Chapter 5, The Enchanting Gang Leader

Chen Qi had never experienced such a thing before. He immediately stripped down completely and jumped into the bath tub, unable to suppress a comfortable moan as he allowed the two ladies to rub and wash his body. Usually, as the head of the Chen family, he would only wash his face in the creek every three to five days, considering that sufficient for cleanliness. How could he have ever enjoyed such comfort? This bath lasted over an hour, and only then did he change into the new clothes prepared by Lu Haozhi, wrapping the machete around his waist as usual. He then swayed out to meet Lu Haozhi.

A woman in a bright red dress, with a voluptuous figure, sparkling eyes, and a charming smile, entered the room. Before she spoke, she smiled, her demeanor lively and captivating. In Chen Qi's heart, he secretly noted an assessment: "Her gaze is enchanting, her movements alluring, and her charm is deeply ingrained." However, on his face, he feigned a look of astonishment, constantly shifting his gaze between this third leader and Lu Hao.

Since the chaotic times of the Ten Eunuchs, the Great Cloud Dynasty has seen a decline in imperial authority, with various powerful factions seizing control. Bureaucrats across the regions frequently disregard the orders from the court, appointing and dismissing officials at will, controlling tax revenues, and even wielding military power. According to ancient customs, the territory of the Great Cloud Dynasty is divided into provinces, prefectures, and counties. Each province is governed by a provincial governor for civil matters and a military commander for military affairs, stationed in two separate locations, each independent of the other. In each prefecture, the highest authority is the prefect, while large counties have a magistrate and small counties have a county head, none of which are permitted to station troops. However, these regulations have long been neglected, and the local powerful factions pay no heed to them.

Upon seeing Chen Qi's "hook" idea, Lu Hao was immediately delighted and said, "Seventh Brother, with such intentions, it is quite simple! I have only a small benefit, and I can share some with you. Moreover, the three leaders of the Bamboo Branch Gang are all very generous individuals, and the three leaders have a close relationship with me. With your excellent skills, Seventh Brother, you will surely be given significant responsibilities."

Chen Qi, after all, grew up in a den of thieves, characterized by a ruthless nature, boldness, and meticulousness, showing little fear of death. Having resolved to deal with Lu Haozhi, he instead became doubly affectionate towards this "Second Brother".

Although Chen Qi had also managed to take two elderly women on the mountain, he could not serve them in any meaningful way. Moreover, Tianma Mountain's main stronghold was a den of thieves; even if they managed to capture a few women, they would be trembling with fear. Where could there be such lively and intimate scenes? Seeing a situation that the stronghold leader had never enjoyed, Chen Qi couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy. Lu Haozhi, noticing Chen Qi's expression, secretly chuckled to himself: "This little thief, though cunning, has never seen much of the world. Once I use some benefits to soften him up for a few days, I am sure he will fall into my trap."

Even Lu Haozhi had once considered that at such a young age, Chen Qi had already attained a level of mastery equivalent to six or seven layers of Iron Bone Skill. Perhaps in one or two decades, he could open all the acupoints in his body and reach the status of a top-tier expert. Having such a future master would bring many conveniences in his dealings. The Yinshan Sect is also considered a major sect, but Lu Haozhi had not learned profound martial arts. Having roamed the martial world for many years, he certainly understood the importance of martial skills. However, due to his own lack of talent, he would not make any significant progress in this lifetime. Although the Bamboo Branch Gang was willing to associate with him, it was merely because they valued the foundation of the Tianma Mountain stronghold. The Yinshan Sect is also considered a major sect, but Lu Haozhi had not learned profound martial arts. Having roamed the martial world for many years, he certainly understood the importance of martial skills. However, due to his own lack of talent, he would not make any significant progress in this lifetime. Although the Bamboo Branch Gang was willing to associate with him, it was merely because they valued the foundation of the Tianma Mountain stronghold. In the future, they might turn against him without mercy.

Lu Haozhi was somewhat bewildered and replied, "I have never heard of this person! Who is this Xiao Pingnan, and why is the third leader so concerned about him?"

This beautiful third leader spoke in a very ambiguous manner. Although Lu Haozhi was openly teased, he could only respond with an awkward smile and explain: "This is our Seventh Brother from Tianma Mountain, a direct disciple of the Great Leader. Please do not joke, Third Leader."

