"Ten thousand taels…" Ah Mei let out a small laugh, she raised her head and looked at Luo Feng. "Master, I've grown tired of this nomadic life as well, settling down wouldn't be a bad idea."
Luo Feng looked at her with furrowed brows.
Chu Li was smiling with squinted eyes as he looked at Ah Mei. It must be Luo Feng's good fortune to have a woman like her.
Ah Mei turned her head and smiled, "However, Young Master Chen, my lord has quite a lot of enemies!"
Chu Li smiled, "How many people are there in the martial arts world who do not have enemies?"
"That's true." Ah Mei put up a slight smile and said, "But if any enemies do come, we have to run. Or else, we'll cause trouble for the Startling Cloud Association, right?"
Chu Li started laughing.
Luo Feng coldly said, "My enemies are not easy to deal with. If they take their anger out on the Startling Cloud Association, don't blame me for not reminding you!"
Chu Li smiled, "Do tell me, who are your enemies?"
"The Nine Enclosure, the White Faced Tiger, and the Cleave of Heart, these are the strongest three." Luo Feng scoffed.
Chu Li shook his head and said, "Don't worry, they won't dare to come."
"They won't dare?" Luo Feng sneered, "Merely because of the Startling Cloud Association's power? They could destroy them single-handedly!"
Chu Li smiled, "You really underestimated the Startling Cloud Association! ...The Startling Cloud Association doesn't have a lot of experts, but in the Cloud State Town, the Startling Cloud Association calls the shots. The moment your enemies enter the town, you will immediately know. What you have to do is to deal with them, not letting them hunt for you! ...This is much better than fighting alone, and being hunted to the point of being battered and exhausted, right?"
Luo Feng scoffed with furrowed brows, "Will you just trust me like that?"
He had a deep understanding of Chu Li. Working alone with his own meager strength would not work in the long run. He was not unyielding and stubborn, reluctant to be placed under others, he just did not trust the factions. What if they betrayed him after he pledged himself to them?
Chu Li smiled, "I trust your feelings for Miss Mei even more."
"Hmph!" Luo Feng coldly glared at him.
He was indignant of the fact that Chu Li was using Ah Mei to coerce him, forcing him to give in. But he was helpless, Chu Li truly had him in the palm of his hands.
Back in the previous years without Ah Mei, he lived a carefree life. However, it was different now. With Ah Mei, he had worries and restraints. He could not come and go as he pleased, now that he had more worries.
"Young Master Chen, the Startling Cloud Association's Association Leader Chen is gorgeous!" Ah Mei smiled sweetly.
Chu Li glanced at her, "She is my cousin."
"I see!" Ah Mei suddenly realised something, she put up a slight smile. "To be able to control the Startling Cloud Association as a woman, I admire her a lot!"
Chu Li said, "That's right, you could move into Xu Residence as well, so that there's someone else to talk to. Miss Mei is a brilliant person, she could help out my cousin."
"Alright, I'd like some company too." Ah Mei smiled.
Luo Feng's face darkened, it was as if water would drip out.
Chu Li looked at Luo Feng, "Brother Luo, it's decided then. I'll leave first, and will be awaiting your grand arrival at the Xu Residence!"
He disappeared in front of them in a flash.
A cool breeze was rustling, making light whistling noises as it blew across tree tips.
Luo Feng's face was dark, he did not say a word.
Ah Mei said in a low voice, Master, I've dragged you down!"
"You're not allowed to say something like that next time!" Luo Feng scoffed unhappily, "Do you think that without you, I'd be able to escape?"
Ah Mei was silent.
She knew that Chu Li was a man with a big smile and evil intentions the moment she looked at him, he was cruel and ruthless. If her Master did not agree, it would be without a doubt that her Master would be killed.
Luo Feng scoffed, "Whatever, I can worry less with a power to rely on, I can live a comfortable life!"
"Are we not running?"
"We can't escape." Luo Feng shook his head, "Let's go and take a look at the Startling Cloud Association!"
——
During the evening, the setting sun colored the Xu Residence in a golden glow.
The four main clan leaders, two guardians and an ambassador gathered at the Xu Residence, sitting in silence as they drank tea.
The clan leader of the Rain Clam, He Shou placed down his teacup, he let out a sigh, "Elder Hu, it's about time we bolster our forces. The association leader was lucky to be alive, we really wouldn't be able to live it down!"
