Chapter 664: Taking the Heart and Gallbladder

After securing the hook at Qingyuan Building, the Phonograph did another thorough check, ensuring Mr. Kong Fang had left no other tricks. Then, the Phonograph hid in the back room of the office.

Li Banfeng summoned Qiu Zhiheng, Luo Zhengnan, Tan Jinxiao, and Bai Wusong, and began dividing up the underground city's territories: "From today, the Human Market will be managed by Brother Qiu, the Earth Market by Brother Luo, the Sea Market by Brother Tan, and the internal sect of the White Crane Gang by Brother Bai. What do you all think?"

Everyone politely declined. Qiu Zhiheng and Luo Zhengnan shared the same view, believing they had contributed too little to deserve such a large territory. Li Banfeng, however, felt it was appropriate. Qiu Zhiheng and Luo Zhengnan were currently the most experienced and capable individuals. Whether the underground city could be held secure truly depended on their skills.

Tan Jinxiao also didn't want to stay. After excusing the others, he spoke frankly: "Seventh Master, I've spent all these years drifting in the underground city to secure a livelihood for my old brothers. Now that it's done, I should go back. I have cultivation on the Cloud Realm and my own territory. Staying in the underground city like this would only cause both my territory and cultivation to fall into disuse."

Li Banfeng replied, "The underground city has just been taken over; we need someone familiar with it to manage things. Among all of us, you're the most familiar with the underground city. How can you just leave?"

Tan Jinxiao recommended Bai Wusong: "Xiao Songzi is also familiar with the underground city. Please let him manage the Sea Market."

Li Banfeng shook his head: "Bai Wusong hasn't been back to the underground city in over twenty years. His temperament isn't suited for leading here either."

Tan Jinxiao still wanted to leave. Li Banfeng sighed: "I can't keep you, but someone else can."

A voice came from the back room: "Old Tan, after all these years, you've become quite arrogant. Even a place as good as the Sea Market can't keep you?"

Hearing the voice, Tan Jinxiao remained silent for a long time, tears welling up in his eyes. In front of Li Qi, he couldn't let the tears fall. He had many things to say, but in the end, he only managed: "General, you're still alive?"

The Phonograph replied from the inner room: "Yes, I am. Would you do me a small favor?"

Tan Jinxiao turned to Li Banfeng and said, "Seventh Master, I'll follow your decision then."

Li Banfeng smiled and asked Old Tan to invite Bai Wusong in.

Bai Wusong's situation was different from theirs; he simply couldn't control the White Crane Gang. After Bai Gu'an's death, the White Crane Gang was seeking to punish Bai Wusong, so they certainly wouldn't support him as their leader. Even the outer sect now knew about this. Bai Wuchuan had even spread rumors that Bai Wusong murdered his martial uncle Bai Gu'an to seize the position of inner sect leader, thereby accusing him of betraying his master and ancestors.

Bai Wusong himself didn't want to be the leader, and he certainly didn't want people slandering him. "Seventh Master," he said, "I'll return to Greenwater City tomorrow to clarify things with Bai Wuchuan. If you ever need my help in the future, just call."

Li Banfeng told Bai Wusong, "I've already sent people to handle this. In a couple of days, I'll have Bai Wuchuan come to Three-Way Fork and apologize to you personally."

Bai Wusong shook his head repeatedly: "Seventh Master, you mustn't do that. Don't make things difficult for my junior brother; he doesn't know the inside story."

Li Qi chuckled: "Even if that could fool me, could it fool you? Bai Wuchuan knows, he knows everything. He's afraid you'll take his position, so he's deliberately making things difficult for you."

Bai Wusong sighed. He was an honest man, but honest men weren't clueless. He clearly understood Bai Wuchuan's intentions. "Seventh Master," he said, "I never intended to compete with him."

"I know you don't contend, but the principle must be clear. From now on, the internal sect of the White Crane Gang will be in charge, and any major decision within the gang must be approved by the internal sect. If Bai Wuchuan doesn't agree, the White Crane Gang will no longer be under my protection."

Bai Wusong became anxious: "Seventh Master, you can't do that!"

Bai Wusong had also heard about the Azure Cloud Society and the Hundred Flowers Gate. If Li Qi were to withdraw his support, the White Crane Gang would immediately be taken over by He Jiaqing. The White Crane Gang was neither too big nor too small; it was the foundation of physical cultivation in Puro Province. He Jiaqing would certainly want to keep the White Crane Gang's name, but he might not keep its members.