Chen Qi felt a warmth in his heart and replied with a smile, "Of course, it is excellent to have books and illustrations. We do not have such enjoyment at Tianma Mountain"

Chen Qi's demeanor made the third leader chuckle, and he said gently: "Is Mr. Lu referring to you? He is not a good-hearted person, so do not let him deceive you. I have already suffered losses from him, and even now I am still being bullied by him"

Chen Qi's heart sank as he realized that this second-in-command had long since allied himself with one of the three major forces, the Bamboo Branch Gang. By making this statement clear, he was also testing Chen Qi; if Chen Qi's performance did not reassure him, it was likely that with a single command from Lu Hao, dozens of masters from the Bamboo Branch Gang could storm into this mansion and tear him apart with their blades. Even against Lu Hao, Chen Qi knew he would not stand a chance; his Iron Bone Skill had only reached the third level, and he was still no match for Lu Hao.

Lu Hao sighed with a bitter smile: "Even if he passes by our Tianma Mountain, all alone and seemingly a skilled martial artist, no one would dare to rob him. Moreover, how could we know who is called Xiao Pingnan? Even if we have seen him in person, it does not necessarily mean we would recognize him."

Lu Hao laughed and said, "If the seventh brother finds it good, then it is wonderful"

Lu Haozhi waved away those around him and then said with a smile, "Seventh brother, what do you think of the residence I have purchased for you?"

Chen Qi was momentarily taken aback and instinctively placed her hand on the machete at her waist. However, Lu Haozhi waved his hand and smiled, saying: "The third leader is joking. I have brought a sworn brother with me this time, and I was just about to discuss some figures from the Bamboo Branch Gang with him, so that I can take him out without breaching etiquette"

Although Chen Qi is not very old, he is quite tall, not much shorter than Lu Haozhi. Originally a fierce little bandit, after changing into a new set of clothes, he also possesses the demeanor of a graceful young man

Li Meimei chuckled and said: "I have a portrait of him here. Mr. Lu, please keep it with the books and help our Bamboo Branch Society keep an eye out. It is said that someone is willing to offer a magical artifact as a reward for information on this person's whereabouts"

Lu Haozhi had long since changed into a set of luxurious garments, adorned with intricate brocade patterns on the dark satin. The white fabric also exuded a scholarly air, making it impossible for anyone to discern that this person was the second-in-command of a mountain bandit.

The two leaders of Tianma Mountain are somewhat thoughtful individuals. After having lunch in Lu Hao's grand residence, they were engaged in casual conversation when suddenly, a clear and melodious laugh, reminiscent of a warbler, rang out from outside the courtyard, calling out: "So it turns out Mr. Lu has arrived. Why didn't you meet with me first, but instead waited for me to come to you?"

Chen Qi responded with a cheerful smile, appearing overjoyed, yet deep down, he felt a sudden jolt of anxiety, secretly thinking: "What does Seventh Brother's remarkable skills have to do with this? Has he discovered my secret? I lost those three pages of the golden manuscript; could it be that the second village leader has stolen them?"

Chen Qi paid no attention to the compliment, merely chuckling softly before saying, "Second Brother, you have kept me in suspense for quite some time on the way here, yet you have not been willing to tell me what the matter is. Now that we have arrived home, can you not share the details?"

Lu Hao cleared his throat and said to Chen Qi: "This residence was given to me by the third leader of the Bamboo Branch Gang. As long as you can persuade the chief to switch allegiance, such enjoyment will be abundant. The Bamboo Branch Gang has an excellent relationship with the governor of this county, allowing us to settle and establish ourselves in such a prosperous area, coming and going freely. This is a hundred times better than being mere bandits on Tianma Mountain, where even if we have money, we have nowhere to spend it.

Initially, Chen Qi lost three pages of the Golden Book and had considered countless possibilities. At this moment, he began to suspect Lu Haozhi. However, he quickly thought to himself: "He only took those three pages of the Golden Book and did not obtain the He Mountain Classic. If I diligently practice for a few days and painstakingly refine a spell from the texts, I can easily plot against him." The three pages of the Golden Book contained only some incantations for refining Qi and no actual spells, which Chen Qi was well aware of. After contemplating this, he devised a plan and felt less worried. Yet, he thought again: "He only took those three pages of the Golden Book and did not obtain the He Mountain Classic. If I diligently practice for a few days and painstakingly refine a spell from the texts, I can easily plot against him." The three pages of the Golden Book contained only some incantations for refining Qi and no actual spells, which Chen Qi was well aware of. After contemplating this, he devised a plan and felt less worried.

