Chapter 187: Feigning Decorum

"Forget it, I still prefer money that's already in hand."

Jiang Cheng refused without even thinking.

Just a Level 6 Original Force Warrior.

It's not like he's a Grandmaster.

"You idiot, you really can't tell good from bad; others have cried to grandpa and begged Grandma, and still never got this chance."

Qiu Feng snorted, put on his headphones, and went to listen to music.

Jiang Cheng shook his head.

Yesterday afternoon, he asked around other people.

Qiu Feng indeed has an older brother named Qiu Song, a Level 6 Original Force Warrior, and also leads an adventuring squad whose members are mostly Level Five and Level Six.

Logically, with such a brother, there should be quite a few people inside who try to curry favor with him.

At first it was like that, but as they got to know each other, everyone realized Qiu Feng was extremely arrogant, claiming to be great despite having no real ability, constantly looking down on everyone, and gradually no one wanted to associate with him.

But for the sake of the mission, Jiang Cheng was still willing to show the other side a bit of goodwill.

When the mission is done, everyone can go back to their own homes and look for their own mothers.

The vehicle left the Outer City District, passed through a wasteland, and ahead a cluster of houses appeared.

Poor District, arrived.

It still looks bustling here, with many shops opening on both sides.

After driving further inside for a while, it gradually becomes desolate, not much different from the Pingxi Street he was in before.

People on both sides of the road, mostly pale and gaunt, saw a black off‑road vehicle approach and lined the sides, peeking secretly with curiosity and fear.

After some winding, the off‑road vehicle entered a long street.

This street was actually quite lively; the vendors on both sides far outnumbered those in the other places they'd passed.

"The grain shop up ahead, go in from the side," Qiu Feng said.

Jiang Cheng looked up, and indeed there was a shop called Su's Grain and Oil Store; entering from the side led into a courtyard.

As soon as the vehicle stopped, three figures hurried over.

One man and two women.

The leading person appeared to be in his early sixties, yet was sprightly, his face flushed.

Behind him were two women in their early twenties, dressed in tight clothing and wearing heavy makeup.

The car door opened, and Jiang Cheng and Qiu Feng each stepped out of the vehicle.

"I am Su Ming, pleased to meet the two Special Envoys," the leading elder quickly bowed.

"Met the Special Envoys."

The two women also performed a formal salute, their voices sweet.

"Hmm, you're the owner of this shop, right?"

Qiu Feng asked the elder, but his eyes unabashedly stared at the two women.

"Exactly."

Su Ming beamed, "Special Envoys, the journey has been tiring; I've already prepared rooms and set out food and wine, please follow me."

"Go ahead."

Qiu Feng said, flashing a smug smile at Jiang Cheng, as if asking whether he should thank him, noting that not every mission is this comfortable.

Jiang Cheng took a deep breath.

It seems this grain shop is run by the Dawn Society.

Quite a big connection, indeed.

A few of them arrived at a refined second‑floor room, where the table was laden with abundant wine and dishes.

As soon as they sat down, the two women proactively poured wine for them.

"Special Envoys, I toast you; help yourselves," Su Ming said.

Su Ming finished speaking and drained the cup in one gulp.

"Alright, old man, stop the nonsense."

Qiu Feng frowned, "You know the purpose of our visit; tell us the situation so no one doubts it."

After speaking, he glanced at Jiang Cheng. "Alright, alright."

Su Ming ushered the two women aside and said, "The Special Envoys are here because of the Lingyun Gang. Speaking of it, the Lingyun Gang has only emerged in the past two months, but it already has many top members; there are two Second-level Force Warriors, and also three or four Level One, their strength is not to be taken lightly. I heard they also wield guns; if the Special Envoys encounter them, they must be especially cautious."

"No need for you to remind me."

Qiu Feng snorted coldly, looking at Jiang Cheng.

"Cang Hai, you should be relieved now, right?"

Jiang Cheng nodded slightly.

"Old man, where is the Lingyun Gang's stronghold?"

"Their stronghold is right on the street; the courtyard next to the casino is it. The top members of the gang basically live in that courtyard, so the Special Envoys should go there at night."

"Are you teaching me how to act?"

"No offense, no offense."

Su Ming quickly shook his head.

Qiu Feng snorted coldly, looking at Jiang Cheng,

"Cang Hai, when do you think is a good time to strike? How about tonight?"

He seemed a bit anxious.

"Fine."

Jiang Cheng nodded; he naturally also hoped to finish things here soon and return to cultivation.

However, before that, he still had some questions to ask.

"Boss Su."

"Ah?"

Su Ming was startled, pointed at himself, and said, "Is the Special Envoy calling me?"

Jiang Cheng, too lazy to answer, asked, "How does the Lingyun Gang oppress ordinary people? Is it worse than the previous gang?"

"That's definitely the case."

Without thinking, Su Ming replied, "All the gangs out there are no good; they oppress ordinary folk, forcibly take women, and commit every vile act! Everyone here is hoping the two Special Envoys will eliminate them and rid the people of harm."

"Then how much do they collect as Protection Fee each month? And what about the Stall Fee?"

"Well…"

Su Ming was stunned and gave an awkward smile.

He didn't care about those matters; after all, no matter which gang outside, none dared to come here to collect Protection Fees.

"Special Envoy, I'm not very clear on the two questions you asked, but I could send someone to inquire. However, I think it's certainly higher than the previous gang."

"Cang Hai, why are you asking these?"

Qiu Feng replied impatiently, "Protection Fee, Stall Fee—those aren't the point. Once we're full and rested, we can recuperate, gather our strength, and tonight just take them all down."

"Exactly, exactly, two Special Envoys, my food and drink are plentiful; please eat heartily. If you wish to rest, there will be dedicated staff to attend to you." Su Ming gave a meaning‑laden smile.

Clearly, he was referring to the two women just now.

Jiang Cheng gave a noncommittal nod.

He thought to himself, indeed, the people running this grain shop and the ordinary locals nearby, though in the same place, belong to two different strata.

To obtain concrete details, one still has to ask ordinary people more.

He had a premonition that this Lingyun Gang must have something different from other gangs, which is why the Dawn Society had its eyes on them.

After the meal, Qiu Feng rushed into the room impatiently.

"Special Envoy, you should also go rest quickly; if you need anything, just say."

Su Ming blinked his eyes.

"No, I'll go out to familiarize myself with the surroundings, to make tonight's operation smoother."

Jiang Cheng said, heading toward the stairs.

"Alright, Special Envoy, take care."

Su Ming smiled outwardly, but thought inwardly, another pretentious one.

(End of chapter)