Chapter 187: Meeting the President, Facing Him Alone

Qingzhou City was laid out in nested squares. Entering the city only brought them into the middle city; its true core was the inner city at the center.

They passed straight through the middle area. The Immortal Dao Merchant Association was in the inner city, close to the Governor-General’s office.

However, not just anyone could enter the Inner City. Apart from forces originally based within the Inner City, everyone else needed a token to gain entry.

This token for the Inner City was a symbol of status. After all, it was issued by the Governor-General’s residence, and possessing one indicated the Governor-General recognized you.

Qin Xiao and Yun Man naturally did not need such a thing, because Ling Ruoxue was more effective than any token.

With a simple declaration that these two were distinguished guests of the Immortal Dao Merchant Association, they swaggered directly into the Inner City. The Inner City guards all recognized the Ling Family’s eldest young lady.

“Back in those small towns, I never realized how much influence you had. I didn’t expect people to give you this much respect.”

Qin Xiao could not help but exclaim.

On the other side, a long queue had formed with people having their tokens inspected one by one, while the three of them walked straight through the main gate into the city.

“Hmph, now you know how formidable this young lady is, huh? Back then you even dared to scold me. If it weren’t for Man’er, I would definitely have made you pay.”

Ling Ruoxue snorted before speaking.

“Then with such a noble status, how come you don’t have any bodyguards? You’re always alone. Aren’t you afraid of encountering bad people? If someone kidnapped you, I bet the ransom would be very high.”

Qin Xiao asked, puzzled.

“Kidnap me? Don’t you know the Immortal Dao Merchant Association has a way to teleport? I can return straight to the inner city whenever I want. Who could kidnap me?”

Ling Ruoxue replied with exasperation.

Whether anyone dared to try was one thing; even if they did, they would have to catch her first. Once she escaped, the whole Immortal Dao Merchant Association would hunt them down. Even an ordinary second-level faction would not dare offend her, let alone lesser players.

“Oh, how could I forget that? Your brother used it back in the secret realm. I thought it could only be used for short distances. So it works for long-distance teleportation too?”

Hearing this, Qin Xiao finally remembered. With such a massive organization backing her, she naturally had reliable life-preserving methods.

“Alright, enough nonsense. We’re almost at my home.”

Ling Ruoxue shook her head and said.

Although she had such a method, who said she lacked other bodyguards?

Following Ling Ruoxue’s lead, the three arrived outside a large courtyard.

“This doesn’t look like the association’s Qingzhou headquarters. Do you really keep things this modest?”

Although the courtyard before them was large, it wasn’t what Qin Xiao had imagined. It looked more like the estate of a wealthy family rather than a headquarters.

“Who said this was our Qingzhou headquarters? This is my home. My father prefers tranquility. Unless it’s a major matter, he generally stays here instead of the headquarters. The headquarters has many Elders and managers, and my brother is there too. Minor matters are handled by them.”

Ling Ruoxue said with exasperation. The Immortal Dao Merchant Association was a first-rate power; how could the headquarters possibly be only this big?

“You’re bringing me to your home? Weren’t we here to discuss official business?”

Qin Xiao said, suddenly reacting mid-sentence. Why are you bringing me to your home? Don’t you know I just offended the powerful figure behind Chen Shunyi? At a time like this, you still dare bring me to your family estate? Enjoying the story? Read on at novelping dot com.

“Less talk. Hurry up and come inside.”

Ling Ruoxue paid no attention to him and took the lead walking inside.

“Let’s go, Master.”

Yun Man did not overthink it and urged Qin Xiao to follow.

“Let’s go.”

Qin Xiao figured that President Ling had probably anticipated this. Daring to meet him at his own home indicated he was not afraid of that powerful figure. In that case, he had nothing to worry about.

After entering the courtyard, Qin Xiao did not see many servants. There were only a few old men trimming branches, and not even a guard at the main gate.

