Chapter Six: Isolated from the World

Another voice replied: "The old man originally had no confidence, but he has surprisingly managed to survive for more than half a month. I think he should be able to live on."

Then Qi Gujin threw Cheng Chuqiu up, immediately abandoning the bamboo pole and switching to a steel knife, leaping onto the cabin roof. The cabin roof was even smaller, and the two engaged in close combat, striking swiftly and fiercely. Originally, even with the steel knife, Qi Gujin should have maintained a certain distance to keep his advantage, but he also had throwing knives that were only two to three inches long to complement his attacks. Back and forth, he did not suffer any losses.

Cheng Chuqiu, bewildered, said: "Wen... Wen Jun, you..." Following her gesture to look behind, he was startled to realize that Yao Ji was lying behind him, her jade-like body exposed, completely unclothed

Then the steward Li said: "Hey, young man, your name is Chu Qiu, right?" Cheng Chu Qiu thought to himself: "My right hand is useless, and I have been marked with something unsightly on my face. It would be better to stay here for a while, observe the situation, and then plan for the long term." He replied: "Yes."

As he entered the flower thicket, the forest was deep as the sea. Although Cheng Chuqi felt a bit strange, at this moment, he had no time to ponder such matters. He pushed aside the flowers and parted the grass, chasing the figure of the beauty, gently calling out: "Wen Jun! Wen Jun!" Suddenly, he stepped into empty space, his body fell, and with a splash, he plunged into the water

The elderly man with the surname Lin pointed to a dilapidated stone mortar in front of the door and said, "Try using your right hand to lift that stone mortar and see."

The knife wound on Cheng Chuqiu's shoulder pierced his heart with pain, and he nearly fainted on the spot. The fact that he could still stand was already a remarkable feat. At this moment, seeing the dual approach of Fortune and Longevity, he thought to himself: "If both my hands become useless and I turn into a cripple, it would be better to die than to live like this." After all, death was inevitable, he thought: "So be it..." Gritting his teeth, he turned over and leaped into the lake.

Cheng Chuqiu gently called out: "Yao Ji ... ..."

Chief Steward Li: "Since that is the case, I cannot blame you entirely. Let us go, and we can talk along the way"

Cheng Chuqiu endured the pain and replied, "Yes." After rolling her eyes around, she realized that she was lying in a thatched hut. A sudden thought struck her: "I have indeed come back to life." She then asked, "Old... gentleman, was it you... who saved me?"

The old man with the surname Lin said, "How do you feel today?" Cheng Chuqiu replied, "Yesterday's events, like yesterday's death; today's events, like today's birth." Although he did not directly answer the question, his brief words conveyed a profound meaning.

When did such a deep-water lake stream appear in this place? He had no time to think further; in the midst of his busy schedule, he quickly held his breath and desperately paddled with his limbs. However, no matter how hard he struggled, his body continued to sink, the surroundings gradually darkened, and he could not see his hand in front of him. It was cold and damp, utterly silent, a complete stillness, as if it would never end

Yao Ji seemed to be oblivious to this and continued, "Then allow me to drink first as a gesture of respect." As she spoke, she lifted her wine cup, about to bring it to her lips, when Cheng Chuqiu extended his arm and swiftly knocked it away.

Hearing the footsteps, two more individuals emerged behind the young woman. Cheng Chuqiu glanced over and was surprised to see two women in purple attire, each holding a fish spear and an iron hook, standing behind her and Steward Li. At this moment, there was no sound coming from the back hall, and there were no signs of anyone else intending to come out.

Cheng Chuqiu looked at the old man's face; if it were not for witnessing his skills with his own eyes, it would be hard to believe that such an ordinary-looking elder was actually a master surgeon. However, perhaps due to his advanced age, his eyesight had dimmed, and his needlework skills had somewhat declined

The two individuals turned into a flower-filled nook, and soon they came across some garden landscapes. There were pavilions, stone bridges, artificial hills, and flowing springs, everything one could imagine. Deep within the flowers stood a wooden house, a waterside pavilion, and a vermilion-roofed green-tiled building, all set in an elegant environment, unique in its own way. Cheng Chuqi thought to himself: "This Chief Guo certainly knows how to enjoy life"

Beauty | Elegance | Young Woman's Way: "What are you in such a hurry for? Did I say he is dull?"

He suddenly opened his eyes and found himself still lying in the same place. Around him, there were rustling sounds, and faintly, he could hear voices. His body was still weak, and not only had there been no improvement, but now even turning his head was difficult; he could only stare blankly at the ceiling.

The elder named Lin said: "Take Chu Qiu to meet Chief Steward Li. Inform him that his right hand cannot lift heavy objects, but he has a refined appearance and clear reasoning, as if he has studied for a few years. As for the rest, just answer truthfully."

Cheng Chuqiu said: "That being said, I am not a member of the Dongting Gang. The leader of the Dongting Gang may be able to command you, but he cannot command me"

Guo Zongyao had a total of seven disciples in his lifetime. His eldest disciple violated the gang rules, and in order to maintain authority, Guo Zongyao imposed a heavier punishment: he was first whipped dozens of times, then bound tightly and weighed down with a large stone, sinking him to the bottom of Dongting Lake. The second disciple died young due to illness, while the third, fourth, fifth, and seventh disciples perished in several disputes over territory with nearby gangs, three died and one went missing. When Guo Zongyao took his last breath, only his sixth disciple, Wei Qing, was there to see him off.

It is evident that what Manager Li oversees mostly consists of various internal affairs. After some discussion, it ultimately revolves around the personnel and goods that have come and gone over the past few months, what items have increased, and what items have decreased, among other matters. Cheng Chuqiu listened for the first time and was somewhat interested. The young woman clearly began to regret asking him about these matters. Seizing the opportunity, she said: "Alright, these matters will be handled by Manager Li, so I can rest assured"

The old man with the surname Lin nodded and allowed him to sit beside him, then proceeded to untie the bandage that was wrapped around his right shoulder and across his entire chest. Cheng Chuqiu turned his head to look at the wound on his right shoulder, and saw the muscle protruding, resembling a pink centipede the size of a finger, twisting its body and coiling on his shoulder. On either side of the centipede were two rows of tiny red dots, likely the needle holes left by the old man Lin after stitching the wound and removing the sutures.

He suddenly stopped, looked up at the sky, and thought: "If that is the case, I will first assume that Yao Ji was already schemed against before arriving at Lei Family Village. That day at Lord Xu's residence, that flower thief also said that after taking the aphrodisiac, one must wait for more than half an hour for the effects to take place, and Yao Ji..." Recalling Yao Ji's various behaviors at that time, he found it somewhat unclear. The reason for this was, of course, that Yao Ji was the first woman with whom he had an intimate relationship in his life, but her performance that night was so wild that even he, who was completely inexperienced and drunk, could feel that it was too exaggerated.

Cheng Chuqiu naturally knew that she had fallen into the lake, but after being rescued, it was not certain that she would still be in Dongting Lake. She hurriedly asked, "Is there no boat here? How do you all come and go?"

Cheng Chuqiu was taken aback; it turned out that this woman was none other than Chai Wenjun. What was she doing here, far from Yunxiao Mountain? The problem was that Yao Ji had also suddenly disappeared. Cheng Chuqiu thought of a "lucky" escape, but Chai Wenjun was still fuming, her tears nearly spilling over.

