I want the goods, and I want my life too

The Hong Family, as the backer of the Dongfang Family, would be ridiculed if they didn’t intervene now that the Dongfang Family was in trouble.

Moreover, Chen Chang'an was eyeing the Dongfang Family’s resources—resources that were regularly offered as tribute to the Hong Family.

A significant portion of the Hong Family’s endless supply of resources came from these subordinate families.

This was why many powerful families or factions maintained a network of vassal forces. The relationship was more of a mutual collaboration: one side provided protection, while the other supplied resources.

A disguised form of protection fees!

Chen Chang'an’s actions clearly threatened the Hong Family’s interests. How could they remain indifferent?

If they hadn’t known, that would be one thing. But since they were aware, they had to step in.

“You want to interfere in my affairs?”

“Do you really think you’re capable?” Chen Chang'an asked with a smile.

“Perhaps I’m no match for you, but don’t forget—behind me stands the entire Hong Family.”

“Don’t lump us together with the Dongfang Family.”

“Chen Chang'an, you’re strong and talented, but can you withstand an Immortal Emperor?”

“Let me remind you—the Hong Family has an Immortal Emperor-level powerhouse overseeing us.”

“Not just anyone can provoke us.”

“You’d better think carefully about the consequences.” Young Master Hong sneered, looking down on Chen Chang'an with disdain.

To the world, Chen Chang'an’s greatest strengths were his unparalleled cultivation talent and monstrous combat prowess.

But he had one glaring weakness—his background. No one had ever heard of him having any powerful backing.

His talent and strength had earned him many offers of alliance and goodwill, but no matter how much of a genius he was, until he truly grew into his power, he was still just an ant that stronger figures could crush at will.

At least, that was how Young Master Hong saw him.

So he felt no need to compromise or yield just because of Chen Chang'an’s reputation.

Standing above him now filled Young Master Hong with an indescribable thrill.

The top-ranked prodigies on the Heavenly Genius Ranking all had backgrounds he couldn’t afford to offend.

Yet here was the number one genius right in front of him—and he could still look down on him.

This kind of satisfaction was something Young Master Hong had never experienced before.

“Big brother, their family has an Immortal Emperor.”

“That means… they must have even better treasures, right?”

“This is a real big fish!” Da Huang said excitedly.

“Hmm, compared to the Dongfang Family, this one is indeed a big fish.”

“And one that delivered itself to us.”

“Seems like our luck is holding up.” Chen Chang'an nodded with a smile.

Originally, Chen Chang'an hadn’t been too impressed with the Dongfang Family’s resources, thinking this trip might be a waste of time.

But who would’ve thought a big fish would swim right into their net? The Hong Family, with an Immortal Emperor and numerous vassal forces, must possess resources far beyond what the Dongfang Family could offer.

Still just a grasshopper, but definitely a plump one.

“Chen Chang'an, what do you mean by that?”

“Are you looking down on my Hong Family?” Young Master Hong asked coldly.

“Isn’t it you who’s meddling in my business?”

“This is between me and the Dongfang Family. You’re the one who butted in.”

“Do you really think you can stop me?” Chen Chang'an replied with a grin.

“And do you think I can’t?” Young Master Hong retorted sharply.

Sigh.

Chen Chang'an shook his head helplessly. Since the other party was so eager, it would be rude not to oblige.

“Master of the Dongfang Family, what’s your choice?” Chen Chang'an asked.

Choice?

Hearing this, the Master of the Dongfang Family hesitated. Neither Chen Chang'an nor the Hong Family were opponents he could afford to provoke.

“Master of the Dongfang Family, what are you afraid of?”

“Do you really think our Hong Family would fear Chen Chang'an?” Young Master Hong demanded coldly.

“I wouldn’t dare!”

“But… Young Master Hong, a wise man knows when to retreat.”

“After all, the Hong Family’s Immortal Emperor isn’t here right now.”

“If Chen Chang'an were to act…”

The implication was clear—if Chen Chang'an struck now, none of them would escape. What good was being from the Hong Family if you were dead?

“Ahem!”

“Well, I’m just a bystander here.”

“Master of the Dongfang Family, I have matters to attend to. I’ll take my leave.”

“Young Master Chen, I’m not part of the Dongfang Family. May I go?”

Seeing the situation spiraling out of control, the Master of the Wei Family wanted no part in this mess.

“Master of the Wei Family, have you forgotten our earlier discussion?” the Master of the Dongfang Family snapped.

“Master of the Dongfang Family, my apologies. Consider today’s meeting null and void.”

“Farewell!”

The Wei Family’s departure left the Master of the Dongfang Family livid. Was this the same man who had sworn to form an alliance through marriage?

Hmph!

At least his true colors were revealed now. If they had gone through with the alliance, he would’ve been unreliable anyway.

“Master of the Dongfang Family, there’s no need for such distress.”

“Even if he’s gone, the Hong Family remains.”

“Though our Immortal Emperor isn’t present, if anything happens to me, he’ll arrive in the shortest time possible.”

“By then, Chen Chang'an won’t escape.”

“I refuse to believe he’d take such a risk.” Young Master Hong said coldly.

Hearing this, the Master of the Dongfang Family felt somewhat reassured. Chen Chang'an didn’t strike him as a fool.

Would he really risk offending an Immortal Emperor just for resources? It wasn’t worth it.

“Chen Chang'an!”

“You heard it yourself—the Dongfang Family has the Hong Family’s backing.”

“We can pretend today’s events never happened.”

“Just return the resources you took and release Dongfang Yin.”

“Otherwise, think carefully about the consequences.” The Master of the Dongfang Family spoke firmly, emboldened by his newfound support.

Little did he know, an Immortal Emperor meant nothing in Chen Chang'an’s eyes.

Even if an Immortal Emperor couldn’t kill him, Chen Chang'an was confident he wouldn’t lose in a fight.

“Since you refuse the easy way, you’ll get the hard way.”

“Don’t blame me for being impolite.”

“I’ll take the resources—and your lives too!”

The moment these words were spoken, everyone’s expressions changed. Was Chen Chang'an really going to act? Did he truly not fear the pursuit of an Immortal Emperor?

Just as Chen Chang'an was about to strike, his brow suddenly furrowed.

“Hahaha!”

“What’s wrong?”

“Too scared to move?”

“I knew you were just bluffing!”

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