Chapter 461 My Master's Rebellion is in the Distance
At this moment, Fubo Tianwang took out his phone: "Boss Lu, encrypted call, it's... someone from the Big Organization."
Lu Chengwen pointed: "Answer."
Fubo Tianwang answered, specifically turning on speakerphone.
Fubo Tianwang's voice was low: "Who is this?"
Wei Tianwang said: "Haha, Fubo ah, long time no see."
Fubo Tianwang was greatly surprised: "You are... Wei Tianwang?"
"Haha, it's me."
Fubo Tianwang's brow furrowed: "You're looking for me... for something?"
"What? Can't I look for you if there's nothing?" Wei Tianwang said smilingly: "I know, you old brother are now living well with Boss Lu, looking down on old colleagues, right?"
Everyone heard, damn, this tone? So ambiguous, so warm, so harmonious!
Fubo Tianwang stammered: "No no no, not really... mainly... you know, our unit..."
"Hey, all suffering wage slaves, understand. Actually, saying those who jump ship are traitors, need cleansing, haven't you noticed, I rarely take jobs cleansing traitors?"
"Uh... yes..."
"Because I know, it's not easy for anyone. Who wants to stay cooped up in the organization for a lifetime, being a lonely ghost, ordered around, right?"
"Yes yes yes, not easy."
"Old brother, you've finally made it out. How is it? Lu Chengwen treats you well?"
Fubo Tianwang looked up, Lu Chengwen nodded.
Fubo Tianwang quickly said: "Very well, the treatment Boss Lu gives is much better than our organization's. My current personal assets, hehe, saying it out loud might make even you envious. What? Old brother you... intend to..."
"Oh, no no, just casually chatting. I remember one mission back then, it was your five brothers helping me cover the perimeter. This favor, I've always remembered."
Fubo Tianwang thought, remember my big head.
In the past always high and mighty, ordering us around like lackeys.
This is clearly deliberately trying to build connections.
Fubo Tianwang said smilingly: "Aiya, it's all part of the job, you're too polite."
"No no no, I usually seem a bit arrogant, but you know, sitting in my position, can't help it!"
"Yes yes yes."
"If I'm always laughing and joking, my subordinates won't fear me!"
"Right right right."
"Now that you've left the organization, I dare say a few heartfelt words to you. Actually, I don't care that much about this little power, salary."
"Oh oh oh."
"Uh... coincidentally I'm also on a business trip in Xuecheng. I was thinking, old buddies, old brothers separated, finally have such a chance, let's gather? Haha, drink some wine, chat about those old past events together, reminisce a bit, what do you think?"
Fubo Tianwang looked up at Lu Chengwen.
Lu Chengwen was in a bind.
The closer this person sounded, the more Lu Chengwen's heart pounded.
If this person received other tasks, especially after yesterday's battle, after communicating with their Junshi, and then received a new task, his purpose would be extremely difficult to judge.
It was even possible he deliberately wanted to lure Fubo's group out, taking the opportunity to come here and assassinate him.
It was also possible to lure Fubo's group out for a clean sweep, weakening his own combat strength here.
Lu Chengwen didn't believe he had any good intentions.
After all, those he hadn't tricked, he felt unsure about.
But what if it was true?
What if there was a chance to win him over?
This was Tiansimen combat strength!
Missing this opportunity would be a huge strategic misjudgment, would have many impacts on the subsequent plot.
While Lu Chengwen was hesitating, he looked directly at Junshi.
Junshi nodded.
Junshi agrees!?
Lu Chengwen quickly thought:
If the opponent is hostile, him, Long Aotian, Zhao Ritian... added together, I definitely can't beat them anyway.
Current situation, probably too late to run into the mountains looking for Shifu.
And Shifu wanders around now, you don't even know if he's in the mountains.
Since it's an opportunity, might as well gamble!
Thinking this, Lu Chengwen nodded at Fubo Tianwang.
Fubo Tianwang nodded: "Ah... ah... haha, okay. Back in the Big Organization, we almost never met, could only hear Senior's resounding reputation. Now having such an opportunity, letting small figures like us listen to Big Brother Wei's teachings face-to-face, is simply the fortune of a lifetime!"
"Hahaha, these words are too polite, we are brothers!"
"Yes yes yes, are brothers, are brothers."
