Volume 3: Dragons Soaring and Phoenixes Dancing, Chapter 56: Not Enemies

“Obviously, these two burly men are not airport staff; they must be here to pick someone up. But why would anyone come to the exit corridor by the cabin door to pick someone up? Not to mention passing through security, just looking at their presence makes it clear they’re special, let alone the person they’re here for!” Chu Tianyu muttered to himself as he walked outside.
“Could it be that they’re here for that girl wearing sunglasses and a trench coat?” Chu Tianyu couldn’t help but think of the strange girl who had sat with him in first class on the plane.
She had caught Chu Tianyu’s attention as soon as she boarded—the whole of her was covered by a large trench coat, she wore a beret, and sunglasses covered her eyes, giving her a mysterious appearance. He determined she was a young girl based on the vibrant energy unique to young people emanating from her, as well as the light perfume scent typical of young girls.
Moreover, Chu Tianyu sensed a strange energy fluctuation from her, like gentle water, slowly spreading around her. Though curious, he figured she must be trying to hide her identity or something similar, especially since news from Shenyang had arrived at that time, so he didn’t pay much more attention.
It seemed this girl wasn’t only mysterious in appearance but also likely came from a significant background.
As Chu Tianyu thought this, he followed the stream of people leaving the plane to a turning point, yet still saw no sign of the girl emerging from the cabin. The two men in black stood motionless, ignoring the curious glances from passengers passing by them.
Chu Tianyu shook his head, dismissing his curiosity. He thought that if he weren’t here in Hong Kong for important matters, he might have gotten involved in unnecessary affairs. He decided to ask Qianfeng to investigate this mysterious person’s background.
Upon reaching the airport exit, Chen Bingcan, the head of Qianfeng’s Hong Kong branch, was already waiting outside. Dressed in a gray suit, with a fair complexion and an elegant demeanor, he was exactly as Chu Tianyu had imagined. Moreover, Chu Tianyu had spoken to Chen Bingcan over the phone earlier, so it came as a great surprise—and deep gratitude—to him that Chen had come to pick him up in person.

After all, Old Chen was also in his sixties this year. Although he had no martial arts skills and was not affiliated with any guild, he was a legend in Hong Kong. He was renowned as a business genius, starting from scratch and reaching the peak of his career at the age of 28 as the CEO of a multinational corporation. Unexpectedly, at the height of his success, he announced his retirement and gradually faded from the business world, leaving many puzzled.

Chu Tianyu, of course, knew that he hadn’t retired but had taken over as the head of the Qianfeng Hong Kong branch, becoming a kind of “godfather” figure behind the scenes in Hong Kong’s financial and business world.

After some warm greetings, Old Chen took Chu Tianyu’s hand and led him out of the airport. Once they were in the car, they began to talk freely without any reservations.

Clearly, Old Chen had heard of Chu Tianyu’s achievements, especially the trials at the Xuanji Sect, which had made him look forward to meeting this new sect leader for a long time. Although Chu Tianyu appeared frail and unlike a strong martial artist upon first meeting, having been in power for many years, Old Chen had learned from the martial arts school that once one reached a certain level of skill, one would return to simplicity. So he didn’t dare underestimate him at all. Moreover, since Chu Tianyu was in Hong Kong on official business as the sect leader, Old Chen felt it was his duty to pick him up personally.

“Hehe, heroes are often young. I’ve long heard of the sect leader’s exploits…” Old Chen spoke first.

“You flatter me, Old Chen. Just call me Tianyu. My master told me that as someone with limited experience, I should treat the elders in the sect with respect,” Chu Tianyu quickly interjected respectfully upon hearing Old Chen refer to him as “subordinate.”

Chu Tianyu’s use of the term “young man” seemed to narrow the distance between them. Old Chen laughed heartily and said, “Hehe, although the sect leader hasn’t taken over the sect’s affairs yet, the former sect leader has officially passed the leadership to you. Just looking at the sect leader’s ring on your finger, this ritual cannot be ignored!”

With Old Chen emphasizing his status as the sect leader, Chu Tianyu didn’t have much to say and simply deflected the topic: “Hehe, when I was last in Hong Kong, you were abroad handling affairs, so we didn’t meet. But my master has told me a lot about the business miracles you’ve created—like the covert battles with the Photon Fund and the strategic dealings with a European consortium, which earned $1.3 billion in profits. It really fills me with admiration…”

“Hehe, Master, don’t be modest. Your experiences since childhood are truly legendary. Moreover, the old master once said, ‘Whoever treats you as a fool is the fool!’ Hehe, it’s the first time I’ve heard the old master describe someone in such a witty way in all these years!” said Old Chen with a smile.

