The Unorthodox Tomb Raider

"Let's do as Aunt Pei says. There's no better way now."

Gu Tingfang was about to instruct Li Ren to go down and implement this matter when he saw Li Ren walking up with a solemn expression.

"Miss, Aunt Pei, there's some news I'm not sure if I should say."

"What news?" Gu Tingfang and the other person asked at the same time.

"This... is a message left by the black viper when it left."

"He said that if Miss could meet him at the lakeside pavilion the day after tomorrow, he might consider not resorting to force; otherwise, he would be ruthless towards the Gu family."

"What?" Aunt Pei looked at Li Ren in surprise. "Are you telling the truth?"

"It's true. Many of the guys at the scene saw it, but they just didn't dare to say it."

Aunt Pei looked at Gu Tingfang and said, "Miss, we shouldn't believe such wicked words. If we really do that, it's like throwing a lamb to the wolves."

Gu Tingfang nodded upon hearing this, but then shook her head. Was she still allowed so many choices now?

If he doesn't go, he might not be able to stop the black viper if it comes again, and he doesn't know what will happen to him then.

If we go, we might be able to buy the Gu family a little more time and a better chance of survival.

“Miss, just forget about those words and don’t be fooled by their faces. I’ll have my men set up traps throughout the mansion. If those villains dare to come, I guarantee they’ll be lucky to escape with their lives.”

Gu Tingfang was about to agree when a voice suddenly came from somewhere.

"Go, why not go? Just agree to his request."

"Young Master Fang!"

Gu Tingfang was pleasantly surprised to see Fang Yun leap over from a short distance away.

"Young Master Fang, have you finished dealing with your matters?"

"Yes, the situation here is critical, so I need to get here as quickly as possible."

"Good, I'm glad you're alright." Gu Tingfang breathed a sigh of relief.

847 This is not only because Fang Yun was not injured, but also because Fang Yun did not run away as Li Ren said.

Hearing Fang Yun's words, Aunt Pei asked curiously, "I wonder what brilliant ideas Young Master Fang has that you think Miss should go?"

Fang Yun laughed and said, "If you all trust me, then agree. I have my reasons."

Although Aunt Pei believed in Fang Yun, she was still somewhat ambivalent about such a serious matter. After all, this matter directly concerned Dao Gu Tingfang's life, so she couldn't help but take it seriously.

At this moment, Gu Tingfang walked over and said, "My Gu family has ancestors who risked their lives for the family business. Now that it's my generation, I can't be afraid either. If Young Master Fang is truly confident, then I will accept this task."

Aunt Pei was about to stop Gu Tingfang when she heard her say this, but seeing her determined look, she could only sigh and shake her head.

"If all else fails, I will risk my old life to protect Miss," Aunt Pei thought to herself.

Chapter 540 False Faces

Since Gu Tingfang had shown such a resolute attitude, Aunt Pei didn't say anything more. After all, she knew that she was getting old and had indeed become much more cautious in doing things.

However, there are some things, such as dealing with this black viper, that an elderly woman like her might not be able to think of such a vigorous way to do.

So, even though the words were already on Aunt Pei's lips, she chose to swallow them back.

Meanwhile, Gu Tingfang acted swiftly, casually instructing his subordinates: "Captain Li, immediately arrange for men to prepare the equipment. Make sure to guard the mansion well while I'm away, and don't let these thieves take advantage of the situation to launch a sneak attack."

Li Ren asked in surprise, "Miss, shouldn't you bring some helpers with you? I'm afraid something might go wrong..."

"No need. Fang Yun and Aunt Pei will accompany me, which should be enough. If we still can't escape this fate, then it may truly be the will of Heaven to destroy the Gu family."

Li Ren could only nod upon hearing this and went down with the order. Meanwhile, Fang Yun glanced at Gu Tingfang and then called Aunt Pei to go to the inner hall to discuss the matter.

Halfway there, Li Ren saw Fang Yun following Gu Tingfang inside. He clenched his fists, a sinister glint flashing in his eyes.

"You little rascal, one day you'll be the one who gets what's coming to you."

After Li Ren walked to a corner of the garden, several other people immediately surrounded him. These were all Li Ren's brothers who had risked their lives for him. It was Li Ren who had insisted on letting them into the Gu family.

At this moment, when the news reached Li Ren, these people all began to have doubts.

"Brother Li, do you think we can stay in the Gu family any longer? If we stay any longer, we might have to be buried with them. This deal isn't worth it."

Someone spoke up, but Li Ren remained silent.

“Yes, even if the Gu family gives us several times more than others, it’s useless if we have money but no life to spend it. If you ask me, Brother Li, as long as we’re alive, we can always find another family to help us.”

After someone said that, they were immediately interrupted by another person.

"How can you talk like that? Do you think Brother Li only has your little ideas on his head? You should know how empty the Gu family is right now. Such a large family is being held up by just one little woman like Gu Tingfang. Don't you think it's like it's in its twilight years?"

When Li Ren saw the man say this, he quickly scolded him, "Xiao Du, how can you talk like that? This is the Gu family. You need to show some respect to the young lady."

