Zongwu: Aspiring to be the mastermind behind the scenes

Chapter 255 Schemes and Luck, Hanmei's Betrayal
Amidst the ruins, the battle reignites.

Because Lu Xiaofeng has now exposed Bluebeard's hidden identity, the current battle situation is... well, exactly the same as before!

The situation was originally a joint effort between the Silver Hook Gambling House and the Black Tiger Hall to deal with many other martial arts practitioners, and even now that it has been exposed, it remains the same.

Even the experts from the Black Tiger Hall became even more dedicated.

After all, they had been forced to join the fight under duress from others, and were doing things for others.

But now, they are acting for their own patriarch.

The change in their status greatly boosted their enthusiasm.

Of course, Lu Xiaofeng's exposure was not entirely without effect; at the very least, it boosted the fighting enthusiasm of the other martial artists.

After all, anyone would be furious at the thought of being tricked by Bluebeard from beginning to end.

Especially Kusong and Guzhu, between battles, their eyes were fixed on Bluebeard, their expressions suggesting they wished they could pounce on him and bite him to death.

However, they were already injured and their strength was greatly reduced. At this moment, they were each entangled by a grandmaster and could not break free at all.

Even more frighteningly, they gradually felt dizzy and their condition seemed to be getting worse. As the fight went on, they even found themselves unable to defeat the grandmaster in front of them.

In fact, not only them, but many martial arts practitioners had the same feeling. Many people had been caught off guard by their enemies and died on the spot because of this unfavorable situation.

Among the hundreds of martial artists, there were many who were skilled in poisons. When they realized that their condition was not good, they immediately understood what had happened to them.

"Poison! We've been poisoned!"

As he spoke, he swallowed an antidote pill.

Upon hearing this, everyone around was shocked and began to fight the enemy while simultaneously channeling their inner energy.

"This...that's right, it is indeed poison!"

"How could this be? When were you poisoned?"

"It's poisonous fog! The poisonous fog that was inside the Silver Hook Gambling House before has all drifted out now that the gambling house has collapsed into ruins!"

"That's not right, how come they aren't poisoned!"

"Idiots! They must have taken the antidote beforehand!"

The group either circulated their internal energy or took antidotes, but while circulating their energy, they inevitably became distracted, giving the enemy an opportunity to exploit. However, those antidotes were all very common and widely available, and their effects were not very good; it would probably take some time to neutralize the poison from their bodies.

Their enemies, however, would not let such an opportunity pass by, and their attacks became increasingly fierce.

As a result, many people made mistakes in their attempts to find an antidote and were killed by the enemy.

Suddenly, the situation changed drastically.

Bluebeard's forces gradually gained the upper hand, while many wandering martial artists were killed one by one.

Lu Xiaofeng gritted his teeth: "Bluebeard, was this also part of your plan?"

"Of course!"

Bluebeard said, "So many people are waiting outside for the results. Do you think I wouldn't be prepared? This poisonous fog is for them!"

Lu Xiaofeng, you are indeed very clever, but did you ever anticipate this situation?

Lu Xiaofeng couldn't help but grit his teeth.

He really hadn't expected this situation.

The poisonous fog inside the gambling den, which was part of the mechanism, was probably not noticed by many people when the entire gambling den collapsed.

Even those near the ruins at the time didn't notice this, let alone Lu Xiaofeng, who was still far away and pondering the various perplexing aspects of the matter.

However, it was this poisonous fog, which no one noticed, that ultimately decided the outcome of the battle.

Seeing that he didn't answer, Bluebeard sneered, "Detective Lu Xiaofeng? What a great name! Too bad, no matter how great the name, he'll die here today!"

Lu Xiaofeng's exposure has little impact on the current situation, but it can be said to have destroyed the disguise of Bluebeard.

It will also make the Rakshasa Cult more vigilant.

Even if he uses another identity to go to the Rakshasa Cult in the future, he will still be suspected.

The losses involved are probably too numerous to explain in just a few words.

Therefore, he naturally harbored deep hatred for Lu Xiaofeng.

Their offensive is now becoming increasingly fierce.

However, Lu Xiaofeng, with his superb lightness skills and sharp swordsmanship, was able to maneuver with ease in the battle and never revealed any flaws.

Bluebeard didn't notice that Lu Xiaofeng's hand would occasionally brush against his waist.

That's where the beast-shaped energy box is located.

Lu Xiaofeng was also hesitant, wondering whether he should summon his armor to defeat Bluebeard.

