Chapter 132: Xie Jiugui

Meng Qi drew his long sword, waving it here and there, feigning deep contemplation of sword techniques.

Shortly afterward, a woman dressed like a Hu girl entered. Her appearance was ordinary, but her youthfulness made her quite attractive. Her dress was low-cut, revealing ample curves.

“Number Five, have you seen Number Four?” she asked in a soft, seductive voice. Number Five was indeed handsome, far better-looking than Number Four, but he always gave others a sense of fear. He was quick to draw his sword and kill without hesitation. Previously, when facing the terrifying Sunset Sea butcher Wang Hong, he had attacked without warning or fear.

Although such a man might make a woman’s heart flutter and her knees weak, it also inspired greater reverence, making her hesitant to get too close.

Meng Qi frowned and impatiently replied, “I haven’t seen him.”

The female bandit hesitated, looking at Meng Qi as he earnestly pondered his sword techniques. Seeing his handsome, youthful face, a sudden surge of desire rose in her heart, wishing she could “devour” him whole. Gathering courage, she spoke in an even softer, more seductive tone: “Number Five, now that we’ve arrived at Yuhai, everyone’s going out to find some fun. Why don’t you go out?”

“Practicing sword techniques,” Meng Qi coldly replied.

“There’s no harm in taking a short break,” the female bandit slowly approached Meng Qi, her voice even more alluring as she continued, “Number Five, you’re not that old. Have you ever experienced the delights of a woman?”

Meng Qi stared at her coldly and pointed his sword at her: “Your stance has seven flaws, each one giving me the chance to kill you with a single strike, like here, and here…”

As he spoke, he demonstrated with corresponding sword thrusts, the blade gleaming coldly and chillingly. The female bandit’s passionate mood instantly vanished, her expression turning to awkward fear as she forced herself to remain calm: “My martial arts skills are lacking. Thank you, Number Five, for your guidance. I’ll return immediately to practice diligently.”

As soon as she finished speaking, she turned and fled, her steps hurried as if pursued by a demon from behind.

“I didn’t expect pretending to be obsessed with sword techniques could scare them away…” Gu Changqing wore an expression of “I knew this all along.”

Meng Qi sheathed his sword and smiled at him: “If it were you, it definitely wouldn’t work.”

This was purely determined by the image each had constructed for others. It didn’t matter what one’s true self was like; what mattered was how others perceived you—as bold, unrestrained, cold, ruthless, or perhaps shy and poor at refusing others. By deliberately establishing an intuitive image through certain actions, one could use this image to “deceive” others.

Gu Changqing thought for a moment and sighed dejectedly: “You’re right. If I did this, they’d only cling to me directly, saying things like, ‘Oh, Number Four, your sword techniques are amazing. Please guide me. Hold my hand and slowly show me.’ I should have pretended to be cold and impulsive too.”

“Too late,” Meng Qi said with a smile. To establish an image, it had to be done from the very beginning to be effective.

Then he stood up and said to Gu Changqing: “Let’s go find Zhong Yasha. You should tell him like this…”

Zhong Yasha had just finished a fierce battle with Gong Shayue, feeling refreshed and slightly fatigued. Seeing the two new lieutenants who had come to visit, he asked in confusion: “Brother Meng, Brother Gu, you’re looking for me?”

“Changqing dragged me here,” Meng Qi replied in a cold tone.

Gu Changqing smiled: “Brother Zhong, we just thought of something that requires advance preparation, so we came to discuss it with you.”

“Advance preparation for what?” Zhong Yasha became even more puzzled.

Gu Changqing smiled: “Brother Zhong, aren’t you preparing an escape route? If you capture the bald brat on the Yudao Sect’s wanted list, and Yuan Mengzhi demands that you hand him over, will you comply or not?”

Thinking about how Meng Qi had always teased him and damaged his image along the way, he spoke the words “bald brat” with particular gritted teeth.

