Chapter 155: Surprise, The Shopkeeper Of Crouching Tiger Well
While everyone was still in disbelief and shock, Chen Shun’an aggressively said,
“That was just a slap, what about the imperial rod? Continue.”
“Insolence!!”
Suddenly, a voice, feigning calmness but with anger flowing like magma, came from the top floor.
Zhao Guanghui strode down, his face ashen, and looked at Chen Shun’an with icy eyes, then said to Sun Jun,
“Disgracing yourself and the establishment, you still have the nerve to stay here? Get out!”
“Yes…”
Sun Jun’s face turned ashen, knowing his impression in the landlord’s heart had plummeted, but he dared not retort, lowering his head to leave.
Upon seeing Zhao Guanghui, Lin Shou Zhuo, Sun Xiao, and the others’ expressions changed drastically, leaving them completely cornered.
Why was Zhao Guanghui here today?
This is bad, it’s not over yet!
Old Chen couldn’t possibly hold on solely based on his position as shopkeeper!
Seeing Zhao Guanghui, Chen Shun’an was taken aback, but cupped his hands respectfully and said,
“I, Chen, was unaware of Lord Zhao’s presence, and acted rashly, disturbing your pleasant mood. However…”
“However what?”
Zhao Guanghui leaned on the railing, his expressionless face betraying nothing.
“Do I need to explain my actions to you people? Or should I be accused of harboring a criminal? Chen Shun’an, Lin Shou Zhuo, you are all very good, I’ve noted this…”
“Of course we are good, and we should be punished!”
Suddenly, a sky-shattering roar erupted.
A somewhat familiar figure, like a nimble cat launching itself, stirred up waves of force behind him, his aura fierce, as he lunged at Zhao Guanghui.
Zhao Guangxi?
Why is he here?!
Zhao Guanghui’s face twitched, and he instinctively wanted to retaliate, but a sharp pain pulsed in his glabella.
In the darkness, his intent warned him, and an ineffable sense of crisis enveloped his heart.
It seemed an extremely sharp and terrifying killing intent had quietly descended upon him, waiting only for a single misstep to erupt and slay him on the spot.
I cannot make a move! I cannot resist!
If I move, will I die?
Zhao Guanghui found it hard to believe.
He then saw the short sword hanging from Zhao Guangxi’s waist, its blade like jade.
That is… the Chengping Guan Well Sword??
How is that possible?!
“Clack!”
In the silent Yuxing Tower, another crisp sound of a slap rang out.
Looking at Zhao Guanghui, who stood motionless with a trickle of blood flowing from his lip, Zhao Guangxi felt a hint of regret.
If Zhao Guanghui had been completely angered and retaliated today, Zhao Guangxi could have used that as an excuse to activate the Chengping Guan Well Sword.
Not to mention directly slaying him, he could at least have broken one of his arms and crippled his cultivation.
What a shame.
“Can he be punished?”
Zhao Guangxi slowly took out a silk handkerchief and wiped the dirt from his hands.
Zhao Guanghui lowered his head and said, “He can be punished. Since it’s Zhao Lu Lu Tou himself, he can definitely punish.”
Zhao Guanghui indeed backed down and surrendered.
The others were still stunned in place.
Chen Shun’an was the first to react, stepping forward and cupping his hands,
“Congratulations to the landlord on his promotion to the position of Wuqing Lu Lu Tou. May your wells be deep and your waters abundant, and your business prosper in all directions!”
Chen Shun’an resolved the day’s predicament without bloodshed by latching onto Zhao Guangxi’s influence, feeling a sense of fulfillment and security.
By seizing the opportunity to humiliate Zhao Guanghui, he not only fulfilled a long-held wish but also successfully made his mark in his new role.
Zhao Guangxi also felt refreshed and invigorated.
Looking at Chen Shun’an now, the more he looked, the more pleased he became. He felt a surge of inspiration and, as if guided by a divine hand, said,
“Old Chen, you didn’t disgrace us! Forget about Black Sand Well, why don’t you just be the shopkeeper of Crouching Tiger Well…”
As soon as the words left his mouth, Zhao Guangxi immediately regretted them.
