47: Chapter 47 A Warning to the Wang Family

Qingyang City, the market south of the city.

As the largest gathering place for cultivators within a thousand miles, the prosperity of Qingyang City far exceeds that of Yunyang City. The streets are wide, lined with shops, and filled with the sounds of hawking. There is an endless stream of cultivators coming and going, among whom there are many experts at the Foundation Establishment Stage.

Su Qingxue brought Su Xiaoxiao into a teahouse called "Tingyu Pavilion" and sat by the window on the second floor. The view here is open, and it is a gathering place for rogue cultivators, making it the best place for information.

Su Qingxue had changed into a simple white dress, wearing a light veil to cover her breathtakingly beautiful face, revealing only a pair of cold eyes. Even so, her ethereal temperament still drew many side glances. Su Xiaoxiao was dressed in a goose-yellow dress with her hair in twin ponytails, her large eyes curiously looking around, lively and cute.

The two ordered a pot of spirit tea and a few plates of exquisite spirit fruits, sipping tea while listening to the conversations of the surrounding cultivators.

"Have you heard? The Wang Family has recently recruited two more Foundation Establishment guest elders, and their strength has greatly increased."

"Of course! After the Liu Family fell, those two spirit stone veins were swallowed by the Wang Family. Now they are making a fortune every day. With money, they can naturally recruit experts."

"The Li Family is not to be outdone. I heard that the eldest daughter of the Li Family has made contact with a true disciple of the Xuanjian Sect. If they can become cultivation partners, the Li Family will have a great backer."

"Tsk tsk, it seems the sky of Qingyang City is about to change again. However, the Sun Family is keeping a very low profile. Ever since the old master of the Sun Family went into seclusion, the disciples of the Sun Family rarely cause trouble outside."

"Hmph, that's because the Sun Family has a deep foundation. With the old master of the Sun Family having cultivation at Foundation Establishment Stage Level 4, who would dare to provoke them? As long as the old master of the Sun Family is there, the Sun Family won't fall."

Su Qingxue listened quietly, keeping this information in her mind. It seems the situation in Qingyang City is even more complex than expected, with the three major families checking and balancing each other, all secretly accumulating strength.

Su Xiaoxiao leaned over and asked in a low voice, "Sister, is the Xuanjian Sect they mentioned the one that specializes in sword cultivation? I heard it's very powerful."

"Yes." Su Qingxue nodded slightly, her expression solemn. "The Xuanjian Sect is a sword cultivation sect. Its strength is no less than the Yunxia Sect, and it is even better in terms of offensive power. If the Li Family really makes contact with the Xuanjian Sect, it will be a bit troublesome for us."

Just then, a chaotic sound of footsteps came from the stairs.

Three cultivators walked up swaggeringly. The leader was a young man in brocade clothes, his face was quite handsome, but his eyes were frivolous, revealing an air of arrogance. He had cultivation at Qi Refining Level 9, and behind him were two burly men, both guards at the peak of Qi Refining.

The young man swept his gaze across the second floor unscrupulously. When he saw Su Qingxue by the window, his eyes lit up immediately.

He tidied his clothes and walked straight over, a self-proclaimed charming smile on his face. "This young lady is a new face. Are you new to Qingyang City? I am Wang Teng, a disciple of the Wang Family of Qingyang."

Su Qingxue's expression was indifferent; she didn't even lift her eyelids. "Something the matter?"

Wang Teng was not annoyed. He pulled out a chair and sat down, smiling. "Nothing, I just think the young lady has an extraordinary temperament and would like to make a friend. If the young lady encounters any trouble in Qingyang City, just mention my name, Wang Teng. In this Qingyang City, there is nothing my Wang Family cannot handle."

Su Xiaoxiao frowned and hummed with dissatisfaction. "Who wants to be friends with you? There are no empty seats here, go sit somewhere else."

Wang Teng's face sank, and he glanced at Su Xiaoxiao. "Little girl, watch your mouth. This young master taking a fancy to your sister is your good fortune. Don't refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit."

He turned to look at Su Qingxue, his eyes greedily lingering on her. Although separated by a veil, that graceful figure still made his heart itch. "Young lady, why not have a cup of tea with this young master? As long as you nod, from now on in Qingyang City, whether it is cultivation resources or cultivation methods and pills, this young master can satisfy you."

As he spoke, he actually reached out to lift Su Qingxue's veil.

"Get lost."

Su Qingxue's eyes turned cold, and the pressure belonging to a Foundation Establishment cultivator erupted instantly.

"Boom!"

Wang Teng only felt a terrifying aura rushing towards him, as if he had been targeted by a fierce beast. His face instantly turned pale, he took three steps back, and sat on the ground with a thump.

"Found... Foundation Establishment?!"

The two guards behind him were also trembling, not daring to move. A Foundation Establishment cultivator was an existence at the level of a family elder, not someone they could afford to provoke.

The surrounding tea guests cast surprised looks, followed by schadenfreude. This Wang Teng usually relied on his family's power to act domineeringly; today he had kicked an iron plate.

Wang Teng scrambled up in a sorry state, his face pale and green. Being humiliated in public filled him with shame and resentment.

