The conversation at the table soon shifted to discussing the Pan-Continental Merchant Alliance.
Dai Weis said, "The appearance of a Transcendent Douluo has completely changed people's perception of the Pan-Continental Merchant Alliance."
Xu Ruyun, her voice smooth and magnetic, replied, "Isn't that the truth? Now, everyone looks at the Merchant Alliance with a bit more fear. Take my cousin, for example, a duke in the Southern Wohe Duchy who had been delaying his payments to the Alliance. Even he rushed to settle his debts."
"The Divine Blade Douluo made it clear, those who offend the Merchant Alliance will be hunted down, no matter how far they flee. Who wouldn't be afraid of that? Speaking of which… have we paid the remaining balance for the mansion renovations?"
Zhu Yan turned to an elderly family member in charge of finances.
After all, the Divine Blade Douluo had taken down Tang Hao, the man who once defeated the previous Pope, in a single move. If even Tang Hao was no match, how could the Zhu Family dare to provoke such a force?
A single flying blade had shaken the world.
And so, Li Xunhuan was revered as the Divine Blade Douluo.
"It's been paid, just a few days ago," the old man answered.
Only then did Zhu Yan relax, sighing, "The fact that the Divine Blade Douluo would make such a declaration shows how united the Pan-Continental Merchant Alliance is. It's not like Qian Daoliu, who barely involves himself in the affairs of the Spirit Hall."
Zhu Zhuyun nodded. "That's true. I heard Tang Hao only tried to bully a young member of the Merchant Alliance, and that was enough to anger a supreme expert like him."
Dai Weis laughed. "No need to worry too much. Don't forget, I'm here. I frequently collaborate with the Pan-Continental Merchant Alliance, and our relationship is quite close. I've also maintained a good personal friendship with their elder, Lou Gao. In a couple of days, I'll be heading to their headquarters in Gengxin City to discuss a major deal."
"That's right, His Highness the Crown Prince is even the spokesperson for the cola they sell," someone flattered.
"Your Highness, are you going to Gengxin City to purchase armor and weapons for our empire's military?"
"Exactly. The armor and weapons they produce are the finest on the continent. And thanks to my connections, they've agreed to give me a plummeting discount of thirty percent off!"
Watching Dai Weis beam with pride, Lu Feng couldn't help but chuckle inwardly.
After all, he was the one who had recruited the entire Blacksmith Association, gathering nearly all the continent's finest craftsmen under the Pan-Continental Merchant Alliance.
By industrializing production and establishing large-scale factories, along with monopolizing crucial resources like Chillheart Iron and Deepsea Silver, the cost of armor and weapons had plummeted.
This so-called "plummeting discount" was just one of many business tactics from his past life, the profits were still enormous.
With the Spirit Hall's rise, the two great empires felt increasingly threatened. They expanded their armies and strengthened their soldiers, all of which required top-tier equipment. And since the Merchant Alliance controlled most of the resources and craftsmen needed to forge such gear, the empires had no choice but to make bulk purchases from them.
War profiteering is insanely profitable. Becoming the richest man on the continent owed much to this massive revenue stream.
Gengxin City was technically under the Star Luo Empire's territory and fell within the Spirit Hall's jurisdiction. But precisely because it was a zone of overlapping influence, neither side dared to move against the Merchant Alliance. If they pushed too hard, the Alliance could simply shift its full support to their rival, a loss neither could afford.
"I heard Brother Lu Feng has also joined the Merchant Alliance to do business," Dai Weis remarked.
"Yes, I joined early on," Lu Feng replied.
"Then, do you have any insider information about the Alliance?"
"What kind of insider information?"
"For example… about your Alliance Leader. Just the fact that he managed to recruit a Transcendent Douluo as a guest elder proves he must be an incredibly powerful figure. It's a shame I've never had the chance to meet him."
"Giggle—" Xu Ruyun smiled sweetly. "Your Highness, don't put poor Feng'er on the spot. Back then, he was just an ordinary civilian without a trace of spirit power. There are millions like him in the Merchant Alliance, far from the core circle. What kind of secrets could he possibly know?"
