Be a proper Taoist priest in The Condor Heroes

Returning to the main hall from the back courtyard, Wang Huai'an's steps were particularly heavy. Su Yan's composed demeanor while treating the servants had given him a glimmer of hope, but the thought of the power behind the scenes made him swallow back the words that were on the tip of his tongue. He could only sit in his chair, repeatedly rubbing his hands, his expression conflicted and uneasy.

Su Yan noticed his unusual behavior and understood what was going on.

Wang Huai'an must have thought of a crucial clue, but dared not speak out because of some concerns.

"Uncle Wang, if you have something difficult to say, please speak frankly. Miss Wang Xingyi is in danger, and every clue is crucial to the success or failure of the rescue. Even if the matter is complicated, we can discuss it together."

Su Ye also looked up at him, her eyes clear and firm.

"There aren't many forces in Xiangyang that can bribe government officials and collude with bandits. If you have any guesses, you can share them to confirm our judgment."

Wang Huai'an sighed deeply, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. He remained silent for the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea before, as if having made a tremendous decision, he lowered his voice and said...

"Master Su, Miss Su, after much thought, I believe the only family capable of targeting the Wang family in this way is the Xu family of Xiangyang... However, the Xu family is too powerful, and this matter involves many people, so I dare not mention it lightly."

"The Xu family?"

Su Yan raised her eyebrows slightly.

"Exactly."

Wang Huai'an nodded, his tone filled with humiliation and resentment.

Three months ago, the Xu family sent a matchmaker to their door, saying that they wanted their second son, Xu Chengye, to take Xingyi as a concubine.

His voice trembled when he spoke of "taking a concubine".

"The eldest son of the Xu family holds a position in the imperial court. Although his official rank is not top-notch, he has connections with local officials and is almost untouchable in Xiangyang. However, Xu Chengye is a complete scoundrel. He is only seventeen or eighteen years old this year. Relying on his family's power, he commits all kinds of evil deeds in the city and has ruined countless innocent women. Some families who were unwilling to accept this wanted to report it to the authorities, but they were either suppressed by the Xu family or retaliated against. In the end, they could only swallow their anger."

"Xingyi has a strong personality and deeply despises this person."

Wang Huai'an spoke with a firm tone.

"Although my Wang family are merchants, we still have some backbone. To make our eldest daughter a concubine would not only disgrace Xingyi, but also slap me, Wang Huai'an, in the face! I immediately rejected the matchmaker and said, 'I would rather be a husband and wife than a concubine of a nobleman.' Even if it offends the Xu family, I cannot let my daughter suffer."

"You refused so decisively, the Xu family will surely hold a grudge."

Su Ye responded coldly.

"It's more than just harboring resentment."

Wang Huai'an smiled wryly, his eyes filled with lingering fear.

The day after my marriage proposal was rejected, Xu Chengye came to my door with more than a dozen servants. He pointed his finger at me, made threats, and even smashed the stone lions in front of the Prince's Mansion before leaving triumphantly.

He added.

"Since then, I've kept an even closer watch on Xingyi, but no matter how hard I tried, I still couldn't stop her from sneaking out. Now look what happened to her..."

Meanwhile, at another magnificent Xu family villa in Xiangyang City, a completely different scene of decadence unfolded.

Inside an ornately carved bedroom, sheer curtains hung low, completely concealing the bed. The quilt was disheveled, and several young women, their clothes in disarray, were flirting with a frivolous-looking young man. The room was filled with suggestive breathing and playful noises.

The young man was none other than Xu Chengye. He leaned against the headboard, one arm around the woman's slender waist, the other toying with a jade pendant, a carefree smile on his face.

"You guys are so sensible, unlike that girl from the Wang family, who won't listen to reason and will have to suffer the consequences."

"Second Young Master, once you kidnap Miss Wang, you can treat her however you want, right?"

A woman in green playfully snuggled into his arms.

Xu Chengye sneered, a lewd glint in his eyes.

"Of course, once she loses her edge, let's see if she still dares to put on airs."

At this moment, the servant Afu tiptoed to the door and bowed behind the screen.

"Second Young Master, I have something important to report."

"explain."

Xu Chengye's tone was impatient, clearly indicating that his interest had been dampened.

"Reporting to Second Young Master, news has arrived from Black Wind Ridge. The Wang family's little girl has been sent up the mountain, but she has a very fiery temper. She's been crying and making a scene, even biting two of the brothers. She's causing quite a commotion. When would you like to go there?"

A playful glint flashed in Xu Chengye's eyes.

"What's the rush? Let her make a fuss for a few more days. Once she's completely helpless and can't get any help from anyone, she'll naturally behave herself."

"Yes, yes, yes."

Afu quickly agreed and added...

"There's one more thing. One of the Wang family's guards ran away yesterday. This morning, I saw that old bastard Wang Huai'an post a reward notice. I even went to the yamen to report it this morning, but..."