Li Banfeng said, "Brother Bai, please consider carefully. Will you take on this leadership position or not?"

Bai Wusong was somewhat anxious: "Seventh Master, if I become the leader, I'm afraid in the future—"

"Don't rush, I haven't finished yet. After you become the leader, there are two things you must follow my arrangements for. Firstly, I heard the White Crane Gang only recruits body cultivators who can transform into birds?"

Bai Wusong replied, "That's a gang rule, but I don't quite agree. As long as they are body cultivators, they are my brethren, and that includes the Three-Headed people."

"Exactly. They are all fellow disciples. From the day you become the internal sect leader, this rule must be established: Three-Headed people must be allowed to join your gang, and someone must protect and help them. Can you agree to this?"

Bai Wusong pondered for a moment, then nodded.

Li Banfeng continued: "Secondly, disciples of the White Crane Gang must not serve as local leaders in various places, nor should they have excessive contact with other local strongmen. You must observe what these strongmen do, and help them correct their mistakes when they err." The meaning of this statement was clear: Li Banfeng required the White Crane Gang to exert a certain degree of checks and balances over the local strongmen.

Upon hearing this, Bai Wusong was relieved. The White Crane Gang Li Qi envisioned was exactly the same as the one in his heart.

Li Banfeng called everyone back in and assigned three additional tasks. "First, collect a batch of food, supplies, and weapons each month and send them to White Falcon County, beyond the border."

Qiu Zhiheng and Luo Zhengnan found this somewhat difficult. They had heard of White Falcon County but didn't know its exact location. Tan Jinxiao also found it challenging; he knew where White Falcon County was, but he didn't have the necessary pass to cross the border.

Li Banfeng said, "I will find a way to get the passes, but the supplies must be delivered. Second, disseminate information about the Saint's Orphan throughout the underground city, including the areas around Mount Luoxia. Third, allow people from other parts of Three-Way Fork to enter the underground city and give them an opportunity to settle here."

Life in the underground city was tough, but in Three-Way Fork, those who could enter were considered lucky. People living above ground had a much harder life than those in the underground city.

Qiu Zhiheng said, "Old Seven, the third matter is a bit difficult. To my knowledge, the customs office in Three-Way Fork has cut off the Human Market's supply routes to the outside, making business difficult." Goods exported from the Human Market were the underground city's primary source of income. The customs office was trying to strangle the underground city's economy.

Li Banfeng had already prepared for this: "In a couple of days, I'll go talk to Liao Zihui and settle the matter of the passes at the same time."

At the White Crane Gang's main hall, Bai Wuchuan was furious: "What kind of nonsense is this? For all these years, when has the internal sect ever had the final say in the White Crane Gang? If Bai Wusong wanted the leader's position, why didn't he come to me openly? He actually went to Three-Way Fork and brought outsiders to disrupt our gang's rules? What are his intentions?"

Several hall masters under him were also indignant, stating that Bai Wusong should not be let off lightly, with some even suggesting expelling him from the sect. One of the hall masters, Ji Xinrong, advised Bai Wuchuan: "Gang Leader, we need to think this through. This isn't Bai Wusong's idea alone; Li Qi is backing him."

Bai Wuchuan was still angry about this: "I know this is Li Qi's idea. He's the outsider I'm talking about. He's overstepping his bounds. It's not his place to meddle in the affairs of our White Crane Gang."

Ji Xinrong said, "Gang Leader, allow me to say this: He Jiaqing has sent us invitations several times. Who do you think we should turn to for management?"

Bai Wuchuan glared at Ji Xinrong: "Are you threatening me?"

The other hall masters also turned on Ji Xinrong: "Old Ji, did you take benefits from Li Qi?" "How much did Li Qi give you? Is it enough to support your family?" "I've long suspected you were in contact with Bai Wusong. You're also a traitor to your master and ancestors!"

Ji Xinrong waved his hand: "Gang Leader, I don't have the audacity to threaten you, nor am I the one threatening you. I'm just giving you a reminder: the leaders of the Azure Cloud Society and the Hundred Flowers Gate have both changed, and He Jiaqing has sent us numerous invitations. If we truly fall out with Li Qi, where will we go next?"

He Jiaqing sat in his film company office, looking at the White Crane Gang's roster. "Who sent this?"

