Chapter 237

Shen Tang maintained a calm expression, but her heart was bursting with joy as she observed the utterly aggrieved faces of the Dongjiang Gang members present.

Before Lu Xingzhou's return, this situation would undoubtedly have been complicated. However, upon his arrival, it became remarkably straightforward, even though he didn't appear to do much.

Lu Xingzhou, in fact, found it simpler to strategize for the Skyfaring Sword Sect than for the Yama Hall. This was because confrontations between major powers are never solely a test of strength between two parties; external connections with other factions are a critically important element. In this particular aspect, the most potent advantage was the backing of official power.

This particular advantage was never available to him when he was involved with the demonic sects; it was always wielded by his opponents. However, with the Skyfaring Sword Sect, he could utilize it to his great comfort.

Whether it was due to Gu Zhanting's guilt towards his daughter or the National Preceptor's intervention, that imperial decree of "support," even if merely a verbal promise, could be leveraged in countless ingenious ways.

Zhang Rongzhi took the main seat, while the Shi family uncle and nephew sat awkwardly at the lower end. All other elders had departed, and even the large contingent of Dongjiang Gang elites downstairs had been dismissed. The private room finally felt conducive to a normal conversation.

Zhang Rongzhi calmly stated, "It is entirely normal for multiple businesses to operate in the same industry. For instance, in Xia Province, there are at least eighty, if not a hundred, businesses dealing in medicinal ingredients. Competition among them is perfectly natural and even beneficial, as it promotes better efficacy and quality, drives down prices, and ultimately benefits the public. Sect Master Shen, understanding this principle, recognized that her escort business might conflict with the Dongjiang Gang's, and thus wishes to discuss industry standards to ensure harmonious competition and mutual benefit."

Shi Tielong was utterly exasperated. Anyone could speak in such ornate language, but the reality was that the Dongjiang Gang had previously monopolized this business in the prefecture. Now, inexplicably, they were being forced to share it. Who would be pleased by that? By what right?

Of course, from another perspective, why should *they* have a monopoly? Why shouldn't others be allowed to do it? Ultimately, it always comes down to who holds the power.

Lu Xingzhou calmly said, "There has never been a rule stating that only one party is allowed to do something, and others are forbidden. That makes no sense. The imperial court and the common people are also more inclined to see competition, which leads to better quality and more affordable options. I'm rather puzzled. The Dongjiang Gang has been in this business for so long; by rights, they should be confident in doing it better than anyone else, and anyone entering this line of work should be suppressed. Why are you so nervous...?"

That goes without saying—who wouldn't want a monopoly?

But at this stage of the discussion, Shi Tielong could only retort, "Who said our gang fears a challenge? We came to this banquet precisely to hear what your esteemed sect has to propose, didn't we?"

Lu Xingzhou smiled, "In the presence of the Prefect, we naturally wish to establish an industry consensus, much like the medicinal ingredients trade in Xia Province, to avoid vicious competition. For example, the consensus in Xia Province is that medicinal ingredients and pills speak for themselves in terms of efficacy and price. Burning down others' herb gardens or secretly poisoning competitors' ingredients – these are already prohibited by law, so we won't mention them. But there are also things not covered by law for which we need to set our own rules... for instance, no malicious price wars, where harming a thousand opponents costs eight hundred of your own, which benefits no one, right?"

Shi Tielong coldly asked, "According to Elder Lu, how should we establish rules for this industry?"

"Naturally, by the efficiency and safety of transportation."

A vein throbbed on Shi Tielong's forehead. The transportation business was unlike medicinal pills, where preliminary comparison results could be obtained the same day. In this line of work, if they truly had to wait for everyone to take on jobs and then compare who was safer and more efficient, or even wait for one or two accidents to occur before verification, how much time would pass? Would the Dongjiang Gang's business simply be halved during this period, leaving them powerless?

Besides, even if they were eventually compared, it would simply be more of the same. Who could truly dominate whom?

Zhang Rongzhi stroked his beard and said, "This official also agrees. You all may discuss and decide on the detailed rules yourselves."

"Discuss what?" Shi Tielong fumed. "If we're comparing efficiency and safety, when will we ever see a definitive result?"

Lu Xingzhou looked at him, feigning surprise. "Is there something wrong with no immediate result? Or is Gang Leader Shi not interested in peaceful business, but merely wishes to suppress us?"

"You..."

Lu Xingzhou interrupted, "If you want a quick result, that's also very simple."

Shi Tielong bit back his words and coldly asked, "And what brilliant idea does Elder Lu have now?"

Lu Xingzhou smiled. "It's quite simple to quickly demonstrate who is safer and more efficient. In this business, apart from experience, the most direct measure is the strength of the accompanying escorts, isn't it?"

"So?"

"Therefore, we can openly set up an arena and let the outcome of combat speak for itself. Who is stronger and who is weaker would be immediately clear to the people of Xia Province. Isn't that the most straightforward approach?"

Shi Tielong's heart stirred. He calmly said, "Escorting goods isn't just about one's own strength; it also depends on the support of external allies."

"That's a fair point, but how do we prove it?"

"If we are to have a martial arts competition in an arena, then each side can invite external aid."

Shen Tang couldn't help but interject, "Gang Leader Shi is certainly good at calculations."

Shi Tielong's eyelids flickered. "Is Sect Master Shen afraid?"

Shen Tang feigned anger, "Well, there should at least be a number."

Shi Tielong calmly suggested, "Since we are comparing our respective strengths, a small number wouldn't truly showcase a sect's capabilities. How about each side fields ten individuals?"

He had calculated precisely: the Skyfaring Sword Sect, including Shen Tang, currently had only four individuals at Third Rank or above. Even if those four won all their matches, it would still be a six-to-four advantage in his favor.

