Chapter 119: The Secret Chamber of the Liu Mansion

Li Nianlong fell silent, seriously contemplating Yuexi's words.

As she mentioned, the Long family had been ruling for a hundred years. Although there were various problems in society, looking at the bigger picture, modern China was in an unprecedented golden age. The Long family's governance capabilities were unquestionable, and their popularity among the people was high. He did not even deny that Long Zongheng was indeed a capable and skillful crown prince, the hope for China's future after Long Qingyun, potentially for the next forty years.

To the Chinese people, the Long family members could not be killed, and Long Zongheng especially must not be killed. If the Yue sisters carried out such an act, they would not meet a good end, which was something Li Nianlong could not accept.

But... would Uncle Guan's revenge go unavenged?

No! Li Nianlong's eyes regained their determination: Long Zongheng, I must kill you!

Although Long Zongheng was the crown prince, the Long family was not without other branches. Even if Long Zongheng died, other branch members could take over. Their abilities might be slightly inferior, but as long as they had the collective support of the Long family, there was no fear of chaos.

Moreover, Long Qingyun was only in his sixties, and the Empress was just over fifty. For martial artists, this age was equivalent to an ordinary person's thirties or forties. They could completely have another child. With Long Qingyun's age and health, he could rule for another thirty years without issue, and in thirty years, the child could grow up.

Thinking about this, Li Nianlong felt relieved and stopped discussing this matter with Yuexi. After chatting casually for a while, he noticed it was almost noon and stood up, "It's getting late. I should go."

"Why the rush?" Yuexi couldn't bear to let Li Nianlong go, clinging to his leg and trying to persuade him, "Big brother, you don't have much to do back home. Stay for one night."

"No," Li Nianlong smiled slightly, rubbing her head, "I've been out for several days. I don't feel at ease leaving Ruyue alone at home. Now that everything is settled, I need to get back and improve my strength."

"Oh." Yuexi's head drooped, "That's true. We can't let Sister Ruyue suffer loneliness. At least I have Changchang by my side, but Sister Ruyue needs more care."

It sounded reasonable, but why did it seem so bitter?

Amused, Li Nianlong patted her head a few times, "It's not like we won't see each other again. Remember to visit Tianfu during the winter break. You can bring your master along, and we'll celebrate the New Year together."

"Really?" Yuexi looked up, eyes sparkling with joy, "Really can bring Master?"

Uh? Not happy about 'celebrating the New Year together'?

"Yes, really," Li Nianlong chuckled helplessly, standing up, "Enjoy your Sunday and get some good rest. I'm leaving."

"Big brother, I'll walk you out." Yuexi got up to change her shoes.

"No need."

"I insist." Yuexi put on a pair of black high heels and linked her arm through Li Nianlong's, giggling, "Let's go, big brother!"

In high heels, Yuexi's height exceeded 1.7 meters, yet she was still a head shorter than Li Nianlong, though she still looked adorable by his side, ignoring their age difference.

In a red dress and black stockings, Yuexi exuded a pure yet tempting allure, attracting many looks from passersby in the neighborhood, especially from the males who were filled with envy and jealousy.

Beastly teacher, let go of that female student and let me!

Ahem! Teacher-student romance is indeed condemned!

Flagging down a taxi, Li Nianlong said to Yuexi, "Go back! Call me when you get home."

"Okay." Yuexi reluctantly let go, softly saying, "Big brother, give my regards to Sister Ruyue when you get home."

"I will." He patted her head again, got into the car, and rolled down the window, "Go back!"

"Goodbye, big brother." Waving her hand vigorously, Yuexi watched the taxi drive away, her smile fading and her heart feeling heavy.

On the eighth-floor window, Yuechang watched the taxi go and softly murmured, "Goodbye, big brother."

…

Three days passed quickly. During these three days, Li Nianlong did not go to work or practice. Instead, he spent two days burying Uncle Guan's ashes and knelt in front of the grave for a day and night, speaking to Uncle Guan's spirit.

The fog in Tianfu was thick, and after a day and night, his body was covered with dew, but thanks to the system's refreshing function, he was not overly exhausted mentally.

Soft footsteps approached, and a white towel was handed to him. Li Nianlong turned to see the girl, her beautiful face filled with worry, care, and a warm smile.

Li Nianlong smiled slightly, took the towel, wiped his face and hair, and stood up, shaking off the moisture on his body. It was wet and uncomfortable.

Brother, let's go home!

Seeing the girl's gesture, Li Nianlong smiled and nodded, "Alright, let's go home."