Li Meimei, the third leader of the Bamboo Branch Gang, sighed and said: "It is not that I am overly concerned about him; at this moment, there are countless individuals who are. Each of them has a background far greater than that of the Bamboo Branch Gang. This Xiao Pingnan is a disciple of the Immortal Dao sect, unlike us martial artists of the Jianghu. He seems to have stumbled upon some incredible fortune, having obtained a celestial scripture from the legendary Tianhe Laozu. As a result, the news leaked, and he is now being pursued by numerous people. Among these pursuers, there are those we cannot afford to offend. Some have inquired about this matter at the Bamboo Branch Gang, and I have heard that he has recently been seen in the vicinity. He may pass by your Tianma Mountain, which is why I came to ask." This Xiao Pingnan is a disciple of the Immortal Dao sect, unlike us martial artists of the Jianghu. He seems to have stumbled upon some incredible fortune, having obtained a celestial scripture from the legendary Tianhe Laozu. As a result, the news leaked, and he is now being pursued by numerous people. Among these pursuers, there are those we cannot afford to offend. Some have inquired about this matter at the Bamboo Branch Gang, and I have heard that he has recently been seen in the vicinity. He may pass by your Tianma Mountain, which is why I came to ask.

Lu Haozhi could not help but feel moved; just as he was about to say something, Li Meimei took out a scroll of paintings from her sleeve

When Lu Hao saw Chen Qi come out, he exclaimed, "My seventh brother's attire can be considered that of a handsome young man. If he were not trapped in a den of thieves and could become a chivalrous youth, who knows how many female heroes of the jianghu would be willing to approach him willingly"

Li Meimei, the third leader of the Bamboo Branch Gang, heard from her subordinates that she had encountered Lu Haozhi in Poyang Prefecture. She happened to have a matter to inquire about, so she hurried over. Although she found Chen Qi quite youthful and was inclined to tease him a bit, the matter at hand was of great importance. After exchanging a few light-hearted remarks with the two, she shifted the topic and asked, "Mr. Lu, have you recently seen someone named Xiao Pingnan at Tianma Mountain?"

Chen Qi was quick-witted, and his eyes sparkled with intelligence. He put on a look of fascination and chuckled, "It's a pity I am stuck in Tianma Mountain; otherwise, it would be nice to join the Bamboo Branch Gang as a low-ranking member. I have never lived in such a big city before"

At that moment, Lu Hao instructed his servants to boil water, stating that he wanted to bathe and change clothes. He also took Chen Qi's hand, assuring him to enjoy himself. A young maid led him to a large room at the back, and soon after, servants brought in a large wooden tub with a diameter of about one zhang, filled it with hot water, and then two voluptuous and alluring women came to assist him with his bath.

Lu Haozhi often comes to this place; not only is he familiar with the routes, but he has also purchased a large residence in the western part of Poyang Prefecture. When he brought Chen Qi to his grand mansion, he called out, and more than ten servants and maids came forward, presenting items for grooming, pastries, snacks, tea, and fruits, exuding a certain grandeur of a master.

Suddenly, Lu Haozhi felt that this Chen Qi was a "rare commodity". He thought to himself: "The Great Leader must have had this idea as well. Our Tianma Mountain does not have any true experts, so we might as well cultivate one ourselves. I wonder how he discovered that Chen Qi is a martial arts prodigy. It's a pity I didn't notice it earlier; otherwise, Chen Qi would have been my disciple by now"

Poyang Prefecture has already become a prominent district, not only governed by the prefectural decree, but also housing the local governor's office. With a population exceeding 100,000, it is indeed quite prosperous

Since Lu Haozhi discovered that Chen Qi possessed true energy, he began to regard this "Seventh Brother" with greater esteem. His thoughts on schemes took several turns, and at this moment, he genuinely desired to "collude" with Chen Qi. Chen Qi, being young and skilled in martial arts, stood in stark contrast to the Black Whirlwind, who had already passed his forties and would soon age in another decade or so. In comparison, Chen Qi's inherent value was significantly higher.

Lu Hao pondered back and forth, considering that he had not observed anything suspicious about the Great Leader Black Whirlwind's martial arts. It could not be that the Great Leader had obtained some secret martial arts manual; he could only attribute it to Chen Qi's exceptional talent. He felt a great sense of regret in his heart, realizing that he had not paid much attention to this young man, allowing the Great Leader to take the lead.