But this suit of armor was entrusted to him by Kunsha to deal with the Blue Brothers. Once used, even if it could defeat Bluebeard, it would definitely alarm the Blue Brothers.

If the three of them escape, who knows when we'll run into them again.

Just as they were hesitating, a loud roar suddenly came from afar.

Lu Xiaofeng was startled.

Because the roaring sound came from the inn where he had been before.

That is, at this very moment, where Kunsha is located.

Looking to the side, the inn's windows and half a wall had collapsed. Amidst countless flying pebbles and sand, a golden light shot out, landed on the ground, and transformed into a warrior clad in golden armor, accentuated by cloud patterns.

But the moment he landed, he lost his balance and almost fell to the ground.

But he forcibly twisted his body, leaped, and floated towards the ruins.

“Kun...Kunsha!” Red exclaimed in surprise.

Blue was also startled, and then looked with a deep gaze at the spot where Kunsa had almost fallen.

Bluebeard was also taken aback: "There are more experts?"

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Lu Xiaofeng broke away from the battle and asked, "Brother Kunsha, what happened?"

Beneath the golden armor, Kunsha caught his breath and said, "It was Hanmei! That guy suddenly appeared, trying to steal the upgrade energy box from me. However, he didn't expect that I would hand over such a treasure to someone else. In his surprise, I seized the opportunity to escape."

"Winter Plum?"

Lu Xiaofeng's gaze sharpened. Among the many experts who had run out earlier, including Kusong and Guzhu, Hanmei was the only one missing, which he found strange.

These three were of similar strength. Could it be that Hanmei was just unlucky and happened to be in the center of the explosion of those thunderbolts underground, so she was blown up and killed?
In retrospect, there was more to the story.

Lu Xiaofeng asked, "How is Hanmei's injury?"

Kunsha shook his head: "He wasn't injured at all, he's perfectly fine."

"Intact?"

A thoughtful look appeared in Lu Xiaofeng's eyes, and then he looked at Bluebeard.

"Heh, Bluebeard, you are indeed very calculating, but did you foresee this situation?"

This was essentially returning Bluebeard's words to him.

Bluebeard's expression darkened.

Lu Xiaofeng laughed: "I admit that you are unique in your scheming and plotting, and few in the world can compare to you. But compared to me, Lu Xiaofeng, you are ultimately lacking in luck."

Bluebeard asked, "What exactly are you trying to say?"

Lu Xiaofeng said, "Hehe, Bluebeard, Hanmei should also be one of your people, right? Or rather, you should be in a cooperative relationship. That's why he was able to leave Silver Hook Gambling House unscathed. But unfortunately, in the face of the enormous temptation of the Rakshasa Card, your cooperative relationship is as fragile as paper."

Just like this morning, when you asked me about what happened in Yuan Kingdom a few days ago!

Bluebeard retorted stubbornly, "What's so strange about that?"

"Of course it's strange. I wasn't the only one who personally experienced that incident; the Three Friends of Winter also did, and Hanmei was your partner. So why didn't you ask Hanmei about what happened in Yuan Kingdom, but instead came to ask me?"

Lu Xiaofeng said, "This is proof that you don't trust Hanmei at all. Coincidentally, Hanmei doesn't trust you at all either! Like now, this matter of him running away on his own, it shouldn't be your idea, right?"

Bluebeard stared at him, then suddenly burst into laughter: "Lu Xiaofeng, even I have to admit your intelligence and wisdom. Unlike Hanmei, who is a complete idiot!"

Lu Xiaofeng said, "Hanmei, did you hear that? This is how your allies describe you!"

A withered and aged figure appeared in the room; it was the winter plum, one of the Three Friends of Winter.

Kusong and Guzhu were covered in blast wounds, even disfigured, but he was completely unharmed.

To remain unharmed even in such a dangerous situation underground at the Silver Hook Casino.

This already explains his stance underground.

As Lu Xiaofeng said, he was Bluebeard's ally.

So he hid from the beginning and didn't encounter any danger at all.

Just like Bluebeard and his many subordinates.

Upon seeing him appear, Bluebeard's face darkened: "Why aren't you staying underground?"

"Stay underground? And watch you sweep away all your enemies and monopolize the Rakshasa Token?"

Hanmei sneered, "Or are you saying that after paying such a high price and achieving final victory, you will still keep your promise and give me the Rakshasa Token? Do you think I, Hanmei, am that stupid?!"

The situation has changed once again.

Hanmei, who was originally an ally of Bluebeard, also distrusted Bluebeard.

