The place is the old place, the people are old acquaintances.

It’s just that this time... seems a bit different.

Every time Ji Yuan came before, Young Master Zhou would greet him at the door, so when Ji Yuan didn’t see him there this time, he already sensed something was amiss.

But Ji Yuan didn’t think too much of it, assuming it might be just a one-time occurrence.

However, when he saw Young Master Zhou in the secret chamber, arm around a beauty, drinking fine wine, he realized things were indeed different.

"Come, sit."

Zhou Jin’s demeanor was casual, he didn’t even bother to rise, just casually nodded his head and glanced at the seat opposite as a gesture of hospitality.

But this attitude, to put it bluntly, was somewhat insulting.

Daoist Li’s personality never tolerated such things, so Ji Yuan released a hint of Core Formation Cultivator’s pressure, causing the raggedly dressed Foundation Establishment Female Cultivators to feel the strain, instinctively pausing their actions.

For them, it was only four words.

"Here comes trouble."

"Leave."

Ji Yuan had no intention of making things difficult for the female cultivators, so he said it lightly.

Yet his actions of reversing the guest-host dynamic left Young Master Zhou somewhat displeased.

Originally half-leaning in the arms of a woman, he brushed off the powder scent from his clothes, sat slightly upright, and then spoke:

"What’s this, Daoist Li really sees himself as the master now?"

Ji Yuan gracefully seated himself, furrowed his brows looking at him, and mocked:

"Young Master Zhou’s change of attitude is indeed laughable."

"Your behavior reminds me of four words... ’A petty person flaunts when gaining favor!’"

"Impudent!"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Jin’s expression turned dark instantly, and he slapped the table heavily; mana surged, and the table crumbled into dust.

As for the female cultivators serving beside him, under this pressure, they knelt down.

"You may leave."

Zhou Jin, with a face as dark as water, waved his hand, and the female cultivators hastily bowed and exited the secret chamber.

With no outsiders left, Zhou Jin no longer bothered with pretenses.

His expression eased, then he stood up and slowly walked to Ji Yuan’s back.

Ji Yuan did not turn around, nor did he move.

At such close distance, if a fight broke out, the concern was not for him, but for Zhou Jin!

"Heavenly Craft Manor, Li Changgen."

Zhou Jin sneered unexpectedly, "Daoist, do you think our Zhou Family really lacks connections?"

As he spoke, he stretched lazily, mana surging, dispelled the alcohol scent, and returned to his original seat.

"Speak, Daoist, what school or sect are you from, dare to provoke our Zhou Family?"

"Indeed, our Zhou Family has declined."

Zhou Jin leaned back, against the chair, spreading his hands, "But not just any cat or dog can come and trample us."

Has the Zhou Family uncovered my identity?

Impossible, at most they’ve contacted Heavenly Craft Manor through other connections, knowing I don’t exist there.

But if that’s all, it likely isn’t enough to support Zhou Jin’s blatant arrogance.

Judging by his current state and performance, he seems to be under no pressure.

That means the Zhou Family’s biggest threat, the pressure from the Bone Nightmare Sect, has been resolved.

In other words, it signifies the Zhou Family has found a new patron.

Otherwise, it wouldn’t be enough for Zhou Jin to be so reckless.

But who exactly did the Zhou Family find? That’s hard to guess... Ji Yuan showed no worry, nor any tension.

With his current strength and bare-footed status, the Zhou Family is far from being intimidating.

So he continued to sit leisurely, even gently tapping his fingers on his knee.

"So, according to Young Master Zhou, you’re not doing business anymore, and seems like you want to settle scores with me, is that right?"

"No, no, no."

Zhou Jin hurriedly shook his head, then clasped his hands together, leaned forward on the table, and smiled slightly:

"Business must go on, just that the Zhou Family wants to change the approach."

"Oh?"

"How will it change?"

Ji Yuan casually asked.

"Simple."

Zhou Jin snapped his fingers boastfully, then stood up, "Past transactions were priced at one spirit stone per pound, you owe us spirit stones, just pay those back to the Zhou Family."

"As for future transactions, ten pounds of Void Nether Stone for twelve thousand spirit stones, how does that sound? Not too unfair, right?"

Zhou Jin spoke as if he was genuinely considering Ji Yuan’s benefit.

Ji Yuan couldn’t help but laugh upon hearing Young Master Zhou’s words, "Are you truly stupid or just pretending?"

Seeing Zhou Jin about to get angry.

Ji Yuan stood up, released the Divine Sense pressure of Peak of Core Formation towards Zhou Jin opposite.

He slightly leaned forward, sneered, "Dare to trade with your Zhou Family, do you really think using your Zhou Family’s name can suppress me?"

"You, you, you..."

Zhou Jin was barely Early-stage Core Formation, his cultivation largely piled up through resources, his foundation wasn’t very solid.

On the other hand, Ji Yuan’s Divine Sense has already reached the Peak of Golden Core, not to mention years of hunting demons, honing a strong killing intent.

Under this dual pressure, Zhou Jin didn’t dare to get up.

"Dao... Daoist, it’s a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding, all misunderstandings."

"Misunderstanding? Wasn’t it you asking me for spirit stones? Now when it’s on you, it becomes a misunderstanding?"