Inside the convenience store as cluttered as a hardware shop, Zhang Yuanqing's expression had darkened completely.
From what Lian Sanyue was saying, someone had taken an interest in the accumulated energy of the Hundred Refining Furnace and wanted to intercept it, plundering his achievements.
The furnace's 85% energy level was something he had pumped up by throwing in eight items along with tens of millions worth of materials—nearly half his total net worth.
And now someone wanted to swoop in halfway and reap the rewards?
Zhang Yuanqing narrowed his eyes, fixing his gaze on the landlady's glamorous face. "Proprietress, back then, it was because of your professed commitment to integrity that I kept pouring in valuable items and materials, and it was because of your integrity that I paid money to seal the furnace. Now you're telling me the furnace can't be used?"
*Do you have a death wish!*
Confronted by Zhang Yuanqing's thinly veiled anger and hostile look, Lian Sanyue did not bat an eye. She merely picked up her cigar again, took a slow puff, and drawled languidly:
"We agreed to seal the furnace for seven days, and seven days it is. Within these seven days, no one may use the Hundred Refining Furnace except you."
She paused, then chuckled softly. "However, I'm a merchant. When someone wants to buy firestones and is willing to pay double the price, I have no reason to turn them down."
"Yet you never gave me a heads-up back then," Zhang Yuanqing glared at her.
Lian Sanyue maintained her lazy posture, her eyes brimming with amusement. "You didn't ask, did you? Besides, why should I remind you?"
*That certainly fits your chaotic-neutral style...* Zhang Yuanqing took a deep breath. "Who bought all the firestones?"
"The youngest grandson of the Zhao Family Head, Zhao Feichen." Lian Sanyue exhaled a wisp of white smoke.
"The Zhao family?" Zhang Yuanqing's brow twitched. He scrutinized Lian Sanyue for several seconds before sneering,
"So the proprietress took a liking to the energy in the furnace, but wanted to protect her reputation, so she found an entitled young master to pull off the scheme. Tsk, tsk. Quite the calculation."
Brother Red Chicken had mentioned that Lian Sanyue shared an extraordinary connection with the Zhao family, and the backing behind the Wanbao House convenience store was none other than the Zhao family—one of the three prominent Scholar families.
Unfazed by Zhang Yuanqing's mockery, Lian Sanyue replied slowly:
"This has nothing to do with me. Zhao Feichen dropped by a few days ago to browse, caught sight of the energy in the furnace, and found out I had sealed it for seven days. So, he bought out all my firestones to cut off your path."
"What does he want?" Zhang Yuanqing asked bluntly.
This was an oversight on his part. Given the asymmetry of information, it was difficult to anticipate such details. Regret was useless now; the urgent priority was securing the firestones and forging the item.
Zhao Feichen's buying out of the firestones was an obvious shakedown. If the terms were reasonable, he would swallow the loss.
"That's business between buyers. I won't interfere, nor do I care to." Lian Sanyue's tone oozed indolence as she flicked off the cigar ash.
"Almost forgot—the cigar I'm smoking was a gift from you. It's rich and mellow with a nice sweetness; I quite like it. For the sake of this cigar, I'll enlighten you a bit.
"Zhao Feichen is the youngest grandson of the Zhao Family Head. Spoiled since childhood, he runs rampant across the capital without restraint. Even rank-and-file official walkers dare not cross him. A few years back, one of his lackeys took a liking to the woman of a wealthy local businessman. Jealousy flared into an argument, and his lackey went and carved out the businessman's kidneys, rendering the poor man permanently impotent. When official walkers from the Capital Branch arrested that Spirit Realm walker, Zhao Feichen brought a crew and trashed their office that very day."
*Are the scions of these Spirit Realm prominent families all so arrogant? Once I advance to Dominator, I'll teach them a lesson. Well, there are still decent people among family heirs—Guan Ya, Little Green Tea, Fu Qingyang, Lingjun, Xiahou Aotian...* Zhang Yuanqing said,
"To have survived this long, it's clear the Zhao Family Head dotes on this grandson. I wonder, though—if someone butchers him one day, will old Clan Head Zhao go mad?"
