Chapter 925: Chapter 922: One Must Not Be Too Shameless

Amidst the gaze of the crowd, Senior Diao, the master of the Commerce Alliance Hall, appeared at the center of the jade platform, and the entire grand hall gradually quieted down.

He glanced at the four private rooms, ensuring that representatives from all four major commerce alliances were present, then cleared his throat and declared loudly:

"Today is the third round of the Business Alliance Conference’s arena competition. As in previous years, besides determining the position of the top commerce alliance today, there will be an auction in the afternoon where all treasures showcased at the appraisal meeting will be auctioned. If you’re interested, make sure not to miss it."

As the voice of the silver-haired elder fell, many eyes in the hall gleamed with eagerness.

Apart from witnessing today’s exciting arena battles, many attendees were there especially for the treasures at the auction.

"Alright, without further ado, the third round of the Business Alliance Conference officially begins."

The silver-haired elder nodded at the side, and a beautiful maid, holding a delicate sandalwood box, stepped forward.

"The third round of the Business Alliance Conference, like in the past, will be divided into two groups determined by a draw. The winners of each group will qualify for the finals, and the winner of the finals, representing their commerce alliance, will win the third round of the Business Alliance Conference."

The silver-haired elder explained briefly, looking towards the private rooms of the four major commerce alliances, "Everyone, come up for the draw."

As he spoke, the beautiful maid placed the sandalwood box on the jade platform and stood aside.

Yang Wanyi was the first to step out of her room, extending her delicate hand above the draw box, immediately a jade token flew into her hand.

"Group One."

Glancing at the jade token, Yang Wanyi announced.

At this moment, figures also stepped out from the other rooms.

The representative for the Massive Cauldron Commerce Alliance was Han Xuan.

Surprisingly, the person drawing for the Heavenly Position Business Line was the Azure Cloud Swordsman, Qian Shaofeng.

Luo Feng didn’t mind too much, it was just a draw; it didn’t matter who did it.

His gaze turned to the Black Wind Commerce Alliance’s private room, where a tall girl in a red combat suit stepped out, her figure graceful, her features exquisite, her stride steady and forceful, an aura of heroism in her gaze. Luo Feng sensed a strong hostility from her towards Yang Wanyi.

"Elder Qian, who is she?"

Driven by curiosity, Luo Feng asked Elder Qian standing behind him.

"She is Ling Mei, the third daughter of the Black Wind Commerce Alliance’s Family Head. The Black Wind Commerce Alliance’s Family Head was once an ordinary man, but with a sharp business mind, he developed a small, unknown family into one of the Canglang Dynasty’s four major commerce alliances over a few decades. Perhaps to compensate for his lack of martial status, his four wives are all famed female heroes in the martial world. Ling Mei’s mother was known as the Mysterious Alluring Sword in her youth, a skilled swordswoman. Influenced by her mother, Ling Mei showed exceptional cultivation talent from a young age and is considered a jewel by the Black Wind Commerce Alliance’s Family Head. It seems she is representing the Black Wind Commerce Alliance at this conference."

Elder Qian, noticing Yang Wanyi’s regard towards Luo Feng, internally regarded him as the future young master of the Dayang Commerce Alliance, and elaborated on Ling Mei’s identity, also providing some background on the Black Wind Commerce Alliance.

Glancing at the girl in red, Elder Qian chuckled, "Master Luo Feng, are you curious about the relationship between Ling Mei and the young lady?"

Luo Feng nodded, asking, "Is there a grudge between them?"

Elder Qian shook his head; instead of answering directly, he asked, "What do you think of her and the young lady’s strength?"

Luo Feng carefully sized up Ling Mei, "Ling Mei is also in the early stage of the Seventh Layer Spiritual Rotation Realm; their cultivation levels are comparable. Only a match could determine who is stronger."

"Indeed."

Elder Qian nodded, saying:

"A year ago, Ling Mei’s relationship with the young lady was decent; they often discussed martial arts together. But last year, at the New Dragon List Conference, Ling Mei ranked three positions behind the young lady, which seemed to be a heavy blow for her. Since the day after the conference, she has never sought out the young lady, apparently competing with herself."

Luo Feng smiled wryly, realizing the complexity behind these events; Ling Mei undeniably possesses strong self-esteem, likely participating in the Business Alliance Conference this time to have a showdown with Yang Wanyi.

On the jade platform, Yang Wanyi greeted Ling Mei with a smile, saying:

"Ling Mei, long time no see."

Ling Mei slightly frowned, remained silent, walked to the draw box with her brows knitted, closed her eyes as if praying for something, then opened them to draw.

Swipe!

A jade token flew into Ling Mei’s hand, and after glancing at it, her expression grimaced instantly, biting her red lips in discontent, she said:

"Group Two."

Next, Qian Shaofeng stepped forward, flicked his hand to draw a jade token, glanced at it, then turned his sharp gaze towards Yang Wanyi, coolly saying: "Group One."

Wow!

As Qian Shaofeng spoke, the entire Commerce Alliance Hall erupted in noise.

"Yang Wanyi drew Group One, and so did Qian Shaofeng."

"Indeed, I didn’t expect the Dayang Commerce Alliance and the Heavenly Position Commerce Alliance to face off so early; I thought it would be in the finals."

"With this, the battle between Yang Wanyi and Zhouyan might just decide this year’s top commerce alliance."

"I wonder who is stronger between Yang Wanyi and Zhouyan. Yang Wanyi is exceptionally talented, having cultivated the Daluo Golden Flame Skill of the Linglong Hall, her combat power is extraordinary. Zhouyan is in the mid-stage of the Seventh Layer Spiritual Rotation Realm, both are leaders among the younger generation."

