Chapter 49

The news that Kuangfeng Qiang Tianfei had been defeated by a young martial artist quickly spread throughout the entire Pingjun City, instantly becoming the most explosive news.

Tianfei, a veteran Fourth Rank powerhouse in Pingjun City, had been famous for twenty years, wielding an iron spear that few could match.

Now, a young man had suddenly appeared from nowhere and defeated him in one move.

Rumors had it that this young man was just over twenty years old.

For a time, the name Gu Yang echoed throughout Pingjun City.

People on the streets and in alleys were speculating about his background.

The most common guesses were the two Gu families.

A Fourth Rank powerhouse in his early twenties must have come from a prestigious family or a major sect.

Soon, more news spread that this person was acting on behalf of the Qingxuan Sect.

The news of Tianfei's son-in-law eloping with a disciple of the Qingxuan Sect had already spread widely.

In recent days, Tianfei's daughter had been causing a commotion at the Qingxuan Sect, which had already become a hot topic.

No one expected the Qingxuan Sect to be able to invite such a young expert.

The ordinary people had limited sources of information and were just discussing it enthusiastically.

However, the major forces in the city had already received accurate information by that night.

In Pingjun, the main forces were three: the Prefect, representing the imperial court; the Longhu Gang, backed by the second son of the Lin family, Lin Zisheng; and the Fang family, a prominent local clan.

These three forces had different attitudes toward Gu Yang, the mysterious Fourth Rank powerhouse.

The Prefect was pleased and even had the idea of recruiting him, hoping to use him to challenge the Fang family and the Longhu Gang, thereby gaining more power from these two sides.

The Longhu Gang and the Fang family, on the other hand, were wary. They had received news that after defeating Tianfei, Gu Yang had taken over the Tian family's business and warehouse.

This meant that the other party intended to establish roots in Pingjun City.

This touched their sensitive nerves.

This young man named Gu Yang was different from Tianfei.

When Tianfei came to Pingjun, he was already middle-aged and had no background, posing no threat to the Fang family.

Gu Yang's own strength was not the main concern; the key was which force he represented.

This was what the Longhu Gang and the Fang family were most worried about.

While the Longhu Gang and the Fang family were discussing Gu Yang, they suddenly received a report that Gu Yang had sent someone to discuss matters.

After understanding the intentions of the person sent by Gu Yang, they realized that he was seeking wealth.

This was easy; money was not a big deal to them.

...

A day later, Gu Yang held a unique auction at the largest tavern in Pingjun City, auctioning off the ownership of the Tian family's business and warehouse.

The three major forces all sent trusted representatives.

The Prefect sent a clerk.

The Longhu Gang sent a deputy leader.

The Fang family sent a major manager.

In the end, the Fang family won the auction for the Tian family's business and warehouse for 50,000 taels, marking the end of the auction.

Many people came to watch, and this unprecedented auction became a hot topic of conversation.

...

"It seems the rumors are true that the Fang family and the Longhu Gang are in cahoots."

After receiving the 50,000 taels in silver bills, Gu Yang felt somewhat helpless.

To say he was at a loss, it was true; the Tian family's business could earn over 10,000 taels a year.

However, selling it at a high price was unrealistic.

The only ones who dared to bid were the three major forces. The Prefect, with only a few years left in his term, would not invest in assets here.

The real bidders were the Longhu Gang and the Fang family.

In the end, the Fang family bid 50,000 taels, and the Longhu Gang did not counter.

Although he was at a loss, getting 50,000 taels in one go could be considered a solution to his immediate needs.

With 50,000 taels, he could perform ten simulations.

Ling Ling said, "The Fang family is now led by a woman, who is Lin Zisheng's lover. The relationship between the two families is extraordinary."

"Is that so?"

Gu Yang was taken aback. With the two families almost like one, it was unrealistic to expect them to compete fiercely.

"Since the failure of the Fang family's former head to reach the Divine Realm and his subsequent death ten years ago, the family has been in decline. Now, they only have one Second Rank and two Third Ranks, all of whom are quite old. There are no outstanding figures in the younger generation. Therefore, aligning with the Lin family is their only option."

