Chapter 112: Confrontation

Just like when lions and tigers meet, they usually do not suddenly launch a life-and-death struggle, but a contest of momentum between them is indispensable.

At the very least, both sides will understand that the other is not to be trifled with. Facing Sui Ran's visit, Cheng Feng was clearly well-prepared.

He watched the scene before him quietly, seeing the Hong Sect disciples gradually losing ground in this contest. When he saw that the timing was about right, Cheng Feng cast a glance at Wang Hu. Wang Hu understood immediately.

He stood out at once to warm up the atmosphere, saying: "You little brats, do you see clearly now? You have only been training for such a short time, yet you have started to become self-righteous and arrogant? You must know that what awaits you in the future is not sparring among internal personnel, but life-and-death struggles against powerful opponents! Once the four-month protection period ends, we will send you out, and at that time, you will have to rely on yourselves! So, give me your best effort now!"

Afterward, he invited Sui Ran into the house for a detailed talk with a face full of smiles. Sui Ran was not a timid person, so he led Pang De inside without hesitation. Other guests were received and seated by Zhou Hao and Sun Gui.

However, because Pang De had issued an order to remain vigilant, these soldiers only politely declined and did not truly lower their guard.

Cheng Feng had communicated with Wang Hu before, and they both believed that the talents they cultivated would have higher loyalty, but the current progress was truly too slow, which forced Cheng Feng to consider other methods.

At this moment, facing the somewhat aggressive Sui Ran, Cheng Feng had to come up with a way to successfully get through this hurdle.

The old site of the Hutou Gang had nothing special about it, and after taking it over, Cheng Feng had even specifically sent people to renovate it, so at least it would not make people feel like they could not find a place to stay.

Even at night, the Hong Sect remained brightly lit, calling the cooks who stayed there to light the fires and cook.

In order to receive Sui Ran, Cheng Feng had put in great effort at the time, always thinking that this battle was unavoidable.

But who could have imagined that the people he brought were all soldiers with Strength Refining as their foundation and a thick military aura.

Cheng Feng had thought of many things, but the disciples who had just been accepted into the sect did not yet have such powerful strength.

Rashly fighting would definitely cause no small losses to his own Hong Sect, and it was even possible they would be completely wiped out; even if he got his revenge in the end, wouldn't his previous investment be in vain? What would be the point of this revenge?

At this very moment, Cheng Feng had a profound realization of the saying from his past life that the adult world is full of interests.

Even though the Hong Sect had himself and the eight hundred, he did not want to see the losses that would come from a direct bloody battle.

He could only think of another way.

Soon, a few dishes to go with the wine were brought up: smashed cucumber, peanuts, and a stir-fried meat dish.

It was served on the table just like that, simple and plain.

The four people sat upright, and the reception was naturally handled by Wang Hu.

Cheng Feng was like a wallflower, accompanying them at the wine table.

Even if he did not speak, his strength was the greatest among those present, and no one dared to ignore him.

Cheng Feng was not being modest either; just because he was not good at socializing did not mean he did not know how to eat.

He was just acting as Wang Hu's guard at this moment.

Previous transactions had all been left to Wang Hu to handle.

In front of outsiders, Cheng Feng was still just a guard who was not the leader.

The wine had gone three rounds, and the dishes had been tasted five ways.

The Chunxiao wine was indeed not bad, making even Sui Ran flush from drinking; the burly soldier beside him did not move the whole time, showing no intention of drinking, though he did move his chopsticks to eat a couple of cold dishes.

In the process of Wang Hu and Sui Ran drinking and socializing, Cheng Feng felt that their conversation was full of linguistic art; every sentence seemed not to mention salt, yet none of them could leave the topic of salt.

Wang Hu knew in his heart where Cheng Feng's bottom line was, so he tried his best to avoid letting the other party know that the salt was produced by them. He could vaguely imply to the outside world that he was helping a certain big shot handle matters, and matters requiring force did not need Wang Hu to step forward personally; this behavior was commonly known as being a "White Glove."

Seeing that he could not get anything out of Wang Hu no matter what, the expression on Sui Ran's face was no longer as friendly as before. He said viciously: "Does Sect Master Wang not know how popular your Fine Salt is in the prefecture? It has already attracted the attention of the government! If it weren't for the fact that I still have some face, I'm afraid the government would have already investigated."

Wang Hu would naturally not let himself fall into a passive position, so he immediately responded: "Fine Salt? What Fine Salt? We are just a small gang, at most doing some petty theft on the streets; where would we have the guts to touch those things?" He pretended to be confused and at a loss, trying to muddle through.

However, seeing Wang Hu playing dumb like this, Sui Ran was so angry he could explode, but he instead laughed out of extreme anger: "Haha, good, very good indeed! A fine 'dare not touch those things'? Are you taking me for a fool?"

Wang Hu's smile vanished instantly. He picked up his teacup and said expressionlessly: "Planning to turn hostile so soon? What is your purpose in coming here today? Do you really think we are all fools?"

Seeing the atmosphere at the scene becoming increasingly tense and ready to explode at any moment, the chopsticks in Cheng Feng's hand also stopped.

Sitting to the side, Pang De was fully focused, as if facing a great enemy; every hair on his body stood up, and he secretly marveled in his heart: "What is going on? This young man's strength is actually not inferior to Deputy General Sui at all!"

Before Sui Ran could respond, Cheng Feng looked sharply at Sui Ran and warned him unceremoniously: "Some things are best not said lightly, otherwise the consequences will be unimaginable."

As soon as he finished speaking, Cheng Feng's blood boiled, and a powerful aura surged out from him, rushing straight toward Sui Ran like a surging torrent.

Seeing this, a soldier beside Sui Ran shouted loudly and also released his own Blood Qi, attempting to block Cheng Feng's offensive and protect Sui Ran.

"What a pity..." Cheng Feng sighed inwardly. The method of Blood Qi Externalization he had just grasped was something he had explored on his own based on the experience passed down by Wang Tieshan, and this was his first attempt at using it.

However, when he felt that the Blood Qi released by that soldier was so insignificant in both quality and quantity, Cheng Feng suddenly realized that the Super Serum had actually brought him such unexpected benefits.

The simple clash of Blood Qi shocked both Wang Hu and Sui Ran beside them; this was not a contest between gangs, this was a Martial Artist from a noble family fighting!

Why did no one dare to provoke noble families? Naturally, it was because they established themselves through martial arts, paved the way with money, and operated based on their foundation; every powerful clan had to go through such a journey to survive.

Those who could not persist to the end naturally would not appear before the world.