Chapter 17: The Domineering Xiao Yuan
When Xiao Yuan arrived at the marketplace, Xiao Tong, who had been anxiously awaiting him, immediately stepped forward to greet him.
"Young Master!"
Xiao Tong bowed and spoke with a solemn expression: "In the past few days, several merchants operating under our market have received complaints—some for counterfeit goods, some for poor quality, and others for being out of stock. Based on my investigation, it seems the Jia Lie family is involved."
Xiao Yuan frowned upon hearing this.
Were the Jia Lie people insane?
Causing trouble in his territory?
Sure, they were scammed out of 610,000 gold coins, but what did that have to do with Xiao Yuan and the whole "Miss Yuan" situation?
"So, what did the investigation reveal?"
Xiao Yuan looked at Xiao Tong and asked.
"All merchants under our management operate under your quality standards. Every product goes through strict inspection. There's no way quality issues would arise.
The out-of-stock complaints are coming from a few weapon and medicinal herb vendors. This is likely the result of Jia Lie interference.
Apparently, it stems from some recent conflict between Young Master Xiao Yan and Jia Lie Ao. Then, with the Jia Lie family losing a fortune at the last auction and the market assessment approaching, they decided to resort to dirty tactics."
Xiao Tong gave his report quickly and concisely.
Such minor matters didn't require Xiao Yuan's personal involvement. His subordinates would investigate and simply deliver the results to him. But when it came to resolving the issue, it was up to Xiao Yuan to make the call.
"Forget the Jia Lie family for now. Can't wipe them out just yet. But those weapons and herb merchants—are they stupid for getting involved in this?"
Xiao Yuan waved a hand and asked coolly.
In Wu Tan City, the weapons market was practically monopolized by a man named Jacks, while the herb trade, though less controlled, was dominated by a supplier named Huang Jing.
Both were peak Dou Shi in strength—not powerful enough to openly provoke one of the three major families. Why were they suddenly siding with the Jia Lie?
"Most likely the Jia Lie family conspired with people under them. Jacks and Huang Jing themselves probably wouldn't be foolish enough to act directly."
Xiao Tong hesitated, then answered.
"Doesn't matter. Anyone causing trouble in my territory will pay sooner or later. Uncle Tong, go request support from the Grand Elder. Payne—bring the guard squad with me."
Xiao Yuan shook his head and smiled, but his handsome face soon turned cold and serious.
"Yes, Young Master!"
Both men responded in unison and swiftly went to carry out their orders.
On the streets of Wu Tan City, Xiao Yuan led a ten-man squad from Payne's team toward the herb shop identified by Xiao Tong's investigation.
The shop was one of Huang Jing's newer establishments. The Xiao family had frequently collaborated with Huang Jing's outlets in the past, which gave this one an opportunity to slip in.
Two eighth-stage Dou Qi guards stood at the entrance, and there was the presence of a Dou Zhe inside—probably two or three stars.
Sensing the guard setup, Xiao Yuan smiled faintly and walked forward with his group.
Seeing the approaching force, the two guards were wary of Payne's men but still stepped forward to block Xiao Yuan.
If they didn't, they'd be out of a job.
"If you don't want to die, move."
Xiao Yuan spoke calmly, but his gaze was icy cold.
"Young Master Xiao Yuan, we're just doing our jobs."
The two guards smiled bitterly.
Although they had never met Xiao Yuan before, they immediately recognized him by his striking looks—Wu Tan City's famously handsome third young master.
Xiao Yuan didn't want to make things difficult for two guards just doing their jobs. He casually walked between them, Dou Qi flowing quietly as his footsteps shifted.
Before they could react, they both felt a pair of smooth yet terrifyingly cold hands press against the backs of their necks, suffused with thick Dou Qi. A chilling fear spread from the soles of their feet to the tops of their heads, soaking their clothes in cold sweat.
"Don't move. High Yellow-Tier Dou Technique: Iron Mountain Fist. It's a bit weaker when used with palms, but I doubt your necks could take it."
Xiao Yuan's voice came from behind, laced with playful malice. To the two guards, it sounded like a demon whispering from the depths of hell.
Payne's squad looked like they'd just seen a ghost.
They were all at least ninth-stage Dou Qi or Dou Zhe, and yet none of them had caught Xiao Yuan's move just now.
Wasn't the Young Master supposed to be unable to cultivate?
And that was a High Yellow-Tier technique—something only seventh-stage cultivators could study!
"I wasn't going to make things hard for you, but I've changed my mind. You can either fight me and see whether your reaction speed is faster than me snapping your necks… or join my team and work for the Xiao family."
Xiao Yuan's calm voice echoed.
At this point, even a fool would know the right answer. There was no comparing a shady merchant and a powerhouse clan like the Xiao family.
"We're willing to join Young Master Xiao Yuan's team!"
They shouted without hesitation.
"Good."
Xiao Yuan nodded in satisfaction, withdrew the force from his palms, and stepped into the herb shop.
Payne's men quickly followed.
The two guards, still drenched in sweat, looked horrified.
What kind of idiot had said the third young master of the Xiao family couldn't cultivate? That move just now was sharper than most full-fledged Dou Zhe!
"Let's go. This Young Master clearly has a bright future."
The two exchanged glances, both reading the same thought in each other's eyes, and quickly followed inside.
"Young Master, what's the meaning of this?"
The shopkeeper hadn't sensed Xiao Yuan's earlier move but clearly felt the intimidating aura from Payne's squad. His heart sank—trouble had arrived. Still, facing such a strong group, he could only greet them with a forced smile.
"There's a problem with your herbs. I'm giving you a chance to explain. Or you can try attacking me and escaping. Either way, starting today, this shop belongs to the Xiao family."
Xiao Yuan said coldly, showing no mercy.
"Young Master Xiao, isn't this a bit too overbearing?"
The shopkeeper's smile faded, and he responded stiffly.
Xiao Yuan sighed in disappointment and waved his hand.
Immediately, Payne and the others surged forward.
(END CHAPTER)
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 30 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Albino1