Chapter 193 - Unexpected Windfall
Chapter 193 Unexpected Windfall
When Ding Hesong heard Dou Zhan’s words, he fell silent for a moment before saying to Su Wen, “This is the Sect Master of the Law Enforcement Hall of our Divine Bright Sect, Dou Zhan!”
Su Wen narrowed his eyes and glanced at Dou Zhan. This old fellow’s skin was quite thick, still daring to come out and plead. From the looks of it, Ding Hesong was also somewhat wary of him.
Clearly, there was something fishy about the division of power in the sect. Su Wen’s mind raced.
On the other side, hope rose in Qianxun’s heart. Even though she did not have any feelings for Dou Beiming, who was also Dou Zhan’s youngest son, nor did they get engaged… At the bare minimum, Dou Beiming was one of her spare tires… and also one of the suckers who lent her money. Now if Dou Zhan were to save her, she would definitely have to marry Dou Beiming! However, to Xue Qianxun, this outcome was something she could accept! No matter what, it was not a good thing to fall into Su Wen’s hands.
She looked at Su Wen nervously.
Su Wen pondered for a moment before rubbing his chin. He looked at Dou Zhan and asked, “You’re willing to compensate for my losses? Using what?”
Dou Zhan said in a low voice, “I naturally do not have that much money, but I obtained a Heaven Rank sword technique in my early years, so I can compensate this lord using that!”
“Hiss!” Feng Baichuan took a deep breath. Heaven Rank Sword technique? That was a good thing. There was only demand but no supply for such a thing, and he could sell it however he wanted! Even Ding Hesong hadn’t expected that Dou Zhan would actually be willing to take out a Heaven Rank sword technique! However, he also knew that Dou Zhan’s Roaming Dragon Wind Sword that was not an ultimate technique of the sect. Since the other party was willing to give it to him, even he, the sect master, could not stop him. Su Wen looked at Dou Zhan, then at Xue Qianxun before turning to Ding Hesong. He circled the three of them before suddenly smiling. “Alright!” This was a f*cking unexpected windfall! There was no reason not to want a Heaven Rank sword technique that was delivered right to his doorstep. Ding Hesong subconsciously clenched his fists!
To be honest, he did not want to see this outcome.
Once Xue Qianxun stayed, it would definitely affect his prestige as the Sect Master. He had just announced that Xue Qianxun was expelled from the sect when Dou Zhan appeared and had her continue to stay. Where would he put his face as the sect master? However, he could not speak at this moment! After all, Su Wen had agreed to Dou Zhan’s compensation. It seemed like Dou Zhan was already prepared. Upon hearing Su Wen’s agreement, he immediately took out a sword technique from his chest pocket and handed it over. Su Wen took the sword technique and said with a smile, “I have to take a look first! Does Elder Dou have any objections?”
As he spoke, he casually flipped through it. A system notification sounded in his ear. [Ding-dong. The host has obtained the Heaven Rank sword technique, Roaming Dragon Wind Sword! Do you want to learn it? Learning requires 20,000 Emotional Value points.] “Learn!”
[Ding-dong. Congratulations, the host has learned the Roaming Dragon Wind Sword!) After he finished learning, Su Wen stuffed the sword technique into his bosom and said, “Zhao Jin, bring the person away!”
Zhao Jin reached out to grab Qianxun! Dou Zhan was furious. He moved quickly and was about to stop him. At this moment, Feng Baichuan also moved. Both of them were at the 9th Grade of Earth Rank!
Bang! Their Qi force scattered, causing everyone’s clothes to flutter.
At this moment, Zhao Jin had already lifted Xue Qianxun up. Dou Zhan looked at Su Wen and shouted, “What do you mean by this?”.
Su Wen sneered. “What do you mean? What’s the meaning of this? Since you’ve already compensated me, I naturally have to leave. Otherwise, why would I stay here?” Dou Zhan was stunned. “You accepted my Heaven Rank sword technique and still refuse to release her?”
