Who Else

The Xiao Family Manor.

Several men in black outfits slowly emerged from the nearby woods.

Leading them was One of the Twelve Owls, Gong Fei.

Gong Fei briefly surveyed the surroundings, then gestured towards the back door with his hand.

"Old Dao, you and a few others block the back entrance." He then waved his hand and said, "The rest will follow me in a frontal assault through the main gate."

"Yes!"

After assigning roles, Gong Fei drew a large Damascus curved blade from his waist and led about a dozen men towards the main gate.

However, as they emerged from the woods and approached the main gate, their eyes suddenly narrowed.

A young woman stood there with her arms folded across her chest.

"Miss Hoshino Kannon?"

Gong Fei approached with a hint of surprise. "What are you doing here?"

Hoshino Kannon's expression grew serious upon seeing Gong Fei and his men, but she quickly reverted to a smile.

"Mr. Gong, are you here to kill Xiao Jian?"

"You too?" Gong Fei lit a cigarette and took a deep drag. "With two Owls after a single Xiao Jian, he better die today, or it would be unacceptable."

With that, he gave a slight nod towards the manor. "Let's go, Miss Hoshino. We'll storm in together."

Hoshino Kannon nodded slightly, drawing two conical spikes as her red lips curled into a smile. "Alright."

No sooner had she spoken than she suddenly looked up, propelling herself like a loosened arrow straight at Gong Fei.

Gong Fei's eyes widened in shock. He reacted instantly, his hair whipping as he narrowly dodged Hoshino Kannon's strike.

Regaining his stance, he flicked the ash off his cigarette. "Miss Hoshino, I need to know your reason for attacking me."

Hoshino Kannon ignored Gong Fei's words, thrusting her spikes towards his chest again.

Gong Fei spoke sternly, "Hoshino Kannon! I'm carrying out an organization mission. Regardless of your reasons, if you continue to attack me, I have grounds to kill you!"

"Kill me? Hah." Hoshino Kannon's gaze was sharp as she scoffed. "Let's see if you have what it takes!"

"This madwoman." Gong Fei frowned, gripping his curved blade as he swung it towards the charging Hoshino Kannon.

Inside the manor.

Many noticed the commotion at the gate.

Ma Bing quickly took out his phone, intending to call Gu Chenan for instructions.

Should they go out and assist Hoshino Kannon against Gong Fei and his men, or stay inside the manor as Gu Chenan had ordered, ensuring complete safety?

However, the call went unanswered.

Outside, Gong Fei and Hoshino Kannon clashed fiercely, the collision of spikes and blade ringing out incessantly, sparks visible to the naked eye.

Gong Fei glanced at the manor, seeing many on high alert, eyeing the outside. It was clear they had been exposed, raising the Xiao Family's vigilance. He gritted his teeth.

"What are you fools standing around for? Attack the manor now!"

Hearing this, the men exchanged glances before drawing their knives and advancing towards the main gate.

But at that moment, Hoshino Kannon distanced herself from Gong Fei with a burst of speed, appearing before the gate with a grin. "If you want in...you'll have to kill me first."

"Hoshino Kannon, I warn you, your actions are a betrayal of our organization!" Gong Fei roared angrily.

"Betrayal?" Hoshino Kannon shook her head. "No, Kannon won't betray anyone. I just have something I must do."

"You..." Gong Fei could barely contain his rage, but still pressed, "What is it?"

Hoshino Kannon tilted her head sweetly. "Protect the Xiao Family at all costs."

Whoosh!

Her words left everyone dumbfounded.

Hoshino Kannon was One of the Twelve Owls in their organization!

Not only was she refusing to help complete the mission, but she was actively protecting the target.

Had she gone insane?

Oh right, she was already insane...

At this point, everyone realized that no matter what, Hoshino Kannon would protect the Xiao Family.

Regardless of her reasons, her actions amounted to betraying the Black Owl organization.

