Super Gene Hunting Ground

"Another billion crystal disks?"

Second Elder Ma Xiaotian and the others were shocked upon hearing this, and looked at Duan Jinjiang.

Ma Xiaotian and the others knew how much Duan Jinjiang hated Yang Xiao now; they wouldn’t hesitate to spend another billion crystal disks if it meant killing Yang Xiao.

A sudden silence fell, as everyone waited for Mr. Master inside the room to respond.

Mr. Master paused slightly, reflected for a moment, and said:

"I’m sorry, but for the time being, we cannot accept this deal. Please seek another expert, President Duan."

"What?"

Duan Jinjiang was a little surprised, looking at the closed door in front.

"Mr. Master, I have a question and would like to ask for your guidance."

"Speak."

"I’ve heard that Mr. Master has faced Yang Xiao in combat; is this true?"

"It is true."

"Is the reason for canceling this business because Yang Xiao is truly formidable, to the point where even the Dark Web cannot handle him?"

The room fell into dead silence once again.

After a moment, Mr. Master slowly replied:

"Yang Xiao is indeed a challenging opponent. We, the Dark Web, fell into his hands this time; I have nothing to say. The Dark Web has existed for many years on the Central Continent; I have been with the Dark Web for decades, and this is the greatest setback I have encountered.

I cannot complete President Duan’s commission; I sincerely apologize. This matter is concluded here; please leave with the two billion crystal disks outside the room."

President Duan and the others understood that Mr. Master would not continue with this business.

"Since Mr. Master cannot deal with Yang Xiao, I won’t insist any further. Farewell!"

Duan Jinjiang instructed Second Elder and the others to take the several crystal disk bags on the steps of the room, glanced briefly, and left.

After Duan Jinjiang and the others left the Dark Web Headquarters Valley, Mr. Master exhaled deeply and said to the guards outside the door:

"Gather the gentlemen in the valley for a meeting."

"Yes."

Moments later, except for Mr. Eight, the remaining seven gentlemen of the Dark Web were all present, waiting for Mr. Master to arrive.

Mr. Master entered the room, and a chill spread through the air.

These people had been with Mr. Master for a long time and knew this was a sign of Mr. Master’s anger.

Mr. Master had hurried back today, entering the treatment room of the Dark Web for healing, and until Duan Jinjiang and the others arrived, Mr. Master hadn’t had time to brief them.

However, these people learned through Duan Jinjiang’s arrival and the Dark Web’s intelligence network that Mr. Master was defeated by Yang Xiao, voluntarily canceled the Vulture Chamber of Commerce’s assassination commission, and compensated with a billion crystal disks.

The seven gentlemen present had been with Mr. Master the shortest for about eight years, and had never seen Mr. Master so angry.

No one dared to anger Mr. Master by speaking first, and each kept their heads down.

....

After Duan Jinjiang and the others left the City of Hope, Elder Qi said anxiously,

"Lord Yang, do you think Duan Jinjiang giving us five billion crystal disks so obediently means he won’t retaliate against us?"

Yang Xiao smiled and said,

"Duan Jinjiang is sly and cunning; he will certainly seek revenge at some point, but not now. Right now, he should be heading to the Dark Web’s Mr. Master to demand an explanation."

"Hmm?"

Elder Qi, Black Wood, and the others were first puzzled, then burst into laughter.

Elder Qi asked,

"Did you really defeat Mr. Master a few days ago? You seemed to have carried Mr. Master into the City Lord Mansion; where is he now?"

"He’s gone, returned."

"Oh!"

Elder Qi and the others, seeing Yang Xiao was reluctant to say more, dared not ask further.

"Alright, the matter with the Vulture Chamber of Commerce is temporarily settled. Elder Qi, Black Wood, Suonan, you three shall return to your cities and guard them well. Report any incidents immediately.

Remember, from now on, no matter which city faces difficulties, others must support each other, do not stand by indifferently.

If I find anyone among you failing to fulfill the duty of mutual assistance, don’t blame me for being unkind."

The three immediately bowed and said:

"Rest assured, Lord Yang, we dare not."

Elder Qi and the other two bid farewell to Yang Xiao and led their groups back.

Yang Xiao returned to the city, where Chen Peng ran over and said,

"Boss, the Vulture Chamber of Commerce’s Tenth Elder, Ma Kui, wants to see you."

"Oh, bring him over."

Moments later, Ma Kui came before Yang Xiao and immediately knelt down.

Yang Xiao was startled and said:

"Tenth Elder, what are you doing?"

Ma Kui choked and said:

"Lord Yang, thank you for saving my life. I, Ma Kui, can no longer return to the Chamber of Commerce. I am willing to follow you loyally,

and the more than a thousand brothers I brought along, none wish to return to the Vulture Chamber of Commerce and would like to stay with you."

Yang Xiao paused and asked:

"I cut off one of your arms; do you not hate me?"

"I hate you."

"..."

"However, when Duan Jinjiang wanted to kill me to silence me, making me a scapegoat, you saved my life. I am clear with my grudges, so I no longer hate you and am very grateful to you."

"But I dare not take you in either; what if you stab me in the back someday, who would I turn to?"

Ma Kui paused, looked at Yang Xiao, and thought for a moment,

"Lord Yang, if you don’t trust me, I can bring my family over to live in the City of Hope. If I ever betray you, you can kill my family for revenge."

"Family? Do you think Duan Jinjiang will spare your family when he returns? You made him lose five billion crystal disks."

Ma Kui heard this and his face changed dramatically, becoming panic-stricken,

"Lord Yang, please save my family, please!"

Ma Kui pleaded as he knelt before Yang Xiao.

Yang Xiao sighed softly and said:

"When Duan Jinjiang stayed in the city, I had already sent Le Ting with your two guards to find your family. Whether they can return safely depends on their luck,

From now on, your life, along with your family’s, belongs to me, Yang Xiao. Remember this, I can save you, but also kill you, and your family."

Ma Kui listened and kowtowed three times heavily to Yang Xiao, tears streaming down his face, excitedly said:

"Lord Yang, from now on, I am yours in life, your ghost in death. If I have ulterior motives, may my whole family meet a miserable end."

Yang Xiao reached out to lift Ma Kui, feeling somewhat guilty, said:

"I shouldn’t have cut off your hand at the time; I now regret it a bit. Rest for a few days first. You were once an elder of the Vulture Chamber of Commerce, familiar with all business routes and sources of goods.

Once you’ve recuperated, you will be responsible for organizing our own specialized caravan, leading everyone to obtain goods from abroad, then return for sale,

Though we only have five cities for now, we aim to use quality and affordable prices to attract merchants from other cities on the Central Continent to source goods here, understand?"

"I understand, it means spreading our business to other cities."

(This segment originally belongs to Chapter 1047; not sure why it was omitted.)