Zhong Yasha took a deep breath: “That makes sense. Brother Gu, your reasoning makes sense.”

Although he had come here merely hoping for luck, what if his ancestors had indeed accumulated merit? He shouldn’t let an opportunity slip through his fingers due to unpreparedness, only to regret it later!

This was within Yuhai City, not the oases or deserts outside, where after capturing someone, one could immediately flee on horseback. At that time, Yuan Mengzhi would surely have Bai Bazheng seal the city gates, so advance preparations were necessary.

“The bald brat is cunning and skilled in martial arts. To capture him, we can only hope that Yuan Mengzhi has severely wounded him without immediately capturing him. The chances are indeed slim,” Gu Changqing poured cold water on the idea but then shifted his tone: “But this doesn’t mean we’ll return empty-handed.”

Yuhai City is a melting pot where all kinds of people converge. Recently, numerous horse teams have arrived, piling up like dry firewood. Just a tiny spark could ignite a raging inferno and plunge everything into chaos. That bald kid coming to rescue someone presents precisely such an opportunity. Brother Zhong, we can seize the disorder to pull off a major heist. Yuhai City is one of the most prosperous hubs in the瀚海, teeming with countless wealthy families…

Zhong Yasha’s eyes sparkled as he fiercely clapped his hands: “Brother Gu, our team desperately needs someone as clever as you!”

Gu Changqing was beginning to establish his image as a strategist and wise man, which did not contradict his previous image. In contrast, the always-ready-to-fight Xiao Meng was clearly unsuitable for such an “image.”

He excitedly stood up and began pacing back and forth. Yuhai was the core of the southern route, having accumulated immense wealth over the years. Although some would be offered to Zeluoju and Shenduliao, there was still enough to create many wealthy merchants and aristocrats. Having just suffered defeat in a gang war, he desperately needed a large sum of money to recruit new members. After all, not everyone was like Brother Meng and Brother Gu, who currently valued opportunities and reputation more than wealth.

Of course, if they could obtain enough wealth to live comfortably for several lifetimes, they could divide it among the group and no longer remain bandits!

Gu Changqing smiled: “Therefore, Brother Zhong, we must prepare in advance and plan our escape routes early.”

“You’ve got it,” Zhong Yasha gave a thumbs-up, “I’ll go find connections and prepare escape routes in advance.”

“Brother Zhong, you’re a prominent figure in the Hanhai. If you show up in person, it might attract too much attention, which wouldn’t be ideal. It’s better to leave this matter to me and Xiao Meng,” Gu Changqing swiftly proposed.

Zhong Yasha pondered for a moment and agreed. He was self-aware—though he couldn’t rank among the top in the Vast Sea, he still held considerable renown among his “colleagues.” Not to mention others, even Wang Hong would undoubtedly keep a close eye on him. If someone with malicious intent were to block their escape route in advance, it would become a serious issue.

He nodded: “Brother Gu, you and Brother Meng are newcomers with unfamiliar faces. This has both advantages and disadvantages. You might not easily find suitable local contacts willing to trust you.”

“Isn’t there Brother Zhong’s introduction? As long as we have your token, they should be willing to accept us,” Gu Changqing chuckled.

Zhong Yasha pondered for a moment, then gritted his teeth: “Brothers, I’ll entrust this matter to you two. It concerns the survival of our group, so don’t mess it up.”

“Rest assured, Brother Zhong,” Gu Changqing said with a beaming smile.

Zhong Yasha nodded: “You can go to Old Cao’s Tavern on West Street to find…”

Before he could finish, Gu Changqing interrupted: “Find Xie the Drunkard.”

“You know him?” Zhong Yasha looked at Gu Changqing in surprise.

