"Indeed, it involves the hidden families," Han Yunhai stated directly. "I fear that in the near future, Your Excellency might find yourself in opposition to the Five Great Hidden Families!"
"This..." Boss Chu took a few steps back, his expression a little flustered.
Throughout the entire Jiangnan region, he was a prominent figure on the surface, yet before the hidden families, he seemed utterly insignificant.
After all, the hidden families not only controlled powerful conglomerates but also possessed an endless supply of experts. Anyone they wished to deal with, no one could escape their grasp.
"No matter what happens, I will stand by Your Excellency's side," Fatty Chen declared. "Even if it means opposing the Five Great Hidden Families!"
"To possess such resolve, you are destined to become Your Excellency's confidant in the future," Han Yunhai nodded. "Three days from now, by the West Lake, I wonder if that Ghost Dread will arrive on time!"
Over these few days, the news of Ghost Dread's challenge to Master Lu had spread throughout Qingzhou, causing quite a stir.
Many experts in Qingzhou eagerly anticipated the event. They had long heard of Master Lu's reputation but unfortunately, they hadn't attended the martial arts tournament. Now, with someone challenging Master Lu, how could they miss this opportunity?
It wasn't just within the martial arts world; even the streets and alleys were abuzz with discussions about this matter.
They didn't understand martial arts experts well, but they were very aware that Qingzhou had produced a Master Lu, a renowned expert who was scheduled to duel someone by the West Lake in three days.
Initially, people hadn't paid much mind to it, but the stories had become increasingly fantastical. Some even claimed Master Lu could scale walls and walk on water, though others simply didn't believe it.
Whether these rumors were true or false, they couldn't discern, hence their great anticipation for the battle by the West Lake in three days.
At the sales department of Tai Kang Pharmaceutical, Lin Ke had returned to his work routine, also serving as the Sales Department Manager. He appeared much more energetic.
Xiao Qi walked over with a stack of documents, complaining, "I finally understand why being a team leader was so exhausting for you. A lesson learned from experience, being a team leader is truly tiring!"
"Don't you want to be one anymore?" Lin Ke asked with a smile. "If you don't want to be team leader, I can have someone else take over. After all, others are waiting for the opportunity!"
"No, no, no! I was just joking. After working in the company for so many years, if it weren't for your connections, I might not even have become a team leader," Xiao Qi quickly said. "But speaking of which, haven't you been promoted too quickly? You're the manager now!"
"Are you jealous or envious?" Lin Ke gave him a playful glare.
"Of course, I'm jealous and envious," Xiao Qi shrugged. "But speaking of which, have you heard about the deeds of that Master Lu?"
"Are you referring to the duel by the West Lake?" Lin Ke frowned. "Who do you think will win?"
"That's hard to say. I've heard that Ghost Dread is quite famous in the martial arts world, while Master Lu is rumored to be almost mythical," Xiao Qi stated frankly. "As for who is more powerful, that can only be left to fate."
Lin Ke nodded, a look of concern on his face. He already knew that Master Lu was Lu Fan, and naturally, he didn't want anything to happen to Lu Fan.
Ever since refusing to return to the Lin family, Lin Ke had become even more dedicated to Lu Fan. He kept track of Lu Fan's every deed, and he had no regrets about this particular favoritism.
"I heard the duel is tomorrow," Xiao Qi said seriously. "Should we sneak out to watch? You're the manager now, and I'm a team leader. If we really want to go out, we should be able to do it discreetly."
"That might not be too good!" Lin Ke frowned. "This is against company regulations. If the higher-ups find out, we could be punished."
"It's only for one morning, it should be fine," Xiao Qi insisted. "Don't you want to see what Master Lu looks like! During the martial arts tournament, he was always wearing a mask. I reckon he won't be wearing one this time by the West Lake."
"Who can say for sure about such things!" Lin Ke waved his hand, his mind elsewhere.
Unknowingly, he had left the sales department and arrived at Lu Fan's office. Lu Fan was reviewing documents. Upon seeing Lin Ke's arrival, he smiled, "How is it? Are you getting used to the position of manager?"
"Brother Lu Fan, actually, I want to climb step by step using my own strength," Lin Ke said earnestly. "I know you are doing this for my own good, Brother Lu Fan."
"Silly girl, you don't even bat an eye at the entire Jiangdong conglomerate, what is a mere manager's position?" Lu Fan smiled.
"I heard you're going to fight?" Lin Ke asked directly. "By the West Lake?"
Lu Fan shrugged. "Indeed, the news travels quite fast."
"Can you not go?" Lin Ke's expression was serious. "I don't want anything to happen to you!"
"Don't worry, I wouldn't have accepted the challenge if I couldn't handle it."
Lu Fan nodded and chuckled, "You don't need to worry about me."
"If you absolutely must go, then promise me you'll return safely and that nothing will happen to you."
Lin Ke looked at Lu Fan again with a serious expression.
"I promise you, nothing will happen," Lu Fan nodded solemnly.
By the next morning, outside the West Lake, quite a crowd had gathered. They had all come with one purpose: to witness Master Lu's prowess.
In recent days, Master Lu's abilities had been the subject of widespread rumors: scaling walls, walking on water, even summoning the power of heaven and earth. These skills, typically found only in novels, were being described with such fantastical detail that most people found it hard to believe.
On both sides of the West Lake, experts from the Azure Dragon Sect were lined up. Since Lu Fan was taking action this time, the members of the Azure Dragon Sect naturally had to provide escort.
"Master, will that Ghost Dread really come?" Little White Dragon asked. "If I see him, I will definitely kill him! How dare he kill so many disciples of the Azure Dragon Sect!"
"If your strength is insufficient, do not act rashly," Han Yunhai waved his hand. "Let's wait for Master Lu!"
Little White Dragon felt helpless. Although he longed for revenge, his strength was insufficient, rendering him useless. In front of Ghost Dread, he was merely a clown.
On both sides of the lake, crowds of people had gathered, including several business magnates who were very curious about the proceedings.
And on the lookout tower by the West Lake, Fatty Chen and others stood observing.
"Whether Master Lu takes action this time is anyone's guess, a blessing or a curse," Boss Chu worried. "If he falls, all our efforts will have been in vain!"
"Boss Chu, if Master hears you say that, you'll be in serious trouble," Fatty Chen said coldly. "I hope you'll behave yourself."
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