"Achoo, who's missing me? Cursing me?" Zhang Guodong wondered, having just stepped out of the teleportation array, when he sneezed several times in a row.
A quick glance at the ground revealed it to be covered in a thick layer of pale green crystals.
"Not bad, over 30,000. Business this month has been neither good nor bad, basically stable!"
With a wave of his hand, all the low-grade crystals on the ground were collected. In a certain place on the first floor of Peach Blossom Spring, like rain, another pile of crystals appeared.
However, the extra pile of crystals did not affect the cultivation of the three women inside. Over the past six months, they had become accustomed to the sudden appearance of piles of crystals.
"I wonder how Xuan Qingban is doing here. Being suppressed by the Lei family, it's so difficult for a woman to show her face!" Zhang Guodong thought with a slightly disgusted expression, a wicked glint in his eyes. If only he could be the bandit's wife—no, the bandit's concubine!
No worries about food or drink, free to cultivate oneself
Stepping out of the "Thousand Truths Illusionary Array," Zhang Guodong scanned several floors, but then paused, stunned.
Where is everyone? Why is it so quiet? Only when my divine sense reached the first level did I see Wei Yan, the cook, and two female disciples who were doing odd jobs. Everyone else was nowhere to be seen.
On the other hand, the streets were much less crowded than usual, and the people were all rushing about, exchanging only a few words occasionally. The conversations were mostly about where they were going; it seemed they were all about to leave.
Has the Northwest Imitation Market reached the point of "bankruptcy"?
Zhang Guodong frowned and went downstairs first.
When Wei Yan saw Zhang Guodong, her eyes immediately welled up with tears. If it weren't for the fact that Zhang Guodong was her boss, she probably would have thrown herself into his arms right then and there.
This girl was under a lot of pressure! She was terrified that Zhang Guodong would abandon them. But now that Zhang Guodong has appeared, it's a pleasant surprise.
"It's the boss!"
"Master!" Wei Yan called out in a trembling voice.
"Hey, you little brat, why are you crying? Even if the sky falls, I'll hold it up. Yanzi, what's going on? Why are there so few people in the city? It's so deserted and chaotic." Zhang Guodong reached out and patted Wei Yan's head, but then felt it wasn't appropriate and awkwardly withdrew his hand, asking seriously.
Wei Yan blushed, but immediately said, "The Lei family wanted to seize the Northwest Imitation Market and gave it a month to leave. But now, only half a month has passed, and for some reason, the Lei family has suddenly changed its mind and wants the market to leave within three hours, or else submit to the Lei family! More than half an hour has passed now! But the Northwest Imitation Market still hasn't decided which option to choose!"
She didn't know much. Most of what she knew was hearsay.
However, Zhang Guodong heard Xuan Qingxu's message seeking help. This gave him a basic understanding of the crisis facing Xuan Qingban and the others.
How mysterious!
Three hours have passed, and it just so happens to be today!
"Who are these people?" Zhang Guodong asked hurriedly. Although the Northwest Textile Market is not as strong as the Southwest Textile Market, it is not something to be driven away at will, is it? He had been to the Northwest Market a few times. It was home to the core members of the Xuanqingban Eight, but there were also quite a few guest elders and stewards with considerable cultivation levels. These were either people who had come to join the Qingxuan Sect or cultivators who had good relations with the Qingxuan Sect.
Added together, how much power is there? Not insignificant, really.
"I don't know, it seems the Lei family is waiting outside the formation, they haven't come in!" Wei Yan said. "Master, what should we do? Almost all the shops on the street have moved out! What if the Lei family really attacks?" "Haha, no rush! I'll go meet the owner here first. But just in case, some things can be packed up first, even a small amount is still something. If we really have to evacuate, we can't leave these things here to others!" Zhang Guodong said, tossing Wei Yan a mid-level storage bag and three low-level storage bags, their purple color pleasing to the eye. "You can keep this one, consider it a reward! You three did well, guarding this place with Manager Wei at the last moment, you deserve a reward! One low-level storage bag each! I'll be right back!"
"Thank you, boss!" Wei Yan and the other three said happily.
Zhang Guodong chuckled, left the restaurant, and walked onto the street. Desolate! Decadent! That's the feeling here, even though the buildings are all new.
"What a pity!" Zhang Guodong took out a communication talisman and sent a message to Xuan Qingban.
The message read: "Senior Sister, I've found out! Luckily I made it in time! The restaurant paid five years' rent upfront for 10,000 low-grade crystals, and it hasn't even been a year yet, what about the rest?"
The message was so funny that Zhang Guodong decided to make a joke.
Ten thousand crystals, a multi-story tower, five years—not expensive, or rather, very cheap. But Zhang Guodong didn't care. He just wanted to annoy certain people.
