Chapter 130

Chapter 130

The foundation of everything in the Inner Academy is built on the Fallen Heart Flame, and this is most evident in its economic system: Fire Energy!

Within the Inner Academy, all economic activities run on Fire Energy. Here, everything from selling pills, gambling on battles, to purchasing daily necessities is transacted using Fire Energy.

A simple example: there are factions in the Inner Academy engaged in real estate and even those running food businesses. Many of the buildings in the Inner Academy were constructed by multiple factions. Compared to selling medicinal pills, the barrier to entry for such industries isn't as high, so several factions participate, giving students plenty of options.

Of course, since these industries deal with basic living necessities for the students, the academy imposes a certain tax rate.

In the original story, there was even an incident where Xiao Yan's Pan Gate was granted a license to sell medicinal pills but was informed of a 0.2% tax rate. This policy was designed to prevent the excessive accumulation of Fire Energy and to avoid inflation caused by the over distribution of Fire Energy.

"This kind of business is far better than the medicinal pill industry..." Lu Bu thought as he walked through the streets, heading toward Fortune Hall. His mind was racing.

The Medicine Gang must be dismantled, and Han Xian must pay for what he's done. Otherwise, Lu Bu knew he wouldn't be able to continue as the leader of the Saint Gate. But what comes next?

If the Saint Gate takes over such a massive market, it could very well turn into another Medicine Gang a useless entity. Could a new faction for medicinal pills be nurtured instead?

Lu Bu didn't want the Saint Gate to become as detestable as the Medicine Gang. The boy who slays dragons must not become a dragon himself!

Fortune Hall, the place where leaders of factions in the Inner Academy most loved to meet. Luxurious, elegant, and quiet.

On the top floor, inside a lavish private room, three men sat idly, waiting.

One of them was Lu Bu's old acquaintance, Bai Cheng of the White Gang.

The second wore a gold threaded alchemist's robe. A four stripe silver cauldron badge on his chest glittered under the light, radiating an air of wealth and nobility. This was none other than Han Xian, the leader of the Medicine Gang!

But the man seated in the main position was a burly giant with broad shoulders and a thick waist. Standing two meters tall, his massive frame exuded an intimidating presence. Hidden in his bear like eyes was a faint green glow. Sitting casually in the host's chair, he cast a calm yet scrutinizing gaze over Bai Cheng and Han Xian.

This was Zongzheng Cai, the eighth ranked powerhouse on the Strong Ranking!

"Are you sure that brat is coming?" Zongzheng Cai asked lazily. His voice was deep and muffled, like a bear growling, with a faint hint of mockery.

Did a mere newbie, just a month into the Inner Academy, really warrant his presence to intimidate?

Han Xian said nothing, instead turning to Bai Cheng. Of the three, only Bai Cheng had interacted with that brat.

Based on Han Xian's judgment, a mere Dou Ling was probably already hiding somewhere, too afraid to show up.

"He'll come." Bai Cheng nodded, gritting his teeth. "That kid is arrogant and cocky. Just because he's an alchemist with talent in cultivation, he acts like he's above everyone, not giving us seniors any respect at all."

"And don't forget, he's using his pretty boy face to win Liu Fei's favor, leaving us no chance to approach her."

"Jie... Then tonight, we'll teach him the rules of the Inner Academy!" Han Xian sneered coldly. "Here, it doesn't matter who you are. If you're a dragon, you coil; if you're a tiger, you crouch! As long as Liu Qing doesn't step in, it doesn't matter who's backing that kid."

Zongzheng Cai nodded slightly. "But the kid is talented. Properly nurtured, he could become someone great. Don't break him too badly."

"If he knows what's good for him, things might not get too troublesome..." Bai Cheng chuckled darkly.

But this newbie was clearly inexperienced, having never been beaten down before. He didn't understand the harshness of reality, the value of compromising, or that kneeling could sometimes lead to a better life.

Han Xian laughed, "Our sincerity in cooperation is clear. I'm sure he'll figure out what to do!"

At this moment, Zongzheng Cai's eyes flickered as a hint of amusement crossed his bear like face. "Jie... He's here. Bold enough to show up."

…

At the entrance to Fortune Hall, Lu Bu looked up at the most luxurious restaurant in the Inner Academy. To be honest, most students didn't like coming here.

The students of the Inner Academy were geniuses from various families, all of whom understood that diligent cultivation and strength were the true paths to success. Most of them were hard workers, either busy earning Fire Energy or focused on training.

The ones who frequented places like this were mainly members of the Medicine Gang. These alchemists lived in comfort, without the need to rack their brains over earning Fire Energy. Fire Energy simply came to them.

