"Ah... this..."

Zhu Qilue's expression was very awkward, glancing at Lin Fan and then at Mu Feichen.

He really didn't want to offend Mu Feichen.

No matter how things turned out.

Although the Biao Bureau wasn't as strong as the Five Major Clans, it was still a powerful force in the Five Elements Realm. Plus, the Mu Family had economic dealings with all five clans, and they maintained good relations.

He had now become a fallen man, his family ruined, leaving the Fire Clan in others' hands.

Solely relying on Lin Fan would be far from enough to reclaim the Fire Clan.

Therefore.

He must leverage more people's power.

Thus.

Mu Feichen came to him personally, and even knowing about Gong Wenya, his courteous treatment was rare.

Zhu Qilue didn't want to miss this chance, attempting to win Mu Feichen over to his side.

Friends are never in excess, especially given his current fallen state.

Opposing Mu Feichen brings no benefit, but befriending him could yield support from the Biao Bureau, and perhaps even help connect with the other four major clans.

He's now convinced in his heart that Mu Feichen is very important, and must not be offended.

However.

He also couldn't offend Lin Fan!

"Brother Lin, you're a bit over the line... this..."

"You damn useless piece of garbage! There's no need to make insinuations! If you want to curse me, go ahead; at worst, we'll have a fight to the death!" Zhuang Hu roared like thunder, furious, his grey beard bristling with anger, his lungs ready to explode!

"Hold on a sec!" Lin Fan slowly raised his hand, smiling as he spoke. "There's one thing you said incorrectly, this business about you die, I die—wrong! It should be: it's either you die, or you perish, because I simply can't die."

This statement made the atmosphere instantly tense!

A fierce aura suddenly erupted around Zhuang Hu, like a terrifying power from Hell.

Lin Fan, however, remained calm as a breeze, stretching lazily and yawning, treating it as nothing at all.

Their attitudes were vastly different!

Zhuang Hu was just about to act, really about to act!

He wanted to pummel Lin Fan into a mist of blood!

Because this kid was too arrogant and disrespectful to the Young Master, the bureau, and even himself! What gave this ignorant brat such audacity?!

He clenched his fists, his face red and veins bulging, eyes about to pop, poised to explode.

"Zhuang Hu, what are you doing?"

Critical moment.

Mu Feichen spoke coldly, glancing at Zhuang Hu.

The fierce aura around Zhuang Hu dissipated instantly.

A single breath!

Directly returning to calm, without hesitation!

"Young Master, I..."

"You step down first! If anything comes up, I'll call you."

"But..."

"Get lost."

Mu Feichen didn't bother saying more, directly snapped angrily.

Zhuang Hu's complexion turned extremely ugly, his eye twitching, face full of discontent.

But how could he defy the Young Master's command.

"Yes..."

He hesitated, ultimately clasped his fists and stormed off.

"Hmph, strong limbs, simple mind. Mu Feichen, what are these things you keep around, do you like keeping this kind of stupid useless person?" Lin Fan spat on the ground and said carelessly.

Mu Feichen's face darkened, took a deep breath, clearly in quite a foul mood too.

But.

He didn't say much, simply turned to Zhu Qilue.

"Master Zhu, apologies for the embarrassment. This way, please."

"Please..."

Zhu Qilue paused, surprised Mu Feichen apologized to him, quickly responded respectfully.

The two walked into the bureau in tandem.

Lin Fan didn't immediately follow, instead coldly staring at Mu Feichen's back, his expression shifting from carefree to serious.

Just what is Mu Feichen up to, treating Zhu Qilue so diligently?

What plot lay hidden.

Just as he wanted to follow.

Suddenly!

An angry shout rang from behind.

"Kid! Don't block the way!"

...

Mu Feichen hurried his steps, moving quickly, Zhu Qilue barely managed to keep up rushing after.

"Master Mu, why the rush?" Zhu Qilue asked curiously.

Mu Feichen did not answer, kept his head down, sped along rapidly, and unlike his initial direction took a convoluted path to a secluded spot.

He entered the room without a word.

"Master Zhu, please."

"This place..."

"It's rather secluded here, there are things Master Zhu wouldn't want others to know, right?"

"Hmm..."

Zhu Qilue nodded, didn't hesitate, walked into the room.

Mu Feichen glanced outside, saw Lin Fan hadn't followed, joy filled his heart, quickly shut the door securely.

Finally shook off Lin Fan, who stuck like bandaged plaster, always lingering behind, impossible to get rid of.

He let his lips form a faint hint of a sinister smile.

Zhu Qilue remained oblivious, examining the room.

Not noticing when Mu Feichen moved behind him, until a chill swept his back like a cold wind, making him shiver involuntarily, only then did he turn hastily, finding Mu Feichen standing behind him smiling.

Shocked into a cold sweat, Zhu Qilue staggered back a few steps, fear overtook him, "Master Mu, what's this about..."

Mu Feichen gave a faint smile, gestured invitingly, "Master Zhu, please sit, let's talk slowly."

A gulp.

Zhu Qilue hesitated, then realized they were alone in the room, Lin Fan hadn't joined, making him a bit uneasy.

Mu Feichen saw right through Zhu Qilue's mind, chuckled, "Perhaps the gentleman outside lost his way while playing. Though the bureau's size isn't large, it's quite intricate, one might unwittingly lose their way. But don't worry, there's absolutely no danger within."

Only then did Zhu Qilue's tense demeanor and furrowed brows relax slightly, settling into a more comfortable position, less uneasy than before.

"Your intelligence is quite impressive, Gong Wenya only seized power yesterday, yet you knew today, clearly the bureau's information network is formidable."

"Small trick, nothing worth mentioning. These are basic operations as a bureau, without intel, how can we safely escort?"

"Indeed."

"Though I have a question, this place is over ten thousand miles from the Fire Clan, and so close to the Water Clan, so what brings Master Zhu here?"

Mu Feichen feigned nonchalance, yet the question hit directly. Despite his casual tone, it drew Zhu Qilue's suspicion.

Zhu Qilue's loosened brows furrowed once more.

Mu Feichen immediately noticed the subtle change, aware he was too direct and anxious, quickly sought to amend.

"If Master Zhu finds anything inconvenient, please forgive my abruptness, I dare not pry further."

His manner was exceptionally respectful, treating Zhu Qilue entirely as Fire Clan's noble young master. Though he knew Gong Wenya's coup made Zhu Qilue lose all grasp on the clan, leaving him insignificant.

Despite the Fire Clan name, he had less influence than the Young Master of the Biao Bureau!

Yet his respect remained unyielding, not showing any hint of superiority.

And it was precisely because of this.

He earned Zhu Qilue's trust.