"I believe it might be Zhouyan; after all, he is two years older with an advantage in cultivation."

"I wouldn’t say so. The Daluo Golden Flame Skill of Linglong Hall is top-notch among Profound Level absolute skills, extremely dominant; with Yang Wanyi’s potential, her cultivation technique mastery might be high, possibly surpassing Zhouyan."

Upon hearing that the Heavenly Position Commerce Alliance and the Dayang Commerce Alliance were drawn into the same group, everyone was instantly excited, speculating on the outcome of the battle and expressing their opinions.

Luo Feng didn’t expect to encounter the Heavenly Position Business Line so soon.

The four major alliances have already decided on three ranks, and the Massive Cauldron Commerce Alliance is undoubtedly in the second group.

At this moment, the silent Han Xuan suddenly spoke.

"The Massive Cauldron Commerce Alliance is forfeiting this tournament."

Upon hearing Han Xuan’s words, not many were surprised; the fact that Han Xuan was ambushed and injured on the way to the Big Market City was already well-known.

Senior Diao, with his silver hair, nodded and said: "With Massive Cauldron Commerce Alliance forfeiting, the Black Wind Commerce Alliance will directly advance to participate in the final."

Upon hearing this, Ling Mei’s eyes brightened slightly, glancing subtly at Yang Wanyi.

This time, she had actively suggested to her father to attend the Business Alliance Conference to battle Yang Wanyi. Now, with direct advancement, she has a fifty percent chance to face Yang Wanyi in the final.

"Now, for the showdown of the first group."

Senior Diao coughed lightly and said loudly: "Please have the representatives from the Dayang Commerce Alliance and the Heavenly Position Commerce Alliance come to the stage."

Boom!

As soon as the words fell, the Business Alliance Hall slightly trembled, and the jade platform slowly rose, forming a ten-meter-high, the thousand-meter-long and wide tournament stage, surrounded by a faintly glimmering light screen.

Luo Feng took a deep breath, stood up, and walked out of the private room, approaching Yang Wanyi, about to speak.

Swish!

At this moment, an unexpected scene unfolded.

Qian Shaofeng’s figure flickered and appeared in the center of the jade platform.

Huh!

A surprised and doubtful noise echoed in the Business Alliance Hall.

"I represent the Heavenly Position Commerce Alliance in this match."

Standing in the center of the stage, Qian Shaofeng indifferently spoke, ignoring everyone’s gazes, and looked at Yang Wanyi: "Yang Wanyi, come up."

Upon hearing this, Ling Mei and Han Xuan’s expressions changed.

"Impossible!"

Han Xuan couldn’t hold back and shouted angrily: "The rules for the third match of the Business Alliance Conference tournament require that participants must be from the alliance. Additionally, young participants are prioritized. Get Zhouyan out here quickly."

"Indeed."

Ling Mei nodded. If Qian Shaofeng represented Zhouyan, Yang Wanyi would undoubtedly not stand a chance.

Senior Diao frowned slightly, looking towards the Heavenly Position Commerce Alliance’s private room:

"Zhouyan, what’s going on?"

Footsteps sounded, and Zhouyan walked out from the private room, coughing once, and said:

"Everyone, I have been unwell recently, so Qian Shaofeng will be representing me in this tournament. Besides, the Qian Family and our Heavenly Position Commerce Alliance have had business dealings for a long time. Qian Shaofeng joined our Heavenly Position Commerce Alliance ages ago, which is beyond doubt."

"Zhouyan, don’t be shameless!"

Han Xuan’s expression darkened, glaring at Zhouyan, said: "You show no sign of being unwell. The third match of the conference should prioritize young participants; this rule can’t be overturned by your claim of being unwell! Moreover, everyone knows Qian Shaofeng ranked twenty-sixth in the last New Dragon List Conference. Your letting him represent the Heavenly Position Commerce Alliance is an obvious plot!"

Upon hearing this, the spectators in the hall nodded in agreement.

"Han Xuan is right; I’ve watched three conferences, and each time it’s participated by those aged fifteen above, and below twenty. Unless there’s truly no choice, only then do they seek others from the alliance for replacement."

"To me, both Zhouyan and Qian Shaofeng are shameless. Zhouyan’s using illness as an excuse and letting a prominent figure of rank twenty in the New Dragon List replace him in the Business Alliance Conference is clearly bullying."

"Qian Shaofeng’s affiliation with the Heavenly Position Commerce Alliance itself is questionable."

Ignoring the surrounding murmurs, Zhouyan calmly spoke:

"Rules are dead; people are alive. Moreover, there was never any explicit rule prohibiting other alliance members from replacing the young generation in tournaments."

"You’re twisting words! I absolutely oppose Qian Shaofeng replacing you in the tournament." Han Xuan sternly declared.

"Han Xuan, don’t forget, you’ve already forfeited the tournament. This competition has nothing to do with your Massive Cauldron Commerce Alliance anymore." Zhouyan said indifferently.

Upon hearing Zhouyan, Qian Shaofeng chuckled inwardly, thinking Zhouyan may have flaws elsewhere, but his shamelessness is top-notch.

Listening to the dialogue, many fell silent.

Although Zhouyan’s argument felt unreasonable, indeed, as he said, no rule explicitly stated that tournaments must be attended by the young generation of the alliance.

"Everyone, may I say a word."

As the dispute continued among the crowd, a clear voice suddenly echoed in the hall.