According to their rules, she could be killed.

Gong Fei scoffed coldly, pointing his curved blade at Hoshino Kannon. "Kill her."

The men Gong Fei had brought were no newcomers from the Suhang division; each was highly skilled and formidable.

Otherwise, Gong Fei wouldn't have been so confident about this frontal assault on the Xiao Family Manor.

Upon his order, they charged at Hoshino Kannon without hesitation.

Seeing the situation unfold, Ma Bing decided against calling Gu Chenan again for instructions. He knew that even if Hoshino Kannon fell, these men would still invade.

Since that was the case, they might as well join forces with her now.

He shouted to the Gu Family guards, "Everyone, fight alongside me against the Black Owl!"

...

Meanwhile, on the small path leading to the Xiao Family Manor.

Several cars blocked the road ahead, while several more blocked the rear, trapping Gu Chenan with no way out.

Gu Chenan stood at the head of the vehicles, looking at Li Rufeng and his disciples. "Who are you?"

Li Rufeng scoffed coldly, "Does Young Master Gu still remember Liang Bufan?"

Gu Chenan raised an eyebrow. "So you're here for revenge. Out with it, what do you want to do?"

"If you need to pay compensation, I can do that," Gu Chenan said with an open gesture.

"Compensation?!" Li Rufeng gritted his teeth, spitting out the words viciously. "I want your life!"

"Very well." Gu Chenan stood his ground, his demeanor confident and powerful. "If you're able to take it, I'll pay with my life."

Upon hearing Gu Chenan's words, the disciples erupted in jeers and taunts.

"Gu Chenan, what are you bragging about? You're doomed!"

"Injuring Master Liang and disrupting his cultivation - my master is one of the top experts in Suhang!"

"You arrogant young fool, you've never been taught a lesson, have you? My master will beat you senseless!"

Gu Chenan scoffed dismissively, his expression nonchalant. "Big talk, but let's see if your skills match your boasts."

His words enraged the crowd.

"What did you say?!"

"You're looking to die, aren't you?"

As they spoke, a few younger disciples rolled up their sleeves, ready to teach Gu Chenan a lesson.

But Li Rufeng raised his hand, stopping them. The disciples shot Gu Chenan vicious glares.

"Gu Chenan, if it weren't for my master holding me back, I would have beaten you to death already!"

Li Rufeng chuckled lightly as he approached. "Gu Chenan, since you put it that way, let me see what you're capable of."

With that, he launched himself towards Gu Chenan, striking with his palm.

The disciples' eyes widened, having not seen their master in action for a long time. This palm strike would surely send Gu Chenan to the afterlife!

They watched with disdain, certain of Gu Chenan's impending demise.

But at that moment, Gu Chenan's innate qi circulated, and he met Li Rufeng's palm with one of his own.

"Oh?"

Li Rufeng raised an eyebrow.

So the rumors about Gu Chenan's martial arts skills were true, albeit rudimentary.

But how could such superficial techniques compare to his own?

With utmost confidence, Li Rufeng and Gu Chenan's palms collided.

The impact of their immense inner energy sent ripples through the surrounding air.

The onlookers were stunned.

Gu...Gu Chenan's power was so formidable?

He could withstand their master's palm strike?!

None of them could have done the same, they realized.

But just as they were in shock...

The massive forces from their clash exploded outward, but Gu Chenan stood firm like an immovable mountain.

Li Rufeng, however, stumbled back several steps, clutching his chest.

"Master, are you all right?" The disciples cried out in alarm, rushing forward to support him.

If not for the few disciples who came to his aid, Li Rufeng might have fallen flat on his bottom.

"How... how could his power be so formidable?" Li Rufeng clutched his chest, his eyes wide with shock.

Gu Chenan remained silent, his expression aloof and icy cold, his deep gaze both profound and detached.

He looked down upon Li Rufeng and the others, speaking coolly: "Well, who's next?"