"Not bad, but something feels off.
We need to be cautious during this period," said Lü Dandan, who was sharp-minded and also sensed the trouble brewing from the recent confrontation.
After exiting the grand hall, Lü Yugang waved his sleeve, sweeping up everyone from the Four Directions Trading House as they soared into the sky and departed.
Inside the hall,
After Lü Yugang left, many of the powerful experts present wore sneers on their faces.
"Everyone, Lü Yugang's fervent defense of Ziwei Sect's Su Fei is undoubtedly motivated by a desire for the Ziwei Great Emperor's inheritance. His intentions are condemnable.
What's even more despicable is how he puts on an outwardly virtuous front, hypocritically pointing fingers at us.
The Four Directions Trading House has indeed grown increasingly arrogant these past years.
In truth, the Trading House is merely a business operation. What's so special about it?" remarked the Zhao Family Ancestor.
"Indeed.
Lü Yugang is far too hypocritical," added the Grand Supreme Elder of Cangyan Sacred Sect.
Following suit, experts from several other major factions also spoke out to condemn Lü Yugang.
However, experts from some other forces remained silent, simply sitting to the side and watching the drama unfold.
These astute individuals understood that the Zhao Family and a few other major powers might be trying to band together to deal with the Four Directions Trading House.
"Announcing the arrival of the Four Directions Trading House's Grand Elder!"
A voice echoed through the hall at that moment.
Then, a black-robed elder strode in with his head held high. It was indeed the Trading House's Grand Elder.
Many experts present couldn't help but change their expressions upon seeing the Grand Elder.
It was common knowledge that this Grand Elder had betrayed the Trading House and was even severely wounded and forced to flee in disgrace by Lü Yugang.
Now Lü Yugang had just left, and here the Grand Elder was arriving right on his heels—it was clearly intentional.
Next, the Grand Elder toasted the various top-tier experts of the Eastern Barrens, showering them with pleasantries filled with flattery and thinly veiled attempts to win them over.
Moreover, powerful figures like the Zhao Family Ancestor, the Beast Taming Sect Master, and the Grand Supreme Elder of Cangyan Sacred Sect were exceptionally warm and engaging with the Grand Elder.
"Esteemed fellows, Lü Yugang is heartless and vicious. I followed him for over a century, diligently managing the Trading House, yet this is how I end up—kicked out and nearly losing my life in the process! I cannot swallow this grievance; I must have my revenge.
I hope you can lend me your support when the time comes!
Rest assured, if we can eliminate Lü Yugang and I succeed him as the Trading House's master, I will repay your kindness generously, offering rewards that will satisfy you all!"
After making a round of toasts to each group, the Grand Elder declared loudly.
"Ha, ha…
That can certainly be discussed! We will surely stand on the Grand Elder's side!"
The Zhao Family Ancestor and several other old antiques were the first to voice their agreement.
"It seems the Eastern Barrens is on the brink of a great storm, and that storm will most likely be directed at the Four Directions Trading House!" thought many of the other top experts quietly, their expressions revealing nothing.
***
Meanwhile, deep beneath a certain part of Jinming Ancient Kingdom.
"Altogether, I've subdued a hundred and fifty Red Dragons, over a thousand Blue Dragons, and several thousand Green Dragons.
This is quite a satisfying haul.
With these Earth Dragons, the potency of my Geomancy Technique will far surpass its previous state!"
Seated cross-legged atop the head of a Red Dragon, Ye Yunfei surveyed the densely packed Earth Dragons around him, feeling immensely pleased.
Jinming Ancient Kingdom lived up to its reputation as an advanced ancient kingdom. The earth energy beneath its lands was exceptionally rich, containing vast numbers of Earth Dragons, and the quality of these dragons was not low either!
Just then,
A slight change crossed Ye Yunfei's expression. He took out a Message Jade Slip.
"It's from Miss Lü!"
He read the contents within the jade slip.
