Chapter 133: Surprised and Unexpected

"What's going on?" Zu An was startled. He hadn't expected her to have something to discuss with him.

"Naturally, it's about the qualification to enter the secret realm," Jiang Luofu said, casually crossing her legs, seemingly oblivious to how alluring the gesture was to men. "When the time comes, do you want to enter the secret realm as a student or as a teacher?"

Having previously defeated Yuan Wendong and Yuan Wenji in the arena, no one doubted Zu An's qualifications to enter the secret realm.

"As a teacher, of course!" Zu An declared. Being a teacher was so cool; it gave him status and an opportunity to show off.

"In the secret realm, teachers are responsible for the safety of their students," Jiang Luofu said with a faint smile.

Zu An was taken aback. His goal in the secret realm was to find the Traceless Illusion Lotus, and being distracted by students would indeed be inconvenient. "When we get to the secret realm, the focus should definitely be on training. Why would they still need teacher protection? How else will those children ever grow up?"

"Children?" Jiang Luofu paused, momentarily taken aback by his old-fashioned tone. "How old are you, exactly? The secret realm doesn't just contain rare treasures; it also harbors various dangers. Every year, during secret realm expeditions, some people die there. So generally, apart from fifth-rank prodigies and some high-level fourth-rank students who can move freely, all other students are led and supervised by teachers."

Zu An nodded, roughly understanding the situation. "No problem. Anyway, it's unlikely any students will choose my team."

Jiang Luofu was speechless.

This guy's way of thinking was truly different from normal people. Sigh, never mind. She would just send an extra teacher in when the time came.

"Alright, let's move on to the second matter," Jiang Luofu said. "The academy needs you to take over the Plum Blossom Gang's assets. You know the academy finds it inconvenient to handle such matters directly."

Zu An chuckled. "I gave you all the IOUs before. How to deal with them should be your concern, so why are you coming to me again?"

"Originally, we planned a gradual takeover, but who knew your lawsuit would directly land Mei Chaofeng in prison? The Plum Blossom Gang could collapse at any moment, and countless eyes in Brightmoon City are fixed on this lucrative asset. It's just that various factions are currently in a stalemate, preventing anyone from making a move," Jiang Luofu explained. "But you're different. Everyone knows the Plum Blossom Gang owes you 7.5 million taels, giving you a legitimate basis to take over their assets. With the academy's support, it will be much easier for you than for anyone else."

Zu An smiled faintly. "I suppose you're pushing me forward because you want to leverage the Chu clan's influence."

Brightmoon Academy probably had other plans initially, but Mei Chaofeng's sudden imprisonment disrupted everything, drawing everyone's attention to the Plum Blossom Gang's assets. Concerned about its reputation, Brightmoon Academy found it inconvenient to directly intervene, thus needing a proxy, a 'white glove'.

And he was the best candidate. Besides what she mentioned, his status as the Chu clan's son-in-law meant that even if Chu Zhongtian was unwilling, other factions wouldn't see it that way.

If the academy and the Chu clan teamed up, other factions would likely abandon their attempts.

"A man who's too clever isn't always a good thing," Jiang Luofu said, gently tapping her fingertips with a pen, a playful smile on her face.

"No, I'm not doing it. What's in it for me?" Zu An refused directly.

"You don't have to," Jiang Luofu said, her tone completely even. "When it's time for the secret realm, I'll just pick someone else."

Zu An immediately leaned closer, a smile plastered on his face. "I was just kidding! As an academy teacher, how could I not help resolve the academy's problems? Besides, I'm the one who caused this whole situation, so it's only right that I clean up the mess, absolutely right, haha."

Jiang Luofu silently observed him, then sighed after a long moment. "I have to say, you're the most shameless person I've met in years."

"Oh, right, what did you come to see me about?"

Zu An's eyes darted around. "Actually, it's somewhat related to taking over the Plum Blossom Gang..." He then briefly explained his purpose.

"You want me to be your enforcer against Mei Chaofeng?" Jiang Luofu scoffed lightly.

"Just think about it," Zu An quickly explained. "Mei Chaofeng must know most of the Plum Blossom Gang's secrets – ledgers, fund movements, all their resource channels, and so on. If we don't get these things clear from him, we won't be able to properly take over the Plum Blossom Gang."

"There's some truth to what you're saying. Fine, I'll go with you," Jiang Luofu said, standing up from her chair, her figure appearing even taller and more striking.

On the way, the two chatted:

"By the way, how exactly did you defeat the Yuan brothers in the arena that day? Your basic sword techniques seem a bit different from what's taught at the academy."

"There's nothing I can do; my talent is too high, and my comprehension of sword intent is too profound."

"You and Shang Liuyu seem very close. Last time, you lied to me saying you didn't know her."

"How would I dare lie to you? It's mainly because I didn't know her name before."

"How far have things progressed between you two? For so many years, I've never seen her allow anyone else into her courtyard, let alone lend out personal belongings."

"Isn't it a bit unbecoming for a distinguished principal like you to be so gossipy?"

The two chatted all the way to the vicinity of the pavilion. Jiang Luofu didn't follow directly; Zu An went ahead alone.

From a distance, he saw a woman with flowing long hair sitting in the pavilion. Her clothes looked quite similar to Shang Liuyu's.

"But, brother, with that broad back and sturdy build, you don't even look like a woman, let alone trying to impersonate a stunning beauty like Shang Liuyu."

"Who would have thought that the esteemed leader of the Plum Blossom Gang would enjoy cross-dressing!"

However, since the other party had gone to such lengths, he felt he had to play along.

"Sister Shang, why did you ask me to come here?" Zu An feigned being surprised and having fallen for the trap, calling out. Of course, he didn't get too close, so as not to be instantly killed by the opponent, which would truly be a crying shame.