In fact, Shi Tielong's true aim was to completely rout the Skyfaring Sword Sect. If successful, not only would the escort business be out of the question for them, but the entire sect's reputation would be utterly trampled. They would never again dream of competing with the Dongjiang Gang for the title of the top power.

Shen Tang's chest heaved with feigned anger. "Gang Leader Shi is certainly good at scheming!"

Shi Tielong calmly said, "The proposal was made by your sect's Elder Lu, so my suggestion for the number of participants is perfectly reasonable."

Lu Xingzhou's face flushed, and he slammed the table, "Ten it is then! We're not afraid of you!"

Zhang Rongzhi said, "Have you all discussed this thoroughly? Once the arena is set up and word spreads throughout the prefecture, there will be no turning back."

The young man and woman slammed the table together, "It's decided then! Are we afraid of him?"

Then, as if remembering something, Shen Tang, her face still flushed, asked, "If we don't have enough participants, can one person fight multiple matches?"

Shi Tielong suppressed a smile and replied, "Of course."

Zhang Rongzhi sighed, a regretful expression on his face as if lamenting the young people's impulsiveness. "Since that is the case, this official will serve as a notary. You may invite external aid yourselves. The grand martial arts arena in the city will host the matches three days from now."

Shi Tielong, suppressing his joy, led his group away, while the young man and woman also departed, seemingly indignant.

The negotiation began with Shi Tielong feeling aggrieved, but it ended with him unexpectedly achieving his desired outcome. One could only conclude that the young man and woman were too impulsive. How could individuals of their age accomplish great things?

Little did anyone know that as soon as the two returned to Danxia Mountain, they both burst into laughter, bending over at the waist.

Shen Tang, clutching her stomach, pointed at Lu Xingzhou. "I didn't realize you were such a good actor."

Lu Xingzhou chuckled, "How else could I have tricked my Princess?"

"Oh, stop it," Shen Tang said, glancing around to ensure they were alone. "So, you admit you tricked me?"

Lu Xingzhou pushed her wheelchair slowly up the mountain. "Tricked you into what? I haven't even won you over completely yet."

Shen Tang retorted indignantly, "That's all you ever think about!"

Lu Xingzhou chuckled, "Acting is one thing, but let's not let this scheme backfire. At the very least, I'd be too embarrassed to ask Ms. Ye to single-handedly defeat ten opponents for us; she'd kill me. She's simply our anchor, at least not afraid of any Second Rank cultivators."

"I would never let another woman bolster my prestige!" Shen Tang scoffed. "It's just a Second Rank; do they really think I'm afraid?"

Lu Xingzhou's eyes held a deeper meaning.

This battle might lure out more than just Second Rank cultivators.

"What did you say? Shen Tang and Lu Xingzhou have gone mad, actually daring to settle this with an arena match?" In another residence in the city, True Master Xuanhe of the Lingyun Sect looked at Shi Tielong before him, both surprised and delighted. "It's not a trap, is it?"

Shi Tielong smiled. "In the Prefect's presence, even if there's a trap, it won't manifest in the arena itself. I believe those young people simply couldn't stand being provoked."

"Excellent, excellent," True Master Xuanhe exclaimed, rising abruptly. "I'll immediately notify our Sect Master and see if Spring Mountain Pavilion can send some representatives. Prince Jin will certainly be interested in this. They believe it's just a Third Rank contest, heh heh..."

Anu, licking a string of candied hawthorns, skipped into a seemingly ordinary private residence.

Inside, several strong men were building their physiques by lifting stone weights. Upon seeing Anu, they were all startled, nearly dropping their weights. "Lord Ghost Child," one stammered, "why are you here...?"

"Don't call me that! It's too embarrassing!" Anu protested, almost in tears. "Where's Yingshuang? Tell him to come here."

Yingshuang rushed out of the room. "Little Ancestor," he said, "since the prefecture's administration changed, our main forces have all relocated here. What are your orders?"

Anu said, "Send someone to notify the Blood Refinement Sect. Strong cultivators from Spring Mountain Pavilion will be arriving in Xia Province within three days; they'll be either Second Rank or First Rank. If there isn't time to intercept them on their way here, then they can certainly be ambushed on their way back."

Yingshuang's eyes widened in confusion. "How does this matter here relate to Spring Mountain Pavilion and the Blood Refinement Sect?"

"You don't need to worry about that," Anu giggled. "After all, who doesn't have a few enemies? We new forces can't exactly attract allies, but there's no harm in finding some adversaries for them, right?"

Yingshuang was speechless.

Anu bit off a piece of candied hawthorn. "Oh, by the way, I heard that the Joyful Harlot Sect and the Canglan Sect had some deep disagreements years ago. I wonder if they'd be interested in a Second Rank cultivation vessel from the Canglan Sect? It's just a pity he's a bit old..."

Yingshuang was speechless.

"Now, be careful," Anu said, calmly licking her candied hawthorn as she turned to leave. "Don't mention our involvement. If they foolishly run into their enemies on their own, it has nothing to do with our sect, which simply minds its own business... Who told them to wander around with enemies on their tails anyway? After all," she mused, "who doesn't have a network of connections...?"

Yingshuang's mouth twitched. In truth, this didn't even count as the Judge Lord's personal network of connections.

The righteous and demonic factions had been at odds for so many years; which one didn't have enemies? It just so happened that the Judge Lord was perfectly clear about all these enemy relationships within the demonic path. He was clearly eliminating opponents for them, and by then, the Blood Refinement Sect and the Joyful Harlot Sect might even owe Lu Xingzhou a favor.