"Steward Zhang, go back immediately and handle this matter. Sever all business ties with the Yang family at once," Yu Wanxiong commanded without a second thought.
"Yes!" Zhang Han respectfully answered, and immediately ran out.
This was his chance to shine. As long as he could save his own skin, Zhang Han didn't care about the rest. As for the consequences of severing the cooperation, that wasn't his concern.
The reason why Yu Wanxiong was so decisive was entirely because expelling the fire poison gave him confidence. Without the hindrance of the fire poison, he was sure that he could step into the realm of a Second Grade Alchemist in a short time.
With the status of a Second Grade Alchemist, the mere Yang family wouldn't count for anything. Even many of the forces in the surrounding cities would probably try to ingratiate themselves with him.
"Pavilion Master Yu, I will help you expel it for the second time in three days," Feng Wuchen continued.
"Thank you, Young Master Feng. I must take my leave now," Yu Wanxiong said with great gratitude.
Feng Wuchen wanted to sever business ties with the Yang family, and without asking, Yu Wanxiong understood and then left.
No sooner had Yu Wanxiong left than Feng Qianyang asked, "Wuchen, are you after the business rights just to sever ties with the Yang family?"
"Chen Er, what use do you have for the business rights? Why not go for the Profound Grade martial techniques?" Xiao Qingqing also asked with confusion.
"The Yang family wants to kill me, so they must pay the price. They have already severed business dealings with our Feng family, so why can't I cut off their business? Without money, the Yang family will slowly decline. As for the business rights, of course, it's to make our Feng family stronger," Feng Wuchen replied with a smirk, then left the hall.
"Uncle Feng, just trust Brother Feng. He will definitely make the Feng family stronger," Ling Xiaoxiao said confidently in Feng Wuchen, and she too ran out after speaking.
"Chen Er!" Feng Zhengxiong called out but couldn't stop him, cursing, "This kid is getting more and more outrageous! Always so secretive."
"Father, you're not wrong. In the past half month, the third brother has indeed become more mysterious," Feng Zhan said with a frown.
"Normally speaking, with a Second Grade Martial Soul's talent, it's impossible to have such a terrifying cultivation speed. The cultivation speed that the third brother is displaying now, I'm afraid even those with an Eighth Grade Martial Soul can't compare to him," Feng Yuan added.
"Did neither of you find out anything?" Feng Zhengxiong asked.
Both shook their heads, and Feng Yuan said with a wry smile, "Before we could even speak, the third brother called it a secret, so we had no choice."
"Amazing techniques, astonishing cultivation speed, and a sharp and intelligent mind, these changes are truly perplexing. Wuchen's calm and composure is incomparable to ordinary people of his age," Feng Qianyang said slowly.
"This shows that Chen Er has grown up! And he's a cultivation prodigy, which is a good thing!" Xiao Qingqing said with a cheerful smile. What mother wouldn't be pleased to see her son stand out?
"It's not that simple, just that we don't know what has happened to Chen Er. But since Chen Er has made his decision, all we can do is trust him," Feng Zhengxiong shook his head.
"Father, judging by the third brother's handling of just now, he is much more capable than me and the eldest brother," Feng Zhan said with a smile.
Feng Zhengxiong smiled faintly, nodding, "That is true. Even when facing Elder Su, this kid could act nonchalantly, using the expulsion of the cold poison to restrain Elder Su. Now, even that old fox Yu Wanxiong has personally come to apologize; he's very astute indeed."
"Wuchen is much stronger than those geniuses. Not to mention his terrifying cultivation speed, but just with the miraculous ability to expel cold and fire poisons, there's no telling how many alchemists would want to employ him," Feng Qianyang added, noting the most valuable aspect.
"The Elder is absolutely right, Chen Er's future achievements are immeasurable," Feng Zhengxiong's face beamed even more brightly.
...
Steward Zhang, who returned to Wanbao Pavilion, didn't hesitate and directly ordered the cessation of all business dealings with the Yang family. Faced with Elder inquiries, Zhang Han just said it was the order of Yu Wanxiong.
Wanbao Pavilion was both shocked and puzzled—why abruptly sever ties with the Yang family?
Zhang Han offered no explanations, only orders.
The news spread quickly. Unmatched City was once again abuzz, everyone wondering what had happened to prompt Wanbao Pavilion to make such a decision.
Had the Yang family offended Wanbao Pavilion? Or had they secretly taken some treasure from Wanbao Pavilion? Various rumors circulated around Unmatched City.
The Mo family and the Lin family were also very puzzled; for years, Wanbao Pavilion had never cut off business with anyone or any family. So why had they made this sudden decision?
No one could understand it.
Inside the Yang family hall.
The members of the Yang family had already heard the news and were too shocked to believe it.
"Why has Yu Wanxiong suddenly severed business ties with our Yang family? We haven't offended them," Yang Qingyun said, his face ashen.
"Family Head, could it be Feng Zhengxiong's doing? We had just cut off dealings with them, and now, Wanbao Pavilion suddenly cuts us off. It must be related to the Feng family!" one Elder said with conviction.
Yang Qingyun shook his head, speaking coldly, "Impossible! Wanbao Pavilion has no reason to fear the Feng family, nor to cut off ties with us for their sake, not even the Mo family has that kind of influence!"
"Even so, Wanbao Pavilion has no reason to sever ties with our Yang family. What exactly is going on? Apart from the Feng family in Unmatched City, we haven't offended anyone else!" Yang Yun said with furrowed brows, the more he thought about it, the stranger it seemed.
