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墨書 Inktalez
The hall of the restaurant was spacious. Xu Feng walked through the overturned tables and chairs and entered the backyard of the restaurant.
The backyard was about thirty meters wide, with two groups of people squeezed on either side, each consisting of a dozen or so individuals. Sitting in the middle against the wall was a familiar figure—Lin Fangxin.
This was Lin Fangxin's territory, and it was only natural for him to sit in the center. Opposite him stood a cold-faced disciple from Wuhua Island—Hua Du!
The Golden Core Stage Hua Du faced off against Lin Fangxin, who was at the Foundation Establishment Late Stage.
There was a chair beside Hua Du, but he did not sit down. With his Golden Core Stage cultivation, he would not stand on equal footing with Lin Fangxin at the Foundation Establishment Stage.
Xu Feng entered alongside Zhao Hu, and Lin Fangxin immediately spotted Xu Feng. The dullness in his eyes brightened instantly.
Hua Du had his back to Xu Feng; he was unwilling to turn around. Even the other disciples from Wuhua Island did not glance at Xu Feng. After all, even if the Lin family brought in reinforcements, what significant figures could they possibly summon? Who would dare to go against Wuhua Island?
Hua Du had met Lin Fangxin during the Immortal Path Conference and later entered the Otherworldly Secret Realm together. In the end, Lin Fangxin had hidden on the outskirts and did not participate in the battle at Nine Dragon Pool, which left him with a disadvantage.
"Lin Fangxin, we are both from the same generation of cultivators. I have been fortunate enough to form my Golden Core, but I do not use it to pressure you. I kindly came to discuss business with you, yet you let someone injure me. Do you really think Wuhua Island is easy to bully?" Hua Du, diligent in his cultivation, did not come across as much of a businessman; his words lacked any semblance of a deal-maker.
Lin Fangxin replied, "Hua Du, since we have already torn our faces apart, I might as well tell you that you can leave today without any trouble from me. However, if you continue to be stubborn, it won't be difficult for my family's High-Level Cultivators to keep you here." The Lin family also had several Golden Core Cultivators and possessed numerous Talismans; keeping someone like Hua Du, who had just advanced, would not be a challenge.
Hua Du sneered, "Wuhua Island is engaging in normal business. We offered double the market price for your restaurant—there's nothing wrong with that. If you refuse to sell, you're disrespecting Wuhua Island. Disrespecting Wuhua Island means disrespecting Liuxiang Kingdom's Modern Clerk. Don't forget that Wuhua Island has the Fragrance Order; all cultivators from Liuxiang Kingdom must abide by it."
"The Fragrance Order is meant to gather forces against external enemies and eliminate threats—not to bully others!"
"This restaurant is of great importance to Wuhua Island. Many High-Level Cultivators from Wuhua Island have died for Liuxiang Kingdom. Buying your restaurant under the name of the Fragrance Order—what reason do you have not to sell?"
"Those who contribute to the Liuxiang Kingdom are not just from Wuhua Island. While others do not come to compete for my tavern group, you have."
"Because we hold the Fragrance Order, we have invested more than they have. That is the difference between us and them."
Hua Du is using political means to interfere in the business realm, absurdly linking the Fragrance Order with buying taverns; this is another form of coercive trade.
This is the first direct confrontation between the two sides. The previous skirmishes have failed to achieve Wuhua Island's objectives. Two representatives from each faction, both promising juniors, have met. If they cannot reach an agreement, it could very well lead to a duel among their higher-ups.
Xu Feng already understood the situation and saw no need to listen further. He raised his voice, "Hua Du, Lin Fangxin is my brother. You are making things difficult for him simply because he once helped me. If there’s anything, you can come to me directly. Let’s put an end to the matter concerning the Lin family tavern here."
All eyes in the room turned to Xu Feng.
Hua Du had sensed a Golden Core expert had entered the courtyard but did not expect it to be Xu Feng. Hua Du owed Xu Feng a life from their time in the Otherworldly Secret Realm, so he found it hard to disregard Xu Feng's words.
However, several inexperienced disciples from Wuhua Island did not recognize Xu Feng. Relying on Wuhua Island's reputation, they looked at Xu Feng with ill intent. One disciple at the Foundation Establishment Late Stage stepped forward and shouted, "Wuhua Island handles its own affairs; what do you have to do with it? If you know what's good for you, just scram. Otherwise..." He trailed off, only offering a symbolic sneer.
Wuhua Island has led Liuxiang Kingdom for hundreds of years, and its disciples have grown accustomed to arrogance. It is not uncommon for Foundation Establishment Stage cultivators to berate Golden Core cultivators from weaker factions.
It was pointless; Xu Feng reached out into the void, and an invisible hand grasped the neck of that Wuhua Island disciple, lifting him off the ground. His legs flailed in the air as he struggled, making gurgling sounds from his throat.
The entire venue was stunned.
To be able to lift a Foundation Establishment Late Stage cultivator using spiritual power without any resistance is something that an Early Stage of Golden Core cultivator simply cannot achieve.
At Wuhua Island, apart from Hua Du, all present were Foundation Disciples. Xu Feng displayed his strength, and no one dared to speak up to stop him; it seemed that as soon as someone did, that large hand would crush them like a chicken.
Hua Du's expression changed slightly, his mind in turmoil. After advancing to the Golden Core stage, he had secluded himself for five years to ensure he had the strength to suppress Xu Feng and reclaim his former glory. However, not long ago, Xu Feng had mysteriously stepped onto the Golden Core Path as well, and his power was formidable. In the battle at Nine Dragon Pool, he shone brilliantly, leaving the once-confident Hua Du feeling disheartened.