He had only interacted with Xuan Qingban and Qingzhu, and had very little contact with other elders and disciples. This time, Zhang Guodong also came to collect debts and to retaliate against certain people who had previously refused to let him invest in the imitation market.
After sending the message, he scanned the area with his divine sense and found that Xuan Qingwei and the others were all there, but not in their usual palace; they had all gathered in a secluded place.
"Huh, are they leaving?" Zhang Guodong noticed that Xuan Qingban and the others were acting strangely.
Could there be an underground passage? That's quite possible!
Upon realizing this was possible, Zhang Guodong's expression immediately turned grim.
"They invited our First Restaurant here with such enthusiasm back then, but now that a crisis has arisen, they haven't even sent anyone to inform us or made any arrangements to show their appreciation. This is like discarding a useful tool after it has served its purpose!"
That secluded place was indeed one of the entrances to the underground passage.
Xuan Qingwei and the others packed up all their valuables and gathered them here. They planned to leave without notifying anyone outside, not caring about anything else, even though leaving quietly would have a negative impact on the Qingxuan Sect.
But as soon as she arrived, she received a message from Zhang Guodong. Upon seeing it, she frowned.
"Junior Brother Han, go to the First Restaurant and inform them. Let them be prepared! We invited them here in the first place, and now that we're leaving, it's best to let them know!" Xuan Qingban suddenly said.
Everyone was stunned for a moment.
"Senior Sister, there's no time right now. Maybe we shouldn't go?" Qi Hui said anxiously. If Han Peng went now, it would easily expose everyone, carrying a great risk.
“The First Restaurant is a special case. Even if we don’t go, it won’t be too much of a loss. I’m sure the Lei family won’t dare to do anything! Senior Sister, let’s just say hello and then we’ll ask Sixth Master to let us know we need to go again! Once we’re settled overseas, we can apologize to Junior Brother Zhang!” Ouyang Qingtong also said.
Others nodded in agreement, generally agreeing with the statement.
"Now, we can't afford to take any risks!" Zhou Xie said. Xuan Qingwei was an extremely intelligent woman; although she was incredibly cold and beautiful, she was also very perceptive. How could she not have thought of this?
"Junior Brother Zhang has already arrived in Fang City before he sent me the message!" Xuan Qingban said with some helplessness. "I was just too busy and in a hurry and forgot about it. Junior Brother Zhang is someone I invited to help me!"
“Immortal Xuan is mistaken! I’m not here to help, I’m just here to collect debts. The restaurant rent is due, but the time hasn’t come yet, so I still want to take back the nine thousand low-grade crystals!” Just then, a voice appeared beside everyone, and Zhang Guodong’s figure appeared like a ghost, his face was very cold, and he even changed his form of address.
Zhang Guodong was furious.
Since these people had abandoned his restaurant and his men so readily, he saw no need to be polite anymore.
The moment Zhang Guodong appeared, many people's expressions changed drastically. How had Zhang Guodong found this place? Some even seemed to be secretly planning to surround him, suspecting he was an enemy.
"Junior Brother Zhang, what's wrong with you? The city is facing a life-or-death situation, and you're actually trying to stop everyone?" Han Peng frowned, displeased. "The rent won't be shortchanged. We'll give it to you once we've safely evacuated!"
"Watch your words. I'm not some junior brother to anyone. This is business. Debts must be paid back. It's only right. Once the money is settled, you go your way. I'll go mine. I promise I won't stop you!" Zhang Guodong said calmly.
But these words have a cold and aloof tone.
"you"
"Zhang Guodong, don't be ungrateful. If it weren't for the Qingxuan Sect, you wouldn't be where you are today!" Qi Hui immediately cursed.
At this moment, he considered himself a member of the Qingxuan Sect.
Zhang Guodong laughed heartily, a laugh that made everyone's expression change. Immediately, someone released a soundproof barrier, afraid that people outside would hear.
"You're right, one shouldn't forget their roots, so I've been trying to make up for this debt of gratitude, which is why this restaurant was opened here. But to put it bluntly, it was the Grand Elder who gave me this opportunity, not any of you! I haven't joined the Qingxuan Sect either! So, none of you can boss me around. Including you! I've heard that the city is facing a crisis this time. Some people are planning to leave gracefully, keeping the people at the First Restaurant in the dark, letting them fend for themselves?" Zhang Guodong mocked.
Another change of expression! Could it be that Zhang Guodong was right next to them, and no one noticed?!
"Alright. I won't waste any more words. Hand over nine thousand low-grade spirit stones. Let's call it even! Only some personal favors remain. From now on, the Qingxuan Sect and I have nothing to do with each other!"
Anger and murderous intent surged within the crowd, all directed at Zhang Guodong. However, they were all hesitant to act, fearing they might alert him to their escape attempt.