Chu Tianyu smiled awkwardly, thinking to himself, “My reputation as a fool since childhood has spread far and wide! It seems my third master still holds grudges against me! If he wants to show off his strength, why bring up my foolishness? It’s clearly malicious! But ever since I started school, I haven’t seen my masters again, especially my third master. He said he wanted to focus on martial arts and asked me not to contact him. Sigh, after such an ordinary school life, I actually have a lot to say to him…”

While Chu Tianyu was still thinking of his master, Old Chen returned to the main topic and began discussing the matters Chu Tianyu was here in Hong Kong to investigate.

Chu Tianyu quickly composed himself and listened attentively.

It turned out that there were several aspects Chu Tianyu needed to investigate. Qianfeng and Wutang had joined forces and indeed uncovered many clues and unusual events. First, Ou Ligebao Group had recently imported a batch of goods from a European country, clearing all its container terminals as if preparing to receive large shipments. To support this, the Ouyang family had dispatched several security teams. Additionally, Wutang had received top-secret information that they were hiring the world’s seventh-ranked mercenary group, codenamed Red Wolf, through some secret channel—showing just how important the goods Ou Ligebao Group was receiving were!

Second, in the underworld, the Hexin Society, which had close ties to the Italian mafia, was also frequently shifting its personnel and had even brought in several retired military professionals as assassins, seemingly planning some major operation. On the legitimate side, the police force seemed to have sensed something as well, with frequent high-level meetings being held internally…

Upon hearing about the retired military professionals, Chu Tianyu became intrigued.

At this point, Old Chen’s eyes sparkled as he concluded, “Master, looking at these two matters you’ve arranged to investigate together, there’s indeed a lot of mystery behind them. It seems like a convergence of significant events. Could this be a threat to our Xuanji Sect?”

“Oh no, this is purely a personal matter of mine…” Chu Tianyu replied while thinking.

“Hehe, Patriarch, please don’t worry. The reason I asked this is to understand your attitude toward this matter. Whether it’s a personal matter or one related to our Xuanji Sect, as long as it concerns the Patriarch, everyone in Xuanji Sect will go all out—this has been the sect’s primary principle for thousands of years! Moreover, there are many suspicious aspects to this matter. Even if you don’t say anything, to take precautions, we will still follow up wholeheartedly…”
“Huh? I’ve never heard Third Master mention Xuanji Sect’s primary principle. It seems that when taking charge of Xuanji Sect, he wasn’t just playing around with me or letting me act recklessly. Instead, he must have been holding back due to my going to school. Maybe he’s currently somewhere, secretly assessing himself! Alas, an old fox remains an old fox. I was really too self-righteous just now. Thinking of Third Master, Grandpa, and Granduncle—each of them is wise and far-sighted. Compared to them, my experience and life wisdom are still far behind!” Chu Tianyu thought to himself.
By the time they spoke, the car had arrived at a seaside villa. This place must be a wealthy area, with rows of luxury villas of various styles built along the coast in an orderly fashion.
Chu Tianyu was well aware of Qianfeng’s luxurious style, so he didn’t say much. After an brief introduction by Old Chen, he pulled Old Chen into the study for a long discussion. One reason was to learn about the situation of Xuanji Sect in Hong Kong, another was to discuss the purpose of his visit with Old Chen, and also to hear him share some experiences and anecdotes. Old Chen did his best to answer Chu Tianyu’s various questions. He truly liked this new patriarch from the bottom of his heart. Coupled with the secret letter from thethe eccentric scholar, he already knew about Chu Tianyu’s true nature. Now, seeing him in person, he could truly sense a profound aura like that of the ocean. This was also a natural expression of Chu Tianyu’s composure—after achieving enlightenment through the experience of “wanting peace but being disturbed by the wind,” he no longer suppressed himself, displaying an air of calmness and unshakability.
If this had happened when Chu Tianyu first started school, Old Chen definitely wouldn’t have felt this way. Thus, though the old man and the young man had just met, they felt like old friends who had known each other for years, with a deep sense of familiarity and joy. This conversation also benefited Chu Tianyu greatly…
The next morning.
Chu Tianyu got up early, took the decorative Longquan sword he had chosen in the study the previous night, and went outside to stretch his limbs.

