Campus Cultivation Master
Chapter 423 - 0424: I Take Their Provocation

Chapter 423: Chapter 0424: I Take Their Provocation

Zhuang Xinyan paused for a moment before continuing, "We considered many possibilities. The only thing we didn’t anticipate was that they were merely feinting against me. Their real target turned out to be An Wenxing. Moreover, the speed and decisiveness of their actions completely exceeded our expectations. They didn’t give us a chance to react or to counterattack. If you hadn’t returned, they might have succeeded, and An Wenxing might already be dead."

"And by doing so, they have also disrupted our arrangements. With An Wenxing injured like this, my Zhuang Family has lost a most important ally in East River. Furthermore, it’s very likely that after we become a powerful family, we will be isolated by the families in East River. That will be even more disadvantageous for my Zhuang Family. Their move, obviously abandoning this session of the powerful families’ meeting, aims at the next one—to support someone who can contend against my Zhuang Family. Our situation will become even more difficult. This move of theirs was indeed unexpected and overlooked by us."

An Rongrong consoled, "Sister Xinyan, this matter can’t be entirely blamed on you. If you had been the one injured, our An Family’s situation would have been even more difficult. Without you, Sister Xinyan, the Zhuang Family probably couldn’t have become a powerful family. By then, the predicament for both our families would have been even more challenging. And by that time, there might be even more people being targeted."

What An Rongrong said was the bitter truth—if Zhuang Xinyan had been the one injured, everything would probably be even more passive. And the situation would be even more unfavorable for both the Zhuang Family and the An Family.

Chu Feng said, "Let’s discuss who might have taken action. I am not the least bit curious about their motives; I just want to meet those who may have been involved."

Zhuang Xinyan said, "Currently, there are many who might have taken action, including the Wu Family, Jin Family, Bai Family, and an unknown force related to the Bai Family, which has some connection to the former Jin Enhui."

"Elite Society," Chu Feng interjected.

Zhuang Xinyan nodded, "That should be them."

"These are the ones we know of; there are also those we don’t know. East River’s status, with the deepening of economic reforms, has become increasingly significant. Whoever can control the initiative in East River is essentially controlling a major part of the economic lifeline of northern Huaxia. Now, there are many eyes on East River, and many forces eyeing it. It’s not excluded that they want to stir up the waters and then take the opportunity to get involved."

Upon hearing Zhuang Xinyan’s words, Chu Feng’s frown deepened. This matter was indeed far more complex than what he had thought.

The status of East River is indeed becoming more important, but East River is a region that has only risen in the last decade or so. However, its importance has become apparent from the moment of its rise.

Nevertheless, East River has its own inherent forces, and Songjiang Province is not without established powerful families.

Apart from the Bai Family, there are two other powerful families. Meat at their own lips—how could they possibly allow others to meddle easily?

Thus, these three formed the first line of defense, ensuring East River’s unique character and independence.

But this time, under the gambits of various parties, East River is about to give birth to a new powerful family. For all powers concerned, it’s an opportunity of great importance yet rare.

Everyone is eyeing this opportunity, so it’s really difficult to determine who actually made a move.

Chu Feng fell silent. Zhuang Xinyan and An Rongrong also were silent.

After five minutes, it was Chu Feng who broke the silence first, saying, "No matter who took action, they could all be related. Since they’re related, let’s not be polite with them. Give each one fifty lashes—this is simple and straightforward."

Zhuang Xinyan’s face changed slightly at Chu Feng’s words, "We might be able to get our revenge this way, but we would probably offend everyone. Then our journey to becoming a powerful family would become very rough."

Chu Feng was domineering, "I never considered letting them judge our status as a powerful family. But since you’re willing, let’s forcefully establish ourselves. We can become a powerful family without their approval."

Zhuang Xinyan didn’t immediately respond to Chu Feng, but turned to An Rongrong and asked, "What do you think, Rongrong?"

An Rongrong looked at Chu Feng and said, "I believe in Chu Feng."

Zhuang Xinyan cracked a self-deprecating smile, "I knew it would turn out this way; my previous question was just making a fool of myself."

After the self-mockery, Zhuang Xinyan took out an invitation, "Now, there is an opportunity for us to start recouping some interest."

Chu Feng took the invitation and, upon seeing its header, said, "Another invitation from the Bai Family."

Zhuang Xinyan confirmed, "Yes. This time it is from Bai Jiarui’s brother, the true leading figure of the third generation of the Bai Family, Bai Jiahang. He is inviting all the major noble families and capable companies in East River."

"Your Fengjing Group is on the invitation list as well."

Chu Feng glanced at the location of the event and said, "It’s on Wu Family’s turf again. Are they trying to tell me this matter isn’t related to them, or are they trying to show they can still reclaim control of the Wu Family and provoke me further?"

Zhuang Xinyan guessed, "The former is a bit more probable; he probably wants to use this opportunity to tell us that they have nothing to do with this incident."

Chu Feng shrugged, "How they think doesn’t concern me; what concerns me is that they want to provoke me."

Zhuang Xinyan responded, "Of course what you think is your business. They probably think the same way; they might even hope that you think like that."

Chu Feng declared, "Then I’ll just play into their hands."

Zhuang Xinyan continued, "However, Wu Di’s attitude indeed warrants our discussion. Quite a few people already know or have heard about the last incident. Wu Di joined forces with you to deal with Wu Mingzhe. Wu Di was completely subdued by you, but now at such a sensitive time, he has gone silent. This attitude is somewhat ambiguous. Besides, you’re back now; he should know about it. After all, East River isn’t so big that there could be any real secrets."

Chu Feng let out a cold laugh, "For Wu Di to behave like this is the smartest move. If he had hurried to call me to explain as soon as I got back, that would have seemed like a guilty conscience. But if he stands by my side at the banquet and clearly states his stance, it would not only dissociate him from this issue but also gain my favor. The Wu Di of today is completely different from the Wu Di of the past."