375: Chapter 374 The Mantis Stalks the Cicada, Unaware of the Oriole Behind (Part 1)

Upon learning the situation, Shen Jianan immediately said to Ye Ziming, "Ziming, we must leave immediately. Captain Yan says Zhao Lintai has already made his move, and his target is very likely the Si Family Old Residence."

Ye Ziming quickly stood up, "Alright. Young Master Qin already sent me the location of the Si Family Old Residence last night. There is no time to lose, let's head over now!"

"Hmm, I'll call Qin Yi first to warn him." As she spoke, Shen Jianan dialed the number, and the two walked quickly toward the hotel parking lot.

At this moment, inside the courtyard of the Si Family Old Residence, four people were sitting around a stone table enjoying breakfast.

The morning breeze blew gently, and the atmosphere was peaceful.

At this moment, Qin Yi's phone suddenly rang. He glanced at the caller ID, gave the others an apologetic smile, and stood up to answer it to the side.

As soon as the call was connected, Shen Jianan's urgent voice came through, "Qin Yi, Zhao Lintai is heading toward the Si Family Old Residence, and that woman named Bai Ruoxue is with him too. Sister Qingcheng told you about her yesterday, right?"

"Hmm, I know." Qin Yi frowned slightly and replied softly.

"That's good. That Bai Ruoxue is extremely dangerous, you must be careful! Ziming and I, as well as Captain Yan from the Southwest Branch, are also rushing toward the Si Family Old Residence." Shen Jianan reminded him, her tone full of worry.

"Alright! You and Ziming stay safe." After hanging up, Qin Yi returned to his seat.

Seeing his somewhat unnatural expression, Si Yao asked curiously, "What's wrong?"

"It's nothing." Qin Yi smiled feignedly. He didn't want any complications before finding the dragon saliva liquid, so he picked up his bowl and chopsticks again and said, "Eat up. Once we're done, we'll head into the mountains early."

About ten minutes later, everyone finished their meal.

Si Zhengxiong put down his chopsticks and instructed Si Hongbin, "Hongbin, go and have them prepare at the foot of the mountain. You must go and return early; do not spend the night in the mountains under any circumstances! Also, that place has a chaotic magnetic field, and communication devices have no signal inside. If you encounter an emergency, fire a signal flare immediately, and they can provide timely rescue from the outside!"

"Old Master, I think Brother Bin should not enter the mountain. If we all leave, who will take care of you?" Qin Yi asked with concern.

Si Zhengxiong waved his hand, a kind smile appearing on his face, "This old bag of bones doesn't need anyone to take care of him. Only with Hongbin accompanying you can I rest assured."

Seeing Si Zhengxiong's firm attitude, Qin Yi couldn't insist any further. After all, he wasn't the only one entering the mountains; Si Yao was also going, so naturally, the Old Master had to look out for his granddaughter's safety.

Therefore, Qin Yi nodded and replied, "Alright then, Old Master, we will head down the mountain now!"

"Hmm, go ahead." Si Zhengxiong nodded, then looked at Si Hongbin and exhorted, "Hongbin, you must protect Yaoyao and Qin Yi well. You must bring them back to me in one piece!"

"Yes!"

Subsequently, the three of them walked quickly down the mountain road. All three were Martial Artists, and their physical fitness far exceeded that of ordinary people, so their speed descending the mountain was naturally very fast. In less than ten minutes, they had reached the foot of the mountain.

At the foot of the mountain, three Ford F-150 Raptors were already waiting, with two sturdy men in camouflage uniforms standing next to each vehicle.

Seeing the three arrive, the six men immediately stood straight, raised their hands to salute the three of them, and shouted in unison, "Young Miss, Brother Bin!"

Si Hongbin nodded, his gaze sweeping over the group, and then he looked at the supplies piled in the back of the pickup trucks, asking, "Have all the things I asked you to prepare been gathered?"

"Brother Bin, rest assured, everything has been prepared!" a man responded loudly.

"Good," Si Hongbin looked at Qin Yi and gestured, "Mr. Qin, you and the Young Miss should take the middle vehicle. I will sit in the first one to lead the way for you!"