It’s a good sword, just not yet sharpened. The blade is also adorned with many gems and engravings, which makes it seem rather vulgar. But Chu Tianyu doesn’t have high standards—any sword will do.
It’s still quite dark. Chu Tianyu really wants to let out a loud cry and rush to the beach to practice at full strength. Unfortunately, there are already a few people exercising in the early morning. According to Old Chen, this place is a private club, and the villas are mostly used by the wealthy as leisure resorts, not as actual residential areas. So, not many people live here, and the beach is not open to the public.
Heh, perfect for him. As long as he finds a slightly secluded spot, he should be able to practice to his heart’s content.
The gentle sea breeze—although they’re in Hong Kong, it’s still cool in January—has Chu Tianyu standing quietly by the sea. He forms sword hand seals, facing the sound of the waves. A sense of boundless passion fills his heart. How many heroes and chivalrous men throughout history have been able to create their own waves amidst the trials of time? And how many have their passions lasted as long as the universe itself? Lost in thought, suddenly Chu Tianyu lets out a low roar. His long sword moves in sync with the waves, and under the power of his internal energy, the blade emits bursts of white light, like splashes on the wave crests, flashing brightly and pulsing continuously.
Each move passes through Chu Tianyu’s mind, transforming into beautiful beams of light that crisscross through space. At this moment, he has completely forgotten himself, reaching a state where the sword exists within his heart, and he is one with the sword.
Though immersed in the realm of the sword, Chu Tianyu’s mind is clearer than ever. Every slightest movement around him escapes his notice. He knows clearly that his skills have improved again. Although there hasn’t been a qualitative change, there has been a significant quantitative leap. This is the result of the emotions accumulated since his last enlightenment, combined with the heartfelt conversation he had with Old Chen last night, all bursting forth through this morning’s practice…
“Pfft~” There seems to be someone approaching from afar. Sensing the disturbance, Chu Tianyu quickly steadies himself, sheathes his sword, and gradually returns to his senses from his previous state of immersion. He lets out a long sigh.
Although interrupted, Chu Tianyu had enjoyed his practice immensely. What’s more pleasing is that his skills have improved further. By now, it’s getting lighter outside. As Chu Tianyu prepares to head back, he turns around and, after taking a few steps, sees someone approaching. After a quick glance, he’s stunned on the spot.

“It’s you!!!” Chu Tianyu and the person across from him exclaimed almost simultaneously.
The person across from him was none other than Ouyang Ziyi!
The world was so small—how could the two of them end up meeting here by chance again? It truly proved the saying, “Enemies always meet.”
“You… how did you end up here?” Ouyang Ziyi asked in surprise after regaining her composure.
Seventeen or eighteen possible explanations flashed through Chu Tianyu’s mind, but none seemed like a good fit. Suddenly, he remembered what his grandfather had said to him before leaving: “Tianyu, no matter who you are, I’ll give you four words: ‘Act wisely!’”
His grandfather’s words carried deep meaning. Clearly, Chu Tianyu’s previous explanations hadn’t convinced him at all, especially with Ouyang Ziyi’s involvement, making things even more complicated.
With this in mind, at this moment of unexpected encounter, a crazy and bold idea slowly formed in Chu Tianyu’s mind!
“Hehe, Chu Tianyu, what wind brought you to Hong Kong? Isn’t your family in Nanjing? Hehe, if I met you in Shanghai, I wouldn’t be surprised, but it just so happens…” As Ouyang Ziyi spoke, she suddenly noticed Chu Tianyu staring at her calmly, looking utterly unfazed, as if he hadn’t heard her at all and was instead admiring her.
“What are you looking at? I’m asking you a question!” Ouyang Ziyi said, instinctively touching her face, thinking there might be something dirty on it.
With a determined mind, Chu Tianyu straightened up and, instead of answering, said, “Hehe, exercising in the morning makes one feel great. Especially looking at the sea—it broadens one’s mind and gives a sense of grandeur!”
“You!?” Seeing that Chu Tianyu wasn’t answering her question, Ouyang Ziyi was somewhat annoyed.
After a pause, she pursed her lips, trying to control her emotions. Looking at Chu Tianyu, who was holding a sword and dressed in casual sportswear, she couldn’t see any difference in him from before, but something seemed off. So she changed the subject and said, “Well, it’s true. Especially after staying in Beijing’s cold and dry weather for a long time, one can really appreciate this feeling. That’s why I gave up sleep early in the morning to go for a walk—and that’s how I happened to run into you, this sudden ‘enemy’ who confuses people!”