Fu Lu smiled and said, "Of course, your swordsmanship is commendable, but to sever his pipa bone with a single strike, you won't succeed without our assistance." Qi Gujin snorted softly, noncommittal. Catching sight of Fu Lu drawing a dagger, he couldn't help but ask, "What are you doing?"

Cheng Chuqiu said: "No."

In conversation, the two individuals walked out of the forest and turned onto the mountain path. Soon, a stone staircase appeared ahead; they ascended step by step, and figures began to emerge on both sides. This was the first time in over a month that Cheng Chuqiu had seen anyone other than the Lin family disciples, which stirred some feelings within him

The scene was suddenly thrown into chaos. Cao Chong, not understanding the situation, was eager to investigate and quickly ordered the boat to move forward. At that moment, two figures sprang out from the side and leaped onto the boat where Cheng Qi and the others were. It turned out to be Fu, Lu, and Shou. They were afraid that Qi Gujin would take all the credit, making it inconvenient for them when it came time to divide the money. At this moment, the other idle people on the boat had already jumped off, and the two of them took the opportunity to fill the gap.

The elderly man with the surname Lin finished speaking, glanced at Cheng Chuqiu, and then walked back into the house. The two watched him enter, and only then did Lin Tie'er invite Cheng Chuqiu to walk into the forest together.

Fu Lu Shou Xi was enraged, and they supported each other, launching a counterattack. The four of them immediately became entangled in a fierce struggle. Although the situation had slightly changed, the principle remained that three were against Cheng Chu Qiu alone. Cheng Chu Qiu gritted his teeth and persevered, fighting with all his might

The young man said, "He is in the backyard." He stepped aside from the door, and the two of them walked in

Their lips met, and Wen Jun quickly closed her eyes. The hands pressed against his chest exerted a slight force, but did not resist strongly. Cheng Chu Qiu was greatly encouraged, wrapping his arms around her tightly, passionately kissing and sucking on her lips and tongue.

Cheng Chuqiu followed his words and approached him. Looking ahead, he couldn't help but exclaim in his heart: "How bitter!" Before him lay an expanse of azure waves, boundless and infinite. Even if there were a boat, he wouldn't know where to go.

The scope has suddenly narrowed significantly, and Cheng Chu Qiu was overjoyed, shouting happily: "Boatman, return to shore, I want to disembark!" He was planning in his heart how to take the first step in pursuing these clues, and the recent gloom was thus completely dispelled.

Then Chief Steward Li asked a few more questions in a fragmented manner, and subsequently said: "This will make things much easier, follow me." He instructed the people present to continue their work, assigned another person to monitor the progress, and led Cheng Chuqiu out of the courtyard.

Manager Li listened attentively while keeping his gaze fixed on Cheng Chuqiu, occasionally responding with "mm-hmm" without indicating whether he truly understood. Once Lin Tie'er finished speaking, he finally said, "Alright, I understand. You may leave now, and please send my regards to your master."

Yao Ji smiled as she dodged, asking how a chick could possibly compete with an eagle. Cheng Chu Qiu, employing a strategy of feigned retreat, quickly wrapped his arms around her and whispered in her ear, "Escape? Where do you think you can run to?" Yao Ji's face turned crimson with embarrassment as she softly replied, "Good brother, you must be gentle..."

However, that dream was so vivid that as soon as Cheng Chuqiu closed his eyes, the scene immediately leapt back into his mind. He felt a lingering fear, his heart still racing, and he thought: "What am I afraid of? What exactly am I afraid of? What is there to be afraid of?"

Cheng Chuqiu was greatly affected, suddenly at a loss for words, and blurted out: "What... what about working?"

The elderly man with the surname Lin said, "Your right shoulder's tendons and bones have indeed been severely broken. Even if the healing condition is good, it will not be the same as before. In the future, the strength of your right hand will not be comparable to that of an average person"

The elderly man with the surname Lin let out a cold laugh and said, "A talent returns from the gates of hell, and yet speaks so arrogantly. Heh heh... good... good..." With his hands clasped behind his back, he slowly walked to the door. Cheng Chuqiu had never left this thatched hut, but followed him to the door.

The elder rose and said, "He has just woken up; please help him take his medicine."

Yao Ji was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and said: "Oh dear, what are you doing..."

Near the house, several burly men emerged from the side. Upon seeing Manager Li, their expressions softened, and they said: "So it is Manager Li."

Chai Wenjun, as known by Cheng Chuqiu, is shy and reserved, yet well-educated and courteous. She does not possess martial skills, and thus lacks the bold and unrestrained demeanor typical of those who practice martial arts, along with the potential for a grandiose character. On the contrary, she is more constrained by certain societal norms and conventions, maintaining a rather strict attitude towards the boundaries between men and women

The elderly man with the surname Lin turned back to attend to his own matters, neither accepting nor avoiding, and said calmly: "Why are you thanking me? Your life is no longer yours, do you understand?"

A sudden sharp pain caused Cheng Chuqiu to cry out and open her eyes, beads of sweat forming on her forehead, while all she could hear was the sound of her own labored breathing

Therefore, if she were to suddenly slap him or raise her eyebrows and give him a stern reprimand, Cheng Chuqiu would not be surprised. However, the person before him did not do that; instead, she displayed seven parts shyness and three parts joy.

Lin Tie'er said: "Did you not hear just now? The master wants me to take you to meet Manager Li. He will assign you work and also provide you with accommodation"

The woman continued, "So, this person's life is indeed quite resilient!" After a pause, she added, "If he hasn't been assigned yet, why not just give him to me."

Then Manager Li, seeing that she was not angry, smiled and said: "Yes, yes. To receive the lady's favor is his blessing"

Lin Tie'er said: "As we walk, I will talk to you."

The young woman pondered for a moment and said, "It's nothing, let's go down first..."

At the end of the stone steps stands an archway. The two of them pass beneath it, and Lin Tie'er stops by the path, saying: "Alright, I have said all I can say. Do not ask me again; even if you do, I will not tell you. Brother Chu, you... you are already a member of the Dongting Gang, do you know that?"

In their second encounter, both individuals were already well aware of each other's capabilities. Cheng Chuqiu found himself surrounded and in a precarious situation, with formidable opponents closing in, leaving no room for carelessness. Suddenly, a few heavy strikes landed, and with a "crack," a large hole was smashed into the cabin ceiling. Following that, Qi Guqin delivered a decisive blow with his knife, striking the ceiling directly. With a resounding "boom," the entire cabin collapsed.

Amidst the screams, wood shavings and splinters were instantly scattered everywhere. Coupled with Cheng Qi and his companion's relentless efforts, the gusts from their strikes forced the others on the same boat to flee. Some even jumped into the lake, swimming away to avoid being caught in the crossfire.