Duan Shuqun replied, "This is a pledge of allegiance from Meng Xiujie, the Hall Master of the Fine Birds Hall in the White Crane Gang. He said he wants nothing else, only that after we take over the White Crane Gang, he can retain his position as a hall master."

He Jiaqing chuckled: "Just keeping him as a hall master won't do. For talent like this, he deserves to be a deputy gang leader."

Duan Shuqun nodded repeatedly: "Old Meng is a good man; he truly deserves to be given important responsibilities."

Shen Rongqing was a little worried: "The White Crane Gang has always been under Li Qi's control. If we take them over, won't we provoke Li Qi again?"

He Jiaqing looked at Duan Shuqun: "Have you investigated this?"

Duan Shuqun nodded: "I did investigate. Bai Wuchuan now has a significant conflict with Li Qi. Li Qi is at Three-Way Fork, trying to elevate the White Crane Gang's inner sect and has even appointed a new leader for them. This has both stripped Bai Wuchuan of his authority and humiliated him. Bai Wuchuan definitely can't tolerate it."

He Jiaqing chuckled: "If he can't stand it, let him come to me. Go tell him that as long as the White Crane Gang submits to me, he can remain its leader." "I bet Bai Wuchuan is just waiting for us to say that, Jiaqing. Wait for my good news!" Duan Shuqun left happily.

Shen Rongqing, however, felt a chill for Bai Wuchuan. Given Shen Rongqing's understanding of He Jiaqing, she could deduce what would happen next. He Jiaqing would first let Bai Wuchuan be the leader for two months, showing that he kept his word. But He Jiaqing didn't trust outsiders, so after two months, he would certainly make Bai Wuchuan disappear and arrange for someone else to take over the White Crane Gang. Who could this new leader be? Seeing how happy Old Duan was, it was likely he would be the one.

"Rongqing," He Jiaqing interrupted Shen Rongqing's thoughts, "how are the preparations for the Fraternity Alliance initiation meeting coming along?"

Shen Rongqing replied, "There's a session this afternoon at 3 PM, with thirty-eight people in total. They all meet the initiation standards, and I've made all the preparations."

He Jiaqing checked the time: "I'll attend this one. Big Head, make sure all the initiation powders are prepared and delivered to the storage room next to the conference room. Remember, prepare enough for a hundred people."

Shen Rongqing asked again: "Several young female members said they feel a bit lost about the future and would like to speak with you privately about the core principles of the new order. Jiaqing, will you meet them?"

He Jiaqing frowned: "What insights do they want to discuss with me? You are Puro Province's foremost talented woman; isn't speaking with you enough?"

Shen Rongqing smiled, a little awkwardly, and said, "Their way of communicating might be a bit different, perhaps because they..." He Jiaqing waved his hand: "The Fraternity Alliance was formed for our shared dream. If they have similar ideas again, please ask them to leave immediately!"

This was what Shen Rongqing admired most about He Jiaqing: his ability to resist temptation.

Everyone went about their business, leaving only Big Head in the room.

He Jiaqing handed a box of pills to Big Head: "Brother, how high is your cultivation now?"

Big Head replied: "According to my own senses, I should be at the eighth level!"

He Jiaqing smiled: "You've only been in Puro Province for a short time, and you've already increased your cultivation by three levels. Such talent is truly rare."

"Don't talk about talent," Big Head waved his hand. "It's all because you've fed me with elixirs. Jiaqing, if I hadn't met you in this life, I would be nothing, and I wouldn't be able to achieve anything."

"Don't say such things. We are brothers; we should live with dignity!"

Big Head lowered his voice: "I've been scouting around the Ghost Hand Sect recently, and Smiling Thousand Hands is still looking for you. Your frequent appearances in Greenwater City might be a problem."

"Yes, it is a bit improper." He Jiaqing looked at Big Head. Among all his subordinates, Big Head was the only one who constantly worried about He Jiaqing's safety. After a moment of thought, He Jiaqing said, "Go find our informant in the Ghost Hand Sect and ask about Xie Juncong's recent movements."

Big Head nodded and was about to leave when He Jiaqing called him back. "Big Head, don't ask the informant. Gather a group of people and prepare to attack the Ghost Hand Sect."

Big Head nodded again and was about to leave, but He Jiaqing stopped him once more. "Big Head, wait!"

Big Head turned back to He Jiaqing, finding him a bit strange: "Jiaqing, what's wrong?"