Chu Tianyu truly admired Miss Ouyang more and more. Even in such a situation, she used two “so’s”, one “someone”, and one “rival” to not only indicate it was a chance encounter but also act coquettishly like real lovers, switching tones smoothly while keeping the conversation focused on Chu Tianyu’s unexpected appearance.
“Impressive! Even a little Ouyang Ziyi is this capable. Grandpa’s assessment of the Ouyang family is really spot-on. My own impromptu plan is definitely a challenge. Hehe, there’s going to be some interesting action ahead!” Chu Tianyu thought to himself.
Out loud, however, he said bluntly, “Hehe, Classmate Ouyang, I came to Hong Kong for some personal matters, but I also need to handle some official business along the way.”
“What personal or official matters? Saying it’s the same as not saying anything. And stop calling me ‘Classmate Ouyang’. Call me Ziyi…”
“Hehe, okay, Ziyi. These personal matters are just that—personal. As for the official business, it involves you!”
“Me?” Ouyang Ziyi ignored Chu Tianyu’s evasiveness and asked directly.
“Yes. Grandpa knew I was coming to Hong Kong, so he asked me to bring some tea as a thank-you to Uncle Ouyang for his concern last time,” Chu Tianyu said nonchalantly. In his heart, he thought, “Grandpa, it was you who told me to act casually. This time, I’ll use your cover!”
“Oh, is that so?” Ouyang Ziyi said doubtfully.
“Of course. By the way, Miss Ouyang, why did you come here so early? I thought your family lived in the villa area on the hill?” Chu Tianyu continued as if nothing had happened.
“Nothing much. There have been some family matters recently, and Dad temporarily arranged for me to stay here for a couple of days. I haven’t even gone home yet…” Before she could finish, Ouyang Ziyi was shocked. Her father had repeatedly emphasized not to tell anyone about the family matters. How could she casually reveal them to this guy?
Moreover, his attitude today was very different from before. Now it seemed she finally understood why she had felt something was off about him at first—his composure, an air of calmness as if nothing could perturb him, and a tone that was calm yet self-assured.
That’s why, when Chu Tianyu casually asked, Ouyang Ziyi naturally revealed the truth.
“Hehe, Ouyang… oh, no, Ziyi. It’s getting late. I should go back and wash up for breakfast. How about that? I live in Building 13. Would you like to have breakfast together?” Chu Tianyu asked with a smile.

“Oh, no, it’s okay. I live in building 18 right ahead; it’s not far. I’ll contact you later…” Ouyang Ziyi quickly refused.
Chu Tianyu’s sudden appearance, his mention of needing to visit his father, and his current expression had completely disrupted her thoughts. So instead of figuring out how to deal with Chu Tianyu, she focused on calming herself down and thinking things through carefully.
“Alright, as you wish. You know my phone number…” Chu Tianyu left behind those words before departing.
Ouyang Ziyi found his tone strange, reminiscent of something she often said to him a month ago…
…
Back home, Chu Tianyu did nothing but make two calls. One was to his grandfather, telling him he was currently traveling in Hong Kong with “friends” and needed to visit his friend’s father, Ouyang Boshu, in his name. The other was to Old Chen, sharing his sudden idea for the day and explaining his relationship with Ouyang Ziyi, asking him to prepare some high-quality tea for him.
His grandfather didn’t say much, just responding with “I understand.” Old Chen, on the other hand, fully supported him and highly praised his plan. He believed the Ouyang family was at the center of the turmoil, and getting close to them would help uncover the truth behind everything. He also analyzed that his second brother’s mission was likely related to this matter, adding that Wutang was already working hard to secretly gather information about the killers hired by Hexin Hui, and would notify Chu Tianyu immediately if anything came to light.
Old Chen thought of everything and even arranged for a capable member of Wutang to accompany Chu Tianyu temporarily—both to take care of matters and to act as a guide for the unfamiliar Chu Tianyu.
Once everything was settled, Chu Tianyu felt relieved. He took a good shower, had a hearty breakfast, and since Ouyang Ziyi hadn’t called yet, he picked up a Hong Kong newspaper and muttered, “Heh, it’s my turn to bother someone now!”
When Ouyang Ziyi saw Chu Tianyu downstairs, she was shocked again. Their roles seemed reversed. Aside from the initial meeting when Ouyang Ziyi told Chu Tianyu that his father would be free that evening and welcome his visit, specifying a time, it was mostly Chu Tianyu who talked nonstop—asking about Hong Kong and sharing his childhood memories of it.
Ouyang Ziyi clearly seemed preoccupied, responding to Chu Tianyu half-heartedly.

