In the wind and rain.

A horse-drawn carriage slowly approached along the mountain path, flanked front and back by teams of staff-wielding cultivators riding Spiritual Beasts. In the center stood a large, gilded banner emblazoned with the character "Yu," signifying the convoy’s owner.

Though it seemed imposing, a closer look revealed an air of decline and decay.

The cultivators’ cultivation levels and ages varied, and they lacked the imposing presence a major power ought to possess. The Spiritual Beasts they rode were of several different kinds—many were even simple beasts of burden, clearly scraped together just to make up the numbers.

If not for the two Foundation Establishment Cultivators leading the way, they would likely be mocked for putting on a brave front they couldn’t back up. 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

Inside the distinctly antiquated carriage, Lü Zhong and Yu Feng’Er sat facing each other.

The latter appeared calm, but the hand clutching the hem of her skirt betrayed her anxiety. Throughout the journey, she had repeatedly cast glances at Lü Zhong.

Today was the day the Chengde Commerce Association would choose its next Chairman.

If she failed to seize this opportunity, she would never have another chance to reclaim the Chengde Commerce Association.

"Fellow Daoist Lü, I must ask for a straight answer. What are your chances of success?" Yu Feng’er could no longer hold back.

She had already made up her mind. ’If the odds are too low, I’ll give up.’

As the head of the Yu Family, Yu Feng’Er knew the responsibility she shouldered. She couldn’t plunge her family into peril for personal reasons; otherwise, she would be a disgrace to the Yu Family.

Hearing this, Lü Zhong opened his eyes and gave her a cool, detached glance.

’So indecisive and hesitant. No wonder she lost to the Zhang father and son, time and time again.’

After taking the job, he had, of course, conducted a detailed investigation into the feud between the Yu Family and the Zhangs. He now had a fair understanding of how the Chengde Commerce Association had changed hands.

Interestingly, Yu Chengde had died at the hands of an Evil Cultivator.

It was precisely Yu Chengde’s mysterious death thirty years ago that led to the subsequent change of ownership of the Chengde Commerce Association.

The prime suspect, naturally, was Zhang Hai. After all, he had benefited the most, gaining direct control over a Commerce Association. It was hard not to suspect his original motives for marrying into the Yu Family.

And now, it seemed this scene was repeating itself.

"Relax. I know what you’re worried about. Zhang Miao has hired an Independent Foundation Establishment Cultivator, and though he has Late-stage Foundation Establishment Cultivation, in my eyes, he’s nothing but a paper tiger. Dealing with him won’t be difficult."

Lü Zhong glanced at Yu Feng’Er and added, "As for you, it’s best to keep your thoughts to yourself. Leave the timing of when to act to me. All you need to do is play your part and act as you normally would."

"...Alright," Yu Feng’Er nodded and fell silent.

Soon, the carriage passed through a barrier and stopped before a pavilion built on the side of a cliff.

The pavilion wasn’t large. A freshly lacquered plaque hung above, reading "Yunlu Pavilion."

Yunlu Pavilion held great significance for the Chengde Commerce Association. It was here that Yu Chengde had gathered his trusted followers and founded the Commerce Association all those years ago.

Inside the pavilion, however, there were few people.

In truth, only eighteen stewards, both major and minor, were qualified to participate in the Chairman’s election. They oversaw the Commerce Association’s various enterprises and were all currently in their respective seats.

When they saw Yu Feng’Er enter, most of them gave her a fleeting glance before quickly looking away.

It was clear to any discerning eye.

After today, the Chengde Commerce Association would have no connection to the Yu Family whatsoever.

"Why are you even here? Did you come just to be humiliated?" one of the stewards jeered openly.

"He’s right, he’s right!"

"Hahaha! Steward Chen is absolutely right."

His words were met with a wave of roaring laughter.

Not a single person stood up for Yu Feng’Er.

Watching this scene with cold eyes, Lü Zhong couldn’t help but think, ’Even if I really do help her reclaim the Commerce Association, she probably won’t be able to hold onto it. At best, she’ll just end up losing the Chengde Commerce Association in a different way.’

A series of footsteps announced the arrival of the Chief Steward, Lin Fangyun.

Lin Fangyun had the appearance of a kind-eyed, benevolent old man, always with a smile on his face.

Unlike with Yu Feng’Er, the moment he entered, many stewards went up to greet him—more than half the people in the hall. Clearly, he had a knack for winning people over, or he never would have been able to rally so many stewards to his side.

In comparison, Yu Feng’Er’s defeat was absolute.

"Niece Feng, it’s been a while!" Lin Fangyun said with a hearty laugh, giving the impression of a kindly elder.

