Tie Hanqing's expression seemed to grow more somber, his palm clenching slightly. He asked softly, "Am I really only interesting to him if I'm like this?"

Tie Xiuqing was no fool; he knew clearly. Although the young man was not a Martial Artist, and his methods were not entirely scrupulous, his aura was overwhelmingly strong. Even as an outsider, it was crystal clear. When he showcased his talents, everyone present was left with no choice but to follow his arrangements or face obscurity.

In other words, this was the opportunity Tie Xiuqing had been waiting for after such a long period of silence and confinement in his realm. It could very well be the chance of a lifetime for him! If he seized it, he would soar, leveraging his bloodline talent for swift ascension. If he missed this train, he was doomed to be left behind by the era, rotting away in some sewer in the Underground City, becoming rat food, never even glimpsing the threshold of the Grandmaster Realm. So, should he really pass up this great opportunity?

The man earnestly said to Tie Xiuqing, "Young Master, seize this opportunity! I'm getting old; I can't accompany you for much longer. Do you really want to watch your grandfather's hard work just fade away in the Underground City, becoming a rat that never sees the light of day?"

Rats are rats, but besides wild rats, there are also domesticated ones. Without a doubt, the bigwigs of the Federation wielded the power to turn these wild rats into delicacies for their banquets as a matter of course. What Tie Xiuqing needed to do now was precisely that: to change his wild status into that of a pet, tagged by some great Family, and thereby leap out of the bottomless quagmire of the black market, aspiring to the fierce sun, embracing the daylight...

Meanwhile, Wang Zhan, who had been observing all this, felt Ku Zhu's quiet gaze on him. Wang Zhan's mouth twitched slightly, revealing a very satisfied smile. For a moment, Ku Zhu was baffled, wondering what was going on with Young Master Wang, who was always so unpredictable. How could he ever imagine...

That standing before him was not just a peak Martial Master, but Wang Zhan, whose foundations were as vast as the ocean. It could be said that any conspiracy against Wang Zhan within the range of his mental energy was impossible. The base attribute of Wang Zhan's mental energy range now exceeded 300,000, and all of it was amplified at least tenfold. It was conceivable that if Wang Zhan exerted his full effort, he could easily envelop an entire city. Wang Zhan simply didn't want to do such things; he only wanted to keep an eye on matters that interested him. Who knew if revealing his true strength would allow someone to discern the truth hidden behind his mental power's appearance and, by following the clues, deliver a fatal blow? Even now, though not even a half-step Martial Emperor could perceive his mental energy, he absolutely couldn't assume he was completely safe. Wang Zhan understood that caution and stability were indeed the wisest course.

So, although the man who appeared beside Tie Xiuqing was furtive, Wang Zhan saw the full picture. It turned out to be an old, decrepit butler, and also a peak Martial General...

"Huh, wait, he should be a Grandmaster Realm expert whose internal energy decayed, causing him to fall to the Martial General level..." Wang Zhan became alert, then inwardly praised the development. Excellent. If there was someone to assist, this kid could become one of his capable subordinates much faster, saving Wang Zhan the effort.

Of course, Wang Zhan had no interest in the complex feuds and entanglements of Tie Xiuqing's minor family or the turbulent undercurrents hidden behind the scenes. As long as Tie Xiuqing could complete his orders, prepare himself to follow Wang Zhan from now on, and reappear before Wang Zhan with a completely different demeanor, Wang Zhan wouldn't mind accepting such a genius and giving him suitable rewards.

When the group returned to Tian Qi's Base at Qiheng Road Brocade Manor, the place was already a complete mess. Evidently, it had been damaged by Snakehead's subordinates and some unknown experts. Fortunately, when news of Snakehead's defeat spread, people's shock at the Martial King's might prompted them to leave without delay. So, the place had mostly retained its original appearance.

Now, Tian Qi had reassembled a group of his men and had Snakehead under tight surveillance once more. One could easily imagine it was another airtight confinement, similar to the secret room where Wang Zhan had stayed. But while the setting might be similar, the look in people's eyes when they gazed at Wang Zhan had changed. Especially the treatment Wang Zhan now enjoyed; he was like the moon surrounded by stars, with everyone watching him respectfully, daring not show the slightest disrespect. While Wang Zhan was perhaps a mystery to them, they regarded the Martial King Ku Zhu beside him with even more awe and fear, not daring to lift their eyes.

"Ah, Young Master Wang, you're back?" Even Tian Qi, as proud as he was, had long learned when to bow his head and was now being rather obsequious. He no longer dared to put on airs in front of Wang Zhan or converse casually as before.

