Chapter 3 gives you opportunities, yet you remain ineffective

Li Tong let out a cold laugh and said: "If it were someone from the Chu family in charge, I really wouldn't dare to provoke them. Even if the Chu family is in charge, they still hold a certain degree of real power. But as for Chu Xiu, I truly am not afraid of him!"

Although there are more than ten people around Chu Xiu, given his status in the Chu family, only five or six of them have truly reached the Body Refinement Realm, while the rest are merely servants who genuinely attend to Chu Xiu's daily needs

Moreover, Seventh Master has stated that this Chu Xiu holds no real power within the Chu family, and is even inferior to a steward, thus there is nothing to be feared.

However, they were all frightened today and did not dare to think too much, immediately following Chu Xiu upstairs

In the usual merchant convoy, when issues arise, there are two managers who play their respective roles; one takes on the harsh role while the other adopts a more lenient approach. As a result, within the convoy, Li Tong's prestige is the highest.

Chu Xiu pointed at the entrance of the inn and said calmly, "Get out now, take that idiot's corpse away, clean up the mess, and do not cause any trouble for the innkeeper."

At this moment, in another inn in Yuanbao Town, Li Jing walked to the door of a guest room. Listening to the sounds of laughter and merriment coming from inside, he knocked on the door, and a languid voice replied: "Come in."

After half a shichen, the servant returned and said in a low voice: "Seventh Master, the other party is from the Chu family"

Upon hearing this, Li Tong's expression suddenly changed, and he adopted a mature and composed tone as he said to Li Jing: "Li Jing, the other party is from the Chu family, which could pose some trouble.

No one present expected Chu Xiu to take action against Li Tong, nor did anyone react in time

This time, they dared to take the remote path to Yuanbao Town because they had a large number of people with them and were not afraid of the bandits, most of whom were merely a rabble.

Li Tong let out a cold laugh, and the servants of the Li family surrounded him, displaying an imposing demeanor

Where does your confidence come from to seek trouble? Do you believe that if I were to kill you on the spot, the final outcome would merely be me facing confinement and kneeling in a shrine?

Feeling the cold gaze of Chu Xiu, Li Tong finally took the short knife with trembling hands

Looking at Li Tong, a hint of unwillingness and disdain faintly appeared in the eyes of Li Jing

As Chu Xiu walked down, he saw that his few guards were confronting a group of people, while the maid Yue'er was huddled in a corner, too afraid to make a sound

At this moment in the inn's lobby, Li Jing walked cautiously to Li Tong's side and said: "Seventh Master..."

After speaking, Chu Xiu turned around and went upstairs. The servants of the Chu family and Yue Er below all wore expressions of daze. Is this still the same Chu Xiu as before

Chu Xiu took a step forward, the blade pressed tightly against his chest, and his voice was extremely somber: "I said, let you kill me!"

He was assigned two capable managers to oversee the merchant convoy, and over the years, there have been no significant issues. As a result, Li Tong's status within the Li family has increasingly risen.

The person before me is Li Tong, the leader of the Li family merchant convoy. He is known for his lecherous nature, possesses average abilities, and has an ordinary level of strength. One can tell from his current demeanor that even in a small place like Yuanbao Town, he must prepare for indulgences in wine and pleasure, and he is certainly willing to engage with women of such alluring beauty.

He is merely a collateral relative. Indeed, Chu Xiu's act of killing him has caused great trouble, but what can be done about it? After all, he is the biological son of Chu Zongguang, the head of the Chu family. Can the Li family really demand Chu Xiu's life in exchange for such a collateral disciple?

Feeling the cold blade still stained with fresh blood on his neck, and recalling the abruptness and ruthlessness with which Chu Xiu had killed before, Li Tong's legs involuntarily began to tremble

A hint of mockery appeared on Chu Xiu's face as he slapped Li Tong's face and coldly laughed, "Useless! Even when given a chance, you are still of no use. You don't even dare to kill with a knife. Who gave you the courage to come and trouble me?"