“Is there something on your mind? This isn’t like you usually,” Chu Tianyu suddenly stopped chatting idly and asked seriously.
Ouyang Ziyi was clearly taken aback, letting out a soft “Hm?” before looking up at Chu Tianyu and saying, “No, nothing…”
Seeing this, Chu Tianyu spoke again seriously, “Actually, the relationship between us is quite strange. Sometimes, even I don’t know how to approach you. To be honest, you must be well aware of my background since childhood. After that, I followed my master to treat patients. It wasn’t until I was eighteen that I truly started living a ‘normal’ life. Interacting with people normally is really my weakness. Perhaps I am responsible for being entangled with you up to now. I don’t want to hurt anyone, but I also dislike being hurt by others. I hope you can understand this! And I hope you’ll remember it! I won’t say much more. Hehe, sorry for the disturbance. See you tonight!”
After saying that, Chu Tianyu stood up to leave, but Ouyang Ziyi suddenly asked, “So, are we still friends?”
“I welcome any honest friend. So whether we’re friends or not, you shouldn’t ask me—it should be you who decides!”
……
That night, in Ouyang Boshu’s villa on the hillside.
A lavish family dinner was in progress. Chu Tianyu sat down gracefully, chatting cheerfully. Ouyang Ziyi didn’t come along. Of course, Chu Tianyu knew the reason. Ever since entering the Ouyang family’s territory, he had felt watched at least twenty times. It seemed this place was indeed, as he and Old Chen had predicted, at the center of a vortex.
It wasn’t hard to understand why Ouyang Ziyi was secretly placed in the seaside villa—she was burdened with many worries. It also explained why she arranged this meeting but didn’t attend herself.
Ouyang Boshu was very different from what he had imagined. It wasn’t about his appearance, but his overall demeanor. Ouyang Boshu exuded a strong Chinese charm, not the image of a gentleman in a white suit with a black pipe he had originally thought of.
However, it was strange. If it was out of a desire to protect his children, why did Ouyang Boshu only hide his daughter while leaving his son behind? And now, it was his son, Ouyang Ruolin, who was mainly hosting Chu Tianyu and chatting with him.
Sitting next to Chu Tianyu, Ouyang Ruolin inherited the best traits from his parents—handsome features, slender figure, elegant manners, and witty conversation—winning Chu Tianyu’s favor right away.

And Chu Tianyu quickly understood why Ouyang Ruolin didn’t hide in secret—pure Buddhist energy constantly emanated from his body. Although his skill was still weak and he couldn’t control it fully, Chu Tianyu knew clearly that with such skill, an ordinary person would need decades of practice to reach such a level. Since it was also a Buddhist mental technique, Chu Tianyu felt not only goodwill but also a sense of closeness. He wondered if Ouyang Ruolin truly came from Shaolin.

During the meal, both sides chatted casually, as if deliberately avoiding certain topics. Neither Ouyang Boshu nor Chu Tianyu mentioned Ouyang Ziyi, the one who started it all, and the Ouyang family didn’t discuss anything about Chu Tianyu’s past either. They just kept talking about the customs and culture of Hong Kong and Europe.

Finally, the dinner came to an end with everyone happy. As Chu Tianyu was warmly seen off at the door, he appeared calm on the surface but was actually very satisfied inside. He had sensed two kinds of energy in the house—one was that of an old friend he knew well, someone from Grandpa’s National Security Bureau, and also the group led by that person named Wuhen whom he had met at the bar last time. The other was a Buddhist energy of the same origin as Ouyang Ruolin, but even purer and more profound. Judging by the skill level, Chu Tianyu estimated this person to be at least over sixty years old and definitely from a legitimate Buddhist lineage.

“Tianyu, please give my regards to your grandpa again. Tell him Boshu misses him very much! Ah… Oh, by the way, Tianyu, is this tea really something your grandpa asked you to bring me?” Just before leaving, as Chu Tianyu felt he had gained a lot, the host Ouyang Boshu suddenly asked again.

Chu Tianyu was puzzled. He thought, Could it be that the tea was bad or there was some problem? No, this was a precious collection personally prepared by Old Chen for him—top-quality Wuyi Xianwu, something you can’t even find in the market. Still, Chu Tianyu quickly replied, “Yes, it’s my grandpa who personally asked me to bring it to you! Is there a problem?”

“Oh, no, no!”

…

When Chu Tianyu got into the car and started driving, he clearly heard Ouyang Boshu muttering as he turned around, “Hmm, it’s strange. Every time I give tea to Old Han, he stingily gives me a cheap Zisha teapot worth a few hundred yuan as a return. How come this time he’s so generous, giving me top-quality Wuyi Xianwu? Heh, maybe people really change as they get older…”

Chu Tianyu’s only reaction was, Sweat…