"Then... see you later?"
"Okay okay okay."
Phone hung up.
Lu Chengwen immediately asked Junshi: "Junshi, what do you think?"
Junshi said: "There are three possibilities."
"First, luring the tiger away from the mountain plus drawing the snake out of its hole. Possibly they have already contacted Long Aotian, Zhao Ritian. Lure away nearly half our forces here, then Wei Tianwang and Xiao Wei will act against Fubo's group."
"And here, Long Aotian and Zhao Ritian attack our base, the target naturally being Boss Lu you."
Lu Chengwen nodded: "Second?"
"Second, turning them. He might want to coerce and bribe, turn Fubo's group, offering high salary plus absolution from all past crimes, wanting them back in the organization, even acting as double agents here."
Fubo Tianwang's group instantly tensed up.
This big accusation, no one could bear.
Junshi looked at Fubo Tianwang and the others: "I'm guessing about them, not suspecting you, brothers don't misunderstand."
"Third?" Lu Chengwen asked.
"Third..." Junshi said: "Possibly Wei Tianwang wants to sound things out. He did fight Long Aotian yesterday after all, even kicked his butt. Maybe he was reprimanded by Junshi, already dares not go back, and has no one to turn to, so throws a stone to test the path, finds Fubo first to sound things out, understand our situation here."
Lu Chengwen shook his head: "Isn't this possibility too low?"
"It is low, but we are very passive now. Any slight chance should be taken. Otherwise, can only sit and wait for death. Moreover, I analyze, if Long Aotian, Zhao Ritian, and Wei Tianwang truly joined forces, there's no need for such trouble, just attack directly, we couldn't even run."
"Plus Miss Shiyin's deep affection for you, if Long Aotian and Zhao Ritian had already allied, she should have sent a message to tip you off!"
"So, synthesizing, I prefer letting Fubo's group go contact him first, sound things out."
Lu Chengwen sat there, silent.
Fubo's group was too useful.
Strength very solid, rare combat power for himself.
Now intelligence insufficient, once this group is sent out, whether they can return alive basically depends on luck.
His side didn't have Tiansimen combat strength.
He himself, at critical moments, did have one Tiansimen Experience Card.
But this card, dealing with Long Aotian or Zhao Ritian, was barely enough.
Last time's Shangsimen Experience Card, fighting Long Aotian till the end, if not for Hua Xueying saving the field last, he would have been slapped dead by Long Aotian long ago.
The cards in his hand were all small cards, and losing one hand meant losing the whole game.
Forget saving the world, forget returning to his own world to find mom, just wanting to survive... already no chance.
System clearly said, this was his last chance.
Cannot easily take risks, survive if possible.
But the situation now was too complex.
Long Aotian, Zhao Ritian, Wei Tianwang, and that Piao Qi Tianwang...
Lu Chengwen fell into decision anxiety.
Everyone was waiting for Lu Chengwen's final decision.
Lu Chengwen paced back and forth several times, suddenly turned his head, eyes like torches.
"I'll go personally!"
Everyone was in an uproar.
"Boss Lu, we haven't grasped Wei Tianwang's situation over there, isn't this too risky?"
"Yeah, at least let Fubo contact first, let us know his bottom line then..."
Lu Chengwen raised a hand, stopping everyone.
"If it's misfortune, we are doomed to lose."
"If it's fortune, things still have a chance to turn."
Lu Chengwen began explaining his thoughts:
"If there's a possibility Wei Tianwang can be won over, me going is the safest. I can make decisions, figure out his demands then make the call. Whether he wants money, stocks, or gold, I can stabilize him right then."
"If you guys go, he asks for money, you still have to say come back discuss with me. Once things drag on, who knows what it will become."
Everyone knew Lu Chengwen was right, but remained suspicious.
"What if he's deliberately luring us over?"
Lu Chengwen said: "Then Fubo's five, plus me, can also fight him."
Fubo Tianwang said: "Boss Lu, he's Tiansimen! Hitting us..."
Lu Chengwen said: "Rest assured, I have trump cards."
"Oh."
"I have a premonition, whether fight or peace, Wei Tianwang's side will be a breakthrough point. Best if we can pull him over. And that Piao Qi... why did he keep protecting me yesterday? I can't figure it out! If the combination of Che Qi plus Wei Tianwang can join my command... plus my own trump cards, the odds of winning are at least fifty-fifty."
