Shu Family Got Scammed

Zuo Xingyuan: ???

Yang Chao: ???

Ma Yu: ???

Seeing the Light Swan Sword suspended in midair, everyone stared in shock and cried out in unison, "You awakened as a Mental Master!"

During the battle just now, everyone had been too tense to think clearly. They had only assumed the beast hide had happened to be swept up by the Long-Tusked Green Ghost, never considering this possibility.

Ning Ze nodded calmly. "I suddenly awakened Mental Power while training at home. But it's very weak and can only provide a little support. It also can't perfectly coordinate with my movements. If I want to keep my strength coordinated, I can only assist myself, so I didn't tell anyone."

He had long prepared this explanation. After all, his speed was simply too outrageous.

Force Generation could be applied to speed. A Beginner Warlord's speed was around 100 m/s, and upon reaching the 1,000 kg standard, it was 128 m/s. The farther one progressed, the smaller the increase in speed became.

His top speed exceeded 200 m/s, far beyond the standard. Naturally, he could not say that he had triple Force Generation and strength close to that of an Intermediate Warlord. He could only reveal the less important Mental Power.

In any case, these uncles could not sense how strong his physical strength was. Mental Masters were also rare, and information about them was relatively secretive. This would be enough to fool them for now.

Ma Yu asked excitedly, "Is the mental energy in your mind in a mist state, liquid state, or solid state?"

The three forms—mist, liquid, and solid—corresponded to the amount of mental energy one possessed and also represented a Mental Master's talent.

After a Mental Master awakened, these three forms of mental energy in their mind would gradually be unearthed. This was the period of rapid growth for a Mental Master. Solid mental energy was the most abundant, while mist-form mental energy was the least. During this period, one only needed to improve one's physical fitness to unearth more mental energy.

Once all three forms of mental energy had completely disappeared, one would have to cultivate painstakingly. By then, a Mental Master's cultivation speed would become extremely slow.

Ning Ze shrugged. "Uncle Yang, I didn't awaken my mental energy even after becoming an Advanced Warrior. Mental Power only appeared later while I was training, and at the time it only had a few dozen kilograms of force."

"To be honest, I can't even peer into my brain domain yet. My Mental Power is only around 1,300 kg in total, barely at the Primary Warrior level."

"If I had awakened normally, my Mental Power should be two levels higher than my physical fitness. I'm currently an Advanced Warrior, so my Mental Power should be equivalent to an Intermediate Warlord. Mental Power is invincible at the same level. Killing that Long-Tusked Green Ghost should have taken only a few seconds."

"I'm afraid my Mental Power talent is pretty poor. Still, it's good that I can cultivate it. It can provide some assistance now, which is not bad."

Yang Chao was speechless. This was far more than merely "not bad." It was not a matter of whether it was strong or not—ordinary people simply could not awaken it at all.

"Alright, let's hurry and gather the spoils! Even if we only pick the valuable tusks, they'll be worth several million," Zhang Chen reminded them.

"Right! The materials from Long-Tusked Green Ghosts are extremely precious, especially from this Intermediate Warlord leader. Even Advanced Warlords couldn't catch it. They're pack-hunting monsters, and only a War God could kill one. It would sell for at least two hundred million."

"Even G-grade materials are worth ten thousand. F-grade ones are worth at least fifty thousand. If we pick the good stuff, it'll be worth as much as two Beginner Beast Generals."

Xu Liang eagerly went to collect the materials.

Perhaps the commotion just now had been too great and frightened away the monsters. From the time they finished gathering the spoils until they left, they did not encounter any danger.

That afternoon, they hunted another Intermediate Beast General.

Night fell.

"Captain, I want to go out and hunt monsters," Ning Ze said calmly.

Zuo Xingyuan had a headache. Ning Ze's combat strength had been obvious in both battles. He even seemed faintly stronger than Zuo Xingyuan himself. But nighttime was truly dangerous. In terms of perception, humans were at a disadvantage.

Especially since Ning Ze was only an Advanced Warrior. If he were Warlord-level and, like Zuo Xingyuan, his body had undergone Gene Evolution enough to grant night vision, Zuo Xingyuan could rest easy.

But Ning Ze looked so serious and stubborn that Zuo Xingyuan truly could not talk him out of it.

"Fine. But you can only hunt nearby. If you encounter danger, remember to call for help. We'll be training during the first half of the night, and you need to rest too."

Ning Ze grinned. "Don't worry, Captain. I'll be careful." With that, he quietly slipped out the door.

When he came to the Wilderness Area: "Swift Steps" Micro-level 5686/10000; "Gale Sword Master" Proficient 5705/10000

That fierce battle in the morning had directly increased his proficiency by nearly a thousand. His proficiency had risen again that afternoon, and "Gale Sword Master" had now reached Proficient 6805/10000.

His proficiency had surpassed 6666.

He could now achieve quadruple Force Generation.

August 31st.

A lavishly decorated villa.

Inside the living room.

A massive crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling.

Below it.

Every face above the splendid clothing was filled with worry, fear, helplessness, and anger.

They stood in a circle, all venting their emotions at the middle-aged man seated in the seat of honor.

One question after another struck straight at his heart. Some even shamelessly tugged at the middle-aged man's sleeves.

"Enough!"

