Big Data Cultivation
Chapter 1125: Same Kind, Different Fates

Chapter 1125: Chapter 1125: Same Kind, Different Fates

The remedial actions taken by the Fu Family following their initial misdeeds were timely, so much so that the families of the deceased no longer spoke of it, and the enmity was largely dissolved—after all, few cultivators truly fear death; what concerns them more is whether their death is worthwhile or not.

As for the ascetic surnamed Yang, he followed Ji PingAn with utmost honesty, barely uttering a word on regular days.

His demeanor made Ji PingAn feel somewhat guilty, so he took the initiative to ask on the way, "Does Master Yang have something on his mind?"

Master Yang responded directly, "Since I’ve come along, of course I won’t cause trouble. However, with your status, you’re not qualified to discuss these matters with me. Everyone just needs to do what they’re supposed to do."

Ji PingAn felt bored by the response, but beyond his irritation, he also breathed a sigh of relief: I don’t care if you look down on me, as long as you don’t have other intentions, that’s fine.

The party soon arrived at Mount Zhige. Ji PingAn entered the gate, while the two ascetics momentarily stayed outside, taking up residence in the courtyard of Wuyou Platform.

According to protocol, the two of them should have rested in the courtyard of Tiantong, but at this time, even Nangong Youjiu had moved out.

Nangong Youjiu had already received notice from his clan that he was now one of the three intermediate-level cultivators who had transcended worldly affairs. Although he wasn’t particularly worried about his own safety, he simply couldn’t face Huang Fu Flawless.

Previously, he had postured arrogantly before Huang Fu Flawless, acting high and mighty as if he was invincible. He feared that if she heard about the subsequent developments, she might make some strange gestures in front of him.

Thus, he directly moved into the courtyard of the Yinsha Sect.

As for leaving, he wouldn’t dare. He believed that if he dared to do so, it would be impossible for him to arrive alive at Qiuchen Market.

Since Nangong Youjiu wasn’t staying at Tiantong, Huang Fu Flawless certainly wouldn’t allow two intermediate-level ascetics who had transcended worldly affairs to stay. She and Master Xu were only initiate-level ascetics, and if the others became desperate and took extreme actions, it wouldn’t be easy to control.

Huang Fu Flawless wasn’t someone who feared death either. Choosing the path of cultivation meant fear was useless. However, she did have some status and didn’t think it was worth the risk for certain matters.

Feng Jun received the news from Ji PingAn’s mouth, but didn’t come out to meet the two new ascetics. Mutual disdain was obvious, so why bother with pretenses?

The next day he did come out and then announced, "My experimental conditions are not yet quite optimal, so you may need to wait a bit longer."

Master Yang couldn’t help but ask, "I would like to know, how long will the delay be? If there is ample time, I can come back later—I still have some matters to take care of."

Feng Jun knew that this one was a stand-in, but seeing his ignorance of propriety, couldn’t help but glower at him, "I’ve said, it could be three months to half a year. If you wish to leave, I won’t stop you."

"Master Yang, there’s no rush," Talisman Master said with a beaming smile, "Once you get through this half-year, whatever you want to deal with, I can lend a hand. Since you’re here, you might as well settle in."

Master Yang gave him a look and chuckled oddly, "Indeed, if I were to leave, it would be dangerous for you all. If I am here, you two will be safe."

Feng Jun couldn’t quite grasp what he was saying, but roughly guessed something nonetheless.

However, Huang Fu Flawless directly asked, "Master Yang, what do you mean by that? Is someone threatening you?"

Truly worthy of being archenemies, she would never pass up an opportunity to discomfort the other if possible.

"Chairman Huang Fu jests," Master Yang glanced at her, chuckling dryly, "I am here of my own volition, entirely voluntary."

Although Huang Fu Flawless was only an initiate-level cultivator, seeing him act this way, she didn’t care that he was of intermediate level—such a person who almost has "I have no backing" written on his face didn’t warrant her respect. You’re already deflated, aren’t you?

She let out a cold laugh, "We are all volunteers here. As for danger, it’s not up to you to promise anything; Mountain Master Feng has the authority to speak on that."

Her implication was clear: I don’t care what you two have arranged, but if you want to make private agreements, you’d have to see if Feng Jun agrees.

Seeing this, Nangong Youjiu quickly interjected with a laugh, "Of course... of course that’s how it should be. It counts only if Mountain Master Feng says so. However, we have always held Master Yang in high regard; there is a mutual sense of respect."

Hearing this, Huang Fu Flawless frowned, speaking irritably, "Playing the fool? No matter how much you’ve arranged, how well-prepared you are, have you asked Mountain Master Feng?"

Master Yang smiled and remained silent. He had come prepared for all possibilities, to be more explicit, he had not planned on returning alive, so he didn’t need to look to anyone else for approval.

But Nangong Youjiu was anxious; in his estimation, if Mountain Master Feng insisted on killing someone before giving up, it was a nine out of ten chance that it would be him.

Although his previous attitude towards Feng Jun had been justifiable, that didn’t mean Feng Jun couldn’t hold a grudge, did it?

After all, his previous approach had been too forceful, too inconsiderate of others, and now, the time had come for him to pay the price.

