"Besides, they only wanted to see the Patriarch. Couldn't they just announce it? Are we, the Yu family, some kind of local bullies?"
Yue Hai was completely baffled, feeling that even with three more brains, he couldn't understand what was happening.
They weren't from the same family?
However, he didn't know that all of this was within Li Chonglou's expectations.
The moment he learned from Yu Qing that the Yu family's higher-ups had already split, he had anticipated such a situation.
When the higher-ups were each minding their own business, how could these lower-level individuals care about family honor!
As expected, as soon as a third party appeared, he didn't need to do anything; they started infighting among themselves!
Upon hearing Ning Qiu's words, Lu Jiang's expression suddenly turned ugly.
"Ning Qiu, are you trying to be a traitor to the Yu family?"
Ning Qiu smiled, staring at Lu Jiang with a hint of mockery. "I say, Lu Jiang, has your brain rusted? Does it mean I'm a traitor to the Yu family just because I don't help you?"
Lu Jiang said angrily, "Someone dares to act within the Yu family. Do you not know what that means?"
Ning Qiu spread his hands, saying calmly, "I've only just arrived. I don't know what happened before. I only know that a guest wants to see the Patriarch, and you attacked without distinguishing right from wrong. How do you know this isn't the Patriarch's friend?"
As he spoke, a cold smile appeared on Ning Qiu's face. "If he really is the Patriarch's friend, and you dare to lay hands on the Patriarch's guest, who is the real traitor to the Yu family?"
Lu Jiang's face changed drastically. If this accusation were truly pinned on Ning Qiu, he might be in big trouble!
"Unreasonable! We are the ones injured. Do they look injured to you?"
Li Chonglou suddenly let out a muffled groan and clutched his chest.
"Your Yu family is too overbearing. I just wanted to see the Patriarch. Did you have to be so heavy-handed?"
Yue Hai turned his head in astonishment and saw Li Chonglou standing there with a pained expression, as if he had suffered a severe injury.
"This..."
As Yue Hai was lost in confusion, Li Chonglou secretly gave him a look. Only then did Yue Hai react and, with exaggerated movements, clutched his chest.
"Ow, this hurts so much! Your Yu family is bullying us too much! Brother Li, why don't we leave? We don't have to see this Patriarch!"
*Cough, cough,* Young Hai, your acting needs improvement! I find it a bit awkward watching you.
Li Chonglou inwardly complained, but it was harmless. What the other party wanted was just an appearance. As for the truth, how many of the people present knew it in their hearts?
Indeed, although Ning Qiu's expression was strange, he still chimed in, "Lu Jiang, look at how you've bullied others. What will people think of our Yu family if this gets out?"
"Pfft!"
A mouthful of blood spurted from Lu Jiang's mouth. Li Chonglou's earlier attack hadn't made him bleed, but the clumsy acting of the two had!
The most important thing was Ning Qiu's expression of watching a show. It was clear that his punch earlier had been in vain!
Moreover, with Ning Qiu's arrival, he lost the motivation to continue fighting. After all, they were not on the same side, and it was obvious who they would help!
"You guys wait for me!"
Lu Jiang threw a harsh threat, then took his men and left without looking back.
However, his vicious gaze told the two that this matter was likely not over.
But for Li Chonglou, it was no longer important. The reaction was just a small interlude; seeing the Yu family Patriarch was the main business.
Li Chonglou immediately put away his expression and cupped his fists towards Ning Qiu, "Thank you, friend, for intervening. It was wrong of us to act here. We sincerely apologize."
This step down made Ning Qiu feel extremely comfortable, and he also realized that Li Chonglou was no ordinary person. Such a character that could bend and stretch was not something everyone possessed.
For a moment, Ning Qiu's face broke into a bright smile.
"It's nothing, it's a small matter. If anyone asks later, I'll say it was a sparring session."
Help? Li Chonglou understood and cupped his fists again.
Ning Qiu then continued, "By the way, you said you came to see the Patriarch, right? The Patriarch has been very busy lately and might not have time to see guests. Why don't you wait with me first, and I'll help you report it?"
Li Chonglou nodded. "That would be best. It's a hassle for you, friend."
"No problem. Actually, our Yu family people are quite reasonable. Follow me first."
After speaking, the few turned and left, with Li Chonglou and Yue Hai following behind.
At this moment, Yue Hai suddenly leaned over and whispered, "Brother Li, the people who surrounded me earlier, he was among them."
Li Chonglou smiled faintly. "Who it is doesn't matter, as long as we can talk. Did he not make a move earlier?"
Yue Hai shook his head. "No, it was the other two who acted."
Li Chonglou was surprised. "There's another one? Also at the fourth level of strength?"
Yue Hai's expression turned somewhat unpleasant, as if recalling a bad memory, before he nodded.
Li Chonglou didn't ask further, but his expression became somewhat gloomy.
Looking at Yue Hai's demeanor, he must have suffered some humiliation, otherwise, he wouldn't react this way when he wasn't physically harmed.
"No rush, we'll settle the score later."
Li Chonglou's gaze returned to Ning Qiu. This person should not have shown any hostility towards Yue Hai, otherwise, he wouldn't have just reminded him.
About five minutes later, the two followed Ning Qiu into the central area for the first time and arrived in front of a luxurious villa.
The biggest difference between the buildings in the central area and those outside was the word "luxury." If Yue Hai's temporary residence was a regular guest room, this place was a presidential suite.
Just the pair of stone lions at the entrance were more expensive than an entire building outside!
Upon entering, the lavish decorations inside made Yue Hai unable to stop looking around.
Top-grade silk carpets, expensive crystal chandeliers, even the stair railings were made of priceless rosewood. Every visible spot exuded a strong aura of wealth!
"You two, please sit for a moment. I'll send someone to inform the Patriarch. But I must warn you, I can't guarantee the Patriarch will agree."
Ning Qiu smiled faintly, and Li Chonglou cupped his fists again, "Then I'll trouble you, friend."
Ning Qiu waved his hand. "No need to be so polite. My name is Ning Qiu. Just call me Brother Qiu."
In the martial arts circles, unless they were acquaintances or had a significant difference in status, age was the primary factor. Calling someone "brother" was just a form of address, not a matter of hierarchy.
So Li Chonglou cupped his fists again, "Then I'll trouble you, Brother Qiu."
Only then did Ning Qiu leave.
However, two subordinates, one at the third level and another at the second level, remained behind, standing on either side of them.
With outsiders present, Li Chonglou found it inconvenient to talk with Yue Hai and could only sit quietly on the soft sofa.