Chapter 146: Qin the Blade Feeds Live Wolves, Wang Hu Leads His Men Away
Mule-Horse Inn.
The assassin Qin Daozi staggered inside, dragging his dying body behind him. Wang Hu’s men immediately helped him in.
“I want to see the deputy commander,” Qin Daozi said weakly.
“Come on.”
Wang Hu’s men exchanged glances before taking Qin Daozi to him.
“Useless!” Wang Hu snorted. Yet his heart chilled at once. He had never imagined that Song Mo, who appeared so ordinary, was actually an occult practitioner.
“Deputy Commander, rest assured. I didn’t say a word,” Qin Daozi declared, his expression one of defiance in the face of death.
“Fool. The fact that you made it back alive proves this place is no longer safe. Come—we’re going somewhere else.”
With another cold snort, Wang Hu swiftly led everyone away from the Mule-Horse Inn.
In a hidden chamber, Wang Hu stared at Qin Daozi, who lay motionless before him. A vicious glint flashed through his eyes.
He did not know how Song Mo had found out, but from Qin Daozi’s words he knew that Song Mo had already learned the truth. That dangerous man had to be eliminated as soon as possible. Otherwise, Wang Hu faced nothing but ruin.
Song Mo, this time I’ll make sure you die by my hand!
Wang Hu roared inwardly. He then took out a talisman, placed several blood pills inside it, and watched as it instantly burst into flames and turned to ash. Immediately afterward, he pressed his right palm against Qin Daozi’s forehead.
“Ah…”
Qin Daozi’s eyes suddenly flew wide as he cried out in agony.
Wang Hu sneered and exerted force with his right palm.
Crack!
Qin Daozi’s skull split open.
“Hmph. Die!”
Wang Hu withdrew his palm with a cold laugh.
With a heavy thud, Qin Daozi’s corpse collapsed to the floor.
“Deputy Commander, your plan worked. The people from the Six Fan Gate have already turned their attention toward Song Mo.”
Wang Hu’s subordinate stood outside the door and respectfully reported the news.
“Good. Pass down the order. Search for Song Mo with all our strength, and seal the matter completely. No one is to reveal even the slightest hint of it.”
“Yes.”
The subordinate accepted the order and withdrew.
Wang Hu glanced at the corpse on the ground, his expression turning exceedingly grim.
“Song Mo, since you already know my identity, I’ll find you even if you hide at the ends of the earth!”
Qin Daozi’s death filled him with fury. He had believed he could use Song Mo’s power to achieve his own ends, but he had never expected Song Mo’s backers to be the Six Fan Gate. That had cost him a magnificent opportunity.
Yet he was unwilling to accept it.
He absolutely refused to accept it.
After calming himself, Wang Hu began considering what to do with Qin Daozi. Song Mo’s strength far exceeded his own. If he wished to deal with Song Mo, it would not be easy. He still needed the cooperation of the forces behind Song Mo—but he was unwilling to let Song Mo capture him so easily.
“Someone, prepare a few things.”
Wang Hu had thought of something and issued the order.
“What are your instructions, Deputy Commander?” his subordinate asked.
“Bring me some of the evidence of Qin Daozi’s murders, and lay out every one of his crimes. Remember—leave out not a single detail.”
“As you command.”
“Very well. Go.”
Wang Hu waved his hand, indicating that the man should leave and make the preparations.
After the subordinate departed, the coldness gradually faded from Wang Hu’s face and was replaced by a faint smile. The smile was extraordinarily sinister.
He sneered inwardly.
“Heh, Song Mo. Let’s see where you can run this time. I’ll make you wish you were dead.”
His eyes were filled with venom, as though Song Mo had already been tortured beyond endurance in his imagination.
Wang Hu’s men worked with remarkable efficiency. In less than half an hour, they had prepared all the evidence and placed every piece of information they had gathered about Song Mo on Wang Hu’s desk.
“Excellent. You performed very well this time. Once the matter is concluded, this general will naturally reward you handsomely.”
Wang Hu looked at his subordinate and nodded in satisfaction. The man immediately knelt and bowed in thanks before withdrawing.
“This man is a scourge. He cannot be allowed to live!”
Wang Hu sneered. This time, he would deal with not only Song Mo, but the Six Fan Gate as well.
Song Mo, you forced me into this!
“Someone! Throw Qin Daozi’s corpse into the mass grave to feed the wolves. And as for Song Mo’s people—let none of them escape!”
“Yes.”
Before long, a group of men carried a corpse to the mass grave.
The body was clean and well preserved, without a trace of dirt upon it. Yet the men showed no pity whatsoever and cast it directly into the graveyard.
Not long afterward, the wolves tore the corpse to pieces.
…
Wang Hu sat in a chair, gazing at the night sky beyond the window. He murmured, “Song Mo, I hope you can still escape my pursuit.”
