“Does the King of Pacifying South have confidence in dealing with Murong Xiong?” Though Xu Qingchen’s words were casual, they carried a completely different meaning to the King’s ears.

While martial arts masters might seem unable to affect the bigger picture, when it came to masters of Murong Xiong’s caliber, one couldn’t help but be wary. Even if you had the upper hand, if they decided to fight to mutual destruction and stake their life to take yours, there were few in this world who could withstand it. The higher one’s position, the more they valued their life, and the King of Pacifying South naturally didn’t want to allow such a significant threat to himself to remain.

He wanted to unify the realm and eliminate Mo Liufang’s descendants, but if he died at the hands of a martial artist, everything would be for nothing.

“Young Master Qingchen convinced Ling Tiehan to take action… Indeed, Ling Tiehan has deep connections with Young Master Qingchen and the Prince of Stability,” the King said solemnly.

Xu Qingchen smiled faintly, “Connections are connections, business is business. I won’t deceive Your Highness – I merely came here while passing through from Nanzhao, and I haven’t brought many people from the Northwest. However, just as I can convince Palace Master Ling to act, I can also command the King of Hell Palace as I wish. This time… the King of Hell Palace will need to contribute the most effort, so Your Highness giving up ten percent of the profits isn’t excessive.”

The King had nothing to say. What Xu Qingchen casually called ten percent profit meant hundreds of thousands of silver taels to him. Looking at the white-robed young master sitting before him with a smile, as clear as the bright moon and fresh breeze, the King once again felt something stuck in his chest that he could neither spit out nor swallow.

“I don’t understand why Young Master Qingchen wants to move against the Murong family. After all… isn’t the Murong family’s existence not entirely disadvantageous to the Northwest?” the King asked. As long as the Murong family existed, the Northwest’s economy would never catch up to Da Chu. Compared to Da Chu’s hundred schools of thought contending, the Murong family’s monopoly in Xiling had existed for far too long.

Xu Qingchen took a light sip of clear tea and sighed softly, “I did consider cooperating with the Murong family, but unfortunately… some people are too unaware of the situation. While the Murong family can become a hidden danger to Xiling now, they might become a hidden danger to the Prince of Stability’s mansion in the future.”

After a long silence, the King respectfully said, “I understand. We’ll do as Young Master Qingchen says. If there’s anything you need me to do, Young Master Qingchen can just have someone tell Tengfeng.”

Lei Tengfeng understood his father wanted him to handle this matter, and nodded, clasping his hands towards Xu Qingchen, “Please guide me, Young Master Qingchen.”

Xu Qingchen smiled faintly, “The Young Prince is too kind.”

Shortly after the King and his son left, Ling Tiehan floated in through the half-open window. Looking at Xu Qingchen, he smiled, “It’s rare for Young Master Qingchen to think of me. It wasn’t in vain that I focused on befriending you back then. If I had a few more friends like you, I wouldn’t have to worry about the livelihood of those fools in my family.”

Xu Qingchen looked up with a smile, “So Palace Master Ling agrees?”

Ling Tiehan nodded, “Of course I agree. Why wouldn’t I agree to such a good deal? This one job will let the King of Hell Palace go without opening for business for three to five years. However… you’re being much more generous this time. I thought even if you didn’t take the lead, you’d at least split it fifty-fifty with Lei Zhenting.”

Xu Qingchen said, “Xiling is still the King of Pacifying South’s territory. Pushing too hard would only ruin everything. Getting something for nothing – thirty percent is already not bad. Any more would easily invite hatred.”

Ling Tiehan frowned, “This time you’re helping Lei Zhenting. He’s wanted to move against the Murong family for quite some time. Aren’t you afraid that once he recovers, he’ll make things difficult for you? Xiling is only held back by its empty treasury. Once he recovers, even the Prince of Stability’s million-strong army might not be able to withstand it.”

No matter how valiant and battle-skilled the Prince of Stability’s mansion was, they couldn’t avoid the drawbacks of their small territory and barren land. What’s more, they were sandwiched between three great nations – they couldn’t attack the wealthiest Da Chu, conquering the Northern Barbarians in the north would be of little use, and those nomadic tribes were far more fierce than Da Chu’s scholars and officials. Plus Xiling was eyeing them covetously. Although the Northwest had been governed well these past few years, most people still saw their future as worrisome.

