I, the Reborn Villain, After Nine Lifetimes of Simping Over the Empress, Crushed the System and Escaped - Chapter 5:

Chapter 5: Lacking the Beatings of Society

The so-called supply that Shen Zhao spoke of naturally referred to the weapons and pills he personally refined. In this life after being reborn, he was shocked to discover that he had fused all the cultivation he had accumulated across nine lifetimes. He could directly use countless fortune-level and even Dao-level skills.

Alchemy, forging, music, chess, calligraphy, painting—whether useful or useless, he had mastered them all, and every skill had reached the ultimate level of the system. The billions of items within the system store remained sealed in a spatial barrier. Except for a few that he had used in his past lives, the rest could not be extracted unless he broke that barrier.

By their arrangement, Feng Xiunian provided materials, Shen Zhao refined the goods, and He Yishou found channels to sell them. The profits were split with Shen Zhao taking four parts, while Feng Xiunian and He Yishou each took three. All were satisfied. This was why both men willingly regarded Shen Zhao as their leader. It was not only because of fear of his strength, but also because he was like a living god of wealth. In just a few months, they had earned more than in the past few decades.

So, when the Red Dragon Gang wanted to establish themselves in Qingyang City, it was no different from trying to steal their profits. Feng Xiunian and He Yishou would never allow it. Shen Zhao himself did not wish to change the balance of Qingyang City’s underworld either. No matter what attitude Chen Ruhai displayed at this dinner, he was destined to be driven out. What Chen Ruhai had not expected was that he would provoke Shen Zhao. Clearly, he had failed to investigate carefully. That kind of person was worse than a dog, and being beaten was exactly what he deserved.

Shen Zhao sat leisurely at the dining table, yawning as he looked at the iron cage arena modeled after MMA from his past life. A satisfied expression appeared on his face. In this life, he intended to live freely and unrestrained. No one could stop him from doing what he wanted. After nine lives of standing high above others, killing decisively, controlling the fates of countless people, yet being bound by circumstances, he had long grown tired of it. Only after experiencing despair carved into his very bones could he truly understand the essence of freedom without restraint.

For now, Shen Zhao was very satisfied with his situation. As for the future, he would deal with it when it came. To play around in this world—peace and simplicity were blessings.

At this time, He Yishou asked, “Brother Shen, when exactly do you plan to open this place? Even if we don’t rely on it to make a living, appearances still matter, right?”

Feng Xiunian took a drag of his cigarette and added, “Yes, brother, you’ve already set up such a large establishment. You should at least hold an opening ceremony, invite a few people to fill the place. If not, I can bring over a few men from my Wuwei Martial Hall.”

Shen Zhao waved his hand and said, “No need to trouble yourselves. When the time comes, it will open naturally. Just focus on your own matters.”

He Yishou stood up and said, “Since that’s the case, we’ll leave you to your business. We’ll go back and prepare.” He patted Feng Xiunian’s shoulder, signaling him to rise. The two left Shen Zhao’s residence and strolled aimlessly through the streets.

Because of their notorious reputation in Qingyang City, passersby quickly avoided them. Feng Xiunian shrugged, lit the cigar he hadn’t finished earlier, and after exhaling smoke, pointed toward the City Lord’s Mansion. He said, “Have you heard? The Lu family’s children, Lu Xuanji and Lu Chen, joined the Azure Cloud Sect. In less than three years they went from outer disciples to inner disciples. Their future is bright. It’s really enviable.”

He Yishou smiled, tucking his hands into his sleeves. “What does the Lu family have to do with us? They’re not from our world. I just want to live a few more years, enjoy wealth and luxury, and that’s enough. Who cares about Heaven’s Chosen? As long as I’m happy, that’s all that matters.”

Feng Xiunian nodded. “True, it has nothing to do with us. What I mean is, in a few days it will be Lu Zhantian’s fortieth birthday. With both his precious children present, I’m sure many sect members will come to offer their wishes. Should we take the chance to meet some of them and settle the matter of our sales channels?”

He Yishou replied, “With the weapons and pills Shen Zhao produces, do you really think we’ll lack channels?”

Feng Xiunian said, “One more path means one more stream of wealth. We can’t put all our eggs in one basket. What if Guangyuan Auction House stops working with us? As long as we connect with the Azure Cloud Sect, our wealth will flow endlessly.”

He Yishou stopped, thought for a moment, and nodded. “You have a point. When the City Lord’s Mansion holds the banquet, we’ll send a generous gift and meet some of the upper-class people.” The two reached an agreement and decided to return to their respective places to prepare.

Just as they turned to leave, a voice suddenly called out, “Hey, you two, let me ask you something—how do I get to the City Lord’s Mansion?”

Both turned to look back. Not far away was a carriage. A handsome young man with a folding fan looked at them from the seat. Though his looks were fine, his tone was irritating.

Feng Xiunian frowned and said, “Who are you? Don’t you have any manners? Is this how you ask for directions?” He had always disliked arrogant rich youths like this.

The young man smirked, jumped off the carriage, and said with a self-important pose, “Apologies, but this is how my Xia family conducts itself.”

Feng Xiunian squinted and asked, “The Xia family? Which Xia family? There’s no such name in Qingyang City.”

The man’s face darkened. He flicked his fan shut and snapped, “Truly country bumpkins who haven’t seen the world. You don’t even know the Xia family of Ziyuan Empire’s capital?”

Hearing this, Feng Xiunian’s temper flared. “Kid, if you don’t know how to talk, then stop pretending. I don’t care how great your family is in the Ziyuan Empire, but let me remind you of something—ever heard of a strong dragon not suppressing a local snake?”

The man sneered, “How dare you insult my Xia family. If I don’t teach you a lesson today, others might think we’ve fallen. Don’t blame me for not giving you a chance. Both of you, come at me together!”

Feng Xiunian rolled up his sleeves, ready to teach this fool a lesson. But He Yishou quickly stopped him and whispered, “I’ve heard of the Xia family. They hold considerable power in Ziyuan Empire. We can’t afford to provoke them. Let it go.”

Feng Xiunian snorted. “Old man, this isn’t like you. This brat clearly needs a beating every day to feel normal. Let me give his father’s place by teaching him properly.”

He Yishou said, “Enough, don’t stir up trouble. We should discuss this with Brother Shen first and see what he thinks.”

He then smiled and said aloud, “Apologies, young man. My friend drank too much today and spoke rudely. You’re looking for the City Lord’s Mansion, right? Let me show you—”

Before he could finish, the youth cut him off. “Now you know your place? Too late. I, Xia Tounan, always keep my word. Since I said I’d teach you a lesson, then I will. Consider it a chance for you to learn. How could my Xia family possibly be someone you stray dogs can provoke?” He pointed at the two of them and said, “What are you waiting for? I’ll allow you both to attack together. Begin!”

Even He Yishou’s patience had worn thin at this point. After muttering a few words into Feng Xiunian’s ear, he stepped forward and faced Xia Tounan. “Fine. Since Young Master Xia insists on a spar, then this old man will be the first to oblige.”