Lian Sanyue glanced at him and laughed. "I look forward to that day."
"There are countless other examples of Zhao Feichen's tyranny; I won't list them all. Just remember one thing: the Zhao family fiercely protects its own. Provoking Zhao Feichen means making an enemy of the entire Zhao clan. Don't let Wanbao House's unquestioned authority fool you—the only reason I can operate is under the Zhao family's protection. Weigh the stakes yourself."
With that, Lian Sanyue held out her hand. "Hand over your token!"
Zhang Yuanqing ignored her. Walking straight to the shelves, he scanned them for a long while before picking up a dusty little round mirror. Activating his Star Eyes, he observed his reflection.
Dense clouds loomed over both his "Wealth" and "Calamity" palaces—an ominous sign portending massive financial loss and the imminent risk of severe bodily harm.
Meanwhile, his "Affinity" palace remained clear and unclouded, indicating that his recent partnerships and signed contracts had no issues, with no sign of a business partner breaking their word.
*If Lian Sanyue had intentionally breached the contract or orchestrated the sale of firestones, there would certainly be shadows over my Affinity palace.* Through the physiognomy reading, Zhang Yuanqing tentatively believed that Lian Sanyue had not orchestrated this scheme.
To be safe, he pulled out his phone and sent a text to Fu Qingyang.
If anything happened to him or he went missing, Wanbao House and the Zhao family were responsible.
After sending the message, he returned to the counter, retrieved the token from his inventory, and handed it over expressionlessly, asking in passing:
"What level is Zhao Feichen?"
"Level 3 Extraordinary," Lian Sanyue answered as she took the token.
"He hasn't been a Spirit Realm walker for long—only about two years. Reaching this level already marks him as exceptionally talented. After all, not everyone is like you."
Zhang Yuanqing nodded and looked toward the shop entrance.
Blood Rose, who had been waiting outside on standby, stepped in.
*Crack!*
Lian Sanyue crushed the token. The incantations inscribed on it flared to life and rapidly spread outward, causing their surroundings to warp drastically.
In the next instant, Zhang Yuanqing again saw the familiar "vegetable market," filled with patrons wearing masks or cloaks.
Holding her cigar between two fingers and folding an arm across her chest, Lian Sanyue jutted her chin toward the distance.
"Zhao Feichen rented a spot from me specifically to sell firestones. Heh, he's waiting for you."
Zhang Yuanqing looked over. Peering through the dense crowd of passersby, he spotted a meticulously groomed young man reclining lazily in a rocking chair behind the booth.
Dressed entirely in luxury designer brands, he wore sneakers autographed by a basketball star. His short hair was styled to perfection, and he was undeniably handsome—a fair-skinned, pretty-boy type.
Beside this scion stood a middle-aged man in black robes, clutching an ancient sword to his chest.
Two young women in short skirts and T-shirts, dressed rather breezily, attended to him—one kneeling in front to massage his legs, the other standing behind to rub his shoulders.
The young playboy rested with his eyes closed, basking in effortless comfort.
Passersby and booth owners around him cast frequent sideways glances, clucking their tongues in wonder.
The only person who could act so brazenly inside Wanbao House was the Zhao family's foremost prodigal son, Zhao Feichen.
Even Saints didn't dare flaunt themselves like this.
At that moment, the young woman gently kneading his shoulders spotted the proprietress swaying her hips as she approached with an ordinary-looking young man. She immediately leaned down to whisper a few words into the young master's ear.
Zhao Feichen's eyes snapped open, fixing onto the man beside Lian Sanyue for several seconds.
"How strong is he?" he asked, looking straight ahead.
"A Saint. His aura falls far short of mine," the sword-bearing middle-aged man behind him said in a deep voice.