Xu Qingchen elegantly brushed the floating tea leaves with his cup lid, smiling softly, “Many things are easy to destroy but… extremely difficult to rebuild. If Lei Zhenting thinks Xiling’s commerce can flourish just because the Murong family falls, he’ll be disappointed. Although he can get a large sum of military funds, for at least… three to five years, Xiling will only be poorer than before.”

Shaking the Murong family meant shaking Xiling’s entire economy. No genius or expert could save it in less than three to five years. Moreover, the nobles of this era generally didn’t think much of merchants except when they were short of money, so those who truly understood finance were extremely rare. If the King of Pacifying South thought everything would go smoothly and the government would function well once the Murong family was gone, it only showed that he had never studied economics.

It seemed that occasionally chatting with Li’er was quite beneficial. At least some of the viewpoints she raised were things that even someone as intelligent and wise as Young Master Qingchen had never considered. Thinking of the confident and joyful expression on the young woman’s face as she spoke enthusiastically in the study, a faint smile appeared on Xu Qingchen’s face.

After a long silence, Ling Tiehan finally sighed, “I thought you were scheming against the Murong family, but now I see you’re scheming against Lei Zhenting.” Indeed, although the Murong family was called the wealthiest, no one had ever calculated exactly how much wealth the Prince of Stability’s mansion had. Even if it wasn’t as much as the Murong family’s, being able to maintain several hundred thousand Mo family troops under generations of suppression from the Da Chu royal family – with such a foundation, they might not covet the Murong family’s mountains of gold and silver. Meeting such an opponent, Lei Zhenting could only blame his bad luck.

“You people think too much. I’m too lazy to think about these things. Just have someone notify me when it’s time to act,” Ling Tiehan said quietly. He pursued the ultimate in martial arts throughout his life and had no interest in the jianghu or court politics. Even the King of Hell Palace was mostly just a responsibility. Therefore, he naturally had little interest in Xu Qingchen’s complicated schemes which gave him a headache just hearing about them. Xu Qingchen smiled and agreed, watching as Ling Tiehan left through the window the way he came, and the room returned to silence.

Since that day Xu Qingchen left the Murong family mansion, he hadn’t replied to any messages from the Murong family. The new round of martial arts competition rankings from the Martial Arts Conference had also come out, though this time it was somewhat awkward. The reason was simple – of the four great masters from the previous two conferences who were still alive, although only two attended the conference, neither had participated in combat. Therefore, the young masters of this conference truly couldn’t directly claim the title of number one master. In the end, the originally grand and impressive Martial Arts Conference ended rather hastily.

The Murong family had been somewhat patient in waiting for Xu Qingchen’s reply these past few days. After all, Xu Qingchen hadn’t left An City after the Martial Arts Conference, and it was normal for Young Master Qingchen to need some time to consider such a major matter as becoming a son-in-law. But gradually, the Murong family began to notice something was wrong.

Places further away hadn’t shown much movement yet, but news came from areas closer to An City that businesses everywhere seemed to be subtly starting to have problems. This included not only interference from the Xiling royal family but also vaguely showed shadows of Da Chu, or rather, the Prince of Stability’s mansion. The Murong family had thought of that white-robed figure who had sat in their great hall with a calm and composed smile, and his expression grew increasingly ugly.

This was only the beginning. When the Murong family discovered their businesses in Da Chu, Nanzhao, and the Northwest were all having problems simultaneously – shops either going bankrupt or being forced to close, some even directly confiscated – the Murong family head truly understood just how much power that elegant and otherworldly man actually wielded.

“Outrageous! Has that Xu fellow gone mad?!” In the Murong family study, Murong Xiong flew into a rage upon seeing the news his nephew reported. Murong Mingyan stood behind her grandfather, already covered in tears. She never imagined Xu Qingchen would move against the Murong family just to avoid marrying her. Murong Xiong raged, “Send down the order! I want the Prince of Stability’s mansion to never be able to buy another piece of iron ore in the Northwest!”

The Murong family head gave a bitter laugh and said, “News just came in that the Northwest itself has iron mines, and… the Prince of Stability’s mansion now not only does business with surrounding countries but also with extremely distant Western Regions nations. Even before the Martial Arts Conference began, they had already started moving against our shops in the Northwest. I’m afraid… this Xu fellow came with ill intentions from the start.”

Murong Xiong was so angry he was breathing heavily, “How much has the Murong family lost?”

The family head replied, “All assets outside Xiling are gone.”