In principle, these opinions can be divided into two major factions. One faction supports the senior elder, Bao Kexin: as the senior elder of the Dongting Gang, his status is esteemed, ranking second only to the gang leader. Directly appointing the senior elder to succeed the gang leader is the most stable option and less likely to cause disturbances, making him the best candidate in the eyes of the conservative forces within the gang

The curtain was lifted, and two women in purple garments stepped out first. One held an iron hook, while the other carried a harpoon. They approached the main hall and stood firmly beside the main seat. Cheng Chuqiu thought to himself: "This Guo Zongyao is quite imposing, even employing two women to assist him with weapons. In this way, when it comes to facing the enemy, he is ultimately a step behind." Observing that although the two women moved skillfully, their stances were unsteady, lacking any remarkable martial prowess, he couldn't help but shake his head repeatedly. Cheng Chuqiu thought to himself: "This Guo Zongyao is quite imposing, even employing two women to assist him with weapons. In this way, when it comes to facing the enemy, he is ultimately a step behind." He noted that although the two women moved skillfully, their stances were unsteady, lacking any remarkable martial prowess, and he couldn't help but shake his head repeatedly.

Cheng Chuqiu followed for a while and, realizing they had already left the thatched cottage for some distance, asked, "Brother Lin, where are we headed?"

Cheng Chuqiu felt as if his entire body was floating in a void, disoriented and unable to distinguish up from down or left from right. There was nowhere to exert any force, and he lacked the strength to do so, especially as his chest felt heavy, dizziness overwhelmed him, and his internal organs began to churn, causing immense discomfort. He could not help but want to scream, but as soon as he opened his mouth, water began to flood in through his mouth and nose. Unable to breathe, he could only continue to swallow the water that filled his stomach. Now he felt the urge to vomit, yet he had to swallow, and tears nearly spilled from his eyes. He could not help but want to scream, but as soon as he opened his mouth, water began to flood in through his mouth and nose. Unable to breathe, he could only continue to swallow the water that filled his stomach. Now he felt the urge to vomit, yet he had to swallow, and tears nearly spilled from his eyes.

Cheng Chuqiu shook his head and said, "I don't know why; in any case, it's a misunderstanding." The elderly man with the surname Lin understood that he was unwilling to elaborate and replied calmly, "Rest assured, we will not hand you over to your enemies. On the contrary, this is a very good refuge. As long as you behave and do what you are supposed to do, you will always have food and clothing for the rest of your life"

Cheng Chuqiu thought to himself: "Your leader? Are you really going to take me to meet Guo Zongyao?"

He stood up and paced back and forth on the deck in front of the cabin, constantly questioning himself. After walking back and forth about ten times, a sudden flash of inspiration struck him, and he exclaimed: "That's right, Yao Ji didn't drink! At that time, Yao Ji didn't drink..." He clearly remembered that Yao Ji had suddenly appeared at the foot of the bed and had once said in a playful tone: "We haven't even had our drinks yet!" Then, just before she went to get the wine, she suddenly stumbled and fell onto him. After that, they had no chance to touch the wine again. At that time, Yao Ji had suddenly appeared at the foot of the bed and had once said in a playful tone: "We haven't even had our drinks yet!" Then, just before she went to get the wine, she suddenly stumbled and fell onto him. After that, they had no chance to touch the wine again

Cheng Chuqiu was both angry and anxious, shouting: "Qi Gujin, is this tactic of yours not too cunning?" Before Qi Gujin could respond, someone from a ship on the right answered: "You bold scoundrel, you killed your master first and then continued to commit heinous acts against innocent women. You are utterly deranged, worse than a pig or a dog, and now you still have the audacity to argue about who is cunning.

Cheng Chuqiu responded and turned his gaze back. He saw the beautiful young woman sitting in the grandmaster's chair in the hall, leaning sideways and resting her hand on the tea table beside her. As he looked at her face, their eyes met perfectly. Cheng Chuqiu felt a jolt and thought to himself: "This lady seems familiar..."

Lin Tie'er said: "Brother Chu, do not be misled by my young age and speak sweet words to flatter me. I have never expected any form of repayment from you, so please do not mention any notions of gratitude or recompense in the future."

The boat that everyone was on to surround Cheng Chuqiu was originally not large, and the one where Qi Guqin was located had, besides Qi Guqin, three or four other people, making it quite difficult for them to turn around and brush past each other. Now that Cheng Chuqiu suddenly leaped onto the boat, the cramped space became even more crowded, and the people on the other boats could only stare wide-eyed and shout, unable to come forward to help

Cheng Chuqiu asked, "What about the back mountain? Is there a road to the back mountain?" Lin Tie'er replied, "What back mountain? This is an island; we are in the middle of Dongting Lake. You were fished out from Dongting Lake. Do you not... do you not know?"

However, on this day, Cheng Chuqiu decided to no longer suppress his desires. He felt that the situation of merely holding her small hand and embracing her slender waist must undergo a breakthrough. Savoring the fragrance of flowers and listening to the chirping of birds, while Wenjun was entranced by the splendid natural beauty around them, he gently cupped her face resting against his chest and passionately kissed her cherry-red lips.

Chief Li said, "In that case, I shall take my leave." He pulled Cheng Chuqiu to his feet

The elderly man with the surname Lin let out a cold laugh, and after a while, he said: "Since you have already recovered, you should start working; people do not spare your life for nothing"

At that moment, Fu Lu arrived from behind, let out a hearty laugh, and struck him on the back with a punch. Although Cheng Chu Qiu hurriedly circulated his internal energy to protect his body, the force of the impact caused him to involuntarily lurch forward, and Qi Gu Jin's blade came down, precisely cutting into his right shoulder

He struggled to get up, but his whole body was weak, and he couldn't muster any strength. Suddenly, an elderly voice beside him said, "Don't move around..."

The young man said, "Yes." He set the bowl aside and reached out to touch Cheng Chuqiu's nape.

The elderly man with the surname Lin examined him carefully, adjusted his clothing casually, and said: "Your wound has healed quite well; it seems there is no major issue."

Cheng Chuqiang replied weakly, "Yes." Originally, he wanted to ask him where this place was, but now he had to refrain from mentioning it.

Thus, Wei Qing once again safely avoided the storm's center, adopting the stance of an observer as he watched the prolonged ebb and flow between the two factions. Gradually, misunderstandings arose from their differences, and these misunderstandings deepened their divisions, ultimately leading to an irreconcilable conflict.

However, after thinking for a while, his mood gradually calmed down, and he couldn't help but feel disheartened. After all, the two of them, master and disciple, were his saviors. To ask him to be ungrateful, or even to repay kindness with enmity, was contrary to the deeply rooted beliefs he had held for many years

The young woman inquired again about how to arrange for Cheng Chuqiu. Steward Li replied: "He has suffered serious injuries and cannot do heavy labor. However, it is fortunate that he can recognize a few characters, so he won't become completely incapacitated. Uncle Cai, who manages the accounts, is getting old, has poor eyesight, and his hands tremble. I think it would be best to let him assist there for the time being."

The waves of passion spread in Cheng Chuqiu's mind like ripples. His hands could no longer be satisfied with merely caressing Wen Jun's back; they slowly glided down to her waist, then to her lower abdomen, following the path previously taken on her chest. Wen Jun let out a soft gasp, her body recoiling as she playfully laughed, "Oh no, this won't do... this won't do... it can't be..." She turned and fled into the flower bushes.

Cheng Chuqiu said: "Yes, you are right, senior. If there are matters where I can be of assistance to you, I will naturally do my utmost. However, I still have some unfinished business outside..." The old man surnamed Lin replied: "Since you have come here, there is no need to concern yourself with matters outside. Did you not say: 'What happened yesterday is like yesterday's death, and what happens today is like today's birth'?"

