177: Can't sit still? Then don't sit.

The following days were peaceful, and nothing significant happened in the Lingxiao Sect.

Everyone was cultivating hard for the Sect Competition, or else they were doing missions to earn points.

Jiang Shuwan, Lu Qianqian, and Feng Mian were completely benefiting from Feng Ming's help.

The Spirit Gathering Formation belonged to him, and they could use it however they pleased.

As for Feng Ming himself, being a Sect Elder, he didn't have to worry about points.

Thus, everyone was cultivating quietly and diligently.

Feng Ming also adjusted his seclusion time.

Every day, besides comprehending the thunder tablet, he would go home to perform Dual Cultivation with Jiang Shuwan.

The benefit of this was that his own cultivation wouldn't fall behind, and it also maximized the improvement of Jiang Shuwan's strength.

As for Lu Qianqian, it wasn't that Feng Ming didn't want to help her; the key was that she was unwilling.

Back when he asked her to marry him, she was hesitant and unwilling.

Later on, she reluctantly signed a deed of sale.

She wasn't even willing to let him kiss her normally, so how could she possibly perform Dual Cultivation with him?

Feng Ming was also helpless... Hua Clan Merchant House, Hua Pavilion.

Hua Dieer looked at the person before her with a smile and spoke slowly, "The Lord City Lord is truly a rare guest."

"Everyone says Lord Lu and his wife are a match made in heaven. Seeing it now, it truly is enviable."

Lu Zhenfeng waved his hand. "Nonsense, we're an old couple now; we can't compare to you young people."

"It's just that my wife was in a coma for many years and has only just woken up, so I was indeed very worried. Plus, Qingyang City has been calm lately, so I'm happy to enjoy some leisure."

Hua Dieer smiled and said, "The City Lord is quite the joker. Is there ever a peaceful time in Qingyang City?"

Hearing this, Lu Zhenfeng understood immediately. Raising an eyebrow, he lowered his voice and asked, "Oh? So, the Huangfu Family can't sit still anymore?"

"I didn't expect them to take action after only three months. It's truly unexpected."

Hua Dieer chuckled. "My Lord, to you, three months pass in the blink of an eye because you and your wife are so sweet together."

"But for the Huangfu Family, every day feels like a year. Those three months haven't been easy for them."

As Hua Dieer spoke, she tossed an account book onto the table.

Lu Zhenfeng opened it and flipped through a few pages, then immediately burst into laughter.

"No wonder they can't sit still. In three months, their income has plummeted by ninety percent. It's only normal that they can't sit still; the Huangfu Family is likely just an empty shell now."

Hua Dieer nodded in agreement. "The Huangfu Family has long been an empty shell. Ninety percent of the business in Qingyang City is now with the Feng Family. Their selling prices are lower than the cost prices; how could the Huangfu Family possibly compete?"

Lu Zhenfeng nodded. He didn't think Hua Dieer had called him over today just to say this; there must be something important she wanted to discuss.

"Shopkeeper Hua, why did you invite me here today?"

Hua Dieer personally poured a cup of water for Lu Zhenfeng and then spoke, "Dieer called the City Lord over today to remind you that if the Huangfu Family doesn't strike back soon, they will be removed from Qingyang City."

Lu Zhenfeng frowned. "With me in Qingyang City, how could it be easy for the Huangfu Family to strike back?"

Hua Dieer: "Three months is enough time for them to prepare and resolve many troubles."

Lu Zhenfeng raised an eyebrow. "Huangfu Mo?"

"I've had people watching him; it will take him at least three days to reach Qingyang City."

Hua Dieer shook her head. "Lord City Lord, no matter what, Huangfu Mo is a person of the Bright Moon Dynasty. It's one thing to manipulate power behind the scenes, but regarding the matter between the Huangfu and Feng Families, not only are you watching, but Yue Qingchen is also watching."

"What kind of ability would Huangfu Mo need to target the Feng Family under everyone's watchful eyes?"

Actually, Hua Dieer's own target wasn't Huangfu Mo either.

She placed a document on the table.

Lu Zhenfeng immediately picked it up and took a look, his expression changing drastically.

"Rotten Wood? Why would he appear in Qingyang City?"