"That's easy for you to say, Elder He, where do we find experts?" Hu Hai pursed his lips, he scoffed, "God dammit, these master must have come from Startling Cloud Association, after spending a huge sum of money… Startling Cloud Association! Startling Cloud Association!"
At the end of that, he grit his teeth. He wanted to tear Startling Cloud Association into pieces.
"We can't do anything." He Shou shook his head and said, "This blow really hit us on our soft spot."
The clan leader of the Hurricane Clan, Cheng Changfeng was the new Clan Leader, but his foundation was not shallow. He was originally from the Hurricane Clan as well. Although he did not reach Innate Mastery's Boundary, he had great fellowship, and could hold a front line.
Cheng Changfeng furrowed his brows as he said, "Clan Leader Hu, we still need to think something up. It was a lucky escape this time, but what about the next time? We can't just let the Young Cousin Master stay here, right? We may be willing, but he is not!"
At that topic, he was still grateful to Chu Li. If his Young Cousin Master did not kill the last Clan Leader, he would not have been able to become the Clan Leader.
Hu Hai furrowed his brows and looked at Zheng Gongming.
Zheng Gongming was squinting his eyes and dozing off, he felt his gaze landing on him. He stroked his beard and shook his head, "There's no choice."
"Elder Zheng, you don't have any friends?"
"I do not."
"Are you afraid that you'll lose your seat if an expert comes?" Hu Hai scoffed.
Zheng Gongming stroked his beard, he leisurely said, "Stop being unreasonable!"
Hu Hai widened his eyes and scoffed, "Elder Zheng, there won't be a difference if the Association Leader doesn't have you, you're useless!"
"There's always someone out there that's stronger, how can I stop everyone?" Zheng Gongming stroked his beard as he shook his head, "It was misfortunate this time, it might not be the same next time."
"If someone who is equally as powerful comes again, can you stop him?" Hu Hai sneered.
Xu An's face darkened, he felt that every word was pointed at him, but he could not do anything. Truly, he could not carry out his responsibilities this time. He could not even withstand a single palm, it was too embarrassing. If the Young Cousin Brother did not return, he would not be able to atone for his sins, even with a hundred deaths!
The sound of footsteps sounded. Chen Siyu, donned in white attire, slowly entered. Beside her was Luo Feng and Ah Mei, Yue Er was behind her.
"Association Leader." Everyone stood up and made a closed fist salute.
Chen Si Yu waved her delicate hands, "No need to be so courteous."
She turned her head and looked at Luo Feng, she smiled, "Elder Luo, please!"
Luo Feng bowed and nodded, "You first, Association Leader!"
Everyone's gaze was on Luo Feng, suspiciously sizing him up. They did not know what the Association Leader had up her sleeves.
Chen Si Yu went to the armchair in the middle and sat down. Yue Er stood behind her. Everyone sat down onto their own seats. Luo Feng sat on the seat to the left of her, while the seat to the right of her was the Ambassador, Lan Jingzong.
Lan Jingzong was the Ambassador of the Association. Her position was out of the ordinary. She usually did not interfere with the Association's internal affairs, and was mostly silent. She was curiously sizing up Luo Feng, not knowing what why he was eligible to sit on that seat.
"Everyone, allow me to introduce you." Chen Si Yu let out a smile, "This here is Luo Feng, Elder Luo. He will be the Startling Cloud Association's Ambassador from today onwards.
Zheng Gongming's hand that was stroking his beard had stopped earlier. He had been staring at Luo Feng, unmoving, since he stepped into the main hall.
Xu Anxia widened his eyes, about to spit out his fury at any time. The moment Chen Si Yu said that, he quickly stood up, glaring at Luo Feng as he yelled, "It's you, isn't it?"
Luo Feng indifferently glanced at him, he did not care.
Xu Anxia pointed at him and said in a loud voice, "You were the one who tried to assassinate the Association Leader!"
Chen Si Yu waved her delicate hands and said, "Protector Xu, please remain calm, sit down and speak!"
Xu Anxia hastily said, "Clan Leader, this person is the one who tried to assassinate you, why has he become a Ambassador!?"
"You don't know a person until you cross hands with him," Chen Si Yu smiled, "Alright, sit down, sit down!"
Xu Anxia indignantly sat down.