"Actually, the rise and fall of prestigious families is inevitable. Many thousand-year-old families have been buried in the dust of history."

Ling Ling's tone was somewhat melancholic.

Seeing her like this, Gu Yang knew she was touched by something. He was curious about her background but did not want to pry into her privacy.

When they returned home, Daoist Jingyu was already waiting.

"Thank you, sir, for your assistance."

She had come specifically to express her gratitude. "This is a relic of my master, said to be one of the Shadow Thief's treasure maps. I offer it to you as a token of my appreciation."

"Thank you, Daoist." Gu Yang did not refuse and accepted it.

This treasure map was the most valuable of the nine maps left by the Shadow Thief, containing the Shen family's ultimate cultivation technique, "Nine Heavens Phoenix Dance."

Daoist Jingyu hesitated, wanting to correct his title, as she was a Daoist, not a nun.

After Gu Yang put away the treasure map, he asked, "Is there anything else, Daoist?"

"I will take my leave then." Daoist Jingyu stood up and bowed. It was just a title, after all.

After she left, Ling Ling said, "You seem to have a special connection with the Shadow Thief's treasure."

"Such benefits are not easy to come by."

Gu Yang thought of the treasure map he had obtained recently, which had brought him trouble with the crazy woman, Cao Yiyi.

This treasure map would certainly make him a mortal enemy of the Shen family.

If he cultivated "Nine Heavens Phoenix Dance," the Shen family would definitely send people to hunt him down.

Therefore, he needed to save enough money.

50,000 taels were far from enough.

Thinking about this, Gu Yang made a decision. "I can agree to what you proposed last time. However, in addition to what you promised, I have one more condition."

Ling Ling's expression brightened, and she said solemnly, "What is it?"

"I want one million taels. If you can bring the money to me, I will transfer all my cultivation to you, helping you break through to the Third Rank."

"Is that true?"

"A gentleman's word."

"Agreed!"

Ling Ling agreed without hesitation. She had waited too long for this moment and was willing to serve Gu Yang as a maid for it.

When she confessed to Gu Yang, she was prepared to pay any price.

Now that he had finally agreed, she would not flinch, even if it meant climbing a mountain of knives or descending into a sea of fire.

She finally saw the light of revenge.

...

The next day, Ling Ling left.

Gu Yang looked forward to her return, regardless of how she obtained the one million taels. It would be enough to break through to the First Rank.

He quietly left Pingjun City, went to a nearby city, and exchanged the 50,000 taels in silver bills in batches, recharging them into the system.

After completing the transaction, he returned to Pingjun City that same day.

Even Zhang Xiaohai did not know where he had gone or what he had done.

The night was cool like water.

Gu Yang was reading a book in his room, trying to learn more about this world. Whenever he had free time, he would read.

However, he could only recognize the characters, and reading ancient texts was a bit challenging.

"Who's there?"

Suddenly, he turned his head, his hand gripping the hilt of his sword.

A woman's voice came from outside the door, "I apologize for the late visit, sir."

"I don't entertain sneaky people."

"I have come to discuss a big business deal with you."

The door creaked open.

Gu Yang opened the door to find a woman in a black robe, wearing a hood. She lifted her head, revealing a beautiful face.

"Speak. What business?"

"Is this how you treat guests?"

"I hate people who act mysteriously."

The woman's smile faded, and she said, "I want to hire you to kill someone. The reward is 50,000 taels."

"Not interested." Gu Yang said, about to close the door.

The woman said, "100,000 taels."

Gu Yang paused, his eyelid twitching slightly.

Good grief, she doubled the offer. She must be rich.

He said sternly, "Too little."

The woman gritted her teeth and said, "150,000 taels. That's all I can offer."

Gu Yang opened the door and said, "Come in and talk."

He did not want to get involved, but the amount was too tempting.

Good grief, 150,000 taels, enough for thirty simulations.

This was an offer he could not refuse.

PS: I'm a bit stuck. As usual, I'll update tomorrow morning. No drafts, so please bear with me.