“Wang Hu!”
A light, graceful footstep sounded inside the room. A figure slowly entered.
Wang Hu raised his head and looked toward the newcomer.
She was dressed in white and wore a silvery veil over her face. She was tall, with an elegant and alluring figure.
It was Li Wuyang.
“How is it that Miss Wuyang has come here?” Wang Hu asked with a smile.
Li Wuyang walked over and sat beside him. With a faint smile, she said, “What? Did Young Master Wang Hu not invite me?”
Wang Hu smiled. “Of course I did. May I ask what brings you here?”
“Young Master Wang Hu, your operation went quite smoothly. Although Qin Daozi was ultimately captured by the Six Fan Gate, he was not killed. Instead, their plans were completely thwarted.”
“Oh? Do you mean our operation was unsuccessful?” Wang Hu asked, puzzled.
Li Wuyang smiled. “I mean that your plan was good, Young Master Wang Hu, but it was not perfect.”
“What do you mean, Miss Wuyang?” Wang Hu asked with considerable interest.
Li Wuyang smiled faintly. “Young Master Wang Hu, do not forget that one of the Six Fan Gate’s people is still accompanying Song Mo. His martial arts are formidable as well. Do you truly believe your men are capable of dealing with him?”
Wang Hu froze at her words. He had indeed forgotten that a powerful member of the Six Fan Gate was still at Song Mo’s side.
“Then what do you suggest, Miss Wuyang?”
“I suggest that you first establish a good relationship with the people of the Six Fan Gate, and only afterward deal with Song Mo gradually.”
“Heh. It seems Miss Wuyang intends to join my side.”
“Young Master Wang Hu misunderstands me. That is indeed what I was thinking. Qin Daozi’s failure this time will put the people of the Six Fan Gate on their guard. This is the best opportunity to strike, which is why I came to remind you.”
“Oh? No wonder you are one of the Four Beauties of Jiangnan. You truly are exceptionally clever. I admire you.”
“I generally do not enjoy being praised, so there is no need for so many pleasant words, Young Master Wang Hu.”
“Haha. Then stay here for the time being, Miss Wuyang.”
“Thank you for your generous hospitality, Young Master Wang Hu. However, I have a gathering to attend tonight and cannot keep you company over wine.”
“A gathering? May I ask whose?”
“It is being held by the Li family of the capital,” Li Wuyang explained.
“Oh? The Li family is the foremost aristocratic clan in the capital. How is it that you will be attending their gathering?”
Li Wuyang smiled. “The young mistress of our Li family is hosting a gathering there. I am attending the banquet on behalf of my mistress.”
“I see.”
“By the way, Young Master Wang Hu, there is something I would like to tell you. I wonder whether you might help me with it?”
“What is it? You need only give the order, Miss Wuyang. If it is within my power, I certainly will not refuse.”
“It is like this: my young mistress has taken a liking to Xiaoxue, the maidservant at your side. Would you be willing to part with her?”
“Xiaoxue?”
Wang Hu was momentarily stunned, then shook his head. “Miss Wuyang, I have great hopes for this maid of mine, so I cannot give her up. I’m afraid I must refuse.”
“Ah, what a pity,” Li Wuyang sighed regretfully.
“It is nothing. Such a minor matter is not worth your regret, Miss Wuyang.”
Li Wuyang smiled. “Very well. Since that is the case, I shall take my leave.”
She turned and began to walk away.
“Miss Wuyang, wait!”
Wang Hu suddenly called after her.
“Is there something else?” Li Wuyang turned and asked.
“I must thank you for your assistance this time.”
“Young Master Wang Hu is too courteous. It was only a small favor.”
“This is where I am staying. If anything comes up, do not hesitate to find me.”
Wang Hu took a slip of paper from his robes and handed it to Li Wuyang.
“Very well, I understand. Farewell.”
Li Wuyang smiled, accepted the note, and turned to leave.
…
After leaving Wang Hu’s residence, Li Wuyang looked at the slip of paper in her hand. A mocking smile curled across her lips.
Wang Hu, Wang Hu, I will make good use of this opportunity and ensure that you die a horrible death. You took a liking to that Xiaoxue, did you? Then I will make certain you do not get your way. I want to see how you will protect her.
“Xiaoxue, don’t worry. I’ll let you enjoy yourself thoroughly before sending you to the grave. And when that time comes, who will ever know what happened?”
“Hehe. My true target isn’t you, but the peerless beauty beside you. That way, I won’t even have to act personally.”
Li Wuyang murmured to herself in a low voice, then turned and walked away.
“Wang Hu, since you chose to be ruthless first, do not blame me for showing you no mercy.”
A cold, sinister light flickered in Li Wuyang’s eyes.