"Ten thousand taels…" Ah Mei let out a small laugh, she raised her head and looked at Luo Feng. "Master, I've grown tired of this nomadic life as well, settling down wouldn't be a bad idea."
Luo Feng looked at her with furrowed brows.
Chu Li was smiling with squinted eyes as he looked at Ah Mei. It must be Luo Feng's good fortune to have a woman like her.
Ah Mei turned her head and smiled, "However, Young Master Chen, my lord has quite a lot of enemies!"
Chu Li smiled, "How many people are there in the martial arts world who do not have enemies?"
"That's true." Ah Mei put up a slight smile and said, "But if any enemies do come, we have to run. Or else, we'll cause trouble for the Startling Cloud Association, right?"
Chu Li started laughing.
Luo Feng coldly said, "My enemies are not easy to deal with. If they take their anger out on the Startling Cloud Association, don't blame me for not reminding you!"
Chu Li smiled, "Do tell me, who are your enemies?"
"The Nine Enclosure, the White Faced Tiger, and the Cleave of Heart, these are the strongest three." Luo Feng scoffed.
Chu Li shook his head and said, "Don't worry, they won't dare to come."
"They won't dare?" Luo Feng sneered, "Merely because of the Startling Cloud Association's power? They could destroy them single-handedly!"
Chu Li smiled, "You really underestimated the Startling Cloud Association! ...The Startling Cloud Association doesn't have a lot of experts, but in the Cloud State Town, the Startling Cloud Association calls the shots. The moment your enemies enter the town, you will immediately know. What you have to do is to deal with them, not letting them hunt for you! ...This is much better than fighting alone, and being hunted to the point of being battered and exhausted, right?"
Luo Feng scoffed with furrowed brows, "Will you just trust me like that?"
He had a deep understanding of Chu Li. Working alone with his own meager strength would not work in the long run. He was not unyielding and stubborn, reluctant to be placed under others, he just did not trust the factions. What if they betrayed him after he pledged himself to them?
Chu Li smiled, "I trust your feelings for Miss Mei even more."
"Hmph!" Luo Feng coldly glared at him.
He was indignant of the fact that Chu Li was using Ah Mei to coerce him, forcing him to give in. But he was helpless, Chu Li truly had him in the palm of his hands.
Back in the previous years without Ah Mei, he lived a carefree life. However, it was different now. With Ah Mei, he had worries and restraints. He could not come and go as he pleased, now that he had more worries.
"Young Master Chen, the Startling Cloud Association's Association Leader Chen is gorgeous!" Ah Mei smiled sweetly.
Chu Li glanced at her, "She is my cousin."
"I see!" Ah Mei suddenly realised something, she put up a slight smile. "To be able to control the Startling Cloud Association as a woman, I admire her a lot!"
Chu Li said, "That's right, you could move into Xu Residence as well, so that there's someone else to talk to. Miss Mei is a brilliant person, she could help out my cousin."
"Alright, I'd like some company too." Ah Mei smiled.
Luo Feng's face darkened, it was as if water would drip out.
Chu Li looked at Luo Feng, "Brother Luo, it's decided then. I'll leave first, and will be awaiting your grand arrival at the Xu Residence!"
He disappeared in front of them in a flash.
A cool breeze was rustling, making light whistling noises as it blew across tree tips.
Luo Feng's face was dark, he did not say a word.
Ah Mei said in a low voice, Master, I've dragged you down!"
"You're not allowed to say something like that next time!" Luo Feng scoffed unhappily, "Do you think that without you, I'd be able to escape?"
Ah Mei was silent.
She knew that Chu Li was a man with a big smile and evil intentions the moment she looked at him, he was cruel and ruthless. If her Master did not agree, it would be without a doubt that her Master would be killed.
Luo Feng scoffed, "Whatever, I can worry less with a power to rely on, I can live a comfortable life!"
"Are we not running?"
"We can't escape." Luo Feng shook his head, "Let's go and take a look at the Startling Cloud Association!"
——
During the evening, the setting sun colored the Xu Residence in a golden glow.
The four main clan leaders, two guardians and an ambassador gathered at the Xu Residence, sitting in silence as they drank tea.
The clan leader of the Rain Clam, He Shou placed down his teacup, he let out a sigh, "Elder Hu, it's about time we bolster our forces. The association leader was lucky to be alive, we really wouldn't be able to live it down!"
