Chapter 75: The Shopkeeper's Rules

Shopkeeper Feng poured tea for Li Banfeng, pondered for a long moment, and said, "What exactly is inside this phonograph, I can't say for sure. The phonograph was transferred to me by a merchant from Green Water Bay.

He asked for 180,000. I inspected the goods; the brand was authentic, the craftsmanship was good, it was ninety percent new, and it was worth the price.

I didn't haggle and accepted the item. Who would have thought that less than three days after it was home, trouble would occur?

After the incident, I went to find that merchant again, but he had already left Medicine King Gully.

Green Water Bay is mostly inhabited by wealthy families. It's not too difficult to investigate someone. I entrusted a friend in Green Water Bay to look into this person's background.

Later, I learned that this person was originally from a small wealthy family in Green Water Bay. Later, because he got close to the Lu family, he completed several big deals. After earning a lot of money, he moved into a large mansion. As a result, just after moving into the new residence, more than a dozen people in his family died unnatural deaths.

I suspect this matter is related to the phonograph, but I can't produce evidence. Even if I could, it would be useless. Before the transaction, if I had discovered the phonograph was strange, I would have told him to get lost on the spot. But once the deal was settled, saying anything was too late. I can only blame my own poor judgment."

Li Banfeng asked, "Can you tell me the name of this merchant?"

Shopkeeper Feng shook his head: "That won't do. I know his name, but I cannot tell you this. Just as I accepted your Snake Spot Pill, I would never tell the buyer your name. This is the rule for business people."

Li Banfeng did not force Shopkeeper Feng. In this matter, Shopkeeper Feng had done nothing wrong.

"You have also told me quite a few things; the reward must still be given." Li Banfeng took out 2,000 yuan and gave it to Shopkeeper Feng. Shopkeeper Feng pushed the money back.

"Boss Li, I cheated you in this matter. If I take your money again, I would be too unscrupulous."

Shopkeeper Feng refused to accept it no matter what. Li Banfeng directly asked about the next matter: "I want a travel permit to the Outer Continent. Do you have any connections?"

"Going to the Outer Continent..." Shopkeeper Feng frowned, "This matter is not easy to handle. I have to go and inquire. You will have to wait two more days; it's hard to have news in a day or two."

As long as there are connections, Li Banfeng can wait, but the price must be clarified.

"Shopkeeper Feng, what is the price of the travel permit?"

Shopkeeper Feng stroked his beard: "Boss Li, I won't hide it from you. I can choose not to earn the price difference on this matter, but if it's less than 20 million, I'm afraid the matter won't be handled."

It really is this amount. Yu Nan told the truth, but Li Banfeng still wanted to ask for the reason: "Why is the travel permit to the Outer Continent so expensive?"

Shopkeeper Feng smiled: "I am a businessman and only speak in terms of business. If I could save up 20 million, I would definitely make a trip to the Outer Continent.

There are many good things in the Outer Continent that Puluo Continent doesn't have, and Puluo Continent also has many good things that the Outer Continent doesn't have. This round trip can earn a big profit. 20 million will definitely be recouped. If the business is done appropriately, doubling it several times is not a problem."

That's right, why didn't I think of that? There is big business here!

I still have a Personal Residence; I can bring all the rare treasures of Puluo Continent to the Outer Continent.

After finishing this deal, I won't have to move bricks anymore!

Money, Li Banfeng needs money very much right now!

He took out a red elixir and handed it to Shopkeeper Feng: "Please trouble yourself to take a look."

Shopkeeper Feng looked at it carefully for a long time, nodded slightly and said: "This is a Profound Scarlet Pill, top-grade quality. Boss Li, do you intend to sell this elixir?"

Li Banfeng nodded: "If the price is right, naturally I will sell it."

Shopkeeper Feng took out a handkerchief, placed it on the coffee table, and first put the elixir in the center of the handkerchief.

This is his rule. For business that hasn't been negotiated, items must be placed on the table.

"Boss Li, this elixir can sell for 200,000 on the market, but I cannot buy this elixir.

This is a general store. I cannot guarantee a smooth sale for such a precious elixir. It can only be sold on consignment here.

If you trust me, leave the elixir here. If the deal is made, I will take a 20% cut. If the deal is not made, the original item will be returned. Do you think that's appropriate?"

"Appropriate!" Li Banfeng agreed on the spot, and then took out the only purple elixir and handed it to Shopkeeper Feng.

"Please take another look. What is the origin of this elixir?"