As for cultivation? That was something for weaklings. Why train when their alchemy skills could command even the strongest warriors?

"Jie... No wonder it's the Medicine Gang," Lu Bu chuckled softly. Since coming to the Dou Qi Continent, the Medicine Gang was the most hedonistic group he'd encountered, second only to the Jia Ma Royal Family.

Of course, the Jia Ma Royal Family flaunted luxury to assert dominance and solidify their rule. The Medicine Gang? They indulged in luxury purely for enjoyment.

Fortune Hall had no attendants. You had to do everything yourself.

This was normal. No one in the Inner Academy would lower themselves to be a servant just to earn Fire Energy. Everyone here was a genius. Why should they humble themselves to serve others? Fighting magical beasts for Fire Energy was not only more profitable but also more dignified.

Thus, while Fortune Hall was the most opulent restaurant in the Inner Academy, it had only a skeleton staff to keep things running no one to serve the patrons.

Lu Bu strode in, heading straight for the top floor where Han Xian's banquet was taking place.

…

As Lu Bu stepped onto the top floor, a booming laugh greeted him.

"Hahaha! This must be the famous Gate Master of the Saint Gate, Lu Bu!"

"Long have I heard of your great name!"

A shadow loomed over Lu Bu. Standing before him was a two meter tall giant. At 1.78 meters, Lu Bu had to tilt his head back just to see the man's face.

"The eighth ranked on the Strong Ranking? Zongzheng Cai?" Lu Bu observed the hulking man with interest. By all rights, someone like this should be preparing for the Strong Ranking Tournament, so why was he so active?

Could it be he was so confident in retaining his spot in the top ten?

After all, the Strong Ranking Tournament, held every five years, offered top ten contenders a prize of Heart Flame Tempering. With it, breaking through to Dou Wang would be nearly guaranteed.

So, the top ten ranks of the Strong Ranking are closely watched, especially by those ranked eleventh and twelfth. These individuals are the most eager to break into the top ten, desperate enough that their eyes almost turn green with envy. They train relentlessly, vowing to reclaim the glory they missed in the previous competition.

Under such circumstances, with wolves circling from all sides, even those ranked in the top five feel a bit uneasy. But... this eighth ranked Zongzheng Cai? He doesn't seem worried at all.

"Haha, my good brother, just call me Brother Zong," Zongzheng Cai said, slapping Lu Bu's shoulder with his fan sized hand as he laughed heartily, as if they were the best of friends.

"Let's get to the point," Lu Bu responded with a faint smile, brushing Zongzheng Cai's hand off his shoulder and walking past him. He turned his gaze to Han Xian and Bai Cheng, completely ignoring Zongzheng Cai.

Zongzheng Cai's tiger like eyes narrowed slightly. Arrogant and dismissive... This junior clearly needed to be taught a lesson.

Standing behind Lu Bu, Zongzheng Cai's thick arm bulged with veins, his eyes flashing with a cold glint.

Han Xian and Bai Cheng exchanged a glance. As expected, this brat wasn't one to take the easy way out.

"Hahaha, as expected of the Saint Gate's leader, carrying such an impressive aura!" Han Xian laughed, gesturing toward the table. "Please, let's discuss over a drink!"

The plan was simple: talk first. If talking failed, then they'd resort to force.

Bai Cheng remained silent, nodding toward Lu Bu in greeting. However, there was a flicker of schadenfreude in his gaze. He knew Zongzheng Cai was a man who valued face. By brushing him off, Lu Bu was bound to pay for it later.

With different motives brewing in the room, Lu Bu, Han Xian, and Bai Cheng took their seats at the table. Meanwhile, Zongzheng Cai quietly retreated to an adjacent private room.

"Han Xian, your Medicine Gang sure has guts... How dare you injure my Saint Gate members so grievously?" Lu Bu didn't even glance at the lavish dishes on the table. His cold gaze locked onto Han Xian, and the faint but deadly killing intent began to envelop the alchemist seated across from him.

Han Xian's face turned pale instantly. His Dou Qi was honed for alchemy, not combat. Having lived a life of luxury, he had never encountered killing intent of this caliber. His limbs turned cold, and his breathing grew ragged.

This sudden show of dominance nearly made him lose his composure, but thankfully...

"Cough, cough... Leader Lu, there's no need to trouble Brother Han Xian. He's merely an alchemist, after all," Bai Cheng interjected calmly, his own aura spreading outward to shield Han Xian from the oppressive pressure.

Han Xian took a deep breath, a trace of fear still lingering in his heart. How could this boy, who was only a freshly minted Dou Ling, completely suppress him a five star Dou Ling with his mere presence? Wasn't he supposed to have just entered the Dou Ling stage?