"Isn't Piao Qi with him? They left together yesterday!"
Lu Chengwen shook his head: "Doesn't sound like it."
"Doesn't sound..."
Lu Chengwen said: "If he were with Piao Qi, he wouldn't make this call. And if really together, then Piao Qi confusingly fighting for me, would definitely incite him. It's even possible this call was made at Piao Qi's urging."
Junshi nodded: "I support Boss Lu! And we can go together! You inside, we five ambush in the dark, once trouble occurs."
Lu Chengwen waved his hand: "A Tiansimen master, doing so will make the other party tense, setting up obstacles before even talking. You guard the house."
Lu Chengwen said to Zhao Gang: "You personally take Xiao Houzi to stay at Jiang Shihan's place. Don't come back without my order."
"Yes!"
...
In the private room of Xiangyun Grand Hotel.
The waiter pushed open the double doors. Fubo Tianwang's five brothers walked in.
Wei Tianwang immediately stood up to greet: "Brother Fubo, hahaha! Long time no see, long time no see!"
"Tianwang."
"Ai! Call Big Brother!"
"Yes, Big Brother."
Wei Tianwang warmly held Fubo Tianwang's hand: "Come come come, please be seated."
Fubo Tianwang said: "Big Brother, Boss Lu witnessed Big Brother's style yesterday, also wanted to join the meal. But afraid you'd overthink, so didn't come directly, asked me to ask your opinion. What do you think..."
Wei Tianwang paused, looked back at Xiao Wei.
Xiao Wei nodded excitedly.
Wei Tianwang smiled awkwardly: "This... isn't appropriate..."
--- Start of New Section (The Opera Scene) ---
Fubo felt awkward.
"Since it's like this... then we brothers shouldn't stay long. Big Brother, Boss Lu brought some gifts for you, they're all here, just a small token of appreciation."
"Ai, I can't accept things, inconvenient."
"No other meaning, yesterday even if it wasn't your intention, you still helped us. This small token is nothing."
Wei Tianwang waved his hand grandly: "Accepting money now, too early!"
Fubo Tianwang said loudly: "A Long, A Hu!"
The two walked in carrying two boxes, placed them on the table, opened them, inside were stacks of brand new US dollars.
"A mere two million, roughly fifteen million Chinese yuan, please accept it, Big Brother."
Wei Tianwang looked at the two boxes of money. Impossible not to be moved.
Which normal person sees two boxes of money and remains calm as still water? Impossible.
Unless he was Lu Chengwen.
Wei Tianwang called Fubo Tianwang to stop: "Brother, some things... this old brother is a bit confused, want to ask your advice on one or two things."
Fubo Tianwang felt greatly relieved. Seeing this posture, most likely wasn't a conspiracy.
"Big Brother, please speak."
The two sat down. Wei Tianwang gave a few dry laughs: "Brother Fubo's income in the organization was considered quite good, and status quite high. Coming to Xuecheng, did you really mistake the Young Master? Or... brother, do you know something?"
Fubo Tianwang paused.
This guy is probing me for information!
Cannot speak carelessly.
"Uh... hehehe, this... mm... alright lah, actually you know, what I know, is about the same..."
"Oh."
Wei Tianwang and Xiao Wei looked at each other, nodded mutually.
Matched.
"May I ask, Zhao Ritian, which school or sect's prodigy is he? This person, we've never heard of him before! His relationship with the Young Master, oh, is Young Master Long Aotian, is..."
"Uh... hehe, haha, just... Big Brother don't mind ah, matters concerning this aspect, small figures like us five are unworthy to discuss."
"Oh—!"
Wei Tianwang and Xiao Wei looked at each other again.
Matched again.
Wei Tianwang said: "Brother Piao Qi was captured yesterday. Brother, do you know... who did this? Oh right, it was a woman, very beautiful, very sexy woman."
"Oh? Woman?" Fubo Tianwang was very surprised.
Mind exploding!
What!?
Piao Qi captured!? By a woman!?
Surface remained calm: "Big Brother, just stop asking. Xuecheng's matters are complex, neither you nor I can figure it out. Not afraid of you laughing, although Boss Lu treats us with utmost sincerity, and is generous, how powerful his backing forces are, how deep his background is... we don't know."