"Fine, very fine! So what if you are Foundation Establishment?" He gritted his teeth. "In Qingyang City, if you are a dragon, you must coil; if you are a tiger, you must lie down! My Wang Family has plenty of Foundation Establishment experts! You just wait!"

After speaking, he ran away with his guards in a dejected manner.

Su Xiaoxiao was so angry her little face puffed up. "It's the Wang Family again! So annoying! I meet these kinds of people wherever I go."

Su Qingxue frowned, withdrawing her aura. "Things are troublesome. Wang Teng is the only son of the Wang Family head and is a person who seeks revenge for the smallest grievance. I'm afraid we have already been targeted."

"What should we do? Should we leave first?" Su Xiaoxiao was a little worried.

"No need." Su Qingxue shook her head. "Husband asked us to come and scout. If we get scared away by this little thing, wouldn't we lose face for Husband? However, this place is not suitable for staying long. Let's return to our residence first and send a message to Husband immediately."

...

Qinghe Town, Xu Family residence.

Xu Changkun was in the alchemy room researching how to nurture the crimson flame sword when his communication jade talisman suddenly vibrated.

He probed with his divine sense, and after listening to Su Qingxue's report, a cold light flashed in his eyes.

"Wang Family... seeking death."

Originally, he wanted to be polite before resorting to force and plan slowly. Since the Wang Family took the initiative to bump into him, he wouldn't be polite. It was just right to use the Wang Family to establish his prestige and let the forces of Qingyang City know that the Xu Family is not to be trifled with.

He immediately put away the crimson flame sword, walked out of the alchemy room, gave Lin Fenglan a few simple instructions, and then flew into the sky on his sword.

A Foundation Establishment cultivator flying on a sword is extremely fast. In less than half a day, Xu Changkun arrived at Qingyang City.

In a secluded courtyard in the south of the city, he met Su Qingxue and Su Xiaoxiao.

"Husband!"

Seeing Xu Changkun, Su Qingxue's long-tense nerves finally relaxed. Su Xiaoxiao threw herself into his arms and complained aggrievedly, "Husband, that Wang Teng is too bad, he even wanted to bully sister!"

Xu Changkun rubbed her head and said softly, "Don't worry, Husband is here, no one can bully you."

Su Qingxue explained the matter in detail and said worriedly, "Husband, the Wang Family will likely retaliate. And I found out that the core industries of the Liu Family have been divided up by the three families. It will be difficult for us to intervene. Especially the Wang Family, which occupies the largest share and will never easily spit it out."

Xu Changkun sneered, "Difficult? I want to see just how difficult it is."

He sat in the main seat, tapping his fingers on the table. "Tell me first, what is the strength of the Wang Family, Li Family, and Sun Family?"

Su Qingxue organized her thoughts and said, "The Wang Family is currently the strongest. The head of the family, Wang Xiong, is at Foundation Establishment Stage Level 3, and there are two guest elders at Foundation Establishment Stage Level 1. Plus, the second master of the Wang Family is also at the early stage of Foundation Establishment. There are four Foundation Establishment cultivators in total. The Li Family comes next; the head of the family, Li Yan, is at Foundation Establishment Stage Level 2, and it is said he has connections with the Xuanjian Sect. The Sun Family is the weakest, with few people, but the old master of the Sun Family, Sun Zhen, is at Foundation Establishment Stage Level 4, making him the top expert in Qingyang City. However, the Sun Family acts low-key and generally does not participate in disputes."

Xu Changkun pondered for a moment. "Sun Zhen at Foundation Establishment Stage Level 4... that is indeed a bit troublesome. But as long as he doesn't intervene, the Wang Family and Li Family are nothing to fear."

Although his current cultivation is only at Foundation Establishment Stage Level 2, he has a deep foundation and the crimson flame sword in hand, so challenging someone at Foundation Establishment Stage Level 3 is not difficult. Not to mention, he has the Yunxia Sect behind him.

"What are Husband's plans?" Su Qingxue asked.

"Polite before force." A sharp glint flashed in Xu Changkun's eyes. "Tomorrow, we will go 'visit' the Wang Family."

Su Xiaoxiao's eyes lit up, and she waved her little fist. "Is Husband going to fight them?"

"Not fight them." Xu Changkun smiled. "It's to reason with them. Of course, if they don't listen to reason, then we will use our fists."

The next morning.

Xu Changkun, along with Su Qingxue, Su Xiaoxiao, and two guards at the late stage of Qi Refining, swaggered to the front of the Wang Family's mansion.

The Wang Family is worthy of being one of the three major families in Qingyang City. The mansion covers a vast area, the vermilion gate is magnificent, and there are two rows of guards at the door, all with fierce auras.

"Stop! Who goes there?" The guard commander stepped forward to block their path, his eyes vigilant.

Xu Changkun stood with his hands behind his back and said indifferently, "Guest Elder of the Yunxia Sect, Xu Changkun, has come to visit the head of the Wang Family."

When the guard commander heard the words "Yunxia Sect," his expression changed slightly. Although the Wang Family is powerful in Qingyang City, they dare not be negligent in the face of a behemoth like the Yunxia Sect.

