Lu Qiuling felt Fang Zhou seemed a bit different today, but couldn’t pinpoint exactly what was different. Was his skin much whiter?
Unable to figure it out, she decided to stop thinking about it and focused her attention on Xiao Ba.
Seeing Xiao Ba’s adorable demeanor, Lu Qiuling felt her heart melting instantly and couldn’t help but ask, "Boss, who is Xiao Ba to you?"
Fang Zhou didn’t elaborate much. Today, he originally planned to let the seven gourd babies out for some fresh air. From the fourth to the seventh, they argued incessantly, but in the end, Fang Zhou arranged for Xiao Ba to come out.
Today, going down the mountain, it was a perfect chance to take her shopping, fostering some bond.
Since childhood, Xiao Ba had always stayed in the Divine Soul Realm, knowing nothing about the outside world. Once down the mountain, she was instantly bewitched by the sights, and now anyone could easily lead her away.
Lu Qiuling saw Fang Zhou unwilling to elaborate, so she didn’t press further. She casually bought a bunch of snacks from a street vendor and fed them to Xiao Ba from behind.
Xiao Ba accepted everything given to her, eating without hesitation, her cheeks puffing up like a hamster, constantly chewing.
This gave Lu Qiuling a sense of joy from feeding a pet, making her face show an idiotic grin.
Seeing the smiling sister giving her food, Xiao Ba also began to smile.
The two continued to laugh cheerfully.
Fang Zhou walked ahead to the restaurant and met some foremen Lu Qiuling had invited.
He handed Xiao Ba to Lu Qiuling and met with the craftsmen alone.
These foremen showed extreme respect in front of Fang Zhou because he was an "immortal elder" from the mountain.
They were all top-level foremen, each overseeing at least a hundred craftsmen, requiring influential and unyielding personalities.
Only an immortal elder like Fang Zhou could demand their reverent respect, summoning them with a single call for a meeting.
Fang Zhou knew they misunderstood him as being from the Heavenly Sword Sect, but he didn’t correct them and simply said, "I plan to build a small courtyard on the mountain. What’s your going rate?"
The foremen exchanged glances, and one hesitantly replied, "To be honest, immortal elder, this construction matter requires the Cloud Sea Gang’s approval."
Fang Zhou feigned surprise, "Why is that?"
The foremen feared revealing the truth, only offering light explanations. But Fang Zhou already knew the details through Lu Qiuling’s investigation.
The Cloud Sea Gang monopolized the market in Yunshan City, particularly in construction. The city’s craftsmen were grouped into a so-called craftsmen’s guild by the gang, and all construction projects were assigned by them.
Profitable projects were seized by the gang, while labor-intensive tasks were handed to other craftsmen.
These foremen had wealth, personnel, and connections, yet dared not provoke the Cloud Sea Gang backed by the Heavenly Sword Sect.
If Fang Zhou truly wished to build a courtyard on the mountain, he could only find craftsmen through the gang’s guild.
The foremen cautiously declined, indicating they couldn’t afford to offend the gang and didn’t dare take Fang Zhou’s commission.
Fang Zhou examined these foremen, paying close attention to the last one.
This person was tall, ordinary-looking, but with a calm demeanor. She remained silent while others spoke, introducing herself earlier as Wei Dajin.
After the foremen finished speaking, Fang Zhou didn’t get upset. He smiled and bid them farewell.
Lu Qiuling entered holding Xiao Ba, puzzled, "Boss, they don’t dare take your commission?"
Fang Zhou smiled faintly, "No rush, someone will take it soon."
Lu Qiuling felt skeptical but didn’t ask further, sitting aside with Xiao Ba.
Soon enough, someone returned—Wei Dajin, the foreman.
Wei Dajin didn’t waste time, bowing slightly to Fang Zhou and getting straight to the point, "Immortal elder, I am willing to take your commission, but there’s a difficulty."
Fang Zhou didn’t need to guess what the difficulty was: "You want me to back you up?"
Wei Dajin nodded, "To be honest, immortal elder, many hold deep grudges against the Cloud Sea Gang. But with their vast numbers and influence, we dare not resist. If you, immortal elder, would stand up for us, the gang wouldn’t dare act rashly. The craftsmen oppressed in Yunshan City would surely appreciate your great kindness."
Fang Zhou smiled as he listened. Wei Dajin was ambitious, seeking to leverage Fang Zhou’s support against the gang backed by the sect to rise in prominence.
She seemed to view Fang Zhou as a naïve youngster, hoping his sense of justice would make him their champion.
This played right into Fang Zhou’s plans. He immediately pretended to be excited, "The Cloud Sea Gang has committed numerous crimes. I’ve heard of this long ago. Don’t worry, I’ll certainly help you. What’s the plan?"
Wei Dajin was overjoyed and quickly said, "The gang will hold a meeting with the foremen today afternoon at the craftsmen’s guild to discuss your sect’s construction project. I will confront them, and I beg for your protection."
The construction project mentioned was likely the Heavenly Sword Sect’s anniversary celebration.
Fang Zhou nodded, "No problem, you lead me there then."
Wei Dajin thanked him profusely and left. After she left, Lu Qiuling curiously asked, "Boss, are you really going?"
The gang likely had Yan Gulan’s backing. Fang Zhou causing trouble would only provoke Yan Gulan further.
Fang Zhou smiled, "Yes, I’ll just take a look, nothing more."
Lu Qiuling didn’t believe him. This guy dared to stir up the sect’s public opinion with newspapers, fearless and reckless. Though she had no evidence, her intuition told her Fang Zhou dared do anything.
In the afternoon, Wei Dajin indeed came to take Fang Zhou to the guild.
Lu Qiuling wanted to follow, but Fang Zhou gave her another task: to take Xiao Ba shopping.
The thought of spending time alone with Xiao Ba greatly excited Lu Qiuling.
After Lu Qiuling left with Xiao Ba, Fang Zhou and Wei Dajin headed to the guild. Tʜe source of this ᴄontent ɪs 𝗻𝗼𝘷𝗲𝗹•𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮•𝕟𝕖𝕥
The guild was located in a large courtyard in Yunshan City. When Fang Zhou and Wei Dajin arrived, they saw strict guards at the entrance and many parked carriages.
Wei Dajin, being a guild member, entered without an invitation. Fang Zhou pretended to be her subordinate, wearing a mask, following her inside.
After forming the guild, the gang used it as a conference site for discussing major projects and allocating work.
Wei Dajin led Fang Zhou deep into the hall. Many foremen were already present, with the central seat still vacant.
Wei Dajin greeted other leaders while Fang Zhou quietly stepped aside.
Soon, the gang members arrived, led by a stern-faced woman in her thirties.
Having seen her portrait given by Lu Qiuling, Fang Zhou recognized her as Zhou Chaosiang, gang leader and guild president.
Upon Zhou Chaosiang’s arrival, the surrounding foremen greeted her, regardless of their true feelings.
Zhou Chaosiang said nothing, displaying her arrogance, heading straight to the head seat.
The other foremen also took their seats, waiting for Zhou Chaosiang to speak.