The mountain was verdant, the morning sun rising, and amidst the birds' chirping, the figures of the man and woman gradually faded into the distance. A pair of hands slowly approached, gently touching, finally intertwining, warming each other's hearts.

Liu Mansion.

"You want to borrow some people?" Old Master Liu was surprised by Li Nianlong's request but then laughed heartily, "No problem! Borrow whoever you want. Even if you want to borrow this old man, I'll go with you."

Li Nianlong waved his hand, "You're of no use to me. I need ten reliable men. I don't want my secrets getting out."

Old Master Liu was taken aback, feeling hurt, "You say I'm useless? Nianlong, you're breaking this old man's heart."

The old man's expression was too comical, making Shao Meiyun laugh out loud, "Grandfather, did you hear? You're old and useless. Hand over the family head position to Nianlong already."

Li Nianlong's expression changed, but the old man was delighted, laughing, "Yes, yes, I'm almost eighty, too old to work. It's time to step down and let the young ones take over."

"Hmph!" Li Nianlong snorted, "Don't even think about it. Are you lending or not? If not, I'm leaving now."

"Lending! Of course, lending!" Old Master Liu quickly said, "Meiyun, take care of this. Make sure Nianlong is satisfied."

"Don't worry, Grandfather." Shao Meiyun sighed inwardly, then went to find the ten most loyal warriors of the Liu family. The Liu family's warriors were renowned; while their combat strength might not be the highest, their loyalty was unmatched. For the Liu family, they would risk life and limb without hesitation.

"Nianlong, these are the Liu family's warriors. Whatever you ask them to do, they will execute without hesitation," Shao Meiyun introduced with pride, bringing in the ten fierce-looking men.

"If I ask them all to commit suicide, will they do it?" Li Nianlong asked.

"They will!" Shao Meiyun nodded seriously, "They are all prepared to give their lives for the Liu family."

Li Nianlong was joking, but he hadn't expected such an answer. Indeed, the most ruthless families are the royal ones, and great families are no different, filled with many fanatics.

Standing before the ten warriors, the oldest in his thirties, the youngest not even twenty, each over 1.8 meters tall, broad-shouldered, and exuding a menacing aura, they were evidently loyal to the death.

Forgive Li Nianlong for thinking this way, as warriors were all brainwashed individuals. Life was precious, yet they would risk it for the Liu family's words. Not living for oneself, what else to call it but foolishness?

From the Liu family's perspective, 'fools' were necessary. Otherwise, where would they find ten men to lend to Li Nianlong?

Turning to Old Master Liu, Li Nianlong said, "I need a place where I won't be disturbed."

Old Master Liu nodded and said to Shao Meiyun, "Meiyun, take Nianlong to the secret chamber."

Shao Meiyun hesitated for a moment before smiling, "Alright, Nianlong, follow me." She turned to the ten warriors, "You too."

"Yes!"

In the Liu Mansion's rear garden, in front of a rockery, Shao Meiyun reached into a gap, fumbled for a moment, and with a 'whoosh,' a tunnel entrance appeared on the ground outside the rockery. Shao Meiyun smiled, "Nianlong, follow me." She then pulled out her phone and entered the tunnel first.

Li Nianlong followed closely, with the ten warriors filing in after them.

Using the phone's light to illuminate the way, they walked about a hundred meters before reaching a three-way fork. Shao Meiyun stopped and smiled at Li Nianlong, "Nianlong, if it were you, which path would you choose?"

Li Nianlong smiled faintly, pointing to the left path, "I choose this one."

"Oh?" Shao Meiyun looked surprised, "Why?"

"Because it's neither the second

 nor the third, but the only one."

Shao Meiyun rolled her eyes and playfully scolded, "What nonsense, but you guessed right. The left path is indeed correct. The second path is filled with traps, and the third with poisonous creatures. Anyone choosing wrong wouldn't survive."

"How ruthless!" Li Nianlong remarked.

"Has to be."

Turning left into the correct path, they soon arrived at a large secret chamber, about five hundred square meters, stocked with grains, oil, boxed mineral water, drinks, beer, and wine, complete with pots, pans, and even a bathroom. Li Nianlong estimated the place could comfortably support ten people for two months.

"This is the Liu family's fallback. In case of overwhelming danger, we can hide here temporarily," Shao Meiyun said, switching on the lights, which brightened the chamber. Holding a bottle of mineral water, she smiled, "This is also the Liu family's biggest secret. Nianlong, if one day you hear the Liu family has been wiped out but can't find our bodies, come here. We'll definitely be here."

"Don't speak of such unlucky things," Li Nianlong said flatly, "That day will never come."

Shao Meiyun smiled, "Maybe!"