The Murong family’s foundation was in Xiling. Although they had holdings elsewhere, these weren’t sufficient to truly affect the other side’s economy, so naturally there was no need for restraint when taking action. When the Murong family’s business failed, those merchants from other countries would likely raise their cups in celebration. “The losses within Xiling’s borders are also severe. Not only are we facing pressure from the King of Pacifying South and officials, but many private merchants have also started attacking us.”

The Murong family had monopolized most of Xiling’s business, naturally making countless enemies. Murong Xiong gave a cold laugh and said, “Since they want to compete with us, why not let them see just how deep the Murong family’s coffers are!” How could the Murong family’s wealth be limited to just their external shops and businesses? Even the gold and silver accumulated over hundreds of years was enough to crush those who opposed them.

The family head hesitated, “Uncle, this might not be appropriate. Wouldn’t this just give the King of Pacifying South legitimate reason to interfere?” If conflicts between merchants became too severe and affected ordinary citizens, no one would say anything even if the King of Pacifying South directly sent troops to eliminate the Murong family. Murong Xiong couldn’t help but frown – he had practiced martial arts since childhood and wasn’t well-versed in either politics or business.

Just as the two were frowning in contemplation, a servant came to report from outside, “Family Head, a Young Master Ren Qining is requesting an audience.”

The family head frowned, “Ren Qining? Who is that?”

Murong Xiong had some impression and said, “The one who won first place in the martial arts competition. His martial arts talent is quite good. It’s just that he’s a bit young – if he were ten years older, he might not be inferior to Ling Tiehan and Lei Zhenting.”

The family head had no interest in Ren Qining’s martial arts – even someone with cultivation as profound as Murong Xiong was at a loss facing the Murong family’s current predicament. “What does he want?”

The servant reported, “Young Master Ren says he can help the Family Head resolve the current impasse.”

The family head was startled and turned to look at Murong Xiong. Murong Xiong’s old eyes narrowed slightly as he said, “Invite him in.”

Not far outside the Murong family mansion, two people were sitting leisurely on the branches of a lush green tree, watching the mansion’s main gate in the distance.

“Li’er, what do you think Ren Qining wants, coming to the Murong family at this time?” Mo Xiuyao asked curiously.

Ye Li shook her head – she wasn’t an immortal, how could she know so clearly? Mo Xiuyao sighed, “We were supposed to go out and have fun, but why do I feel even more tired than usual?”

Ye Li leaned into his embrace and said with a smile, “Isn’t it because he doesn’t know martial arts? Although he has guards protecting him, you know how formidable Murong Xiong is. If he suddenly turns hostile, what use is big brother’s intelligence, no matter how brilliant he is?”

If Xu Qingchen and Murong Xiong were face to face and Murong Xiong was determined to kill him, Xu Qingchen’s reputation as the world’s most intelligent person would be useless. Before absolute power, any strategy was futile.

Mo Xiuyao sighed and looked down at Ye Li, “Li’er is right. Now that this Ren Qining has gotten involved, we really can’t leave.” With the King of Pacifying South and Ling Tiehan joining forces against Murong Xiong, victory was only fifty-fifty. With the addition of a mysterious Ren Qining, the outcome became even more uncertain. Mo Xiuyao didn’t care about others or what happened to the Murong family, but they had to ensure Xu Qingchen’s safety. “I’ll go in and take a look.”

Ye Li grabbed Mo Xiuyao and said, “Murong Xiong’s martial arts are far above yours, better not risk it.”

Mo Xiuyao smiled at her, gently brushing aside the hair near her ear, “Don’t worry, even if I’m discovered and can’t win, couldn’t I still run away?”

Ye Li frowned, staring at him intently, “Be careful.”

Mo Xiuyao nodded, released Ye Li, and gracefully made his way past the guards at the gate towards the Murong family mansion, without making a sound.

At this moment in the study, Ren Qining was smiling as he looked at the three people before him, casually fanning himself with a folding fan, the picture of grace and charm.

“Who exactly are you, and what are your intentions?” The Murong family head coldly watched the scholarly-looking young man before him who wore a gentle smile, knowing full well this person was different from true scholars like Young Master Qingchen – this person’s martial arts ranked first among the new generation in the jianghu.

Ren Qining smiled and said, “My surname is Ren, Ren Qining. Greetings to Family Head Murong and Elder Murong.”

Murong Xiong gave a cold snort, and Ren Qining immediately felt his heart shake and blood surge, nearly falling to the ground. While inwardly amazed at Murong Xiong’s profound internal energy, Ren Qining maintained a composed and calm exterior, smiling in praise, “Elder Murong is truly a senior expert, this junior admires you greatly.”