The corners of Zhao Feichen's mouth curved upward. Waving the two women away, he rose to meet them, flashing an attentive smile at Lian Sanyue as he called out loudly right in front of Zhang Yuanqing:
"Aunt!"
*Aunt?!* Zhang Yuanqing couldn't help but turn his head toward the glamorous proprietress, caught completely off guard.
She was Zhao Feichen's aunt?
Then didn't that make her the daughter of the current Zhao Family Head?
Lian Sanyue giggled, her amused gaze drifting between Zhang Yuanqing and Zhao Feichen. Pointing her cigar at Zhang Yuanqing, she said:
"He's the one who sealed the furnace. Work it out among yourselves."
With that, she swayed her slender waist alluringly, sauntered over to a rocking chair, slumped into it, and swayed back and forth to watch the spectacle.
Zhao Feichen scrutinized the youth before him and let out a light laugh.
"Let's not beat around the bush. In all the world, my aunt's place is the only source of firestones, and now I own every single one. As for me, I've taken a liking to the item you're forging.
"Here's the deal: I'll reimburse your furnace-sealing fee and hand you another ten million in cash. You open the furnace, yield it to me, and I'll take care of charging the remaining fifteen percent.
"Well? Sounds like a sweet deal, doesn't it?"
Zhang Yuanqing gazed at him impassively, disgusted by his cynical, flippant attitude. "Twenty million to buy a priceless top-tier item? That isn't buying; that's extortion."
To reach 85% charge, he had poured in eight whole items, tens of millions worth of materials, plus the furnace-sealing fee... and this guy wanted to seize it all for a mere twenty million?
Not just greedy, but utterly arrogant.
Zhao Feichen clicked his tongue, spreading his arms to pull the two young women back into his embrace as he drawled nonchalantly:
"Not interested? Fine. I, Zhao Feichen, never force anyone into anything. How about this: I'll sell you the firestones. A billion each, sold as a bundle only. If you want them, buy all ten for ten billion. Pay up."
"Ten billion?" Zhang Yuanqing scoffed. "Why don't you just rob a bank?"
Zhao Feichen let out an exaggerated burst of laughter.
"Exactly! I *am* robbing you—what of it? But this isn't abusing my power. Yours truly plays by the rules! You left such a massive loophole yourself, so don't blame me for exploiting it.
"Today, I'm not just robbing you; I'm robbing you until you concede fair and square."
As he spoke, he raised his voice:
"Friends, *this* is how you seize an opportunity! Take notes, everyone!"
Passersby gathered around, clicking their tongues in astonishment.
Some spectators, eager for more drama, began egging him on:
"If you ask me, twenty million is too generous! Two grand would be plenty to send him packing!"
"Young Master Zhao's knack for swooping in on bargains is truly enviable!"
"Damn it, Young Master Zhao beat us to the punch—we didn't even get a sip of broth!"
"Give it a rest, would you? Aren't you afraid of getting slaughtered the moment you leave Wanbao House? Only Young Master Zhao has the clout to pull this off."
The two young women in his arms covered their mouths, giggling coquettishly, and cooed, "If Young Master went into business, you'd conquer the commercial world in no time."
Zhao Feichen beamed, his eyes locked onto Zhang Yuanqing.
Zhang Yuanqing let out a heavy breath. "How about this, Young Master Zhao? The proprietress told me you bought out the firestones at double the price. I'll pay you triple if you sell them to me. When out in the world, harmony brings wealth—let's make friends."
"Ten billion. Not a penny less." Zhao Feichen tilted his chin up, his face brimming with triumphant confidence, utterly certain he had Zhang Yuanqing in the palm of his hand.
Zhang Yuanqing stared deeply into his eyes and sneered,
"Young Master Zhao, you're playing for mutually assured destruction."
"Doesn't bother me!" Young Master Zhao spread his hands from around his companions' shoulders, looking smug and triumphant as he said with a grin:
"Either way, I don't lose anything. If you don't want the firestones, plenty of people will after today. But you, my friend—you're the one taking a bath. I asked my aunt; you put at least a small target—a hundred million—into that furnace.
