Chapter 179 - 120: The Lu Family’s Reward

Chapter 179: Chapter 120: The Lu Family’s Reward

Lu Jing’an felt little concern, and he certainly had no intention of stopping them.

In these chaotic times, mercy was sometimes a death sentence.

The Lu Family had no kindness to spare.

"How many people will we be committing?" Lu Jing’an asked, getting to the heart of the matter.

This time, however, Mr. Xu slowly shook his head, a perfectly measured look of apology on his face.

"Lu Xiaoyou, as for the specific list of participants, please forgive me, but I cannot disclose it.

This matter is top secret. It’s not that I don’t trust you.

The stakes are simply too high. The slightest leak...

...will mean losing everything. Heads will roll."

Mr. Xu paused for emphasis.

"It’s not just you. The other families and individuals invited to participate in this are also unaware of the full roster.

Within the entire Hu Family, those who know the complete list can be counted on one hand."

Since the matter was put that way, Lu Jing’an didn’t press it further.

"Then what does the Lu Family need to do?"

Mr. Xu clearly had a plan ready and immediately said:

"Once we make our move, the Lu Family must immediately lock down the designated section of the river.

You must also intercept any of Bai Ting’s forces that might rush in as reinforcements from either bank."

As he spoke, Mr. Xu’s gaze turned to Chen Xuan, who had remained as silent as a statue.

"Furthermore, we will need to borrow Mr. Chen.

To assassinate Bai Ting, we need a powerful Martial Cultivator like Mr. Chen to act as the tip of the spear and break through their defenses head-on."

Chen Xuan didn’t respond immediately upon hearing this.

Instead, he looked to Lu Jing’an, clearly awaiting his decision.

Lu Jing’an mulled it over for a moment.

He was naturally hesitant to let his master personally take part in the most dangerous part of the operation—the assassination itself.

But this concerned the very survival of the Lu Family, and more importantly, the chance to topple the behemoth that was the Bai Family in one fell swoop. There was no room for error.

Chen Xuan’s combat prowess was indeed a crucial part of the plan.

"Agreed," Lu Jing’an finally nodded.

"My master will join you in the operation."

Mr. Xu’s smile widened. "It truly is a pleasure to work with someone as reasonable and decisive as you, Lu Xiaoyou."

Lu Jing’an ignored the compliment, however, and changed the subject. "And if this succeeds, what does the Lu Family get?"

Now that the general plan was settled, it was time to talk terms.

Empty talk of feelings and grudges was useless in this day and age.

Mr. Xu seemed slightly surprised by Lu Jing’an’s directness, but he quickly broke into a smile.

"You are direct, Lu Xiaoyou."

Lu Jing’an’s lips curved into a smile devoid of any warmth.

"What? Does the Hu Family expect the Lu Family to risk our lives for nothing?

Or perhaps...

...you do the Hu Family’s bidding for free, Mr. Xu?"

Mr. Xu was taken aback for a moment, then burst into a hearty laugh.

"You’re a straight shooter, Lu Xiaoyou. Forgive my coyness."

Mr. Xu’s playful expression vanished, replaced by a serious one.

"If this succeeds, the Hu Family will grant the Lu Family a high degree of autonomy over Xin City.

The Lu Family will be free to expand the personnel and structure of the Public Security Bureau as you see fit.

As for the necessary Firearms and Equipment, as long as you don’t overstep your bounds too much...

...the Lu Family may also procure them on your own. The Provincial Government will not interfere."

Having said his piece, he looked at Lu Jing’an, awaiting his reaction.

Lu Jing’an waited quietly for a few moments. Seeing that Mr. Xu had nothing more to add, he slowly asked, "Is that all?"

Mr. Xu’s brow twitched. "You still find this insufficient, Lu Xiaoyou? These terms grant you immense authority."

"It’s not enough."

Lu Jing’an shook his head, his tone unequivocal.

"That sounds like you’re giving the Lu Family two blank checks that we have to work hard to cash ourselves.

I’ve yet to see the Hu Family offer anything tangible.

You expect the Lu Family to gamble its entire fortune and all of its lives on a couple of empty promises?

Mr. Xu, that seems like too good of a deal for your side."

Mr. Xu’s brows furrowed.

In his eyes, and indeed in the eyes of the Hu Family, promising "a high degree of autonomy"...

...was practically a tacit approval for the Lu Family to establish a state within a state in Xin City. That was by no means a low price.

But clearly, this Young Master Lu before him...

...was not satisfied with this kind of deferred "power" that he would have to work to realize himself.

"Then what else do you want, Lu Xiaoyou?" Mr. Xu’s voice was steady, betraying no emotion.

"Military funding."

Lu Jing’an uttered two words, clear and distinct.

"First, after this is over, the annual funding allocated to the Lu Family by the Provincial Government must be increased to five times the current amount.

It must be disbursed on time and in full, with no delays or deductions.

Second, before the operation, the Hu Family must pay the Lu Family an upfront sum equal to our total military funding for the next three years.

Consider it a ’down payment’ for this operation, and compensation for our men."

Mr. Xu’s brows knitted together tightly.

"Lu Xiaoyou... these terms are truly beyond my authority."

Mr. Xu said slowly, his fingers unconsciously caressing his teacup.

"I cannot give you an answer right now. I must report back to the Patriarch for his decision."

"That’s fine." Lu Jing’an’s expression was unchanged. "Please, feel free to go back and discuss it. The Lu Family will await your good news."

Mr. Xu nodded, setting the matter aside for the time being.

He suddenly seemed to recall something and added:

"Oh, right. When the operation begins, I’m afraid we’ll also need to rely on the power of that Snake Demon in the Canglan River.

I wonder if the Lu Family would be able to..."

Lu Jing’an cut him off directly, meeting Mr. Xu’s probing gaze without flinching.

"I’m afraid you’re mistaken, Mr. Xu.

That Snake Demon is truly not something the Lu Family can control.

The Lu Family merely got lucky and benefited from the chaos it caused."

Lu Jing’an paused briefly before continuing, "In fact, I’ve been investigating the Snake Demon myself recently and have made a small discovery."

"Oh?" Mr. Xu leaned forward slightly. "And what might that be, Lu Xiaoyou?"

"I suspect the matter of the Snake Demon is inextricably linked to the ’Spirit Nest’ that Bai Ting is scheming to acquire."

His tone was calm, but he had just voiced an astonishing theory.

"You must be aware, Mr. Xu, that the Snake Demon was grievously wounded by Bai Lang.

Its body was severed in two—everyone saw it happen.

For it to recover so quickly from such a devastating injury..."