Hua Guinian also noticed Hua Du's change. He had brought Hua Du out this time to help restore some of his confidence and had even equipped him with an Inferior Magical Artifact.
In the battle at Nine Dragon Pool, over thirty magical artifacts scattered among the Top Ten Factions, with Wuhua Island managing to seize four of them. Hua Wanduo, Hua Guinian, and Hua Du each took one, while another remained on the island under the management of the Elder Council.
With a flick of his hand, Xu Feng sent a Wuhua Island disciple crashing into the corner. The disciple clutched his neck and twisted around before fainting.
Xu Feng was no longer the Nameless Soldier of old; even those at the Late Stage of Golden Core could do nothing against him. It was necessary to establish his authority when a Foundation Disciple dared to act recklessly in front of him.
The remaining disciples of Wuhua Island were silenced by Xu Feng's glare. Lin Fangxin was thrilled to see Xu Feng's might and raised his hand in greeting but said nothing further.
Hua Du felt humiliated by Xu Feng's display and said expressionlessly, "Xu Daoyou, it's been a long time. Now that you have become a Golden Core Cultivator, why bother with someone of lower status?" Hua Du was well-informed and knew that Xu Feng's strength demonstrated during the Nine Dragon Pool battle was far beyond what he could contend with.
Xu Feng looked at Hua Du and suddenly recalled Guo Manman from back then. Guo Manman had no enmity with Xu Feng; she merely stood against him out of momentary anger, ultimately pushing herself into a predicament.
In the Otherworldly Secret Realm battle, both Hua Du and Cai Shujun were leading figures on their respective sides. Xu Feng had even ascended to the second level of It Mountain Temple with him; there was some camaraderie there. Unfortunately, Hua Du was an important figure at Wuhua Island, and many matters did not align with Xu Feng.
Xu Feng smiled lightly and said, "Hua Daoyou is being too harsh. I just wanted him to understand the rules—adults speak while children should keep quiet." Hua Du scoffed inwardly; did you really understand the rules? When beating a dog, one should look at its owner. You knocked out my person without even acknowledging me first and still dare to talk about rules?
As Xu Feng stepped into the arena, the disciples on both sides instinctively stepped back. Lin Fangxin quickly stood up to greet him joyfully, saying, "Brother Xu, after ten years apart, I congratulate you on your advancement to Golden Core!" Lin Fangxin understood Xu Feng's temperament and refrained from calling himself junior for fear of displeasing him.
The other members of the Lin family were quite frightened to see Lin Fangxin and Xu Feng treating each other like brothers; this was unimaginable in the strictly hierarchical world of Modern Clerk.
"Just luck, just luck," Xu Feng replied with a smile. "Every time I come to find you, it never seems to be for anything good. Here I am again asking for your help."
Lin Fangxin said, "Look at you, Xu. Just your coming here is already helping me."
The two joked around, completely disregarding the people from Wuhua Island.
Hua Du knew he wouldn't gain anything from this encounter. He had no enmity with Xu Feng and still owed him a favor. It was impossible for him to turn against the Lin family. Although Hua Du possessed some treasures, he wasn't sure he could defeat Xu Feng. Besides, who knew if Xu Feng had any treasures of his own?
Hua Du had someone help the disciple who had been knocked out lean against the wall and said to Xu Feng, "Xu Daoyou, I am just following orders. Today's matter will be reported to Island Master. Whether Wuhua Island buys the Lin family's restaurant is not up to me. Let's part ways here." With that, Hua Du led his group of disciples away from A Restaurant, looking disheveled.
Lin Fangxin certainly wouldn't demand compensation for the tables and chairs.
After Wuhua Island left, Xu Feng said, "Back then, you helped me escape. Wuhua Island knows about this, and I didn't expect that after ten years, they would still hold a grudge. It's my fault for dragging you into this."
Lin Fangxin later learned through various channels about Wuhua Island's attempt to kill Xu Feng outside Beast City. He had kindly helped Xu Feng escape but had inadvertently been used by Wuhua Island. If it hadn't been for New Moon Sect intervening, Xu Feng would have died there.
Lin Fangxin felt a sense of guilt and didn't know what to think.
Zhao Hu arranged for his disciples to clean up A Restaurant's premises; after the incident with Wuhua Island, business was no longer viable.
Lin Fangxin led Xu Feng into a luxurious private room, and soon a feast was laid out before them—delicacies rarely seen in Modern Clerk.
After a few drinks, Lin Fangxin said, "I wonder what brings you to Mist City this time, Brother Xu. If there's anything important, make sure to give me a chance to show my skills."
Xu Feng smiled and replied, "Of course, coming to Mist City wouldn't be complete without causing some trouble for you. I do have something I need your help with."
"Please go ahead, Brother Xu. I may not know much elsewhere, but there's nothing I don't know in Mist City."
Xu Feng continued, "As soon as I entered the city, I noticed that Mist City is livelier than ever. Is there a special occasion today?"
Lin Fangxin responded, "Not really; it's been this lively for a while now. After the battle at Nine Dragon Pool, the Liuxiang Kingdom suffered heavy casualties. Although we won in the end, it was a pyrrhic victory. Most of the High-Level Cultivators from various sects were lost—about seven or eight out of ten. During this time, all the sects are actively recruiting disciples to replenish their lost strength."
"And how does this relate to the liveliness of Mist City?" Xu Feng asked.
Lin Fangxin explained, "While the various sects are struggling to recover, their financial power hasn't been affected much; in fact, there are signs of an increase. Many of the visitors in Mist City these days are elders responsible for external affairs from different sects, mostly here to purchase spiritual tools and elixirs."
Xu Feng's heart stirred at this; they were gathering forces in preparation for war. A new round of resource competition was clearly on the horizon.
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