"Feng’Er greets Uncle Lin," Yu Feng’Er replied, offering a bow.

Lin Fangyun, however, didn’t continue the conversation. His gaze swept past Yu Feng’Er’s two original guards and landed on Lü Zhong, who stood to the side with his aura concealed. "And this is?" he asked, his tone a mix of surprise and suspicion.

As he spoke, he gestured to the two Foundation Establishment guards behind him.

The two understood and were about to step forward to test his mettle.

Seeing this, Yu Feng’Er stepped in front of Lü Zhong, her brow furrowed. "What is this? Is Uncle Lin going to interfere with me bringing my own guards?"

"Hehe, not at all, not at all. He just looked a bit familiar, like an old friend of mine. But if Niece Feng forbids it, then let’s just forget it, forget it..." Lin Fangyun said with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. His attitude toward Yu Feng’Er was extremely cold. After giving a flimsy excuse, he walked over to his seat at the head of the hall.

After that, the two of them were left to the side, completely ignored.

Time passed. The sky outside grew darker, and the storm intensified. Rain hammered down on the Spiritual Shield protecting the pavilion, water cascading off it like a waterfall.

"Strange, why isn’t the Vice Chairman here yet?" someone wondered aloud.

By all rights, Zhang Miao should have arrived long ago. After all, he was the one who had nominally called for this meeting.

Furthermore, failing to attend would be equivalent to automatically forfeiting his eligibility for the election. The next Chairman of the Chengde Commerce Association would then be chosen from between Lin Fangyun and Yu Feng’Er.

At the head of the hall, Lin Fangyun’s expression suddenly turned grave, as if he had realized something.

BANG! BANG! BANG! A series of explosive sounds echoed.

The Spiritual Shield protecting them from the rain was suddenly shattered. The downpour instantly flooded the pavilion, drenching everyone inside. At the same time, a group of men appeared in the storm. Their cultivation was at least Late-stage Qi Refining, and among them were seven Foundation Establishment True Cultivators. In terms of strength, they completely overwhelmed everyone in the pavilion.

Then the group parted, and a man walked out from their midst. It was none other than Zhang Miao.

Lü Zhong didn’t feel much tension at the sight. ’Even if I can’t beat them, escaping won’t be difficult.’ He simply cast a meaningful glance at Yu Feng’Er beside him.

Sensing his gaze, she forced an ugly smile.

The turn of events had gone completely beyond her expectations. She hastily sent him a voice transmission: "I’ll pay more! Please, fellow Daoist, just ensure my safety."

Only after seeing Lü Zhong nod did Yu Feng’Er’s nerves finally settle.

"Zhang Miao, what is the meaning of this?" Lin Fangyun demanded, his voice filled with shock and suspicion.

For him to arrive at this moment with a large contingent of men... it couldn’t just be to make a scene. Recalling the mysterious death of Yu Chengde years ago, a grim suspicion surfaced in his mind.

Zhang Miao’s gaze swept over the crowd in the pavilion, and he chuckled softly. "The meaning? I’ve come to take the position of Chairman, of course!"

At these words, everyone in the pavilion was stunned.

A steward with a snow-white beard and hair, relying on his seniority, walked straight out into the rain and pointed a finger in Zhang Miao’s face. "May I ask what you mean by this, Vice Chairman Zhang? Are you going to disregard the Commerce Association’s rules and force your way into the Chairmanship—"

Before he could finish, several jets of blood erupted from his body.

He had been struck in several vital spots by Butterfly Flying Needles. Without even a final word, he collapsed to the ground with a THUD.

A withered old crone gave a sinister cackle and recalled all the Flying Needles.

"Hmph, old fool! Didn’t even consider the situation before daring to come out and point fingers." Zhang Miao slowly walked forward, his face contorted in a savage sneer. He stomped on the dead man’s face—whose eyes were still open in death—and crushed it with a single, forceful motion.

He had long since had enough of these stewards. They were always pulling rank, feigning obedience while secretly undermining him, and betraying the association for their own gain. Embezzlement was just the tip of the iceberg. It was because of these leeches that the Chengde Commerce Association had fallen from its former prosperity to its current pathetic state.

He wiped the sole of his shoe clean on the floor tiles.

Flames of ambition burned in Zhang Miao’s heart. Today, he would sweep away the filth, lead the Commerce Association back onto the right path, and return it to its former glory.

He pointed at the people in the pavilion and roared:

"Go! Kill them all!"

After today, the Chengde Commerce Association would no longer exist.

The Sanshui Commerce Association would take its place!