"I know, Boss."

"What about the territory we've lost... What should we do about it?"

Upon receiving Xu Fan's orders, his subordinate immediately agreed.

It was clear that this score would be settled sooner or later with them, but for now, with a large area of Qing Gang's territory snatched away by Ye Chongshan, it was uncertain how Xu Fan planned to handle it.

"Don't bother with them."

"If they make another move, remember, don't resist—just let them have it."

Having already made his plans, Xu Fan didn't hesitate to divulge his intentions when asked.

A small impatience can mess up a great plan. At the moment, what's most important is to ensure the safety of the Qing Gang members.

As for the territory, Ye Chongshan can take it for now because once the Gu is complete, no matter how well he manages it, he will have to give it all back to me anyway.

"Boss, this seems a bit too..."

Clearly not quite grasping Xu Fan's strategy, the subordinate sounded somewhat reluctant on the phone.

Having one's territory taken away and not fighting to get it back felt incredibly stifling, didn't it?

It should be noted that currently, a bunch of brothers were itching for a fight with Ye Chongshan, this new force that had crossed the river.

Xu Fan chuckled and said, "A small impatience can mess up a great plan. It's better to recuperate and regain strength during this time instead of increasing unnecessary casualties."

"Remember, lay low for now, and don't let down Han Dongxu's expectations of you."

"Boss, I understand. Don't worry, we definitely won't act rashly."

Laying low was one thing, but it was far from a death sentence. How could the Qing Gang brothers not manage that?

Before Xu Fan's arrival, they endured the humiliation of working for the Ke Family like eagles and hounds. How could now be any worse?

It was clear that under Xu Fan's lead, even if they laid low, it would only be temporary.

After giving instructions to the Qing Gang's high-level members, Xu Fan hung up the phone.

In his view, setting things aside temporarily wasn't necessarily a bad thing.

It was best to put aside these trivial matters and focus his whole heart on preparing for the Gu Insect.

After a night of contemplation, Xu Fan had already mapped out his plan for Gu refinement.

Stepping out of the bedroom, he could see Gongsun Qin practicing her sword moves with great effort in the courtyard.

In the days she had been with him, this woman had suffered quite a blow and nearly been defeated by the Sword-carrying Slave the previous night.

For this woman, who was inherently proud to the core, the impact was not minor.

She was so engrossed in her practice that she didn't even notice Xu Fan's approach, and he shook his head at her increasingly fierce sword moves.

He needed to find an opportunity for her to vent.

Otherwise, she might just explode with anger.

"Alright, stop practicing."

If she continued and unleashed her Innate Qi Energy, she might even tear down the Yunsheng Villa.

With a shout from Xu Fan, he stopped her in her tracks.

"Huh?"

She had been using the Sword-carrying Slave as a mental sparring partner, reliving yesterday's fight.

No matter how Gongsun Qin tried, she couldn't manage to defeat the Sword Slave as swiftly as Xu Fan had done.

Feeling frustrated, she saw Xu Fan calling her over.

"If not sword practicing, what then..."

Gongsun Qin couldn't help but complain, knowing that she hadn't yet fully grasped what Xu Fan had taught her the night before.

"Come take a walk with me, and we might find a chance for you to regain some confidence," Xu Fan said.

"Confidence?"

Gongsun Qin felt befuddled by Xu Fan's words.

What was this guy talking about?

She considered herself to be very confident!

He couldn't possibly think she had been crushed by defeat, could he?

If that's the case, then he's seriously underestimating himself!

"Stop talking nonsense, hurry up, change your clothes and come with me."

Just about to retort, Xu Fan shut her up with one sentence.

Gongsun Qin couldn't help but purse her lips unwillingly.

Talking back obviously isn't my forte against this guy, it's better not to force it.

Indeed, I've been feeling a bit down these last few days, might as well take a walk with him to clear my head.

You know, I haven't even finished touring around Shanghai since I got here.

"Wait, Qin Er."

Just as she was about to go back to her room to take a shower and change, she saw Xu Fan calling her back.

"What now?"

Gongsun Qin turned her head and looked at Xu Fan weirdly.

"Remember to put on the bra I bought for you."

"Screw off!"

...

After showering and changing into fresh clothes, Gongsun Qin's anger hadn't subsided. Coming out of the bedroom, she looked at Xu Fan with resentment.

Xu Fan couldn't help feeling innocent, I only said that because I was worried your wrap would affect your development.

Sigh, why always suspect my motives?

Shaking his head, he stopped teasing the woman and drove off with Gongsun Qin to the downtown area of Shanghai.

After pondering throughout the night, Xu Fan had confirmed the Gu insects he would refine next.

Now he was thinking about preparing all the basic materials first.

Speeding along the road, in no time, Xu Fan, leading Gongsun Qin, arrived at their destination.

"Xu Fan, this is…"

Following Xu Fan out of the car, Gongsun Qin saw a nearby market crowded with various stalls.

Flowers, fish, falcons, fighting dogs, medicinal herbs, antiques; this endless street was like a jumble sale with almost every kind of vendor present.

She had heard of such places before, that while many items sold here were fakes, it was not without some truly rare and precious treasures.

Only those with exceptional judgement and experience could spot treasures here.

Gongsun Qin wasn't sure whether Xu Fan was one of those experts, she was just curious why Xu Fan brought her here.

You know, with Situ Jing eyeing him like a tiger watching its prey, logically, Xu Fan should have been in a lot of trouble.

Why would he still be in the mood to treasure hunt here?

"Xu Fan, I think, you, your brain has a problem."

Without hesitation, Gongsun Qin voiced her inner thoughts.

People like me, faced with setbacks in the past few days, would rally our spirits and strive to improve our cultivation level, that's at least trying to struggle, right?

This is just messing around.

Thinking of the highly skilled Situ Jing, Gongsun Qin looked at Xu Fan with frustration, angry that he wasn't putting up a fight.

Even if we can't beat that guy, we shouldn't just give up like this, should we?

"Pfft."

Is this woman trying to educate me now?

Figuring out the thoughts of this stubborn woman wasn't hard.

Xu Fan shook his head and then said, "Qin Er, with your intelligence, it's really hard to understand the purpose of my visit here, but let me give you a piece of advice."

"Observe carefully and learn well."

Heaven knows if Situ Jing only sent a Sword-carrying Slave to watch over him. With the bustling crowd in the market, Xu Fan didn't plan to let his plans get exposed so easily.

Having said that, he didn't dawdle and walked straight into the market.

Gongsun Qin was fuming, feeling insulted by Xu Fan's jab at her intelligence.

But still, seeing Xu Fan heading deeper into the street, she followed after him.

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