Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World

Chapter 223: Chapter 133 Zhang Guangqun

Zhao Honglie swept his gaze over everyone before slowly rising to his feet. He knew that if he didn’t take a stand to stabilize the morale of the group, this already-fragile alliance was bound to collapse.

When the time came, everyone would scatter in the face of disaster, and the painstaking efforts he had poured into building his empire would be reduced to nothing. That was something he could not accept.

”Ladies and gentlemen!”

His voice rose, instantly drawing everyone’s attention to him.

”It is still just our speculation that Mo Chen has arrived in Canghe County.”

Lu Kong, who had remained silent all this time, couldn’t help but interject:

”This isn’t mere speculation—it’s almost a certainty!”

The Lu family had been having a rough time recently. The devastating losses from a recent night raid had left their base obliterated, and they still had no idea who the culprit was. Adding to his frustration, they had been unable to breach Gu’s Manor to exact revenge.

Zhao Honglie cast a glance at Lu Kong and said in a measured tone:

”Patience, Family Head Lu.”

”Let’s assume Mo Chen truly has come to Canghe County. That would be the worst-case scenario. In that case, we cannot sit idly by and wait for our end. The probing we’ve done in the past days has not been without result. Liu Yuanhu has always assumed we sought to sever his connection to the outside world. Little does he know, we have other cards in play.”

A glimmer of confidence flickered across Zhao Honglie’s face, immediately lifting the spirits of those present. They knew Zhao Honglie must have some decisive leverage in hand.

”There are no outsiders here. Boss Zhao, if you have some trump card, just lay it out for us,” Zhao Qingcheng voiced, speaking the thoughts of everyone.

Zhao Honglie nodded.

Everyone in the alliance had dirt on one another. The cost of betrayal was far too great, so if he was willing to share, he clearly had no intention of keeping secrets.

”Zhang Guangqun’s son is in my hands.”

This revelation sent shockwaves through the room.

Who was Zhang Guangqun? He was Liu Yuanhu’s top lieutenant, a master in the Perfect stage of the Blood Refining Realm, wielding tremendous power. He had even taken the lead in the operations of the Blade Runners when they were established.

”Wait... wasn’t it said that Zhang Guangqun suffered from a hidden ailment, leaving him without an heir for life?” the Wang family head asked hesitantly.

This was not a well-kept secret among the elites of Canghe County—most of those present were aware of it.

Zhao Honglie chuckled.

He shook his head and said, ”Life is full of surprises. Despite having many wives, Zhang Guangqun was indeed childless. He had consulted renowned doctors and taken Spirit Pills, all to no avail. Who would have thought his one night of debauchery with a filthy brothel woman would result in a son?”

”Zhang Guangqun kept this a closely guarded secret. Not even Liu Yuanhu knows about it.”

”But how does Boss Zhao know? Could it be a ruse?” Zhao Qingcheng asked quickly.

With his hands clasped behind his back, Zhao Honglie surveyed the crowd and said, ”My Black Sand Gang has its own channels. Suffice it to say, this information is true. Zhang Guangqun’s sole heir is under my control. He’ll be at our mercy!”

Zhao Honglie spoke with a self-assured demeanor.

”This is a trump card I rarely use. My initial plan was to wear down Liu Yuanhu’s patience before deploying it to create an earth-shattering outcome. But with Mo Chen’s unexpected involvement, there’s no other choice. Everyone, prepare for a life-or-death battle!”

”When the time comes, I will have Zhang Guangqun secretly poison their forces and then open the gates. In three days, Liu Yuanhu’s head will roll!”

The murderous intent in Zhao Honglie’s gaze sent chills down the spines of the family heads. They couldn’t help but feel the ruthlessness and decisiveness of this Black Sand Gang leader.

Without anyone realizing it, Zhao Honglie had seized the lifeline of Liu Yuanhu’s most trusted lieutenant.

This made everyone wonder silently whether they too had such vulnerabilities within their ranks. One by one, the seeds of doubt took root in their hearts.