At that moment, Chu Xiu suddenly heard a commotion coming from below the inn, as if someone was calling his name.

Only Li Jing, who was beside him, gritted his teeth and reacted the fastest. He took out the dagger he carried with him and threw it at Chu Xiu, intending to block the blow. However, the dagger was directly shattered by Chu Xiu's strike, and the trace of the blade showed no change at all, accurately landing on Li Tong's neck

This scene was unexpected for everyone; it was one thing for Chu Xiu to kill a servant of the Li family, but now he even intends to kill Li Tong? It should be noted that Li Tong is not only the steward of the Li family but also a collateral relative of the Li lineage

Incomparable swiftness, as if lightning had streaked across the sky. By the time he reacted, he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his chest; a dagger had already been plunged into it. As Chu Xiu gently twisted the handle of the knife, blood gushed forth incessantly. He wanted to say something, but all he could do was widen his eyes, gradually losing his breath

As soon as these words were spoken, the servants of the Li family who had come with Li Tong all displayed expressions of excitement, clearly moved by Li Tong's willingness to confront the second young master of the Chu family over a mere servant

At this moment, Li Tong instinctively asked, "Who is the person from the Chu family? I don't recall hearing about any recent trade caravans from the Chu family. Moreover, the Chu family's caravans have never passed through Yuanbao Town."

With such a relationship, even though Shen Mo had just reached the age of thirty and took over as the head of the family, no one dared to say anything when he killed seven elders of the Shen family to establish his authority

The Li family is one of the three prominent families in Tongzhou Prefecture, with a large estate and significant business operations. Each year, several merchant caravans come and go, accompanied by a substantial number of warriors to guard against bandits

The only thing that Chu Xiu could not understand was to what extent he had been so cowardly in the past that even a side branch of the Li family dared to act so arrogantly towards him

Because Li Tong is ranked seventh in his lifetime, the servants of the Li family all call him Master Seven

Although Li Jing is a servant of the Li family, he has gained the appreciation of the third young master of the Li family and has been transferred to the merchant convoy. Although he is not in charge, he can be considered a minor leader.

Before he could finish speaking, Chu Xiu drew the short knife from the chest of the servant and struck directly at him!

Li Jing exclaimed, "Isn't that the second young master of the Chu family? He is not just a steward; can we afford to offend him?"

Looking at Li Tong, a hint of ambiguity appeared in Chu Xiu's eyes as he said, "What if I refuse to pay?"

Do not be deceived by the fact that he is the second son of the Chu family; he is actually a child born out of wedlock. Within the Chu family, he is neither favored by his grandmother nor cared for by his uncle, holding no real power whatsoever. Moreover, he is timid and cowardly, to the extent that even the steward of the Chu family does not regard him highly.

Li Tong was momentarily taken aback upon hearing this, and then he burst into hearty laughter, saying: "So it's that useless one, Li Jing. Rest assured, I will take charge of this matter for you!"

Faced with such insulting actions and mocking tones from Chu Xiu, Li Tong's face flushed with shame and anger, yet he did not dare to utter a single word more

Although Li Jing is currently just a minor leader, he is appreciated by the Third Young Master. In terms of seniority, he is indeed the cousin of the Third Young Master, but in reality, he is not much different from those in charge in front of the Third Young Master, which is why his attitude towards Li Jing is also quite favorable

It was only now that Li Tong realized just how foolish a thing he had done

Even if I, Chu Xiu, am not well-regarded within the Chu family, I am still the second son of the Chu family, and Chu Zongguang is my biological father. But what are you? Merely a collateral relative, with a status not much higher than that of a steward

After Li Jing embellished the story and recounted it to Li Tong, Li Tong immediately snorted coldly and said, "Rest assured, this matter is far from over. Even if it is a servant of the Li family, they are not something those small families can provoke!"