Su Wen sneered. “Didn’t you say that this is compensation for my losses? You didn’t say that you wanted her to be released, so why should I? Xue Qianxun violated the laws of the country, so she naturally has to be brought back to be punished according to the law! Could it be that I can just cut off your son’s head and give you some benefits in return? How can there be such a logic in this world?”
“I“
Dou Zhan was rendered speechless by Su Wen’s words. However, he was naturally unwilling to let Su Wen obtain a Heaven Rank sword technique for free! He gritted his teeth and said, “Lord Su, you’re going too far!” Su Wen rolled his eyes. “Too much? You haven’t seen worse! Sect Master Ding, could it be that your Bright God Sect wants to rebel against the Court?”
Ding Hesong, who was watching from the side, was in an extremely good mood at the moment!
He originally thought that Su Wen had chickened out, but he did not expect this fellow actually accepted the technique out of greed! He was trying to trick Dou Zhan into compensating him instead of making up for his losses!
(TL Note: Making up for one’s losses means both sides are evened out. In contrast, compensation is a unilateral agreement where the losing party bears all the losses.) However, he also knew that Dou Zhan would definitely not swallow such a huge loss. He stood out and said, “Lord Su, I naturally have no objections if you want to take Xue Qianxun away. However, if you accept Elder Dou’s Heaven Rank technique and take her away, that would indeed be a little unacceptable.” Su Wen took out the Heaven Rank sword technique and looked at Dou Zhan before coldly saying, “Alright, so you don’t intend to sincerely compensate me. You want to use this lousy cultivation technique to bribe me! You want to play favorites and cheat the law! If you go out and ask around, my Su family has always been upright and honest, upholding the law impartially. It’s fine, I don’t want this lousy technique!”
As he spoke, he threw the manual back!
Dou Zhan grabbed the manual, his face flushed red with anger. However, he knew that it was absolutely impossible to force him to stay. Not to mention his status, even Ding Hesong would definitely stop him. Even the Heaven Rank expert in the sect would not stand on his side. It was impossible for him to fight the Royal Court to the death for a mere 4th Grade Earth Rank woman.
Furthermore, Qianxun had already been hammered by the evidence! She was the one who stole the Blue Cloud Tiger first! Otherwise, why would he take out a Heaven Rank technique to give Su Wen?
He wanted to use benefits to move Su Wen.
In his opinion, if this matter were to succeed, it would just be another fellow in the world who cultivated the Roaming Dragon Wind Sword. On the other hand, the benefits he obtained dealt a blow to Ding Hesong’s reputation and increased his prestige within the sect. At the same time, he could satisfy his youngest son’s desires and take in a seedling with decent potential like Xue Qianxun. Perhaps he could even befriend Su Wen.
Overall, it was still profitable. But now, he had lost face for no reason and his goal had not been achieved! He did not understand. Was Su Wen not tempted? No matter how he looked at it, a Heaven Rank technique was worth more than Xue Qianxun and that Jade Cloud Tiger. Right at this moment, Dou Beiming couldn’t help but step forward when he saw Xue Qianxun being carried by Zhao Jin like a dead dog. “Su Wen, don’t go too far!” Su Wen laughed loudly. “Your words are really brainless. So she stole something from me and violated the law. So my arrest of her to bring her back for interrogation is going too far? Could it be that when someone steals something from you, you still kneel down and kowtow to them?” With that said, Su Wen did not waste any more time with them and turned to leave! At the same time, he looked at Ding Hesong and said with a smile, “Sect Master Ding, your subordinate doesn’t abide by the laws of the country, he has to be taught a lesson!” Ding Hesong replied, “Of course!” These words seemed to be directed at Qianxun, but in reality, they were meant for Dou Zhan and his son!
Dou Zhan understood. Looking at the cold glint in Ding Hesong’s eyes, Dou Zhan knew very well that if he really made a move, he would be handing a knife to Ding Hesong to attack them! At that time, his authority would definitely be seized!