"That's easy for you to say, Elder He, where do we find experts?" Hu Hai pursed his lips, he scoffed, "God dammit, these master must have come from Startling Cloud Association, after spending a huge sum of money… Startling Cloud Association! Startling Cloud Association!"
At the end of that, he grit his teeth. He wanted to tear Startling Cloud Association into pieces.
"We can't do anything." He Shou shook his head and said, "This blow really hit us on our soft spot."
The clan leader of the Hurricane Clan, Cheng Changfeng was the new Clan Leader, but his foundation was not shallow. He was originally from the Hurricane Clan as well. Although he did not reach Innate Mastery's Boundary, he had great fellowship, and could hold a front line.
Cheng Changfeng furrowed his brows as he said, "Clan Leader Hu, we still need to think something up. It was a lucky escape this time, but what about the next time? We can't just let the Young Cousin Master stay here, right? We may be willing, but he is not!"
At that topic, he was still grateful to Chu Li. If his Young Cousin Master did not kill the last Clan Leader, he would not have been able to become the Clan Leader.
Hu Hai furrowed his brows and looked at Zheng Gongming.
Zheng Gongming was squinting his eyes and dozing off, he felt his gaze landing on him. He stroked his beard and shook his head, "There's no choice."
"Elder Zheng, you don't have any friends?"
"I do not."
"Are you afraid that you'll lose your seat if an expert comes?" Hu Hai scoffed.
Zheng Gongming stroked his beard, he leisurely said, "Stop being unreasonable!"
Hu Hai widened his eyes and scoffed, "Elder Zheng, there won't be a difference if the Association Leader doesn't have you, you're useless!"
"There's always someone out there that's stronger, how can I stop everyone?" Zheng Gongming stroked his beard as he shook his head, "It was misfortunate this time, it might not be the same next time."
"If someone who is equally as powerful comes again, can you stop him?" Hu Hai sneered.
Xu An's face darkened, he felt that every word was pointed at him, but he could not do anything. Truly, he could not carry out his responsibilities this time. He could not even withstand a single palm, it was too embarrassing. If the Young Cousin Brother did not return, he would not be able to atone for his sins, even with a hundred deaths!
The sound of footsteps sounded. Chen Siyu, donned in white attire, slowly entered. Beside her was Luo Feng and Ah Mei, Yue Er was behind her.
"Association Leader." Everyone stood up and made a closed fist salute.
Chen Si Yu waved her delicate hands, "No need to be so courteous."
She turned her head and looked at Luo Feng, she smiled, "Elder Luo, please!"
Luo Feng bowed and nodded, "You first, Association Leader!"
Everyone's gaze was on Luo Feng, suspiciously sizing him up. They did not know what the Association Leader had up her sleeves.
Chen Si Yu went to the armchair in the middle and sat down. Yue Er stood behind her. Everyone sat down onto their own seats. Luo Feng sat on the seat to the left of her, while the seat to the right of her was the Ambassador, Lan Jingzong.
Lan Jingzong was the Ambassador of the Association. Her position was out of the ordinary. She usually did not interfere with the Association's internal affairs, and was mostly silent. She was curiously sizing up Luo Feng, not knowing what why he was eligible to sit on that seat.
"Everyone, allow me to introduce you." Chen Si Yu let out a smile, "This here is Luo Feng, Elder Luo. He will be the Startling Cloud Association's Ambassador from today onwards.
Zheng Gongming's hand that was stroking his beard had stopped earlier. He had been staring at Luo Feng, unmoving, since he stepped into the main hall.
Xu Anxia widened his eyes, about to spit out his fury at any time. The moment Chen Si Yu said that, he quickly stood up, glaring at Luo Feng as he yelled, "It's you, isn't it?"
Luo Feng indifferently glanced at him, he did not care.
Xu Anxia pointed at him and said in a loud voice, "You were the one who tried to assassinate the Association Leader!"
Chen Si Yu waved her delicate hands and said, "Protector Xu, please remain calm, sit down and speak!"
Xu Anxia hastily said, "Clan Leader, this person is the one who tried to assassinate you, why has he become a Ambassador!?"
"You don't know a person until you cross hands with him," Chen Si Yu smiled, "Alright, sit down, sit down!"
Xu Anxia indignantly sat down.