Within the inn, Chu Xiu played with a short knife, concealing it in his sleeve, while continuously envisioning and simulating the scene of the Azure Dragon emerging from the sea as he drew the blade.

If someone of such caliber can become the leader of a merchant caravan, no matter how capable he is, in the future, even if he becomes the steward of the Li family, he will ultimately still be a servant, required to assist and serve such a waste of space

With a clatter, the short knife fell to the ground, and Li Tong's hand trembled, unable to even hold the knife.

Li Tong, with a flushed face, shouted angrily: "Damn it! It is precisely because of this stupid idiot that so many troubles have arisen. Just wait, even if the Third Young Master is protecting you, when I return to the Li family, I will make you pay for it!"

The three prominent families of Tongzhou Prefecture, among them the Shen family is undoubtedly the foremost. The head of the Shen family, Shen Mo, is the biological brother of Shen Bai, the renowned disciple of the Canglan Sword Sect, a major faction in Weijun, known as the 'Falling Rain Sword'.

Oh? What is going on? How dare someone still attempt to seize a member of the Li family?" Li Tong immediately frowned

Li Jing's face revealed a hint of grievance as he said: "Seventh Master, just now I was robbed in the town. I revealed the name of the Li family, yet the other party still did not take my Li family seriously."

He is a collateral branch of the Li family. Although he is fond of women and has average abilities, he is at least capable of getting things done, which is better than those who are more of a hindrance than a help.

Li Tong quickly shook his head, what kind of joke is this? If Chu Xiu killed him, he would not have to pay with his life, but if he killed Chu Xiu, not only would he have to pay with his life, but even his wife and children would have to pay with their lives!

Li Tong immediately shuddered; he had only just thought of Chu Xiu's previous cowardice and how easy it was to bully him, but he had overlooked the essential nature of both parties' identities

I said, hold the knife

Chu Xiu leaned against the blade, pointing it at his own chest, and stared intently at Li Tong: "Did you not want to trouble me just now? Now that the knife is in your hand, I give you the opportunity to kill me."

Seeing the expressions on everyone's faces, Li Tong's eyes flashed with a hint of pride, but he still spoke with righteous indignation: "Chu Xiu, hand over the secret box you took from Li Jing and apologize, and this matter will be considered settled. After all, the Li family and the Chu family are both among the three prominent families of Tongzhou Prefecture, and I do not wish to damage our relationship. Otherwise, you know the consequences!"

Li Tong indeed wanted to defend himself, but this time he merely intended to intimidate Chu Xiu. He did not bring any weapons at all, and moreover, he had grown accustomed to a life of luxury, having hardly experienced any real combat. Even if he had weapons, he would not be able to defend himself.

Thank you, Lord Qi, for advocating on behalf of this humble person

Although the Chu family only moved to Tongzhou Prefecture over twenty years ago, the head of the Chu family, Chu Zongguang, is no ordinary individual in terms of strength

Chu Xiu moved the short knife away from Li Tong's neck, handed him the hilt, and said calmly: "Take the knife."

There was not a trace of expression on Chu Xiu's face; he merely said lightly, "You won't let me leave Yuanbao Town? Heh."

Whether it is the Li family or the Shen family, they both regard him as a useless person. In any case, the future heir of the Chu family will certainly not be him, and he is not worth paying attention to

He has transcended the stages of body tempering and blood coagulation, achieving a state where the vital energy and blood, tendons, and bones within his body are harmoniously integrated, free from impurities, resembling the innate state of a newborn. A person in his fifties appears to be in their early forties.

Li Tong said that the second son of the Chu family has a cowardly personality and is essentially useless, but the one who previously competed with him for the secret box acted domineeringly and had a sinister expression. Are these two really the same person

The person standing up is Li Tong's trusted confidant; if he does not express his loyalty at this moment, when else will he do so

The people present were all looking expressionlessly at Li Jing, who was lying on the ground with a blank expression. It was because of him that Li Tong lost such face today; from now on, his days in the Li family are likely to be difficult.

