A dark look crossed He’s face as he listened to Zhao Xuanqi. The man was clearly saying he wasn’t qualified. He had indeed been outplayed a moment ago, but if it were a true battle to the death, the victor would still be undecided.

After speaking, Zhao Xuanqi paid no mind to their expressions or thoughts. He simply turned his back and walked toward the study.

"Mr. Li, this man is incredibly arrogant and extremely dangerous. If he’s truly set on killing, I’m afraid I won’t be able to protect you. What do you think we should do..."

He said quietly to Li Wenwei beside him, his voice laced with shame.

"This man is certainly a force to be reckoned with. But that’s all the more reason to speak with him. This is a rare opportunity," Li Wenwei said, his expression calm, as if completely unbothered by what had just transpired. He strode past He and headed for Zhao Xuanqi’s study.

He took a deep breath and immediately followed.

"Sit."

Inside the study, Zhao Xuanqi saw Li Wenwei come in and gestured coolly to the seat before him.

"I have now witnessed Hall Master Zhao’s capabilities," Li Wenwei said to Zhao Xuanqi, his expression serene. "Might I ask what you wished to discuss?"

"You’ve got some nerve. But first, I need to know: are you in a position to make decisions here?"

Zhao Xuanqi said bluntly.

"You jest, Hall Master Zhao. I have some measure of influence within Celestial Sea Prefecture," Li Wenwei said.

"Good. Then I won’t beat around the bush. Regarding my sister, you people have overstepped. Don’t you think you owe me an explanation?"

Zhao Xuanqi said coolly.

"Regarding your sister, what kind of explanation is Hall Master Zhao looking for?"

Li Wenwei said.

"Let’s be direct. My parents shed their blood and sacrificed their lives for your organization. They’ve already given more than enough. I don’t want my sister getting tangled up in this mess. I just want her to live a long, peaceful life. That’s not too much to ask, is it? As long as you cut off all contact with my sister, I’ll let this slide. We can go our separate ways and stay out of each other’s business." 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

Zhao Xuanqi said straightforwardly.

"Hall Master Zhao, is that the ’explanation’ you were looking for? This isn’t a matter you should be discussing with us; you should be talking to your sister. We don’t force anyone to join us. Zhao Qin’s membership is entirely of her own volition. If you can persuade her to leave the organization, we won’t stop her. We don’t prevent any member from leaving."

Li Wenwei said coolly.

"As long as you don’t contact her, she won’t get these ideas in her head."

Zhao Xuanqi said coolly.

"Hall Master Zhao, do you truly believe that? What do you take Zhao Qin for? A bird in a cage? A toy in your hands?"

Li Wenwei demanded.

"I’m doing it for her own good."

Zhao Xuanqi said coolly.

"The most important thing for a person is freedom. The right to choose one’s own path, one’s own ideals—that is the greatest distinction between a human and a beast. If you truly want what’s best for her, you should respect her choice."

Li Wenwei said, his expression calm.

"I’m not here to debate high-minded principles with you. So, is that your final answer? No room for negotiation? Have you considered that if you refuse me, you might not walk out of the Xiaolin Martial Arts Hall today?"

A vicious glint flashed in Zhao Xuanqi’s eyes, startling He, who immediately stepped forward to watch Zhao Xuanqi with renewed vigilance.

"Hall Master Zhao, there are truths in this world. Right is right, and wrong is wrong. I will not violate my principles, even if it costs me my life."

"Even if I die here today, your sister will not voluntarily withdraw from the National Salvation Association."

"You must understand, Hall Master Zhao. You can lock up anything in this world, but you can’t imprison an idea."

Li Wenwei said, completely unafraid.

"So you really are all a bunch of tough ones, unafraid of death."

Zhao Xuanqi slowly withdrew his gaze and relaxed his posture, causing He, who stood beside Li Wenwei, to heave an involuntary sigh of relief.

’This young man... the pressure he gives off is immense.’

Zhao Xuanqi looked down, silent.

’Actually, Li Wenwei had a point. He knew he couldn’t keep Zhao Qin locked away forever. She would eventually have to engage with the outside world. Even if he cut her ties with the organization in Celestial Sea Prefecture, she would probably just find another way to get involved.’

"Fine. Let’s try a different approach."

"I won’t oppose her joining your organization, but there’s one condition you must accept."

Zhao Xuanqi said coolly.

"Please, Hall Master Zhao, go on."

Li Wenwei said.

"Forming progressive groups that don’t cross major lines, engaging in related activities—fine. Helping you build connections and clear pathways—fine. Providing financial and material support—also fine."

"But if you dare make her steal intelligence for you, or run around as a standard-bearer like my parents, or do anything else that puts her life at risk... then, for every member of the National Salvation Association I find, I will kill one."

Zhao Xuanqi spoke the last sentence to Li Wenwei slowly, deliberately, one word at a time.

’He couldn’t control Zhao Qin, but he could do everything in his power to ensure her safety. If she were merely a progressive activist, there would still be risks, but with him protecting her, her security could be guaranteed.’

’What’s more, this arrangement wouldn’t completely stop her from pursuing her ideals. It was arguably the best possible solution.’

"Hall Master Zhao, you’re worrying needlessly. We never had any plans to put your sister in danger. She will simply be a progressive."

Li Wenwei said with a frank expression.

"You’d better hope so. And next time, send someone a bit sharper to be my sister’s contact. That Chu Jiaxuan is a naive fool; she’s bound to get into trouble sooner or later."

Zhao Xuanqi’s expression softened slightly at the other man’s words. He had no real desire for a complete falling out with the National Salvation Association.

’Tonight’s display was merely to assert his dominance and teach them a lesson they wouldn’t soon forget.’

’To him, the National Salvation Association was still very valuable.’

’After all, Zhao Qi’s name alone carried a great deal of weight and trust. Combined with Zhao Qin’s own leanings, Chu Jiaxuan hadn’t actually been wrong—their factions were already natural allies.’

’This had already laid a foundation of trust for a future relationship of mutual benefit.’

"Alright, that settles that matter. Now, let’s move on to another."

Zhao Xuanqi said coolly.

"Please, Hall Master Zhao."

Li Wenwei’s eyes narrowed slightly. He knew this was likely the real reason for tonight’s meeting.

"I have no interest in joining the National Salvation Association, but I am very interested in doing business with it. I wonder if Mr. Li shares that interest."

Zhao Xuanqi said.

’Given his current status within the Xiaolin Martial Arts Hall and his reputation in the Upper River District, he was already a well-known figure. He was confident that he was of great value to the National Salvation Association.’

"Cooperation would be ideal, of course. The question is, what would we gain from it, and what would Hall Master Zhao require from us?"

Li Wenwei said in a low voice.

There was no doubt that Zhao Xuanqi himself was indeed a valuable potential partner for the National Salvation Association.

"Money, access, intelligence, connections... I can even have the Wind Shadow Hall—or myself—act on your behalf. All of that is on the table."

"In return, I only need two things from you."

Zhao Xuanqi held up two fingers, his voice low as he spoke slowly:

"First, Rare Beast Materials. And second, intelligence."