Murong Xiong gave a cold laugh, how could he not hear that Ren Qining was reminding him that he was using his martial arts to bully the younger generation? “Young Master Ren hasn’t come to the Murong family at this time just to praise this old man, has he?”

Ren Qining smiled, glancing at Murong Mingyan beside him, and said, “To be honest, I’ve come to propose marriage to Miss Murong.”

“Propose marriage?!” All three people in the study were startled. Murong Xiong was the first to react, coldly laughing, “What makes you think I would marry Mingyan to you?”

Ren Qining carelessly tapped his folding fan against his palm, speaking slowly, “Right now… is there anyone else willing to marry Miss Murong?”

“Outrageous!” Murong Xiong shouted in anger.

Ren Qining showed no fear, smiling as he said, “Elder Murong, please don’t be angry. Although my words may be unpleasant, Elder Murong cannot deny they are true. The Murong family is wealthy and powerful, naturally, there aren’t many worthy of marrying Miss Murong. Young Master Qingchen’s stance these past days, Elder Murong surely understands, and Palace Master Ling is likely standing on Young Master Qingchen’s side as well. Or… does the Family Head plan to marry Miss Murong to Da Chu?”

With Murong Mingyan’s status, even if she entered the palace, she would at most become a consort. Not only would she have the Noble Consort and Empress above her, but Da Chu wasn’t short of money, so the Murong family’s importance in the Emperor’s eyes was questionable. At that point, they would lose both the daughter and the army – the Murong family would lose their only daughter and have to sacrifice their vast business empire as well.

“Are you saying you’re worthy of marrying Mingyan?” Murong Xiong stared at him coldly.

Ren Qining curved his lips in a smile and said, “Although I cannot compare to the Murong family’s nation-rivaling wealth, I dare say I have some abilities and resources.”

Murong Xiong sneered – whether in the jianghu or the imperial court, no one had ever heard of Ren Qining’s name, nor was there any powerful family with the surname Ren. An unknown nobody daring to be so arrogant. Seeing Murong Xiong’s contemptuous expression, Ren Qining didn’t get angry. He smiled and said, “Would Elder Murong care to exchange a few moves with this junior?”

Before Murong Xiong could mock Ren Qining’s overestimation of himself, he saw Ren Qining’s sleeves flutter as a burst of energy shot toward the Murong family’s head beside him. The family head had never practiced martial arts, and startled by this sudden change, he couldn’t dodge in time. Murong Mingyan, standing nearby, gritted her teeth as a dagger fell from her sleeve into her palm, and she stabbed Ren Qining. Ren Qining smiled slightly, his fingers dancing in the air as he easily snatched the dagger from Murong Mingyan’s hand.

Although this move was exquisite, if young experts like Ling Tiehan or Mo Xiuyao were present, they might have been able to see through it. But Murong Xiong was different – fifty years ago he was already the world’s number one expert, and he had naturally seen far more than the generation of Mo Xiuyao and Ling Tiehan. Murong Xiong’s expression changed as he stared at Ren Qining and said, “The Phoenix Finger! What relation are you to the Lin family?”

Ren Qining bowed slightly, smiling as he said, “This junior’s surname is Lin, given the name Yuan. My grandfather’s surname is Lin, given name Fuqin – surely the elder has heard of him.”

“You’re Lin Yuan?! That’s impossible… isn’t Lin Yuan…” The Murong family’s business spread throughout the world, so naturally, their sources of information were also worldwide. Murong Xiong had noticed Lin Yuan earlier than most – one might even say earlier than Mo Xiuyao. However, his reason for noticing Lin Yuan was different from Mo Xiuyao and others.

Mo Xiuyao and indeed all others had noticed Lin Yuan’s identity as a survivor of the previous dynasty, but what Murong Xiong had noticed was that he had a grandfather named Lin Fuqin. Lin Fuqin was someone few now knew in either the jianghu or the imperial court, but Murong Xiong remembered him as a supreme expert like himself. However, Lin Fuqin had never truly made a name for himself in the jianghu. Sometimes Murong Xiong even wondered if Lin Fuqin had also competed for the title of expert back then, whether he could have claimed the title of the world’s number one expert.

Ren Qining’s brow flashed with disdain, “Tan Jizhi? A worthless nobody, what does he amount to?”