「Xijiang Town.」

「Forgotten River Hall.」

"Boss Liang, things have come to this. There's no use overthinking it," Zhao Hedong said. He had been ordered to keep a close eye on Liang Sheng and the others, so he naturally couldn't let them leave. Thus, he found excuses to stay and frequently engaged Liang Sheng in conversation.

Zhao Hedong's son, Zhao Ping, sat to the side, his gaze repeatedly falling upon Liang Shanshan.

A strange light flashed in Zhao Ping's eyes. Liang Shanshan was beautiful and had a fine figure; in his eyes, she was like a rosebud ready to bloom. Her unique, cultured temperament, cultivated from a young age, made Zhao Ping's heart itch with desire. He had seen his fair share of beautiful women. Even the women of Thunder Mountain possessed a natural, exotic charm, but they lacked Liang Shanshan's gentle grace.

From the moment he first laid eyes on Liang Shanshan, Zhao Ping had set his sights on her. And there was indeed a deeper meaning behind Zhao Hedong's decision to stay.

"Boss Liang, although we are business partners, I have always placed the utmost trust in your character." Zhao Hedong smiled, then his tone shifted. "This time, you've provoked Lord Liu. It won't be easy for you to leave Southern Sky alive."

Liang Sheng replied indifferently, "That is no concern of Patriarch Zhao's."

He was utterly disappointed with Zhao Hedong's attitude and had no desire to speak with him further.

Zhao Hedong gave a bitter smile, his voice tinged with grievance. "Boss Liang, if you blame me for this, I have nothing to say. But Lord Liu is a major figure in both Thunder Mountain and all of Southern Sky. My Zhao Family's humble enterprise cannot withstand his wrath."

Zhao Hedong glanced around before lowering his voice. "And to be frank, everyone in Southern Sky knows that Lord Liu only has his current status because he's backed by a powerful figure. You killed his men and destroyed his foundation. It would be strange if he weren't furious."

Liang Sheng snorted. "You're afraid of this Ma Liu, but you aren't afraid that Mr. Lin will punish your Zhao Family when he returns?"

What powerful figure? In the presence of the Venerable Master, they're less than nothing!

Zhao Ping couldn't help but scoff. "This Mr. Lin you speak of is that kid who left with Lord Sang Tu, right? Let me tell you, he probably isn't coming back. After provoking Lord Liu, not even a god could save him!"

Zhao Ping glanced at the shifting expression on Liang Shanshan's face, a grim light flickering in his own eyes.

"You can't possibly imagine Lord Liu's status in Thunder Mountain. If I were you, I wouldn't be protecting that man. Thinking he can come back alive? You're dreaming!"

Liang Shanshan clenched her hands together, worry written plainly on her face.

That damned fool, playing the hero! Daoist Master Qing Yu is so powerful, yet he insisted on going alone.

As her mind raced, she began to blame herself. This was all my fault. If I hadn't taught Huang San a lesson, none of this would have happened. The more she thought about it, the more guilty she felt.

Zhao Hedong glanced at Liang Shanshan. "Boss Liang, I'm not trying to be an alarmist, but Lord Liu is known for eradicating his enemies, root and stem. If this isn't handled properly, you could all be implicated."

Liang Sheng's brow rose. "Patriarch Zhao, if you have something to say, say it directly. Don't beat around the bush."

Zhao Hedong burst out laughing. "Boss Liang is a straightforward man! In that case, I'll be blunt." Pointing at his son, Zhao Hedong said, "My son, Zhao Ping, has already been confirmed as the next head of the Zhao Family. The foundation of Forgotten River Hall will be his someday."

At his side, Zhao Ping puffed out his chest, a smug and proud expression on his face.

Zhao Hedong's eyes filled with satisfaction as he looked at his son. "Little Ping has been in business with me since he was young. He even spent a few years in a big city to learn and gain experience, and he's become much more mature and steady. I'm very confident in handing Forgotten River Hall over to him."