Dou Beiming did not notice the meaning behind their words at all, his eyes were fixed on Xue Qianxun! Seeing that Su Wen had left, he wanted to chase after them!
However, Dou Zhan instantly appeared behind him and placed his hand on his shoulder.
He could only watch as Xue Qianxun was brought away! Under the night sky, Su Wen and the other two were activating their movement techniques to the maximum as they swiftly descended the mountain of the Bright God Sect!
“Let’s hurry back to the capital to avoid any accidents!” Su Wen said solemnly.
Feng Baichuan shook his head as he sighed, “What a pity for that sword technique.” Su Wen pursed his lips and said in disdain, “Even if it’s a pity, it has nothing to do with you!”
Su Wen had already expected that he would not be able to bring that Heaven Rank sword technique with him. Otherwise, he would have completely fallen out with him. Therefore, he immediately used the system and spent 20,000 Emotional Value points to learn the sword technique immediately!
After he returned, he could teach it to others or sell it!
Even Dou Zhan never expected that Su Wen, who had a system, would be able to learn a Heaven Rank technique after flipping through it a few times.
Although it was only at the entry level…
Outside the capital, the travel-worn trio brought Xue Qianxun back. However, at this moment, Xue Qianxun was in an extremely sorry state! She had not eaten nor drunk for three days! She was first tied to the back of the horse when Su Wen and the others rode off, then when they transitioned to running, she had to run with them!
After entering the capital, Su Wen looked at Feng Baichuan and smiled. “Uncle Feng, I’ll take this person away. What do you think?” Feng Baichuan looked at Su Wen and shook his head. “I’m not your Uncle Feng. You can do whatever you want. This matter is over. From now on, we will mind our own business! Take it as I’m begging you!”
He really did not want to have anything to do with Su Wen, this jinx! Su Wen’s expression turned stiff. “Old Feng, you really like to joke. Walk slowly, I’ll look for you to drink in two days!” Feng Baichuan sped up and left even quicker. Su Wen turned around and glanced at Xue Qianxun before bringing her back to the residence. In the Su Residence, Xue Qianxun was kneeling in front of Su Wen while the Blue Cloud Tiger was beside her.
It was clear that this little tiger had already recognized its master. Even if he managed to bring it back now, it was as good as not having it.
Xue Qianxun looked at the gloomy Su Wen and pleaded, “Lord Su, I was wrong! I know my mistake. I’m willing to be your concubine!”
Pa!
Su Wen gave her a tight slap! This slap caused Xue Qianxun to bleed from the corner of her mouth as she fell to the ground. Su Wen stood up and sneered. “Do you really think I’m a retard? You stole my things and even lied to me. Now that you’re in my hands, you still want to marry into my family and enjoy wealth? Are you staking claim on all things good only?!”.
“I was wrong… I know I was wrong…” Xue Qianxun cried.
The more Su Wen thought about it, the angrier he got. He stood up and kicked Xue Qianxun again!
“From today onwards, you will be my maidservant in this residence! I will call you Slave Xue! In the future, you will do whatever I ask you to do!”
Su Wen gritted his teeth as he spoke.
Killing Xue Qianxun would indeed allow him vent his anger, but what about the benefits? There was nothing along the way! After all, Xue Qianxun was a 4th Grade Earth Rank cultivator. Furthermore, she had cultivated to this stage with the Blue Cloud Tiger in a short period of time!
In terms of value, she was still a resource. Su Wen looked at Xue Qianxun and ordered, “Do not move!”
As he spoke, he activated the Breaking Ranks Army Formation! Su Wen valued the effect of the Breaking Ranks formation! To others, it was definitely unnecessary, but Su Wen did not trust Xue Qianxun at all. However, through the effects of being loyal to him, he could slowly turn her into a slave that was loyal to him wholeheartedly! Su Wen was still very willing to do so! The activation of the formation was a long process.