He shot Feng Jun a glance and waved him over, "Mountain Master Feng, I have a little matter I’d like to discuss with you."

Feng Jun was sick of this man’s gestures, so he replied bluntly, "If you have something to say, say it in front of everyone. If it’s not suitable to say in front of everyone, then there’s no need to say it at all."

Nangong Youjiu’s expression stiffened, "Mountain Master Feng, those 300,000 Spirit Stones you got earlier, I was the one who delivered them to you. Although I may not have made a major contribution, I did put in a lot of effort... surely you can’t be this heartless, right?"

What a shameless bastard! Feng Jun cursed internally, I’d honestly prefer if you hadn’t delivered those Spirit Stones at all rather than trying to cozy up to me because of it – as if Tiantong would embezzle my Spirit Stones without you?

He wouldn’t stand for such talk, so he asked outright, "Is that what you wanted to say?"

Nangong Youjiu had much more to say, but seeing the other party’s attitude, he realized just how deeply he had offended him before – he had only cared about his own comfort, without considering the other’s feelings.

But after all, he was a businessman, and upon realizing the faux pas, he readily admitted defeat, "That’s not what I meant to talk about. What I’m saying is... I have fifty tons of graphene in my possession."

In the Chaos Plane, Hao Te’s forces had amassed at least four hundred tons of graphene, but as his power crumbled, many rushed in to loot his hoard, and graphene was among the plunder.

The Nangong Family, although connected with that realm, were also keen to collect graphene, but they could handle selling on no more than two hundred tons. The amount that had actually come into the Nangong Family’s possession was just over seventy tons.

The fact that Nangong Youjiu was willing to discuss a deal involving fifty tons of graphene already demonstrated considerable sincerity.

Of course, Feng Jun was unaware of the situation in the Chaos Plane and thus couldn’t appreciate his sincerity.

But fifty tons of graphene, in the Earth Realm, would be worth five billion – an undeniable temptation.

However, Feng Jun held deep disdain for the Nangong Family’s despicable tactics, so he responded with an indifferent smile, "I do have a need for that stuff... but, you should keep it for your own use. I’m not interested in collaborating with the Nangong Family."

Upon hearing this, Nangong Youjiu paused before quickly retorting, "The price is negotiable."

He was very aware that the graphene Feng Jun had obtained before hadn’t come easily. A two thousand-to-one exchange rate was not something anyone in this plane would willingly offer.

He had always thought he held Feng Jun’s weak spot, and even now believed that Feng Jun’s stance was merely a bargaining tactic.

His logic was not flawed; Feng Jun indeed needed the material. However, he overlooked one detail – Feng Jun was different from him, not restrained by family obligations or performance reviews. He could be capriciously willful.

Like right now, Feng Jun straightforwardly stated, "In the Chaos Plane, I only do business with the Huang Fu Family. If you’ve gotten your hands on graphene, feel free to sell it to anyone. I hope you find a buyer... if not, selling it to the Huang Fu Family works too."

Huang Fu Flawless, standing by, could hardly contain her glee upon hearing this. Covering her mouth, she laughed incessantly, "Oh no, my Huang Fu Family might profit from the margin, but certainly not by taking advantage of you, right?"

Seeing this, Nangong Youjiu clammed up, realizing that as long as Huang Fu Flawless was present, no substantive conversation with Feng Jun would be possible.

However, the person from the Fu Family maintained a good state of mind. They had arrived the day before and the next day actually made a request to Feng Jun, wishing to visit Mount Zhige.

Feng Jun knew the Fu Clan was a vassal to the Nangong Family and had even killed a teammate of Ji PingAn’s. But such things... how to put it? At least they actively made restitution, and killing for treasure was all too common.

In his view, the nature of the Fu Family’s murders was far lighter than that of the Xue Family; they killed openly and directly, unlike the Xue Family’s treachery, sneaking attacks without admitting fault even when confronted.

So, Feng Jun permitted him to come in, but emphasized one thing: do not approach near the courtyard.

Elder Yang also made a request, which Feng Jun also approved. Having heard from Nangong Youjiu, both knew of a terrifying presence residing near the small courtyard. How could they dare to get close? They did not even dare to extend their Divine Sense in that direction.

Elder Yang was preoccupied with other matters. After wandering around Mount Zhige for a morning, he left the mountain gate, whereas the person from the Fu Clan was excited to explore for the entire day and even chatted with a disciple from the Crimson Phoenix Sect.

As dusk approached, he sought out Feng Jun to say goodbye, incidentally bringing up graphene again, "Elder Nangong Youjiu hopes to clear up some misunderstandings with Mount Zhige. He’s willing to exchange graphene for food at a one-to-a-thousand ratio."

This offer was much better than before; fifty tons of graphene that previously needed a hundred thousand tons of food now only required fifty thousand tons.

Feng Jun shook his head, replying indifferently, "I am not interested in doing business with the Nangong Family. Let him talk to Huang Fu Flawless."

"We’ve talked," the person from the Fu Clan spread his hands helplessly, "Huang Fu Flawless drove too hard a bargain. She’s not willing to provide food, only willing to offer fifty thousand taels of gold, which Nangong Youjiu can’t accept."

(To be updated, calling for monthly votes.)