Chapter 8: Collusion with Foreign Powers

Li Hongjun and Gongsun Linglong returned to the teahouse, only to find the once tranquil establishment now in utter chaos. Tables and chairs were toppled, teacups shattered across the floor, and the other patrons had long since scattered in fear. Surveying the wreckage, Gongsun Linglong could not help but sigh. “All because of Shangguan Wude’s antics, the teahouse ended up like this. What terrible luck.”

Li Hongjun offered an apologetic smile. “Miss Gongsun, I’m sorry you were dragged into this. I’ll cover the damages. For now, our priority is to consider how to deal with Shangguan Wude’s inevitable retaliation.”

Gongsun Linglong waved her hand dismissively. “Paying for damages is the least of it. What matters is that Shangguan Wude won’t let you off easily. He’s probably racking his brains for an even nastier scheme as we speak.”

Li Hongjun stroked his chin, thinking for a moment. “I suspect he’ll target my business or those close to me. Hmph, if he wants to come after my people, he’ll have to get through me first.”

A trace of worry flickered in Gongsun Linglong’s eyes as she frowned slightly. “Mister Li, your martial skills are impressive, but it’s easier to guard against open threats than hidden ones. Perhaps we should seek some help?”

Li Hongjun arched an eyebrow. “Seek help? You mean…”

She leaned in, lowering her voice. “Within the jade-gambling circle of Ruili, there’s a man known as Master Huo. He’s highly influential and well-connected. If we could secure his protection, Shangguan Wude might hesitate.”

Li Hongjun pondered, then slowly shook his head. “Relying on others isn’t a long-term solution. Besides, asking for his protection out of the blue would put us in his debt, making future actions difficult. I’d rather resolve this myself.”

Gongsun Linglong smiled wryly. “You truly have backbone, Mister Li. But Shangguan Wude is no easy foe. You’d best have a solid plan.”

A determined glint flashed in Li Hongjun’s eyes. “I intend to take the initiative, disrupt his schemes before they come to fruition. If he likes playing tricks behind the scenes, I’ll stir up trouble right under his nose.”

Gongsun Linglong looked astonished. “You mean to strike first? How? Are you going to confront him directly? That’s far too risky.”

Li Hongjun’s smile was enigmatic. “Not directly. I’ve heard Shangguan Wude is organizing a grand jade-gambling auction. This is his main event, and that’s where I’ll make my move.”

Gongsun Linglong’s eyes widened. “You intend to cause trouble at the auction? Will that work? There will be many experts present. If you’re discovered, it could turn ugly.”

Li Hongjun was brimming with confidence. “Don’t worry, I won’t act rashly. I have my methods—enough to wreak havoc and get away unscathed. However, I may need your assistance during this.”

She patted her chest, saying, “Just tell me what you need, Mister Li. I won’t let you down.”

Li Hongjun nodded. “I need you to gather detailed information about the auction—who the key participants are, the security arrangements, the origins of the raw jade, everything you can find. The more detailed, the better.”

“Leave it to me,” Gongsun Linglong replied readily. “I’m well-connected in Ruili. It shouldn’t be hard to dig up this information.”

As the two conferred, a sudden commotion arose outside the teahouse. Li Hongjun and Gongsun Linglong exchanged worried glances—was it more of Shangguan Wude’s men?

They cautiously approached the entrance, only to find it wasn’t Shangguan Wude’s people, but rather a group clad in exotic attire, escorting an elderly man with silver hair but a vigorous presence. He leaned on a rustic cane studded with several radiant gems that caught the sunlight with an otherworldly brilliance.

“Now who could this be?” Li Hongjun muttered.

Gongsun Linglong glanced over and her expression changed. “That’s Old Master Ma Zhentian from the Ma family of the Western Regions—a prominent jade-gambling clan. He hasn’t been seen in Ruili for years. Why is he here now?”

Ma Zhentian strode into the teahouse, his gaze lingering briefly on Li Hongjun and Gongsun Linglong before settling at one of the few intact tables. His attendants formed a vigilant circle around him.

He beckoned to Li Hongjun. “Young man, come sit.”

