My Martial Dao Has No Bottlenecks

"And every time Uncle Wang leaves the general store, he sometimes takes a detour to Ci’an Hall on West Street. And one of Ci’an Hall’s biggest suppliers of herbs is the Treasure Pavilion!"

Li Mu’s eyes were sharp. "More importantly, after investigating in secret for a long time, I finally saw Uncle Wang in the backyard of Ci’an Hall, speaking in hushed tones with someone dressed as a High Level Steward from the Treasure Pavilion."

"What’s more, I learned from the street urchins on that road that Uncle Wang visited Ci’an Hall the day before Xu Zhi’s death, and also the day before Madam Qiao committed suicide!"

Hearing this, Liang Cheng’s expression turned completely cold.

’Uncle Wang’s so-called loyalty and his risky message-passing... it was all just an elaborate setup!’

’The deaths of Xu Zhi and Madam Qiao... The Treasure Pavilion was likely pulling the strings behind the scenes!’

’Who would have thought that Uncle Wang was their mole, planted in the Qiao Family for decades?’

’Perhaps they initially wanted to use Xu Zhi to fish in troubled waters, to test me, and to find that so-called secret treasure of the Qiao Family?’

’Xu Feng was right before he died. The Xu Family wasn’t the only one coveting the Qiao Family’s possessions.’

"Since Uncle Wang is one of the Treasure Pavilion’s people, the deaths of Mrs. Qiao and Xu Zhi are probably not that simple. Treasure Pavilion... Qian Wanjing... What are they planning?"

Liang Cheng gently tapped his fingers on his blade, thinking quietly.

’Qian Wanjing’s enthusiasm towards him had been a bit excessive. He had even gone out of his way to reveal the information about the Xu Family’s warehouse number three on West Street.’

’It seems now that this Smiling Tiger is a much deeper character than I imagined.’

"Senior Brother, what do we do next?" Li Mu asked.

Liang Cheng pondered for a moment, then shook his head. "Don’t make a move for now, or we’ll tip them off. Uncle Wang is now an exposed piece, while we’re in the shadows. We can’t act rashly."

"The moment the Treasure Pavilion realizes we know Uncle Wang’s identity, they’ll probably silence him immediately to cut off all leads."

"For now, keep a covert watch on the Qiao Mansion. Report to me immediately if anything happens."

Li Mu nodded firmly. "Yes, Senior Brother."

「...」

While Liang Cheng was on True Inheritance Peak, meditating and having his men secretly investigate and sort through the clues from the Xu Family’s ledgers, a voice suddenly announced a visitor from outside his courtyard.

It was Chen Zian, of all people.

’Liang Cheng was a little surprised.’

’Since Chen Zian had taken over the Chen Family’s businesses, he had been swamped with work. Coupled with the constant turmoil surrounding Liang Cheng recently, the two hadn’t interacted much publicly.’

After a moment’s thought, he still rose personally to welcome his guest.

"Liang Keqing, how are your injuries?"

As soon as Chen Zian entered, his face was full of sincere concern. The servant behind him carried boxes of all sizes, all filled with high-quality herbs and tonics.

Liang Cheng waved his hand and led him to a seat in the hall. "It’s nothing serious anymore. Thank you for your concern, Zian. Did you come all this way today because you’ve run into some trouble?"

Chen Zian quickly shook his head. "With you, Honored Guest Elder, watching over Lin Wu City, who would dare cause trouble for my Chen Family now?"

A smile appeared on his face. "However, there is indeed one matter right now that I’m uncertain about, so I came to ask for your advice."

"Speak."

Liang Cheng gestured for him to speak freely. Chen Zian chose his words carefully before saying, "It was Steward Qian from the Treasure Pavilion. He took the lead, joined forces with a few other major firms in the city, and approached me a few days ago."

"They said that after the Xu Family’s fall, the large market shares they once controlled—like the port shipping, and the city’s silk and herbs trade—have all been vacated. It’s become a juicy piece of meat with no owner."

He paused, observed Liang Cheng’s expression, and continued, "But now, everyone in Lin Wu City knows that you and the Martial Arts Academy were behind the Xu Family’s destruction."

