Chapter 199: Chapter 104: Hall Master Liu’s Backup Plan (Part 2)

The River Gang was one of the top three major gangs in Yuhe County.

Its Gang Leader, Li Tieyun, was a master at the Peak of Dark Energy. He had perfected his Iron Sand Palm and once even escaped with his life from a Huajin Powerhouse. His strength was considered exceptional, even among other Martial Artists at the Peak of Dark Energy.

He even had several Dark Energy Martial Artists under his command.

To enlist his help, the Liu Family had to drain the last of their savings. The master’s and young master’s concubines were in an uproar.

But no one could dissuade the master. After all, he only had one heir.

Without their young master, even if the Liu Family possessed immense wealth, there would be no one to inherit it in the future.

The old butler prayed silently.

’I just hope the Liu Family guards succeed in ransoming him back, so we don’t have to use this backup plan.’

’The enormous cost in silver taels is one thing. More importantly, if we really have to resort to the backup plan, it means the mission at Black Wind Valley has utterly failed, and the young master... I’m afraid...’

He didn’t dare to think any further. He could only pray silently, ’I hope it doesn’t come to that. I hope the young master returns safely.’

A cold wind still poured through the cracks in the window, carrying a bone-chilling cold that made the candlelight on the table flicker.

Hall Master Liu gazed out at the howling wind, a flicker of determination in his clouded eyes.

’In my eyes, the family business and silver coins are all just worldly possessions. People are what matter most.’

The Liu Family had nearly emptied their coffers to gather the one hundred thousand taels of silver for the ransom, but he didn’t regret it in the slightest.

’As long as I can get Maolin back, with the two of us being Dark Energy masters, we can always rebuild our fortune one day.’

’But if he’s gone, what’s the point of having mountains of gold and silver?’

’But...’ He frowned, a faint worry about Li Tieyun nagging at him.

’The River Gang is powerful, and Li Tieyun is a reputable man, but the Flying Horse Thieves are ruthless. When the time comes for action, will he take our money and do nothing, intimidated by their strength?’

’But then again...’ He relaxed slightly.

’Li Tieyun has navigated the Jianghu for many years. He values his reputation above all else.’

’If he takes our money only to back down at the last minute, word of such a betrayal would destroy his reputation. He’d find it nearly impossible to ever re-establish his name.’

’Li Tieyun wouldn’t make such a self-defeating move.’

Seeing Hall Master Liu’s ever-changing expression, the old butler knew he must be in turmoil and gently advised, "Master, please don’t worry too much. The young master is a fortunate soul; he will surely return safely. We’ve prepared the ransom and have a backup plan. We’ll find a way."

Hall Master Liu sighed heavily at his words, his voice thick with exhaustion. "That’s easy for you to say, but I can’t help but worry."

He paused, a flicker of regret in his eyes. "It’s a shame... we couldn’t hire a Huajin Martial Artist. If we had one lying in wait, with their skills, our chances of rescuing Maolin would be much, much higher."

’The Huajin Martial Artists in the city can be counted on one hand. Each is a major figure in their own right, and they don’t act lightly.’

’Besides, for the Flying Horse Thieves to be this brazen, they’ve likely set a trap. Even a Huajin Martial Artist might not escape unharmed if they fall into an ambush.’

’Experts of that caliber can’t be swayed by mere money, and the Liu Family no longer has anything valuable enough to tempt a Huajin Martial Artist.’

The old butler thought for a moment before saying, "Actually... the safest bet would be to ask Hall Master Sun for help. Hall Master Sun is the young master’s master. Considering their relationship, if he were to take action, the chances of rescuing the young master would be far greater."

But Hall Master Liu shook his head. "The Flying Horse Thieves have surely considered that. They must be watching Sun’s Martial Arts Hall like hawks."

"I understand their methods all too well by now," he added. "Those bandits may seem brutish, but they are meticulous planners. They would never leave such an obvious vulnerability."

"If we ask Hall Master Sun for help and the Flying Horse Thieves find out, they’ll likely kill Maolin immediately, leaving us no chance to even pay the ransom. They’re vicious enough to do it."

Gazing at the flickering candle, Hall Master Liu’s voice held a sliver of hope. "As things stand, at least we still have a chance to ransom him. The Flying Horse Thieves may be bandits, but they’re in the kidnapping business. They have to follow certain ’rules.’ If they take the money and kill the hostage anyway, word will get out. Who would ever pay them a ransom again? They’d never be able to make money this way again. I estimate that once they get the silver, they’ll let Maolin go."

Hearing this, the old butler also let out a sigh of relief and nodded eagerly. "You’re right, Master. The Flying Horse Thieves are ultimately after money. As long as they get the silver, they shouldn’t harm the young master. Breaking their own rules wouldn’t do them any good, after all."

Just as the old butler was breathing easier, he suddenly recalled something. His eyes lit up as he said to Hall Master Liu, "Master, we still have Young Hero Yang! Didn’t he say he would follow in secret? He possesses such strength at his young age, besting everyone at the tournament. If something goes wrong, perhaps he could have an unexpected impact."

At this, Hall Master Liu only sighed softly and shook his head with a bitter smile. "Yang Jing’s strength is indeed remarkable. In terms of raw ability, he’s likely a fair bit stronger than I am. But the Flying Horse Thieves have at least five Dark Energy Martial Artists, and their leader is profoundly powerful. How many of them can Young Hero Yang possibly take on alone?"

He sighed again, his voice filled with resignation. "If he had Li Mengchao’s power, nearly invincible below the Huajin realm, perhaps he could make a real difference. But ultimately, his strength is only on par with an ordinary practitioner at the Peak of Dark Energy. Against a force like the Flying Horse Thieves, there’s little he can do."