These sons of influential families, were it not for their internal Family conflicts and the presence of even stronger figures above them who were always suppressing them, they would, no doubt, be the top talents in any Family they were a part of. One should know that each of them possessed strength at least at the Martial General realm, or close to it, comparable to Wang Zhan's own realm. And that was just considering their cultivation realm.

Thus, it was only natural that Wang Zhan, who had gathered these individuals through Yang Zecheng, wore an even more sincere smile of welcome.

"Welcome, everyone! Sorry to have kept you waiting!"

"Young Master Wang, you're too kind!"

"Young Master Wang, you're too polite!"

"Young Master Wang, you're too kind!..."

After such a cordial meeting where guests and host conversed happily, Wang Zhan finally surveyed his surroundings, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, and got straight to the point.

"Since you've all traveled thousands of miles to be here, I won't hide anything and will get straight to the point!"

Immediately, Wang Zhan had everyone gather closer. Their respective Grandmasters began to stand guard on the perimeter, wary of any beasts or prying eyes. Of course, they also believed that even if they faced the Federal Military Department, as long as it wasn't with overwhelming force, the hundred-plus Grandmaster experts present were enough to ensure that any attackers would meet a one-way trip.

As for Wang Zhan, he took out a route map he had already prepared, spread it flat on the hood of a vehicle, and addressed the crowd.

"Everyone, this time, my objective revolves around this map!"

Everyone looked. A standard Federation map? What's so special about this? they wondered, but still waited quietly.

On one side, Yao Yao watched Wang Zhan, who had now learned to position himself as a central figure among these young people, a gentle and pleased expression on her face. On the other side, Ku Zhu had retracted all his sharpness. Unnoticed by the other Grandmaster experts, he stood quietly behind Wang Zhan like a humble attendant.

But what no one could have ever anticipated was Wang Zhan's next sentence. It was Earth-shattering, delivered without any preamble.

"My objective is to seize control of the elixir trade in these twenty-eight cities! Of course, I won't be selling real medicine, but rather adulterated, fake medicine."

Everyone was inwardly shaken. Fake medicine? Their interest was immediately piqued.

Some exchanged glances and then directly asked Wang Zhan, "Young Master Wang, elixirs are a Federation monopoly. Aside from a few powerful, long-established factions, none of us are qualified to interfere. Have you already obtained the rights to trade elixirs?"

Others, however, saw things more clearly. "Indeed. The elixir trade is a massive prize, but not just anyone is qualified to take a share. If Young Master Wang had already secured the rights to trade elixirs, he probably wouldn't need to involve us, would he?"

Wang Zhan turned and recognized the stern-faced young man. Jiao Houlu of the Jiao Family! This young man's Family and his personal strength were unremarkable in the eyes of the others. Yet, at this moment, this very unremarkableness translated into a strength: he was sufficiently cautious. He seemed more rational than anyone else present.

Yang Zecheng remained silent, allowing Wang Zhan to continue. Wang Zhan, however, simply smiled and admitted without any pretense, "Correct, I haven't obtained the elixir trading rights from the Federation! So, this time, it's simple: I intend to go in, make a huge profit, and earn enough resources to advance to the Martial King Realm! During this process, I will provide all the elixirs, the plans, and the personnel for distribution. Your role is to help me create a stir within the Federation. I don't care what methods you use, as long as the commotion is loud enough! After my initial share of the profits, the rest will all be yours! I've made a rough calculation: the share from each city should average around twenty billion, with the total projected earnings around five hundred sixty billion..."

Upon hearing this, some people's expressions changed slightly. Others, however, had their eyes light up with a green glint of greed; they were instantly captivated. This Wang Zhan... they had previously thought his bold claims in Jing State were mere boasts, but now they realized his undertakings were equally audacious! One should know, out of five hundred sixty billion, even if Wang Zhan took one hundred billion for himself, it would be more than enough for him to break through to the Martial King realm. Does this mean the seventeen Families present would share at least four hundred billion, with each receiving over twenty billion?

This wasn't just a huge deal; it was practically free money scattered on the ground, just waiting for them to pick it up. The issue was, while the deal was enormous, the risks were equally substantial!

So, it was Jiao Houlu who spoke again. Though his eyes also held a flicker of desire, he remained relatively calm. "Young Master Wang, a deal worth over twenty billion per person is indeed immense. But can you guarantee that this money will reach our hands legitimately, and that we won't be implicated for harming the Federation's interests?"

Wang Zhan nodded. It's impossible to avoid repercussions entirely, but I can't tell them that, he thought. Otherwise, even if I have the means to handle the fallout, they'd just assume it's my responsibility and take it for granted. So, it was merely a matter of leveraging his backing. His methods in this area might be unrefined, but they would suffice.