"So, a few old antiques from the Zhao Family, the Cangyan Sacred Sect, and the Beast Taming Sect have come to Jinming Ancient Kingdom… and they've set their sights on me," Ye Yunfei sneered coldly after reading the message.
"According to Miss Lü, these major forces might target the Four Directions Trading House.
Now that I think about it, the Trading House only ended up antagonizing these factions by stepping forward to shield me.
Heh…
Do they truly think I'm easy to bully?
Since these major forces have been persistently eyeing me, when the opportunity arises, I won't bother being polite to them either." Ye Yunfei sneered.
"Upon returning to the Eastern Barrens this time, my original intention was to keep a low profile, just focusing on building up Ziwei Sect's strength.
But now it's clear these major forces will eventually cause trouble for me again.
Well, that's fine. I'll summon all my former subordinates from my previous life in the Eastern Barrens for a grand showdown when the time comes.
Once all my old forces are assembled, I can stand toe-to-toe with any major power in the Eastern Barrens!"
A cold, sinister smile spread across Ye Yunfei's lips.
In his past life, he had traveled extensively across the Eastern Barrens for a time. Later, by the time he left the region, he had become one of the most powerful experts in the Eastern Barrens, gathering a considerable following of loyal and dedicated subordinates around him.
Now, Ye Yunfei intended to summon all those former subordinates once more!
Boom…
With those words, Ye Yunfei spurred the Red Dragon beneath him onward in a certain direction.
***
Half a day later.
Tongyang City, Jinming Ancient Kingdom.
Guided by the Earth Dragons, Ye Yunfei arrived near Tongyang City, then entered its walls and walked through a bustling street.
Located on this street was a branch of the Four Directions Trading House.
"Su Fei is here!"
Inside the Trading House branch, Lü Dandan, upon receiving Ye Yunfei's sound transmission, immediately hurried out to welcome him.
"Ha-ha, Young Master Su! I've long heard of your reputation!"
As Ye Yunfei followed Lü Dandan into the establishment, Lü Yugang himself came out to greet him with hearty laughter.
"Master Lü, you flatter me too much," replied Ye Yunfei, responding with an unpretentious and composed smile in the presence of this preeminent and famed expert of the Eastern Barrens.
Lü Yugang inwardly admired Ye Yunfei's dignified demeanor.
"Young Master Su, please, come right in."
Lü Yugang ushered Ye Yunfei into a luxurious main hall and invited him to sit.
"Young Master Su, it would be best if you leave immediately. A number of old fellows harbor malicious intent towards you.
Once they discover you, they will undoubtedly seek ways to deal with you," Lü Yugang told Ye Yunfei after exchanging some pleasantries.
"If they are determined to deal with me, hiding won't be of any use.
They will find me eventually," replied Ye Yunfei.
"That is true.
To be honest, the true aim of those old fellows is the great emperor's inheritance within your Ziwei Sect.
That is why they will inevitably come for you and your sect," Lü Yugang said.
"Well, let them come. Our Ziwei Sect is not a pushover either," Ye Yunfei replied coldly.
"Young Master Su, do not underestimate the enemy too much.
Although those major factions like the Zhao Family have previously sent men against your Ziwei Sect, as of yet, none of them have deployed their truly elite experts or forces.
These major powers of the Eastern Barrens cannot be underestimated," Lü Yugang warned.
"Thank you for the warning, Master Lü. I am well aware of that," Ye Yunfei said with a light laugh.
***
"Master Lü! Master Ba requests your presence. There's news regarding the Nine-Life Immortal Coffin!"
Just then, a senior member of the Trading House hurried into the hall and reported to Lü Yugang.
"Oh?
Young Master Su, Dandan, let's go and check it out!" Lü Yugang's spirits visibly lifted as he spoke.
Ye Yunfei and Lü Dandan both stood up.
After all, traveling all this way here was precisely for the sake of the Nine-Life Immortal Coffin!