Facing the middle-aged man in fighting clothes, Qu Shao was flushed with excitement too.

The man picked up the wine jug and filled Qu Shao's cup. "Yuan Long and Kang Feng's people can never work together again. But there's still the Gaoli Kingdom.

From what we've found out, Jin Tiancheng is very tempted too. He's already sent people with money and grain to negotiate with Yuan Long."

Qu Shao raised his cup with a smile. "Stay calm. Relax... As long as I'm here, the sky won't fall.

I've already got that Long Aotian under my thumb. He wouldn't dare do anything less than his best for us.

If he could wreck the deal between Yuan Long and Kang Feng's side, he can wreck the deal between Yuan Long and the Gaoli Kingdom too. Rest easy... I've never once been wrong about a man."

The man in fighting clothes raised his own cup. "Master Qu, you're a man of great talent. I'm in awe. Let me drink to you!"

Qu Shao clinked cups with him. "Don't worry. When I see my master, I'll be sure to put in a good word for you."

"Thank you, Master Qu. Then..."

Before his companion could finish, a servant came scrambling in, tripping over himself, his face full of panic.

Qu Shao scowled. What he hated most was people who panicked when trouble came. They would never amount to anything.

The man in fighting clothes snapped at him, "What are you in such a flap about? Master Qu has told us more than once: when trouble comes, don't panic. Stay steady. The sky won't fall."

The servant swallowed hard. He was trembling all over, and his lips quivered as he stammered, "A troop of soldiers just showed up out of nowhere and surrounded us."

Just then several screams came from the outer courtyard, followed by a burst of noise.

Qu Shao and his companion went pale.

Qu Shao asked tensely, "Speak clearly. Whose soldiers?"

The servant's voice shook. "They say they're something called the modao army."

Qu Shao jerked. His pupils widened, and the wine…