Chapter 144: You Still Need a Reason?

“What’s the matter? I’m giving you a chance now, don’t waste it.”

Ji Ziling’s expression was icy. She had no intention of showing any kindness toward her own brother.

“This…”

Ji Zifeng was still hesitating, looking somewhat troubled as he glanced at Jiang Changkong.

Ji Ziling was already furious: “If you don’t appreciate it, forget it. In the future, even if you beg me, I won’t let Changkong agree to let you join.”

“Why get angry, Senior Sister? Let’s go in for some tea and talk while we drink.”

Jiang Changkong spoke up.

Ji Zifeng quickly added, “Yes, yes, tea first. Let’s have tea and talk. It’s on me.”

“That’s right, all three of you, come have a cup of tea.”

The two people beside Ji Zifeng also hurriedly spoke up, pulling them into the guild.

The group entered the Yaoguang Guild teahouse. The server recognized Jiang Changkong and directly led them to a private room.

Once inside the room, Yaoguang tea was served.

“Are you facing difficulties?” Jiang Changkong took a sip of tea and said calmly.

“No,” Ji Zifeng quickly shook his head.

“Hah, it’s just cowardice. You’re afraid that if you withdraw, you’ll face retaliation from the Chu family.”

Ji Ziling sneered, “Pang Yun and Yang Chengan aren’t afraid. What are you afraid of?”

Ji Zifeng sighed helplessly, “I have to think about my family. Our family’s business relies heavily on the Chu family now.”

“What have you gained from working yourself to death for the Chu family every year? Why don’t you just change your surname?”

Ji Ziling snapped angrily.

Jiang Changkong rubbed his temples, “Senior Sister, don’t be angry. It’s the situation forcing his hand. You can’t blame Brother Zifeng.”

Ji Zifeng sighed softly, “In Jiangshui City now, apart from the Yaoguang Guild, anyone wanting to do business has to rely on the Chu family.

Pang Yun and Yang Chengan are fine for now, but others in Jiangcheng are suffering. Those still in the association are having a hard time.”

“Hmm? Why not band together and report them?” Jiang Changkong frowned.

The two men beside Ji Zifeng shook their heads, “What’s the use of reporting? The Chu family’s influence spreads throughout Jianghai.

The Martial Arts Association is backed by the Chu family. As long as the Chu family stands, no one dares to report them.”

Jiang Changkong pondered, “Hmm, you mentioned earlier that those people in Jiangcheng are having a hard time?”

“Yes, because you took the spot, those people in Jiangcheng get beaten up for no reason.”

Ji Zifeng replied, “Especially Chu Tianyun. He’s already twisted inside. Now he goes crazy whenever he sees someone from Jiangcheng.”

“A coward who bullies the weak and fears the strong.”

Jiang Changkong said disdainfully.

“Don’t take it lightly. Jin Feng is dead,” Ji Zifeng said gravely.

Jiang Changkong replied indifferently, “Dead is dead. Did the Chu family kill him?”

“It’s just my speculation. There’s no evidence. Besides Jin Feng, someone from Lin Jie’s Lin family is also on their way to Jiangshui City.”

Ji Zifeng’s expression was heavy.

Anyone could guess that Jin Feng was most likely killed by the Chu family.

The Chu family is being closely watched by Jiang Haishan and doesn’t dare to act rashly.

At this time, using other forces to take out Jiang Changkong is the best choice.

But this is all speculation, with no evidence.

The two who had been silent all along spoke up, “According to the news I’ve gathered, the Lin family has Star Spirit experts. They won’t send a Star Spirit this time, but you need to be careful in the future.”

“Hmm, soon, I’ll be going to Anding Province. Before I leave, I’ll deal with the Chu family.”

Jiang Changkong thought for a moment and said, “While you’re in the Martial Arts Association, keep an eye out for me. Contact me when the time comes, and create an opportunity for them to make a move.”

“Uh, are you planning to start a fight proactively?” Ji Zifeng and the other two were stunned.

Ji Ziling and Ying Yanxue frowned, worriedly saying, “Changkong, don’t do anything foolish.”

“Don’t worry, this time I’ve made a contribution, and Jiang Haishan will benefit too. I’ll invite him over when the time comes.”

Jiang Changkong calmly replied, “As long as they make a move, Jiang Haishan, as a minor commander, will have a reason to act against the Chu family.”

“So that’s the plan. I’ll definitely cooperate with you.”

Ji Zifeng said with pleasant surprise.

