Chapter 31: Chapter 31: The "Ruthless" Ji Haoyuan, Ji Bochang Offers a Way Out
Upon hearing the price Zhou Feng quoted, both Ji Haoyuan and Ji Bochang couldn’t help but smile bitterly.
One thousand Spirit Stones, how dare he utter such a number.
It’s worth noting that this Cloud Iron Ore Vein now earns more than ten thousand Spirit Stones for the Ji Family every year.
Even more absurd, these one thousand Spirit Stones still need to be postponed for a few years.
How is this different from outright robbery?
Seeing Ji Bochang’s prolonged silence, Zhou Feng’s smile began to fade.
He simply looked at Ji Bochang, his tone slowly growing colder.
"Why? Ji, could there be a problem?"
"Apologies..."
Finally, Ji Haoyuan, who had remained silent, spoke up.
"Currently, we do not have the intention to sell this Cloud Iron Ore Vein externally, so I apologize."
"What did you say?"
Zhou Feng immediately turned to Ji Haoyuan, his eyes gleaming with coldness.
Even Zhang Zhilong, who had also been silent, looked at him.
"What if I insist on buying it?"
Zhang Zhilong’s words instantly made Ji Haoyuan smile.
His gaze suddenly shifted to Zhang Mingyuan, who was calmly sipping tea, and he said:
"Zhang, regarding our struggle with the Han Family of Danyang County over that Cloud Iron Ore Vein, is Zhilong unaware of the situation?"
Upon Ji Haoyuan’s sudden mention of this matter, Zhang Mingyuan’s previously composed expression instantly stiffened.
This naturally left Zhang Zhilong and Zhou Feng looking a bit puzzled.
Evidently, neither was aware of the Ji Family’s conflict with the Han Family over the Cloud Iron Ore Vein.
To be precise, they had never cared about such affairs, thus never inquired about them.
"Forget it, let me explain."
Not giving Zhang Mingyuan a chance to speak, Ji Haoyuan directly turned to Zhang Zhilong and Zhou Feng, with a slight smile:
"Back then, in order to obtain that Cloud Iron Ore Vein, our Ji Family directly ruined Han Pengshan of the Han Family, even breaking his foundation and ending his path.
All of this was done by me."
Saying this, Ji Haoyuan pointed to himself.
Whew—
At that moment, whether it was Zhang Zhilong, Zhou Feng, or Zhang Mingyuan sitting there, they all clearly felt a terrifying "bloody" aura emanating from Ji Haoyuan.
Like a beast ready to devour, watching them with crimson eyes.
The nearly hysterical madness lurking in his bones made Zhang Zhilong and Zhou Feng feel tremendous pressure.
Especially with his current smile and indifferent demeanor when making such statements, it greatly unsettled the three.
This is a madman!
The thought almost simultaneously arose in the minds of the three.
At that moment, Ji Haoyuan’s voice sounded again.
"So, dear friends, you are aware that the Cloud Iron Ore Vein is an extremely important source of Spirit Stones for the Ji Family, and a crucial support for our resources in the coming years.
We hope you will kindly spare us and not destroy our hope."
Though spoken politely, everyone could sense the chill in Ji Haoyuan’s words.
At least Zhang Zhilong and Zhou Feng felt that way.
Anyone daring to touch the Ji Family’s Cloud Iron Ore Vein would be dealt with ruthlessly by Ji Haoyuan.
Faced with such a daring individual, it’s impossible for Zhou Feng and the others to be entirely unafraid.
But fear is another matter.
As Golden Core sect members and True Man apprentices, Zhou Feng and Zhang Zhilong had their own confidence.
Yet, to truly engage in a death struggle for the Zhang Family against such a person, they wouldn’t choose to do so.
Zhang Zhilong was thus, and Zhou Feng was even more so.
As the tension in the atmosphere loomed, Ji Bochang suddenly broke the silence with a smile.
"Zhilong, Zhou, please don’t mind.
This junior of mine is just like this, not very adept at speaking.
Come now, regardless, you have traveled far and are our guests. I have prepared a small offering for the two of you, and I hope you won’t reject it."
As he spoke, Ji Bochang produced two Storage Bags containing four thousand Spirit Stones each, and handed them to Zhang Zhilong and Zhou Feng.
With Ji Bochang’s interruption, even if Zhang Zhilong and Zhou Feng wanted to react, they were now in no position to do so.
If they persist in acquiring the Ji Family’s Cloud Iron Ore Vein, it would mean tearing their relationship apart.
Judging by Ji Haoyuan’s earlier display, what might transpire then is uncertain.
At least Zhou Feng wouldn’t take that risk.
He also wouldn’t jeopardize himself and Zhang Zhilong for the Zhang Family.
That’s his principle and bottom line.
Therefore.
Seeing the opportunity presented by Ji Bochang, Zhou Feng immediately laughed heartily, glossing over the earlier matter, and casually accepted the Storage Bag.
When he saw the four thousand Spirit Stones within, his smile grew even brighter.
"Ji, what are you saying?
It was merely a misunderstanding, as they say, business doesn’t negate friendship. This time we’ve disturbed your family.
If there’s nothing more, we’ll take our leave now."
Zhang Zhilong seemed to want to say more, but it was clear Zhou Feng didn’t intend to cause more trouble.
He cupped his hands towards Ji Bochang and Ji Haoyuan, and then walked away with Zhang Zhilong under their guidance, leaving the Ji Family’s Qianyang Mountain.
Zhang Mingyuan followed closely behind.
After the three flew a distance away, Zhou Feng turned to Zhang Mingyuan, smirking slightly coldly:
"Mingyuan, your Zhang Family is indeed scheming.
Concerning the conflict between the Ji Family and the Han Family, surely you weren’t unaware before, Mingyuan?"
His words carried a hint of bluntness.
As a Foundation Establishment officer of the Crimson Sunset Sect, Zhou Feng could grant the Zhang Family favor for Zhang Zhilong.
Yet, to conceal key information is unforgivable.
Wasn’t this using them as pawns?
Having lived so many years, Zhou Feng had seen all sorts of things.
Practically as soon as Ji Haoyuan spoke those words, he understood the situation.
Which was why he accepted Ji Bochang’s offered way out.
Of course, partially due to his wariness of Ji Haoyuan.
For strength always comes first.
Given the Ji Family’s strength, Zhou Feng naturally wouldn’t let himself be used so readily.