"Jie..." Bai Cheng chuckled lightly, his relaxed demeanor restoring Han Xian's confidence.

Hmph... So what if his strength is impressive? Could he possibly surpass Bai Cheng? Could he surpass Zongzheng Cai?

"Han Xian, your Medicine Gang injured four of my Saint Gate members. You need to give me an explanation," Lu Bu demanded coldly, his voice pressuring Han Xian once more.

Han Xian took a deep breath, regaining some composure. With a forced chuckle, he said, "Very well. Today, I invited you here specifically to address this matter!"

Clapping his hands, Han Xian gestured toward a partition, which slowly opened to reveal a bound man wearing a green insignia a member of the Green Gang, one of the factions that had attacked the Saint Gate.

Lu Bu's eyes narrowed. He didn't recognize the man, but he recognized the badge. This was someone who had targeted his faction.

"This man is the one who attacked your subordinates. He's the second in command of the Green Gang. From this moment forward, he's yours to deal with," Han Xian said with a smile. "Do whatever you like with him so long as it's not killing or maiming him."

Lu Bu said nothing, silently observing the two men in front of him. In this world, everything had a price, and this situation was no exception.

...

As the silence dragged on, Han Xian's smile grew strained. He finally clasped his hands together and spoke seriously: "Brother Lu, it's true we've had some disagreements in the past, but today I'd like to formally invite you to join us."

"Join you?" Lu Bu's expression turned odd.

"Rest assured, it's a partnership. We have no intention of swallowing you up," Han Xian clarified. "The Saint Gate will always remain the Saint Gate it won't be merged into any other faction."

"A partnership?"

Lu Bu's gaze darkened. So this entire charade was just to recruit him? What exactly did they want from him? Did they think they could use him as free labor?

"Yes, a partnership!" Han Xian continued earnestly. "All we need is for you to share the recipes for the Ice Spirit Pills, Recovery Pills, and the Cleansing Ice Spirit and Cold Spirit Elixirs. Together, we can..."

"Rake in Fire Energy?" Lu Bu's lips curved into a mocking smile. "And how will the profits be divided?"

"Hahaha... Brother Lu, you're sharp!" Han Xian gave him a thumbs up, clearly pleased.

But Bai Cheng frowned slightly. This brat didn't seem like someone who would cave so easily...

Oblivious to this, Han Xian carried on excitedly. "After we succeed, the profits will be split seventy thirty we'll take seventy, and your Saint Gate will take thirty!"

"Only thirty percent for me?" Lu Bu chuckled darkly.

"Haha, no, no!" Han Xian waved his hand, grinning slyly as he explained:

"First of all, I'm the one spearheading this operation and handling the alchemy. Second, Brother Zongzheng will ensure our business runs smoothly without interference. And lastly, Bai Cheng will also be contributing, so he'll need a share too."

"Therefore... we'll take seventy, and you'll have thirty!" Han Xian raised three fingers solemnly, as if offering a great deal.

"Rest assured!" Han Xian thumped his chest, looking serious. "We understand this arrangement might be a slight loss for you, so we've prepared compensation. Bai Cheng has agreed to gift you the honor of being ranked 34th on the Strong Ranking. What do you think?"

Bai Cheng nodded in agreement, as if this was a generous offer.

"Jie..." Lu Bu couldn't help but laugh. Shaking his head, he said, "So you expect me to hand over four recipes in exchange for some leftovers and a meaningless title?"

"Han Xian, your alchemy skills might be mediocre, but your ability to exploit alchemy to make money... That's truly impressive."

Bai Cheng's expression darkened. As expected, this brat wasn't going to take the easy way out.

Han Xian's face turned cold. "Lu Bu, you may be skilled at earning Fire Energy as a Tier 4 alchemist, but let me warn you: in the Inner Academy, if you lack the strength to protect your earnings, no matter how much Fire Energy you have, you'll just be a fat piece of meat waiting to be devoured!

"Joining us is your only option! Otherwise... your Saint Gate will never have a place in the Inner Academy!"

The atmosphere grew tense as Bai Cheng's hands glowed faintly with yellow Dou Qi, while a hulking figure loomed in the shadows Zongzheng Cai, his faint green eyes glinting.

Lu Bu let out a soft laugh, pouring himself a drink. After taking a slow sip, he said, "Han Xian, there's one thing you all seem to have misunderstood..."

"I, Lu Bu, am not Zhang Mazi. I don't play games with schemes and tricks. No... I'm General Guo. And I don't negotiate."

(Chapter ends.)

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