Ning Peng, standing beside Chu Hao, trembled with fear. He knew Bai Wei wasn't making empty threats and would genuinely dare to act against Chu Hao.
If so, Chu Hao was in for a miserable fate!
Clearly, Ning Peng assumed Chu Hao was like himself, not a member of any major power, meaning he wasn't backed by anyone, which was why he had to sell wares here. How then could he possibly contend with Bai Wei, who had Bai Luo's backing?
"Why is this fellow so stubborn? I clearly told him Bai Wei's background, yet he insists on confronting him. Well, he's an acquaintance after all; I can't just stand by and watch him die."
Ning Peng quickly made up his mind. He rubbed his hands, smiling obsequiously at Bai Wei.
"Big Brother Bai Wei, my friend is new here…"
"Shut up, Ning Peng! I know you; you're an old face on this street, but I've never seen him. Are you sure you two are acquainted?"
Bai Wei coldly cut Ning Peng off, his meaning implicitly clear. He obviously wanted Ning Peng to disassociate himself from Chu Hao, thus avoiding involvement in trouble. Otherwise, it was highly likely Bai Wei would deal with him as well.
"Ning Peng, just let it go."
Around them, Ning Peng's acquaintances spoke up, advising him.
Ning Peng hesitated, but then gritted his teeth, swallowed a mouthful of saliva, and said.
"Chu Hao is indeed my friend. He's young and naive, unaware of your esteemed power, Big Brother. Please, Big Brother Bai Wei, be magnanimous and forgive this foolish friend of mine just this once."
After speaking, Ning Peng bowed deeply, sweat profusely beading on his forehead. It was evident that to utter these pleading words, he himself had to endure immense pressure and agonize for a long time before making the decision.
Chu Hao, meanwhile, carefully observed Ning Peng's somewhat obsequious demeanor. Yet, in his eyes, there was not a hint of disdain or contempt.
Although Ning Peng appeared to be a coward, how many people in this situation would dare to speak up and plead for Chu Hao, despite the risk of getting themselves implicated?
Bai Wei's gaze on Ning Peng was murderous. Although Ning Peng was bowing and pleading with him, Ning Peng had defied his orders twice. This enraged Bai Wei immensely.
Just then, Liu Qian approached. Seeing Liu Qian, Bai Wei transformed into a different person, hastily cupping his hands in respect.
"Young Mistress Liu Qian, why are you here?"
Liu Qian held a relatively high position in the Liu clan; he had once accompanied his elder brother to pay his respects to her, and naturally knew who Liu Qian was.
"What is all this commotion about?"
Liu Qian asked. Bai Wei dared not conceal anything, recounting the entire story in detail.
"So that's it. You forced the price down to 100 primordial stones, and he refused to sell, which is understandable. How about this: you offer 400 primordial stones to buy that cultivation technique outright, then chase that fellow out."
Liu Qian secretly issued her order. Bai Wei dared not voice any objection, obediently following Liu Qian's words.
Although Bai Wei appeared arrogant and overbearing, that was only how he behaved with the small merchants on this street. Standing before Liu Qian, Bai Wei was merely a minion who had to obey every command and dared not defy his mistress's orders.
"Young Mistress's command, I will certainly complete it."
Liu Qian nodded, about to leave when Chu Hao's voice rang out.
"800 primordial stones, not a single primordial stone less."
From beginning to end, Liu Qian had not cared who Chu Hao was, not even bothering to glance at him. She merely wanted to quickly resolve this mess to save herself embarrassment in front of her peers.
Liu Qian had immediately offered a price of 400 primordial stones. At first glance, this was a higher price than Bai Wei's 300 primordial stones, but it still cut Chu Hao's price in half, completely disregarding him. On top of that, she ordered him to be driven away.
Evidently, she favored Bai Wei. If Liu Qian truly acted fairly, how could she tolerate Bai Wei's arrogance?
Liu Qian frowned, her voice filled with dissatisfaction.
"I offered you 400 primordial stones and helped you avoid having your limbs cut off. Is my handling of this not fair enough? It's clearly thanks to me that you escaped death, yet you still want to demand more?"
At this point, Liu Qian's dissatisfaction turned into disappointment. She clearly believed that she had saved Chu Hao today. Without her, Chu Hao would likely have died in some corner of the street. At that point, let alone 400 primordial stones, not even a single primordial stone would have been left.
In Liu Qian's eyes, Chu Hao had become both foolish and stubborn. This type of person was fundamentally beneath Liu Qian's notice.
If he were smart, he should have taken a step back, accepted a small loss, and at least kept his primordial stones and his life.
But Chu Hao made a foolish decision: he questioned Liu Qian.
"Fair? Good for me? If you truly acted fairly, you should pay 800 primordial stones. If you truly wanted what was good for me, you should have reprimanded Bai Wei. But you merely looked down on me, with immense arrogance."
"Therefore, if you don't pay in full, I will not sell. More talk is useless."
Chu Hao said calmly.
"Young Mistress, since this brat is still so unreasonable, I volunteer to deal with him for you."
Bai Wei seized the opportunity to speak.
Liu Qian sighed, glanced at Chu Hao, and said.
"I hope after this, you will learn a lesson. You are indeed not wrong, but the strong are the law of this world. If you are weak, you should learn to bow your head."
"Bai Wei, teach him a lesson. You don't need to cripple him, understood?"
Despite her favoritism, in front of so many people, Liu Qian couldn't allow Bai Wei to go too far, otherwise, it would affect the reputation of this trading street.
"Yes, Young Mistress, I guarantee I'll make this brat reasonable in no time."
Bai Wei rubbed his hands and replied excitedly, as if he had already imagined Chu Hao kneeling and begging him.