Wei Tianwang and Xiao Wei looked at each other once more.
All matched.
Wei Tianwang said: "Hehe, oh, brother drink tea, drink tea drink tea."
"Mm mm, together together."
The two began humming and hawing back and forth. Wei Tianwang wanted to ask some core content to confirm his judgment.
Fubo Tianwang just ambiguously talked nonsense, some existing, some not, neither admitting nor denying, often smiling inscrutably.
Deliberately changing the subject.
Xiao Wei got anxious: "Big Brother Fubo, just tell us, being Boss Lu's dog, are there any thresholds?"
Fubo Tianwang instantly angered: "What did you say!?"
Wei Tianwang quickly pulled Xiao Wei away: "Go go go, adults talking, why are you interrupting?"
Then said to Fubo Tianwang: "Brother, don't mind ah, this little brother of mine has a fast mouth, slow brain. Give brother face, don't stoop to his level."
Fubo Tianwang said: "Since Big Brother sees us like this, then I think we don't need to chat anymore. Can I leave?"
"Ah, of course, please feel free to stay or leave, I have no other meaning, just wanted to chat, reminisce."
Fubo Tianwang stood up to leave. Wei Tianwang asked again: "Brother Fubo, let me ask you one last question. Why did you bring your brothers to follow Boss Lu, instead of... following Young Master Long Aotian?"
Fubo Tianwang was speechless for a long time.
This was hard to say. Firstly, lose face; secondly, reveal cards.
At this moment, A Hu stood out.
"Big Brother, at this time, I think I can appear."
Fubo Tianwang gestured, meaning you come show off, carry me.
A Hu first did an intro, then began singing slowly:
(The following is a parody sung in the style of Peking Opera, specifically referencing 'Silang Visits His Mother' -)
"My lord arose in Mangdang vale! Invested shanties, fame did hail! Shifu too decreed his will! Two disciples strong fought stronger still! First North Kingdom gained, the master claimed! Second North Kingdom gained, propped court aflamed! My lord's fortune broad! Met Junshi, Fubo, lads abroad! Made money, wooed girls, heart soared! I too with pearl-strung tongue held court adored!"
"Aotian defied, Shifu's pact! Fought my lord, for kingship tract! Today A Hu, good general names! Hope you heed words and plans—surrender with us! Ah return home enhance! Chance rare... Tianwang you must! Con-si-der!"
Wei Tianwang looked at A Hu: "Just... didn't have to sing it out. Speak slower, I can understand."
At this time, Xiao Wei disagreed:
"Brother A Hu!"
"Hearing your words, scared me sweating whole body! Unexpected, mere North Kingdom so perilous. Turns out, two young masters one light one dark, this light dark intertwined how can we discern! I here, step forward, perform courtesy!"
Xiao Wei cupped his fists: "Brother A Hu! Fellow brothers! Respectfully Fubo, Brother Hu listen closely to my words, just now forgive my verbal offense, the unknowing not blamed please grant vast lenience!"
Fubo Tianwang and Wei Tianwang were both confused/dumbfounded.
These two are singing duet!?
Fubo Tianwang looked at A Hu, meaning you come, I can't do this opera stuff!
You caused the trouble, you fix it.
A Hu, unafraid, quickly sang: "Ah! Worthy... brother! You and I good brothers bond like mountain high, good worthy brother why be overly polite! We five this time come not for battle bright, truly have worries inconvenient to state outright."
Xiao Wei: "Saying what, good brothers bond like mountain high, you and I brotherhood set aside. Why your words something hide? What, de-tailed—inside story you frankly confide!"
A Hu: "Not that between brothers something hide, have a bosom worry dare not name! Young Master Long, brat Zhao take turns to fight, my master Lu Chengwen feels deep shame! I intend invite you two here, support Young Master, protect Chengwen, road to heaven!"
Xiao Wei: "Brother A Hu why deceive us? Two young masters fight themselves irrelevant to us!"
A Hu: "Brothers though not obstruct, past this village no more inn!"
Xiao Wei: "Intend rely your side, fear he later turns face!" (Turns hostile)
A Hu: "Brothers rely our side, any mishap I bear!"
Xiao Wei: "All say Chengwen most insidious, if he turns face how can you bear!"
