A Long Grind to Daoist Monarch-Chapter 188 - 152: Line 14, Fleeing Through the Night

What a bold claim!

Feng Shao Ling initially wanted to retort, but considering this person's various identities, he forcibly swallowed his words.

A disciple of Tongwen Hall, fish stall owner, militia assistant, direct disciple of the kiln master... each of these titles is enough to make Black River County tremble with fear.

"Bai Qilang, I know you're formidable, but everything must follow the rules. Our Feng Family conducts business with integrity and holds the government's stamped permit! You're in no position to criticize!"

Feng Shao Ling squinted, gripping his seat tightly; He Jingfeng might fear Ninghai Zen's disciple, but he wasn't that intimidated.

Even if Ning Wudi goes mad, he must consider the word "reason." To kill at the slightest disagreement is the act of an evil demon falling into the Turbid Tide.

Black River County is small, and Yihai Prefecture has shallow waters, allowing this fierce dragon to stir up trouble.

But there's always someone stronger; the Celestial Water Prefecture has people who can deal with him!

"Using the Court to pressure me? Have you ever heard this saying, 'The sky is high, the Emperor is far away.'

Black River County doesn't even have a Government Office; your reasoning here may not apply."

Bai Qi's words were sharp, his eyes bright, causing Feng Shao Ling's heart to tremble. Yet this Young Master still maintained a calm demeanor, confident that with his strong background, he didn't need to bow to Tongwen Hall.

The profession of brokers isn't as illicit as common perception.

On the contrary, they are among the few legitimate professions recognized by the government among the six households.

This dates back to the time before the fall of the Dao, because cattle and horses were vital agricultural and war resources, holding a significant position in the trade market.

The trading process required evaluations for breed, quality, physique, leading to an influx of brokers specializing in border trade and foreign commerce.

Later, they were incorporated into government management, receiving trading licenses, known as identity tokens.

Those brokerages with official backgrounds engage in "market making," mainly acting as agents for buying or selling goods.

Wealthy brokerages also venture to purchase goods and then resell them.

Moreover, brokerages have several other important roles.

First, they report the movements of merchants to the local Government Office, recording detailed names, numbers, quantities for the government to review;

Second, they collect commodity taxes and oversee the flow of strategic resources like copper, iron, and grain. Whenever merchants transport goods across Prefecture and County borders, participating brokerages must guarantee it.

Due to these reasons, brokerages have close ties with local Government Offices, permeating every aspect and playing an essential role.

In terms of official connections and channels, Broker Feng Family is never outmatched by others, and He Jingfeng is infamous for being indomitable. Others would have faced jail time if a chair was smashed over them.

"Bai Qilang, our paths don't cross; I'm in Black River County conducting open business. If you truly have the ability, make Black River County have no place for me, Feng Shao Ling!

I want to see if the disciple of Ninghai Zen is superior to Daoist Officials, if Tongwen Hall is larger than the Dragon Court, to bury me here!"

Feng Shao Ling felt a bit insecure but was ultimately more obstinate. With all eyes watching, expecting him to bow to this Black River County fisherman was worse than death.

Of course, this Young Master Feng wasn't foolish; after his impassioned speech, he immediately got up, swept his sleeves, and left.

Decisively retreating in style.

"Hey, Young Master Feng! These servants still need..."

Ding the Second instantly panicked, hoping to cling to the Yihai Prefecture Broker Feng Family for future fortune.

"Not buying! Leave!"

Feng Shao Ling hastened his steps, not pausing at all, leading his robust servants to break through the crowd of onlookers, vanishing instantly from everyone's sight.

"He left quickly, saves me from dealing with him." 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Bai Qi's lips slightly curved; amongst the disciples from the Thirteenth Branch he encountered, besides Zhu Shou Rang, who had no sense, the rest showed a grasp of the situation, at least understanding a wise person doesn't take unnecessary losses.

"Brother Bai..."

He Jingfeng arrived belatedly, meeting the hurried Feng Shao Ling halfway. Seeing that Feng wasn't dead, He Family's Seventh Young Master felt extraordinarily relieved, knowing full well the master-disciple pair from Tongwen Hall wouldn't hesitate to kill the sole heir of Broker Feng Family's long branch in public!

"I'll leave the rest to you."

Upon seeing He Jingfeng arrive, Bai Qi left behind a statement and let Xiaotou take Ah Xie away.

He didn't bother with Ding the Second — let He Family's Seventh Young Master handle the spoiled rich kid from Black River County, it's a perfect fit.

...

...

"Outrageous!"

Once far enough, Feng Shao Ling loudly cursed:

"The broker business has been lawful and legitimate since ancient times! Who does that Bai think he is, claiming he'll ruin me?"

The servant following bent over, comforting his master:

"Young Master, a strong dragon doesn't fight a local bully, no need to get upset."

Feng Shao Ling's anger persisted, gritting his teeth saying:

"He Jingfeng, that spineless coward, is joining forces with them too. The prestigious family of Yihai Prefecture runs around behind a fisherman every day, tarnishing family honor, despite his elder brother He Jinghong being an exceptional Daoist School student!"

The servant remained silent; such words weren't his place to reply to, responding poorly would invite trouble.

"Send invitations for me! I don't believe anyone would refuse silver! Invite martial arts masters from the Inner City, masters from the Chai Market, and prominent landowners, saying Feng Shao Ling is hosting a banquet at Donglai Tower!"

Feng Shao Ling clenched his fist; if he hadn't heard that Bai had crossed the Second Bone Training Barrier, changing blood several times, he wouldn't have fled so swiftly earlier.