Qin Yi agreed, and he and Si Yao sat in the back row of the middle Raptor. Si Hongbin sat in the lead vehicle in front.

Soon, the three vehicles roared and drove along the mountain road toward the northeast.

Just twenty minutes after Qin Yi and the others left, Zhao Lintai's maybach was stopped at the entrance at the foot of the mountain.

A man stepped forward and signaled for Zhao Lintai to roll down the window. Zhao Lintai frowned as he examined the other party. Finding that he was not a policeman, although he was somewhat displeased, he still rolled down the window and asked in an unfriendly tone, "What is it?"

"Hello, this is the Si Family's private territory. No entry without permission!" the man said coldly, his eyes looking guardedly at the two people in the car.

"Who are you?" Zhao Lintai examined the man with confusion, secretly guessing his identity in his heart.

"I am a villager here!"

"Oh, I see. My name is Zhao Lintai, and I've come specifically to pay a visit to Old Master Si Zhengxiong. The Old Master knows me; I was here just a few days ago. How about I give the Old Master a call?" Zhao Lintai picked up his phone to signal the man, attempting to convince him to let them pass.

The man shook his head, "No need. I will call the Family Head to confirm. Please wait a moment!" After saying this, the man walked into a house next to the road.

About two or three minutes later, the man walked back over, raised the road barrier, and said to Zhao Lintai, "The Family Head said you may enter." Having said that, the man cleared the way.

"Alright, thank you." After speaking, Zhao Lintai shifted gears, stepped on the accelerator, and continued driving forward.

Along the way, many 'villagers' similar to the man at the village entrance could be seen, all of them sturdy young men.

Bai Ruoxue observed outside the window and said softly, "The person who stopped you just now has Anjin cultivation."

"Ah? Really? Is he that formidable?" Zhao Lintai looked at the left rearview mirror in disbelief. The mirror reflected the man's figure, who was watching them drive in with a vigilant expression.

"Not just him; the villagers at the foot of this mountain are all Martial Artists, and the worst among them is in the Late Stage of Clear Strength." Bai Ruoxue said indifferently, "The Southwest Si Family is indeed well-deserved of its reputation." As she said this, a hint of gravity flashed in the depths of Bai Ruoxue's eyes, and she secretly thought: It seems that wanting to make a move to eliminate Qin Yi within the Si Family is likely not realistic!

"Indeed," at this time, Zhao Lintai also nodded in agreement, "My grandfather once said that back then, if it weren't for Si Zhengxiong knowing the times and understanding when to retreat, withdrawing early from the struggle for power, I'm afraid there wouldn't be the splendor of the Southwest Si Family today. It's just a pity that my Zhao Family does not have a hundred-year Legacy like the Si Family; otherwise, I wouldn't need to go to such great lengths to pull the Si Family in as my own backer!"

Bai Ruoxue's lips curled slightly, and disdain flashed in her eyes.

In her view, things like money, power, and status were all fleeting clouds. What a person is truly worthy of possessing is only strength! Without strength, no matter how much one possesses, it is only making wedding clothes for others! And these were all things her foster father, Lei Poshan, had taught her.

Another ten minutes or so passed, and Zhao Lintai, relying on his memory from last time, parked the car at the foot of the mountain by the old residence.

"This is it. The road ahead can only be traversed on foot." As he spoke, Zhao Lintai opened the car door and got out.

Bai Ruoxue also got out of the car and looked up at the mountain peak in front of her. Seeing Zhao Lintai climbing up the mountain step by step with great effort, Bai Ruoxue couldn't help but sneer in her heart. Pretending to be mysterious. It's just a mere mountain road; it might trouble an ordinary person, but for a Martial Artist, it's of no use at all!

Immediately following this, Bai Ruoxue crouched slightly, and her whole body shot out like an arrow from a bow. As she passed by Zhao Lintai, she grabbed his arm in passing.

Zhao Lintai only felt his body lighten and was actually carried into the air. Bai Ruoxue's figure flashed rapidly, leaving only streaks of white afterimages.