He Jiaqing stared at Big Head for a long time: "Whatever I ask you to do, you just do it. Don't you ever overthink it?"

Big Head didn't understand what He Jiaqing meant: "Why would I overthink? You wouldn't harm me."

He Jiaqing was silent for a long time before saying: "Go home and pack your things. I'll find someone to buy train tickets and take your family to Medicine King Gully soon."

Big Head was stunned: "What for?"

He Jiaqing said: "I bought a residence in Medicine King Gully and also took over a silk shop. You should hide there for a while."

Big Head was bewildered: "Why should I hide?"

He Jiaqing handed Big Head a cigarette: "I'm going to gamble everything this time; I'm going to settle things with Smiling Thousand Hands. If I win, we brothers will live a dignified life together. If I lose, you stay in Medicine King Gully and don't come out."

Big Head's heart skipped a beat. This was the moment to fight Smiling Thousand Hands to the death. At a time like this, how could he leave?

"Jiaqing, if we're gambling, let's gamble together. I can at least be a helper by your side."

He Jiaqing shook his head: "This gamble is too big. Your cultivation isn't high enough; I can't let you die needlessly."

"What about Old Duan and Shen Rongqing? Why don't they have to hide, and I'm the only one who does?"

"They haven't been involved in the grievances between me and Smiling Thousand Hands, but you have. Old Duan and Shen Rongqing both have roots in Puro Province; they have a way out, but you don't. Hiding you in Medicine King Gully is your last resort."

Big Head shook his head: "I won't go. We brothers face life and death together—"

"We can't be together. You must live. Xu Han is in Medicine King Gully. He has a grudge with Smiling Thousand Hands, and Smiling Thousand Hands doesn't dare provoke him. You'll be able to survive in Medicine King Gully."

Big Head still shook his head: "I'm not afraid to die!"

"You must live, brother," He Jiaqing stared intently at Big Head. "You must be well! Be well!"

After seeing Big Head off, He Jiaqing rested for a moment, then went to the meeting hall.

Thirty-eight newcomers were waiting in the hall. As soon as He Jiaqing appeared, everyone rose in unison and bowed to him. He Jiaqing pressed his palm down, signaling everyone to be seated: "We are all brothers and sisters; there's no need for formality."

They were originally fans of *Blood Blade Detective*, who had abandoned family and life's ties to become official members of the Fraternity Alliance. After consuming the medicine that accumulated Dao Affinity, they underwent a period of rigorous training and met the initiation standards.

Once seated, He Jiaqing said, "These past days, you have endured hardships, faced trials, gained growth, and cultivated trust and camaraderie among your fellow members. And now comes this sacred moment, where you will transform from novices of the Fraternity Alliance into its warriors. I am genuinely proud of the achievements you have all made—."

After a round of encouraging words, He Jiaqing sent Shen Rongqing to the storeroom to retrieve the powders and distribute them. This task was originally Big Head's responsibility, but since Big Head had gone to Medicine King Gully, He Jiaqing, fearing Shen Rongqing might make a mistake, asked her to repeatedly confirm one thing: to distribute the powders strictly according to each person's name.

"Everyone has different choices, and the Fraternity Alliance always respects the wishes of every member. Rongqing, you absolutely must not make any mistakes with the powders!"

Shen Rongqing asked: "What should be done with the powders that aren't labeled with names?"

He Jiaqing lowered his voice: "Keep them in the storeroom for the next batch of newcomers."

After repeated verification, Shen Rongqing distributed the powders to everyone. Each member applied the powder to their body in front of He Jiaqing. The powder was truly painful. Although they had undergone rigorous training beforehand, many members present still cried out in pain.

A young woman named Qian Sangxue bit her lip so hard in pain that it bled. He Jiaqing asked with concern, "Can you bear it? You can't take painkillers now, or it will affect the initiation's effectiveness."

Qian Sangxue shook her head: "I came here because I trust you, to follow you, and to build a new order with you—an order that will restore Puro Province's dignity and faith. For this, I will spare no effort—" This was a line from the movie *Blood Blade Detective Nine*. Uttering this line at that moment demonstrated Qian Sangxue's reverence for He Jiaqing, as well as her personal character and loyalty to the Fraternity Alliance. Qian Sangxue said with a resolute expression: "Mr. He, please rest assured—"

"Don't call me Mr. He. From now on, we are all family. Just call me Brother Qing." He Jiaqing nodded with approval and then went to observe the other members.

