C14 Blackmailing Spirit Stones

At the base of the mountain behind Rerora County, the Wang family's senior members were gathered, seemingly engaged in a serious discussion. After a brief moment, Wang Tianlong stepped forward and declared, "Releasing people is not out of the question, but it comes at a cost. Otherwise, the Wang family is not one to be trifled with."

The representatives of the Zhao and Qian families perked up at his words. There was a glimmer of hope for resolution. If the situation escalated to violence, and the City Lord's Manor got involved, they knew that even the combined forces of the Zhao and Qian families wouldn't stand a chance against the City Lord alone.

Left with no choice but to acquiesce, Zhao Donglai inquired, "Name your price, Wang Tianlong. What will it take for you to release them?"

"After deliberation," Wang Tianlong responded, "the Zhao and Qian families must each bring twenty-five people, with each person providing ten thousand low-grade spirit stones for their release. Regarding the Zhao family's bronze armor, it's a banned item. The royal decree states that only the City Lord's Manor is permitted to possess such items, so I'll be turning over the armor to them. As for the Qian family's Cold Moon Saber, it will become part of the Wang family's collection. Do the Zhao and Qian families have any objections?"

The news hit the Zhao and Qian family members like a ton of bricks. To redeem one person would cost ten thousand low-grade spirit stones, and to free them all would drain their entire annual profit—effectively erasing a year's worth of work. Yet, failing to redeem their people would send a chill through their ranks, leaving even their younger members unprotected and potentially leading to internal collapse without any external threats.

In a hushed tone, the head of the Qian family pleaded, "Patriarch Wang, could you possibly lower the price? What about five thousand spirit stones per person?"

Before Wang Tianlong could reply, Sun Wei interjected with a frosty tone, "Really? Are you two great families unwilling to part with even that modest sum of spirit stones? Remember, there's a price to pay for mistakes. I've already spent enough time here with you, and there are many more matters I need to attend to."

Seeing Sun Wei's growing impatience, the patriarchs of the Zhao and Qian families could do nothing but nod in resignation. "Alright, but gathering so many spirit stones will take some time. Give us three days to pull together the amount."

"Of course, that's not a problem," Wang Tianlong responded. "Oh, and let's not forget that at the end of the Grand Competition, the runners-up owe the winner a shop. Make sure to bring those along too!"

The Zhao family patriarch, through gritted teeth, assured him, "Don't worry, there won't be any issues. As long as your Wang family can handle the consequences, can we release them now?"

Wang Tianlong chuckled, "Release them now? Patriarch Zhao, you're being naive. What if you renege on the deal? Who would I turn to then? Let's do this: come to the City Lord's Mansion in three days. I'll keep these people in the dungeon until then. You can collect them when you arrive. Sun Wei, I'll need to borrow your dungeon to hold them."

"Of course, there's no problem with that. These individuals plotted murder and theft; they deserve to be in jail," Sun Wei stated, addressing the patriarchs of the Zhao and Qian families.

"Fine, fine. Wang family, you just wait. The Zhao family will never stand with you. We're leaving." With that, the Zhao family patriarch departed with his remaining people, and the Qian family patriarch followed, his face dark with anger.

Wang Tianlong, all smiles, announced, "Today, each member of the Wang family's younger generation will receive a reward of five hundred low-grade spirit stones and ten first-grade medicinal pills. My son, Wang Pingfan, will receive a personal reward of five thousand low-grade spirit stones, thirty first-grade medicinal pills, and an additional second-grade magical treasure. Upon our return, go directly to the Finance Manager to claim your rewards. As for Wang Tianhu and Wang Yan, we'll discuss their situation after we get back." His tone grew stern, prompting Wang Tianhu and Wang Yan to exchange a glance with Wang Tianlong before quietly departing.

The younger members of the Wang family were beside themselves with excitement, barely containing their joy in the presence of others. Their usual monthly allowance, supplemented occasionally by gifts from their elders, amounted to about thirty spirit stones. Wang Pingfan had previously been limited to a mere five spirit stones a month, not being a Martial Cultivator. Now, with such a generous bounty, everyone was immensely grateful to Wang Pingfan. Without his actions, they might well have been dead, let alone receiving such lavish rewards.

Wang Pingfan offered a faint smile as he caught the grateful glances from those around him. In his past life, no matter his efforts, he remained unremarkably ordinary, with only a handful of close friends and an inability to fit into other social circles. Given a second chance by fate to traverse time, he refused to settle for an ordinary existence. Yet, he didn't wish to draw too much attention to himself. His sole pursuit was the boundless Great Dao, which might even grant him the opportunity to return to his original world.

Amidst the laughter and jovial banter, Wang Tianlong announced, "Alright, everyone, let's settle down and head back. The Wang family will host a three-day feast, and we invite everyone from Rerora to join us." The assembly included not only the three major families and the City Lord's estate but also smaller clans and independent martial cultivators. Upon hearing the invitation, they all came forward to congratulate the Wang family on their victory and confirm their attendance at the banquet.

As the crowd began to disperse, Wang Pingfan approached Wang Tianlong and whispered, "Father, I've decided not to return to the mansion just yet. I intend to train in the mountains behind us. Oh, and Father, I was wondering if I could have all the beast cores the families obtained from the hunt. I have another use for them."

Wang Tianlong, puzzled by his son's newfound prowess and need for the beast cores, nonetheless instructed his attendants to gather and deliver all the cores won in the competition.

With a benevolent expression, Wang Tianlong said, "Pingfan, I may not understand what you've experienced recently or how you've become so formidable, but you are my son, and I trust you unconditionally. When you return, make sure to talk to your mother; she's been quite worried about you. Also, the City Lord's Palace will hold a selection contest in a month. The top ten finishers will earn the chance to attend Aetherwind Academy for further assessment."

Looking earnestly at his father, Wang Pingfan replied, "Father, no matter how much I may change, I will always be your son—that will never change. Rest assured, I will return before the selection contest."

Wang Tianlong's face radiated pride, yet he couldn't help but express his concern, "You've certainly made a name for yourself this time. But be wary—the Zhao and Qian families will likely turn their attention to you, and they may even send assassins after you."

"Rest assured, Father. I'll be training in the mountains this time. The expanse behind the mountain is vast. Unless a large force is mobilized, they won't be able to find me. And should such a force be mobilized, you'd surely notice, Father. There's nothing to worry about. I'll be on my way now." Wang Pingfan said, picking up his pack to offer some comfort.

Wang Tianlong remained deeply concerned as he spoke, "Just be careful! Oh, and take this beast armor I'm wearing. It's made from a Demonic Beast as powerful as a Seven-star Martial Master, crafted by a skilled equipment forger. Its defense is even superior to that of the copper armor." With that, Wang Tianlong removed the armor and handed it to Wang Pingfan.

Wang Pingfan gave his father a reassuring look. He was determined to bring honor to the Wang family. With that resolve, he turned and made his way into the mountain.

Watching his son's retreating figure, Wang Tianlong felt a pang of sadness mixed with pride. His son was finally coming into his own.