”Boss Zhao, brilliant insight!”

”With such a trump card, our chances of victory are quite high. Instead of dragging this out, why not fight it out to the end!”

The family heads chimed in one after another.

Their words now carried a newfound respect for Zhao Honglie.

A trace of satisfaction flickered in Zhao Honglie’s eyes. Sharing this information wasn’t just about strategy; it was about establishing his authority. It sent a clear message: The Black Sand Gang has vast resources and reach!

Both sides had been holding their trump cards until now. Liu Yuanhu had Mo Chen as his ally, while the Black Sand Gang had three hundred armored warriors. Neither side held an absolute advantage—this would be resolved in a single decisive battle!

Zhao Honglie’s gaze grew distant.

From a wandering vagrant to where he stood now, he had never feared life-and-death struggles. He had survived countless such moments, and he was certain that this time, victory would be his again!

...

The Black Sand Gang moved in secret, preparing for an all-out confrontation.

Canghe County.

The county office.

Meanwhile, Liu Yuanhu was hosting a banquet for many of his subordinate elites. Over the past few days of engagement, Liu Yuanhu had maintained a slight advantage. After all, relying on the solid defenses of Canghe County’s city walls, he could advance or retreat as he pleased. At most, he suffered minor harassment and losses at the fringes. Once the Black Sand Gang was dealt with, it would be easy to recover.

”Let’s drink to our hearts’ content!”

Liu Yuanhu laughed heartily.

Mo Chen’s arrival the day before had greatly boosted his confidence, leaving him in high spirits.

Zhang Guangqun raised his cup respectfully and said:

”Your subordinate offers early congratulations to County Magistrate on quelling the rebellion and ascending swiftly up the ranks!”

With that, he drained his cup in one go.

The other strongmen present echoed this sentiment:

”With the solid walls of Canghe County behind us, we’re in an unbeatable position. The likes of the Black Sand Gang, the Lu family, and the Zhao family are doomed!”

”Exactly! So long as we don’t disrupt our formations, it’s they who will be in panic.”

”Were it not for the Magistrate’s leniency in avoiding reckless battles, the Black Sand Gang wouldn’t even be worth mentioning. The Magistrate could crush them in an instant!”

The streams of flattery made Liu Yuanhu’s smile grow even broader.

What they didn’t know was this:

The Red Cloud Guard’s infamous Centurion, Mo Chen—renowned for his unyielding prowess—was quietly drinking in a room in the backyard. Liu Yuanhu trusted no one and hadn’t even disclosed this information to his closest confidant, Zhang Guangqun.

After three rounds of toasts, Liu Yuanhu suddenly stood up, smiling as he addressed Zhang Guangqun:

”Guangqun, you’ve worked hard these past days. First, leading the Blade Runners to eradicate bandits, and now dealing with the Black Sand Gang’s chaos. After this is all over, you must take some well-deserved rest.”

Everyone cast envious looks at Zhang Guangqun.

Liu Yuanhu’s words were a clear indication of Zhang Guangqun’s exceptional status.

Overwhelmed by the praise, Zhang Guangqun quickly rose to his feet, raising his cup respectfully.

”You honor me too much, County Magistrate. It’s my privilege to assist you. If only this body of mine could endure endlessly, I’d serve you at all times without hesitation!”

With that, he downed his drink.

Liu Yuanhu chuckled heartily.

Everyone laughed along, though secretly cursing Zhang Guangqun as a sycophant.

For a time, the atmosphere was jubilant. Everyone there, even the weakest among them, was a master of the Blood Refining Realm. Ordinary liquor posed no challenges to them; if danger arose, they could expel its effects with their Qi Blood Power in an instant. Thus, the banquet proceeded merrily, with drinks exchanged and spirits high.

The party lasted late into the night before gradually dispersing.

Amid the jealous gazes of the others, Zhang Guangqun was the only one asked by Liu Yuanhu to stay behind.

The first question Liu Yuanhu asked left Zhang Guangqun momentarily stunned.

”Guangqun, how many years have you been with me?”