They were doomed to try to take advantage, only to suffer a loss instead.

Because even mere trash, through waste utilization, could become nourishment, fueling Wang Zhan's inner cauldron to burn towards a higher realm and providing him with greater value.

Everything was simply because Wang Zhan's trump card had always been just one thing.

System!

「Meanwhile.」

Just as Wang Zhan was arduously battling in the Ming State Underground City, about to commence a bloody massacre to level up and suppress all opposition, those unfortunate pests in the Underground Cities of the various strongholds Wang Zhan had specifically marked—cities to which he had dispatched his trusted subordinates—were certainly not receiving such favorable treatment! Because they not only lacked a Martial King, but they might not even have a single Grandmaster. Without power, they were destined to have no right to speak or struggle—a fate all too familiar to Wang Zhan. The weakest among them, for instance, was a petty king of an Underground City with whom Tie Xiuqing was currently negotiating—someone akin to a frog in a well, with a limited view of the world.

Therefore, at this very moment, in another Underground City at least a hundred kilometers from Ming State, Tie Xiuqing was in the midst of feasting and negotiating with a level 9 Martial General expert, attempting to reach an agreement. Unexpectedly, the moment Tie Xiuqing proposed an eighty-twenty split, CLACK. An underling of the Martial General—a level 8 Martial General Martial Artist—put down his cup, a smirk playing on his lips as he said, "Selling fake medicine? Such a big business, and you take us for fools? Expecting us to slave away for you, toiling tirelessly, for a mere eighty-twenty split?"

Tie Xiuqing's heart sank as he quickly surveyed his surroundings. Everyone's eyes held a green glint of greed; all of them were filled with avarice. This made Tie Xiuqing feel a sense of familiar yet alienating greed, and for a moment, he felt almost stupefied, unsure how to respond. Behind Tie Xiuqing, two towering, dark figures, still as iron towers, stood motionless, not even lifting their heads, silently awaiting his response.

Finally, Tie Xiuqing looked at the Martial Artist who had first voiced the objection, the smile on his face gradually becoming strained. Then he softly asked, "So, what do you consider appropriate?"

He really couldn't adapt to this, after all. After all, a kind-hearted person who fails to recognize their own weaknesses will find it difficult to truly take charge of a situation. However, in contrast to Tie Xiuqing's discomfiture, the top Martial General in charge was merely watching with a smile, saying nothing, allowing his subordinate to take the lead. It was obvious, however, that this was orchestrated by him. Therefore, after the Eight Extremes Martial General feigned an apology and sought instructions from the level 9 Martial General, he turned and, without hesitation, audaciously stated what was truly on his mind.

"Heh heh, since you're the ones providing the elixirs, and we'll be the ones doing all the legwork, it wouldn't be right for us to ask for too much. How about this: we split it eighty-twenty. We take eighty, you take twenty. How does that sound?"

The words, once spoken, struck like a bolt from the blue. Tie Xiuqing's expression froze. The onlookers, however, their expressions turning shameless, burst into a clamor of voices.

"Hahaha, yes, yes! We'll do all the hard work, and you just collect the money. Even if the Federation looks for a scapegoat later, we won't sell you out..."

"Exactly! Even though we're all shady characters, we have our own code of honor! As long as you agree, sir, why don't we start right now? What's the worst that can happen? It's just a scar on the neck!"

"Indeed, indeed! This business brings us together; we're practically family! If you trust us, sir, let's settle it like this, shall we? Don't worry, we definitely won't disappoint you. We guarantee we'll complete the mission!"

Of course, some, perhaps thinking their group's demands were a bit too high, immediately put on a show of feigned persuasion.

"Hahaha, you little scoundrels, that's a bit much, isn't it? I don't think so. Eighty percent is indeed a bit high. But, sir, if you're really concerned, we can discuss it. For example, how about seventy percent, sir? What do you think?…"

At that moment, the room erupted into a cacophony of noise and commotion; it seemed as if boisterous laughter and cheerful chatter filled every corner. But for Tie Xiuqing, in this reception hall—no more than thirty square meters, yet feeling oppressively large—though everyone he saw appeared human, they seemed to him like ravenous beasts, ready to pounce and devour at any moment. They no longer made any attempt to conceal their intentions.

And so, he naturally fell silent, the look of discomfiture on his face hesitating for only a moment before transforming into a bitter smile. Even though he was kind-hearted and had initially offered the people of the Underground City a twenty percent share of the profits, it was clear that these people not only showed no gratitude but were blatantly taking his goodwill for granted, mistaking his forbearance for timidity.

Unconsciously, Tie Xiuqing began to recall the parting instructions from his family's elders and the directives Wang Zhan had given him after he accepted the order.

"Young Master, once you accept this order, you can no longer afford to be soft-hearted! In the past, you might have been averse to killing, but from this day forward, you must learn to kill. You must be able to harden your heart and kill. If it comes to the worst, even if you end up killing some who shouldn't be killed, try to limit the number of such individuals..."