The shopkeeper positions for one Fresh Water Well and three Turbid Water Wells had been finalized two months ago.
The new shopkeeper for Crouching Tiger Well had barely had time to warm the seat.
How could he change his orders so suddenly, promoting Chen Shun’an and displacing someone else?
This involved many interests and personnel changes.
Crouching Tiger Well?
The Fresh Water Ancient Well known for its Five-wheel Water?
That’s great news!
Chen Shun’an’s eyes lit up at the mention.
He was no ordinary man, quick-witted and sharp, and already cupped his fists and bowed,
“Thank you, landlord, for your promotion! Chen will certainly work diligently and do a good job as the shopkeeper of Crouching Tiger Well!”
His voice was so loud it nearly shook the heavens, causing even passersby on the street to stop and look.
Except for Zhao Guanghui, everyone present turned their gaze towards him.
Zhao Guangxi felt helpless, having been put in this position, he could only grudgingly say,
“…Work hard!”
Meanwhile, Sun Jun’s expression stiffened, feeling a chill run down his spine. Zhao Guanghui turned his head, his gaze fell upon him, his face even darker and more terrifying, his eyes revealing killing intent!
“My life is over!” Sun Jun lamented in his heart.
Then, he glared fiercely at Kong Chengping and the others behind him.
Kong Chengping and the others trembled, their hearts pounding, almost fainting from fright.
“We are finished!”
…
Following Zhao Guangxi downstairs.
Chen Shun’an lagged half a step behind, and as they walked, everyone respectfully made way.
Chen Shun’an glanced at Jiu Chan Hui, who stood like a clay statue, still in a daze, and suddenly said,
“Master Chan Hui, allow me to introduce you. This is Zhao Lu Lu Tou.”
Upon hearing this, Jiu Chan Hui’s expression became complicated.
Do you need to introduce me!
I’m not deaf!
“Greetings, Zhao Lu Lu Tou. May I ask, how is Landlord Guo now?”
Jiu Chan Hui, being a perceptive individual, vaguely sensed something ominous and a bad premonition arose in his heart.
Zhao Guangxi sighed and said, “Brother Guo had an accident a few days ago and died tragically in his mansion.”
Hearing this, Jiu Chan Hui felt as if he had been struck on the back of the head with a club, and his whole body felt dizzy.
Landlord Guo is dead?
Jiu Chan Hui instinctively refused to believe it, but then he looked at the Chengping Guan Well Sword on Zhao Guangxi’s waist, which confirmed that Zhao Guangxi was not lying.
But, why didn’t I receive any news?
Wait!
Could it be that Zhuang Jun, Kong Ling, and Bao Wenbin kept it from me?
The compassionate look on Jiu Chan Hui’s face vanished, his expression fluctuating.
With Landlord Guo dead, if those three were not buried with him, it would be fine. But if they were alive, after these few days, they would have likely usurped control of the Guo Mansion and divided the profits.
They had preemptively cut him out of the picture!
“These Central Plains people are truly wicked-hearted and rotten! They don’t follow the rules, and I will surely beat them to death sooner or later!”
Jiu Chan Hui cursed inwardly.
Then, he heard Zhao Guangxi’s deep voice, speaking slowly,
“Master Chan Hui, what are your plans for the future? The one who knows when to bow is a wise person. Why don’t you surrender to me, Zhao?”
This speech… it sounded somewhat familiar?
He raised his head and met Chen Shun’an’s smiling, yet unsmiling, face.
Jiu Chan Hui was silent for a moment, then said bitterly,
“Thank you for your favor, Master Zhao. This monk has no reason to refuse.”
With that, Jiu Chan Hui resigned himself to his fate, bowed his head, joined his palms,
“I shall obey Master Zhao’s command!”
Chen Shun’an felt a secret joy.
So, being a villain who bullies others with power isn’t so bad?
It’s even more satisfying than Chen Shun’an taking matters into his own hands and seeking revenge!
“Hahahaha!!!”
Zhao Guangxi roared with laughter, his spirit soaring.
Now he was climbing the ladder of success, with talented individuals under his command, what great endeavor could not be achieved?
