Chapter 138: Infighting

Zhao Feng looked at Li Shu with an amused expression.

Li Shu, however, remained unfazed, a warm smile lingering on his face. "Brother Zhao Feng," he said with a chuckle, "the fact that you didn't back down—but instead struck back—after learning about the Dragon Return Gate proves that you are exceptionally confident."

Zhao Feng crossed his arms and sneered, "And so what? You have pressured Li Dan time and time again, and even caused her to be disfigured. I will never forgive you for that."

Li Shu was momentarily stunned. Zhao Feng’s words had effectively cut off any path to reconciliation. It was clear, however, that Li Shu was a man of deep cunning. He simply laughed, showing no signs of anger.

"Brother Zhao Feng, it is better to resolve grievances than to foster them. More friends mean more paths to success, don't you think?"

"Hmph!" Zhao Feng snorted coldly. "I have no time to be friends with you. Just say it—what do you want?"

"Haha! Brother Zhao Feng, you certainly are impatient..." Li Shu stood up slowly. "I know that unless I offer some sincerity, I won't be able to sway you."

"Good that you know."

Li Shu looked slightly awkward, but he quickly composed himself. "Since you are a martial artist, you must surely need treasures to strengthen your life force."

"Oh?" Zhao Feng’s interest was piqued. He wanted to see what kind of treasure Li Shu would produce. Even if he didn't need it himself, he could give it to Qiu He. He had promised to turn Qiu He into a true martial artist, and although Qiu He was nearly sixty—making the odds of such a transformation slim—Zhao Feng possessed extraordinary means. Turning a mortal into a martial artist was a simple task for him.

With this thought, Zhao Feng smiled. "What is it? Bring it out and let me see."

Seeing that Zhao Feng hadn't refused, Li Shu felt a surge of relief. Refusal was the only thing he feared; as long as the door was open, there was hope.

"Clap! Clap!" Li Shu clapped his hands. A woman beside him understood immediately. She left and returned a moment later, holding a red wooden box.

"Thump!"

Liang Feng stood up abruptly, looking absolutely furious. "Li Shu, you are shameless! Didn't you say this was meant for me?"

Li Shu chuckled, "When did I ever say that?"

"You!" Liang Feng pointed at him, too enraged to speak.

Watching the two of them fight amongst themselves, Zhao Feng couldn't help but laugh. To be honest, he had never thought much of these mortals. If not for necessity, he would never have deigned to interact with people of this secular world.

Li Shu noticed Zhao Feng’s enigmatic smile and frowned. *Is he looking down on me? Yes, that look—he is definitely looking down on me.* Li Shu felt a flicker of genuine anger. It wasn't about anything else; as the heir to the Li family of Shanghai, he sat upon a fortune of millions. To be treated with such disdain by a poor boy from the countryside made him feel unbalanced.

Still, Li Shu was a man of deep schemes. He hid his frustration and smiled, "Brother Zhao Feng, as a martial artist, you surely need medicinal herbs to replenish your energy. I have a century-old ginseng here, and today, I present it to you."

"Bang!" Liang Feng slammed his hand on the table and stood up. "So that’s your game, Li Shu! It really is a century-old ginseng!"

Li Shu curled his lip in disdain. "Even if I gave it to you, could you even use it? You are the same age as Brother Zhao Feng, perhaps even older, yet he is already a seventh-rank martial artist. Look at yourself—you are only at the fifth rank, and that was only achieved by piling up medicinal treasures!"

Li Shu spoke in one breath, as if venting his hidden frustrations. Liang Feng’s face turned bright red; he wanted to lash out, but he was helpless. He realized that the infighting was only serving as entertainment for others.

He was right; they were being watched. Most notably by Li Dan’s father, Li Zhi, who was currently beaming with joy. *Fight! The more you fight, the better!*

No one knew what Li Zhi was thinking, but Zhao Feng did. Just as Li Zhi was snickering to himself, he caught Zhao Feng’s gaze. Seeing that enigmatic smile, Li Zhi felt as though his very thoughts had been laid bare. He quickly looked away, not daring to meet Zhao Feng’s eyes again.

Zhao Feng gave a dry laugh and turned back to Li Shu. "State your purpose."

"Is there a chance?" Li Shu’s eyes lit up. He chuckled, "Brother Zhao Feng, I do not know your background, but I know that your origins and lineage must be far superior to the Dragon Return Gate! Therefore..."

"Therefore what?"

"Haha! Therefore, I wish to join your sect!"

"Pfft!" Zhao Feng laughed in contempt.

Li Shu frowned, feeling insulted. He swallowed his anger and persisted, "Brother Zhao Feng, what do you think? Could you take me to meet your fellow disciples and your grandmaster?"

Zhao Feng shook his head. "Aren't you calculating a bit too well for your own good?"

"Heh heh!" Li Shu could only offer a dry laugh.

"Hahaha!" Liang Feng burst into mocking laughter. "Li Shu, oh Li Shu, I have to say, your plan is quite clever! Hahaha, but it seems he looks down on you!"

Li Shu’s fair face turned grim. He glared coldly at Zhao Feng. "Brother Zhao Feng, what is your answer?"

Zhao Feng shook his head dismissively. Without another word, he turned to Li Zhi. "Bring Li Dan here. My patience is wearing thin."

Li Zhi, who had been enjoying the spectacle, hadn't expected the spear to be turned on him. He smiled craftily, deciding to deflect the heat. "Whether I can hand over Li Dan is not for a collateral branch member like me to decide. You must ask the head of the Li family—that is, Li Shu."

Li Zhi skillfully kicked the ball back to Li Shu, but Zhao Feng wasn't playing along.

"Boom!"

Zhao Feng took a step forward, his posture indicating he was ready to strike. "I will say this once: if I do not see Li Dan in ten minutes, there will be no need for the Li family to continue existing."

The crowd was stunned. No one doubted the sincerity of his threat; they knew Zhao Feng was capable of doing exactly that.

"Heh heh!" Liang Feng laughed, delighting in the disaster.