Chapter 69: The Merchant Guild's Invitation

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Su Family, the courtyard of Chen Fei and Su Ran’s matrimonial home.

After reading the introduction about the Universal Merchant Guild, Chen Fei finally understood why Ye Chen had obediently left.

The Universal Merchant Guild was immensely powerful—not just because of the many strong individuals within its ranks, but more importantly, because of its dominance in trade and commerce.

Take the Great Qing Kingdom as an example.

On the surface, the royal family of the Great Qing Kingdom was undoubtedly the most powerful force, controlling all the kingdom’s resources and holding absolute authority within the country.

However, even within the Great Qing Kingdom, the royal family had to show some restraint when dealing with the Universal Merchant Guild.

This was because the guild controlled several crucial resources, enough to shake the foundation of the Great Qing Kingdom. If these resources were withheld, it could trigger a chain reaction, plunging the kingdom into a crisis of shortages and potential unrest.

This was the terrifying aspect of economic control—it could be even more threatening than the powerful cultivators within the guild.

The Universal Merchant Guild valued Chen Fei for his sharp business acumen and Chen Yang for his extraordinary talent.

Li Qingyi saw great potential in this pair of brothers—one with a keen economic mind and the other with immense strength. He believed that under their leadership, the merchant trade routes could expand significantly. With this in mind, he sought to cultivate them as his successors in the Great Qing Kingdom.

Li Qingyi was a man of great ambition. His goal was not only to rise higher within the Universal Merchant Guild but also to enhance his personal strength.

The commercial trade network of the Great Qing Kingdom was a valuable resource for him, and he wanted to find a reliable person to take over, securing his own position within the guild.

To entice them, Li Qingyi offered incredibly generous terms—bestowing upon Chen Fei and Chen Yang the title of “President of Huangwu City.”

Additionally, Li Qingyi made it clear that the two brothers would receive an annual allowance, including one billion spirit stones, three spiritual martial techniques, ten ordinary spiritual artifacts, and one hundred third-grade elixirs.

Upon hearing this, Su Ran couldn’t help but exclaim, “Big Brother, this is an excellent opportunity for you and Chen Fei.”

“The Universal Merchant Guild is extremely powerful, not even weaker than the Qinling Sect.”

“If you accept, your merchant fleet will skyrocket in influence. More importantly, you’ll have a solid backing within the Great Qing Kingdom.”

Su Ran was the first to voice her opinion, clearly in favor of Li Qingyi’s proposal.

Chen Fei was indeed tempted. His efforts in expanding the influence of his trade fleet were all to secure cultivation resources for himself.

Now, with the guild extending this olive branch, he wouldn’t have to struggle alone anymore. He could leverage the guild’s influence to rapidly expand his trade fleet.

Martial techniques, elixirs, spirit stones, and even spiritual artifacts—he could obtain all of these easily through the guild, solving his most pressing cultivation resource issues.

But such benefits came at a cost. If he accepted, his merchant fleet would no longer be solely under his control—it would also belong to Li Qingyi.

Moreover, Chen Fei would have to sign a contract with the Universal Merchant Guild, meaning he would be obligated to follow their directives from then on.

“This decision ultimately depends on Chen Yang’s opinion,” Chen Fei said to Su Ran.

“This is such a great deal—of course, Chen Yang won’t refuse,” Su Ran said happily, glad that the guild had taken an interest in the two brothers.

Chen Fei turned to look at Su Ran, his expression serious. “Sister-in-law, may I ask you something?”

“If my brother agrees to Li Qingyi’s offer and is later assigned to another city, or even sent outside the Great Qing Kingdom, will you go with him?”

Su Ran was momentarily stunned, looking at “Chen Yang” in surprise. After a brief hesitation, she firmly answered, “No.”

“Why?” Chen Fei glanced at his beautiful wife.

“Big Brother, I appreciate your help, but there are things I cannot explain,” Su Ran admitted, feeling a bit guilty toward Chen Yang.

Chen Yang had only gotten involved because of Chen Fei. He had come to the Su family’s aid and had even offended the City Lord’s Mansion in the process.

“Hm.” Chen Fei didn’t press further. It was clear that his wife had her own secrets and burdens.

“Let’s go. We shouldn’t keep Li Qingyi waiting—he’s an important figure,” Su Ran said as she stood up and walked toward the courtyard exit.

Meanwhile, Li Qingyi, despite being the head of the Universal Merchant Guild in the Great Qing Kingdom, did not display any airs of superiority. Instead, he sat with Su Xiangwen and Lu Yijun, sharing expensive tea and chatting casually.

“Well?”

“Are you willing to join my Universal Merchant Guild?” Li Qingyi asked with a smile as he saw Chen Fei and Su Ran approaching.

“Li Gongzi, we greatly appreciate your generosity,” Chen Fei said sincerely.

“You’re not satisfied with my offer?” Li Qingyi raised an eyebrow. He believed the conditions he offered were far superior to those given to other city presidents. Did these brothers actually think it wasn’t enough?

“You misunderstand, Li Gongzi. Your terms are more than generous,” Chen Fei clarified. “However, my brother and I are united in our decisions, so I must respect his opinion as well.”

“Hah! Brothers united—how admirable!” Li Qingyi wasn’t displeased. On the contrary, he smiled approvingly and said, “I value loyalty above all. No rush—I’ll be staying in Huangwu City for some time. When you and your brother have made up your minds, you can give me your answer.”

“Thank you for your understanding, Li Gongzi,” Chen Fei said, nodding.

Before leaving, Li Qingyi turned to Su Ran and added, “Regardless of whether your husband joins my Universal Merchant Guild, as long as I remain in Huangwu City, the City Lord’s Mansion will not dare set foot in the Su family estate.”

This was a significant favor.

“Thank you, Li Gongzi!” Su Ran quickly expressed her gratitude. She understood why Li Qingyi was doing this—he wanted her to help persuade Chen Fei to accept the offer.

Although she wouldn’t interfere with Chen Fei’s decision, she also wouldn’t refuse Li Qingyi’s assistance.

For her, time was the most crucial factor. Once she fully awakened the Phoenix Bloodline within her, all of her troubles would naturally disappear.

After seeing off Li Qingyi and Lu Yijun, Chen Fei did not leave immediately.

The City Lord’s Mansion had been forced to withdraw, but Su Xiangwu and the other Su family elders were still present. If Chen Fei left now, they might seize the opportunity to retaliate against Su Ran and her father. The Su family had no one strong enough to stop them.

Thus, Chen Fei accompanied Su Xiangwen and Su Ran to the Su family’s main hall, summoning all the family elders and guards.

In the past, the guards ignored Su Xiangwen’s orders, and the family elders showed him no respect.

But now, with the formidable “Chen Yang” sitting beside him—even Su Xiangwu had to bow his head.

Let alone the others.

At this moment, aside from Chen Yang, only Su family members remained in the great hall.

Sitting in the patriarch’s seat, Su Xiangwen, accompanied by Su Ran, gazed coldly at Su Xiangwu and the other rebellious elders.