Online: I Can See Health Bars Chapter 1308 - 582: Change (Part 2)

Forget it, forget it, we’ll talk about it if the opportunity arises.

Unless I can obtain a high-level Cultivation Technique, like those from the Middle or High tier of the Wood Realm or Tree Realm, which would significantly ease my martial arts advancement to the Middle Stage of the Wood Realm, Fang Yu isn’t inclined to learn other lower-level Cultivation Techniques and rely solely on attribute points for gradual improvement.

Naturally, once I break through to the Middle Stage of the Wood Realm, a new High-level Cultivation Technique will be necessary to meet the breakthrough requirements for the High Stage of the Wood Realm.

At that juncture, even if I were reluctant, I would have no choice but to select one from the high-level Grass Realm techniques, such as [Ice Blood Storm] or similar, and elevate it to the Wood Realm standard for the breakthrough.

Observing the approaching outline of the Forest Snake Gang’s base, Fang Yu slightly increased his pace, setting aside his contemplations.

Currently, having not yet reached the Middle Stage of the Wood Realm and still lacking a suitable Cultivation Technique, contemplating the High Stage of the Wood Realm seems rather premature.

We’ll face that bridge when we come to it.

"Mr. Diao!"

"Mr. Diao."

The sentries at the Forest Snake Gang's entrance were exceptionally vigilant. Upon sighting Fang Yu, they promptly offered salutes.

While figures like the Hall Master of the Forest Snake Gang might address Fang Yu with a more detached title, such as Guest Elder, the subordinates were obligated to use a respectful form of address.

Noticing Fang Yu’s approach to the entrance, a guard swiftly interjected.

"Mr. Diao, esteemed guests await your presence within. They have been anticipating your arrival for quite some time."

Hmm?

Fang Yu was momentarily taken aback.

Quan Heng, that fellow, certainly moved with speed; he's already here.

With an expression blending surprise and pleasure, Fang Yu inquired about the guests' location before proceeding towards the main hall.

From a distance, the sounds of jovial conversation could be discerned emanating from within the hall, suggesting the presence of the impostor Gang Leader.

This individual certainly understands the art of building connections, fostering good rapport with Monk Quan Heng.

"Quan..."

As he stepped into the hall, Fang Yu perceived that something was amiss in the very next second.

[Qiu Xiaoping: 7248/8000.]

[Tu Guren: 100/100.]

[Liu Qiner: 5/5.]

[Fa Hongbao: 851/851.]

"Why are you all here?"

Fang Yu’s unexpected arrival abruptly shattered the cordial atmosphere within the hall, silencing all discussions.

Qiu Xiaoping blinked and was the first to rise from her seat.

"Young Master Diao, were you perhaps expecting other individuals?"

Fa Hongbao, the counterfeit Gang Leader, hurried forward, attempting to diffuse the tension with a chuckle.

"Diao Keqing, it is indeed fortunate that you have returned. Please, come, take a seat. These distinguished guests have been waiting for you nearly all afternoon."

As he guided Fang Yu to a seat, Fang Yu offered no resistance, though he found it rather surprising that high-ranking officials from the Rebel Army would choose to meet him openly at the Forest Snake Gang’s territory rather than making a clandestine visit under the cover of night.

What could be the implication of this?

Is it a display of force? An attempt to coerce me into choosing sides between factions?

A subtle glint of hostility flickered in Fang Yu’s eyes.

Observing the unfolding situation, Liu Qiner instinctively clutched the fabric of her skirt, bit her lip, and lowered her gaze, refraining from speaking or even breathing.

On that particular night, she, along with the Rebel Army’s Meng Huoke and Cao Fubi, had managed to escape from the Prison. After departing from the Foolish Underworld, their paths diverged.

Being the least skilled, her progress was slower, but fortunately... there was the scarred man, Tu Guren.

Because he harbored concerns for Qiner, upon learning of her capture by the Foolish Underworld, he deliberately remained in the vicinity, promptly reporting the circumstances, which successfully alerted the compassionate Rebel Army Minister, Qiu Xiaoping.

Even so, Qiu Xiaoping hesitated to launch a direct assault on the Foolish Underworld, opting instead to mobilize nearby forces in preparation for potential aid.

Consequently, only Cao Fubi, the locksmith, and Liu Qiner were successfully extracted, as Meng Huoke was under intense surveillance by the Foolish Underworld’s elite operatives. Qiu Xiaoping could not risk a rescue attempt for him, fearing she herself might be ensnared and fall into the Foolish Underworld’s clutches.

After all, the Foolish Underworld represented their adversaries' stronghold, making any prolonged presence there untenable.

Having rescued two individuals of seemingly lesser importance, Qiu Xiaoping initiated the withdrawal. As for Meng Huoke, an alternative strategy would need to be devised, though the prospects for his rescue appeared exceedingly dim.

