347: Zhang Jianhua

Zhu Jianhua stood quietly in the deep shadow, the surroundings silent, with only the occasional flicker of a faint firelight and thin wisps of smoke slowly drifting out.

These points of firelight and wisps of light smoke, like ghostly dancers in the darkness, flickered on and off, drifting erratically.

After a long while, Zhu Jianhua finally extended a finger and gently pressed out the cigarette that had burned down to its end.

As he moved, the shadow enveloping him seemed to be slightly dispelled, and his true face gradually revealed itself under the dim light.

His face was as still as deep water, without the slightest ripple or change in emotion, like a cold and unfeeling sculpture.

"Has the situation been confirmed?"

Zhu Jianhua's voice was low and steady, devoid of any extra emotion.

"Reporting to Master, based on the intelligence provided by An Yi, combined with Third Brother's personal in-depth investigation on site, we can confirm the situation is indeed as reported."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Jianhua merely nodded slightly. A heart-stopping blood-red light suddenly flashed deep within his eyes, which were originally as calm as still water, but it vanished without a trace in just an instant.

He remained silent, as if lost in deep thought, making it difficult to fathom what was on his mind.

"Master, there is one more matter that needs to be reported to you. According to the news from An Yi, the Ten Stars Commerce Guild is actually willing to spend a huge amount of money this time to issue a bounty order to launch a full-scale hunting operation against us!"

Chief Zhou Rong hesitated for a moment before explaining the matter in detail, "Killing one Blood Disciple rewards a million, the stronger the strength, the higher the reward. Killing, killing the Master of Blood Disciples..."

"Speak."

"Killing the Master of Blood Disciples rewards a hundred billion, one S-grade Cultivation Technique, three S-grade Martial Skills, plus one High Grade saint relic."

"Hehe, the Ten Stars Commerce Guild is really generous, these things are enough to create a Martial Lord Realm expert."

Zhu Jianhua grinned, but his laughter was exceptionally cold, sending shivers down one's spine.

"It seems they are determined to get this auction item, or perhaps this is a trap itself, to lure us there and wipe us out in one go."

"This... then I, your subordinate, will personally go and investigate to prevent them from setting an ambush!"

Chief Zhou Rong also realized something was wrong. The bounty was too generous, perhaps even ordinary Martial Lord Realm experts would find it hard to resist such temptation.

Moreover, the Death Desert is located outside of Great Xia. Even if a real war broke out, the Military Department and Martial Security Bureau couldn't arrive in time.

"No need. If they set an ambush, your going might alert them. Besides, what kind of people could they find?"

Zhu Jianhua showed disdain. Although the Ten Stars Commerce Guild is a major force, according to the intelligence from Shadow Killer, their family head is only a mid-stage Martial Lord.

Furthermore, he's an old fellow with declining vitality. At most, he can only exert the strength of an Early Stage Martial Lord. He doesn't even put such strength in his eyes.

"Just in case, I'll go with you this time."

Previously, Zhou Rong always led the Blood Disciples in actions, and Zhu Jianhua had never shown his face, fearing being discovered by the Dragon Group.

Moreover, it is highly possible that a Martial Lord will intervene this time. The Chief has only just reached Wu Zong Peak, and is still too far from the Martial Lord realm.

"Yes!"

Zhou Rong and the other Blood Disciples all showed expressions of ecstasy. Their Master was actually going to act with them. How could they not be happy?

"Master, shall we go down and eat something? Fifth Brother used to be a cook, and his skills are excellent."

After the important matters were discussed, Zhou Rong invited him with a hesitant expression.

Zhu Jianhua was startled. The cigarette he had just taken out, ready to light, hung in mid-air, but only for an instant before he put it away.

"Alright, I'll give it a try. Do you have beer?"

"Yes, yes!"

Zhou Rong and the others looked excited. Immediately, the group went downstairs to the private room area on the second floor.

"Master, I've always kept two private rooms on the second floor for the brothers to change their taste from time to time."

Zhou Rong introduced this to Zhu Jianhua. This restaurant was the Blood Disciples' base. As the number of Blood Disciples they recruited increased, it would eventually be troublesome without a base.

To avoid being discovered and to cover their tracks, the Blood Disciples opened various types of shops in some cities.

For example, clothing stores, restaurants, etc. Star Technology also provided a lot of convenience, otherwise, with just Zhu Jianhua and those apprentices, it would be difficult to find suitable properties and shops, let alone deal with procedural issues.

Just as everyone was walking in single file, passing by a private room with a tightly shut door, that seemingly ordinary private room door suddenly swung open without warning.

Zhou Rong and the others, acting on instinct, all turned their gaze towards that direction.

They saw a young man with a tall figure and handsome appearance watching them with a faint smile on his face.

Zhou Rong frowned slightly, secretly sizing up the person before him.

What surprised him was that despite the young man's outstanding appearance, he couldn't sense the slightest fluctuation of aura from him, as if he were just an ordinary person, nothing more.

However, when Zhou Rong caught sight of the lavish dishes covering the table, he made a judgment in his heart: this person must be waiting for others to gather here, and opened the door by mistake due to a moment of carelessness.

Therefore, Zhou Rong showed a friendly smile and softly said, "Little brother, it looks like your friends haven't arrived yet. It's not good to leave the door wide open. I'll close it for you."

As he spoke, Zhou Rong had already stepped forward, reaching out to close the door.

Unexpectedly, the young man's voice came through calmly and gently: "No need to trouble yourself, he has already arrived!"

Before he finished speaking, Zhou Rong had just touched the edge of the door, and the hand he was about to use to pull it shut stopped in mid-air as if by magic.

Immediately after, they heard the young man speak again: "Zhu Jianhua, how have you been? Since you're here, why not come in for a chat?"

In an instant, Zhou Rong's face, which had originally appeared somewhat simple and honest, suddenly changed color. His expression instantly became extremely solemn, and his eyes were as sharp as an eagle's, staring intently at the person in front of him.

The other Blood Disciples were the same. Some of them had already placed their hands on their weapons, ready to fight at any moment.

Only Zhu Jianhua's eyes widened upon hearing this, and his body actually trembled slightly.

He could never forget this voice, or the other person's eyes. This was truly that person.

"Let them step back. Come in for a chat?"

"Little bro..."

Before Zhou Rong could say anything more, Zhu Jianhua grabbed his shoulder and pulled him back, "You guys go gather by yourselves. Also, from now on, no one is allowed to enter this door!"

After saying that, Zhu Jianhua directly closed the door. He took a deep breath and looked solemnly at the person in front of him, his knees bending as he was about to kneel.

"Master!"

The person in front of him was precisely Li Wuji. He slightly raised his hand to stop Zhu Jianhua.

"Sit."