Chapter 151: Wherever There Are People, There Is the Martial World

This was like a bottleneck. Gu Hanguang’s immediate priority was to find another way to break through it, and the previously mentioned search for backing was an excellent choice.

Of course, he thought further—he wasn’t referring to a promotion to Commander-in-Chief. Even if he wished for that, it was mere fantasy. He didn’t even meet the most basic requirements in strength, let alone the many other stringent conditions.

There was no hierarchy among Commanders-in-Chief, but those beneath them, the regional leaders, did have ranks. Their power varied depending on the area they governed.

Gu Hanguang’s jurisdiction was the slums of the Ghost City, so his situation was naturally pitiful.

There was no profit to be made here, while those overseeing other regions were raking in fortunes. As he had said before, unless he took a desperate risk, the gap between him and those others would only widen—this was unquestionable.

Thus, to change his unfavorable circumstances, he had to rely on others.

However, none of the Commanders-in-Chief were easily satisfied. Their appetites were unimaginable. Because of their different perspectives, even if Gu Hanguang lost everything, it was unlikely he would be held in any high regard by them.

This was why he painstakingly braved dangers to open up trade routes. He was not the only one with this idea, but establishing trade routes was not just talk. The first hurdle was to bribe the Commander guarding the entrance and exit. If that person refused, his plans would surely fail.

Do not be fooled by the lofty and aloof demeanor of the Commanders-in-Chief; they were not born into these positions. They had desires and demands.

Therefore, dealing with the Commander at the gate required only some price. Once paid, the Commander would turn a blind eye.

Having overcome this insignificant step, the matter would officially get on track.

Although the first step was successfully taken, countless issues remained. Partners wouldn’t come knocking on their own.

So, after entering the human world, their urgent task was to seek collaborators.

Besides this, an endless series of troubles awaited, which need not be enumerated here.

These numerous difficulties deterred many who harbored similar thoughts, and those in high places, though also fond of money, were never so passionate and would not risk their lives.

***

Soon, Gu Hanguang and Lu Yunshu finalized the matter, only waiting to complete full preparations before officially proceeding.

Gu Hanguang suddenly recalled something and asked with suspicion, “Considering Luo Kui’s ruthless nature, how did you survive? What exactly happened earlier?”

Lu Yunshu’s expression changed. Clearly, Gu Hanguang had sensed something, and Lu feared he could no longer hide it.

What Luo Kui discovered, Gu Hanguang could hardly be unaware of.

If he tried to brush it off, it would only breed resentment from Gu Hanguang, with no benefit.

Moreover, Luo Kui already knew his secret. Another person knowing was not entirely unacceptable.

After some thought, Lu Yunshu decided to recount everything that had happened in detail.

When he mentioned that Luo Kui believed the misunderstanding between him and Mu Lan was true, Gu Hanguang snorted coldly.

“That Luo Kui is utterly shameless, clinging to a mistaken plan while trying to cover it up.”

Lu Yunshu continued, “He originally intended to kill his subordinate, but after realizing his value, he changed his mind and tried to imprison him for his own use.”

His tone was filled with boundless resentment mixed with a trace of helplessness.

Gu Hanguang nodded as expected. He had long suspected this, and now it was confirmed.

Given Luo Kui’s ruthless character, Lu Yunshu should never have survived until now. The fact that he did indicated some unknown twist.

“If I’m right, this matter must be related to this box,” Gu Hanguang said thoughtfully, glancing at the box on the ground.

“Wise sir, Luo Kui’s change of heart was indeed because of this box,” Lu Yunshu agreed.

***

Driven by curiosity, Gu Hanguang opened the box as soon as Lu Yunshu finished speaking. Inside were devices he had never even heard of before. He was momentarily dumbfounded; with all his knowledge, he did not know their use.

Before Gu Hanguang could ask, Lu Yunshu explained, “These devices were originally ordinary tools, but after years of nurturing by me, they have reached the level of semi-magical artifacts. If these fell into others’ hands, they would be worthless scrap, but in mine, they can turn decay into wonder.”

“Oh? What exactly do these devices do? Tell me in detail,” Gu Hanguang’s eyes gleamed with interest, somewhat astonished. Could this be a fortunate surprise?

Or in other words, these mysterious instruments, which even Luo Kui valued highly, must possess extraordinary qualities.

“This story is long and must begin with my past life. I was born into a family specializing in disguise. Changing someone’s appearance was second nature to me. I’m not talking about illusions or tricks but a true transformation of the face,” Lu Yunshu said with pride as he recalled his glorious past.

Pausing, his expression turned complex. “But the martial world is an endless whirlpool. Once you enter, you can never leave. In this world, making enemies is inevitable. I died from an assassination, and even now, I do not know who my true killer was. But that doesn’t matter. I have taken care of all those who bore grudges against me.”

Gu Hanguang smiled wryly. “Where there is life, there is the martial world. Even this Ghost City is but a microcosm of it.”

“Yes, wherever there are people, there is the martial world…”

Unfortunately, many fail to grasp this truth. They wish to leave the martial world, but can one truly walk away?

Lu Yunshu shook his head. In life, he had often heard, “Dust returns to dust, earth returns to earth.” But after death, can one truly be done with it all?

It is merely falling into another martial world.

The End of Page 3 of 3.