Perplexed, Li Hongjun nevertheless approached and sat across from him. “Sir, what do you need?”

Ma Zhentian looked him over, a note of approval in his eyes. “I just saw you disciplining those thugs outside. Not bad. And you showed no fear even before someone as ruthless as Leopard. You’ve got guts and intelligence.”

Li Hongjun replied modestly, “You flatter me, sir. It was just a small display, hardly worth mentioning.”

Ma Zhentian laughed. “No need to be humble. I came to Ruili after hearing of a major jade-gambling auction. I wanted to see the excitement for myself. My men tell me you’re somehow involved as well?”

Li Hongjun’s mind raced—did Ma Zhentian have an agenda? He replied honestly, “To be frank, the auction is being organized by Shangguan Wude. He and I have a history, and he’s already sent people after me. I was just planning to stir up trouble for him at his auction.”

Interest sparked in Ma Zhentian’s eyes. “Oh? How intriguing. I’ve no great fondness for that boy, Shangguan Wude, either. His dealings in the jade-gambling world are quite disgraceful. Perhaps we could join forces?”

Li Hongjun was taken aback. “Join forces? Sir, you mean…”

Ma Zhentian tapped his cane. “I can help you disrupt the auction, make sure it’s a disaster for Shangguan Wude. In return, I want you to do something for me.”

Li Hongjun grew wary. “What do you want me to do? If it’s too difficult, I’m not sure I can manage.”

Ma Zhentian smiled. “Don’t worry, it’s nothing too arduous. I’ve heard you possess a remarkable talent for selecting raw jade. I’d like you to help me choose a few stones. Of course, you’ll be handsomely rewarded.”

Li Hongjun considered—it was a fine opportunity: he could use Ma Zhentian’s power to deal with Shangguan Wude, earn a reward, and perhaps conceal the true extent of his abilities. He nodded. “Very well, I accept. But let’s be clear—we should discuss the details of our partnership.”

Ma Zhentian nodded in satisfaction. “Of course. We’ll discuss it thoroughly.”

Gongsun Linglong, watching the two, felt uneasy. “Mister Li, are you sure about this? The Ma family isn’t to be taken lightly. Don’t let yourself get into deeper trouble.”

Li Hongjun gave her a reassuring look. “Don’t worry, Miss Gongsun. I know what I’m doing.”

Thus, Li Hongjun, Gongsun Linglong, and Ma Zhentian began to discuss their collaboration in detail. The Ma family, though renowned in the jade-gambling world, had lately hit a bottleneck in their development and urgently needed high-quality raw stones to restore their standing. Ma Zhentian had been tracking Li Hongjun’s reputation for stone selection, and witnessing his clash with Shangguan Wude presented an opportunity.

During their discussion, Ma Zhentian said, “Shangguan Wude’s auction is heavily guarded, with many experts present. To disrupt it, we must work from within. I have a man ready to infiltrate the auction staff and create chaos at the critical moment. Brother Li, your task is to expose Shangguan Wude’s misdeeds during the auction and humiliate him before everyone. I’ll have people stationed outside as backup.”

Li Hongjun frowned. “Expose his misdeeds? That’ll require evidence, or no one will believe me.”

Ma Zhentian smiled cryptically. “As for evidence, I’ve gathered some. Shangguan Wude has been tampering with the source of the raw stones, passing off inferior goods and colluding with unscrupulous merchants to cheat his peers. This is more than enough to ruin him.”

Gongsun Linglong interjected, “It’s a sound plan, but we must be careful. Shangguan Wude won’t be unprepared.”

Ma Zhentian was full of confidence. “Don’t worry. I’ve been planning this for a long time. As long as we coordinate, Shangguan Wude won’t know what hit him.”

After thorough planning, the three formalized their strategy. In the days that followed, Gongsun Linglong busied herself collecting intelligence about the auction, while Li Hongjun familiarized himself with the evidence Ma Zhentian had amassed.

The day of the auction arrived. Outside Ruili’s grandest auction hall, luxury cars lined the street and jade magnates from all circles gathered. Li Hongjun, Gongsun Linglong, and Ma Zhentian arrived early.