He continued, "To be honest, after cooperating with your Liang Family for so long, I can't just stand by and watch you fall into danger. Even if you're willing to take that risk, would you want your daughter to suffer with you?"

Liang Sheng finally understood. That bastard Zhao Hedong is after my daughter.

Pathetic. They think everything is so simple. As long as Mr. Lin is here, there is no problem.

"I see your daughter and my Little Ping are about the same age. Why don't we unite our families through marriage?" Zhao Hedong finally showed his true colors, smiling as he spoke. "Rest assured, as long as you're willing to marry your daughter into my Zhao Family, I can guarantee your safety."

He was confident that if he pleaded for them, Lord Liu would give him face. After all, the Zhao Family was not without its own backers. Besides, the main culprit was probably already dead. Lord Liu wouldn't care about letting Liang Sheng go.

"I refuse!"

Before Liang Sheng could even speak, Liang Shanshan shot to her feet. She glared at Zhao Ping, her pretty face flushed with anger. "I would rather die than marry a man like him!"

She remembered how arrogant Zhao Ping had been when he arrived with Sang Tu and the others. And now this man wanted to force her into marriage? In his dreams!

"In matters of marriage, the parents' command and the matchmaker's word are final. Your opposition is futile," Zhao Ping chuckled. "Don't worry, I'll treat you well in the future." His words made it sound as if Liang Shanshan were already his woman.

"Patriarch Zhao, your son certainly takes after you," Liang Sheng suddenly said with a laugh.

As if deaf to the sarcasm in Liang Sheng's tone, Zhao Hedong laughed heartily. "Indeed! Of all my sons, Little Ping is the most like me."

Liang Sheng nodded, his words turning cold. "No wonder he's so arrogant."

"Boss Liang, what's that supposed to mean?" Zhao Hedong's expression finally changed.

"What I mean is..." Liang Sheng suddenly stood up and faced Zhao Hedong. "I haven't agreed to marry my daughter to anyone, yet your son already considers her his property! What, just because the Zhao Family has a backer, you think you can take advantage of someone in a vulnerable position?"

The moment Liang Sheng finished speaking, both Zhao Hedong and Zhao Ping rose to their feet.

"So, Boss Liang," Zhao Hedong said, his face turning cold, "you're refusing?"

"Even if we die here in Southern Sky, my daughter will not marry into the Zhao Family. The two of you can forget about it!" Liang Sheng declared, his tone resolute.

"Dad..." Liang Shanshan's eyes reddened, and her heart swelled with emotion.

"Don't be afraid, daughter. As long as I'm here, no one can force you to do anything you don't want to do!" Liang Sheng said, pulling his daughter behind him as he stared down Zhao Hedong and his son.

"Fine, fine!" Zhao Hedong sneered. "It seems you've chosen the hard way! Lord Sang Mu, come in."

A group of men suddenly barged in from outside. Leading them was a bald, burly man with a fierce expression, wielding a five-foot Miao Knife. He bore some resemblance to Sang Tu; this was Sang Tu's younger brother, Sang Mu.

"Boss Zhao, I told you. Kind words are useless on these people," Sang Mu remarked with a strange laugh. "Sometimes, you need to use other methods."

Sang Mu pointed his Miao Knife at Liang Sheng and Qing Yu Daoist, a cruel grin on his face. "Leave the woman. Kill the two men!"

As soon as he spoke, the dozen or so burly Miao men behind him surged forward, raising their blades to strike at Liang Sheng.

"Heh. A few small fry dare to act so presumptuously before me!"

Just as Liang Sheng was about to make a move, Qing Yu Daoist, who had been sitting to the side drinking tea, suddenly stood up and strode forward to meet the charge.

"Boss Liang, stand back. Leave these men to me."

Before Liang Sheng could even reply, the scene that unfolded before him left him utterly shocked, his mouth hanging agape.

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