Following the successful operation and their return to the Rebel Army, a meeting was convened with leaders from other departments to discuss and address various matters. Only after its conclusion did she hasten with the two individuals to the Forest Snake Gang to rendezvous with Fang Yu.

However... Fang Yu was not present.

Thus, they waited.

And they continued to wait until the present moment, as the sun began to set.

"Young Master Diao is such a man of importance; my wait has truly been a prolonged one."

A soft laugh escaped Qiu Xiaoping's lips, her hand covering her mouth, revealing no displeasure whatsoever.

This display left Fa Hongbao utterly astounded.

Such beauty! My goodness, what a stunning woman.

No! But I'm already married, how can I harbor such impure thoughts and be unfaithful!

Yet, soon I shall be the undisputed leader of the Forest Snake Gang. As a leader, taking a concubine is hardly a significant matter, is it?

Fa Hongbao’s own meager strength rendered him blind to the true terrifying nature of Qiu Xiaoping; otherwise, he would never have dared to entertain such audacious thoughts.

"I was merely out on a brief errand, and yet you've managed to find your way here."

Fang Yu narrowed his eyes slightly.

"Young Master Diao, you underestimate our capabilities. We do possess the means to gather information."

Qiu Xiaoping continued to giggle, her hand still covering her mouth. For someone holding the esteemed position of a Minister within the Rebel Army, her current demeanor was remarkably humble and gentle. If her subordinates from the Rebel Army’s Autumn Department were to witness this, they would likely be in utter shock.

Who on earth could possibly elicit such courtesy from Minister Qiu?

The scarred man, Tu Guren, while not grasping the full intricacies of the unfolding situation, was keenly aware of Qiu Xiaoping’s significant standing within the Rebel Army.

For such an influential figure to exhibit such deference towards a mere teenager, could it be... that this teenager is also a formidable master, on par with Minister Qiu herself??

Pondering this,

Thud!

Abruptly, the scarred man, Tu Guren, rose to his feet and prostrated himself before Fang Yu.

"Mr. Diao, I have an unreasonable request! I implore you to grant your acceptance!"

The surrounding crowd: ???

Tu Guren’s sudden act of prostration left everyone utterly bewildered, caught off guard and unable to process the scene, their faces etched with confusion.

Only Qiner seemed to grasp the scarred man's impending declaration and hastily moved to intervene, but it was unfortunately too late.

"Mr. Diao, I humbly request that you accept Qiner as your disciple! Qiner’s innate talents are truly unparalleled in this world! A once-in-a-million prodigy! Under your esteemed tutelage, she is destined for unparalleled greatness!"

With his plea delivered, he bowed his head to the ground with a resounding thud, remaining in his kneeling posture.

It was evident he intended to remain kneeling until Fang Yu agreed to take Qiner as his apprentice.

Qiner, who had been standing, nearly turned ashen with mortification.

Confronted by the now undivided attention of everyone present, she frantically gestured with her hands.

"No, no! That wasn't my intention! It’s not what I meant!!"

Fang Yu shifted his gaze, a frown creasing his brow as he looked towards Qiu Xiaoping.

Yet, Qiu Xiaoping was also frowning, her own brow knitted in thought.

She had brought Qiner along because Qiner had prior dealings with Fang Yu, and it was crucial for Qiner to help clear the Rebel Army's name, ensuring they would never betray Fang Yu, even under the harshest torture.

As for Tu Guren, he had rendered significant service by providing vital intelligence during the prison break the previous night. Instead of seeking any reward, he had merely expressed a desire to remain close to Qiner, a request that was, for the time being, granted.

And now, he was causing such a disturbance.

"Tu Guren, rise."

Qiu Xiaoping’s voice, growing progressively colder, sent an involuntary shiver down Fang Yu’s spine.

This particular tone was how Qiu Xiaoping typically addressed her subordinates when displeased.

However, Tu Guren appeared entirely oblivious to the fact that their Rebel Army minister was reaching the end of her patience.

Or perhaps, even if he sensed it, he was willing to risk his life for this one precious opportunity for Qiner to secure a master.

Alas...

"I shall not repeat myself."

Thwack!

With a precise and swift chop, Tu Guren abruptly lost consciousness.

Retracting her hand, Qiu Xiaoping turned to Fang Yu and offered a slight bow.

"My apologies, Young Master Diao, for the regrettable scene."

Fang Yu simply waved his hand dismissively and then proceeded to find a nearby seat.

"Gang Leader Fa, you should attend to your own affairs; I will manage the situation here."

Fa Hongbao, who had been contemplating lingering, heard this and immediately assented with a nod.

He possessed a clear understanding of priorities and what truly mattered.

However, just as he prepared to depart, one of his subordinates suddenly burst into the hall, clearly in a state of haste.

"Gang, Gang Leader! A terrible event has transpired! Master Tai, Master Tai... Master Tai Xuelin, he is... he is deceased!!"

What?!

At these shocking words, both Fang Yu and Fa Hongbao were struck with profound astonishment.

...