Chapter 751: Another Enemy

Yan Buji stands silently on the vast endless wasteland, like a mute and imposing sculpture. His eagle‑sharp gaze sweeps the surroundings coldly, as if he can discern all the world's secrets and conspiracies. Yet within that ice‑cold expression, the corner of his mouth lifts slightly, tracing a faint, hard‑to‑notice smile.

At this moment the sun is setting, the orange‑red afterglow falls on him, making his figure appear even taller and more upright. Sunlight pierces his black robes, outlining the silhouette of his slender body, making him look aged yet steadfast, unending even unto death!

However, when looking at the ground beneath his feet, one finds that his shadow stretched by the sunset gives off an oddly gloomy feeling.

Pang Mingde walks to Yan Buji's side, pats his shoulder, and laughs, "Hall Master Yan, you're truly impressive this time."

Yan Buji gives a faint smile and says, "Thanks, Elder Pang."

Pang Mingde shakes his head and says, "Where did that come from? But don't underestimate the forces behind them; the Grand Commerce Association isn't to be trifled with. Today you killed Song Xing and Yun Hua; they'll probably spare no cost to revenge you."

Pang Mingde, a He Dao period strongman, naturally knows some internal affairs of the Grand Commerce Association, including Yun Hua's identity.

Yun Hua's background isn't the point; what matters is his daughter!

Yan Buji snorts coldly and says, "What does the Grand Commerce Association matter? If they have the nerve to kill me directly, I have nothing to say. Moreover, the cultivation world isn't just about fighting and killing."

Hearing this, a hint of admiration flashes in Pang Mingde's eyes. He knows Yan Buji's character well, aware that this Hall Master has never shied away from trouble. Still, he reminds, "Hall Master, the Grand Commerce Association's strength must not be underestimated, especially that 'Dong Shouzi' behind them, who is on the same realm as me. Your provocation today, even if he spares his face and doesn't act personally, will bring you trouble later."

Yan Buji nods and says, "Elder Pang, rest assured, I have my own measure."

Seeing Yan Buji so confident, Pang Mingde says no more. He turns and looks around, "Since that's the case, let's first return to the Paolong Sacred Land's base."

Yan Buji nods in agreement, Ye Lin walks over happily and says, "Hall Master, I performed well this time, didn't I?"

"I really appreciate you, Ye Lin." Yan Buji smiles, handing Ye Lin a storage bag.

Ye Lin's expression turns serious: "Hall Master, what do you mean? I, Ye Lin, helped you—was it for a reward?"

Yan Buji laughs heartily, "Ye Lin, we're also friends. You helped me today; I'll help you tomorrow. This little thing can't express my gratitude; some specialty products of the demon race, take them, they're not valuable. If you refuse, that means you look down on me."

Ye Lin smiles, "Hall Master, you really know how to speak."

Ye Lin no longer declines, and accepts the storage bag Yan Buji gave.

"What are your plans next, Hall Master?"

"I still need to find the two Elders traveling with me; once found, I'll come visit you."

"Very well, I'll await your illustrious arrival, Hall Master!"

"I will definitely come."

After seeing off the cultivators at Paolong Sacred Land, Yan Buji's smile gradually fades, his expression becoming indifferent: "The greatest goal has been achieved; undeniably, sparing Yun Hua was the optimal solution, but this hatred won't disappear easily. By making enemies with the Grand Commerce Association, they'll surely try to kill me."

Meanwhile, inside the Grand Commerce Association's base, chaos erupts.

Dong Shouzi sits on the main seat, his face dark and terrifying. His fingers lightly tap the table, producing a "thud thud" sound, as if beating the hearts of everyone present.

"Song Xing and Yun Hua are dead." Dong Shouzi says coldly, his voice carrying a suppressed fury.

The people below hear this, widen their eyes and lower their heads, daring not to meet Dong Shouzi's gaze.

They know this leader of the Grand Commerce Association is on the brink of violent rage; a slight misstep could set fire to himself.

"Yan Buji… what a Yan Buji!" Dong Shouzi snarls, "He dares to provoke our Grand Commerce Association as if we were nobody!"

Zhang Wang cautiously speaks, "Administrator Dong, Yan Buji is powerful, and backed by the Paolong Sacred Land and the Great Sinful Sect. If we act rashly, we may invite unnecessary trouble."

Dong Shouzi sneers, "Trouble? If it weren't for you urging Yun Hua to seek revenge, this mess wouldn't exist. How am I supposed to explain this to Yun Qing?!"

Dong Shouzi gave a cold laugh and said: "Trouble? Damn it, if it weren't for you urging Yun Hua to seek revenge and settle grudges, we wouldn't have this mess today. How am I supposed to explain this to Yun Qing?!"

Another Elder hesitates, then says, "Administrator Dong, Yan Buji is scheming and ruthless, and he just killed Yun Hua before your eyes, showing he isn't afraid of our retaliation. Therefore, if we want to avoid a direct clash of forces, we must first find a way to detach Yan Buji from the Great Sinful Sect."

Another Elder hesitated for a moment, then said: "Manager Dong, Yan Buji is full of tricks and his methods are ruthless; moreover, he just killed Yun Hua right in front of you, showing he doesn't fear our retaliation at all. If that's the case, if we want to avoid escalating into a conflict between powers, we can only think of a way to first get Yan Buji to leave the Great Sinful Sect."

"As everyone knows, Yan Buji thrives in the Great Sinful Sect by facilitating trade with Youming Jie, and his recent mining venture on Luohuang Zhou shows commercial acumen equal to, if not surpassing, our lifelong merchants. Since we can't move him now, why not use commercial tactics to sabotage all his business plans?!"

It is well known that Yan Buji has been thriving within the Great Sinful Sect, and that is solely due to his facilitating trade between the Great Sinful Sect and Youming Jie; furthermore, the business methods and strength he has shown by coming to Luohuang Zhou to open a mine are no inferior to ours, who have long been immersed in business, and are even superior. But since we cannot act against him for the time being, why not use business means to strike at all of Yan Buji's commercial plans that provoke war?!

The stewards and Elders nod, finding the idea feasible, and say, "I agree with this plan!"

"Indeed, Administrator Dong, although Yan Buji is only at the Nascent Soul stage, using commercial pressure on him has two benefits!" Zhang Wang says.

"Yes, Manager Dong, although Yan Buji is only at the Nascent Soul stage, if we use business means to suppress him, there are two benefits!" Zhang Wang said.

"First, Yan Buji's strength lies in commerce; if the Great Sinful Sect no longer trusts his business ability, he'll have no place inside it. Second, his cultivation is only Nascent Soul; if he can't operate within the sect, he'll have to regain trust, leaving no time for cultivation, thus cutting off his path to rise through cultivation."

"As long as Yan Buji remains a Nascent Soul, even if he reaches the next stage, once he loses trust in the Great Sinful Sect he'll be just another person!"

Dong Shouzi nods, "Good, this method indeed avoids a direct war with the Great Sinful Sect! Then proceed as you suggested!"

Dong Shouzi nodded: "Not bad, this method can indeed largely avoid us directly going to war with the Great Sinful Sect! Then let's do as you say!"

"We will obey Administrator Dong's command!"

Yan Buji!

I will definitely kill you!

Dong Shouzi's face flashes a sinister hint, and he sneers.

A flash of viciousness crossed Dong Shouzi's face, and he gave a cold laugh.