"Please wait a moment."

He quickly went inside to report.

A moment later, the central gate opened wide. A burly middle-aged man walked out surrounded by a group of people. It was the head of the Wang Family, Wang Xiong, whose aura of Foundation Establishment Stage Level 3 was released without concealment. Behind him followed Wang Teng and two old men with gloomy expressions.

"Elder Xu has arrived, I failed to welcome you." Wang Xiong cupped his hands, smiling without warmth. His gaze swept over Su Qingxue behind Xu Changkun, and a strange look flashed in his eyes. Obviously, he had already heard about yesterday from Wang Teng.

"Patriarch Wang is too polite." Xu Changkun's expression was calm, as if he didn't feel the other's pressure. "I came here today to discuss a business deal with Patriarch Wang."

"Oh? What business?" Wang Xiong asked, knowing the answer.

"The Liu Family's industry." Xu Changkun went straight to the point. "The Liu Family was destroyed, and its industry was divided by the three families. My Yunxia Sect has some interest in this and would like a share. In addition, my Xu Family is new here and would also like to find a foothold in Qingyang City."

Wang Xiong's expression changed slightly, then he sneered. "Elder Xu is joking. The Liu Family's industry already has owners; it's probably too late to talk about this now. As for the Xu Family wanting a foothold, as long as you follow the rules, my Wang Family will naturally welcome you. But if you want to rob us, I'm afraid you've miscalculated."

"It's not too late." Xu Changkun said indifferently. "As long as Patriarch Wang is willing to give up 20% of the Liu Family's industry, the Yunxia Sect will certainly reward you generously. Moreover, I heard that Young Master Wang offended my wife a lot yesterday. Shouldn't we settle this score as well?"

Wang Xiong's smile completely faded, and murderous intent appeared in his eyes. "Elder Xu, the Liu Family's industry was taken by my Wang Family with our own ability; why should we give it to you? As for my son, he was just admiring your wife's demeanor; what crime is there in that? On the contrary, your wife humiliated my son in public; I haven't even settled that score with you yet!"

The atmosphere became tense instantly.

"It seems Patriarch Wang doesn't want to talk?" Xu Changkun sighed, seeming a little regretful.

"There's nothing to talk about!" Wang Xiong said coldly. "Elder Xu, Qingyang City has its rules. Although your Yunxia Sect is strong, your hand reaches too far. This, after all, is Qingyang City!"

"Rules?" Xu Changkun laughed, his laughter carrying a trace of mockery. "In the world of cultivation, the weak are prey to the strong; strength is the rule. Patriarch Wang, what do you say?"

Before he finished speaking, he raised his hand and beckoned.

"Hum!"

The crimson flame sword appeared out of thin air, hovering in front of him. The sword body was crimson as blood, flame patterns flowed, and a scorching and fierce sword aura soared into the sky, instantly locking onto Wang Xiong.

Wang Xiong's pupils shrank, feeling that heart-palpitating aura, and he gasped, "Magic treasure?! You have a natal magic treasure?!"

Ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators mostly use top-grade magical tools. Those who can possess a magic treasure are all experts at the late stage of Foundation Establishment or true disciples of large sects. Xu Changkun is only at Foundation Establishment Stage Level 2, yet he possesses a magic treasure?

"Not bad." Xu Changkun gripped the hilt, the tip of the sword pointing directly at Wang Xiong. "If Patriarch Wang is unwilling to talk, I can go find the Li Family, or the Sun Family. I believe they will be more interested in the friendship of the Yunxia Sect, and the sword in my hand."

Wang Xiong's face was so gloomy it was about to drip water.

Xu Changkun was making a naked threat!

If it were only the name of the Yunxia Sect, he might be able to hold out; after all, a powerful dragon doesn't suppress a local snake. But Xu Changkun holds a magic treasure, and his combat power is definitely no weaker than his, perhaps even stronger. Once a war starts, even if the Wang Family can win, it will inevitably be severely damaged, and in the end, it will only benefit the Li Family and the Sun Family.

"Elder Xu, this matter is of great importance, let me consider it for a few days." Wang Xiong suppressed the anger and fear in his heart and gritted his teeth.

"Fine." Xu Changkun put away the crimson flame sword, and the sky-filling sword aura dissipated instantly. "Three days later, I will come to visit again. I hope that by then, Patriarch Wang can give me a satisfactory answer."

After speaking, he turned and left with Su Qingxue and the others, his back appearing extremely dashing.

Watching Xu Changkun's departing figure, Wang Xiong clenched his fists tightly, his nails digging deep into his flesh, and a resentful light flashed in his eyes.

"Dad! Are we just letting him go?" Wang Teng called out unwillingly.

"Shut up!" Wang Xiong backhanded him across the face. "If it weren't for you, you unfilial son, causing trouble, how would you have given him an excuse to come and cause trouble! Go back and reflect on your mistakes!"

He took a deep breath and looked at the elder behind him. "Go, invite the head of the Li Family to the mansion for a talk. This Xu Changkun is coming with bad intentions. Relying on our Wang Family alone, I'm afraid it will be difficult to deal with."

"Yes!"