"So, even though they’re greedy for it, no one dares to reach out and take it, for fear of bringing bad luck upon themselves and inviting unnecessary trouble."

"So Steward Qian and the others came to me. They think that since my Chen Family is now an A Class member of the Commerce Association, and because of my close relationship with you, it would be most appropriate for the Chen Family to step forward and take over some of the businesses the Xu Family left behind."

"They’re willing to provide channels and manpower to help, asking only for a share of the profits. They want to revitalize the market so everyone can make money."

After speaking, Chen Zian looked at Liang Cheng. "This matter has both pros and cons. It’s a rare opportunity, but since it involves the Xu Family, I didn’t dare to decide on my own. I came specially to ask for your guidance."

After listening, Liang Cheng gently tapped his fingers on the back of his chair and fell silent for a moment.

’Treasure Pavilion. Qian Wanjing.’

’They sure move fast.’

’The Xu Family’s bodies are barely cold, and they’re already eager to carve up the territory, even pushing the Chen Family to the forefront.’

’There’s probably more to this than just business considerations.’

’My relationship with the Chen Family is common knowledge. By pushing them forward, they’re not only making a gesture of goodwill but also testing my attitude.’

Thinking of this, Liang Cheng slowly began to speak. "There’s nothing inherently wrong with the markets the Xu Family has vacated. It’s only natural for merchants and traders to pursue profit."

"The Xu Family was destroyed for colluding with a Cult and breaking the law, not because their businesses were criminal. Someone has to take over these industries to maintain the public’s livelihood and the market. It’s indeed more appropriate for an established and rule-abiding merchant to do it than for the Martial Arts Academy to intervene directly."

He looked at Chen Zian. "As long as you act honorably, follow the Commerce Association’s rules, and don’t get involved in the Xu Family’s old underhanded dealings, there’s nothing wrong with taking over this part of the business to grow the Chen Family."

"Besides, strengthening the Chen Family was your father’s wish before he passed."

Hearing this, Chen Zian’s eyes lit up. A great weight was lifted from his heart. He quickly said, "Rest assured, Honored Guest Elder. I will remember your teachings. I’ll only conduct legitimate business and will never take a wrong step, nor will I get involved in anything shady. We’ll make money together, and I’ll strictly abide by the rules that must be kept."

Liang Cheng nodded. "It’s good that you understand. As for how to negotiate the shares with the Treasure Pavilion and the others, that’s for you to handle. If you run into any difficulties, you can come to me at any time."

"Yes! With those words from you, I feel at ease!"

A look of excitement appeared on Chen Zian’s face. He stood and bowed solemnly. "Then I’ll go back and prepare to finalize the details with Steward Qian and the others as soon as possible. Honored Guest Elder, please rest and recover well. I will come to visit you again later."

After seeing off the light-footed and confident Chen Zian, the calm expression on Liang Cheng’s face slowly faded, and his brows furrowed slightly.

Treasure Pavilion...

’At this critical juncture, for them to make such a big show of roping in the Chen Family to fill the void left by the Xu Family... are they really just trying to make money and curry favor?’

’Or are they trying to divert my attention from other matters?’

"Li Mu."

Liang Cheng called out to the hall. In a flash, Li Mu appeared at the door. "Senior Brother."

"On Chen Zian’s side, the Treasure Pavilion has made a move. They want to support him in taking over some of the Xu Family’s old businesses. Arrange for two sharp, unfamiliar brothers to keep an eye on them. They don’t need to interfere with the business, just secretly watch the people who contact the Chen Family for any unusual activity."

"Yes."

"Also, pay more attention to the Qiao Family. For the Treasure Pavilion to cause such a stir and involve the Chen Family... they might be trying to divert our attention."

"You personally keep a close watch on Uncle Wang. Don’t miss any activity inside or outside the Qiao Mansion. I have a feeling someone is about to lose their patience."

Li Mu’s expression turned solemn. "Understood. Inside and outside the Qiao Mansion, I won’t miss the slightest sign of trouble. You can rest assured, Senior Brother."

"Go. Remember to be careful."

"Yes!"

Li Mu accepted his orders and departed.

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