Before Yang Qingyun and the others could make sense of it, the news that followed was more terrifying than the last, catching them completely off guard and leaving them unable to accept it.
"Family Head! It's terrible! The Lin family and all three major families of Taiyun City have severed their business cooperation with our Yang family!" A guard rushed into the hall in panic.
"What?" Yang Qingyun's face changed dramatically, and he stood up in shock.
"How is that possible! The three major families of Taiyun City have always been on good terms with our Yang family. How could they possibly break off cooperation with us?" Yang Yun trembled in fear.
"It's absolutely true! All three major families of Taiyun City have sent the goods back!" the guard replied in panic.
Yang Qingyun's face twisted grotesquely as his flesh twitched violently, clearly in a state of rage.
"Reporting to the Family Head!" Another guard ran in frantically.
"What now!" Yang Qingyun bellowed.
The guard turned pale with fright and stammered, "Re... reporting to the Family Head, all five major families of Luotian City have sent back our goods, and they said they've severed cooperation with our Yang family!"
"Boom!"
Another heavy bomb exploded in the Yang family hall, causing everyone's legs to go weak from fear.
If these families all cut off cooperation with the Yang family, the income of the Yang family would inevitably shrink greatly. This was a huge blow to the Yang family and, over time, the whole clan might fall into decline.
"This is preposterous! What on earth is going on! Who exactly is targeting my Yang family!" Yang Qingyun roared, his terrifying murderous intent could no longer be contained.
On the same day, Wanbao Pavilion, the Lin family, Taiyun City, Luotian City, and many other families all ceased their business cooperation with the Yang family. This was definitely not a coincidence but the work of someone scheming behind the scenes, targeting the Yang family.
Even a fool could see that.
"This may have something to do with Wanbao Pavilion. The families of Taiyun City and Luotian City both cooperate with Wanbao Pavilion. It must be Wanbao Pavilion's doing; otherwise, they wouldn't break off cooperation with us!" Yang Yun said darkly, furious, as only Wanbao Pavilion had such strong methods.
"Yu Wanxiong!" Yang Qingyun gritted his teeth in fury, his eyes almost spitting fire.
"Family Head, let's go to Wanbao Pavilion first to clear things up," an elder suggested.
"To Wanbao Pavilion!" Yang Qingyun raged, "Also, send someone immediately to investigate! Let's see who is messing with us behind the scenes!"
The news had already spread throughout Unmatched City, and Yang Qingyun, along with the Yang family's senior members, headed to Wanbao Pavilion, full of anger.
At that moment, it was business as usual at Wanbao Pavilion, with treasures still being sold and the atmosphere as bustling as ever.
Yang Qingyun and the others entered Wanbao Pavilion in a fury, the guards not daring to block their way, while other customers quickly scurried aside in fear.
"Yu Wanxiong! Come out!" Yang Qingyun roared furiously, causing the originally bustling Wanbao Pavilion to fall silent in an instant.
In just a moment, sensing Yang Qingyun's terrifying intent to kill, many patrons in Wanbao Pavilion began to panic and flee, not wanting to be caught in the crossfire.
Seeing the Yang family's formidable presence, Zhang Han's face paled with fear, but as a steward of Wanbao Pavilion, how could he show cowardice? Especially in Wanbao Pavilion!
With the power of Wanbao Pavilion behind him, there was no need to fear the Yang family.
Suppressing the fear in his heart, Zhang Han said sternly, "Family Head Yang, Wanbao Pavilion is not a place for you to throw a fit. Don't you know the rules of Wanbao Pavilion? Stop yelling around here."
As Zhang Han spoke, numerous guards of Wanbao Pavilion swarmed out.
"This has nothing to do with you, better step aside!" Yang Qingyun said angrily, his fierce gaze fixed on Zhang Han, as if ready to strike if Zhang dared to intervene.
The hall of Wanbao Pavilion was filled with tension.
"Family Head Yang, I knew you would come. Steward Zhang, please step back," just then, the voice of Yu Wanxiong echoed through the hall of Wanbao Pavilion.
"Yu Wanxiong! For what reason did you sever the cooperation with my Yang family, and also cause Taiyun City and Luotian City's many families to cut off business with my Yang family? What is your intention?" Yang Qingyun demanded angrily.
Yu Wanxiong walked out of the hall slowly, speaking indifferently, "Family Head Yang, there's nothing I can do about this matter. The trouble you've caused has involved Wanbao Pavilion. If I didn't do so, I'm afraid not only my life but also Steward Zhang's life might be at risk. Instead of Wanbao Pavilion seeking you out, you have come to us."
"Trouble?" Yang Qingyun frowned and thought for a moment. He could ascertain that the Yang family hadn't caused any trouble, and he said solemnly, "My Yang family hasn't caused any trouble! Even if we had, what does it have to do with Wanbao Pavilion?"
"Hmph! If Family Head Yang says so, then what I, Wanbao Pavilion, have done has nothing to do with your Yang family, does it?" Yu Wanxiong said with a faint sneer.
"Pavilion Master Yu, I really can't think of any prominent figure the Yang family has offended, someone so fearsome that even Pavilion Master Yu is wary. We definitely haven't offended anyone, so please enlighten us," Yang Yun said gravely.
"I'm afraid I cannot divulge that. You should go back and figure out who you have offended. Now, please leave," Yu Wanxiong said coldly, then turned and left.