"First, I should enhance my Lockpicking Skill. Once it reaches Intermediate level, maybe I'll be able to open it..." Qin Fang pondered to himself.

Looking at the upgrade bar for his Lockpicking Skill proficiency, it's almost full, only one-fifth left before an upgrade is possible.

Improving the Lockpicking Skill certainly isn't an overnight task. Qin Fang still needs some preparation time, but it won't be too long.

"Brother Da, I'll just leave this thing here for now. Guys, don't touch it yet. I'll deal with it after I get the password and keys from Li Rui..."

Unable to open the safe at the moment, Qin Fang isn't too rushed. After all, it's Li Rui who's losing out, not him, so he doesn't need to be anxious.

After simply informing Chen Da and the others, Qin Fang left the base, leaving the safe there for the time being.

The base is still very well-hidden, and it's located in the south of the city, within Tiger's territory. Even if Li Rui's men find this place, they wouldn't dare to make a rash move.

Not to mention, the weaponry of Chen Da and his men is quite formidable. Qin Fang initially wiped out half of the Remnant Wolf Mercenary Corps and acquired a large stash of weapons for them, effectively arming their squad to the teeth.

Li Rui's people are numerous and powerful, maybe even well-equipped with weapons, but a large-scale gunfight is absolutely impossible in Ninghai.

Even if a real fight did break out, those on Li Rui's side would definitely be the ones suffering.

Do you still expect that a disorganized mob armed with rifles could truly defeat a special forces squad that is coordinated and fully equipped?

Do you really think it's like back in the eight-year resistance war?

Not to mention, who was the main force in the resistance back then is still debatable…

...

Leaving the base, Qin Fang temporarily put the safe matter aside. Right now, Li Rui is probably freaking out over this, his attention completely focused on finding the safe. As for cooperating with Shen Wuben against Qin Fang, he's put that on hold too.

Qin Fang achieved his goal. Since the safe couldn't be opened, the items inside couldn't be taken out right away. Although he didn't gain any real advantage, at least Li Rui was worse off than he was.

How Li Rui will get past this obstacle is momentarily of no concern to Qin Fang. Without Li Rui's crucial support, Shen Wuben is left significantly weaker. Qin Fang can now afford to focus on dealing with him.

However, to handle Shen Wuben, there's one person who needs to be informed in advance—Monk Wukong from Shaolin Temple...

"Monk, you're living quite the carefree and joyful life these days..."

But when Qin Fang saw Monk Wukong, the Flower Monk was actually enjoying his time, indulging in wine and women with two girls in his arms, prompting Qin Fang to tease him.

"Patron Qin, your words are not quite right. As the saying goes: 'Wine and meat pass through the gut, but Buddha stays in the heart.' To me, feminine allure is just but a dust of rouge, unable to shake my true essence."

Monk Wukong's expression remained unchanged, still calm as usual. He grabbed a greasy chicken leg and took a big bite, then playfully pinched the pert buttocks of the girl next to him. This provoked a playful scold from the girl, who cooed, "You actually called me a rouge skull, see how I will deal with you..."

Thus, Monk Wukong demonstrated to Qin Fang a scene of a Buddhist monk subduing the rouge skeletons on the spot... Within moments, he had the girl gasping for air, her cheeks flushed red, looking very seductive.

"You really have a knack for this; are you not afraid of ending up like those fake monks who got exposed at the hotel a few days ago? Then I would like to see if your true essence can still be preserved..."

Qin Fang laughed, not taking Monk Wukong's antics seriously, and casually teased him again.

As for other monks from Shaolin Temple, Qin Fang hadn't interacted with them and had no right to comment. But at least, Monk Wukong here, though he munches on meat, drinks wine, and embraces pretty, sensuous girls, his eyes betrayed a clarity unlike the lustful gazes of other patrons.

From this, it's not hard to tell that Monk Wukong's mental fortitude is indeed quite solid. Mere beauty, strong liquor, and meat indeed cannot sway his devoted Buddhist heart.

Of course, this does not change the fact that he's violated the precepts...

But—

"I'm not from Shaolin Temple, why should I care!"

Qin Fang's thoughts were simple; he and Monk Wukong were now on the same side and were even somewhat friends.

Since they were friends, Qin Fang naturally wouldn't betray Monk Wukong, especially since the attitude of Shaolin Temple towards him was still uncertain. There was no need for Qin Fang to go out of his way to ingratiate himself with Shaolin Temple.

"By the way, there's something I need to discuss with you…"

Qin Fang waved his hand, dismissing the girls accompanying Monk Wukong, and then started discussing serious matters with him.

"The matter with Shen Wuben?"

Monk Wukong had now reverted to his former demeanor as a high Buddhist monk. Hearing Qin Fang's words, he showed no doubt and immediately counter-asked.

"Exactly…"

Qin Fang nodded, not hiding his intent. This matter had to be discussed with Monk Wukong first; otherwise, if he really handled Shen Wuben, it might be difficult to explain here with Monk Wukong.

The stance of Shaolin Temple remained unclear. Shen Wuben wanted to deal with him and reclaim the Buddha Bone Relic, while Monk Wukong wanted to protect him. The relationships were truly too muddled.

"Then just do as you see fit…"

Seeing how straightforward Qin Fang was, Monk Wukong didn't bother with further idle talk. With just that simple sentence, he continued to drink his wine and eat his meat.

"Aren't you afraid I might…"

Qin Fang was slightly stunned, finding it odd that Monk Wukong would react this way, and couldn't help but inquire.

But as the words reached his lips, Qin Fang stopped just right there.

"That's destiny! If Shen Wuben is fated to face this calamity, even if I stop you this time, he will meet it next time… Since that's the case, why should I bother meddling, let all be as fate wills!"

Monk Wukong not surprisingly responded as expected, while gnawing on a chicken leg, seeming very indifferent about Shen Wuben's fate.

"Alright, that's all I needed to hear, I know what to do now…"

Qin Fang scrutinized Monk Wukong for a long time and couldn't see even a flicker of change in his expression, then nodded in acknowledgment.

His purpose this time was to notify Monk Wukong before handling Shen Wuben, and now that it was achieved without causing any disagreements, naturally, he was very satisfied.

As for how Monk Wukong and Shen Wuben had such a big grievance, that was not something Qin Fang needed to delve into. It was a matter between Shen Wuben and Monk Wukong.

This was quite understandable since Monk Wukong and Shen Wuben studied under different masters, and their masters' relationship had long been at odds. Their disciples not getting along was inevitable.

Whether in the mountains or outside, as fellow sect brothers, Monk Wukong and Shen Wuben should not be killing each other, even if they were rivals. Any confrontation should be moderate and stop at the immediate point.

However, if it involved Qin Fang acting, whether it was injuring Shen Wuben or even killing him outright, Monk Wukong would be delighted to see that happen.

Monk Wukong was commanded by his master to protect Qin Fang. As long as Qin Fang was safe, his mission was not a failure, as for Shen Wuben's life and death—very simply, why should he care! (To be continued. If you like this work, please come to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)

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