"Indeed, it involves the hidden families," Han Yunhai stated directly. "I'm afraid that in the near future, you might find yourself at odds with the five great hidden families!"
"This..." Boss Chu took a few steps back, his expression showing a hint of panic.
Throughout the entire Jiangnan region, he was a prominent figure in name, but before the hidden families, he was utterly insignificant.
After all, the hidden families not only controlled powerful conglomerates but also possessed an endless supply of experts. As long as they targeted someone, no one could escape their grasp.
"No matter what happens, I will stand by your side," Fatty Chen declared. "Even if it means becoming enemies with the five great hidden families!"
"Possessing such resolve, you are bound to become a trusted confidant of the Master in the future," Han Yunhai nodded. "Three days from now, by the West Lake. I wonder if Gui Jianchou will arrive on time!"
In the intervening days, the news of Gui Jianchou's impending battle with Master Lu spread throughout Qingzhou, causing quite a stir.
Many experts in Qingzhou eagerly awaited the event. They had long heard of Master Lu's reputation but had unfortunately missed the martial arts tournament. Now, with someone challenging Master Lu, how could they pass up this opportunity?
This matter was not only a topic of discussion in martial arts circles but also on the streets and in alleyways.
While they didn't understand martial arts experts well, they were acutely aware that Qingzhou had produced a Master Lu, a renowned expert who was set to duel someone by the West Lake in three days.
Initially, people didn't think much of it, but the story became increasingly embellished. Some even claimed that Master Lu could scale walls and walk on water, though many were skeptical.
Whether these rumors were true or false, they found it difficult to discern, making them highly anticipate the battle by the West Lake in three days.
In the sales department of Taikang Pharmaceuticals, Lin Ke had returned to her work, now serving as the sales department manager. She appeared much more energetic.
Xiao Qi approached with files, complaining, "Now I finally understand why it was so tiring for you to be a team leader. A lesson learned the hard way; being a team leader is truly exhausting!"
"Don't you want to do it anymore?" Lin Ke asked with a smile. "If you don't want to be the team leader, I can find someone else. After all, others are waiting for their chance!"
"No, no, no, I was just kidding. After working in the company for so many years, if it weren't for your connections, I might not even have become a team leader," Xiao Qi quickly said. "But speaking of which, you've been promoted too quickly! You're already a manager now!"
"Are you jealous or envious?" Lin Ke shot him a look.
"Of course, I'm jealous and envious," Xiao Qi shrugged. "But speaking of which, have you heard about the deeds of that Master Lu?"
"Are you referring to the duel by the West Lake?" Lin Ke frowned. "Who do you think will win?"
"That's hard to say. I've heard that Gui Jianchou has quite a reputation in the martial world, while Master Lu is rumored to be almost mythical," Xiao Qi stated frankly. "As for who is more powerful, that can only be left to fate."
Lin Ke nodded, a look of concern on her face. She already knew that Master Lu was Lu Fan and naturally did not wish for anything to happen to him.
Ever since refusing to return to the Lin family, Lin Ke had become even more concerned about Lu Fan. She kept track of all his exploits, and she felt no regret for this special regard.
"I heard the duel is tomorrow," Xiao Qi said seriously. "Should we sneak out to watch? You're the manager now, and I'm the team leader. If we really want to go out, we should be able to do it stealthily."
"That might not be a good idea!" Lin Ke frowned. "This violates company regulations. If the higher-ups find out, we'll be punished."
"It's just for one morning; it should be fine," Xiao Qi insisted. "Don't you want to see what Master Lu looks like! He wore a mask during the martial arts tournament, but I imagine he won't be wearing one for this battle by the West Lake."
"Who can say for sure about such things!" Lin Ke waved her hand, appearing somewhat distracted.
Unknowingly, she had left the sales department and arrived at Lu Fan's office. Lu Fan was reviewing documents and smiled upon seeing Lin Ke's arrival. "How is it? Are you getting used to the manager's position?"
"Brother Lu Fan, I actually want to climb the ranks step by step with my own abilities," Lin Ke said earnestly. "I know you're doing this for my own good."
"Silly girl, you don't even care about the entire conglomerate in Jiangdong. What is a mere manager's position?" Lu Fan smiled.
"I heard you're going to fight?" Lin Ke asked directly. "By the West Lake?"
Lu Fan shrugged. "Indeed, the news travels quite fast."
"Can you not go?" Lin Ke asked seriously. "I don't want anything to happen to you!"
"Don't worry, since I dared to accept the challenge, nothing will happen to me."
Lu Fan nodded and smiled. "You don't need to worry about me."
"If you must go, then promise me you'll return safely and that nothing will happen to you."
Lin Ke looked at Lu Fan earnestly again.
"I promise, nothing will happen to me," Lu Fan nodded solemnly.
The next morning, outside the West Lake, a considerable crowd had gathered. They had all come for one purpose: to witness Master Lu's prowess.
In the days leading up to this, Master Lu's abilities had been wildly exaggerated. He could scale walls, walk on water, and even summon the power of heaven and earth. These skills, straight out of novels, were rumored with such fantastical detail that most people found them unbelievable.
On both sides of the West Lake, experts from the Azure Dragon Sect were arrayed. With Lu Fan taking action this time, the members of the Azure Dragon Sect were naturally there to provide protection.
"Master, will that Gui Jianchou really come?" Little White Dragon asked. "If I see him, I will kill him! He actually killed so many disciples of the Azure Dragon Sect!"
"Your skills are insufficient; do not act rashly," Han Yunhai waved his hand. "Let's wait for Master Lu!"
Little White Dragon felt helpless. Although he wanted revenge, his insufficient skills rendered him useless. In the face of Gui Jianchou, he was nothing more than a clown.
On both sides of the lake, crowds had gathered, including some business magnates who were very curious about the event.
On the observation tower by the West Lake, Fatty Chen and others stood, observing the scene.
"Whether Master Lu takes action this time is a matter of fortune or misfortune," Boss Chu said worriedly. "If he falls, all our efforts will be in vain!"
"Boss Chu, if the Master hears you say that, you'll be in a lot of trouble," Fatty Chen said coldly. "I hope you know what you're doing."