Among the thirty or so people present, many were trusted subordinates who had once been part of the missing two thousand seven hundred and fifty men. The enemy had the audacity to come directly to their doorstep, using the heads of Liu family's men as a bargaining chip. As the saying goes, a soldier can be killed but not humiliated. The enemy's actions were a profound insult.
As Liu Yiqing stormed toward the main gate, furious, an old white-haired steward, dressed in plain robes, caught up with him. He whispered softly into Liu Yiqing's ear, "Act according to the situation, the overall picture is more important."
Liu Yiqing didn't respond immediately. He understood the meaning behind the steward's words. The enemy's actions were undoubtedly a provocation, but they also provided a glimmer of hope—at least they could try to understand what the enemy wanted and whether there was any possibility of negotiation. Liu Yiqing's anger was slightly restrained, but his expression remained pained.
Outside the red gates, there were not just one man, as Old Zhang had said, but three men. Each of them wore fine, colorful robes, with smiling faces and natural expressions. The man in the center wore a golden brocade robe, his thick brows and sharp eyes giving him a commanding presence. The man to the left wore a purple robe, with a narrow, fine eyebrow. The man on the right was dressed in a red robe, with a square face and broad forehead. From their attire and demeanor, anyone would have assumed they were wealthy merchants coming to deliver an escort order—if they didn't know the truth.
The man in the center spoke with a calm and collected tone, "We have long heard of the Liu family's great reputation and the head of the family's famous virtue. Today, we three come to pay our respects. I hope we haven't disturbed the peaceful nature of the house."
Liu Yiqing and his group stopped about twenty meters from the gate. After carefully observing the three men, Liu Yiqing feigned calmness and responded, "Since we're already enemies, there's no need for pleasantries. I, on behalf of the Liu family, ask you: what do you want in exchange for sparing my family?"
Liu Yiqing clenched his fists as he spoke the words.
"Haha! The head of the Liu family is indeed straightforward," the man named Zhang He laughed. "In that case, we won't beat around the bush. If you had handed over the Golden Jade Map from the beginning, we might not have resorted to such methods against your Liu family."
As Zhang He spoke, he waved his left hand, and countless round objects flew from all directions, landing in the Liu family's courtyard. They rolled to a stop near Liu Yiqing and his group. As they got closer, the horrific truth was revealed: they were human heads!
"Beasts!!!" The group roared in fury. Several of them, overwhelmed by rage, were ready to rush forward, prepared to fight to the death.
"Stop!!!" Liu Yiqing's voice rang out as he gathered his energy, releasing a powerful aura. "No one is to act without my command! Do you all forget what we discussed earlier?"
"Head of the family!!!" Several of them shouted, their eyes bloodshot with anger, glaring at the three men.
"Step back!!!" Liu Yiqing bellowed. Reluctantly, the group stepped back.
Liu Yiqing, though similarly enraged, was forced to contain his fury. The enemy had managed to surround the Liu family escort agency right under their noses. It was clear that the enemy was not only formidable but also had intelligence within the Liu family. The Liu family was now at a disadvantage in terms of numbers, and reckless action could lead to even greater consequences. So, for the moment, Liu Yiqing had no choice but to endure.
"Your courage is admirable, Liu family head!" Zhang He clapped his hands in mock admiration. "But now, the Golden Jade Map and the treasure are already in my hands. Tell me, what use do I have for you and your family? And don't forget, your son, who is like the 'Son of Heaven,' descended to the mortal realm. You've kept it hidden for years, all to avoid offending the imperial court. But did you really think you could keep this secret forever?"
"Did Zhang Wufeng tell you this?" Liu Yiqing demanded angrily.
Although Zhang Wufeng had disguised himself as a servant to help Yan Huo and the others escape the city, no one, except the people in the secret meeting that day, knew about Yan Huo's true identity.
Liu Yiqing could only guess that it was Zhang Wufeng.
"Heh, you don't need to worry about that," Zhang He replied with a cold smile. "I'm not going to be overly ruthless, but I do want to verify something. So, I'm offering you a chance. I'll send out three of my people, and you send out three of yours. If you win even one round, we'll leave the Liu family alone from then on. What do you think?"
Liu Yiqing knew that the enemy wouldn't make such a proposal if they weren't confident in their own strength. But now, he had no choice but to give it a try. Even if the situation seemed hopeless, it was better than doing nothing.
Although he didn't completely trust their words, Liu Yiqing decided to play along and buy time. "Is this for real?"
"Heh, I never speak falsely," Zhang He responded, a mocking smile still on his face.
"Fine!" Liu Yiqing immediately agreed. "Father, let me go first."
Liu Zheng spoke up eagerly, but an elder, the white-haired steward who had advised Liu Yiqing earlier, stepped forward and said, "Let me do it."
Having spoken, the old steward walked out in front of everyone.
"Master Qi, we're counting on you!" Liu Yiqing clasped his hands in respect and bowed. As he turned toward the gate, he spoke in a low voice to his son behind him, "Zheng'er, find a way to lead the family out through the secret passage."
Liu Zheng looked at his father's back. For the first time, he noticed that his father seemed smaller and less imposing. His eyes reddened, and he nodded. "Understood."
The white-haired elder, Qi, was a figure from Liu Yiqing's generation. Having served the Liu family for decades, his martial skills were on par with Liu Yiqing's, and he was one of the top masters in the martial world. While most people in the escort business wielded swords, Qi was known for his swordsmanship. He had created the "Wild Sand Thirteen Swords," a set of techniques that had earned him great fame over the years.
"Who will face me first?" Qi asked, looking at the three enemies.
A cold laugh echoed from the slender man in white robes, who stepped forward. He had a single, sharp eye and thin eyebrows. For first-rate martial artists, one move could often decide life and death. Knowing this, Qi didn't hold back and immediately unleashed the twelfth sword of his "Wild Sand Thirteen Swords"—"Wild Sand Thousands of Miles." The mere stance of the sword was overwhelming. A powerful gust of air spiraled around him, as his internal energy caused the dust and debris around him to be swept up violently.
A ten-meter radius around Qi was engulfed by his sword aura.
"Everyone, step back!" Liu Yiqing shouted at his men, his voice full of authority. He had never expected Qi to use this ultimate technique. He had seen the power of "Wild Sand Thousands of Miles" before, and he knew the devastation it could cause.
"Heh, I didn't expect the old man to still have such fire at his age. This is bad for your health, you know?" The man in the red robe, Fu Chun, sneered, showing no signs of fear. Despite the powerful sword aura surrounding Qi, Fu Chun continued to move forward without making any motion to prepare his own energy. However, Liu Yiqing noticed that Fu Chun's hidden palm had begun to turn a faint shade of green.