The villagers at the foot of the mountain who were responsible for guarding the Si Family Old Residence and protecting Si Zhengxiong's safety became alert upon seeing this. One of them quickly took out equipment from his waist and reported to Si Zhengxiong, "Family Head, the woman among the two people who just entered the mountain is also a Martial Artist, and her movement technique is extremely fast. She should be an Anjin expert!"

Si Zhengxiong's gaze narrowed. Zhao Lintai must have come this time for Qin Yi; it seems he really cannot sit still anymore. "Do not act. I assume they wouldn't dare to mess around."

"Yes! Family Head."

At the same time the communication was cut off, the sound of 'dong, dong, dong...' knocking on the door came from outside the old residence.

Si Zhengxiong inserted the communication device back into his dragon-head cane and walked slowly toward the gate, shouting as he walked, "Coming!"

Upon hearing this voice, Zhao Lintai was immediately filled with doubt. How could it be the Old Master's voice? Logically speaking, it should have been Si Hongbin coming to open the door, or at the very least, it should have been Si Yao or Qin Yi.

While he was in the midst of his confusion, Si Zhengxiong had already arrived at the door and pulled open the gate of the residence.

"Old Master, why did you come personally?" Zhao Lintai took the initiative to step forward and support Si Zhengxiong's arm, pretending to ask with a look of concern.

"Oh, Hongbin and Yaoyao have gone into the mountains. There is only this old man in the courtyard." As Si Zhengxiong spoke, his gaze swept toward Bai Ruoxue.

However, in the next second, Si Zhengxiong's expression tightened. It was not because he sensed Bai Ruoxue's Peak Anjin internal energy, but because the woman before him actually looked very similar to an old acquaintance from decades ago!

"And this is?" Si Zhengxiong asked with confusion.

"Oh, Old Master, it's like this. I'm preparing to expand the market in Southeast Asia, right? She is an assistant I transferred from the Capital, and she will help me expand the Southeast Asian market in the Late Stage." Zhao Lintai said, gesturing, "Ruoxue, hurry up and greet the Old Master."

Bai Ruoxue took the initiative to reach out to Si Zhengxiong, greeting, "Junior Bai Ruoxue has met the Old Master."

"Alike, too alike." Si Zhengxiong lowered his head to look at the hand Bai Ruoxue extended, reached out to shake it, and couldn't help but look at Bai Ruoxue's eyebrows and eyes a few more times, actually speaking uncontrollably for a moment.

Zhao Lintai and Bai Ruoxue exchanged a glance, their eyes full of confusion.

"Uh, Old Master, what did you say was too alike?" Zhao Lintai asked with confusion.

Si Zhengxiong realized he had lost his composure and hurriedly let go of Bai Ruoxue's hand, explaining, "I apologize. This old man just felt that Miss Bai looks very similar to an old acquaintance I know, so for a moment, I was a bit dazed!"

After saying this, Si Zhengxiong looked at Bai Ruoxue again and continued to ask, "May I ask how old Miss Bai is this year? Where is your ancestral home?"

"This Junior is twenty-seven years old, grew up in Australia since childhood, and is not a person of the Dragon Kingdom!"

"27? You are the same age as my Yaoyao. Growing up in Australia, Miss Bai, could you be of Chinese descent?"

"Yes."

"So that's it. No wonder when I saw Miss Bai, I felt there were some characteristics of people from the Western Regions. It seems this old man overthought it." After speaking, Si Zhengxiong looked at Zhao Lintai again, changing the subject, and asked, "Lintai, what is the purpose of your visit today?"

"Oh, it's like this. I was thinking that since Yaoyao has returned, as Yaoyao's 'fiancé', I should at least come over to visit."

Hearing the three words 'fiancé', Si Zhengxiong's expression was somewhat awkward. He coughed lightly and explained, "Oh, that's appropriate. However, it is somewhat inconvenient. Yaoyao went into the mountains early this morning with Qin Yi and Hongbin. It is estimated that they won't return until the evening."

"Went into the mountains?" Zhao Lintai looked back and pressed, "I wonder which mountain they went to?"