Those who were supposed to be imprinted with the formation had to remain motionless. Slowly, a strange energy surged from Su Wen’s body, linking him to Xue Qianxun. The Breaking Ranks formation was successfully completed Only then did a smile appear on Su Wen’s face. “Go, get me a cup of tea!” Su Wen casually instructed. At this moment, Qianxun had yet to fully display the effects of undying loyalty. At first, she thought that Su Wen would kill her.
When she heard that she could be a maidservant, she was actually very happy. This couldn’t be better. She could find an opportunity to escape at any time! She quickly went to get a teapot and poured out a cup of tea! She came with it in front of Su Wen! Su Wen looked at her indifferently and coldly said, “Kneel!” “In the future, no matter if you serve me or the wives in the inner residence, you have to kneel! The rest of them don’t have to kneel, but you have to kneel!”
Biting her lower lip, tears welled up in her eyes as she knelt down.
Pa!
But Su Wen slapped her again. “Feeling wronged? Smile for me!” Su Wen grabbed Xue Qianxun’s hair and coldly said, “I already warned you before, but you didn’t listen!”
The two of them were face to face, but Qianxun did not dare to resist and could only force a smile. At this moment, if she was given another chance, she would definitely not have touched that cage! Su Wen looked into her eyes and said in a deep voice, “Also, you have to think carefully. If I find you trying to escape, what awaits you will definitely be a cruel punishment!” Xue Qianxun nodded with all her might and said in a low voice, “Slave Xue wouldn’t dare!”
“Hehe, you learn fast.”
Su Wen then sat on the chair.
“Come here and lick!”
It was time to collect his interest. Xue Qianxun could also be considered as Su Wen’s experimental subject! He wanted to test the effect of this Breaking Ranks formation that the system provided. Opening his Pupils of the Vermillion Bird, Su Wen stared down at Xue Qianxun. He could see that a strange power had already invaded Xue Qianxun’s body and was gradually entering her brain. This power was very weak and difficult to detect, but it was slowly invading her spiritual consciousness. There was also a strange connection between this power and Su Wen.
Su Wen tried to touch it but realized that he could not.
However, he had no pity for this woman. But it was obvious that Xue Qianxun’s entry into his residence would still attract some curiosity. For example, Yan Luoying. That night, the two of them lay in bed. Yan Luoying asked curiously, “What’s with that Slave Xue?”
Su Wen smiled and said, “It’s just an experimental subject. I want to see if someone will be affected by the Breaking Ranks formation effect if they are filled with hatred and grudges towards me!” Yan Luoying frowned and said, “This woman knows martial arts. Even if her cultivation is sealed, Yumian and Yiyi are just ordinary women. If she sees an opportunity, I’m afraid she will cause trouble!” Su Wen shook his head, “Don’t worry, I’ve already instructed Ning Shuang to keep an eye on her during this period of time!” Yan Luoying fell into Su Wen’s arms and gritted her teeth. “You bad fellow! Your thoughts are just so hateful! Liang Zhu is the same. Why did you have to have such an ending? Now, many people in the city are looking forward to the second part. If that outcome is exposed, I’m afraid you will be condemned by everyone again! Are you addicted to being scolded? It’s the same when you get married! It’s the same this time! I heard that you also went to scold those barbarians in the Southern Wilderness before the battle! I really don’t understand you!” Su Wen laughed loudly. “It’s good that you don’t understand. Won’t you be bored if you know my strength and I know your limits clearly?”
“You! Baddie!”
Compared to others, Su Wen’s system had an even greater advantage when it came to the usage of the Breaking Ranks Formation! It was the ability to clearly see Qianxun’s loyalty.
