Qi Tuojiang and Kong Wudao, both prominent figures from Longdu, had always been a constant source of trouble for Shen Lang. Their persistent provocations and repeated challenges to his limits had tested him severely. The last time they met was at Shen Lang's wedding, where Qi Tuojiang and Kong Wudao, in league with Master Shanyuan and the Boxer King Kyle, attempted to assassinate Shen Lang during the ceremony. However, both Shanyuan and Kyle were killed by Shen Lang.
In a fit of rage, Shen Lang had intended to kill Qi Tuojiang and Kong Wudao then and there, but ultimately chose to restrain himself. To his dismay, these scoundrels did not cease their schemes even after returning to Longdu. While Shen Lang was in Yangguo challenging its martial artists, they launched a surprise attack on the Solar Palace, gaining fame and fortune while leaving Shen Lang to bleed and sweat.
Yu Linling, Kong Wudao's strategist, had begun to stir trouble. Thus, Shen Lang felt it imperative to put her in her place and make her understand his boundaries.
"My Young Master Shen, why be so petty? I was merely returning to Longdu to visit Young Master Kong. Must you make such a fuss?"
Sensing Shen Lang's displeasure, Yu Linling smiled and asked, "Is Young Master Shen's magnanimity so small that he cannot even grant this little request?"
"Yu Linling, do you believe me if I say that if you utter another word, I will present Kong Wudao's head to you tonight?"
The mention of Qi Tuojiang and Kong Wudao brought Gu Qinghan to Shen Lang's mind. If these two scoundrels hadn't disrupted the wedding, Gu Qinghan wouldn't have left without a word.
Damn it, Shen Lang would settle the score with Qi Tuojiang sooner or later.
"Fine, my Young Master Shen, I'm afraid of you. I won't go see him, alright?"
Yu Linling knew Shen Lang's temper, and more importantly, his strength. He had gone to Yangguo with a few people and captured He Yaodong, the Asian drug king, and single-handedly challenged Yangguo's martial arts scene, killing its strongest practitioner, Ryūgen Tamashimori.
Shen Lang's current strength was enough to kill anyone with ease. If Shen Lang truly harbored killing intent and took action, Kong Wudao would indeed be unable to protect his life.
"Yu Linling, it seems I've been too lenient with you, which has made you restless. In that case, I shall arrange some tasks for you."
Shen Lang glanced at his watch and said to Yu Linling, "Meet me at the Imperial Villa Garden in half an hour. We will discuss this face to face."
With that, Shen Lang hung up the phone.
"What is it? Have you figured out how to handle that woman Yu Linling?"
After Shen Lang ended the call, Ye Shishi walked out, her face flushed like a ripe apple, radiating an alluring temptation that made Shen Lang long to take a bite.
"What? You heard?"
Shen Lang pulled Ye Shishi into his embrace, kissed her cheek, and asked.
"Yes, I heard everything. But I'm curious, what do you want Yu Linling to do?"
Ye Shishi nuzzled Shen Lang, their affection evident as she cheerfully said, "Yu Linling is known as the 'Female Zhuge' Kongming. Her intelligence is top-notch throughout Longguo. However, this woman is also quite cunning. If not handled properly, she might bring trouble upon herself."
Shen Lang responded with confidence, "Please rest assured, Sister Shishi. Since I dare to use her, I am confident I can control her."
"I naturally believe in your abilities. I merely wanted to remind you not to let your guard down."
Speaking of which, Ye Shishi suddenly thought of a question that piqued her interest. "Tell me honestly, will you really let Yu Linling go after three years?"
"Of course, I am not a person of my word. However..."
Shen Lang smiled and added, "If she is unwilling to leave, that is another matter entirely."
"Unwilling to leave?"
Ye Shishi blinked in surprise at Shen Lang's words, but then seemed to immediately grasp his meaning. She chuckled and said, "You are truly devious. I pity Yu Linling a little now."
"How about I lend her to you for a while?"
Hearing Ye Shishi's suggestion, Shen Lang smiled slightly and said, "You are right. Yu Linling is indeed a brilliant woman. If she were to assist you, your career would undoubtedly soar to new heights and flourish."
"That won't be necessary. I have my own think tank, and they are my greatest asset."
Ye Shishi smiled and continued, "Suddenly having another person not only wouldn't help me but might even cause internal strife. It would likely have the opposite effect."
"Alright, if that's the case, then I shall keep this strategist, Yu Linling, for myself."
After Ye Shishi finished speaking, Shen Lang chuckled and said to himself.
Less than half an hour later, Yu Linling arrived. She was still in a blue dress, her jet-black hair cascading down her shoulders like a beautiful waterfall.
"Young Master Shen, I am here."
Yu Linling approached Shen Lang, bowed respectfully, and spoke gently.
"Yu Linling, it seems you've been quite idle lately. Your complexion is radiant."
Looking at Yu Linling, Shen Lang smiled and said, "You strategists cannot be left too idle, or you begin to stir up trouble. Alright, since you're so restless, I have a task for you."
Shen Lang picked up an apple from the fruit platter, toyed with it, and then tossed it up. As the apple fell, he grabbed a fruit knife.
With a flash of his blade, by the time the apple landed back in his hand, it was already peeled.
"Young Master Shen, what excellent swordsmanship! In this short time apart, your martial cultivation has reached perfection and peak mastery. Linling is impressed."
Yu Linling looked at the apple in Shen Lang's hand, its surface as smooth as a mirror, and exclaimed in astonishment.
"Alright, enough with the pleasantries. I have only one reason for summoning you."
Shen Lang took a bite of the apple and said slowly, "You must know of the criminal organization 'Sha Dao Hui' (Killing Path Society). They are notorious for their wickedness and madness. I suspect someone within the Zhao family of Longdu is colluding with Sha Dao Hui, plotting a conspiracy. I want you to investigate this."
"What?"
Upon hearing Shen Lang's words, Yu Linling's eyes widened. "The Zhao family of Longdu colluding with Sha Dao Hui? That's impossible, isn't it? After all, Sha Dao Hui is infamous and has long been deemed taboo by the world. Colluding with them is akin to making an enemy of the entire world. Surely the Zhao family isn't afraid of defying public opinion?"
"There is a saying called 'lust blinds one's judgment,' but there is also 'greed blinds one's judgment.' As long as the benefits are substantial enough, people will dare to defy the world."
Shen Lang smiled and continued, "I don't know if the entire Zhao family is involved with Sha Dao Hui, but I am certain that some members are working hand in glove with them. Since you are familiar with Longdu, find this person for me. Remember, my time is limited. You must find this person within two days."
"Two days?"
Hearing Shen Lang's words, Yu Linling's eyes widened. "Young Master Shen, do you think this is even possible?"
"For anyone else, it would be impossible. But you are Yu Linling, the 'Female Zhuge Kongming.' I believe you can do it."