Si Zhengxiong raised his hand and pointed to the steep, craggy mountain peak: "That way. The mountain road is difficult to traverse. Why don't you wait for them to return at the old residence?"

Hearing this, Zhao Lintai looked at Bai Ruoxue. Bai Ruoxue gave him a wink, and Zhao Lintai instantly understood: "No, since Yaoyao is not here, I will come back to pay a visit tomorrow. I won't disturb your rest, Old Master."

"How can you leave just after arriving? Come in and have a cup of tea." Si Zhengxiong said politely.

"Thank you, Old Master, but I suddenly remembered there are some private matters that need to be handled, so I won't disturb you further, Old Master."

"Alright then. Young people should prioritize their careers. Then tomorrow it is. I will definitely keep Yaoyao at the old residence."

After taking their leave of Si Zhengxiong, Zhao Lintai and Bai Ruoxue walked quickly down the mountain.

Watching the backs of the two leaving, Si Zhengxiong silently took out his phone and dialed Si Hongbin.

The call was connected quickly, and Si Hongbin's voice came through, "Old Master, you are looking for me."

"Hmm, Zhao Lintai just came by, and there was a woman with him. I observed that the woman's cultivation should be Peak Anjin. I am worried she will be detrimental to Qin Yi. You all be careful. If you encounter Zhao Lintai, you must be careful and on guard. Absolutely do not let anything happen to Qin Yi! Do you understand?"

"Understood! Rest assured, Old Master, even if I have to risk my life, I will not let anything happen to Mr. Qin and the Young Miss!" After hanging up the phone, Si Hongbin's brows were locked in a frown.

Peak Anjin? Apart from the Old Master, I'm afraid no one in the Si Family is her match. Who knows where this Zhao Lintai found such an expert?

Meanwhile, after getting far away from the Si Family Old Residence, Bai Ruoxue once again displayed her strange movement technique, pulling Zhao Lintai and speeding down the mountain.

Once they were inside the car, Zhao Lintai asked impatiently, "What do we do next?"

Bai Ruoxue raised her hand and pointed to the tire tracks on the ground ahead, reminding him, "Did you see the tire tracks? Follow the tire tracks! I originally thought since Si Zhengxiong was there, it wouldn't be easy to make a move, but now that Qin Yi and the others are acting alone, if we don't take this opportunity to eliminate Qin Yi, wouldn't we be missing such a good chance for nothing!"

"Got it!" A cold sneer curled the corner of Zhao Lintai's mouth. He turned the car around and drove toward the village entrance, following the direction of the tire tracks.

At this very moment, on a small road two kilometers outside the village, Yan Yan also met up with Shen Jianan and Ye Ziming, who had just arrived.

Shen Jianan got out of the car and immediately asked nervously, "Captain Yan, where is Zhao Lintai?"

Yan Yan pointed to the village not far away and explained, "They have already entered the village."

"Then let's hurry and go in too?" Ye Ziming, who had gotten out of the car behind Shen Jianan, said.

Yan Yan waved his hand, "No. That village is the only way to the Si Family Old Residence. Do you see that mountain ahead? That is the Si Family's old residence. That entire mountain, as well as the village at the foot of the mountain, are all the Si Family's private territory. Without the permission of the Si Family Old Master, no one can get in!"

"Ah? Then what should we do?" Shen Jianan asked with a nervous expression.

"There is no way. Now we can only wait! Captain Ye has repeatedly exhorted that we cannot let the Si Family know that our Southwest Branch of the Security Bureau has already intervened in this matter."

Just as the three of them were talking, they saw Zhao Lintai's black maybach slowly driving toward the village entrance on the village road.

Yan Yan immediately threw away the cigarette in his hand and said to the two, "Zhao Lintai's car is coming out. Let's get in the car quickly. You and Young Master Ye get in my car. Your car is too conspicuous; driving it further forward will definitely arouse the Si Family's suspicion."

After saying this, Shen Jianan and Ye Ziming both got into Yan Yan's car together.

Waiting for Zhao Lintai's black maybach to drive out of the village, Yan Yan then started the car and quietly followed it.