The sudden voice stunned everyone in the courtyard. They turned their heads towards the source, only to see a young man and woman walking calmly into the courtyard. It was Jiang Chen and Meng Qingxue.
Lu Xiao's eyes darkened at the unexpected appearance of the pair. He opened his mouth to scold Jiang Chen but froze as he noticed Meng Qingxue beside him.
Instantly, his eyes lit up with a fiery
gleam.
Stunning!
The woman before him was
breathtaking, far surpassing even Ye Qingshuang, the leader of the Azure Adventure Group.
Ignoring Jiang Chen entirely, Lu Xiao smiled at Meng Qingxue, his tone soft and ingratiating. "Such a beautiful lady. May I ask what brings you here?"
Meng Qingxue didn't even glance at Lu Xiao. Instead, she smiled at Ye Qingshuang and greeted her warmly. "Sister Qingshuang, it's been a long time."
Ye Qingshuang's eyes widened in surprise. "Sister Qingxue! Why are you here?"
"We're planning to enter the Thunder Cloud Mountain Range," Meng Qingxue explained. "We need someone familiar with the area to guide us, so we thought of you."
Ye Qingshuang nodded firmly. "Of course. Just give me a moment." She turned to Lu Xiao, her expression cold. "Lu Xiao, give me three days. I'll ensure the Azure Adventure Group meets the Black Tiger Adventure Group's demands. Now, leave."
Lu Xiao's sneer deepened. "Ye Qingshuang, you've been stalling for time long enough. You only have two options: pay the 100,000 gold coins now or merge the Azure Adventure Group with us. There's no room for negotiation!"
Lu Xiao had desired Ye Qingshuang for a long time and had no intention of leaving empty-handed.
Meng Qingxue frowned, about to speak, but Jiang Chen's calm voice cut in first. "Leader of the Black Tiger Adventure Group, we need Leader Ye's help. Could you show us some courtesy and end this matter here?"
Lu Xiao burst into derisive laughter. "And who are you to ask me for courtesy?" He glared at Jiang Chen. "Boy, if you want to stay alive, don't meddle in the affairs of the Black Tiger Adventure Group!"
Jiang Chen's eyes narrowed. "Since you refuse to show respect, I see no reason to return the favor." He stepped forward, his voice turning icy. "The Azure Adventure Group is under my protection now. Take your men and leave. Immediately."
The courtyard fell silent. Everyone stared at Jiang Chen in shock.
The Black Tiger Adventure Group was one of the most powerful groups in Thunder Stone City. No one had ever dared to challenge them like this, especially not in front of Lu Xiao.
Lu Xiao was momentarily stunned, then erupted into laughter. "Hahaha! Kid, you must be insane!"
"You think a nobody like you can protect the Azure Adventure Group? Here's a suggestion: cut off your own arm, leave the woman with me, and I might just let you live!"