Volume 1 Volume 7 Chapter 51

Volume 7 Chapter 51: Coercion and Trade

Feng Qingtian believed that his talent for cultivation was not worse than anyone else’s. In fact, his talent was much better than that of 99% of the cultivators in the world.

However, the challenge Feng Qingtian faced was Zhang Xusheng, a name that represented great difficulty.

As the years passed, Feng Qingtian learned more about Zhang Xusheng and understood that the main difference between him and Zhang Xusheng was not only in strength but also in cunning. Although Immortal Zizhen and Mr. Liu were stronger than Zhang Xusheng, their cunning was slightly inferior, which led to their disadvantage.

Just then, Niu Wenxing appeared and made a deep impression on Feng Qingtian in a short time. The more they interacted, the more Feng Qingtian admired Niu Wenxing’s cunning, as he seemed to possess intelligence that could rival Zhang Xusheng’s.

For Feng Qingtian, Xu Qingfan blocking him from killing Kylin was merely a significant delay in his steps toward revenge. Although he was extremely angry, he could still hold back under Niu Wenxing’s persuasion. However, Xu Qingfan directly demanding Niu Wenxing from him this time was an attempt to cut off his hope for revenge.

In this situation, how could Feng Qingtian hold back?

Xu Qingfan seemed not to notice Feng Qingtian’s murderous gaze and continued to smile, saying, "To be honest, I have been hiding in the East Sea for these past years. The scenery is beautiful, the climate is pleasant, and the resources are abundant. Among my Taoist friends, there are several great alchemists. I see that Mr. Niu is not in good health. If he goes with me to the East Sea for special care, he will surely regain his health and live longer. Wouldn’t that be a good thing?"

After a pause, Xu Qingfan continued, "Moreover, having hidden in the East Sea for so long, I am not very familiar with the situation in the Shenzhou Continent. In the near future, I will have to return to the Shenzhou Continent. After all, I’ve spent so much time in the East Sea that I’m becoming tired of it. At that time, I will need someone like Mr. Niu, who understands the situation, to help me. So, Junior Brother Feng, would you please allow Mr. Niu to accompany me for a while?"

Although it is a request, the meaning behind the words is undeniable.

"It seems that today, Senior Brother Xu, you must spar with me."

Green flames began to glow on Feng Qingtian and he walked slowly towards Xu Qingfan.

After being insulted repeatedly, Feng Qingtian regained his calm. He knew that to protect Mr. Niu today, he had to battle Xu Qingfan. Although Xu Qingfan was at a much higher level, Feng Qingtian had fought beyond his rank before. With Feng Qingtian’s talent, as long as their levels were not too far apart, he had a chance to win against anyone.

A hint of caution flashed in Xu Qingfan’s eyes, but he sighed and said, "Since that is the case, I will shamelessly ask for your guidance. It has been almost fifty years since I last learned from Junior Brother Feng."

While he was speaking, a sharp and strange cry of a phoenix suddenly rang out from beside Xu Qingfan. Then, thick black mist appeared, and within the swirling fog, a phoenix, burning with black flames and surrounded by black mist, burst forth and circled above Xu Qingfan’s head.

With the appearance of the phoenix, an immense pressure spread out from Xu Qingfan. Both Feng Qingtian and the nine-tailed fox, as well as the injured kylin, involuntarily took a few steps back, their eyes drawn to Xu Qingfan’s black phoenix, which radiated a terrifying and eerie aura.

"Over forty years ago, when I sparred with Junior Brother Feng, I could never forget your technique called Infernal Phoenix. And this move is also named Infernal Phoenix. As the wind takes shape, I hope Junior Brother Feng will teach me."

This statement contained more sincerity because Feng Qingtian indeed had a deeper understanding in this area than Xu Qingfan.

Looking at the Infernal Phoenix above Xu Qingfan’s head, Feng Qingtian’s face changed, and he stared at Xu Qingfan, saying slowly, "You have come for the Divine Plate of Inheritance too."

While speaking, Feng Qingtian was about to use his powers to fight Xu Qingfan.

However, at that moment, something unexpected happened.

"Stop! I am willing to go to the East Sea!"

Suddenly, Niu Wenxing shouted.

Hearing Niu Wenxing’s words, Feng Qingtian’s body shook in disbelief as he turned to look at Niu Wenxing, who met his gaze without fear.

Over the years, Feng Qingtian had treated Niu Wenxing well. He, who was usually proud, was always polite to Niu Wenxing. He granted every request Niu Wenxing made and even tried many ways to help extend Niu Wenxing’s life. Niu Wenxing had also shown loyalty, but unexpectedly…

Niu Wenxing looked into Feng Qingtian’s eyes for a moment, then suddenly turned away and said to Xu Qingfan, "Please forgive me, sir. I need to speak with my young master."

As he spoke, he began to pull Feng Qingtian aside to talk. Feng Qingtian initially planned to break free, but in the end, he let Niu Wenxing lead him toward the cave’s edge.

