Chapter 1083: The Obscure Merchant
Liu Zixuan had no concept of the so-called family Qiqi mentioned.
From the information obtained from Qiqi, that family seemed very mysterious and powerful. But so what, Liu Zixuan had been in Star Sea since he could remember—first in an orphanage, then Spirit Extinct Mountain, and finally Lingxiu Village and Ghost Wood City—with no impression of that family at all.
If it weren’t for the chance encounter with such a charming little girl like Qiqi, and instead some stranger had come to tell Liu Zixuan these things, he probably would have cursed them out!
After a few casual exchanges, Liu Zixuan had lunch with two lovely ladies.
After the meal, Gu Yu and Lulu came in together. After exchanging glances, Lulu walked with Liu Ruyan and Qiqi to the side chamber, while Gu Yu sat in front of Liu Zixuan.
"Did anything happen in these ten days?" Liu Zixuan asked, a cigarette hanging from his mouth.
Gu Yu laughed, "It pretty much matches your expectations, and the situation in the Qian Nan Business Community is all following your plan."
"Currently, all Xiumei’s direct-operated stores, franchise stores, and outsourcing agency stores in the Qian Nan area have ceased operations, leaving only flagship stores in a few major cities. Given our large market share, coupled with three consecutive price discount promotions within ten days, the southern lingerie market has plummeted to a fifty-year low."
Gu Yu smiled triumphantly, "Though we’ve only just opened up the southern market, the influence of the Xiumei brand is significant. Our forceful market suppression also caused many industry leaders to lower their market position, so the Netherworld Hall’s layout throughout the south is now declining!"
Liu Zixuan rubbed his chin, "Just a state of decline isn’t enough; we must make them lose everything!"
"In a week at most, the entire economic chain in the Qian Nan area will directly hit rock bottom. By then, Netherworld Hall will have two choices: either compensate the market with an astronomical amount of money, or withdraw entirely. Either way, they’ll lose everything."
Liu Zixuan nodded, "When deities clash, ordinary people suffer. Remember, even if our Xiumei Group loses billions, don’t let ordinary people in the Qian Nan area suffer."
"That’s already been taken into consideration. Ruyan has implemented corresponding measures." Gu Yu said.
Liu Zixuan then asked, "What about the north?"
Gu Yu furrowed his brow, "Until a few days ago, the north seemed calm, but starting yesterday, I feel the situation in the north is even more severe than in the south!"
"What happened?" Liu Zixuan’s expression became solemn.
For them, ordinary matters aren’t enough to be described as severe. If Gu Yu, a Great Immortal, says so, it likely involves some major force within the Martial Realm, which made Liu Zixuan take it seriously.
"Two things: after the Martial Realm crisis was resolved, Little Six and Bei Meiyin returned to the Celestial Capital successively, while Anwazi and the others remain here. Plus, since the top families in the Celestial Capital either left or were destroyed, the situation subtly favors Little Six’s family’s dominance. But after returning, they started consolidating enterprises, seemingly wanting to sell off the Celestial Capital’s industries and together relocate to the Lingxiu Village area."
"Meiyin mentioned this before she left. Actually, it’s not bad for everyone to come here; at least we can all look after each other. Plus, Little Six and Zhou Madman belong to the Six Gates, which could be seen as two families working together here in Ghost Wood City," Liu Zixuan shrugged.
"That’s right, Little Six and the others are consolidating businesses, preparing to move north. It’s common for new families or enterprises to rise. But just yesterday afternoon, people from the Outer Eight Gates who stayed in the Celestial Capital sent back news: a massive enterprise suddenly rose up, along with a group of very peculiar people."
"Related to the Dragon Spirit?" Liu Zixuan raised an eyebrow and asked.
"The manipulator behind the massive enterprise is the Dragon Spirit, but on the surface, it’s an obscure businessman. And the peculiar group is linked to the Dragon Spirit, but they don’t seem to have a hierarchical relationship; it’s more of a collaborative one."
Listening to Gu Yu, Liu Zixuan pondered for a moment, "Can we find out who these people are?"
"We can’t find them; these people appeared out of nowhere—some businessmen, martial artists, ordinary people," Gu Yu chuckled, "Interestingly, they’re somewhat similar to the Outer Eight Gates because some ordinary people possess special skills. Among them is a magician. Someone from the Outer Eight Gates tried probing, but they failed, and to avoid exposure, they didn’t probe further."
A magician?
Liu Zixuan touched his chin and smiled, "Appearing and rising in this current situation, plus being on an equal footing with the Dragon Spirit, I bet it’s none other than the Netherworld Hall!"
"Even if it’s not the Netherworld Hall, it’s connected to them."
Gu Yu picked a cigarette off the table and lit it, "Here’s a fun bit of news: the businessman Dragon Spirit set upfront is currently in Ghost Wood City!"
"In Ghost Wood City?" Liu Zixuan asked curiously, "What is he doing here?"
"Haha, I bet you wouldn’t guess!" Gu Yu pretended to be mysterious.
"Hurry up and tell me, stop beating around the bush!" Liu Zixuan grumbled.
Gu Yu moved closer, "They sent an invitation last night, wanting to discuss collaboration with Ruyan."
"Collaboration?" Liu Zixuan squinted slightly, "A collaboration in the business world, or is there another hidden agenda?"
"That, I’m not sure. Ruyan said she’d ask you before deciding. If you choose to meet, then tonight; if not, I’ll have someone send him away," Gu Yu shrugged.
Liu Zixuan rubbed his forehead and pondered.
Under these circumstances, he wasn’t keen on negotiating, given that the Dragon Spirit’s position is unclear. One could say they’re good, but they have dealings with the Netherworld Hall. To label them as bad, there’s no tangible evidence.
Yet, dragging on indefinitely isn’t ideal either. Maybe if they met and pretended to collaborate, they might uncover their true scheme.
After a while, "How many people came with that businessman?"
"Three—him, a Secret Technique practitioner, and a martial artist who seems to be at a Half-Step Emperor Realm. They’re likely sent by the Dragon Soul Sect to protect him," Gu Yu replied.
"Tonight, Ruyan and I will engage with them to see what exactly the Dragon Spirit is planning," Liu Zixuan stood up and said, "Also, keep an eye on the Celestial Capital, to prevent any drastic changes. Given our proximity to the Celestial Capital, any changes will directly affect Ghost Wood City."