Gu Changqing smiled: “A few years ago, I once came to Yuhai with an elder, who told me that Xie the Drunkard at Old Cao’s Tavern is the most fair and reliable person in this business. Whether it’s fencing stolen goods, committing murder, gathering intelligence, or hiding and escaping, as long as you reach an agreement with him, he has never betrayed anyone, no matter if the opponent is Zeluoju or Shenduliao; he always keeps secrets.”

“That’s right. Xie the Drunkard has been here for over a decade, with a mysterious background. Even Boss Zeluo and Shenduliao are reluctant to provoke him easily,” Zhong Yasha suddenly lowered his voice, “It’s rumored that Xie the Drunkard himself is a master at the Exo-Realm level…”

This sounded somewhat familiar… Meng Qi frowned in thought.

After a few more words, Zhong Yasha took off a jade pendant around his neck, which had an obvious crack: “I once asked Xie the Drunkard to fence stolen goods, so we have some acquaintance. Take this jade; he’ll recognize it immediately.”

When the two were about to leave, Zhong Yasha pulled Gu Changqing aside and whispered: “Xiao Meng is too rash; you must keep an eye on him. If it weren’t for worrying about your safety and needing a good hand to accompany you, I wouldn’t even let him go out.”

“Rest assured, Brother Zhong. Xiao Meng and I have known each other for quite some time now,” Gu Changqing solemnly replied.

Well, it’s been about ten days… Meng Qi’s ears twitched slightly, unable to help but silently complain. After following him for so long, Changqing had learned to lie too.

With Zhong Yasha as their “backer,” even if Xie the Drunkard betrayed them, others would hardly suspect their true identities. At most, they would be seen as subordinates plotting an escape route for Zhong Yasha.

Sword in hand, they left. Meng Qi and Gu Changqing walked through several bustling streets and entered West Street, where the people’s clothing was noticeably more tattered, their expressions numb, and their steps hurried.

“Hanging a sign reading ‘Old Cao’s Tavern’ was a low mud house with about ten tables inside, dimly lit and noisy.”

Amidst the sounds of drinking games, laughter, and chatter, Gu Changqing led Meng Qi through the crowd with familiarity and approached a square table in the corner. A man with hair like a bird’s nest was slumped there, reeking of alcohol, with half a jar of wine in front of him.

“Several years have passed, yet this place hasn’t changed at all,” Gu Changqing smiled and said to Meng Qi, then knocked on the table in front of them.

Xie the Drunkard slowly raised his head, speaking in a muffled voice: “If you have something to say, say it. If not, please leave.”

Unexpectedly, his appearance was quite handsome. If not for his disheveled look and strong smell of alcohol, he could truly be considered a refined and strikingly handsome man.

“A safe way to get more than ten people out of Yuhai discreetly,” Gu Changqing lowered his voice and said.

Xie the Drunkard was silent for a moment, then took a sip of wine: “Five thousand taels of silver, non-negotiable. Pay two thousand upfront. At least a quarter of an hour before you need it, come here and tell me. The remaining three thousand will be paid after the task is completed.”

Gu Changqing took out a small bag of gems and handed it to Xie the Drunkard: “This is worth more than two thousand.”

This was the “operational fund” given by Zhong Yasha. Naturally, Meng Qi and Gu Changqing didn’t hesitate to take it.

Xie the Drunkard opened the bag and looked inside. Finally, a faint smile appeared on his face as he for the first time gave Meng Qi and Gu Changqing a proper look: “Hmm, smooth skin and delicate features. Are you from Central Plains, or perhaps from the northern snowy oases?”

He didn’t expect an answer at all. With a drunken gaze, he continued: “Have you ever been to the ‘Number One Family in the Vast Sea,’ the Jiulang? Is she still as beautiful and fiery as ever?”

Mentioning Jiulang made him feel different all of a sudden. His tone became passionate, his face glowing, his eyes gentle, like a young boy experiencing his first secret love.

No wonder it sounded familiar. Mysterious background, possibly an Exo-Realm expert, just like Qu Jiulang! Meng Qi suddenly understood.