After more than half an hour, everyone seemed mostly fine. He Jiaqing asked Shen Rongqing to arrange accommodation and let them rest.

Qian Sangxue lay in the film company's dormitory for over an hour, then went to ask Shen Rongqing for leave: "Miss Shen, I'd like to go for a walk. I chose the Traveler Cultivation powder, and my legs are itching to move."

Shen Rongqing said, "This powder really takes effect quickly. You're a promising candidate for Traveler Cultivation, so go for a walk. Don't come back too late; you still need to take more medicine tonight to boost your cultivation."

Qian Sangxue left the film company, walked around the nearby streets twice, then went to Houtang and knocked on the door of an old house east of Orange-Yellow Noodles. Her knocking was very distinctive: seven long taps followed by eight short ones, repeated three times. The door opened. Qian Sangxue didn't greet the doorman and went straight to the main hall.

Xie Juncong, the leader of the Ghost Hand Sect, sat in the main hall. He looked at Qian Sangxue, a slight smile on his face: "Girl, you're back?"

"This little 'Pincer' Lü Qiaohua greets the master." Qian Sangxue bowed deeply. Who would have thought that this scholarly-looking woman, who spoke with such artistic flair and claimed to be utterly devoted to He Jiaqing, was actually a Pincer Hand of the Ghost Hand Sect?

"Girl, any haul today?"

"Yes!" Qian Sangxue took out a small porcelain bottle, which contained the initiation powder. She hadn't applied this powder herself; she had used a Thieving Cultivation technique to conceal the powder in the small bottle, tucked into her sleeve.

Xie Juncong asked: "Did He Jiaqing give you this?"

Qian Sangxue nodded: "There were over thirty people, each receiving a portion. There's still a good amount left, stored in the storeroom behind the conference room, which is the sixth room on the third floor."

Xie Juncong examined it carefully, then nodded: "Genuine good stuff."

Qian Sangxue smiled.

Xie Juncong pinched Qian Sangxue's cheek and chuckled: "Girl, you've done a great service. From now on, you're my adopted daughter; you don't need to look for work on the streets, just stay by my side."

Qian Sangxue sat on Xie Juncong's lap: "Your daughter thanks you, Father."

Xie Juncong took the powder and went to a house outside the city, where he found Smiling Thousand Hands. He knelt before Smiling Thousand Hands, presented the powder, and recounted the entire incident. Upon seeing that the powder was authentic, Smiling Thousand Hands sighed repeatedly.

"Little Xie," Smiling Thousand Hands said, "this is why I look down on you lot. He Jiaqing truly has ability. I just gave him a bamboo stick, and he was able to decipher the peddler's medicinal formula. Tell me, why isn't there anyone as capable among you?"

Xie Juncong replied, "But this man is a rebel at heart; his loyalty isn't with the Old Ancestor."

Smiling Thousand Hands looked down at Xie Juncong: "And your loyalty is with me?"

Xie Juncong kowtowed: "Your disciple is absolutely loyal to you!"

"Good! I trust you. After you go back, have your hidden informant stay by He Jiaqing's side and not reveal any flaws. Then gather your people, go to He Jiaqing's place, and steal all his powders. Don't leave a single bit behind."

Xie Juncong was surprised: "Old Ancestor, what do you want this for? I heard He Jiaqing doesn't have our sect's powders, and powders from other sects aren't of much use to us."

Smiling Thousand Hands said: "They're useless to us, but of great use to He Jiaqing. Just go, don't ask too many questions. Once it's done, you certainly won't be treated unfairly!"

At 2:30 AM, in the old Ghost Hand Sect residence, the old leader Xie Juncong summoned all the Pincer Hands from various territories. "Everyone knows about tonight's job; it won't be easy, but the rules remain the same: if we succeed, try not to take any lives."

An old Pincer Hand asked: "Boss, if we strike at the young master, won't there be repercussions for us?"

Xie Juncong chuckled: "I'm going with you, so what are you afraid of? If the Patriarch comes for repercussions, he'll come for me. We haven't scouted this place much, so be extremely careful when you act. If anyone takes those items, don't even think about keeping them for yourselves; they must be handed over to me. Do you all understand?"

The Pincer Hands all nodded.