As both sides were engaged in a fierce struggle, suddenly the boat swayed, causing Qi Gujin to lose his balance and lean backward. At that moment, Shouxi happened to be standing right behind him, seizing the opportunity, he extended a leg and kicked towards Qi Gujin's waist. If that kick landed, Qi Gujin would surely fall overboard. Cheng Chuqiu, witnessing this, looked down upon Shouxi's underhanded tactics, disregarding his own safety, he sidestepped and struck a palm towards Shouxi.

As everyone saw him jump into the lake again, they shouted loudly: "Stop him! Fish him out!" In an instant, bamboo poles and oars were thrust in. Before Cheng Chuqiu entered the water, he closed his eyes, not looking at anything, completely devoid of the ability to resist, allowing everyone to poke and prod him. Before long, as his body gradually sank, the sounds around him also diminished, eventually leading to complete silence. The breath that had been held in his chest was now insufficient, and his heartbeat sounded like a drum, almost leaping out of his chest. Before long, as his body gradually sank, the sounds around him also diminished, eventually leading to complete silence. The breath that had been held in his chest was now insufficient, and his heartbeat sounded like a drum, almost leaping out of his chest

At that moment, Manager Li informed him of everything he needed to know. It turned out that the leader of the Dongting Gang was indeed Guo Zongyao, and his renowned weapon was exactly as Cheng Chuqiu had known, without any discrepancies. However, the current disparity lay solely in the fact that all of this was old news from three years ago; in reality, Guo Zongyao had passed away three years prior.

Additionally, there is another third force, although its numbers are relatively small and have not attracted particular attention. This refers to Wei Qing, the disciple of Guo Zongyao.

Cheng Chuqiu recognized this voice and knew that he was the lifesaver who wanted her to remain silent and not show weakness. Hearing him say that she could survive, she couldn't help but feel joy, and then thought to herself: "So I have already been unconscious for more than half a month"

Lin Tie'er stepped forward and saluted in front of the middle-aged man

After the two of them walked out for a while, Cheng Chuqiu looked around and couldn't help but ask, "So... so, Master Supervisor, where are we going to go next?"

Lin Tie'er glanced at him and said softly, "If you have a way to swim out, I also support your departure. However, I have heard that the waterways here are intricate, and it is impossible for outsiders to navigate boats in this area. Moreover, the surface of the water nearby is filled with our gang's vessels, which are very fierce and capable of anything; no other boats dare to approach at all"

After the young man finished administering the medicine, he was unwilling to say anything more and left with the empty bowl. Cheng Chuqiu lay there, her eyelids gradually becoming heavier. She closed her eyes, a buzzing sound filling her mind, and soon fell into a deep sleep again

The old man said, "Conserve your strength and rest early. Whether your life can be saved is still uncertain at this moment"

He let out a soft sigh, and the gratitude and respect he originally felt for Master Lin Tie'er suddenly vanished. He self-deprecatingly remarked: "Although he saved my life, he then turned around and sold my life to the Dongting Gang. So I no longer owe him anything, nor does he owe me. Let's just consider it even!"

The woman said, "Alright, enough, I understand. In any case, just focus on your own tasks."

Cheng Chuqiu contemplated this point clearly and then thought: "If one were to drug someone, the best medium would be alcohol. And would a courtesan drink alone in her room before the guest arrives?" The threads of the situation began to weave together in his mind, and the more Cheng Chuqiu thought about it, the more excited he became, unconsciously quickening his pacing.

Cheng Chuqiu still wanted to explain, but the old man surnamed Lin said: "You need not say any more. Do not forget that your life is no longer your own. Just be obedient and keep to yourself, and you will have your benefits. If you let your heart wander and still wish to engage in your previous ways, I will not be able to save you next time." After a pause, he continued: "This is the first time I have spoken so much, and that is because I have invested considerable effort in you. It was not easy to bring you back to life, so do not let me see you lying down again."

This is the brightest moment that Cheng Chuqiu has felt in more than half a month. As he thought about this, he further speculated that if Yao Ji had indeed been set up before arriving at Leijiazhuang, then who would be the most suspicious? Who would have known that Yao Ji would come to serve him that night?

The beautiful and charming young woman no longer paid him any attention and continued to speak to Cheng Chuqiu: "Hmm, your name is Chuqiu, isn't it? I didn't expect you to have sustained such serious injuries and yet managed to pull through. You really have a strong life. You probably don't know that in these past few days, your life has become the biggest bet here, with the odds set at fifteen to one. Your survival has caused quite a few gamblers to contemplate hanging themselves, haha. Now that you are famous, I fear many people will come looking for you to settle accounts! Hehe..."

Even in a dream, Cheng Chuqiu was no fool; how could she let this opportunity slip away? Coming to her senses, she shouted, "Wenjun!" and chased after her figure, rushing into the flower bushes

At that moment, voices were heard from the back hall, singing: "Madam has arrived..."

Cheng Chuqiu found it quite challenging to deal with Qi Gujin alone, so how could he manage to handle Fu, Lu, Shou, and Xi? After a few exchanges, the situation became perilous. Upon seeing two unexpected guests arriving from the sky, Qi Gujin felt quite displeased and, amidst his busy schedule, deliberately slashed a few times towards Fu, Lu, Shou, and Xi to express his dissatisfaction

Cheng Chuqiu thought to himself: "Given my current state of destitution, it is better not to reveal my real name, lest I tarnish the reputation of my master." Thus, he said: "My surname is Chu, and my given name is Qiu. I have been orphaned since childhood, wandering everywhere and doing odd jobs to survive."

Lin Tie'er said: "This is the work of my master. Moreover, after he learned that he had finally saved your life, he tattooed the gang emblem on your cheek, indicating that from now on, you are a member of the Dongting Gang." Cheng Chuqiu exclaimed in astonishment: "What?"

Cheng Chuqiu contemplated for a moment, but seeing that the vessel had not moved at all, he called out again to the rear cabin: "Boatman! We are going back!" To avoid the possibility that the crew member had fallen asleep like him, he walked into the cabin to search, but he walked all the way to the stern and did not encounter a single person. In other words, he did not know when it had started, but he was the only one left on this boat.

Cheng Chuqiu was greatly astonished and secretly channeled his internal energy. However, he felt that each time his internal breath reached the Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian, the Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian, and the Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian, it was obstructed by his right shoulder. No matter how he forced the energy to circulate, it could not pass through.

Fortune and prosperity did not respond, only conveying to longevity and happiness: "Disable his left hand, and this time do not let him escape!" With longevity on the left and happiness on the right, they charged towards Cheng Chuqiu. Qi Guqin said: "Wait!" Yet he could not articulate what was wrong with their actions, and although he spoke, his feet remained firmly planted.

Cheng Chuqiu looked at her expression and couldn't help but feel entranced

Cheng Chuqiu was under pressure both internally and externally. Although he tried to remain calm on the surface, he was momentarily at a loss for words. Hao Biao said, "Kid, are you surrendering on your own? Or do you want us to drown you right here?"

