Chapter 200: Merchant Association Takes Sides, Heir Apparent Turns Hostile

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Ling Wushuang’s arrival did not surprise Qin Xiao. His activities had attracted plenty of attention; it was natural for Ling to come once he heard.

“Brother Qin, I heard you bought three thousand mu of land to establish your estate, and now you are recruiting workers. I came to take a look, and it really is you.”

Ling Wushuang knew what had happened yesterday: first the Luo Family’s ambush, then Qin Xiao buying land, and today hiring workers to build an estate.

But he still did not understand. Hadn’t Qin Xiao said yesterday that he would return to Tianyi City to lie low? Why was he building an estate now?

“I changed my mind. I’d been thinking about it anyway, so I stayed. I didn’t expect to draw your attention too.”

Qin Xiao answered warmly.

What Qin Xiao really wanted to know was why Ling Wushuang had come.

“I heard Brother Qin had bought land to build an estate, and as a friend, I naturally had to come and show my support.”

Ling Wushuang was casual about it.

“Thank you, Brother Ling. But won’t this cause you trouble? He might think your association is getting involved.”

Qin Xiao lowered his voice to ask.

After all, when Qin Xiao had previously mentioned returning to Tianyi City, Ling Wushuang had agreed. That meant the Immortal Dao Merchant Association had not yet intended to break ties with Xiao Wenli. But by openly drawing close to him now, was he not publicly declaring his faction’s stance?

Xiao Wenli knew Qin Xiao was on good terms with the Immortal Dao Merchant Association, but that was a private matter. Until the relationship became public, the association remained neutral. Even if it knew Xiao Wenli was acting against Qin Xiao, it could not openly support Qin Xiao.

Now Ling Wushuang was openly taking his side. Xiao Wenli could hardly see it as anything but involvement.

“No problem. What is there to worry about? My father approved my coming. He told me about investing in you too. Since we’ve backed you, we won’t hold back.”

Ling Wushuang was unconcerned.

His father had sent him. The Immortal Dao Merchant Association was on the Governor-General’s side and already opposed Xiao Wenli. Why worry so much?

“Then I won’t stand on ceremony. I really do need a favor.”

Since Ling had thought it through, Qin Xiao dropped his hesitation. He did need help now.

“Brother Qin, speak your mind.” Read the latest chapters at novelping(.)com.

Ling Wushuang readily agreed.

“I need Master Ji Ci. Could you ask him to meet me? I have plenty of ideas I can’t carry out without him.”

Qin Xiao’s ideas depended on Master Ji Ci’s skill with Formations. Without him, most would come to nothing.

“Of course. Your Black Tortoise Armor has just been repaired too. Master Ji Ci is working on Formations at the moment. I’ll pass on your request, but even my father can’t guarantee he’ll come. He has a great deal of freedom. He only has to follow orders if the association is threatened. Whether he helps someone else depends on his mood.”

Ling Wushuang could not promise that Master Ji Ci would come. The master had considerable freedom and could refuse orders on matters unrelated to the association.

“That’s fine. Just pass on the message. If Master Ji Ci won’t come, that’s my problem.”

After the last incident, Qin Xiao had asked about Master Ji Ci. Only then had he learned that the master was among the best formation masters alive.

“By the way, if you need workers, some of our association’s disciples haven’t made any progress in cultivation lately. Shall I lend them to you to work for a while?”

Ling Wushuang thought of the disciples who had grown lax lately. A spell of work for Qin Xiao would teach them how hard Spirit Stones were to earn. They had so many resources and still would not cultivate properly!

“Brother Ling, don’t joke. You’re welcome to come and look around if you have nothing to do, but forget working.”

Qin Xiao was speechless. Was Ling joking? Having the association’s disciples build his estate would offend them all.

“It’s fine. I’ll bring some disciples tomorrow. It’s time they had a taste of hardship.”

Ling Wushuang insisted. The more he thought about it, the more he liked the idea.

“Qin Xiao, Wushuang, I never imagined I would find you both here. I was wondering what had caused such a commotion in this place.”

As they talked, Xiao Wenli came over smiling.

“I didn’t expect the heir apparent to enjoy a spectacle too.”

Qin Xiao greeted him coldly, with no warmth in his expression.

He could not stand such hypocrisy. Xiao Wenli had acted against him yesterday and could still walk up smiling today. With acting skills like that, it was a shame he was not on stage. Read this novel at novelping . com for the best experience.

“Could it be that the Heir Apparent caught wind of Qin Xiao’s shortage of hands and has come to lend his support?”

Ling Wushuang spoke coldly too, without yesterday’s warmth.

“From the sound of it, you two are ready to put your cards on the table?”

Xiao Wenli still wore a smile, but his eyes no longer smiled. He deliberately lowered his voice.

“What is the Heir Apparent implying? Is that a threat?”

Ling Wushuang answered before Qin Xiao could speak.

“Ling Wushuang, I know your Immortal Dao Merchant Association is powerful. But can you protect Qin Xiao?”

Abandoning all pretense, Xiao Wenli spoke the words aloud.

“Then try it, Heir Apparent. Let’s see if you dare to let both sides suffer.”

Ling Wushuang remained unafraid. He was sure Xiao Wenli would not make a complete break now. After so many years of covert maneuvering, that would waste all his efforts and expose his vulnerabilities to the Governor-General. At most, he would resort to a few tricks.

“Fine, fine, fine. I’ll remember your Immortal Dao Merchant Association—and you, Qin Xiao. Do you think these are my only tricks? Just you wait.”

Xiao Wenli had meant to keep up appearances. He had not expected them to turn on him so quickly. Yesterday they had still made polite conversation; today they had openly fallen out with him. There was no point pretending now. He turned and left in anger.

They had fallen out before Qin Xiao could even get a word in.

Everyone saw Xiao Wenli turn and leave in anger.

He had done it deliberately, for both his allies and the neutral factions to see. Anyone who wanted to help Qin Xiao should think twice. He had publicly fallen out with Qin Xiao—who would still dare to work for him?

It worked. Some cultivators who had already agreed to join announced that they were withdrawing.

Some pill and artifact refiners left too. The formation masters stayed. They feared Xiao Wenli, but they had heard Qin Xiao wanted to invite Master Ji Ci. Even a casual pointer from him could improve their skills considerably. For that chance, they could risk offending the heir apparent.

“Ah, I finally found workers, and now so many have left.”

Qin Xiao was helpless as he watched them leave. They would give up even his high wages. The heir apparent’s reputation could hardly be good if so many people feared him.

“Young Friend Qin, if you are pressed for manpower, this old man can lend assistance.”

As Qin Xiao was feeling helpless, Luo Kaijie arrived at the plaza.