Shopkeeper Feng looked at it for a long time and returned the elixir to Li Banfeng: "Feng has poor judgment and cannot recognize this elixir. When I meet an expert, Feng will ask for you."

Li Banfeng said: "How about leaving it with you as well, and you can sell it on consignment?"

Shopkeeper Feng shook his head and said: "That won't do. My shop dares not accept things without knowing the price. If there is a mishap, I cannot compensate."

Li Banfeng dislikes messy rules, but he very much appreciates Shopkeeper Feng's rules.

The principles of the world are just that simple. Two sentences clarify things, and naturally, there are no misunderstandings.

After asking all the urgent matters, Li Banfeng prepared to buy some fuel and machine oil for the phonograph.

Shopkeeper Feng let Chunsheng prepare these trifles and invited Li Banfeng to sit for a while longer.

Shopkeeper Feng felt guilty about the phonograph matter and wanted to make some compensation to Li Banfeng.

"Boss Li, you have asked what you should ask, and I have said what I should say. There is one more thing I know a little about. I don't know if you want to hear it?"

"Whose business?"

"The business of the Geng Family Medicine Firm and the Yu Family Cloth Firm."

Why would Shopkeeper Feng take the initiative to bring up this matter?

Li Banfeng remained calm and nodded slightly.

Shopkeeper Feng instructed Chunsheng to bring the incense burner over.

A red copper incense burner was placed on the desk. Shopkeeper Feng struck a match, lit the incense, and the slightly fragrant smoke filled the inner room.

Li Banfeng's nose was very sharp. He carefully distinguished the smell of the smoke and did not perceive any danger.

Shopkeeper Feng smiled: "Boss Li, don't be offended. I am doing this to guard against walls having ears."

Using incense to guard against walls having ears?

Li Banfeng learned something new.

Shopkeeper Feng added another pot of tea and talked about the Geng family and the Yu family.

"Presumably Boss Li has also heard the rumors. The Geng family and the Yu family have started a conflict. Some people say this matter originated from Boss Qin, but in fact, the conflict between these two families started the year before last.

The Geng Family Medicine Firm got close to the Jiang Xiang Gang in the last two years. Their business became more and more overbearing. They took a fancy to Manager Yu's cloth firm and had long wanted to take over the territory.

Manager Yu is a strong-willed person and has always refused to hand over the shop. The Geng family often sent people to cause trouble. Manager Yu has suffered a lot in the last two years.

Last year, the Geng family's guard, Rong Jin'an, went to the cloth firm to cause trouble and beat two employees of the Yu Family Cloth Firm to death.

Last month, Rong Jin'an smashed the Yu Family Cloth Firm's shop, injured several people, and molested two female employees of the cloth firm.

Manager Yu had held this breath for too long. Taking advantage of Boss Qin's matter, she killed Rong Jin'an. This matter is reasonable.

The eldest young master of the Geng family tricked Manager Yu to Wangchun Tower and killed more than a dozen of Manager Yu's subordinates. This matter is also reasonable.

Next, the Geng Family Medicine Firm was burned down, and Geng Zhiwei's whereabouts are unknown. Now the Geng family is looking for Manager Yu everywhere like crazy, saying they want to tear her into pieces. This matter is a bit strange."

Li Banfeng asked: "Does the Geng family believe that Manager Yu did this?"

Shopkeeper Feng nodded: "They believe it. From a common sense perspective, this matter should indeed have been done by Manager Yu, but I think there is someone else."

Li Banfeng took a sip of tea: "Why do you say that?"

"Because this matter came about strangely. Manager Yu has a grudge against Rong Jin'an, and it is reasonable to seek revenge on Rong Jin'an.

But Manager Yu and Boss Qin usually have no dealings. After seeking revenge, there is no need to rescue Boss Qin.

In addition, burning the Geng Family Medicine Firm is not something Manager Yu could do. Not to mention whether she has this ability, she simply doesn't have this intention.

Manager Yu does things without being so ruthless, and she wouldn't be so extreme. She always thinks about stopping at the right point. If she could really be ruthless, she wouldn't have suffered so much all these years."

Li Banfeng put down the teacup and asked: "Shopkeeper Feng, who do you think did this?"

Shopkeeper Feng looked at Li Banfeng, shook his head and said: "I can't say for sure, but I have something here that I want Boss Li to take a look at."

After speaking, Shopkeeper Feng took out an envelope and handed it to Li Banfeng.

Li Banfeng opened the envelope and took out a piece of letter paper. Three names were written on the paper.

