Along with Xiao Qi’s progress on her Regal Sword Scripture, her soul energy became more powerful.

　　 While Chu Li could see through other people, he could not figure out her thoughts, thus he could only guess based on her slight expressions and actions.

　　 Despite that, Xiao Qi was normally cold and always maintained her composure. Even though they were now husband and wife, Chu Li could never understand her fully.

　　 Chu Li did not take Xiao Qi seriously.

　　 No matter how plain Xiao Qi was, she was still a woman, and one’s nature could never be rooted out. People were naturally selfish in relationships, such that it was impossible for a woman to share her husband with another woman as it was against their nature.

　　Therefore, he never bought Xiao Qi’s words, and rarely mentioned about Lu Yurong to her. After all, it was already a matter that bothered her. It would only make Xiao Qi unhappy if he still talked about Lu Yurong because it would hurt her.

　　 Xiao Qi frowned and looked at him.

　　 Chu Li smiled. “Do you want to return with Big Brother to stay home for a while?”

　　 “I’m not leaving.” Xiao Qi shook her head softly. “With my sister-in-law around, Big Brother won’t be lonely, I’ll stay here to accompany Second Eldest Sister.”

　　 Chu Li nodded. “Alright. I’ll have to make a trip to the Li Dynasty, I haven’t gone back for a long time.”

　　 “You’re no longer a secret guardian, do you still have to return to the Li Dynasty?”

　　 Chu Li responded, “The Holy Church of Light has been prospering. After working so hard to get inside, it’s truly a pity if I give up. I’d like to see if I can use the Holy Church of Light to assist me in certain matters.”

　　 If he could be a senior in the Holy Church of Light, it would be best to carry out confidential matters in name of the Holy Church of Light.

　　 Now, Chu Li’s hatred toward the Holy Church of Light slowly eased, and he no longer had feelings tied to them. Li Ruolan’s death completely cut off his connection with the Holy Church of Light. He intended to use them to assist Xu An in the throne-claiming battle instead.

　　 “Mm, that’s true.” Xiao Qi agreed. “But it’s too dangerous.”

　　 Chu Li grinned. “There’s nothing dangerous about the Holy Church of Light.”

　　 “… Alright.” Xiao Qi was slightly disappointed. “Don’t go for days without coming back.”

　　 “Of course not.” Chu Li assured her.

　　 …

　　 Early in the morning, Chu Li suddenly appeared in his residence at Gale City.

　　 His residence was spotless as a few scribes and maids were seen cleaning up the place.

　　 Through his Omniscient Mirror, he saw that Gale Branch was buzzing with activity. Chu Li was pleased. ‘Looks like my absence didn’t affect anything, Gale City is very peaceful. The streets are filled with crowds of people, it looks very lively.’

　　 Chu Li clapped the instant a maid entered. The moment she saw him, she widened her eyes. “Young Master, you’re back!”

　　 Chu Li nodded at her. “Call Kou Qiong over.”

　　“Yes,” The maid quickly responded.

　　 Chu Li began reading a book, where he withdrew his Heavenly Demonic Power and began channeling the Divine Light Technique.

　　 A brief moment later, Kou Qiong walked over in big strides. He wore a grey robe and had a calm look on his face.

　　 Chu Li put the book down, then looked at him. “What happened?”

　　 He could tell that there was a hint of solemnity beneath Kou Qiong’s facial expression, so he knew that something happened.

　　 “No… Nothing.” Kou Qiong immediately shook his head.

　　 Chu Li furrowed his brows. “Do you think you can hide anything from me?”

　　 “Young Master.” Kou Qiong said helplessly, “It really isn’t something serious.”

　　 Chu Li’s face darkened.

　　 Kou Qiong stuttered, “It’s… It’s just that you’ve been relieved of your post as the Branch Leader, Young Master.”

　　 Chu Li scoffed. “Who ordered it?”

　　 “I heard that the Saint ordered it herself,” Kou Qiong answered very softly.

　　 Seemingly unaffected, Chu Li asked, “Why did she relieve my post as the Branch Leader?”

　　 “The Saint sent someone over to give you a task, but you never showed up.” Kou Qiong continued, “We weren’t capable enough to locate your isolated cultivation spot, Young Master.”

　　Chu Li humphed, “Because I’ve been in isolated cultivation, she relieved my post as the Branch Leader?”