It’s just…
Zhao Guangxi touched his chin and glanced at Chen Shun’an.
This old fellow is too cunning. It’s likely everything today was within his calculations.
Merely by his casual promotion and bestowing the shopkeeper position upon him.
Chen Shun’an had keenly sensed the special meaning and chosen to take a risk, initiating the confrontation.
He had actually elevated a common scuffle between water carriers into a conflict between the newly appointed Lu Lu Tou and the entrenched old landlord!
“Old but not dead, a demon!”
Zhao Guangxi said gravely, “Old Chen, was this situation today intentionally orchestrated by you? And was I, Zhao, even a part of your plan?”
Chen Shun’an immediately became anxious and said,
“Landlord, you misunderstand me deeply! Chen’s loyalty to you is as clear as the sun and moon. I am not an all-knowing deity, how could I have known that you had already obtained the position of Lu Lu Tou…”
That makes sense.
Zhao Guangxi nodded.
Never mind, every pig has its own way of being slaughtered.
Old Chen performed a great service and brought me great honor, that is enough.
As for the Crouching Tiger Well shopkeeper…
I am the boss, and I decide how to promote my subordinates and assign positions!
The new shopkeeper, who just warmed the seat, will have to suffer a bit…
Zhao Guangxi took out a piece of broken gold from his saddlebag and threw it to the owner of Yuxing Tower, who was hiding behind the counter with a bitter expression, saying,
“Today’s losses are all on me, Zhao.”
The Yuxing Tower owner’s bitter expression vanished upon receiving the gold, and he said joyfully,
“Thank you…”
The Yuxing Tower owner bit the gold to confirm its quality and then continued,
“Thank you, sir!”
…
Zhao Guangxi departed gracefully.
Not long after he left, the escort guards who had come to protect him arrived, not daring to delay.
Upon learning that Zhao Guangxi had returned to the county, they immediately turned their vehicles around and hurried to catch up.
Their main purpose was to create a grand spectacle and fill the scene.
Standing on the street.
Lin Shou Zhuo, with a tobacco pouch in his mouth, took a hard puff and then stared intently at Chen Shun’an, saying,
“Old Chen, give me the lowdown, have you reached True Intent?”
It’s not like anyone can withstand the aura of several True Intent masters without being affected and still be at ease.
To put it bluntly, the gap between them is like an ant facing the sky. For a second-rate warrior to play mind games with a True Intent master is incredibly difficult.
A mere glare or a murderous look from them would be enough to make one soil themselves in fear.
The conspiracy would end before it even began.
Chen Shun’an, on the other hand, threw himself into the fray and actually drew both Zhao Guanghui and Zhao Guangxi into the situation.
Especially Zhao Guangxi…
His aura suggests he has the strength to slay four thieves!
The landlord is hiding his depth so well!
Chen Shun’an watched his landlord depart, then picked up the copper pot from the street-side tea stall and took a few sips to quench his thirst.
He nodded and said, “To be honest, I, Chen, have slain four thieves, and will soon slay the tongue thief, entering the fifth realm.”
“Heh heh…”
Lin Shou Zhuo sneered, a tobacco pouch in his mouth, and glanced sideways at Chen Shun’an.
Keep fabricating.
Why don’t you say you’re about to become a Martial Dao Grandmaster?
Seeing Lin Shou Zhuo’s expression, Chen Shun’an sighed and shook his head.
If I tell the truth, why don’t you believe me?
“Shopkeeper Chen, thank you for today.”
“Master Chen, if you need anything in the future, I’ll go through fire and water for you!”
Sun Xiao and the others then slowly walked up to Chen Shun’an.
Their expressions were complex, their gazes varied.
Grit Well is truly a place of outstanding people and fine spirits, first producing True Intent Master Lin Shou Zhuo.
Now it has gained a shopkeeper from Crouching Tiger Well.
Chen Shun’an waved his hand and said,
“Brothers, you’re too kind! Today we’re going to the Flower Boat for drinks, order the most expensive courtesans, Chen Mou is treating!”
Sun Xiao and the others immediately showed some sincere smiles,
“Then we won’t be polite, Shopkeeper Chen!”