Xiang Guicheng, Martial Cultivation Third Layer, Red Stick of the Medicine King Hall's Second Rudder, currently at Luyuan Inn.

Zhong Desong, Arduous Cultivation Second Layer, Sage of the Medicine King Hall's Second Rudder, currently at Qingtang Tea House.

Du Hongxi, Nightmare Cultivation Second Layer, Du Du Xunfeng of the Medicine King Hall's Second Rudder, currently at Immortal Music Dance Hall.

While looking at the letter paper, Li Banfeng listened to Shopkeeper Feng say: "Three experts from the Medicine King Hall's Second Rudder of the Jiang Xiang Gang have set out, specifically to deal with the Geng Family Medicine Firm matter. These three experts are currently ambushing near the Yu Family Cloth Firm, waiting for Manager Yu to appear.

Rudder Master Shi Boyu and his confidant Sun Tiecheng are guarding the rudder platform, ready to support at any time."

"What is a rudder platform?" There were too many new terms, and Li Banfeng couldn't sort out his thoughts for a moment.

Shopkeeper Feng knew that Li Banfeng was from the Outer Continent and explained patiently: "The Jiang Xiang Gang has a total of 22 halls in Puluo Continent, and the Medicine King Hall is one of them. The Medicine King Hall has 8 sub-rudders. The Main Rudder and the Second Rudder are in Ligou, and the other 6 sub-rudders are in Waigou.

The rudder platform is where the sub-rudder gathers to discuss matters. A sub-rudder has one Rudder Master, one confidant, one Red Stick, one Sage, and one Du Du Xunfeng. These are the leaders of the sub-rudder.

Each leader has more than 20 disciples under him. A sub-rudder has about 120 people."

High cultivation, large number of people, I really didn't expect the Jiang Xiang Gang to have such a big battle formation.

Li Banfeng asked: "What is the cultivation of the Rudder Master and that confidant?"

"This is not clear for the time being."

Li Banfeng looked at the introductions of Sage Zhong Desong and Du Du Xunfeng Du Hongxi, and asked: "What kind of sects are Arduous Cultivation and Nightmare Cultivation?"

"Nightmare Cultivation will use ghosts and monsters. Du Du Xunfeng Du Hongxi has more than a dozen ghosts in his hands, listening to his dispatch at all times.

Arduous Cultivation is a special sect. He can endure suffering, suffering that others cannot bear."

Li Banfeng scratched his scalp. This Arduous Cultivation is not easy to understand.

What kind of skill is being able to endure suffering?

Shopkeeper Feng added tea for Li Banfeng: "Boss Li, I know this matter has nothing to do with you, but I also heard that the Jiang Xiang Gang has been searching for people from the Outer Continent everywhere recently. I don't know the reason for this.

I just want to remind you that Medicine King Gully is not peaceful recently. Be careful."

Li Banfeng understood Shopkeeper Feng's meaning. Yu Nan rescued Tang Yuan, but Tang Yuan had no dealings with Yu Nan, but instead had close dealings with Li Banfeng.

Coupled with the Jiang Xiang Gang searching for people from the Outer Continent, Shopkeeper Feng suspected that this matter was related to Li Banfeng.

But in fact, these are two things.

The Jiang Xiang Gang counted the burning of the Geng Family Medicine Firm on Yu Nan's head and dispatched an entire sub-rudder for this.

The search for people from the Outer Continent was an order given by Xiao Zheng to the entire Jiang Xiang Gang, with the purpose of finding the Copper Lotus.

The Jiang Xiang Gang probably hasn't thought that these two things were done by the same person.

But not thinking of it doesn't mean they can't investigate it.

Shopkeeper Feng could see clues from Tang Yuan. The Jiang Xiang Gang is not stupid; they will definitely follow Tang Yuan's clues and investigate. It is only a matter of time before they find out my true identity.

Thinking about the private detective Dabo Ensi who came to find me before, the Jiang Xiang Gang might be very close to the truth.

Thanks to not hiding in Yu Family Village all the time, thanks to returning to Ligou once.

If the Jiang Xiang Gang discovers that it was me who burned the Geng Family Medicine Firm, and it was also me who stole the Copper Lotus, they will surround Yu Family Village at all costs. By then, I won't be able to escape even with wings.

Now there are two choices in front of Li Banfeng:

The first choice is to buy enough food, prepare enough drinking water, shrink in the Personal Residence, and not come out.

This choice seems very safe, but is it feasible?

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(End of chapter)