126: Clearing the area in front of the Old Ghost Hall

The vendors who originally set up stalls here had all disappeared, leaving behind only some clutter they hadn't had time to pack up, proving that the area had been bustling not long ago.

The entire area was eerily quiet.

"This... what's going on?"

The smile on the face of the man leading the way froze.

The scene before him formed an incredibly ironic contrast with what he had just boasted about.

Wang Han's expression also darkened.

He had excitedly brought his daughter and Lin Yu over, showing off his connections, displaying his financial power, going through all that trouble, only for the destination to be sealed off?

This made him feel like a clown.

If the purpose of this trip fell through, the face he lost today truly wouldn't be recoverable.

Noticing Wang Han's displeasure, a layer of cold sweat instantly seeped from the man's forehead.

"Director Wang, don't worry, I... I'll go ask about the situation!"

He didn't dare to say any more nonsense, quickly straightened his clothes, and braced himself to walk towards a black-clad man guarding the intersection.

He forced the friendliest smile onto his face and pulled out a pack of good cigarettes from his pocket.

"Brother, you've worked hard. Could I ask you something, is this...?"

The black-clad man didn't even glance at him, only squeezing out a single word from his throat.

"Scram."

Simple, direct, without any emotion.

The man's smile completely solidified on his face, his outstretched hand awkwardly suspended in mid-air.

He sheepishly withdrew his hand, then, still unwilling to give up, he edged a little closer and lowered his voice.

"Brother, please make an exception. I've brought distinguished guests, and we have an appointment with your Seventh Master, you see..."

"Didn't you hear?"

The black-clad man finally moved. He slowly turned his head, a pair of emotionless eyes staring at the man.

"Old Ghost Hall has a big business today, it's been cleared. If you want to buy potions, come another day."

The man's legs felt a little weak.

He felt the undisguised killing intent emanating from the other party, the kind only truly blood-soaked individuals possessed.

But Wang Han was still standing behind him, and he couldn't just slink back like this.

"Brother, please reconsider..."

He was practically pleading, even trying to discreetly slip something over.

However, the black-clad man didn't give him a chance, directly pushing him away.

The force wasn't great, but it was extremely insulting.

"Don't get in the way here, otherwise, you'll suffer the consequences."

The man stumbled, almost falling, his face completely drained of color.

He knew that if he kept talking, it might not be as simple as just being pushed.

He could only run back to Wang Han, flustered and apologetic.

"Director Wang, I... I've asked." The man's voice trembled.

He lowered his head, not daring to look Wang Han directly in the eye.

"They said Old Ghost Hall has a big business today and it's been cleared."

"They won't let us in, and they also said... they also said to come back another day."

Wang Han's face darkened.

The air pressure around him dropped a few degrees.

He looked at the man, displeased.

Bringing his daughter and Lin Yu today was originally to show off his strength.

But he was stopped outside, completely losing face.

This made him feel like a clown.

"Business?" Wang Han scoffed.

His tone carried dissatisfaction.

"What kind of business could shut down the entire place?"

Fine beads of sweat seeped from the man's forehead.

He knew Wang Han was angry.

"Director Wang, I... I'm not clear on the specifics." He quickly explained.

"But those people, they have a killing aura about them, not to be trifled with."

"I didn't dare to ask too many questions."

His voice grew softer and softer, almost inaudible.

Wang Han clenched his fist.

He glanced at Lin Yu and Wang Qingxuan.

This trip to the black market had already been embarrassing enough.

First, being stuck at a small stall due to a black card.

Now, being turned away at the destination.

As a Director of Tianqing Group, when had he ever suffered such indignity?

"Director Wang, don't worry!" the man said eagerly.

He saw Wang Han's displeasure and quickly tried to salvage the situation.

"Old Ghost Hall isn't the only potion shop in the black market!"

"I know several other bosses, and their goods are also good!"

"Although they're not as... as popular as Old Ghost Hall's, the quality is absolutely fine!"

He enthusiastically recommended other options.

"There's no need to stick to this place, shall we go look elsewhere?"

Wang Han didn't speak.

He knew the man was trying to make amends.

But this kind of remedy, in his opinion, seemed a bit pale.

He came today with a clear goal: the potions from Old Ghost Hall.

The effects of those potions had already spread throughout Linzhou.

If he just found a random substitute, what was the difference from not coming at all?

Could his dignity still be restored?

The man saw that Wang Han was unmoved.

He grew even more anxious.

Wang Han's expression became increasingly ugly.

He knew that if this continued, he would also suffer consequences.

He leaned in closer, lowering his voice even further.

"Director Wang, I heard... that the people clearing the area today are from Chen Ao's side."

He was cautious.

He knew Chen Ao's status in the black market.

Wang Han's body stiffened.

Chen Ao.

This name in the Linzhou black market was a colossal rock.

King of the Black Market.

His influence was deeply entrenched.

As a Director of Tianqing Group, he could command respect outside.

But in the black market, Chen Ao was the local emperor.

No matter how powerful Tianqing Group was, it couldn't control the rules of the black market.

Moreover... it couldn't afford to control them.

Going head-to-head would only lead to suffering.

Wang Han tightened his fist.

He slowly released it.

No matter how much anger he felt, he had to suppress it.

The name Chen Ao was an insurmountable chasm.

He lightly coughed.

He put his hands behind his back.

He tried to make his voice sound calm.

"Oh? It's Chen Ao's people."

His tone carried a hint of disdain.

"No wonder. Forget it, places like this, it's better not to come."

He tried to act unconcerned.

He looked at Lin Yu.

Lin Yu still maintained his calm demeanor.

It seemed as if everything around him was irrelevant.

Wang Qingxuan spoke up then.

She tugged at Wang Han's sleeve.

"Dad, I don't think the name 'Old Ghost Hall' sounds good." Her voice was clear.

"It sounds a bit spooky."

She stuck out her tongue.

"Let's go look somewhere else, okay?"

She looked at Wang Han.

Wang Han nodded in agreement.

He breathed a sigh of relief.

His daughter's timely intervention provided him with a perfect excuse.

"Qingxuan is right." Wang Han's tone lightened a few shades.

"This kind of place isn't very interesting."

He waved his hand, making a decision.

"Let's go, let's look elsewhere."

He gave the man a look.

The man let out a long breath.

He quickly nodded and bowed.

"Yes, yes, yes! Director Wang is brilliant! I'll take you to a good place right away!"

He walked in front, his body bent even lower.

Wang Han turned around.

He, Wang Qingxuan, and Lin Yu followed the man, leaving.

In his heart, he still harbored a feeling of resentment.

Lin Yu walked at the very end.

He looked back at the sealed-off Old Ghost Hall area.

The black-clad men remained expressionless.