Cheng Chuqiu learned from him that the Dongting Gang operates in both the legal and illegal realms on Dongting Lake. Its main sources of income, in addition to the inherent mountain products and fish catches, include being a major shipowner renting boats to nearby fishermen, engaging in piracy against isolated merchant ships, and contracting as the largest freight carrier in the waters of Dongting Lake

Suddenly awakened, I found myself unaware of my surroundings. Looking around, all I could see was the ceiling of the room. A single thought crossed my mind: "Am I dead?"

Cheng Chuqiu was suddenly enlightened when he heard her say, "Your life is indeed quite resilient." He thought to himself, "So it was her." He recalled that when he was still lying in the thatched cottage and unable to get up, a woman had come to his bedside to look at him. At that time, that woman had mentioned the phrase "resilient life." Looking back now, the tone of that voice was undoubtedly the same as that of the young woman before him

Seeing that Manager Li had no response, he continued: "When you meet the person later, be careful with your words. You will only have one chance; if you do not seize it well, there will be no next time"

Lin Tie'er was about to explain more clearly, but before she knew it, she had already arrived at her destination. Cheng Chuqiu saw a massive structure standing before her, with earthen walls and stone fortifications, feeling as if it were a mountain stronghold, yet also resembling a military fortress

Cheng Chuqiu thought to himself: "What is going on with Guo Zongyao? Could he be ill?" While he was pondering, a delicate voice said, "Please take a seat, both of you. Dongmei, serve the tea." Manager Li thanked her and sat down with Cheng Chuqiu.

But Lin Tie'er continued: "Therefore, there are indeed boats on the island, but without the command of the leader and the pass token, you will only be able to move about on the island for the rest of your life, and you should not think of going anywhere else"

The two individuals walked to the backyard, where Cheng Chuqiu saw a middle-aged man with a rosy complexion standing with his hands behind his back, his eyes fixed on a group of workers moving box after box of items.

Manager Li: "Listen: you are now a member of my Dongting Gang, and that is our leader, not 'yours'. Furthermore, the lady is our leader; do not doubt what I say in the future, nor take my orders lightly!"

Cheng Chuqiu said in a daze: "It is... it is..." His voice trembled, and even he himself could hardly recognize it as his own voice

The scene shifts to the bed in the room, where a captivating and alluring woman approaches with a flirtatious sweetness. At first, Cheng Chuqiu did not know who she was, but at this moment, she certainly does.

Chief Steward Li was taken aback and couldn't help but glance at Cheng Chuqiu. The young woman covered her mouth, laughing so hard that her flowers and branches trembled, and said: "Chief Steward Li, you say he is slow-witted and speaks out of context, but I think you have it all wrong; it is you who is likely the slow-witted one."

In the blink of an eye, a month had passed. On this day, Cheng Chuqiu was able to get out of bed by herself, no longer needing to trouble that young man with her daily needs. Both of them appeared particularly excited. Cheng Chuqiu said: "Young sir, thank you for taking care of me these past few days. They say that great kindness is hard to forget, yet I do not even know your surname. I wish to remember it, but there is no way to do so. At the very least, you should tell me your esteemed surname, so that when we meet again in the future, we can greet each other properly."

Cheng Chuqiu thought to himself: "I never intended to leave without saying goodbye; it seems I must prove my feelings through my actions in the future." Just as he was contemplating this, Lin Tie'er led him to a small path in the woods, turned around a few large rocks, and pointed ahead, saying: "Take a look for yourself; how do you plan to get out?"

Manager Li said, "Everyone has worked hard." After exchanging a few pleasantries, the guests each withdrew. Only then did Manager Li speak to Cheng Chuqiu, saying, "We have arrived; be sure to pay attention to my expression when speaking." Cheng Chuqiu did not respond, but thought to himself, "Seeing how nervous you are, you must often be scolded."

Although Guo Zongyao did not speak of it, it was well known that he was concerned about him. This was evident because the last time Guo Jinhua sent a message back, he mentioned that he was going to Sichuan to learn a trade. Therefore, after Guo Zongyao's death, there were immediately suggestions to send someone to Sichuan to bring Guo Jinhua back, both to attend the funeral and to have him succeed as the leader. Those who held this view were mostly Guo Zongyao's direct followers and peers who had been close to him in the past

In the days that followed, Cheng Chuqiu woke up several times each day. Moreover, as time passed, the duration of his wakefulness during the day increased. The young man continued to come daily to administer his medicine, but Cheng Chuqiu was now able to lift his neck and drink directly from the bowl, no longer requiring the spoon to be fed mouthful by mouthful.

Cheng Chuqiu was taken aback and hurriedly said: "Don't... don't drink..."

For decades, this set of rules has not encountered any issues, but that does not mean there are absolutely no problems. After Guo Zongyao's death, the elders had differing opinions, and for three months they have been in constant dispute, unable to reach a conclusion.

"None of them."

Cheng Chuqiu released him and said, "Thank you"

In the midst of the conversation, the old man walked into the room. Lin Tie'er, like a mouse encountering a cat, tensed up, quickly closed her mouth, and got up to attend to her own tasks. Cheng Chuqiu also rose to pay his respects.

It is customary for a disciple to inherit the position of their master. However, it is well known among everyone in the Dongting Gang that Wei Qing's martial arts skills are lacking. Nevertheless, he is warm-hearted and diligent in his work, which has earned him the goodwill of many within the gang, despite its large and complex membership. This reflects his success in interpersonal relations. Yet, in the world of martial arts, where prowess is often prioritized, many feel that it is inappropriate for him to take over, though no one directs their criticism at him.

Cheng Chuqiu felt that something was amiss and thought to himself, "This is bad!" He hurried back and forth between the bow and stern of the ship, only to discover that not only had the bowman inexplicably vanished, but even the bamboo poles, oars, and even the rudder had disappeared without a trace. At that moment, the bottom of the cabin suddenly emitted a few muffled sounds, and the ship's body swayed in response.

Manager Li was taken aback, and indeed saw Cheng Chuqiu looking elsewhere with her head tilted. He then said: "Chuqiu, the lady is asking you a question"

The young woman said, "Wait a moment..." The two turned back together

The roof leaks just as the night rain begins. At this moment, he feels the temperature of the water around him starting to rise, and in an instant, the temperature is sufficient to boil the blood within his body. This sensation is reminiscent of when he practices his skills, disturbed by external demons due to his restless mind. It is remarkable that even in such a situation, he remembers the internal cultivation techniques passed down by his master, and his innate will to survive compels him to strive to calm his mind, guiding his energy back to its source. Time and again, he cycles through his meridians, and all illusions gradually fade away. In the haze, Cheng Chuqiu finally realizes that everything that just occurred was merely a dream.

Lin Tie'er glanced back at him and asked with a somewhat puzzled expression: "What are you doing?"

The elderly man with the surname Lin stared at him, as if trying to see through his innermost thoughts. Suddenly, he called out loudly: "Tie'er! Tie'er!" Lin Tie'er responded from behind the house and ran over.