"Hahaha, you little bastard, guess who I am!" Hearing Zu An's words, Mei Chaofeng burst out laughing. He ripped off his wig and the outer dress, then turned around to face Zu An with a sinister grin.

"How... how could it be you? Where's Sister Shang?" Zu An pretended to be shocked. Hidden in the shadows, Jiang Luofu rolled her eyes; this guy's acting was incredible.

"There never was any Sister Shang. It was me who arranged for you to come here from beginning to end. Aren't you surprised? Aren't you unexpected?" Seeing the panic in Zu An's eyes, Mei Chaofeng felt so utterly satisfied he almost cried out. He had suffered various losses at this kid's hands recently, but today, he was finally getting it all back!

"It's you!" Zu An instinctively recoiled. "That's impossible! How could you have people inside the academy?"

"Thanks to Young Master's immense power, otherwise, catching a slippery eel like you would indeed be difficult." Mei Chaofeng wasn't in a hurry to kill him. Now that he had lost everything, all thanks to this guy, how could he release the hatred in his heart without thoroughly torturing him and savoring his cries and pain?

"Are you referring to Young Master Shi Kun?" Zu An already knew their connection, but others didn't. It would be best for Mei Chaofeng to say it himself so Jiang Luofu, who was nearby, could hear.

"Of course it's..." Mei Chaofeng stopped mid-sentence, suddenly realizing his mistake. "Hmph, you want to know who it is? I won't let you have your way. You'll die confused."

"You want to kill me?" Zu An's expression shifted. "I'm the Chu clan's son-in-law and an academy teacher. If you dare lay a hand on me, neither the Chu clan nor the academy will let you off."

"Hahaha, I might have had some reservations before, but now I'm a stray dog anyway. I can't stay in Brightmoon City, so after I kill you, I'll just go to another city and continue living freely. What can the Chu clan and the academy do to me?" Mei Chaofeng laughed.

"You're currently being hunted everywhere. You could have left the city, yet you insisted on risking it all to kill me. Did someone promise you that only by killing me could you enjoy freedom elsewhere?" Zu An continued to probe for information.

"What if it is, what if it isn't? You're too annoying, I've wanted to slice you into a thousand pieces for a long time," Mei Chaofeng sneered. "Kneel and beg for your life. Maybe I'll let you die a quick death."

He was just saying that on purpose. Even if Zu An genuinely begged for mercy, there was no way he would let him die quickly. He merely wanted to see Zu An's pathetic state before death and enjoy his angry reaction upon realizing Mei Chaofeng wouldn't keep his word.

Zu An sighed. "Are you so certain you can kill me?"

"I know you defeated Yuan Wendong during the grand competition, and your confidence must be soaring now," Mei Chaofeng scoffed. "Unfortunately, Yuan Wendong is just a good-for-nothing who barely broke through to fifth rank, and he only lost because he fell for your tricks. In front of me, you stand no chance."

After speaking, he took a step forward, his aura suddenly intensifying. He wanted to see Zu An's frightened and terrified expression.

Unfortunately, Zu An didn't give him the satisfaction. "This is the limitation of you lower-ranked people's thinking. All you think about are one-on-one duels and whatnot. For high-ranking individuals like us, there's no need to personally lift a finger."

Jiang Luofu, hidden in the shadows: "???"

Mei Chaofeng was stunned. He quickly scanned his surroundings, and only after confirming there was no one else did he chuckle. "You don't need to bluff. The Chu clan guards are waiting outside the academy gates right now; they won't make it in time. And even if they did, they're no match for me."

"Who said I was referring to them?" Zu An spread his hands. "Haven't you done your intelligence work before trying to kill me? I have a nickname in the academy: I'm known as the 'King of Gold Diggers'. Aside from something like a clan competition, why would I ever need to fight personally?"

"You're the most shameless man I've ever met," Mei Chaofeng said with a look of disdain. "You talk about living off women without a hint of shame."

"Why should I be ashamed of living off women by my own ability?" Zu An's gaze was even more disdainful. "If you're so capable, why don't you try it?"

Rage value from Mei Chaofeng: 514!

"I..." Mei Chaofeng choked, taking a long moment to compose himself. "Although Yuan Wendong is a good-for-nothing, he did say one thing well: relying on women is ultimately unreliable; one must depend on their own strength. Take now, for example, which of your women can you call upon? Chu Chuyan, Pei Mianman, or Shang Liuyu? Call one for me to see."

The Shi clan had already gathered intelligence: Chu Chuyan was at the Chu residence, Pei Mianman was not at school, and Shang Liuyu was not known for her cultivation. As for figures like Chu Huanzhao or Ji Xiaoxi, he didn't fear them at all.

"Go on, call one out! Call them!" Seeing that Zu An remained silent, Mei Chaofeng's mockery was evident.

Zu An shook his head. "Ah, with a face like yours, you're destined not to understand the troubles of someone like me. Never mind, I'll grant your wish. Beautiful Principal, come out."

"Jiang Luofu?" A sudden chill ran down Mei Chaofeng's spine. The concept of Jiang Luofu, who could kill him as easily as butchering a chicken, terrified him. He quickly scanned his surroundings, but after a moment, nothing appeared.

"Hahaha, you're hilarious! Who do you think you are, to be able to live off Principal Jiang?" Mei Chaofeng finally relaxed. "But you did remind me, this place is too close to the academy. It would be troublesome if we accidentally attracted others. So, prepare to die!"

No sooner had he finished speaking than his fist glowed with a burst of blue electric light, and he violently lunged towards Zu An. Before the punch even connected, the mere force of its wind made it difficult for Zu An to breathe.

"Oh crap!" Seeing that Jiang Luofu still had no intention of intervening, Zu An realized he had overplayed his hand.