Ma Zhentian said, “Brother Li, stick to the plan. Don’t act impulsively—wait for the right moment.”

Li Hongjun nodded. “Rest assured, sir. I know what to do.”

They mingled with the crowd and entered the opulent hall, where crystal chandeliers bathed the space in a gentle glow. Rows of seats faced a grand auction stage, upon which various raw stones were displayed.

The auction began. The host enthusiastically explained the rules and introduced the stones. Shangguan Wude appeared on stage, clad in an expensive suit, a smug smile on his lips as he waved to the crowd.

“Hmph, let him enjoy his moment. He’ll be singing a different tune soon enough,” Li Hongjun whispered to Gongsun Linglong.

She nodded, her eyes shining with both nervousness and anticipation.

One by one, stones were auctioned off, prices soaring ever higher. At the planned moment, Ma Zhentian’s man incited chaos—a shrill alarm blared, lights flickered, and panic swept the crowd.

Li Hongjun seized the opportunity, leaping onto the auction stage and shouting, “Everyone, quiet! I have something important to say!”

All eyes turned to him. Shangguan Wude’s face darkened. “Who are you to disrupt my auction? Security, throw him out!”

But before the guards could act, Ma Zhentian’s people blocked the exits, facing off with security.

Li Hongjun sneered at Shangguan Wude. “Did you think your shady dealings would stay hidden? You tampered with the origin of these stones, passed off fakes, colluded with crooks to cheat your peers. Today, I’ll reveal your true nature!”

He produced Ma Zhentian’s collected evidence and displayed it for all to see. The hall erupted in outrage; the crowd began to condemn Shangguan Wude.

Shangguan Wude’s face was livid. “Lies! All fabricated! You’re slandering me!”

Li Hongjun scoffed. “Is it? Anyone with experience can see the truth. Surely many here have suffered at your hands. Haven’t you noticed these stones are suspect?”

Quick-witted jade merchants in the audience examined the stones and indeed found telltale flaws. They spoke out against Shangguan Wude.

Just as matters took a turn for the worse for him, the hall doors were suddenly thrown open. A group of men in black stormed in, led by a stern-faced, imposing middle-aged man.

“How dare you cause trouble at Young Master Shangguan’s auction?” the man said coldly.

Shangguan Wude’s expression brightened. “Protector Zhao, you’ve come at just the right time. Arrest these troublemakers at once!”

Li Hongjun’s heart tightened—so Shangguan Wude had a backup plan. This Protector Zhao radiated a formidable presence and would be no easy foe.

Ma Zhentian stepped forward. “Protector Zhao, this doesn’t concern you. Shangguan Wude’s misdeeds have long needed addressing.”

Protector Zhao snorted. “Ma Zhentian, stay out of this. None of you will leave here today!”

He gestured, and his men surged at Li Hongjun and his companions. Li Hongjun mustered his spiritual power, preparing to fight. Gongsun Linglong hid, anxiety gnawing at her heart.

Li Hongjun darted into the fray, fighting the black-clad men with the strength of a cultivator at the early Foundation Establishment stage. Each blow sent adversaries sprawling, but their numbers began to wear him down.

Ma Zhentian joined the battle. Despite his age, he moved with agility, his cane whistling through the air fiercely, holding his own for the moment.

Protector Zhao eyed them disdainfully. “You two think you can challenge me?” With that, he lunged at Li Hongjun.

Li Hongjun felt a crushing pressure bear down on him. He hastily summoned his power, desperately defending against Protector Zhao’s onslaught, his protective aura faltering under the barrage.

“Be careful, Mister Li!” Gongsun Linglong cried out anxiously.

Just as Li Hongjun was about to be overwhelmed, a commotion erupted outside. A group of men burst in, led by none other than Master Huo.

“Enough!” Master Huo’s thunderous voice echoed through the hall.

Protector Zhao and his men halted. Shangguan Wude’s face turned ashen. “Master Huo, what is the meaning of this?”

Master Huo shot him a cold glare. “Shangguan Wude, I’ve long disapproved of your actions in the jade-gambling world. Now that someone’s finally taking you to task, I’m here to lend a hand.”