"Young master, in my room, on the bed near the pillow, there is a small booklet. It contains the plans I have thought about for our future and how to deal with unexpected situations over the years. Because of my health, at any time… Nevertheless, please, young master, when you return, find it and read through it carefully."

Feng Qingtian was just about to say something, but Niu Wenxing waved his hand to interrupt. Niu Wenxing continued, "That Xu Qingfan is very powerful. I hear he has a group of strong followers. I am going this time to check the situation for you. It would be good to use him if possible, and if there is a chance to form an alliance, we shouldn’t miss it. Anyway, when I get there, I will try my best to gain some advantages for us. But young master, don’t worry. You saved me, and my plans are only for you. Even if he wants to use me in the future, I will not help him."

"Also, over the years, we have been using the Zhong family and Shura Clan as our base of operations. However, many signs suggest that both the Shura Clan and the Human Alliance have lost patience with the Zhong family’s growing power. That area is not very safe anymore. We need to move our base. The specific location and method of relocation are recorded in that booklet. This matter is of utmost importance, and we need to take care of it as soon as we return."

From Niu Wenxing’s words, Feng Qingtian could hear his unwavering loyalty. However, why did he choose to ally with Xu Qingfan?

Sensing Feng Qingtian’s doubts, Niu Wenxing explained with a wry smile, "From the moment Xu Qingfan appeared, I noticed something was off in the way he looked at me. To him, I am too big a threat. If you try to stop him from sending me to the East Sea, he might find a way to eliminate me. Although I can’t practice cultivation, I can see some things. Young master, it would be very difficult for you to defeat him. Trying to block him from acting against me as a mortal is impossible. In that case, we would gain nothing. It would be better to go with him to the East Sea and see what happens. If there is a chance, I will definitely come back."

Listening to Niu Wenxing’s words, Feng Qingtian’s face was as dark as a storm cloud; he felt it was humiliation caused by his own lack of strength.

"Young master, you don’t need to blame yourself. Fate is destined. We must have these ups and downs in our lives."

At some point, a small bell appeared above Xu Qingfan’s head, ringing continuously. This was a little gadget made by Old Beggar called the "Whirlwind Bell." It could translate air vibrations based on a set location into words for the user to hear. Seeing its clever design, Xu Qingfan had casually put it in his sleeve during a visit to Old Beggar, not expecting it to be useful so soon.

Listening to Feng Qingtian and Niu Wenxing’s conversation, Xu Qingfan felt a mix of amusement and frustration. How had he become the villain forcing others to do what he wanted?

However, Xu Qingfan knew he could not allow a wise person like Niu Wenxing to continue serving Feng Qingtian. He wanted Feng Qingtian to create confusion but could not let Feng Qingtian’s power grow too strong. What would happen if resentment built up in his heart for three hundred years? Xu Qingfan understood very well what kind of disaster such a Feng Qingtian could bring to the world.

As for Niu Wenxing, Xu Qingfan certainly hoped he could help him. With Niu Wenxing’s assistance and Liu Ziqing, dealing with Zhang Xusheng would be much easier. If it didn’t work out, Xu Qingfan wouldn’t be too upset, as long as Niu Wenxing didn’t cause trouble. It didn’t matter if he didn’t contribute much effort.

When Niu Wenxing and Feng Qingtian returned, Xu Qingfan put away the "Wind Chime" and smiled at both of them.

"Senior, it’s not that I am bragging. I am quite important to the young master here. Once I am gone, it will definitely cause problems for the young master…"

"I understand," Xu Qingfan interrupted with a wave of his hand. "How about this? I have Zhang Xusheng’s real plan and new updates here. I will give them to Junior Brother Feng as a reference."

Xu Qingfan smiled as a green slip flew into Feng Qingtian’s hand, pulling Niu Wenxing aside. With this information that Xu Qingfan summarized, he did not believe Feng Qingtian would not take the initiative to lead.

Seeing Niu Wenxing’s questioning look, Xu Qingfan chuckled, "After we return to the Eastern Sea, there will be a lot of information. Of course, I will show it to Mr. Niu."

Then, Xu Qingfan said to Feng Qingtian, "But just this information is not enough to make up for Junior Brother Feng’s loss. How about this? You and Mr. Niu keep a way to contact each other. From now on, we will share information like a team. If you need help, whether it’s a magical potion, magical tools, or manpower, I can help. I will also assist Junior Brother Feng at the Azure Crystal Treasure House in six months…"

Xu Qingfan kept speaking, feeling that without Niu Wenxing, Feng Qingtian seemed too weak. So, he wanted to help Feng Qingtian as much as possible. A strong leader would be better at discovering Zhang Xusheng’s plans.

However, Feng Qingtian did not listen to what Xu Qingfan was saying. He just agreed on a way to contact Niu Wenxing, gave Xu Qingfan a cold look, and then left without saying a word.

After Feng Qingtian and the nine-tailed fox left, Xu Qingfan turned to the two very messy kylins and said with a smile, "Now, you both owe me two favors."