“Are you kidding me? That joke isn’t funny at all.”
“Huh? Then we’re screwed? Boss Huanhuan, you wouldn’t…”
Upon hearing this, Huyan Yazhi’s expression changed drastically. She felt as if she had fallen into an ice cave, her hands and feet turning cold. The clouds of despair hung over her heart.
The other Formation Peak disciples also followed their fine tradition and changed their tune at the first sign of trouble.
“Damn it, Lin Huanhuan really was messing with us. I knew it, how could we possibly beat them in a situation like this? If you ask me, we should just smash their place.”
“Is this what a true Formation Path expert is like? Even messing with us is so powerful. I wonder when I’ll reach that level. Turning clouds with one hand, rain with the other.”
Finally, Ling Dongdong, who couldn’t stand it any longer, interrupted them:
“Calm down first. Lin Huanhuan probably meant something else when she said that. She owns half of this guild hall, so how could she just hand over her interests? Think about it, is that even possible? Plus, there’s the punishment of publicly admitting defeat.”
Lin Huanhuan, who had teased them enough, stopped acting and said:
“There really is another way. Time is limited now. The other side has a bigger advantage than us. There’s no way to win with normal methods. We have to use something more hardcore in business warfare.”
Huyan Yazhi’s tense expression finally relaxed a bit, but she was confused:
“Hardcore business warfare? What’s that?”
The others also looked on with curious eyes.
Lin Huanhuan gave an evil grin and said:
“Of course, it means using some underhanded tactics. For example, reporting, drugging, sabotage, and most importantly—hiring actors.”
Ling Dongdong barely understood the gist:
“But aren’t those methods a bit too underhanded? Even if we win that way, what if they don’t accept it?”
“Idiot!”
Lin Huanhuan scolded:
“As they say, the business world is like a battlefield. Cutting off someone’s path to profit is no different from killing their parents. Without using some tactics, how can we win?”
“If we currently had a huge advantage, we could slowly build reputation, constantly expand our lead, and act like a righteous king. But where is our advantage now?”
“Besides, what Shangguan Mujing said was very true: on the path of Dao contention, there is no room for me if there are difficulties. Everyone wants cultivation resources, but there’s only so much in this world. Are you going to just hand them over?”
These words struck a chord in everyone’s hearts like a warning bell.
Before, they prided themselves as noble Formation Path cultivators, looking down on other practitioners, disdainful of using dirty tricks, and only verbally criticized Shangguan Mujing for reporting them.
But now, after Lin Huanhuan’s reminder, they finally recalled that this was a cold cultivation world. No one cares about what methods were used, only who the final victor is.
“It seems we were too narrow-minded. Truly worthy of Lady Huanhuan, so far-sighted.”
Everyone expressed their gratitude to her, adding another layer of reverence in their hearts, sighing that heroes in this world were as numerous as carp crossing the river.
Ling Dongdong asked:
“So what do we do now? Tomorrow morning, disguise ourselves as customers and intentionally cause trouble at their place?”
“Of course not. How could we use such a method? We’re legitimate people. At least, we cannot let the other side discover our dirty tricks. Even if they figure it out, they can’t find evidence.”
Lin Huanhuan sighed lightly. They still couldn’t break out of their limitations. She said with some frustration:
“Today or tomorrow, the other side will definitely be on high alert. Causing trouble under those circumstances is no different from seeking death.”
“First, wait two days. Act like I’m not making any moves. Let them drop their guard first. That way, it’ll be much easier when we strike.”
“Alright, let’s all head home for now. I’ll come back in two days. In the meantime, rest if you want to rest, cultivate if you want to cultivate. We’ll be busy in two days.”
…
After briefly saying goodbye to everyone, Lin Huanhuan returned to Xiaozhu Peak.
Coincidentally, she saw Bai Lingfeng pacing back and forth at the mountain gate. A look of surprise immediately appeared on her face.
Ever since he was rejected last time, Bai Lingfeng had been in low spirits for a while, but in the end, he forced himself to cheer up and decided not to give up easily, showing enough resilience.
When he heard that about half a month later, he would go with Lin Huanhuan to investigate the Imperial Water Manor, he immediately realized this was an opportunity—a chance to mend ties with Lin Huanhuan.
But when his boots stepped onto the grass of Xiaozhu Peak, he hesitated again.
What if he was rejected?
He wavered between taking a step forward and stepping back.
Just then, Lin Huanhuan returned from outside and happened to run into him.
Perhaps it was telepathy; Bai Lingfeng also looked over.
Surprise always comes so suddenly.
“Bai Lingfeng, here to visit me? Don’t just stand there stupidly. Come on in. Otherwise, people might think I’m not a good host.”
At this moment, Lin Huanhuan was no longer so wary of Bai Lingfeng.
Since she couldn’t avoid him, she might as well take the initiative and save herself some trouble.
“Then I won’t stand on ceremony. Thank you, Huanhuan. I did come to see you.”
Bai Lingfeng laughed heartily, but Lin Huanhuan inexplicably felt that this smile was somewhat sinister.
Dong Yuner seemed to have gone out, not at home.
You Yuelan, as usual, was pinned down by her blanket and pillow, completely immersed in them.
Lin Huanhuan didn’t mind. She casually brewed a cup of tea, poured one for Bai Lingfeng and one for herself, and gestured for him to sit.
After taking a light sip, Lin Huanhuan said:
“Bai Lingfeng, you came to see me about the Imperial Water Manor, right?”
Bai Lingfeng put down his teacup, slightly surprised:
“Eh? Huanhuan, how did you know? I didn’t show it before.”
Lin Huanhuan smiled faintly:
“I just guessed. What’s so hard about that? After all, the only thing that connects us right now is this case of the Imperial Water Manor. You wouldn’t come just for a casual cup of tea, would you?”
Hearing this, Bai Lingfeng was delighted. Forgetting his dignity, he immediately took the chance:
“Since Huanhuan puts it that way, next time I come casually, you can’t chase me away.”
Truly cautious, not missing any opportunity, yet with obvious flattery.
Seeing the male protagonist she once thought highly of now acting like this toward her, Lin Huanhuan gave a helpless inner smile.
Truly, things change.
“Don’t worry, how could I chase a guest away? After all, you said we’re friends.”
“Yes, of course. But if there are certain occasions that aren’t suitable, I hope you can excuse yourself.”