It turned out that Gongsun Linglong, fearing Li Hongjun and company were outmatched, had secretly appealed to Master Huo for help. He, already displeased with Shangguan Wude, agreed to intervene after hearing her out.

Protector Zhao hesitated. “Master Huo, this is Shangguan family business. Best not to interfere, or there could be consequences.”

Master Huo laughed. “Consequences? I, Huo, fear none. If you know what’s good for you, leave with your men. Otherwise, no one here will have an easy time.”

Protector Zhao’s face was grim—he knew Master Huo’s reputation and realized the plan was doomed. With a wave, he withdrew his men.

Shangguan Wude snarled at Master Huo, “You’ll pay for this! I’ll settle this score with you!” He too slunk away, defeated.

Master Huo turned to Li Hongjun and Ma Zhentian with a smile. “Are you both alright? At last, we’ve taught Shangguan Wude a lesson.”

Li Hongjun expressed his gratitude. “Thank you, Master Huo. Had you not arrived in time, we would have been in grave danger.”

Ma Zhentian added, “Indeed, we are indebted to you. I’ll be sure to visit and thank you properly.”

Master Huo waved it off. “We’re all in the same business—no need for thanks. That arrogant Shangguan Wude has long needed to be put in his place.”

After this upheaval, Shangguan Wude’s auction was ruined and his reputation in the jade-gambling world lay in tatters. Li Hongjun, having exposed his crimes, became renowned throughout the circles.

Yet Li Hongjun knew this was only the beginning. Shangguan Wude would not take this defeat lying down; he would surely seek revenge. And while the cooperation with Ma Zhentian had succeeded, it might bring unforeseen complications. The undercurrents in Ruili’s jade-gambling world remained as dangerous as ever. How would Li Hongjun face the challenges to come? All remained to be revealed in the unfolding story.

In the days that followed, Li Hongjun did not allow himself to relax in the wake of this victory. He understood Shangguan Wude’s vengeful nature and knew attacks could come at any moment. He trained even harder, determined to strengthen himself.

One day, as Li Hongjun was cultivating at home, he received an urgent phone call from Gongsun Linglong.

“Mister Li, something’s wrong!” she cried. “I just learned that Shangguan Wude has allied with foreign forces and is plotting a ferocious revenge. They’ve already drawn up a detailed plan—you must be careful!”

Li Hongjun’s heart went cold. He hadn’t expected Shangguan Wude to move so quickly—or to enlist outside help. He replied calmly, “Miss Gongsun, don’t panic. Do you know any specifics?”

“Not all the details, but I’ve heard they’ve brought in some formidable assassins—ruthless ones. Their plan is to sever all your ties in Ruili, leaving you isolated, then strike.”

Li Hongjun laughed coldly. “Sever my ties? They’re dreaming. Thank you for the warning, but you must be careful too—they may target you to get to me.”

“I’ll be cautious. What will you do, Mister Li? Should you hide for a while?”

Li Hongjun shook his head. “Hiding won’t solve anything—it’ll only embolden them. I’ll take the initiative and disrupt their plans. But this time, the enemy is formidable—I’ll need some time to prepare.”

After hanging up, Li Hongjun fell into deep thought. The involvement of foreign forces complicated matters greatly. He needed a thorough plan.

Just then, Ma Zhentian’s messenger arrived with an invitation to his residence. Li Hongjun wondered if Ma Zhentian, too, had heard of Shangguan Wude’s alliance.

At Ma Zhentian’s home, the old man greeted him warmly. “Brother Li, you must have heard about Shangguan Wude’s foreign connections.”

Li Hongjun nodded. “I just received news and was troubled by it. Do you have any ideas, sir?”

Ma Zhentian replied, “I’ve also heard some things. These outsiders belong to an organization called the Shadow League—experts in illicit jade deals and assassination. They are ruthless, willing to do anything. However, I have an informant within their ranks—he may be able to provide valuable intelligence.”

A glimmer of hope sparked in Li Hongjun’s eyes. “Really? That would be excellent. With their plans in hand, we can prepare in advance.”

Ma Zhentian went on, “But this informant will require payment for his information. He wants a rare Jade Essence Stone.”