President Ling really does like his peace and quiet. Such a large courtyard, with hardly anyone here.

Qin Xiao could not help thinking this to himself.

I hope his temperament isn’t too strange. I’d better keep a low profile. Those in high positions are usually difficult to deal with.

“Young lady, you’ve returned.”

Zeng Tai happened to step out the door and quickly greeted them upon seeing Ling Ruoxue.

“Elder Zeng, is my father in the study?”

Seeing him, Ling Ruoxue stepped forward to ask.

“The President has been in the study all along. Young lady, Qin Xiao, I have matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave first.”

Zeng Tai had come to report Qin Xiao’s arrival to the President, so he was not surprised to see him. Now that he had reported, he needed to return to the headquarters.

“Take care, Elder Zeng.”

Qin Xiao quickly replied.

Following that, Qin Xiao and Yun Man accompanied Ling Ruoxue to the outside of the study.

“Father, I’ve returned.”

After knocking on the door, Ling Ruoxue gathered her courage and called out.

“You still remember to come back. All of you, come in.”

A deep, resonant voice came from within.

Ling Ruoxue pushed the door open and entered first, with Qin Xiao and Yun Man following closely behind.

Inside, Qin Xiao finally saw the president: Ling Ruoxue’s father, Ling Hongwen.

He appeared to be in his forties or fifties, exuding the natural authority of one in a high position. Even sitting quietly, he inspired awe.

His sharply defined features gave him a resolute air. Though stern, he had clearly been very handsome in his youth, and both Ling Wushuang and Ling Ruoxue had inherited much of his looks.

“I pay my respects to Father.”

Ling Ruoxue offered a proper greeting. This chapter was taken from novelping.com without permission.

“Yun Man pays her respects to Uncle Ling.”

Yun Man also saluted respectfully.

“This junior Qin Xiao pays his respects to President Ling.”

Qin Xiao hurriedly bowed.

“Ruoxue, Man’er, you two step outside for now. Qin Xiao and I need to talk.”

Ling Hongwen dismissed his daughter and Yun Man so he could speak with Qin Xiao alone.

“Understood. Man’er, let’s go.”

Though puzzled, Ling Ruoxue obediently complied.

She pulled Yun Man away and closed the door behind them.

“I wonder what President Ling wishes to discuss with this junior?”

For a moment, Qin Xiao felt slightly ill at ease being alone with such a powerful figure.

“Don’t be nervous. Please, have a seat.”

Ling Hongwen gestured toward a nearby chair.

“I’m not nervous. The truth is, your merchant association helped me immensely this time. Please accept this small token of appreciation from this junior.”

Since he was unsure how to start, offering a gift was always a safe bet.

With that, Qin Xiao produced five Saint Origin Spirit Fruits and placed them before Ling Hongwen.

“Oh? Five Saint Origin Spirit Fruits. You actually managed to obtain them?”

Although Ling Hongwen had received reports about Qin Xiao’s actions in the Spirit Medicine Valley and suspected he had succeeded, without confirmation, everyone could only guess. Now that Qin Xiao had produced five outright, there was no doubt left.

“Indeed, this junior obtained them. These five are part of the haul. I harvested around forty in total, gave a few away, and aside from these five for the President, I still have thirty left that I can sell to the merchant association.”

Qin Xiao admitted it openly. Along with a gift, he was offering a substantial deal. With both benefits on the table, perhaps the president would not make things difficult for him.

“I underestimated you, kid. You really are smooth and cunning. No wonder you have Ruoxue wrapped around your finger.”

Ling Hongwen remarked, sounding somewhat exasperated.

Huh? What does he mean? That tone does not sound right. What does he mean, I have her wrapped around my finger? There must be some misunderstanding.

Upon hearing this, Qin Xiao was completely dumbfounded, his mind racing.

Though puzzled, he decided to ask directly.

“President, is there perhaps some misunderstanding here?”