But if the elder's words were earnest and instructive, Wang Zhan's were far simpler:

"...You are the first person from the Underground City who dared to step forward and recommend yourself to me. Therefore, I have high hopes for you and wish to see you achieve something significant. Go now. Take the two guards I've assigned you, and do not disappoint me."

What constituted achievement? What were these hopes...? Actually, Tie Xiuqing understood perfectly well. It was just that he was also acutely aware that once he truly chose this path, his hands were destined to be stained with blood, most of it unnecessary—a truth he had deliberately tried to ignore. But it was clear now; today, there was no avoiding it. A choice had to be made.

So, after a brief silence, he finally, slowly, raised his head. He looked directly at the greed and disdain in the eyes of those around him, his gaze sweeping over the encircling shadows. Then, he turned his gaze to the so-called top-tier Martial General, who was complacently observing the chaotic scene, wine cup in hand, and said with a self-mocking smile, "Sir, this must be what you intended, correct?"

The man, already corpulent and well-fed, paused, his expression faltering for a moment before he replied with a sigh of feigned helplessness, "Oh dear, how could I dare to have such intentions? You are involved in major business, after all. We humble folk can't compare; we wouldn't dare offend you. However, if we are to cooperate, an eighty-twenty split is indeed a little too meager…"

Tie Xiuqing nodded, his expression unreadable, and cupped his hands in a salute towards the man, saying, "I see. It seems this humble one has treated you all unfairly! But, sir…"

Before Tie Xiuqing could finish, the man's eyes lit up upon hearing this. He couldn't help but rub his hands together eagerly and said, "My dear fellow, what are you saying? We're all in the same business together; it's like we're family! Hey, young man, where are you off to?…"

To his surprise, before the man could finish his sentence, Tie Xiuqing cut in, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Indeed, sir. You speak the absolute truth!"

He then rose and walked directly towards the exit of the reception hall.

Only then did the Martial General realize something. Damn it, this wasn't the negotiated outcome at all! It meant this fellow didn't want to play their game anymore!

His expression immediately turned anxious, and he scrambled unsteadily to his feet. "Young man, young man! We can discuss this! We can talk things through!"

Unexpectedly, just as the man was about to pursue him, one of the two escorts by Tie Xiuqing's side reached out and grabbed his arm. Then, with a beaming smile, the escort said, "Sir, it would be best if you didn't give chase."

This rotund man, all flesh and blubber, trembled all over when he was stopped, his fat jiggling. Then, his gaze turned chillingly cold as he stared at the arm of the Black Iron Tower who dared to block his path, and he said in a low, dangerous voice, "What do you think you're doing? Such insolence, completely disregarding hierarchy! Let go of me this instant! If you get hurt, don't blame me for being merciless."

The Black Iron Tower grinned, a simple, honest smile on his face. "Then you'll have to ask our leader's intentions regarding that, sir."

Immediately, the portly man slowly turned his gaze to Tie Xiuqing's receding figure and said in a sinister voice, "Young man, whether this deal goes through or not is one thing. But on my own territory, you let your subordinate block my path like this? Are you trying to upstage me?"

BOOM! A deafening, synchronized sound erupted as everyone present shot to their feet in unison. Then, the entire hall fell silent. They might have lacked other things, but their united animosity was now blatantly clear. More than a hundred pairs of eyes, their intensity varying, stared fixedly at Tie Xiuqing.

Only then did Tie Xiuqing wave a hand dismissively behind him, without turning back, and said with continued self-mockery, "Sir, you jest. This humble one is merely a minor Martial King; how would I dare to do something like overshadowing you? In fact, let me tell you, I can't truly command these two. However, you genuinely missed a golden opportunity just now. So… kill them."

Kill them…

Kill them…

Kill them…

The words, full of endless implication, echoed in the air, leaving much unsaid.

At this moment, Wang Zhan's face slowly emerged in Tie Xiuqing's mind. Although that man had never killed anyone in his presence, Tie Xiuqing sensed he had never once shown mercy.

Then, Tie Xiuqing continued to walk out, not sparing a single glance behind him.

He didn't know that behind him, everyone was utterly, damnably stunned. What the hell kind of act was this? Kill them? Kill whom? Kill *us*? Or kill that Black Iron Tower?

However, despite being only at the Martial General Realm in terms of strength, the portly man, as a ruler of an Underground City, with his wealth of experience, immediately sensed that something was terribly wrong. He immediately tried to forcibly break free from the hand gripping his arm and roared an order to his subordinates all around, "Preposterous! How dare they try to pull a stunt like this on us! Kill them!"

Instantly, with a great RATTLE and CLANG, all around, numerous fierce and valiant men suddenly brandished sharp weapons. Some of the Martial Artists under the portly man's command, without the slightest hesitation, charged forward to flank their leader, their blades aimed at Wang Zhan's men.

"Kill!"

"Kill!"

"Kill!…"

Unexpectedly, the two Iron Towers—Tie Xiuqing's guards—finally broke into rare smiles.

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