If not for a stroke of luck, these few wouldn't even be worthy of talking with Young Master Li!
The more they thought about it, the more inferior they felt. The outer disciples exchanged glances, each nodding discreetly.
"Young Master Li, with your vast experience, 'Ten Mile Fragrance' naturally doesn't catch your eye. We, however, have two 'Hong Ze Fish' here."
The leading outer disciple gritted his teeth and continued, "These 'Hong Ze Fish' come from the faraway 'Hong Ze'. They are demon beasts comparable to the fourth layer of the Qi Cultivation Realm. Their flesh is tender and juicy, utterly delicious, a rare delicacy."
"Today, with Young Master Li here, I'll have the best chef steam them now for you to taste."
Even though they all agreed, the few outer disciples nearby still showed pained expressions as they heard this.
This costs ten spirit stones again.
Such fine fish were originally bought collectively with those spirit stones to feast on.
Now, they are being given away to this wretched young master!
"Hmm! Very well! Let's taste it then."
Li Yunjing was secretly pleased. Although he didn't know what kind of spirit fish the "Hong Ze Fish" was, judging by the expressions of the outer disciples, it was undoubtedly something extremely precious.
He would never refuse an unearned benefit!
These outer disciples approached him, surely not just to show hospitality for nothing!
However, first, he'd take the benefits and make some promises. As for whether he would actually help them?
Li Yunjing didn't really care, and even if he wanted to, he didn't have the ability!
Others might not know, but how could he not know himself?
Others misunderstood his identity, and he didn't correct them, just going with the flow!
After all, he wasn't deceiving them; they voluntarily came bearing gifts!
He could only continue to play the shameless young master, indulging in the treats and plundering what he could, and then deny any involvement later.
With this thought, Li Yunjing felt even more confident.
His every move and word were convincing, making it seem as though he truly was on the same level as Fu Chao and Yu Yunyi!
His demeanor further convinced the group of outer disciples.
"Very well! We will arrange it! Wang Yun, go to the kitchen personally and give the orders, and also arrange for an excellent banquet!"
The leading outer disciple continued to order.
"Alright! Senior Brother Liu!"
Wang Yun replied and hurriedly exited the private room, heading towards the kitchen.
At the Eight Immortals Table, only Li Yunjing and Ma Xingyuan were seated, with four outer disciples standing cautiously around them.
"You may sit as well. By the way, what's your name?"
Li Yunjing instructed, pointing to the steward and asking.
"Young Master Li! This humble one is the steward of 'Yaxiang Garden,' Yue Zhouwang."
The lead steward was overjoyed and quickly sat to Li Yunjing's right, answering his question.
The steward was not officially part of the Shenxiao Dao Sect, merely a temporary position.
They had authority but no benefits.
In 'Yaxiang Garden,' they could act arrogantly, but their status was still that of outer disciples.
Above them were stewards in the Foundation Establishment Realm.
However, the important figures were focused on cultivation and had no energy to manage mundane affairs.
Thus, the steward was an unofficial tier.
Over time, all peaks of Shenxiao Dao Sect were . The higher one's cultivation, the less willing they were to manage mundane affairs.
Therefore, more stewards appeared, existing in this special form, and were accepted by the whole sect.
As for the seat to Li Yunjing's left, it was naturally occupied by Ma Xingyuan.
This quick-witted fat man closely followed Li Yunjing and sat next to him upon entering the private room.
"Hmm! You bring out the best wine and dishes to entertain us two servant disciples. You must have a request, so speak frankly. If it's within my power, I'd be happy to help."
Li Yunjing said with a smile.
"Hehe! Young Master Li, you see through us."
Yue Zhouwang first flattered him, then said, "Young Master Li, you are friends with Young Master Fu! We few couldn't manage Yang Chun and allowed a fight in 'Yaxiang Garden.' Steward Zhong of the Law Enforcement Hall might punish us. We hope you could mediate for us, Young Master Li."
Li Yunjing had already guessed this possibility before asking.
Now, he was in no rush and asked again.
The other outer disciples repeatedly nodded.
"We'll talk about it later!"
Li Yunjing waved his hand, closed his eyes, and pondered with an air of nonchalance.
Seeing this, everyone's hearts sank. It seemed that Young Master Li was still unsatisfied with their offered bribe.
"Young Master Li, please stay seated. We will go and urge the kitchen. Pardon us! Pardon us!"
Helpless, Yue Zhouwang signaled to the others with a look.
Understanding the gesture, they all spoke, and only when they saw Li Yunjing nod did they leave in a single file.
With the private room door closed, only Li Yunjing and Ma Xingyuan remained inside.
Just as Ma Xingyuan was about to speak, Li Yunjing signaled with a look to make him keep quiet.
This was someone else's territory; too many words might lead to mistakes.
Having just received benefits from Fu Chao, he didn't want to be exposed prematurely.
The amount of extortion he could achieve depended on Yue Zhouwang and the others' response later.
Yue Zhouwang and the others were middle-aged men and had evidently been in the sect for a long time. They should have some wealth; otherwise, what use would there be in squeezing them?
As for whether the matter would be resolved in the future, they'd have to go to Fu Chao. Surely, they wouldn't have the nerve!
Meanwhile, in a secluded spot, several outer disciples gathered, frowning deeply.
"What should we do? This Li Yunjing is too greedy! We've already given him benefits worth twenty spirit stones, yet he's still unsatisfied?"
One outer disciple complained.
"There's no choice. These young masters from noble clans are used to seeing the world! I guess twenty spirit stones wouldn't sway him."
Yue Zhouwang sighed and said slowly.
"So, should we just let him blackmail us?"
Another outer disciple grumbled. Their contribution points and spirit stones weren't easily earned.
Besides regular income, they could only syphon off some benefits through 'Yaxiang Garden's' food ingredients.
Their income had to be shared with those above them, so little remained in their hands!
"Do the math! If we ask those above for help, we'd have to grease the palms of two Foundation Establishment experts. Do you think we'd spend less than what we're giving Li Yunjing?"
Yue Zhouwang shook his head slightly.
At these words, silence fell over the group.
The higher-ups never missed a chance to extort. This time, having caused such trouble, they'd be the ones to pay the price if their superiors had to step in.
If they had to spend that money, they might as well work for nothing for one or two years!
"No way! Let's gather some more spirit stones and have Li Yunjing get Fu Chao to settle this."
One outer disciple, who had been silent, finally spoke.