He was not adept at swimming and momentarily lost all sense of direction. Suddenly, several small boats swiftly approached from all directions, surrounding Cheng Chuqiu and his vessel at the center. Cheng Chuqiu looked to his left and saw a figure standing at the bow of the leading small boat. Judging by his attire and appearance, it was none other than Qi Guqin, whom he had just parted ways with not long ago

Cheng Chuqiu thought to herself: "These people keep saying they want to drown me, which shows they have long since found out that I am not good with water..." However, she had no time to listen to their gossip. Seeing the water continuously surging from the bottom of the boat, she suddenly shouted: "Even if I drown in this Dongting Lake to feed the fish, I will not fall into your hands." With that, she leaped into the lake.

This time, it is equivalent to the two of them joining forces, simultaneously launching attacks against him, not to mention that he had originally not considered Qi Gujin at all. Cheng Chuqiu did not even have time to feel afraid; he still struck a palm towards Shouxie, while simultaneously shrinking his shoulder, forcefully retreating three inches, hoping to evade this knife.

Startled, Cheng Chuqiu jumped up from the bed, exclaiming, "Master!" However, before him lay a shimmering expanse of water, stretching endlessly, with only a few boats dotting the surface. Where could the figures of Chai Yunlong, Yao Ji, and the others be? Cheng Chuqiu let out a sigh of relief, thinking to himself, "So it was just a dream; how did I fall asleep?" He touched his forehead, finding it damp with sweat.

Cheng Chuqiu shouted loudly, using his left hand to grip the back of the knife, and hurled the steel blade away. Qi Gujin clearly saw that he had narrowly avoided the attack by shrinking his shoulders at the last moment, yet the blade still struck his shoulder, leaving him momentarily stunned. Although he longed to defeat Cheng Chuqiu with his own hands, this was not the outcome he had envisioned. As the blade penetrated his body, going deeper than two inches, blood immediately soaked half of his clothing, indicating that the injury was likely severe. Beside him, Fulou laughed and said, "Hero Qi, your knife skills are remarkable, I admire you!" The others on the boat cheered upon witnessing the scene.

Cheng Chuqiu said: "That may be true, but without your help, I would not survive either." The young man humbly insisted several times before finally saying: "My name is Tie Er. I have been orphaned since childhood. It was my master who took me in and raised me, which is why I follow my master's surname, Lin."

At the moment Cheng Chuqiu was being pulled by him, he recalled the strange smile he had seen on his face in the courtyard, and his left fist had initially clenched. However, upon hearing his words, which did not seem to align with that, he relaxed his fist again. He said, "You mentioned wanting to take me to meet your leader, but you didn't say anything about meeting a lady. How am I supposed to know who she is or what to say?"

The main gate stood wide open, with several individuals either sitting or standing on either side, some sharpening their hatchets, others organizing fishing gear. These individuals were the gatekeepers, but in the Dongting Gang, even those on duty had to engage in work simultaneously. Thus, upon seeing Lin Tie'er, they continued with their respective tasks, except for one person who glanced at Cheng Chuqiu and said, "Is this the only new shipment for this month"

At this moment, Cheng Chuqiu was particularly sensitive to the term "waste person," and his heart involuntarily trembled. The old man with the surname Lin continued to ask, "What is your name? Where do you live? What is your occupation?"

The stronghold is built in accordance with the terrain. Upon entering the city gate, various mountain paths lead to different places. Without the locals' guidance, one would be utterly lost as to which path leads where. As I walked along, I observed that on both sides there were thatched cottages, wooden houses, stone fortresses, and even caves, with a myriad of structures serving as shelters. Nearby, some groups moved in unison, while others were engaged in their own activities in smaller clusters. Life on the island appeared quite fulfilling and busy, indicating that the Dongting Gang is indeed thriving.

Lin Tie'er was taken aback, came to her senses, nodded slightly, and walked away on her own

Beauty | Charm | Young Woman's Way: "Is it not something? Is it not very unattractive? Or is it still something one dares not look at?"

Cheng Chuqiu had not yet responded when someone beside him interjected, "This lecher is full of tricks and very cunning. It would be better to think of a way to make him disable his own martial arts. Otherwise, we might as well just drown him!"

Cheng Chuqiu said, "I recognize a few characters." He had previously worked as a laborer and had learned some rather crude conversational tones from his companions at that time, so he brought that set of expressions out. At this moment and in this place, no one would have thought that he was actually the renowned Cheng Chuqiu in the martial world

At this moment, Cheng Chuqiu finally felt fear. He wanted to move his hands to return to the surface of the water, but he forgot that his right hand was severely injured. As he attempted to move it, the pain caused him to expel the last breath he had left.

The beautiful young woman looked at Cheng Chuqiu, smiled slightly, and said: "What? Do I look unattractive? Why didn't you dare to look at me just now?"

The old man departed, and the young boy followed his instructions. Cheng Chuqiu felt quite guilty and wanted to say something to comfort him. Seeing that he hesitated to speak, the boy said, "You should hurry up and drink the medicine..." Cheng Chuqiu did not know what to say, so he could only quietly allow him to finish administering the medicine.

Manager Li: "Isn't the leader just the boss? Can a gang have two leaders? Can a gang have two bosses? However, even if she is not the boss, not the leader, she is still quite similar... Oh dear, why didn't Master Lin tell you anything at all."

The elderly man with the surname Lin said, "Indeed, do you still wish to continue lying down like a useless person?"

His intention with this palm strike was to rescue Qi Gujin, but Qi Gujin merely swayed his body and immediately steadied himself. He did not notice Shouxie playing tricks behind him. The knife originally aimed at Cheng Chuqiu was still executed as intended. Seeing the change in the situation, Shouxie shifted his body and redirected the kick intended for Qi Gujin towards him instead.

The old man said: "The old man will only focus on saving people; other matters are not the concern of the old man"

Chief Steward Li, hearing his flat tone and indifferent responses, felt a surge of anxiety and quickly said: "Madam, this person has just recovered from a serious illness, and his mind is a bit sluggish, causing him to speak in a disjointed manner. I will take him down now, and once he feels better, we can bring him back."

Wei Qing deeply understands the nuances of interpersonal relationships. At this moment, he still demonstrates the skill of cutting tofu with a knife, showing both sides equally well. In response to the flattery from certain individuals, he humbly expresses his gratitude while claiming that he will surely devote himself to assisting the new leader in the future, pledging lifelong loyalty to the Dongting Gang

He remained calm and composed, exerting all his strength to lift the stone mortar, which only rose about five or six inches. Suddenly, it tipped over to his right side and rolled all the way to the feet of the old man with the surname Lin. Cheng Chuqiu was taken aback, staring blankly at his right hand, where he could see his five fingers trembling slightly.

Cheng Chuqiu thought of this and said, "Thank you, madam, for your concern. If it were not for your visit to me, I would not have recovered so quickly."

This statement, in a formal sense, conveys a meaning of compliment and gratitude towards the other party, akin to the term "tofu." However, when used between young men and women, it can also carry a connotation of flirtation or teasing, depending on the relationship between the two parties, their level of familiarity, and the tone of the speaker.

The atmosphere suddenly became much more relaxed. The young woman casually inquired about some of the miscellaneous tasks in the household. This fell within the scope of work of Manager Li, who seized the opportunity and spoke at length about various topics from all corners of the world

Cheng Chuqiu had gained some understanding of the entire situation and began to piece together a few clues, saying: "Is it just because my life was saved by your master, and your master is a member of the Dongting Gang?"