His tone was gloating.

"We've already taken care of the yamen. Lord Li just kicked them out and didn't even bother with them."

"Hmph, old man, you've wasted your energy!"

Xu Chengye sneered.

"In Xiangyang, there's nothing the Xu family can't accomplish! Even if someone dares to accept the bounty, they'll have to ask the One-Eyed Dragon of Black Wind Ridge for permission!"

He pulled his arm around the woman next to him, his tone sinister.

"Once I'm tired of Wang Xingyi, I'll give her to the brothers of Black Wind Ridge, so she'll know the consequences of offending me!"

Afu bowed and took his leave, gently closing the door behind him to isolate the lewdness inside from the outside world.

Inside the main hall of the Prince's Mansion, Wang Huai'an's story continued.

"Master Su, Miss Su, think about it, besides the Xu family, who else has such audacity and power? The government officials were bribed, and bandits ambushed them—this is clearly a premeditated revenge!"

Su Yan's mind was now clear on the clues: Xu Chengye harbored resentment after his marriage proposal was rejected, and the Xu family used their influence to bribe officials and collude with Black Wind Ridge to ambush Wang Xingyi when he left the mansion without permission. The bandits were spared, and the officials made excuses, all to force the Wang family to submit; their methods were extremely vicious.

"Uncle Wang, has the Xu family never caused any trouble before?"

Su Yan asked, wanting to confirm the difference in strength between the two sides.

"In the past, we lived in peace thanks to the prestige of the Quanzhen Sect."

Wang Huai'an sighed, his tone helpless.

"Back then, my wife was seriously ill, and it was thanks to the Taoist priest Sun Bu'er that she was saved. She even left a message for the respected people in the city, saying that the Wang family was her old friend from her secular life. Over the years, it is precisely because of this relationship that those forces that covet the Wang family's property have not dared to act rashly, including the Xu family, who have always been somewhat wary of it."

He said bitterly

"But merchants are merchants after all. Without the protection of officials, they are like fish on a chopping board. This time, the Xu family probably calculated correctly. The Quanzhen Sect is far away in Zhongnan Mountain and is unlikely to send people here specifically for a worldly grudge, which is why they dare to be so unscrupulous."

Upon hearing this, a chilling glint flashed in Su Ye's eyes.

"By abusing their power and colluding with bandits, does the Xu family even deserve to call themselves a prestigious family?"

"Looking back now, the Xu family must have been behind all of this!"

Wang Huai'an suddenly stood up, his tone both resolute and desperate.

"Xu Chengye wanted Xingyi, and because he was rejected, he harbored resentment. So he colluded with bandits to kidnap her, both to settle his personal score and to force Xingyi to submit. He was utterly vicious!"

He bowed deeply to Su Yan, almost bending over.

"Master Su, Miss Su, the Wang family is desperate. We can't rely on the government, and we dare not offend the martial arts world. We can only count on you two! Please, for the sake of Master Sun Bu'er and for the sake of Xingyi, an innocent girl, save her! If you can save Xingyi, the Wang family is willing to give everything we own to repay you, and we will definitely support the Quanzhen Sect in the future!"

Su Yan quickly supported him, her expression remaining calm, but a burning anger was simmering within her. The Xu family colluded with bandits to harm innocent women; if such evil deeds were not punished, more people would suffer.

"Uncle Wang, there's no need for such formalities."

Su Yan's tone was firm

"The Xu family's evil deeds are well-known, and the bandits of Black Wind Ridge have harmed the people. Now that I am aware of this, there is no reason for me to stand idly by."

He already had a well-thought-out plan in mind.

The Xu family's influence in Xiangyang is deeply entrenched, and Black Wind Ridge is a treacherous terrain, so rash actions are not advisable. They must first ascertain the defenses of Black Wind Ridge and the bandits' routines, and confirm Wang Xingyi's safety. Afterwards, he and Su Ye will split into two groups: one will directly attack Black Wind Ridge to rescue Wang Xingyi and eliminate the bandits, while the other will keep the Xu family at bay, preventing them from ambush them en route, ensuring a swift and decisive victory.

Su Ye nodded in agreement.

Wang Huai'an was so moved that tears streamed down his face, and he repeatedly expressed his gratitude.

"Thank you both so much! You are truly the Wang family's saviors!"

Su Yan raised her hand to stop him, and added

"Uncle Wang, you need to cooperate with us on two things. First, send someone to keep an eye on the Xu family's movements. If Xu Chengye goes to Black Wind Ridge or the Xu family mobilizes their servants, inform me immediately. Second, take good care of that servant. When he wakes up, he may be able to learn the specific characteristics of the bandits and the details of the ambush, which will help us formulate a more secure plan."

"Definitely! Definitely!"

Wang Huai'an readily agreed, finally feeling a great weight lifted from his shoulders. He then went on to describe in detail the Xu family's situation, including Xu Chengye's daily routines and the layout of the Xu family mansion.