As Bluebeard was about to secure victory, he grew anxious.

He simply didn't believe Bluebeard would ultimately hand over the Rakshasa Card to him. If that happened, Bluebeard would simply give the order and have his many subordinates kill him.

Therefore, Hanmei also took action.

Knowing his own limitations, he first approached Kunsa, intending to steal the upgrade energy box to enhance his strength in order to deal with Bluebeard and all his men.

Unfortunately, all their efforts were in vain.

Kunsha actually handed that treasure over to someone else!
Fortunately, the current situation still leaves him room to maneuver.

Hanmei looked at Lu Xiaofeng: "Kill Bluebeard, and the Rakshasa Token will be mine, how about it?"

Lu Xiaofeng smiled and nodded: "Of course, I have no interest in the Rakshasa Token."

Hanmei then turned to Guzhu and Kusong: "My two old friends, I won't waste any more words. Want to join in? Afterwards, I'll promote you to elders of the Rakshasa Sect, with power and status higher than the Dharma Protectors!"

The lone bamboo and the withered pine tree couldn't help but clench their teeth.

They never imagined that Hanmei had already betrayed the Rakshasa Sect and colluded with the Flying Jade Tiger.

But people their age obviously wouldn't make decisions that harm their own interests on a whim.

He could only suppress his anger and said, "Fine! Don't forget your promise!"

Hanmei laughed loudly upon seeing this, then leaped to the side of the lone bamboo and withered pine, and struck out with palms as swift as the wind, sending chilling energy towards their enemies.

Gu Zhu and Ku Song also joined the attack.

The three are known as the Three Friends of Winter, having known each other for many years and sharing a tacit understanding.

When they attacked together, the two Grandmasters of the Flower Realm were no match for them. One of them was easily killed, and the other, seeing that things were not going well, decisively fled.

The three did not give chase, but instead turned and attacked Bluebeard.

Without a doubt, even if Hanmei joined the battle at this moment, it would not be enough to completely change the situation.

Even killing Bluebeard would be the same.

But if we kill Bluebeard, we can take the Rakshasa Token.

For Yu Hanmei, this already counts as achieving her goal.

Seeing this, Bluebeard had no choice but to summon his guards.

Hanmei's appearance and betrayal made him look grim, but the current situation was still within his control.

He still has a chance to win.

The battle between the two sides became increasingly fierce.

In a corner of the ruins, the three Blue brothers huddled together, and with the defensive power provided by the energy box, which was enough to withstand attacks of the innate level, they defeated their opponents.

Afterward, the three did not continue to look for others, but instead slowly retreated, moving away from the war zone.

Red was getting anxious and asked, "Big brother, when exactly are we going to use this power?"

Bru sighed and said, "The situation tonight is far too complicated and has changed too quickly. I have no idea when it will finally come to an end."

First, hundreds of warriors stormed the Silver Hook Casino but were outmaneuvered, and Bluebeard became the biggest winner.

Then it was revealed that Bluebeard was actually Flying Jade Tiger.

Then another one appeared, Hanmei, who was said to be an ally of Bluebeard, but had betrayed him.

These various situations and reversals caused all three to lose confidence in their assessment of the current situation.

Most importantly, when Kunsha was in danger, the armor he used was actually the basic armor.

So, where is that upgraded armor set?

Bru couldn't help but look at Kunsa.

After this guy appeared, he didn't enter the war zone, but quietly withdrew from the battlefield.

Almost no one cares.

At this moment, he had already removed his armor.

Under the moonlight, his face was pale and bloodless, and he looked to be in very bad shape.

"He seems to be injured... I heard that the Demon Master Pang Ban appeared before and chased him for a long time. Could it be because he was injured then?"

Blue speculated in his mind.

"If that's the case, he might actually hand over the upgraded armor to someone else, and that person is..."

Bru turned to look at Lu Xiaofeng at the very center of the battlefield and immediately felt a sense of pressure.

Lu Xiaofeng was already very strong. His lightness skill and finger techniques were already famous throughout the world. In the past six months, his swordsmanship has also become increasingly renowned.

If the upgraded armor falls into his hands and he helps Kunsha deal with his three brothers, I'm afraid the three of them will be no match for him.

"Why are you retreating, my three young brothers?"

Suddenly, an aged voice rang out beside the three of them.

Blue was startled, only to find that an old man with white hair and beard was standing next to the three of them.

He looked kind and gentle, and slowly asked the question.

(End of this chapter)