1383: Show your power

The small Origin Ore Vein owned by Zhao Yunxing was located in a mountain forest in the eastern part of Yunhu Star.

Although it was only a small ore vein, there were quite a few people living around it.

Miners, managers, guards, service personnel…

These added up to over a thousand people, forming a small town, Zhao Family Town, on the flat area next to the mountain forest.

Of course, although the town was named Zhao Family Town, there were few people named Zhao, and not a single one named Zhao like Zhao Yunxing.

At this moment, the sky was bright.

In the town center square, apart from the protective forces on duty at the ore vein, most of the managers and guards had gathered here, waiting for the arrival of the person sent from above.

"Young Master He's message said that the person sent from above this time is a young man who just turned twenty, and his Four Realms Late Stage strength, while not bad in the surrounding area, cannot alleviate the difficulties we are currently facing at all."

During the wait, a steady-faced middle-aged man said with worry.

He was Fang Pingdong, who managed all affairs of the ore vein, nominally the Grand Steward, but when the higher-ups had not explicitly designated a person in charge of the ore vein, he could be considered the top person here.

Although his own strength was only in the Three Realms, he was stable in character and extremely loyal to Zhao Yunxing.

"Old Fang, you're right. What use is a Four Realms Late Stage person?"

"He's probably here to throw his weight around and make us treat him like an ancestor daily."

A fierce-looking big man next to him said with disdain.

He was Guardian Captain Guan Ning, the captain of the ore vein guard team, with the strength of Realm Four Peak Stage, and also the most promising among the three Realm Four Peak Stage stationed at the ore vein to Breakthrough to the Five Realm.

Upon hearing Guardian Captain Guan Ning's words, Fang Pingdong's expression became somewhat troubled.

The area within ten thousand li belonged to the Liuyun Sect, a local power on Yunhu Star. They mined Origin Ore here and needed to hand over ten percent of their output monthly in exchange for the Liuyun Sect's protection.

However, this kind of protection was only for internal matters and not external, especially when they had disputes with other forces also mining Origin Ore. The Liuyun Sect would be even less likely to intervene, as each of their backgrounds was very complex.

The problem Fang Pingdong was currently facing was a dispute with surrounding forces also mining Origin Ore.

Two hundred li to the north, there was a force called the Black Tiger Gang, which occupied a small Origin Ore Vein. Its leader had recently passed the first Heavenly Tribulation and entered the Five Realms Initial Stage, and had declared that all surrounding ore veins must hand over thirty percent of their output to the Black Tiger Gang monthly. Those who did not would prepare for the Black Tiger Gang to come personally and take it.

He had already received the Black Tiger Gang's invitation, which invited the persons in charge of the various ore veins to their base tonight to discuss the "protection fee" matter.

Originally, Fang Pingdong sought help from Zhao Yunxing, hoping that a Five Realm expert would be sent from above to curb the Black Tiger Gang's arrogance and resolve the protection fee issue.

However, now…

"Alas!"

Fang Pingdong sighed.

Looking at the situation, it seemed that the higher-ups intended to let the matter rest.

He thought to himself, then turned to Guardian Captain Guan Ning, who was full of disdain, and reminded him:

"When the person arrives later, watch your words. We don't know the background of this person in charge, but Young Master He is not easy to deal with."

"Hmph!"

"Watch what? We're being bullied, and I can't even be a little emotional?"

Guardian Captain Guan Ning snorted angrily, his eyes filled with indignation.

"Alas!"

Seeing this, Fang Pingdong sighed again, feeling that the welcoming ceremony later might not end well.

Buzz, buzz, buzz!

Just then, a buzzing sound like bees rang out.

Fang Pingdong looked up at the direction of the sound and quickly straightened his expression.

"They're here!"

A small black dot appeared in the distant sky, rapidly expanding, and finally its full form appeared before their eyes: it was a silver-white flying machine.

"Watch your attitude later."

As the flying machine landed on the open ground next to the square, Fang Pingdong reminded Guardian Captain Guan Ning again, then quickly led people to greet them.

The hatch opened, and two figures walked out.

Leading them was a handsome young man, followed by He Qifeng, whom Fang Pingdong already knew well.

"Young Master Wang, Young Master He."

Fang Pingdong led everyone in a bow.

"Mr. Wang, let me introduce you. This is Steward Fang Pingdong, the Grand Steward who is usually responsible for various affairs here at the ore vein."

"This is Guardian Captain Guan Ning, Captain Guan, the captain of the ore vein guard team."

Standing beside Wang Chen, He Qifeng introduced them.

Upon hearing this, Wang Chen looked at the two.

"Steward Fang, Captain Guan."

"Young Master Wang is too polite."

Fang Pingdong's face was full of smiles at this time, his attitude respectful and impeccable.

However, Guardian Captain Guan Ning, on the other hand, had a sour face and merely nodded without responding.

Seeing this, Fang Pingdong immediately felt a bit awkward and quickly said:

"Young Master Wang, Guardian Captain Guan Ning is a rough man and not good with words. Please do not blame him."

"I have already prepared a banquet to welcome Young Master Wang and Young Master He. Please."

As he spoke, Fang Pingdong bowed and walked ahead to lead the way, glaring fiercely at Guardian Captain Guan Ning as he turned.

However, at this moment, Guardian Captain Guan Ning paid no attention at all.

Behind him, Wang Chen's steps were also motionless; he did not follow Fang Pingdong, but instead looked at Guardian Captain Guan Ning with interest.

"It seems Captain Guan is not very welcoming of my arrival. However, the matter has been decided and cannot be changed. For a more pleasant future together, I think it's necessary for us to be more direct."

Wang Chen said calmly, his tone very placid.

He had long expected that his arrival would cause dissatisfaction. This Guardian Captain Guan Ning's straightforwardness was just right for establishing his authority.

"How do you want to be direct?"

Looking at Wang Chen, Guardian Captain Guan Ning showed no fear; his eyes were instead somewhat disdainful.

A twenty-year-old Four Realms Late Stage was indeed impressive, but trying to show off in front of him, a Realm Four Peak Stage, was wishful thinking.

"Old Fang just said it, I'm a rough man. Not only am I not good with words, but I also don't know my own strength when I act. If Young Master Wang wants to spar with me, I'm afraid your noble body might get hurt."

Guardian Captain Guan Ning said with a hint of sarcasm, a strong Evil Qi gradually emanating from him.

He could become the captain of the ore vein guard team, overpowering the other two Realm Four Peak Stage, because his own strength was extremely solid, and the resources he consumed to cultivate to this point were all fought for little by little.

As soon as this Evil Qi was released, it immediately made the surrounding guards uncomfortable, and Fang Pingdong's face turned pale.

He never expected that everything he had instructed earlier would be completely ignored by Guardian Captain Guan Ning.

And behind Wang Chen, He Qifeng's expression was also somewhat grim.

On one hand, he didn't expect Wang Chen to be so bold, immediately picking out the fiercest among the ore vein's stationed personnel. On the other hand, it was because Guardian Captain Guan Ning was also similar, speaking with a threat and not putting Young Master He in his eyes at all.