Xuan Qing frowned slightly and secretly glared at Zhang Guodong. With a wave of his hand, a pile of crystals appeared. Exactly ninety mid-grade crystals!
“We were in the wrong this time and couldn’t complete the transaction, so you can keep this crystal!” Xuan Qingban said.
Ninety mid-grade crystals, if exchanged privately, could easily fetch ten thousand low-grade crystals. Zhang Guodong laughed and put the mid-grade crystals away. He wasn't lacking in low-grade crystals, but he was desperately short of mid-grade and above—they were valuable and didn't take up much space.
In addition, this was the first time Zhang Guodong had ever glared at Xuan Qingzi, and the way he rolled his eyes was quite charming!
"Alright. We're even with you guys now. I'll be off. But don't worry, I won't tell anyone about you here!" Zhang Guodong patted his storage bag, his expression softening considerably. Ignoring the others, he quickly left.
"Senior Sister, why give him the crystal? This person isn't on our side! Besides, if we let him leave now, what if he informs us?" As soon as Zhang Guodong left, someone became anxious, and Qi Hui immediately said.
Zhang Guodong "stole" his woman, Li Yun, so Qi Hui has always been hostile towards Zhang Guodong. Qi Hui is very attentive to Zhang Guodong.
“I know what I’m doing, he won’t do it! Besides, do we have anyone here who can keep him here?” Xuan Qingying said unhappily.
She vaguely sensed that Zhang Guodong had undergone some subtle changes. His cultivation seemed to have increased even further. She truly didn't know how he cultivated; in such a short time, his cultivation had improved so rapidly—it was terrifying.
She could vaguely sense that they had worked together once before, but no one else knew that Zhang Guodong concealed his aura very well.
“We have a level 47 expert. So what if he’s just a minor cultivator, even if he’s level 35?” Qi Hui said defiantly.
Xuan Qing glanced at Qi Hui with a hint of disgust and said coldly, "Zhang Guodong's strength is now perhaps comparable to that of a quasi-Grand Master! This matter ends here!"
"Impossible! How could Zhang Guodong possibly be a near-master!" Everyone was stunned. How could anyone believe this!
Chapter 1: Encountering Snipers, Bloodbath, and Forced Choices
"Damn it, what kind of garbage is this? If it weren't for the Elder's sake, with just these few vegetables, I'd be beaten to a pulp!" Zhang Guodong's breathing calmed down; even if he was angry, it was useless now.
He disliked Qi Hui, Han Peng, and the others, but he couldn't ignore Xuan Qingban's feelings. Xuan Qingban was the Grand Elder's eldest disciple, though whether he was the first disciple was unknown. The Grand Elder was probably several hundred years old, but Xuan Qingji was only in his early twenties. Could it be that the Grand Elder hadn't taken on any disciples for the past few hundred years?
This is clearly impossible.
Based on this deduction, Zhang Guodong felt that the Qingxuan Sect was truly powerful. It wasn't just about the surface level, with young disciples like Xuan Qingwei merely maintaining appearances. Even in the future, Zhang Guodong didn't want to antagonize such a behemoth as the Qingxuan Sect, unless his bottom line was crossed.
“Every sect has its own foundation. These top-tier forces are indeed very powerful! Their true strength is mostly hidden, isn’t it?” Zhang Guodong sighed.
He knew this in his heart. He couldn't do anything to Han Peng and the others, otherwise it would create enmity with the Qingxuan Sect in the future. That would be a huge problem. "The matter of number two is just a matter of being disgusted; that's enough."
When they returned to the restaurant, the streets were practically deserted, and Zhang Guodong didn't want to waste any more time. Seeing that Wei Yan and the other three had packed up their belongings, leaving only tables and chairs—things of little value—Zhang Guodong waved his hand and led the four up to the rooftop.
He planned to leave through the teleportation array with the four of them.
Wei Yan and her three companions were entering the formation for the first time and were extremely curious. "This illusionary formation is called 'Thousand Truths.' It's much more powerful than ordinary illusionary formations. Without me guiding you, anyone who enters would likely be trapped and die inside! I've built a teleportation array inside; the illusionary formation is specifically designed to protect it. It doesn't matter if you know this now. Anyway, we can't open a restaurant here anymore! But remember to keep it a secret; don't tell anyone about this place, or you'll be killed!" Zhang Guodong warned as they walked.
Whether the fatal disaster was caused by Zhang Guodong himself or by these individuals remains unclear, serving as a warning.
Using the teleportation array was a last resort. He didn't trust Wei Yan to go through from the outside.
Because after he sent Wei Yan away, he had to come back, move the "teleportation array" for another use, and then go see how Xuan Qingban and the others left.
Zhang Guodong already knew of Lei Fu's power; it had the backing of Black Stone City, and eliminating Xuan Qingxu and his group would be easy. The others could die, but Xuan Qingxu could not.