"Of course. If you knew who stands behind me, I believe you'd have sufficient trust in me. However, I must state clearly upfront: there are benefits, but there will undoubtedly be risks. Nothing is one hundred percent guaranteed, so you'd best decide for yourselves."

Everyone fell into deep thought. Perhaps those from Chu State weren't very familiar with Wang Zhan, but those from Jing State certainly were. Wang Zhan was simply too adept at stirring up trouble. In just two or three short months, he had gone from being a mere Martial Artist to his current realm at the peak Martial Master stage. Moreover, among those who had died at his hands was a level 9 Grandmaster. Such a track record was enough to leave a deep impression of Wang Zhan on everyone!

At this moment, Yang Zecheng also stepped forward at the opportune time, immediately voicing his support for Wang Zhan. "Everyone knows that to gain something, one must be prepared to pay a price. As Young Master Wang's business partner, I am well aware that even if we were to tell you now that there are no future troubles, you wouldn't believe us. Therefore, the best course of action is to follow your own hearts in making your decision! Of course, I also believe that anyone who received my invitation and came here is not someone devoid of ambition. But let me be clear on one point: since you are now privy to the plan, then, regrettably, if anyone chooses to withdraw before our objective is achieved, I will have the right to detain you for a period!"

In reality, no one was surprised by this. The fear of informants or being double-crossed—such things were all too common within Jing State. Moreover, though Jing State—veritable Hell—was vast and populous, it was always a case of too many contenders for too few resources, naturally sparking conflicts of all kinds. Given this, how could they be surprised?

However, despite these words, they were, after all, from major Families. They wouldn't be so easily intimidated by Wang Zhan and Yang Zecheng. After all, each of the sons of influential families present had two or three Grandmaster experts as escorts.

Consequently, one of them slowly began to speak. "We are certainly interested in making money. However, Young Master Yang, let's be frank: we also need to test your capabilities. I trust Young Master Wang will have no issue with this?"

As this young man spoke, the others fell silent, waiting. He was Lu Pan, a renowned exponent of close-combat martial arts in the Federation of Jing State and a descendant of the Lu Family! Despite his unremarkable appearance, among these dozen or so sons of wealthy and influential families, he ranked in the top three, at least an intermediate-stage Martial General. Besides, it was a game, and everyone understood the rules.

Wang Zhan, however, certainly didn't mind. A faint smile touched his lips as he replied, completely unfazed, "Certainly! Gentlemen, if any of you wish to test me, feel free. However, this is merely a small spar related to our cooperation. If anyone accidentally oversteps and strikes too harshly, then don't blame me, Wang Zhan, for not allowing them to return to their masters."

The first part was an acceptance, the latter, a statement of his stance. His objective was clear, his intentions unambiguous. Such words, tinged with ruthlessness and the scent of blood, naturally caused the atmosphere to tense. Everyone sensed a storm was imminent, understanding that it was now time for each side to flex its muscles.

If Wang Zhan wanted to take the lead, he naturally needed to display overwhelming power. And the scions of the noble families, whether they chose to withdraw or join, first needed to demonstrate they had the strength to contend with Wang Zhan. This confrontation was inevitable!

With that, Wang Zhan gave an order, "Ku Zhu!"

Ku Zhu, who had remained silent for a long time, finally stepped forward. The aura around him changed dramatically. If before he had seemed like an insignificant and inconspicuous attendant, now, in the blink of an eye, he exuded an aura that could rival someone at the Grandmaster Realm. In reality, however, only those close to Wang Zhan, like Yao Yao and Yang Zecheng, knew that he was, in truth, a bona fide Martial King. Of course, this wasn't a case of pretending to be weak to ambush the strong; rather, it was a test in itself. The capable would discern the truth; the incapable would simply lose, and that would be that.

Ku Zhu stepped forward. The crowd immediately parted, creating a large open space for the combatants. Once he was in the arena, Ku Zhu, his aura now completely different from before, smiled faintly and prepared to face any challenger.

"I am Ku Zhu! I await your instruction!"

A less prominent scion of a noble family gestured, and a middle-aged martial practitioner from behind him stepped forward. He appeared robust and powerful, exuding a strong sense of pressure, and said respectfully, "Then I shall be so bold! Please, instruct me!"

The moment his words fell.

BOOM!

The man instantly strode forward, then launched himself from his spot, his fist striking out like a thunderbolt.

"HA!"

The middle-aged martial practitioner roared angrily, his figure flickering as he seemed to descend from the sky. His voice was like a thunderclap, his aura like a great bell; his attack was overwhelmingly fierce. In the span of merely two breaths, his attack, whistling through the air, was about to smash directly into Ku Zhu.

It was clear that this man was a top-tier figure, no matter where he was placed. Even an underground king at the same Grandmaster Realm would likely not be his match. His imposing presence was so formidable it could make others surrender without a fight!

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