Chapter 197: Pledge of Fealty

Lu Bai returned to his room and sat quietly for a long time, contemplating his next move.

As the appointed time drew near, Lu Bai slowly rose to his feet. He had made his decision. He headed for the Marquis Jingzhong’s Mansion.

The Marquis Jingzhong’s Mansion was situated in the western part of the city. The estate faced south, covering a vast area. Its high walls and deep courtyards gave it a formidable and austere presence.

Directly above the main entrance hung a golden plaque, bestowed by the emperor, with four large, flourishing characters: "Marquis Jingzhong’s Mansion." The calligraphy was powerful, as if written with immense force, and faintly exuded an aura of death and conquest.

It was the personal calligraphy of the Late King of the Wu Country, representing supreme glory and status.

Before the gate stood two ferocious stone carvings of *yazi*, their eyes glinting malevolently, their fangs bared.

Government Soldiers in shining armor stood with their hands on their swords, their gazes like lightning. They stared solemnly at the approaching Lu Bai.

"This way. The masters have been waiting for a long time."

A Government Soldier spoke in a stiff tone as he led Lu Bai through layer after layer of ceremonial gates and corridors, finally entering Jingzhong Hall, where the banquet was being held.

The hall was exceptionally spacious. The floor was paved with marble as smooth as a mirror, and four massive pillars, each requiring two people to encircle, supported the vaulted ceiling.

A large rosewood banquet table was set in the center of the hall, already laden with delicacies from the mountains and seas.

Five people were seated at the table.

The middle-aged man in the main seat was handsome and dressed in magnificent brocade robes. Though he sat perfectly still, he emanated an air of superiority.

The other four were all familiar faces.

One was the Demon Suppression Envoy, Yu Weifeng.

One was the Governor of Jingzhou, Liang Yifan.

Another was the Gang Leader of the Fujiao Gang, Luo Hengjiang.

And one more...

True Master Dan Ding!

In an instant, the gazes of all five men fell upon Lu Bai.

In that moment, Lu Bai felt an immense pressure bear down on him.

The atmosphere in the great hall was heavy, filled with a murderous intent!

In addition to the five men at the table, Wu Ziyan was seated on a nearby chair, watching Lu Bai with a leisurely, mocking gaze.

Just as Lu Bai stepped into Jingzhong Hall, the great doors behind him slammed shut with a BOOM.

Lu Bai’s expression remained unchanged. He scanned his surroundings from the corner of his eye and could faintly smell a trace of killing intent in the air.

Besides the people in plain sight, there were clearly others hidden in the shadows of the hall.

’One wrong move, and I could die on the spot.’

"Lord Lu, the younger generation is truly formidable. I’ve heard much about you."

The middle-aged man in the main seat smiled faintly and said, "My name is Wu Lan."

"Greetings, Young Master."

Lu Bai quickly stepped forward, bowing to the middle-aged man with a respectful smile on his face.

"Tch!"

Seeing Lu Bai act this way, Wu Ziyan couldn’t help but let out a scoff.

’I thought he’d be a tough nut to crack, but he’s just like everyone else.’

Wu Lan asked nonchalantly, "You know about our business, don’t you? Why didn’t you think of standing up for him?"

The "him" Wu Lan mentioned was clearly Shi Tianlei.

"Just because he said it doesn’t make it true. I didn’t take it seriously."

Lu Bai smiled. "And even if it were true, I’m just a lowly Evil Exterminator Guard. How could I possibly interfere in such matters?"

Liang Yifan stared at Lu Bai and suddenly asked, "Have you told anyone else about this?"

"No."

Lu Bai said, "I’m the only one who knows."

"Very good. You’re a smart man, and I like talking to smart men."

Wu Lan smiled faintly. "You know our business. Brother Liang and the others were planning to kill you, but I persuaded them not to."

"Ah, thank you, my lord, for sparing my life. I am terrified."

Lu Bai said quickly.

"You are a talented man. It would be a waste to kill you."

Wu Lan said, "I believe that everything in this world has a value and can be traded. If the other party isn’t tempted, it’s only because the price isn’t right."

Wu Ziyan had said those exact words before.

It seemed he must have learned it from his father.

