Chapter 29: Visitors from the Wu Family

Li Si switched his phone to speakerphone and spoke into it: "Hey, Old Wan, you're not playing fair. My brother went over there, and this is how you brush him off?"

"Little Si, don't misunderstand. I was backed into a corner by Qingyi. He knew about A-Lan’s situation and got confirmation from the little brother, so I had no choice but to trust him."

"Fine, then trust him. Why the hell are you even calling me?" Li Si said, reaching to hang up.

"Little Si, Little Si, don't hang up!"

"What else is there? I'm having tea with my brother."

"Sigh, that Qingyi brought his senior brother along, and the moment he opened his mouth, he demanded thirty million."

My brows furrowed. This Qingyi was ruthless!

Li Si frowned as well, but he replied, "Old Wan, it’s not like you can’t afford it. Just cut back on your gambling for a year and you’ll have it."

"Sigh," Old Wan sighed and continued, "If thirty million guaranteed the problem was solved at the root, I wouldn't hesitate."

"Are there other demands?"

"That Qingyuan also wants Little Ping to become his disciple and go with him for ascetic cultivation."

Li Si’s frown deepened. "Damn it, he’s looking for a partner for dual cultivation, isn't he?"

"Sigh, that’s exactly what I’m afraid of. Saving one person only to sacrifice another."

Li Si’s brow was furrowed tight; it was clear he was very angry. "What do you want me to do?"

"Little Si, I want you to step in. If you mediate, they should give you some face. I’ll pay the money!" Old Wan said urgently.

Li Si’s expression was grim. He remained silent for a long time, the phone sitting there, with no one speaking on the other end.

"Fine! Old Wan, I don't want to offend these kinds of people, but since you’ve asked, I’ll step in and speak with them."

"Thank you, thank you! I knew you’d help me, Little Si."

"Enough, Old Wan. I’m only helping you this once. I truly loathe these types of people."

The call ended. Li Si leaned back on the sofa and pulled out a cigarette.

My eyes narrowed. Li Si’s words just now clearly included me in that group.

Li Si seemed to realize what he had just said. He immediately straightened up and smiled at me. "Brother, I didn't mean you. We’re brothers; you’re not like that bunch."

My eyes relaxed. I thought to myself: *You can know a person’s face, but not their heart.* What he said just now was likely his true opinion.

Li Si immediately explained, "That Qingyuan is a disciple of the Wu family. They use these methods to harm people everywhere. I was talking about the Wu family members."

I frowned and asked, "What method?"

Li Si was taken aback. He hesitated for a moment before saying, "Brother, if I tell you this, you must not spread it." He stared at me, waiting for an answer.

I nodded. "What are you saying, Fourth Brother? Do I look like a gossip to you? Besides, who would I even tell?"

Li Si nodded, sighed, and said, "I heard from my father that the disciples of the Wu family all possess a technique called 'Ghost Raising.' They use this method to swindle and deceive people everywhere. From the south to the north, they’ve harmed quite a few people."

I was shocked. So the ghost in the mirror was one they had raised themselves, which they then carried around to prey on wealthy people.

"Over the years, the Wu family has relied on the tributes from these disciples to become the 'seventh small family' outside of our Six Great Families." Li Si changed the tone of his voice and added, "However, they still don't dare to provoke our six families."

Li Si looked at me, hesitated, and then added, "But I also heard a rumor that the Wu family is targeting Seventh Uncle’s path. When you go home, tell them to be careful."

My brow furrowed. Last time, because of the Li Changfeng affair, my grandfather had crippled Wu Qiang. It was possible the Wu family wanted revenge because of that.

"What kind of capable people does the Wu family have?" I asked curiously.

"I’m not clear on that yet. My father said that their ancestors once produced someone who wore the Purple Robe, but who knows about now."

The Purple Robe—that was the upper echelon of the Daoist world. It wasn't something easily worn. Usually, only Daoists with high-ranking official positions and seniority were qualified to wear it.

"What color robes does this generation wear?"

"That’s complicated. I’ve seen their old man wearing a purple robe."

I was stunned. The purple robe wasn't something to be worn lightly. Since their old man wore it, he must have had some level of confidence.

However, I thought about it again; there was nothing to be afraid of. These days, Daoists wear whatever they please. A family of Daoists daring to wear purple robes actually made them less intimidating—it just meant they were putting on a show for others.

I nodded and said, "Thanks, Fourth Brother. I’ll stay on guard. But how do you plan to resolve this?"

"How else? I don't want to offend the Wu family. Those guys don't play by the rules. It’s not worth being backstabbed by them."

Li Si glanced at me and continued, "I’ll go find Qingyi and tell him to have Qingyuan wrap this up as soon as possible and leave the provincial capital. They aren't welcome here."

"Will they leave just because you say so?" I asked skeptically.

"Hmph! My words might not carry weight, but the name of the Li family does. If they don't give me face, I’ll take them down!"

I was startled. Seeing Li Si’s expression, he displayed a sense of dominance—a kingly air.

Li Si stood up and called Qingyi.

"Hello, is this Daoist Qingyi?"

"It is. Who is this?"

"The Li family, Li Si."

"Oh! Young Master Si! Is there anything I can do for you?" Qingyi’s tone immediately became cordial.

I had met Qingyi before. He was over forty, yet he referred to himself as a "brother" when speaking to Li Si. It seemed the power of the Li family was not to be underestimated.

"Daoist Qingyi, there is a matter I hope you can help with."

"Go ahead, Fourth Brother."

"Regarding Old Wan’s situation, I think you should just take some money and leave. Old Wan asked someone to plead with me, and I’m in a difficult position."

I listened to Li Si on the phone. It was still on speaker. His tone was polite but firm.

"This... that..." Qingyi stammered. It was clear he didn't want to give in, or perhaps...

"Fourth Brother, I’m in a difficult spot too. That Qingyuan is from the Wu family; I’m not in the same league as him."

"The Wu family? Are they out fishing for money too?"

"Fourth Brother, his name is Wu Zhuang. He says he’s out for training. The Wu family has given the word that we are to cooperate and listen to everything he says."

Li Si hesitated and said, "Is this matter not open for discussion?"

Qingyi immediately replied, "Fourth Brother, yes, yes, yes. I will pass the message along immediately. Wait for my news."

Li Si’s face relaxed slightly. "Good. Qingyi, in a couple of days, I’ll host a banquet and invite you all to dinner."

"Good, thank you, Fourth Brother. I will definitely pass the message on."

The call ended. Li Si’s expression was grim. He sighed and said, "This is trouble. With the Wu family out themselves, something big might be happening."

I felt uneasy. The fact that the Wu family made Li Si this fearful meant this "seventh small family" was about to turn things upside down.

"Fourth Brother, are the Wu family members that tyrannical?"

Li Si was taken aback and smiled bitterly. "It’s not that the Wu family is tyrannical; it’s that they have too many low-down, dirty tricks. People like us don't have the time to guard against them every day. Besides, we still need them for things, so we all give them a bit of face."

Li Si turned and said, "Alright, brother, let’s wait for the reply. I don't know what the Wu family is planning by coming out now..."