Just then, several people dressed in green, resembling green wasps, walked into the winery—members of the Wasp Clan.
"Ah! So it's the Speed Clan, Bai Chenxiang, granddaughter of Bai He. What's this, even your clan wants to buy some of this Purple Bamboo Brew?"
"Does your Speed Clan even have the money for this, or are you just scavenging coins handed down by the other three families?"
"Fang Cha, don't go too far, Wasp Clan."
Bai Chenxiang glared angrily at the core disciple of the Wasp Clan in front of her, slowly clenching her fists.
"The whole city knows the Speed Clan is short on funds. Your grandfather has borrowed plenty of relief money from us, and yet you have the nerve to bully me," she said. "Aren't you afraid that once I return to my clan, my aunt will cut off your relief funds and bankrupt the Speed Clan, leaving you completely at the mercy of other Spirit Master families?"
Seeing Bai Chenxiang momentarily at a loss for words, Fang Cha's grin widened.
"Boss, pack all this Purple Bamboo Brew and send it to the Wasp Manor," he said.
"Right away."
The owner took a gold card, immediately ordering the staff to pack the remaining dozen or so barrels without giving Bai Chenxiang or her two clan companions any consideration.
Before leaving, Fang Cha added, "Bai Chenxiang, out of pity for your poor little Speed Clan, I'll let you take two barrels. Bring them back to your clan gathering and let them taste the generosity of the Wasp Clan!"
"I don't need your charity."
Bai Chenxiang turned to her two clan members behind her. "Let's go. We'll buy it elsewhere."
They had only taken a few steps when a hand shot out, blocking their way.
"Did I say you could leave? The Speed Clan must accept the Wasp Clan's gift today, or none of you walk out that door."
"This isn't your Wasp Clan's store. Who gave you the right to interfere in Speed Clan affairs?"
Bai Chenxiang ignored Fang Cha's taunts and continued toward the store's exit.
"Refuse a toast and you'll drink a punishment. The Speed Clan sure is proud. Seems you won't learn your place without a lesson."
At this, the winery's guests and most of the staff quickly backed away, giving space.
"First Spirit Technique: Wasp Poison Needle!"
Just as Fang Cha prepared to launch his attack, a pudgy, lecherous-looking man in red burst in from outside. A flash of Phoenix Fire instantly incinerated Fang Cha's Spirit Technique.
"A proper clan bullying a helpless girl? What kind of skill is that?"
The newcomer was Ma Hongjun. Ever since the Spirit Master Tournament ended, he had planned to travel the continent, his first stop being the Xingluo Empire to meet Dai Mubai. While there, he hoped to find a few beautiful, well-proportioned women to indulge himself—and to help keep his Evil Fire under control.
He hadn't even reached Xingluo City yet when he saw an innocent beauty being harassed by a mean-spirited woman. For a righteous hero who loved to help others and rescue beauties, there was no way he could stand by.
Fang Cha felt the intense fire aura radiating from Ma Hongjun and grew furious.
"Third Spirit Technique—"
Before the skill name could be finished, Ma Hongjun's ample belly slammed Fang Cha away.
"Get lost. Next time I see you bullying the Speed Clan, I won't let you off."
Fang Cha got up, glaring at the pudgy, lecherous-looking Ma Hongjun. "Just wait. You dared provoke me—Wasp Clan will make you regret it."
Having said this, Fang Cha and the remaining Wasp Clan disciples fled in a panic. Though Spirit Elders, Fang Cha's group was no match for the attack power Ma Hongjun's first Spirit Technique displayed.
After their messy retreat, Ma Hongjun turned to Bai Chenxiang. Strangely, as soon as she met his gaze, she hurriedly led her two companions away.
"Miss, I just cleared some unnecessary trouble for you. Why act like this?" Ma Hongjun called after her.
He wasn't angry at her departure. Instead, he followed and said repeatedly, "Miss, I saved you in good faith. If not a meal in return, at least tell me your name."
"Bai Chenxiang."
Ma Hongjun thought for a moment and nodded repeatedly. "Bai Chenxiang… nice name. Since we've met under these circumstances, can I call you Xiangxiang?"
"I'm Ma Hongjun, a student at Shrek Academy, and the fourth of the Seven Devils of Shrek in this era."
He confidently revealed his identity, knowing anyone familiar with the Spirit Master Tournament and the continent's current landscape would recognize Shrek Academy's influence. They hadn't won the tournament, but the Shrek team had placed second, defeating the Spirit Hall's renowned Golden Generation.
He couldn't believe that with his status, Bai Chenxiang wouldn't hold him in high regard.
Initially, he was right—though in some ways, he misjudged. As soon as she heard he was from Shrek Academy, Bai Chenxiang paused, curious about the school. But then she saw his lecherous, sly behavior and became disgusted.
She and her two companions quickened their pace. After checking wine prices at another winery, they hurried back to their clan.
Meanwhile, as the sun set, Yang Wudi finally arrived at the Speed Clan.
"Old Bai, let me introduce you. This is Ignaz, the soul of the Spirit Master Tournament champion team."
Dugu Bo stayed in the carriage, avoiding the gathering itself to keep the atmosphere from becoming tense or intimidating. From the inn only 200 meters away, the Super Douluo could monitor the four-clan gathering with his spiritual power and intervene immediately if necessary.
Bai He was thrilled to see Yang Wudi arrive with Ignaz.
"I've long heard of Ignaz's reputation. Seeing him now, it's clear that heroes truly do emerge early!"