Lu Bai was a little curious and asked, "True Master Dan Ding previously said that Xue Chen was his most prized disciple and that he wanted to seek justice for him. I wonder what price you used to move him, my lord?"

True Master Dan Ding’s expression changed slightly, and he let out a cold snort.

"Heh heh."

Wu Lan chuckled lightly and said, "Who wouldn’t be tempted by the chance to help a True Master Golden Core break through to the Nascent Soul Realm?"

"Indeed."

Lu Bai nodded, but sneered inwardly.

’The life of Daoist Xue Chen was bought with a single elixir.’

’Perhaps this was also the result of True Master Dan Ding weighing the pros and cons.’

’Since he couldn’t fight against the power of Marquis Jingzhong, it was better to take some benefits. As for his prized disciple...’

’The dead cannot be revived. It was all in the past.’

In truth, Lu Bai had come to this banquet with two plans in mind.

If he could feign compliance, play along for now, and get his mother out, that would be for the best.

But if they wanted to kill him, then he would take them all down with him!

"What does Lord Lu want?"

Wu Lan asked with a half-smile.

"What could I possibly need?"

Lu Bai quickly said, "Young Master, for you to give me this opportunity is my good fortune. Besides, I am currently just an Innate Martial Artist, a humble Evil Exterminator Guard. I can’t be of much help to you, my lord.

"As they say, no reward without merit. When you have an order for me, my lord, I will carry it out. Consider it my pledge of allegiance to all of you."

"Haha, a pledge of allegiance! Now you’re talking!"

Luo Hengjiang roared with laughter.

This was Jianghu slang. It was a bit out of place here, but it suited his taste perfectly.

Luo Hengjiang then said, "You’re the one who captured Liu Liangxin, aren’t you? You took out one of my Fujiao Gang’s Squad Leaders. What do you have to say about that?"

"Gang Leader Luo, I was ignorant before. From now on, we’re all on the same side."

Lu Bai puffed out his chest and said earnestly, "In a couple of days, I’ll visit the Fujiao Gang to personally apologize. From now on, whatever you need, Gang Leader Luo, just give the word."

Luo Hengjiang smiled. "Alright. We’ll see how you perform. If I’m not satisfied, my brothers in the Fujiao Gang won’t be either."

"Of course, of course."

Lu Bai readily agreed.

Wu Ziyan suddenly spoke up, a trace of mockery in his eyes. "Lord Xiaolu, I took a liking to that Exotic Beast Chongming Bird of yours. Is it still for sale?"

"Young Master Wu, what are you saying?"

Lu Bai smiled. "It is my honor that Young Master Wu has taken a fancy to my Exotic Beast. I will personally deliver the Chongming Bird to you later."

"Haha, excellent."

Wu Ziyan laughed loudly, then raised an eyebrow. "Why don’t you go back right now and bring it here?"

"There’s something you don’t know, Young Master Wu."

Lu Bai said, "The Chongming Bird is an Exotic Beast, after all. It has gained sentience. If this isn’t handled properly, it might just fly away on its own.

"Let me communicate with it over the next few days. After all, there’s no future with me. It would be much better off by your side, Young Master Wu."

At this, Lu Bai sighed softly. "To be honest, I’m also a little reluctant to part with it. I’d like to spend a couple more days with it."

"Lord Xiaolu won’t go back on his word, will he?"

Wu Ziyan asked quietly.

"Of course not."

Lu Bai said, "You can rest assured, Young Master Wu."

Wu Lan clapped his hands.

After a moment, a few maids walked out from behind the hall, supporting the Wang Family.

Wu Lan asked, "Madam Lu just arrived in Jingzhou City. I took the liberty of bringing her here to entertain her. I trust Lord Lu doesn’t mind?"

"Not at all, not at all."

Lu Bai quickly waved his hands, stepped forward, and took the Wang Family from the maids’ hands.

At the same time, he sent a wisp of Innate True Qi into the Wang Family’s body and circulated it.

He was relieved to find that she was unharmed.

Wu Lan said, "Lord Lu, I won’t disturb this mother-and-son reunion."

"Young Master, my lords, I will take my leave."

Lu Bai excused himself and left the Marquis Jingzhong’s Mansion with the Wang Family.