In his dreams, he returned to Yunxiao Mountain. On this day, after finishing his training, as usual, he secretly slipped to the window of Wenjun's room, whistling softly as a signal, hoping to invite Wenjun out for a chat and a stroll. The two of them walked hand in hand to the back mountain, to a secluded valley known only to the two of them, a place filled with exotic flowers and plants, where butterflies danced throughout the year in this mysterious flower hollow. Beneath the same large tree, on the same giant rock, they sat side by side. Sometimes they gazed at the distant mountains and the sea of clouds, sometimes they admired the sunset and the evening glow, engaging in idle chatter about various topics, or sometimes they would sit in silence, simply enjoying the tranquility together. The two of them walked hand in hand to the back mountain, to a secluded valley known only to the two of them, a place filled with exotic flowers and plants, where butterflies danced throughout the year in this mysterious flower hollow. Beneath the same large tree, on the same giant rock, they sat side by side. Sometimes they gazed at the distant mountains and the sea of clouds, sometimes they admired the sunset and the evening glow, engaging in idle chatter about various topics, or sometimes they would sit in silence, simply enjoying the tranquility together.

The young man said awkwardly: "It's nothing, I am merely following orders. Such great kindness and virtue, I cannot accept. I... I do not have the ability to save you."

Cheng Chuqiu was taken aback and said, "The life of a junior was saved by the senior. If the senior wishes to take it back, just give a command at any time, and the junior will come through water or go through fire. If I frown even once, I am not worthy of being called a hero."

Cheng Chuqiu exclaimed, "Wenjun, this... this... I..." Turning his head to take a look, he found that Chai Wenjun was already gone, replaced by Chai Yunlong, who lay on the ground, having long since stiffened and passed away.

The middle-aged man looked up and down at Cheng Chuqiu with a seemingly amused expression and said, "Hmm, indeed a person of exceptional talent, hehe..."

The elderly man with the surname Lin said: "As a single man doing odd jobs, where else could be better than here? You are already exhausted and unable to take care of yourself, yet you still speak of repaying kindness? Young people speak without knowing their own limitations, no wonder they are looked down upon by others"

Cheng Chuqiu said: "He said nothing and was about to ask for guidance." He thought: "Where is Guo Zongyao? Could it be that the rumors in the martial world are incorrect?" He had never met Guo Zongyao; all he knew about the Dongting Gang and its famous weapons was heard from friends in the martial world.

The old man did not even glance at him and said, "If you are a man, do not show weakness by speaking out."

Nalin Tie'er led Cheng Chuqiu to the front of a large house. The main door opened, and a young man of similar age to Nalin Tie'er came out to answer the door. Nalin Tie'er said, "I have brought someone to meet the steward"

The second opinion is to recall Guo Zongyao's son, Guo Jinhua, to inherit his father's aspirations. Guo Zongyao's first wife passed away early, leaving only Guo Jinhua as his son, who is honest and humble, and well-liked among the group. However, as he grew older, the father and son often found themselves at odds. On one occasion, after drinking, they had a quarrel that escalated into a physical altercation, and when they sobered up, both were covered in bruises. Although their injuries were not severe, Guo Jinhua felt that, regardless of the circumstances, a son should never strike his father, so he quietly left. On another occasion, after drinking, they had a quarrel that escalated into a physical altercation, and when they sobered up, both were covered in bruises. Although their injuries were not severe, Guo Jinhua felt that, regardless of the circumstances, a son should never strike his father, so he quietly left.

He suddenly broke out in a cold sweat, thinking: "Three out of six of my hand meridians have been destroyed, my... my martial arts..." Almost all of his martial skills relied on his hands, especially his right hand. Losing three out of six is not merely a loss of half; if his right hand's strength truly cannot match that of an average person, then for him, the right hand would be as good as useless. Moreover, with the meridians blocked, it would also affect his future training. Losing three out of six is not merely a loss of half; if his right hand's strength truly cannot match that of an average person, then for him, the right hand would be as good as useless. Moreover, with the meridians blocked, it would also affect his future training.

He walked to the base of the large tree where the stone mortar was located, noticing that the mortar was covered in green moss, with part of it sunken into the ground. It was unclear how long it had been discarded here. In front of his benefactor, he did not wish to show off deliberately; instead, he squatted down honestly and extended his hands to lift the stone mortar.

A cool breeze blew over the lake, and the warm sun shone gently. In a daze, Cheng Chuqiu's eyes seemed to be neither fully closed nor completely open. What he saw before him appeared to transport him back to the scene of the banquet that night, as each guest who came forward to congratulate and toast him flashed by one after another. Gradually, the faces of these individuals became increasingly blurred, swirling around him, until his brothers stepped forward to support him and escorted him to his room to rest

Cheng Chuqiu listened to the tone of conversation between the two, and it seemed that the status of the savior was beneath that of this woman, who also commanded him to carry out tasks. He was very curious about who this woman was, but unfortunately, he felt as if he were paralyzed, unable to move at all. After listening for a while, he could no longer hear any sounds, and it seemed the two had walked far away. Bored and weary, he soon closed his eyes and fell asleep.

Lin Tie'er explained to Chief Steward Li one by one the matters that his master had instructed him to convey

Cheng Chuqiu laughed and said: "What time is it? Why are you still drinking?" She reached out to embrace him

The Dongting Gang is an old underworld organization, with many of its structural elements having been passed down for decades. Its operational mechanisms do not come to a halt due to the sudden death of the leader. According to tradition, if the leader passes away without designating a successor, a new leader is elected by the elders of the gang.

Even if Cheng Chuqiu is foolish, he knows that someone is drilling holes in the bottom of the boat, yet he is unaware that he has already fallen into their trap.

The old man said: "Yes."

Another person remarked: "If my silver silk net were still available, it would come in handy right now." "Using your fishing net? Didn't you just use it? And didn't it end up slipping away?" With so many people present, everyone had their opinions, and a cacophony of voices arose, filled with discussions and debates.

Cheng Chuqiu was taken aback and said, "Alright"

Cheng Chuqiu could not help but feel a surge of anger. He reached up to wipe his face, but the tattooed design on his skin felt no different from ordinary flesh. He had no idea what this so-called gang emblem looked like or how large it was. The thought that this thing would accompany him for a lifetime only fueled his rage further, and he wished he could punch Lin Tie'er in the nose to relieve the hatred in his heart

Cheng Chuqiu did not understand his intention and thought to himself: "This person has been kind to me, so why should I go against his wishes in front of him? I will agree first and then see how to proceed." Thus, he nodded.

Then Chief Steward Li said without turning his head: "Kid, you are quite lucky. As the saying goes, those who survive great calamities will surely have future blessings. I am going to take you to meet our boss now. If you handle it well, you will enjoy a life of luxury in the future, and who knows, I might even rely on you for promotion!"

The elderly man with the surname Lin, seeing him in a daze with a look of uncertainty on his face, said: "Your right shoulder's muscles and bones are completely broken. When you were pulled up, the wound had already begun to inflame and fester. Coupled with excessive blood loss, it is a miracle that you are still alive. You should be grateful to heaven and earth."

Then Yao Ji smiled charmingly and said in a delicate voice, "This humble girl offers you a cup, my esteemed hero Cheng..."

