Online: I Can See Health Bars Chapter 1318 - 587: Invitation

Fang Yu held Xiong Rudong in rather high regard.

He was honest, dependable, and utterly devoted.

Although his loyalty technically belonged to Fa Hongwen, the Gang Leader, it amounted to much the same thing in Fang Yu's eyes.

Xiong Rudong scratched his head, looking utterly perplexed.

"I didn't do anything..."

A subtle smile touched Fang Yu's lips at this gesture. Just then, however, a voice called out from behind him.

"Young Master Diao."

Turning, Fang Yu saw Qiu Xiaoping had returned. Shielding Ding Hui behind him, Fang Yu offered a smile and said, "Lord Qiu, your Qi Force techniques are truly remarkable, most impressive!"

Fang Yu had already witnessed Qiu Xiaoping's prowess during the prior confrontation with Jinfang Zai, the Hall Master of the Foolish Underworld.

Now, working together again, Fang Yu was increasingly convinced of this person's extraordinary abilities.

He was undoubtedly a formidable force, even among those at the Eight Thousand Blood level.

Qiu Xiaoping's gaze fell upon Qin Er, lying prone on the ground.

Her initial thought was that Qin Er was dead, but her expression shifted subtly as she realized the girl was merely unconscious, still breathing.

As long as she wasn't deceased, all was well.

This incident had instilled a certain expectation in Qiu Xiaoping regarding the clever young girl.

Withdrawing her attention, Qiu Xiaoping pretended not to have noticed Qin Er on the floor. She simply smiled and remarked, "Young Master Diao, your skills have also given me a new perspective. Had you not held back, refraining from using that Skeleton Technique from before, I fear I would not have arrived in time, and you would have already dealt with the demon yourself."

With many individuals present and the commotion drawing further attention outside the room, situated within the Forest Snake Gang's territory, Fang Yu naturally exercised restraint.

However, as long as he could acquire the attribute points, there was no harm in proceeding at a measured pace.

"Mr. Diao! Lord Qiu!"

Fa Hongwen had also returned by this time, accompanied by his retinue.

The revelation of a demon lurking within the gang, even posing as the Hall Master's wife, sent a palpable sense of crisis through Fa Hongwen.

"Mr. Diao, I offer my sincerest apologies for the earlier ignorance of my subordinates. I shall ensure they are disciplined to provide you with an explanation, and I hope you will not harbor any resentment."

Fang Yu waved his hand dismissively, unconcerned by the matter.

Fa Hongwen's gesture, however, did serve to put people somewhat at ease.

"Why are you all just standing there? Apologize to Mr. Diao!"

At his command, the few trusted followers of Master Tai who had previously challenged Fang Yu now lowered their heads in apology.

"Mr. Diao, we were wrong! Please forgive our ignorance!"

"It was all the demon's fault for impersonating Lady Tai without our knowledge, which led us astray!"

"We only regret that we lacked the strength to detect the anomaly sooner; otherwise... otherwise, Lord Tai might still be alive..."

As their words deepened, an emotional wave seemed to move the assembled crowd.

Fang Yu, not one for such displays, clasped his hands towards Fa Hongwen and prepared to escort Ding Hui back to their quarters.

"Young Master Diao, wait!"

Qiu Xiaoping attempted to speak, but the presence of the crowd and numerous onlookers made it an inopportune moment.

Fang Yu acknowledged her with a knowing nod.

"I am quite fatigued and wish to return to rest. Lord Qiu, you may seek me out later."

That arrangement would suffice.

Qiu Xiaoping nodded in agreement.

"Mr. Diao, you have indeed worked hard!"

Fa Hongwen called out urgently, bowing deeply. His attitude was undeniably sincere.

The duration of the demon's infiltration and its ultimate intentions remained unknown. Fa Hongwen dared not contemplate the potential catastrophic danger it could unleash.

From the events of this day, it appeared Fang Yu had merely assisted in the exorcism, but in truth, it was akin to Fa Hongwen resolving a life-threatening crisis!

Both emotionally and logically, Fa Hongwen resolved to personally visit Fang Yu later to express his gratitude and seek counsel. He also had numerous ideas regarding this matter that he wished to discuss in detail.

"Master Xiong, you need not follow me any further. Since I have returned, I will personally ensure my wife's safety. You have worked all day; go and get some rest."

As Fang Yu was about to depart, he noticed Xiong Rudong still exhibiting his usual amiable cluelessness and told him to head home and rest.

Xiong Rudong seemed unsure of what to do and looked to the Gang Leader for guidance.

"Do as Mr. Diao has arranged."

With the Gang Leader's directive, Xiong Rudong withdrew.

After respectfully bidding farewell to Fang Yu and his companion, Fa Hongwen turned his attention to Qiu Xiaoping, who was now holding Qin Er.

"Lord Qiu, may I inquire about your current place of work?"

Qiu Xiaoping immediately perceived Fa Hongwen's underlying intention and responded with a smile, saying, "Nothing particularly noteworthy, just pursuing some minor ventures."

Fa Hongwen let out a sigh, his voice laced with admiration. "Thunder City indeed has an abundance of hidden talents. Who could have imagined that someone like Lord Qiu, involved in seemingly ordinary business, would possess such extraordinary capabilities? It's a true shame such a gem remains undiscovered. Tell me, Lord Qiu, would you consider joining our Forest Snake Gang as a Guest Elder? Your duties would be minimal, perhaps not even requiring your physical presence within the gang daily. Simply lend us your strength when the opportunity arises."

Fa Hongwen's proposition was genuine, and the associated benefits were certainly open for discussion.

However...

Given his position as a high-ranking officer within the Rebel Army, it was out of the question for Qiu Xiaoping to align himself with a relatively minor organization like the Forest Snake Gang; such a move would be a stark contradiction.

"I am deeply honored by Gang Leader Fa's generous offer, but I would need some time to consider it before providing a definitive answer."

Qiu Xiaoping, a man of considerable worldly experience, understood the importance of choosing his words carefully.

Fa Hongwen, discerning the unspoken sentiment behind Qiu Xiaoping's reply, directed his subordinates to attend to the needs of Qiu Xiaoping and the unconscious Qin Er before departing.

His immediate concern was to return and manage the aftermath of the demon's corpse incident.

Concurrently, he also needed to investigate the prolonged absence of two of his Hall Masters.

...

Tian Xinghan had made his return.

His arrival was marked by a somber mood.

As a Hall Master of the Forest Snake Gang, he had just endured an... utterly astonishing ordeal.