"Hmm," Wang Zhan responded noncommittally. He simply glanced around and waved his hand. "Alright, you're all making me uncomfortable. Go on about your business; don't just stare at me. I'm really just an ordinary person."

Tian Qi flattered him, his face full of a sincere smile. "Yes, yes, yes!" He then gratefully turned to his subordinates and ordered, "What are you waiting for? Get busy repairing this place! And stop bothering Young Master Wang. You crude Martial Artists wouldn't understand the joys of ordinary people, really."

A series of chuckles broke out. Who knew how many people were amused. Yes, yes, they were all crude Martial Artists, incapable of understanding Wang Zhan's "joys." So it was best they all scattered, went back to their own business, and focused on cleaning up their own messes.

However, Tian Qi's actions made Wang Zhan appreciate him even more. This was how a clever person behaved. Instead of constantly fawning over Wang Zhan, it was better to heed his words, downplay the "ordinary person" identity, and allow everyone to continue joking and laughing. Otherwise, it would be failing to appreciate kindness.

Then, Tian Qi quickly invited Wang Zhan, "Haha, Young Master Wang, this place is a mess right now; it's probably not suitable for you. Please come with me. I've prepared another place for you. I guarantee no one will disturb you, and, hehehe, you can be as comfortable as you wish."

Ku Zhu, shut up; Boss Chen, shut up; everyone else, shut up. Those were the pleasures of men who were big shots; these petty thugs and people from the lowest rungs of society weren't qualified to try them.

However, Wang Zhan directly refused, "Enough. I don't have that much time to waste on those vulgar women. More importantly, don't forget our main objective; everything else is secondary. Take me to the place you've prepared, and have someone bring Snakehead to me..."

One should know, Wang Zhan had always coveted Snakehead's martial arts, eager to seize them immediately to enhance his own strength. But Tian Qi had already taken the initiative, becoming his errand boy.

So, the group changed locations again. This time, their destination was surprisingly still underground, at least a hundred meters beneath the surface of the Underground City. A huge cave had been hollowed out here, and buildings constructed according to human customs. The lights were bright, and the area was spacious. Inside, there was even a football field, a basketball court, and other recreational facilities. The ceiling was adorned with what looked like stars, all-natural gemstones. It didn't feel oppressive at all; in fact, it was quite comfortable.

Wang Zhan merely nodded slightly, indicating his satisfaction. He then immediately conducted a thorough inspection of this underground chamber—or rather, this small subterranean castle. After confirming there were no issues, he wasted no time in convening the first meeting since their arrival in the Underground City. The participants were Boss Chen, Tian Qi, and Ku Zhu.

Wang Zhan, without any preamble, stepped forward, surveyed the three faces, and said jokingly, "First, I'd like to congratulate us on the official commencement of our first Round Table meeting—if any of you happen to know what a Round Table Conference is."

Boss Chen and Tian Qi, being uncultured men, naturally knew nothing. However, Ku Zhu seemed lost in thought. The Round Table Conference... it sounds like a tale from Ancient times...

But regardless, thanks to Ku Zhu's strong endorsement and Wang Zhan's own compelling, albeit unpredictable, personality, his leadership position was officially established without dissent. Who would dare object when he wielded the explosive power of a Martial King level expert?

However, Tian Qi was still rather curious. He scratched his head and couldn't help but ask cautiously, "Um, Young Master Wang, I'd like to ask, what is this Round Table meeting for?" Somehow, just hearing the name makes me feel it's definitely not for anything good.

Wang Zhan laughed heartily. "About this, I actually hinted at it to Boss Chen before. Now, I'll explain it again, perhaps in more detail this time. I hope the three of you will remember it well."

Boss Chen, catching Tian Qi's glance, wished he could drop dead on the spot, his heart filled with despair. What's the use of knowing? He's still just a character doomed to die, and fated to die even faster! But Ku Zhu had no objections to Wang Zhan; he'd let him proceed as he wished.

"...So, the so-called Round Table meeting refers to this very meeting. And I'm pleased to inform you that you are the first members of the Round Table meeting, and I, naturally, am its founder! Our purpose is also very simple: to make money. And I mean serious money, not just pocket change. We won't resort to arson, murder, and plunder, nor to swindling and cheating. We will earn our fortune through legitimate and reasonable means!"

"Um..." Tian Qi seemed to understand something. He looked at Wang Zhan, hesitating to speak. Are they going to make money from those fake medicines? Won't they be beaten to death if this gets out? Besides, if fake medicine is sold as real medicine, will anyone believe it?

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