After a while, footsteps were heard, and a young man came beside him holding a ceramic bowl, saying to the old man, "Master, the medicine is ready."

Cheng Chuqiu followed his gesture and thought, "It's just a stone mortar, at most weighing one or two hundred jin, how difficult can it be?" Looking around, he saw that the thatched cottage was nestled among a dense grove of trees and tall bamboos, with thick green shade on all sides, making it hard to tell where he was.

Qigu frowned and asked, "Did you push him?" Seeing Cheng Chuqiu leaning against the side of the boat, pale-faced, it appeared that the injury was more serious than expected

Cheng Chuqiu noticed his strange expression and thought to himself: "If there were no one around, I would slap you first." He had encountered a great change, and his personality had become irritable and quick-tempered. To be precise, he was more inclined to directly vent the emotions within him, without any concealment.

At this impasse, the Grand Elder Bao Kexin suddenly died of a sudden heart attack. Whether the cause of death was a recurrence of an old illness or external intervention remains difficult to ascertain. A sense of impending turmoil quickly enveloped the entire island, and a large-scale internal conflict was on the verge of breaking out. This atmosphere of panic and unease even affected the grassroots members of the organization, leading to frequent reports of members stealing boats to defect. If not handled properly, a large organization could very well face annihilation overnight. A sense of impending turmoil quickly enveloped the entire island, and a large-scale internal conflict was on the verge of breaking out. This atmosphere of panic and unease even affected the grassroots members of the organization, leading to frequent reports of members stealing boats to defect. If not handled properly, a large organization could very well face annihilation overnight.

At this moment, Guo Zongyao's wife emerged.

Cheng Chuqiu curiously asked: "She... she is the leader, what about Guo... Guo... that gang leader?" Fortunately, she recovered quickly, almost letting it slip.

The maid presented two cups of tea. In a delicate voice, she continued, "Manager Li, what is the matter with this person? Why is he turning his head away and not looking at me? Did you teach him to do this?"

Upon seeing this, everyone shouted in unison: "Wait!" Qi Gujin was right in front of him, and upon noticing his body move, he had already guessed his intention. He swiftly grabbed a bamboo pole and struck at his waist. In this urgent moment, if Cheng Chuqiu did not respond, he would suffer serious injury before even entering the water. He quickly reached out to grasp the bamboo pole, pulling and leveraging it, lifting his body, which was already half in the water, back up and leaping onto the top of the cabin where Qi Gujin was.

Lin Tie'er responded with a few acknowledgments, saying: "Yes, I understand."

Chief Li: "Can you read?"

Manager Li was taken aback for a moment, then repeatedly said: "Yes, yes..."

Yet he ultimately restrained himself. After all, Lin Tie'er is merely a boy of seventeen or eighteen; taking out his anger on him would be beneath his dignity. Moreover, grievances have their origins and debts have their owners. At most, he is just following orders, and when all is said and done, this account should be settled with his master.

The old man said, "Did you not see the injury on his shoulder? How could he have the strength to lift his head? Feed him with a spoon, bite by bite." His tone was quite stern. The young man quickly replied, "Yes."

Chief Steward Li once again honored his promise, taking Cheng Chuqiu by the hand as they walked outside

Cheng Chuqiu recognized the familiar accent and, upon closer inspection, found that Lian Cao Chong had also arrived at Dongting Lake at some point. Looking around, he saw several small boats with a few people standing in groups of two or three. Among them were Tian Jingrong, Niu Junfu, Hao Biao, and Sun En, and even Fu Lu and Shou Xi were present. Old friends and new acquaintances were almost all gathered. Additionally, there were some unfamiliar faces, which, needless to say, were also there for him.

As the crowd paid no further attention, Lin Tie'er directly led Cheng Chuqiu inside. After taking a few steps, Cheng Chuqiu suddenly said: "You just mentioned that you tattooed something on my face, didn't you?" Lin Tie'er replied: "There's nothing to be surprised about; everyone who joined later is treated this way."

The young woman came to her senses and said, "Ah... it's nothing... you all can go ahead and get back to your work..."

The young lady said, "Hmm, this arrangement is quite good." Lost in thought, she suddenly became distracted. After waiting for a while, Manager Li asked, "Madam, may I inquire if there are any other matters?"

Lin Tie'er was eager for him to say this, and replied: "Yes." As he turned to leave, Cheng Chuqiu grabbed him.

Cheng Chuqiu asked, "What exactly is this place? To be honest, I cannot stay here for long, nor do I need a place to work and live." He fabricated a reason, stating that he had important matters outside waiting for him to attend to, and assured them that he would return to repay their kindness.

It is unclear how much time has passed when suddenly a vague figure approached, leaned in to take a look at him, and said: "Is this him? He looks quite handsome... Can he still survive?" Cheng Chuqiu's vision was somewhat blurred, but judging by the outline and the voice, it should be a young woman

Cheng Chuqiu rose and bowed, saying: "Thank you, senior, for saving my life"

Lin Tie'er said: "It is him."

Cheng Chuqiu said: "The life-saving grace of my senior will forever be etched in my heart, and I will surely repay it in the future. However, I cannot stay here for a lifetime."

Two individuals entered the front hall, and a maid came out to greet them and assist with the announcement. Shortly thereafter, the sound of boots echoed in the hall, and Steward Li hurriedly pulled Cheng Chuqiu up from the chair.

At this moment, his body sank even faster. He opened his eyes and looked up, only to see the shimmering water above swaying further away, gradually becoming blurred, and eventually disappearing from sight

The two individuals walked back into the forest. Lin Tie'er said, "Few people can come and go freely on this island, as it is controlled by a gang known as the 'Dongting Gang'..." Cheng Chuqiu thought to himself, "Dongting Gang... Hmm, their leader is named Guo Zongyao, and his specialty is the Tongbi Fist, wielding a pair of iron hooks as weapons"

Lin Tie'er continued: "No matter what important matters you have outside, you cannot go out, and do not even think about being able to leave..."

Cheng Chuqiu was completely intoxicated, and as he opened his mouth, he aimed to kiss her lips. However, this kiss unexpectedly met with emptiness, as the beautiful woman in his arms vanished without a trace in an instant. Just then, the door burst open, and a stunningly beautiful girl rushed in, pointing at Cheng Chuqiu and crying out: "Chuqiu, you... you... what are you doing?"

Cheng Chuqiu was taken aback: "Madam?" The door curtain was lifted, and the maid who had just entered stepped out first, followed by a beautiful young woman. Cheng Chuqiu caught a glimpse and thought she was someone else's wife, so he averted his gaze.

The elderly man with the surname Lin said: "Is it possible for someone to get injured like this from doing odd jobs? I suspect that the work you were doing was not ordinary odd jobs. So why were you attacked?"

Cheng Chuqiu was taken aback and slowly turned his head, only to see an elderly man with a gaunt face sitting to his right, his head bowed and eyes downcast, as if he were focused on something. At that moment, a sharp pain shot through his right shoulder, catching Cheng Chuqiu off guard, and he couldn't help but let out a loud cry.

After walking a short distance, Manager Li, noticing that no one was around, suddenly grabbed Cheng Chuqiu and pulled him into a nearby grove, saying: "You nearly scared me to death just now. Consider yourself lucky; it seems the lady quite likes you..."