Chapter 29: The Azure Wood Seal, Smash It!-O Cultivo do Mortal: No Início Fui Capturado por um Velho Demônio para Refinar Poções(Uma estrela no vasto mar)

"What? You mean the Wild Wolf Gang has already guessed something and is preparing to deal with that malevolent evil cultivator?" Jiang Fan could not help but ask.

Just moments ago, Wang Gang had dropped hints from the sidelines, conveying the general situation: the Wild Wolf Gang had been plagued by strange occurrences lately, and the entire organization suspected the work of an "evil cultivator." Following the gruesome deaths of two deacons, the gang had begun secretly preparing to strike back at the perpetrator.

Wang Gang was clever enough not to explicitly identify the evil cultivator, merely urging Jiang Fan to keep the matter strictly confidential, warning that the consequences of a leak would be disastrous for him.

"Shh... Young Master Jiang, please, keep your voice down. This must never be spread, or the consequences will be unimaginable!" Wang Gang gestured for silence before continuing.

"I understand. I lost my composure just now," Jiang Fan replied quickly. "The information you've given me is extremely useful. Those who adapt to the times are wise; when the Wild Wolf Gang makes its move, you must notify me so we can respond accordingly."

"Does that mean... Young Master Jiang is willing to put in a good word for me?" Wang Gang asked, his face full of surprise.

"Naturally. Work hard, and I believe my master will not treat you unfairly. My master is planning something big this time!" Jiang Fan laughed. "Besides, unlike the other disciples, I am the only one who has earned his trust. Deacon Wang, you understand what I mean, don't you?"

"I understand, I understand! I won't hide it from you, Young Master Jiang—we, the upper echelons of the Wild Wolf Gang, know a thing or two about your master. None of the Immortal Xu's previous disciples have met a good end; the gang leader says they all died miserable deaths. Young Master Jiang should be careful." Wang Gang felt that from the moment he revealed the gang's plans, he and Jiang Fan had been bound to the same mast, like grasshoppers on a single rope.

Thus, he threw caution to the wind and shared everything he knew with Jiang Fan.

Hearing this, Jiang Fan felt a sudden shock. His suspicions were confirmed: Old Devil Xu intended to use all of his disciples who reached the third level of Qi Refining to concoct human blood pills to break through his own cultivation bottleneck.

"It seems Deacon Wang knows quite a bit. It matches my own deductions; I, too, suspect my master plans to dispose of me once I reach the third level of Qi Refining." Jiang Fan’s expression darkened as he turned to Wang Gang. "Deacon Wang, why don't we cooperate?"

"How would you like to cooperate, Young Master Jiang? Are you looking for me to leak something?" Wang Gang asked meaningfully, having already guessed Jiang Fan's intentions.

"Exactly. I have no desire to be refined into medicine by my master!" Jiang Fan’s eyes held a strange glint. "How about this: we both act as intermediaries. I will secretly introduce you to my master, relaying the news of the Wild Wolf Gang's impending operation, which will buy you a path to survival. In return, you will put in a good word for me with the three gang leaders. You can reveal some information about the 'evil cultivator' and attribute it to me. You could even state that, at the critical moment, I am willing to stand on your side."

Jiang Fan’s proposal was staggering, leaving Deacon Wang visibly excited.

"Good! Since you are so forthright, Young Master Jiang, let it be a deal! This way, no matter whether the Wild Wolf Gang or Immortal Xu emerges victorious, we will both have a chance at survival!" Deacon Wang laughed.

"Brother Wang is truly decisive. However, when you see me in the future, you must still address me as 'Young Master Jiang' and show no sign of anything amiss," Jiang Fan said solemnly. "Furthermore, you must provide me with enough profit to take back, or I will not be able to justify myself to my master. Of course, I promised my master I would cause trouble at Nanping Street, so we will have to stage a convincing performance—we must fight."

"Young Master Jiang is thoughtful indeed. That way, we will leave no trace of our collusion! We shall act enraged and trade blows; the more realistic, the better. There will be no shortage of insults, so I hope you won't take them to heart," Wang Gang laughed.

"Then please, Deacon Wang, hand over the silver first, and then we shall turn against each other," Jiang Fan smiled.

Wang Gang smiled in understanding. As they stepped out of the private room, Deacon Wang wore a grim, disgruntled expression, while Jiang Fan maintained his usual arrogant and domineering demeanor.

"Follow me, Young Master Jiang. The vault of my Wealthy Casino is in that room." Wang Gang’s voice was filled with feigned resentment as he looked at the two burly Wild Wolf Gang members guarding the vault. "Young Master Jiang wants silver; why haven't you opened the vault yet?"

These two guards, though not martial artists and far lower in status than the deacon, were sent by the three gang leaders to supervise the vault—and by extension, the deacon. Their authority was significant.

"Deacon, are you truly going to open the vault?"

"Deacon, though our status is inferior to yours, we were sent by the three leaders to guard this place. Are you really going to open it?"

The two men’s expressions sank; they clearly would not open it easily. They knew their duties well; they would be held responsible if the silver went missing.

"Wait a moment, Young Master Jiang. Let me speak with them. I will ensure you get the amount we discussed!" Deacon Wang offered a bitter smile to Jiang Fan before stepping aside to whisper to the guards.

The guards' faces grew increasingly ugly, but eventually, they nodded with pained expressions. They reluctantly swung open the vault doors.

"Please, Young Master Jiang! Take the thirty percent you agreed to bring to Immortal Xu!" Deacon Wang announced, his face twisted in annoyance.

"I've changed my mind! Now, I want fifty percent, and not a coin less!" Jiang Fan retorted coldly.

"Young Master Jiang, what is the meaning of this? This will ruin the relationship between the three leaders and Immortal Xu. You had better think carefully!" Deacon Wang replied, his face darkening.

"Humph! My master said fifty percent, not a coin less! I dare not defy his orders! If you try to stop me, I shall have to take it by force!" Jiang Fan’s voice turned icy.

His spiritual power began to surge, signaling an immediate intent to strike.

"Fine, fine, fine! I have treated you with respect, yet you, a mere brat, dare to push your luck and act so aggressively! Today, I shall see what you, a disciple of Immortal Xu, are truly capable of!" Deacon Wang shouted, a powerful aura erupting from his body.

"Do you think I'm afraid of you? I’ve just mastered a new technique, and you shall be my first test!" Jiang Fan sneered. "Azure Wood Seal, crush him!"

Jiang Fan formed seals in the air, and a small azure seal materialized. Driven by his spiritual power, it grew rapidly in the wind, transforming into a massive object half a meter in size. Though it looked somewhat translucent, it radiated a sense of immense power.

"Damn you! I am a late-stage Houtian realm martial artist; you think I fear you? Break!" Seeing the formidable seal crashing down, Wang Gang drew his heavy saber and swung with all his might.