Chapter 1023: Caught Red-Handed
Editor: Henyee Translations

“That’s true,” said Xuan Dongsi, contemplating Xuan Louze’s drastically different behavior. “What could have triggered this change?”

Xuan Dongsheng was silent for a moment. “Maybe his improved martial skills have released all his pent-up frustration.”

Xuan Dongsi paused his bead-counting. “Isn’t this release a bit too terrifying?”

Xuan Dongsheng, with his calm demeanor, responded steadily, “When someone who’s been deeply repressed suddenly lets loose, it’s bound to be intense. Let’s observe for now. No matter his motives, all will be revealed during the succession ceremony in three days.”

Mentioning the succession ceremony made Xuan Dongsi anxious. “Brother, what if he disrupts the ceremony? I must kill him within these three days to prevent any sabotage.”

Xuan Dongsheng also wanted to eliminate Xuan Louze to control all variables. “Do you think you can kill him?”

Xuan Dongsi, confident, replied, “No one is invincible. He may have high martial skills, but he’s just one man. He can’t possibly fend off every attack, hidden or otherwise.”

Xuan Dongsheng nodded slowly. “Then give it a try.”

“Alright.” Xuan Dongsi slipped his prayer beads onto his wrist and headed downstairs.

…

At the Xuan family residence.

“Father, how did Xuan Louze become so powerful?” Xuan Nanzhou returned home, eager for answers.

Second Master Xuan shook his head. “I’m puzzled too. Avoid confronting him directly; he even disregards your grandfather.”

Xuan Nanzhou was confused. “What do you mean?”

Second Master Xuan sighed, deeply perplexed by Xuan Louze’s newfound boldness. “The house steward didn’t repair his courtyard, so he took over your grandfather’s courtyard.”

Xuan Nanzhou’s mouth fell open in disbelief. “Did he really do that?”

“Yes,” Xuan Nanzhou confirmed. “Your Fifth Uncle called him back for your cousin’s succession ceremony.”

Xuan Nanzhou thought for a moment. “Father, something’s off. Fifth Uncle despises Xuan Louze. He wouldn’t have called him back voluntarily.”

Second Master Xuan paused. “You’re right. We should investigate further.”

“Yes.”

…

As Xuan Louze walked, he sensed someone following him. “They couldn’t wait to make a move.”

Zeng Huo, walking casually beside him, said, “You’re too high-profile.”

Xuan Louze chuckled. “If they don’t provoke me, I won’t retaliate. Let’s meet them.”

Zeng Huo nodded. “Okay.”

Xuan Louze led Zeng Huo to a secluded alley, standing in the middle to wait. Soon, crossbows appeared from the front, back, and above.

Xuan Louze smirked and vanished, followed by the sound of crashes. When he stopped, all the assassins lay in a heap in the alley.

He dusted off his hands. “Zeng Huo, interrogate them and find out who sent them.”

Zeng Huo, now proficient in interrogation, glanced over the captives and picked one. With just a few words, the assassin confessed that Xuan Dongsi had sent them.

Xuan Louze recalled the faces he’d seen at the mansion. “Xuan Dongsi?”

Zeng Huo nodded. “He’s the fourth son of the main branch.”

“Go invite him here,” Xuan Louze instructed. “Tell him I have something important to discuss.”

“Yes.”

Though Xuan Dongsi was a clever man, he wasn’t clever enough. Zeng Huo managed to bring him to the alley with just three sentences.

Seeing the scene in the alley, Xuan Dongsi broke into a cold sweat. “What do you want to talk about?”

“It’s not what he wants to say, but what I want to say,” Xuan Louze said, stepping behind Xuan Dongsi.

Startled, Xuan Dongsi spun around. “What do you want?”

Xuan Louze was indifferent about the Xuan family but interested in their wealth. “I want ten thousand taels of silver, or I’ll expose this incident to everyone.”

“Extortion?” Xuan Dongsi sneered.

“It’s not extortion. It’s hush money.” Xuan Louze smiled warmly. “If you don’t pay, I can ensure that within half a day, all of Zhongling City will believe Xuan Dongsi attempted to murder Xuan Dongsheng to seize the family head position.”

“Do you think they’ll believe it?” Xuan Dongsi asked, eyebrows raised.

Xuan Louze smiled faintly, calmly replying, “Whether they believe it or not doesn’t matter. As long as it tarnishes the Xuan family and creates infighting, it’s enough.”

Xuan Dongsi frowned. “You also bear the Xuan name. What’s the benefit of tarnishing the family?”

“I just want money, not the Xuan family. What happens to the family doesn’t concern me.” Xuan Louze didn’t care about the Xuan family. “You have one incense stick’s time to get the money, or I’ll hang these men at the mansion’s gate.”

Infuriated, Xuan Dongsi shouted, “You…”

Xuan Louze was done talking. “Zeng Huo, start the timer.”

Zeng Huo took out an hourglass and flipped it over in front of Xuan Dongsi. “Time starts now.”

Xuan Dongsi stormed off.

Watching his retreating figure, Zeng Huo asked, “Will he bring the money?”

“No,” Xuan Louze replied confidently.

“Then why…”

Xuan Louze interrupted, “The Xuan family married a daughter to the emperor of Xia Sang Kingdom, and she bore the tenth prince. Haven’t you considered the implications?”

Zeng Huo’s eyes widened. “You mean the Xuan family has already allied with Xia Sang?”

“Most likely,” Xuan Louze said, crossing his arms. “What if the Xuan family is also connected to the Yun Organization?”

Zeng Huo’s eyes widened in realization. “The Xuan family is a big target. By stirring things up, you’re trying to flush out the Yun Organization or even Lord Yun?”

“Exactly,” Xuan Louze confirmed. Finding Lord Yun would mark the end of this mission. She had no desire to stay in this chaotic place any longer.

“Then I wish us success,” Zeng Huo said, hoping to retire in peace.

“Get two carts and take these men to the Xuan mansion. Let them make another scene.”

“Got it.”

…

Xuan Dongsi returned to Xuan Dongsheng. “Brother, the men I sent to kill Xuan Louze were all defeated. He demanded ten thousand taels of silver as hush money.”

Xuan Dongsheng’s brows knitted together. “What did you say?”

“I refused,” Xuan Dongsi replied, feeling somewhat confident. He believed Xuan Louze, knowing who sent the assassins, didn’t act against him because of some apprehension.

Xuan Dongsheng was worried. He sensed Xuan Louze wasn’t one to back down. “How did he get the upper hand?”

Xuan Dongsi shook his head. “I don’t know. Anyway, my men are all in the alley.”