The key issue was that for such an important matter, his people hadn't reported a single piece of news.

Was he hidden that deeply, or was someone providing cover?

Clearly, the latter was more likely.

Lu Zhenfeng didn't expect that Rotten Wood, who had always been evading pursuit and living in seclusion, would actually come to Qingyang City.

Hua Dieer nodded. "The Huangfu Family's merchant caravan left Qingyang City three months ago. I thought they were preparing to relocate, but there's been no movement on that. Instead, that thousand-year-old bastard, Rotten Wood, has actually made a move."

Lu Zhenfeng's brow furrowed. "I do know a bit about this person. He's a figure on the Bright Moon Dynasty's wanted list, but he's cunning and has a strong network. Even the government has never been able to do anything about him."

"Now that he's come to Qingyang City, it's clearly related to the Huangfu Family. But as for Feng Ming's side, do you want me to help him stop this person?"

Hua Dieer shook her head. "Lord City Lord, you are mistaken. Regarding Rotten Wood, even the information we investigate is inaccurate and sometimes delayed. There's no way to accurately judge his movements; stopping him is simply impossible."

"His methods are ruthless, and he hides in the shadows. We are powerless to help with this; Feng Ming must endure it himself."

"I'm telling you this only because Qingyang City is your territory. We only want to live and work in peace while doing business here. I hope you will take precautions early to prevent any chaos."

"As for Feng Ming, he can only rely on himself. I can't help him, and neither can you. All I can do is pass this information to him."

Lu Zhenfeng didn't refute this. Rotten Wood was powerful; ordinary people couldn't deal with him at all, and even Ye Feng was no match.

Since he was also hidden in the shadows, if Lu Zhenfeng wanted to help, he would have to move into his house.

Otherwise, there was simply no way.

"That old fox Huangfu He must have known long ago that Huangfu Mo's return could only stabilize the situation but couldn't solve the Feng Family problem. So, their true trump card is that old thing, Rotten Wood."

Hua Dieer nodded. "If it were a competition of Medicinal Pills, the Huangfu Family would undoubtedly lose. Everyone knows this outcome, which is why Feng Ming isn't in a hurry to deal with them. In time, the Huangfu Family would naturally be removed. But clearly, the Huangfu Family doesn't intend to lose so pathetically."

"The outcome of the struggle between the two families will be decided in the next few days. Not only their result, but the top ten of the Lingxiao Sect will also be determined tomorrow. The sky over Qingyang City is about to change."

Lu Zhenfeng nodded. "Thank you, Shopkeeper Hua, for the information. I have some arrangements to make, so I will take my leave now."

Hua Dieer knew he was in a hurry and didn't try to keep him.

After Lu Zhenfeng left, the Maid asked, "Young Miss, don't we need to remind the City Lord about that matter?"

Hua Dieer shook her head. "Let's wait until the struggle between the two families is over. Whether it's the Feng Family or Lu Zhenfeng, they are both people Lu An'an cares about. If the matter isn't resolved, saying it now is useless."

"It's soon. I feel the dust will settle within the next few days. Let's just wait and see."

The Maid nodded. Hua Dieer said, "I am your Young Miss. Worry less about others and remember to arrange my matters."

The Maid quickly replied, "Don't worry, Young Miss, I'm already preparing."

Hua Dieer stood by the window, watching the pedestrians passing hurriedly outside, her expression unreadable.

In her heart, however, she was looking forward to what would happen next.

Yet, she was also somewhat worried.

Others didn't know and thought that since the Feng Family had the Nascent Soul Destruction Formation, they could easily handle all the Huangfu Family's sneak attacks and assassinations.

However, Hua Dieer knew very well that three months ago, Feng Ming had already returned the Nascent Soul Destruction Formation.

That is to say, Feng Ming now has no protection at all.

Hua Dieer only hoped that Feng Ming had some trump card she didn't know about.

Intuitively, Hua Dieer believed Feng Ming would win. For no particular reason, just thinking of Feng Ming's confident look made her feel he wouldn't do anything without preparation.

Hua Dieer looked toward the direction of the Lingxiao Sect and murmured, "Feng Ming, I wonder how you will deal with the Huangfu Family this time?"