"I suggest you cut your losses, take the cash, and walk away. At least you'll salvage something."
Two days ago, he had begged a few worthless Extraordinary-grade items off his grandfather. Itching for a gamble, he came to Wanbao House to take a spin on the Hundred Refining Furnace, only to be told it had been sealed.
A little inquiry revealed that some fellow—whether cursed or blessed was hard to tell—had poured in eight full items and tens of millions worth of materials just to build up 85% energy.
Zhao Feichen had been eaten up with envy. By the rules of the Hundred Refining Furnace, that meant a top-tier item was about to be forged!
Looking into it further, he discovered the idiot hadn't even bought out the firestones.
It was practically a windfall dropped from heaven.
He had bought up all the firestones from his aunt on the spot, waiting here in Wanbao House today specifically for the sucker to walk into his trap.
Zhao Feichen said leisurely:
"Don't feel cheated either. A firestone might only be worth five hundred thousand, but often the markup on an item has nothing to do with its intrinsic worth—it depends on the buyer's need.
"I hold the firestones, so I have you by the throat. Either all your efforts come to naught, or you open the furnace, yield it to me, take twenty million, and leave. You have no choice."
Zhang Yuanqing sighed. "When I said mutually assured destruction, that wasn't what I meant."
Zhao Feichen shrugged, his smile as frivolous as ever. "How so?"
"I'll give you two choices as well. One: sell me the firestones at triple the price. Two: I write off everything I put into the furnace, walk out right now, and lie in wait for you. The second you step outside, I'll cut you down with a single blade." Zhang Yuanqing no longer bothered suppressing the malice surging within him.
Zhao Feichen's expression darkened. Shoving the two young women aside, he thrust his face toward Yuanshi Tianzun, his voice turning cold:
"A mere Saint, and you dare act this arrogant!
"The Zhao clan has plenty of Spirit Realm walkers like you. On the strength of that threat alone, don't even dream of walking out of the capital alive today."
Zhang Yuanqing turned and walked away.
"Hold on!"
Zhao Feichen raised his voice abruptly. "I appreciate people with backbone. Tell you what—I'll give you a chance."
Zhang Yuanqing halted and looked back over his shoulder.
Zhao Feichen resumed his lazy, frivolous demeanor of an entitled rich scion and smiled.
"You and my bodyguard fight an arena match. If you win, I'll hand over the firestones without charging a cent. If you lose, tell my aunt you're surrendering the furnace to me.
"You know the rules of the arena, right? Only one walks out alive. If you agree, sign the life-and-death pledge right now."
Zhang Yuanqing stared at him for a few seconds, then shook his head. "Not fair."
"Scared?"
"If I win, I don't just want the firestones—I want both your legs."
Zhao Feichen burst out laughing. "I like your style!"
Then he turned away, his expression turning gloomy and thick with murderous intent as he told the sword-bearing middle-aged man:
"Once the life-and-death pledge is signed, even if he's an official Deacon, I want him dead! Once the deed is done, you may pick any item from the Zhao clan's vault, plus a bonus of ten million in cash."
He had to get his hands on whatever was inside the Hundred Refining Furnace.
A top-tier Saint-grade item was a rarity even within major organizations.
Grandfather might dote on him, but handing over an item of that caliber was out of the question—not in his wildest dreams.
The middle-aged man nodded slightly.
"No problem."
Zhao Feichen trotted obsequiously over to the rocking chair, his face dripping with flattery.
"Aunt, are you satisfied with how your nephew handled this?"
Swaying gently in the rocking chair, Lian Sanyue half-closed her beautiful eyes and smiled faintly.
"The Zhao family's affairs have nothing to do with me, and your business has no right to bother me either. Still, once the life-and-death pledge is signed, even if he is an official Deacon, the Five Elements Alliance won't have grounds to object if you kill him—and vice versa.
"Let me ask you one last time: are you sure?"
Chapter 376