"Hey, Brother Li, I, Xiao Du, am your brother who's been through thick and thin with you. Why should we brothers care about such things? Don't worry, there's no one here."

"Originally, Brother Li, you could have used this opportunity to show off your skills. You'd have made Gu Tingfang fall in love with you, and then you'd be the Gu family's son-in-law, and all that wealth and power would be yours..."

As he spoke, Xiao Du's expression changed. As long as Li Ren succeeded, they would all rise to prominence. Although they couldn't get a woman like Gu Tingfang, other beauties would still be no problem.

Upon hearing what Xiao Du said, the others also joined in the commotion.

“Brother Li, you’re not being fair. You didn’t even tell us about something so important. Do you even consider us your brothers?”

Upon hearing this, Li Ren waved his hand and said, "Don't say anything more. I don't have that opportunity now, and I dare not think like that."

"Why? Brother Li, you are our elder brother, and you used to be a well-known figure in our area. You are also one of the top experts in the Gu family. You are not unworthy of that Miss Gu."

"Hmph, that makes sense, but who knew a kid surnamed Fang would suddenly appear out of nowhere? I wonder where he came from. What bad luck! Otherwise, wouldn't Miss Gu have already thrown herself into my arms by now?"

Xiao Du looked indignant, seemingly very upset about what happened to Li Ren.

"There's no point in saying all this now. Since Miss likes that Young Master Fang, she must have her reasons. So don't gossip behind her back."

Li Ren's eyes flashed, and he said calmly.

Xiao Du said, "(Qian, Zhao) 'Brother Li, just tell us what you need us to do. We'll teach that kid a lesson and see if he dares to come and steal your things again.'"

"Yes, yes, Brother Li, if you trust us, just say what you need to say!"

The others nearby also chimed in.

Li Ren was silent for a while before finally speaking: "Alright, since all of you brothers support me so much, it would seem cowardly of me to back down. So, please come closer and I'll tell you..."

At first, everyone frowned as Li Ren spoke, but then their expressions gradually relaxed, as if they had thought of something good.

Chapter 541 Malicious Retaliation

"Brother Li, will there be any trouble if we do this? That kid Fang has no grudge against us. Isn't this going a bit too far?"

After listening to Li Ren's plan, Xiao Du couldn't help but say something.

He had met Fang Yun before, and when he arrived at Xiyuan, he originally intended to rush out with Li Ren, but Fang Yun stopped him. It was on that occasion that he was able to escape with his life.

Although he didn't have a direct connection with Fang Yun, Xiao Du still believed that Fang Yun had been helpful to him.

It's just that Xiao Du is more inclined to side with Li Ren.

As for Li Ren liking the young lady, he knew it too, so he was willing to help his older brother pursue the woman he liked, even if it harmed the interests of others.

At worst, we can compensate Fang Yun in the end.

"What, are you scared?" Li Ren looked at Xiao Du, a hint of displeasure flashing in his eyes. "I know the young lady's thoughts better than you do now. It can be said that she is very firmly biased towards that Fang boy."

"If I don't use a powerful tactic like 847 now, I definitely won't be able to bring him down. You should understand, right?"

As soon as Li Ren said this, someone shouted, "Brother Li, we'll all listen to you anyway. Hurry up and assign the task. We've killed people before, so what's one more person to kill? We can just burn a couple more incense sticks at his grave later."

"Yeah, when did we become so indecisive? Just get to work."

Li Ren looked around and found that apart from Xiao Du and one other person who were somewhat hesitant, most people supported his decision. He then slapped the stone next to him.

"What I said today should be kept secret from me and my brothers. If I can win the young lady's heart, you will all be rewarded with riches and honors."

"Okay, I'll go over there first to find out what's going on (BJBD), and then you all remember to do as I say..."

After explaining the rest of the plan, Li Ren returned to the hall. He was going to see Fang Yun and Gu Tingfang, as he was the one who would coordinate and arrange things.

"Where's the eldest lady?"

When he reached the garrison hall, Li Ren looked at a maid standing there.

"Miss and the others have gone to the inner room."

After learning the information, Li Ren walked over there without hesitation. Soon, he heard the voices of several people discussing in the inner room.

"Young Master Fang, this time the young lady has entrusted her life to you. If anything goes wrong, you will be guilty of a thousand deaths."

“Aunt Pei, please don’t say that. Young Master Fang is only thinking of the Gu family’s best interests. Even if things go wrong, he can’t be blamed. Please don’t put pressure on him.”

Aunt Pei couldn't help but laugh: "Girl, what's wrong? Weren't you completely disrespectful to him in that tomb? How come your attitude has changed so much in such a short time? Did this kid bewitch you?"

Aunt Pei's face showed a hint of teasing, which immediately made Gu Tingfang blush and quickly turn her head away.

Suddenly, the door was pushed open, and Liren appeared in the doorway.

"Captain Li, is that you? Didn't anyone tell you to knock before entering?"

Upon seeing that it was Li Ren, Gu Tingfang immediately reverted to her previous cold and stern demeanor and reprimanded him.

“Miss, it’s not that I want to be so reckless, it’s just that the situation is too urgent, and I have no other choice.”

"Oh, what's the matter that's so urgent? Tell me quickly!"