No matter what Dan said, Zhang Guodong couldn't just watch the Grand Elder's personal disciple die, or... relying on his personal relationship with Xuan Qingbo, he couldn't simply abandon the situation.
"Master, I understand!" Wei Yan was a little reserved as she entered the formation for the first time, but she knew what was important. The other three were the same.
"Alright, let's go!" Zhang Guodong embedded nearly a hundred low-grade crystals and stepped into the teleportation array first, followed by the four of them.
A flash of white light, and everyone inside the formation vanished.
Thirty miles from the northwest city of Fang, this was a patch of white land, with no trees within a hundred meters. Only some small weeds offered no cover whatsoever.
But right there in the grass, something suddenly moved; the grass swayed violently. Then there was a rustling sound, followed by a slight pause, and then silence.
A moment later, a person rushed out from inside.
The man came out and lay down on the ground, observing and listening to his surroundings.
A moment later, the man waved to the ground. People began to appear.
"Slow down, be gentle, it's basically safe here!" This person was Lan Xinyu, leading her team. They had actually appeared thirty miles away. This secret passage stretched for thirty miles, it was incredibly long!
Before long, she, along with three guest elders and twenty-four lower-level disciples, emerged. However, no one else followed.
“Deacon Luo, Deacon Wan, Deacon Chen, we have to keep going! Although this secret passage is very long, longer than expected, it's still not safe in these mountains! Ruonan, let's hurry up and get out of here. Once we get to the secular world, we'll have to make arrangements at your Xiao family, is that alright?” Lan Xinyu said to one of the female disciples among the lower-level disciples.
This female disciple was none other than Xiao Ruonan. Now, after years of cultivation, she had become even more beautiful and ethereal. Her temperament had also become more aloof.
"Yes, Senior Sister Lan!" Xiao Ruonan didn't say much.
She was a fourth-generation outer disciple specially approved by the Grand Elder, and was a disciple of the same generation as Xuan Qingwei, calling her Senior Sister Lan Xinyu. There's nothing wrong with that.
"Go out!"
Why were the lower-level disciples led by Lan Xinyu able to leave safely?
It was because Xuan Qingwei and the others deliberately lured the enemy away.
Xuan Qingbo and the others also entered the secret passage, but they reappeared after traveling about ten miles. They hadn't gone far when they were attacked!
As expected, Lei's mansion had a second group of people lying in ambush!
Moreover, this second batch of people actually has a near-master expert in charge!
As soon as the group appeared, they were ambushed, resulting in one person dying on the spot and four others being seriously injured!
Those who were seriously wounded were simply unable to continue fighting. That's equivalent to losing five at once! There weren't many of them to begin with, only thirty-three. Now, with five lost, only twenty-eight are left capable of fighting.
The opposing team's second group was small, only ten people, but their combat power was terrifying, which made everyone somewhat desperate. With a near-Grandmaster in charge, the aura released by that near-Grandmaster was a boost to their side, but a suppression to Xuan Qingwen's side.
The remaining nine people were all above level 40, with the lowest being level 43 and the highest being level 48!
Another one. Fourth year, eighth grade!
Three level 47!
Two level 46!
A level 45!
A fourth-grade student who passed the CET-4!
"This near-master is actually Han Feng, a master under Lord Lei! He possesses the advanced material attack magic weapon 'Crimson Moon Hook' and an advanced material defense magic weapon 'White Emperor Robe'!" Xuan Qingying's side all changed color, to the point that they could no longer fight with their full strength.
Most people know about the infamous and powerful influence of the Korean wave.
what to do?
Han Feng stared intently at the battlefield, especially at Xuan Qingwei, his eyes filled with greed and lust.
In Xuan Qingbo's team, the highest level was only forty-seven, so he didn't need to lift a finger. However, the high-level magic weapons belonging to Xuan Qingban and his other junior brothers were what he wanted.
Although he possessed two high-level magical artifacts with physical attributes—one for offense and one for defense—he lacked high-level soul attack and defense artifacts.
He knew Xuan Qingban possessed such a thing. As the top disciple of the younger generation accepted by the Grand Elder of the Qingxuan Sect, how could he not have a high-level magic weapon?
If he possesses all the high-level magical artifacts of the soul type, then he is the number one person among the near-great masters!
In the chaotic battle, with two against one, or three against one, Xuan Qingban faced the most peril. She chose the strongest opponent besides Han Feng—that level 48 cultivator!
They even used advanced material attack magic weapons. These weapons made the opponent somewhat wary, but they could only injure them, not even seriously!
The level difference between Xuanqingban and his opponent was too great!
"Fairy Xuan, why are you doing this? If you continue fighting, your side will be wiped out! Hmph, Lord Han Feng hasn't even made a move yet. If he does, not only will you not be able to fight, but you won't even be able to escape!" This level forty-eight...
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com