A Hu glared: "A Hu though talentless..."
Waved behind him: "Five heads for you to choose!"
Xiao Wei: "Willing be dog not simple, must vow to heavens express!"
A Hu raised three fingers, slowed singing speed: "If Lord Lu disrespects the worthy, A Hu we five brothers! Yellow sand cover face, bones incomplete nah ah...!"
Xiao Wei laughed heartily: "Brother Hu! Spoke too seriously!"
After A Hu and Xiao Wei finished this re-worded version of "Silang Visits His Mother," everyone was stupefied.
This... negotiation finished!?
A Long leaned over: "Brother Hu, there's still 'Call the Barbarian' later, that high note, octave flip that... we're waiting."
A Hu panted heavily: "Screw off calf, look how tired I am? You really think I studied this?"
Fubo Tianwang cupped his fists: "Big Brother Wei, did you understand?"
Wei Tianwang rubbed his chin, thinking, I didn't even know Xiao Wei could sing Qingyi (female role)?
Snapping back, quickly said: "Brother Fubo, Boss Lu's side, please help introduce!"
"Good! Please welcome Boss Lu!"
Lu Chengwen had been listening outside for a long time, now walked in with Hua Xueying.
"Wei Tianwang, we meet again."
Wei Tianwang quickly moved to kneel on one knee, stopped by Lu Chengwen: "Alright alright, stand up speak, I don't like this set, they all know."
Wei Tianwang looked over, everyone showed him friendly smiles.
Lu Chengwen sat down, exchanged a few pleasantries with Wei Tianwang.
Both spoke guardedly.
Lu Chengwen acted the part, pretending profoundness.
Wei Tianwang deeply believed, rarely confused. (Playing dumb?)
The two perfectly matched.
At this moment, Luo Shiyin sent a message. Lu Chengwen glanced, face stern: "Go back."
...
Car returned to the villa. Lu Chengwen immediately introduced Wei Tianwang and Xiao Wei to everyone. Brothers gathered together, jointly discussed how to deal with Long Aotian and Zhao Ritian.
At this moment, a person appeared. Piao Qi Tianwang leaped over the iron gate, slowly walked forward in the manor.
Tie Tuo Wang immediately reported: "Report Boss Lu, Piao Qi Tianwang is here! Haha!"
Lu Chengwen was overjoyed: "Excellent! A Wei, you and Piao Qi join forces again, I and these dozen brothers attack together, our group against their two, I refuse to believe we can't handle it!"
Hua Xueying said: "I'll go watch Xiaohua-jie."
Qi Meishao said: "Then I watch Shiyin-jie?"
Hua Xueying said: "Shiyin-jie doesn't need watching, she works without effort." (Goes through the motions)
"So need to watch, at least let Long Aotian see the appearance!"
"Oh oh, okay, you go watch, you can pretend to fight far away, go prepare food behind."
"Mm."
Lu Chengwen full of ambition: "Then it's settled! Damn it, Long Aotian you still dare come, really think I can't handle you? Son of Fortune, I precisely beat Sons of Fortune!"
Lu Chengwen slapped the table: "I have a feeling... I, Lu Chengwen! Am the Chosen One! Fear no one!"
At this moment, Piao Qi Tianwang struck Tie Tuo Wang who went to greet him flying, loudly proclaimed: "Lu Chengwen! Get your ass out here!"
Everyone rushed out hurriedly, seeing the heavily injured Tie Tuo Wang on the ground, very shocked.
Lu Chengwen put on a straight face: "Piao Qi, what do you mean?"
"Lu Chengwen, I came to kill you!"
Behind, Wei Tianwang walked out: "Piao Qi, are you damn sick!?"
Piao Qi Tianwang paused: "Wei... Big Brother Wei? How did you end up standing over there?"
"Didn't you tell me to stand over here?"
"When did I tell you to stand over there!?"
Wei Tianwang covered his skull: "Damn yesterday... Hey!? Your ancestors! You're playing me!?"
Piao Qi Tianwang proclaimed loudly: "Me playing you!? I'm the one being played, okay!?"
At this moment, a mad laughter came.
Long Aotian said domineeringly: "Even Piao Qi Tianwang turned traitor, Lu Chengwen, your death date has arrived! Today, let's see who else helps you stand out!"