That’s right, only 1! This was even after the formation was formed. If there was a negative score, Xue Qianxun would definitely have reached that level! The next day, this number became 2… On the third day, it increased by a little… Obviously, it would take more than three months for Qianxun to become 100% loyal! In the Prime Minister’s residence, Su Changqing’s head was buzzing as he looked at the second part of the Liang Zhu book that Su Wen’s subordinate had sent over! “Go! Call that little bastard Su Wen over!” “Hehe, I shouldn’t have trusted him! What did he write! It isn’t just a normal heartbreak, but a disgusting trashy ending!” Su Changqing felt regret. In the backyard of Su Wen’s house, Xue Qianxun was kneeling on the ground with a fruit platter filled with melon seeds and peanuts. Su Wen was playing mahjong with the wives of the Su family. Ning Shuang stood beside Su Wen and coldly looked at Xue Qianxun who was kneeling on the ground. At this moment, someone came to report that Su Changqing wanted Su Wen to go over. Su Wen sighed and said, “This old man is definitely going to talk nonsense with me again. He’s so annoying. Alright, Ning Shuang, play with them!” Su Wen stood up wordlessly and left. Soon, he arrived at Su Changqing’s residence. When father and son met, Su Changqing held the book and roared at Su Wen, “Why! Why! Can you tell me why you wrote such an ending!”
Su Wen sat on the chair and said calmly, “Because reality is like this! What ending do you want me to write?”
“Uh…”
This sentence made Su Changqing extremely angry. That’s right. In reality, a rich tycoon would naturally crush such a powerless scholar. “You! You! You…” Su Changqing was so angry that his hands were trembling.
“This is a script, not reality! It was a good book, but you have to write it like this. Won’t you be scolded again?”
Su Changqing could not understand why his son would do such a thing. Su Wen smiled. “It’s good to be scolded! Didn’t you also get scolded as the number one corrupt official in the Great Zhou?” Su Changqing couldn’t be bothered to waste his breath on him. “Hurry up and change it for me!”
“I can’t!”
“I told you to change!”
“I just can’t change… Mother! Help, my father hit me!” After a while, Su Changqing panted heavily. He looked at Su Wen who was not even panting and gritted his teeth. “What sin did I commit! Must I do this?” Su Wen said in all seriousness, “That’s right! This can serve as a warning to the world and let them know the dangers of the world. In the future, when they meet a super profligate like me, they will have to take a detour!” Su Changqing stared at Su Wen with a conflicted expression for a long time. “Alright! You’re the best! I admit defeat! Do whatever you want!” Old Su turned around and left.
In the next few days, news spread in the capital that Liang Zhu’s second part was about to be released!
Su Wen knew the importance of publicity very well. If you didn’t publicize it, how would others know?
It was just like movies in the future. No matter how good a movie was, it could not be done without being marketing and publicity! Hence, there were people shouting on the streets and alleys these days. Liang Zhu’s second part was going to be sold! Liang Zhu was going to be sold!
At the same time, Su Wen made another despicable move! For the pre-sales, they would send people to spread rumors that there were not many copies of the book and that the supply was tight. However, they could pay in advance to reserve a book. When the time came, they could directly collect the book and not worry about not being able to buy it! The entire street was discussing the second part of the Liang Zhu novel. People kept fantasizing about how the protagonist would overcome the difficulties and finally obtain a beautiful ending. After all, most people still liked to watch a happy ending. In the teahouse, Su Wen looked at the leaders of the gangs in the East District.
Sha Qinghe, Du Ping, Wang Dalong!
“Well done. Take this 10,000 taels and split it.” These few days, Su Wen had fully utilized all of their connections.
Sometimes, it was just like this. Perhaps one might be an unassuming person, but he could be useful at critical moments. There were specific tasks that could only be done by specific people.
The three of them hurriedly received the money with smiles.
“Young Master Su, your Liang Zhu is written too well! Many scholars are praising it. The second book will definitely be extremely popular!” Wang Dalong flattered.
Su Wen smiled and said, “It will definitely be popular, but… let the brothers who promote it hide for a while…”
“Huh?” The three of them did not know what Su Wen meant!
Soon… it was the day that Liang Zhu’s second part was released.
Su Wen had set up hundreds of sales locations in the city!
He made sure to sell the most books in the shortest time possible…
Furthermore, they had already broadcasted the locations beforehand.
Early in the morning, there was a long queue at all the sales locations!