Calling me "Feng'er" in that maternal tone, yet your feet are far from idle...
Really now...
Lu Feng forced a smile and nodded politely, graciously thanking Xu Ruyun for her "affectionate care."
Some time later, Zhu Zhuqing and Zhu Zhuyun left the banquet after eating their fill. Lu Feng remained, dragged back by Dai Weis and others for more drinks and conversation.
Before long, Zhu Yan and Xu Ruyun also prepared to depart. As she left, Xu Ruyun let out a soft chuckle and extended her delicate hand for a farewell handshake: "Since you're leaving for Suotuo City, Auntie won't see you off. Have a safe journey."
"Thank you, Auntie."
Lu Feng exhaled in relief, finally, the enchantress is leaving.
During their handshake, he felt her slip a small object into his palm.
What new scheme is this?
His eyes followed her retreating figure, the sway of her slender waist accentuating her voluptuous curves, each step radiating effortless allure. He quickly averted his gaze; the mature charm beneath her dignified demeanor was dangerously potent.
After enduring the gathering a while longer, Lu Feng finally saw off a reluctant Dai Weis and retreated alone to his courtyard. Only then did he examine Xu Ruyun's note:
"Tonight, Rose Grand Hotel, Room 605"
Damn! A secret Date?
The Star Luo City Rose Grand Hotel happened to be his own property, the flagship of his chain, located right by the Merchant Alliance branch. Privacy wouldn't be an issue at his own establishment...
'But should I go?'
'I'm a man of principles, and I've no taste for these cloak-and-dagger affairs.'
He turned toward the gate—
He was curious about Xu Ruyun's true intentions, but that didn't mean he was set on crossing that line.
After taking two steps, Lu Feng paused again.
After two steps, he halted.
Xu Ruyun was no simple woman. This was likely the Xu family's attempt to exploit his "weakness" for beautiful women, a vulnerability the entire capital had witnessed when he'd abandoned everything for Zhu Zhuqing.
This is a calculated move!
The realization doused most of his rising desire. Going would mean playing right into her hands. Besides, the system hadn't even issued—
[Ding! Side Quest Triggered: Win Xu Ruyun's Favor. Reward: 5,000 Energy Points.]
'There's actually a quest?! Damn it, System—you old lecher! Do you even know who she is? And you're encouraging this?'
...Wait. 5,000 points?
That's the highest reward yet.
A woman this scheming, winning her true heart would be far too difficult.
Xu Ruyun was exactly that kind of woman.
Who knows what she's plotting? To truly capture her heart would take a long time, and it'd be nothing but trouble. Right now, he simply didn't have the time to spare. Best not to provoke her for now. He'd have the Merchant Alliance's intelligence department dig into her background, knowing your enemy was half the battle.
Lu Feng crumpled the note into dust and swiftly returned to his residence.
The moment he reached the door, the skies opened up, and heavy rain poured down.
Then—
He sensed something unusual inside his room.
Focusing his spiritual power, he linked his perception to the Blue Silver Emperor on the windowsill, borrowing its "vision." Through it, he caught a glimpse of a shadowy, slender figure slipping under his blankets.
Though the image wasn't clear, the faint outline suggested quite the voluptuous figure.
Is my little glutton playing hide-and-seek?
Didn't she say she was swollen? Must've recovered by now. Good.
With a tipsy hiccup, Lu Feng pushed the door open, grinning.
He had drunk a bit too much tonight. Normally, he'd use his spirit power to sober up but tonight, he was in high spirits, relaxed. Why bother? He'd enjoy this pleasant buzz instead.
A Few Seconds Earlier…
Zhu Zhuyun had taken advantage of Lu Feng's absence—while he was drinking with Dai Weis—to sneak into his room and search for his secrets.
She hadn't expected him to return this quickly. One moment, she was rifling through his things—the next, he was already at the door.
Panicked, she acted on pure instinct and dove under the bedsheets.
The instant she hid herself, she realized her mistake.
Why the hell did I choose the bed?! The floor would've been better!
Even she couldn't explain why she'd made such a stupid, basic error.