None of the people present saw how Chu Xiu drew his knife, nor did anyone notice where he had concealed it.

Speaking, Li Tong directly waved his hand and led his men to seek trouble with Chu Xiu

It was not until the moon in the rear let out a piercing scream that everyone reacted. Did this Chu Xiu actually kill someone? Without a word, he stabbed a person to death?

The technique of the Sleeve Dragon is not overly complex, but Chu Xiu can sense that mastering it to perfection is not so easy. The limits of this martial skill may be deeper than Chu Xiu had imagined.

Looking at Li Tong, Chu Xiu said in a flat tone: "Do you really think someone like you can cause me trouble? It's simply absurd!"

As the door was pushed open, a man in his thirties, dressed in a brocade robe, was playfully teasing a heavily made-up woman with a gaudy appearance. On the table were various dishes and drinks, and two other stewards from the merchant caravan were accompanying them, each with a woman of similar appearance by their side

Li Tong was taken aback for a moment, not understanding what Chu Xiu meant

Seeing Chu Xiu come down, Li Tong let out a cold laugh and said: "Chu Xiu, you really have quite the audacity, daring to steal even from my Li family. Let me tell you, even a servant of the Li family is not so easily bullied!"

A trace of unwillingness flashed in Li Jing's eyes, but he could only obediently nod his head

At this moment, a servant standing beside Li Tong pointed at Chu Xiu and shouted: "Seventh Master is giving you face by asking you to hand over the items and apologize! Otherwise, with your mere presence, you can forget about leaving this Yuanbao Town today!"

It is said that a year ago he committed a foolish act, which led to his demotion to the Nanshan mining area of the Chu family, where he has been idling away. Such a useless person, even if we offend him, he would not dare to report it to Chu Zongguang, fearing that Chu Zongguang would punish him even more severely

Although Li Tong's abilities are average, he is not foolish; he understands that he cannot manage the caravan well on his own. Therefore, he has always treated the two managers of the caravan very well, which has made them grateful to him.

When the head of the Li family was alive, he could indeed compete with that old fellow Chu Zongguang, but now that the old master has passed away, although the eldest son, second son, and third son are all outstanding individuals who have upheld the Li family after the old master's death, and are referred to by outsiders as the "Three Tigers of the Li Family," there is still a certain gap compared to the Chu family. Let this matter rest.

However, although he thought this in his heart, Li Jing still forced a smile and cupped his hands, saying: "I have met you, Seventh Master"

Speaking, Li Tong instructed a servant from the merchant caravan to inquire about the identity of the other party. Yuanbao Town is quite small, and such matters can be easily investigated.

However, before he could finish his words, he was directly kicked to the ground by Li Tong.

A seemingly mocking faint smile was heard, and just as the servant of the Li family was about to say something, his vision was suddenly filled with a flash of blade light

Seeing Li Jing's tearful expression of gratitude, Li Tong nodded in satisfaction. This method of winning people's hearts without much effort was what he excelled at

Chu Xiu raised his head to glance at Li Tong, recalling that there indeed was such a person. However, the former Chu Xiu was not well-regarded within the Chu family, let alone among other families

Upon seeing Li Jing, Li Tong smiled and waved his hand, saying: "Ah, it's Li Jing. Come, come, sit down and have a drink. I'll have the shopkeeper call a girl up. Don't be picky; it's already quite good to have a girl in such a small place. Once we return to Tongzhou Prefecture and receive our rewards, I will treat you all to a splendid time at the Drunken Flower Pavilion."

That person is the second son of the Chu family, Chu Xiu

On the side of the Li family, as it is a merchant group, the servants qualified to join the Li family merchant group are all trained in martial arts, being all practitioners at the Body Refinement stage

Li Jing followed behind the crowd, yet for some reason, he felt a sense of unease in his heart

Li Tong pointed at Chu Xiu, his face filled with astonishment: "You... you actually dare..."

Such a person can also become the leader of a caravan, entirely due to Li Tong's background