"If you all understand, then act!" With Xie Juncong's command, about twenty Pincer Hands set off. Thieving Cultivators were swift-footed, second only to Traveler Cultivators, yet this group was not moving quickly. These Pincer Hands were experienced; for a job they hadn't scouted, none of them wanted to rush ahead.

Xie Juncong urged from behind: "This job is a task ordered by the Patriarch. If anyone doesn't give their best, and the Patriarch gets angry, it's hard to say what he might do. You'd better think through the consequences."

Hearing this, the group still proceeded at a slow, unhurried pace. Xie Juncong's words were only meant to scare rookies, not these seasoned veterans.

Upon arriving at the film company, the group of Pincer Hands only looked around, with no one volunteering to step forward. Xie Juncong asked, "What are you planning to do? Do you intend to wait until dawn?"

An old Pincer Hand said, "Boss, it's said that the Ling family's film company is full of traps. It's always better to be cautious."

These people really intended to stall. Helpless, Xie Juncong had to lead the way himself. Instead of using the main entrance, he climbed the outer wall to the third floor, pried open the window bars, and entered the corridor. The others followed without delay, entering the building with Xie Juncong, leaving two people outside to keep watch. The two lookouts were very alert. One stood near the entrance, monitoring the doorman's movements and watching for anyone entering or exiting. The other hid by the roadside, observing passersby to prevent anyone from cutting off their retreat.

Xie Juncong arrived at the conference room door on the third floor. Just as he was about to push it open, he hesitated for a moment and then stepped back. A Pincer Hand behind him quietly asked, "Boss, are we retreating?"

"Retreat from what?" Xie Juncong glared at the Pincer Hand. "I just think there's a trap here."

Several Pincer Hands investigated but all shook their heads; they couldn't detect any traps. Someone counted twice from beginning to end, confirming it was indeed the sixth room, and they hadn't made a mistake in location.

Yet, Xie Juncong still felt something was off. He gnawed on his thumb, sharpening his thumbnail to a point, and lightly probed around the edge of the door. Click. His thumb trembled, and Xie Juncong detected a thin thread at the door's edge. His guess was correct; there was indeed a mechanism on the door.

Xie Juncong gently blew a breath towards the wall, observing for a while. This was a Thieving Cultivation technique called 'blowing dust to find cracks,' specifically used to uncover hidden mechanisms. This time, Xie Juncong clearly saw the fine thread on the wall. It was thinner than a strand of hair, and he couldn't tell what material it was made of. Xie Juncong lightly flicked the thread with his fingernail a couple of times, and the sign "Conference Room" changed, becoming "Editing Room."

Everyone was startled; it was an illusion. They re-counted from the end of the corridor and realized that the room before them wasn't the sixth room, but the fifth. Under the influence of the illusion, they had all miscounted earlier. The mechanism was highly sophisticated, and Xie Juncong's technique was equally impressive, dissolving the illusion in the blink of an eye.

The conference room was next door. Two Pincer Hands opened the door, and everyone cautiously entered the room, heading straight for the storeroom behind the conference room. There were many candles in the conference room. All the candles suddenly flared up, flickered once, and then extinguished. A figure slowly emerged beside the conference table.

Xie Juncong was greatly alarmed; he knew this figure. He turned to leave but found the four walls a blinding white, with no visible door. Everyone was terrified. They had just entered through the door, so how could it have vanished in an instant? Not only was the door gone, but the windows too. All that remained were white walls. Light filtered through the walls, allowing them to vaguely discern the figure at the conference table.

The figure began to speak, each word articulated with perfect clarity. "I came here because I trust you, to follow you, and to build a new order with you—an order that will restore Puro Province's dignity and faith. For this, I will spare no effort."

It was Qian Sangxue. Qian Sangxue slowly rose from beside the conference table, staring at everyone with a cold expression. She seemed to recognize neither Xie Juncong nor any of the Pincer Hands present.

Through the shadows on Qian Sangxue's face, Xie Juncong identified the source of light. He slammed his head against the wall, breaking through the illusion and crashing out of the conference room into the corridor. Just as he intended to jump out the window to escape, he found himself without strength. He felt a chill in his chest and struggled to breathe.

A Thieving Cultivation technique: Heart-Plucking, Gallbladder-Snatching.

He Jiaqing held a heart in his hand and looked at Xie Juncong, asking emotionlessly, "Were you looking for me?"

In the corridor, candles flickered to life. From beneath the door crack, blood slowly seeped out.