Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World

Chapter 227: Chapter 135 Ambush, Rout

Prior to this, they had already convened to discuss: whoever brought back Liu Yuanhu’s head would be credited as the top contributor, earning an extra share when dividing the spoils.

The Lu family had suffered losses of skilled fighters during the attack on Gu’s Manor, and later, even their hidden stronghold was completely ransacked, greatly diminishing their strength and foundation. They needed to secure this top merit to gain more resources to recover their losses.

The remaining members of the Lu family also understood the dire situation of their clan. Under Lu Kong’s leadership, they displayed an unstoppable momentum.

After all, Lu Kong was on par with Zhao Qingcheng in expertise — a direct confrontation would leave Zhao Dezhi at a disadvantage.

Zhao Dezhi, although not particularly clever, was no utter fool.

Seeing Lu Kong so determined to claim the top merit, he dared not compete and begrudgingly slowed his pace, allowing the Lu family to advance into the County Magistrate’s estate’s backyard first.

Watching the backs of the Lu family members, Zhao Dezhi became visibly annoyed and spat, ”Hah! Damn it, let that old bastard enjoy his arrogance for a few days. Once the dust settles, we’ll see how Boss Zhao deals with him!”

The Lu family had become greatly weakened; bluntly speaking, they no longer deserved to sit at the same table with Zhao Honglie’s group.

When the time came to renegotiate the division of spoils, the percentages would undoubtedly change, and if Lu Kong dared to flip the table then, the Lu family might truly be left with no place to bury their dead.

Thinking of the Lu family’s impending doom, Zhao Dezhi couldn’t suppress a burst of laughter.

”Let’s go! We need to check things out too!”

Meanwhile, as Lu Kong and his group stormed into the backyard, their eyes fell upon the pavilion in the center.

Inside the pavilion, two figures sat comfortably.

The two exchanged cups and jokes, their expressions relaxed, completely unaffected by the abrupt arrival of the Lu family.

A bald man lifted his cup, emptied it in one gulp, and then smiled at Liu Yuanhu, ”Brother, your visitors have arrived!”

Upon turning his head and seeing Lu Kong and the others, Liu Yuanhu frowned slightly.

”That bastard Zhao Honglie is far too cautious, isn’t he? Even now he doesn’t dare show up?”

Walking out of the pavilion, Liu Yuanhu stood fully exposed before Lu Kong’s group.

His face carried a faint smile as he looked at the heavily armed and murderous Lu Kong.

”I hear you want to take my head?”

As a County Magistrate, Liu Yuanhu’s abilities were naturally exceptional.

That aura of authority, cultivated from years of holding power, was profoundly intimidating.

”Gulp!”

Lu Kong, upon seeing Liu Yuanhu vibrant and full of energy, froze in shock, swallowing several mouthfuls of saliva, and instinctively retreated several steps.

The renowned ”Copper-Head Iron-Bone” Mo Chen was also a prominent figure in Red Cloud Prefecture. Lu Kong recognized him at a glance.

”Shit! We’ve been duped!”

By now, he realized they had all been deceived by Zhang Guangqun!

This was no opportunity to take the city — it was a goddamned death trap!

”Hey, why aren’t you acting? What’s going on? How can an unconscious County Magistrate scare you all silly? A bunch of cowards, that’s what!”

Because the Lu family blocked his view, Zhao Dezhi hadn’t noticed Liu Yuanhu or Mo Chen yet.

He assumed the Lu family was standing idle out of fear for Liu Yuanhu’s usual oppressive aura.

”If you’re too afraid to make a move, then let the Zhao family take care of it! From now on, you Lu family lot can sit at the kiddie table during meals!”

Zhao Dezhi hoisted his large blade onto his shoulder, full of disdain, and shoved the Lu family aside to step forward.

Liu Yuanhu looked at Zhao Dezhi and smiled, ”Seems like there’s no shortage of people eyeing my head.”

Upon hearing that familiar voice, Zhao Dezhi’s grin froze instantly.

Seeing Liu Yuanhu spirited and beaming in front of him, his legs began to tremble uncontrollably.

”Liu... Lord Liu! How—how are you unharmed?”

For a moment, Zhao Dezhi couldn’t comprehend what was happening.

”Brother, shall I lend a hand?”

Mo Chen stretched his neck and asked.

Hearing Mo Chen speak, Zhao Dezhi turned his head to look, only to retreat in horror.

”Red Cloud Guard, Centurion Mo Chen!”

Liu Yuanhu waved dismissively, ”These small fish, I can handle them myself. Pity Zhao Honglie, that bastard, didn’t dare show up in person.”

At this point, Lu Kong had already pieced together the full picture.

Zhao Honglie’s plan had long been seen through by Liu Yuanhu, who somehow convinced Zhang Guangqun to stage this elaborate ”luring the guests into the trap” scenario.

He’d already been suspicious earlier about why no one was around at the homes of Liu Yuanhu’s confidants. Now he understood.

They’d all been preemptively evacuated!

”What are you standing around for? Run!”

Lu Kong shouted furiously at his remaining men.

Lu Kong understood Mo Chen’s capabilities well, knowing he couldn’t possibly face him alone! The best strategy now was to withdraw from the city and regroup with Liu Yuanhu’s forces outside for a chance at survival.

Though dimwitted, Zhao Dezhi wasn’t completely clueless. Seeing the stronger Lu Kong retreat in panic, he instinctively squeezed his way backward as well.

In an instant, the once aggressive, bloodthirsty forces of the Lu and Zhao families were reduced to disorganized, fleeing soldiers.

”Hahaha! You came, so stay. Thinking of leaving now? Too late!”

Liu Yuanhu laughed as he clapped his hands.

With rhythmic applause, shadows began to appear atop the courtyard walls, and the sound of dense footsteps rose from the front yard.

Clearly, Liu Yuanhu had long prepared to station heavily armed forces here, waiting for them to walk straight into the trap.

”It’s an ambush! Launch the signal arrows, quick, launch the signal arrows!”

Seeing more and more soldiers swarm toward them, Lu Kong’s expression was full of worry, regret, and despair.

”Whoosh, whoosh!”

”Whoosh, whoosh!”

Several signal arrows shot up from the inner courtyard. Hearing the arrows, Zhao Qingcheng, hiding near the city walls, couldn’t help but curse out loud.

”Damn it! Knew it wouldn’t go this smoothly!”

At that moment, Zhao Qingcheng’s expression shifted repeatedly as countless thoughts raced through his mind.

His gaze unconsciously turned toward the city outskirts.