　　 “… Yes.” Kou Qiong nodded.

　　 Chu Li asked, “Who’s the Branch Leader now?”

　　 “Someone by the name of Zhao Chun.” Kou Qiong added, “He’s a powerful figure.”

　　 “What about me?” Chu Li was not resigned to the outcome. “I was dismissed without given a new post?”

　　 “No,” Kou Qiong replied.

　　 Chu Li could not help but laugh. “It was I who built Gale Branch, yet someone else enjoys the fruits it bears, how interesting! … What do the others think about this?”

　　 “The others are very mad about this too, but they dare not say anything about it.” Kou Qiong informed, “The new Branch Leader employs extreme measures. If we don’t obey him, he’ll either punish us heavily or kill us depending on the severity of the matter.”

　　 “Did he kill any Gale Branch disciples?” Chu Li was concerned.

　　 Kou Qiong nodded slowly. “Two of them were killed.”

　　 Chu Li’s face turned dark right away. “Hah, how imposing!”

　　 Kou Qiong quickly said, “Young Master, you must not go head-on against him, his martial art is incredibly profound!”

　　 Chu Li remarked, “I’d like to witness that!”

　　 “What would you do if the Saint holds you accountable?!” Kou Qiong reminded.

　　 Chu Li sneered. “Since she already dismissed me from being the Branch Leader, what do I have to fear? It must take revenge for the death of the Gale Branch disciples!”

　　 Right after he said that, he left the hall.

　　 Shocked by what just happened, Kou Qiong called out to him at once, “Young Master…”

　　 Chu Li waved his hand without slowing down. “Enough!”

　　 Kou Qiong stomped his feet as he was anxious, but he knew that he could not stop Chu Li. Thus, he followed behind Chu Li in a hurry to remind him, “Young Master, he was personally appointed as the Branch Leader by the Saint, you must not act rashly!”

　　In actual fact, Kou Qiong was afraid that Chu Li would be defeated. Based on Branch Leader Zhao’s temperament, it was unlikely that he would forgive Chu Li, thus he would definitely find ways to kill Chu Li. It would be such an injustice if Chu Li were to be killed by Branch Leader Zhao.

　　 Of course, he also understood where Chu Li was coming from. Anyone would go mad upon encountering this.

　　 Chu Li strode out of his residence, then headed toward Gale Branch.

　　 Since his residence was not far from Gale Branch, he arrived at his destination in no time.

　　 As soon as the two protectors at the gate noticed Chu Li, they were stunned. They quickly greeted him with fist salutes. “Branch Leader…”

　　 Chu Li waved his hands and responded discontentedly, “I’m no longer the Branch Leader, you don’t have to greet me.”

　　 “… Yes.” The two protectors stopped and looked at him in confusion, but did not obstruct him.

　　 With that, Chu Li continued smoothly. Before long, he passed by the screen wall and arrived at the martial arts field.

　　 The martial arts field was bustling as a hundred people were training there.

　　 Chu Li walked over slowly. The instant some people noticed him, they paused, then greeted him with fist salutes.

　　Eventually, more people looked over and did the same.

　　 Chu Li waved his hand. “Continue your training!”

　　 “Yes.” The people responded, then continued their cultivation, but were clearly distracted.

　　 Since Gale Branch changed hands, Zhao Dahe was no longer the Branch Leader. Zhao Dahe was replaced by someone else, who established a strong prestige in such a short time.

　　 The new Branch Leader Zhao was unswerving and overbearing, and nobody was allowed to disobey him. After two disciples were killed, the others knew that he was a ruthless figure, so they dared not go against him.

　　 Although Chu Li had been relieved of his post, he was still the founder. The mightiness of Gale Branch’s founder had long been imprinted on the disciples’ minds, hence they dared not slack when they saw him. Instead, they somehow felt elated as they were curious as to which Branch Leader was more powerful, and looked forward to a fight.

　　 When Chu Li arrived at the main hall, he noticed a handsome middle-aged man sipping on tea casually. He watched calmly as Chu Li entered.

　　 Chu Li asked, “Are you Zhao Chun?”

　　 Zhao Chun cast a look at him, then placed his teacup down slowly. “Who are you?”

　　 “Zhao Dahe.” Chu Li uttered.

　　 Chu Li could sense Zhao Chun’s killing intent. Evidently, he killed many people and earned his merits by doing so.