Ping Zhi's heart was touched. He thought, "Flower Da Ge truly considers my well-being. I was actually suspicious of the techniques he taught me. I'm not a good person!" He didn't say anything more, just followed Hua Wu Que's gaze into the courtyard.
In the center of the courtyard stood a short and stout middle-aged man. Before him was a golden basin. He clasped his fists and addressed the crowd, "Today, you heroes and brave men have come from far and wide for my personal matters. Liu Zheng Feng is eternally grateful. I ask you all to bear witness. From this day forward, Liu Zheng Feng will withdraw from the world and no longer be entangled in the affairs of the martial arts world..." Before he could finish, a booming voice came from outside the gate, "Hold it!"
Four men walked in from outside, surrounding a tall and imposing man who was holding aloft a five-colored silk banner.