Ding-dong

As soon as he finished speaking, his phone rang. Ji Zifeng picked it up and made a gesture for silence. “It’s Chu Yunhe.”

“Put it on speaker,” Jiang Changkong said indifferently.

Ji Zifeng nodded and answered the call. A voice came through: “Ji Zifeng, where are you?”

“Having tea at the Yaoguang Chamber of Commerce with Qian Yun and the others,” Ji Zifeng replied.

“No one else? Is it convenient to talk?”

Ji Zifeng gave Jiang Changkong and the other two a strange look and whispered, “It’s convenient.”

“Jiang Changkong has already come out of the Distorted Land. I’ll notify you in a while. Think of a way to lure him out of the city.”

Ji Zifeng hesitated, “That’s a bit difficult. I’m not familiar with Jiang Changkong.”

“Your sister, Ji Ziling, is close to him. Figure it out yourself. Don’t blame me for not warning you—if you fail, your sister will be in danger.”

Chu Yunhe spoke coldly and hung up.

Jiang Changkong: “…”

The two senior sisters: “…”

Has he gone completely mad from the provocation, saying it outright like that?

Ji Zifeng’s face twitched. “Ever since Chu Tianyun was crippled and his spot was taken, both brothers have gone insane. What do we do now?”

“Set a time. I don’t mind,” Jiang Changkong shrugged.

If someone was seeking death, he didn’t mind sending the Chu family on their way.

Settling things earlier meant he could head to Anding Province sooner to check on the mineral vein news.

As for the Yaoguang Chamber of Commerce, he wondered if they had calculated the value properly, along with his sword.

Nantian Pang’s Star Stones for purchasing Yang Stones hadn’t been delivered yet either.

After some discussion, they all went their separate ways. The two senior sisters went off to play games.

Jiang Changkong, led by a server, went to find Uncle De and also invited Jiang Haishan out for a meal to discuss matters.

Uncle De was in the middle of discussing something with Nantian Wang. When Jiang Changkong arrived, they waved him over to sit down.

“Changkong, we’ve tallied it up: eight thousand low-grade fifth-tier and one thousand mid-grade fifth-tier.”

Uncle De said.

“Isn’t that a bit low?” Jiang Changkong frowned.

“It’s not low. You must have an idea about that Special Starstone of yours.”

Uncle De replied calmly. “The rest of the items aren’t worth much more. Besides, we’ll prepare a top-tier sixth-tier weapon for you.”

Jiang Changkong pondered, “Alright, how long until I can get them?”

Uncle De said, “The quantity is too large. It’ll take two days to gather everything, including the Star Stones for the Yang Stones, and deliver them to you.”

Jiang Changkong thought for a moment and said, “That works. By the way, can the top-tier ones be exchanged for low-grade ones? More of them?”

“No exchange,” Uncle De said flatly. “We don’t have that much in reserve. We can exchange them for third-tier ones. Do you want that?”

“No exchange.”

Jiang Changkong curled his lip. Third-tier ones didn’t even have Essence anymore. Only someone kissed by a donkey would make that trade.

After finishing the discussion, Jiang Changkong stood up to leave.

Nantian Wang frowned. “Uncle De, do you think Jiang Changkong is also stockpiling Star Stones?”

“Possibly. Li Changtian and Ji Chengming might have told him.”

Uncle De mused. “But it doesn’t matter. Even though he’s at the peak of Star Vault, without reaching the high-tier, hoarding Star Stones won’t help. The Federation won’t invite him.”

Nantian Wang nodded and said no more.

Jiang Changkong invited Jiang Haishan to dinner, also taking the opportunity to treat Senior Yan Xue to a good meal.

After finishing matters here, he would be leaving.

During dinner, Pang Yun and Yang Chengan also arrived. Of the Martial Arts Association, only Tang Ruoxi was absent.

“Commander Jiang, I invited you here to discuss the matter of the Chu family.”

Jiang Changkong raised a toast and laid out the matter.

Jiang Haishan frowned slightly: “I naturally have confidence in your strength, but using this reason alone to involve the Chu family seems somewhat far-fetched.”

The Chu family could easily claim it was solely Chu Yunhe’s idea.

“Does eliminating the Chu family require a reason?”

Jiang Changkong said calmly: “Once everyone is dead, won’t it be you who reports it?”

Jiang Haishan was momentarily taken aback, then laughed: “This old brother was being foolish.”

“Come, let’s drink.” Jiang Changkong smiled faintly, raising his cup for a hearty drink.