"Manager Zhang of Wanxian Restaurant has complained to the five elders about Young Master Lei. This whole affair has blown up!"
"I heard that Manager Zhang is only level 19, yet he managed to seriously injure a level 36 or 37 servant from the Lei family?"
"You're all wrong. Manager Zhang isn't just level nineteen; he's hiding his true strength. He's definitely level thirty-nine! He has a magical artifact to conceal his aura!"
"The owner of this market in the Southwest District attaches great importance to this transaction. But unexpectedly, such a big incident has occurred before the transaction has even officially begun. The outcome of this matter will affect the reputation of the market. If it is not handled well, the reputation of the market will be greatly damaged. It is really hard to say whether this market can continue to operate in the future."
Because so many cultivators witnessed the Wanxian Restaurant incident, the news spread like wildfire. Almost everyone knew. Even the city's upper echelons, to save face for Lord Lei Tai, couldn't prevent it.
The rumors circulating about Zhang Guodong's divination skills are even more outrageous. But regardless, Zhang Guodong has certainly made a name for himself this time. His perceived abilities have also been significantly elevated.
The residence of the five elders was large in scale, yet simple and quiet. There were no disciples guarding it. But who would dare venture into the secluded cultivation quarters of these five great masters?
That's like having too much of a life to live!
The man in the yellow robe sent a message to the elders, recounting the incident. The message returned quickly, instructing them to wait in a council hall. They had only been inside for a short while when footsteps were heard outside.
However, Lei Hui, looking both angry and uneasy, was forcibly dragged back by several deacons. Compared to his two servants, Lei Hui's cultivation was far inferior, aside from his powerful magical artifacts. Facing attacks from several deacons together, he couldn't even last a single round. Combat, too, requires experience.
As soon as Lei Hun entered, he glared hatefully at the middle-aged man in yellow. It was as if he harbored a deep-seated grudge! But the latter merely glanced at him and didn't even offer him a seat.
Lei Hun, having found himself in an awkward situation, then set his sights on Zhang Guodong. This time, his murderous intent was undisguised.
Zhang Guodong felt uncomfortable being watched. He thought to himself, "It was just a small conflict, yet he harbors such hatred. This person is too treacherous and cunning. If I get the chance, I must get rid of him! Otherwise, he might stab me in the back someday."
Zhang Guodong also harbored murderous intent.
However, he concealed it well. He sat upright in the chair, closing his eyes to rest.
In fact, he didn't even need to open his eyes; everyone's reactions were clearly presented in his mind.
"Young Master Lei, please have a seat! Lord Chixiao will be here to handle this matter shortly," a steward said to Lei Hui.
Xi Tiehan and Huang Song, being direct disciples of the elders, didn't take Lei Hui, a disreputable playboy, seriously. However, as stewards, they couldn't do that. At the very least, they had to maintain proper etiquette.
"snort!"
Lei Hun snorted coldly and said, "As a half-master, you don't even know manners; you're worse than a servant."
The blatant sarcasm, the undisguised provocation in their eyes directed at Xi Tiehan and Huang Song, was directed at them. The surrounding stewards, however, wore expressions of annoyance, but they held back. To them, the term "servant" was an insult.
"Quiet down! If you're not satisfied, I don't mind sparring with you later, Young Master Lei!" Xi Tiehan glanced at him and said with a cold laugh.
Lei Shu's expression changed drastically. But then his chest heaved with hair.
The two had a history of conflict. Their cultivation levels were similar, but Xi Tiehan was a dual cultivator, possessing both physical and magical abilities. His inherent strength far surpassed Lei Hui's, completely overwhelming him. Lei Hui had many magical artifacts, even some mid-level ones for self-defense, but his opponent was no less formidable. Moreover, Xi Tiehan was a battle maniac with vast experience; Lei Hui knew he was no match for him.
That time, fighting for a woman left Lei Hui battered and bruised, and he was terrified.
When Lei Hun found out the woman's relationship with Xi Tiehan, he almost vomited blood again. The woman had absolutely no relation to Xi Tiehan; she just didn't like him and found an excuse to attack him.
Afterwards, Lei Hui resorted to numerous underhanded tactics in his revenge, causing Xi Tiehan considerable harm. One of his injuries took six months to heal. But with each fight, Lei Hui's fighting spirit waned; Xi Tiehan was a complete battle maniac, a reckless fighter.
Then there's Huang Song, but Lei Hui had provoked them both first. Huang Song has a younger sister, and Lei Hui, that lecherous scoundrel, accidentally encountered her and started harassing her. Huang Song was furious. That time, Lei Hui almost got killed.
If Lei Tai and Huang Song's master hadn't arrived in time, this matter would probably have blown up.
Two enemies, and now they've both run into each other in this incident. Lei Hui cursed under his breath. The other disciples, however, didn't hold any grudges against him.
Lei Hui plopped down in a chair. No sooner had he sat down than a steward announced, "Lord Chixiao has arrived!"
No sooner had the words left his mouth than an elderly man with a silver beard appeared in the central hall. Most of those who entered quickly didn't get a good look at him. Only Zhang Guodong noticed him. He had a kind face and gentle eyes, but his gaze was sharp and piercing, making it impossible for anyone to meet his eyes.
"I understand your situation. As a newly opened market, rules are essential. This time, the fault lies with Lei Hui, who caused considerable losses to the Wanxian Restaurant. Therefore, I and the other officials have unanimously decided that Lei Hui should compensate the Wanxian Restaurant owner with 10,000 low-grade spirit stones and three mid-grade Azure Thunder Talismans as punishment, and that this should not be repeated!"
"If this happens again, I will execute him without mercy!"
"Tie and Xiaosong, you two keep an eye on this matter. Only when the fine is paid to that kid will the Lei family brat be released!"
"Yes, Master Chixiao!" The two bowed respectfully.
Chixiao is actually Huangsong's master!
Lord Chixiao arrived without asking any questions. His judgment pleased Zhang Guodong greatly, and he felt a slight increase in goodwill towards the old man. Ten thousand crystals! Half of the restaurant's ancestral funds had been recovered. Especially those three intermediate-level Azure Thunder Talismans—he'd actually made a profit on two of them!
Lei was so angry that he trembled all over.
But in front of Chi Xiao, he didn't dare to talk back at all. That aura seemed to be specifically targeting him, and he couldn't even muster the will to resist, let alone talk back.
Chi Xiao glanced at Zhang Guodong, seemingly with a slight smile, then instantly left the hall.
"That old man's last glance was full of meaning. It was so chilling!" Zhang Guodong shuddered at the sight of that final look.
Zhang Guodong, preoccupied with his thoughts, returned to Wanxian Restaurant. Only after Huang Song announced the outcome, indirectly supporting and vindicating the restaurant, did he come to his senses.
Damn it, why think so much! Is it Da Gao's idea?
"Xiao Hu, you watch the restaurant. I'm going upstairs for some peace and quiet. Oh, and if anyone comes to deliver anything, call me immediately!" Zhang Guodong instructed the boy before heading up to the fifth floor in one go.
Editor's Note: This is only the third update, a bit short. However, this is the limit of what can be done in a day. Writing more randomly wouldn't be good. I have to keep going, sigh, I can't afford to stop updating like this again. Otherwise, the pressure will be even greater.
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