A furious roar rang out.

Shu Heng rose angrily to his feet. Things were already troublesome enough, yet these people just kept pressing him.

"What are you all panicking for? Can panicking solve the problem?"

A sharp-featured woman stepped forward and shouted angrily, "We have shares in the company too! Such a huge order went wrong. Who knows if your Shu Family is trying to use this to siphon money and kick us out?"

"Exactly! Such a huge order came out of nowhere, and after production was completed, we found out the goods were fake. Do you take us for fools? Everyone knows the young master of Qihang Company has always been pursuing your daughter. I think you colluded with them from the start!" A man in a suit adjusted his collar and spoke coldly.

"Even if there's a problem, it was someone from your Shu Family who caused it! Your Shu Family handled the Combat Suit outerwear from receiving the materials to processing and delivery! Why should we share the responsibility? If you don't give us an explanation, don't blame us for suing tomorrow!"

The speaker was a square-faced man who wore a stern expression, as though handling official business.

The moment he spoke, Shu Yi became anxious. "Second Uncle Yang, how can even you say that?"

Yang Wenxiang's expression did not change. "Family is family, business is business. What's wrong with me speaking fairly? Do you know how much was lost? The materials alone cost one billion! We signed a contract! If the goods cannot be delivered on time, heh... even if your family goes bankrupt, you won't be able to pay it back!"

Shu Yi was instantly at a loss for words. What he said was indeed true, but this second uncle of hers had only found a way forward—and even done rather well—because her family had supported him in the past. Now he was turning his back on them. It was truly chilling.

"I say we just marry the girl off to him. Doesn't the young master of Qihang Company like her? This business deal was negotiated that way in the first place. Marry her to him and have them give us more time. At least we can complete this order. It'll hurt us badly, but at least the company will survive!" someone suggested.

Shu Yi's face flushed red as she shook her hands. "No! No!"

How could these shareholders care about her? The moment they heard that suggestion, they began discussing it all at once, loudly talking over one another about becoming related to Qihang Company by marriage.

At most, they would lose one billion Huaxia Coin. The Shu Family could bear it, as long as the company did not collapse.

Shu Yi tried to argue with them, but when she turned around, her heart sank halfway.

Shu Heng looked tempted, as though he were considering whether this solution was feasible.

Shu Yi hurriedly looked toward her mother beside her, but her mother lowered her head, looking as though she could do nothing. Shu Yi felt even more helpless in that instant, and her eyes reddened.

"Once a girl gets married, why would she still care about the Shu Family? You'll be living comfortably then, but what will happen to us?"

Seeing that Shu Heng was about to be persuaded, Shu Yi's second uncle Yang Wenxiang added another remark.

"Brother-in-law, I'm not trying to harm Shu Yi. Tell me yourself, what's bad about marrying the young master of Qihang Company? It's a famous major corporation in Yangzhou District, with a market value of over ten billion! If she marries into that family, she'll live in luxury! Then our business..."

"Nonsense!"

A hoarse roar rang out.

Everyone turned toward the sound.

An old man with grizzled hair descended from the second floor, leaning on a cane. He wore a black Zhongshan suit and came down with imposing momentum. Every step he took, he glared furiously downstairs, his eyes filled with murderous intent and cold light.

An invisible killing aura instantly silenced the noisy hall.

"Grandpa."

Shu Yi called out and hurried over to support the old man. Her helpless appearance was pitiful.

When Shu Hongjing turned to her, the murderous aura on his face vanished. He patted Shu Yi's hand kindly. "A bunch of brats dare pressure my granddaughter? They must have eaten bear hearts and leopard gallbladders!"

"Xiao Guai, don't worry. Grandpa will never force you. I've met that Ning Ze boy too. He's a good kid. As for that Zhai fellow, hmph! He only looks human."

Shu Yi nodded repeatedly like a pecking chick.

Shu Hongjing had once been a martial warrior, and his presence was formidable. His entrance had stunned everyone present.

But once he came downstairs, they came to their senses. In this Base City, there was nothing to fear.

Someone immediately spoke up.

"Old Master Shu, everyone has lost money here. The materials alone cost one billion, and the company didn't even have enough working capital. We had to take out bank loans. We only earn a little hard-earned money in this business. After more than half a month of work, we finally delivered the goods, only to find out they were fake! The losses are enormous! What do you say we should do?"

Shu Hongjing did not answer. Instead, he turned to Shu Heng and asked in a deep voice, "Have you found the cause of the problem?"

Shu Heng looked at all the shareholders present. He hesitated, seeming to want to speak but saying nothing.

This angered everyone. When it came time to bear losses, they were treated like outsiders. The fact that he refused to say anything clearly meant there was something suspicious going on.

"I think the Shu Family just wants to pocket this money! The company will be left as an empty shell while you make a fortune!"

"Look at his attitude. That's obviously it! He's cheating acquaintances!"

"I think they're planning to use it as that little girl's dowry!"

"They won't get away with this! If they don't give us an explanation today, I'll sue them immediately!"

"Shut up!"

Shu Hongjing bellowed, his face filled with fury.

"I built this company with money I earned by risking my life! I gave you some shares only out of consideration for your fathers! Back then, you were the ones begging me before I sold you those shares."

"So what if I pocketed your money? If the company goes bankrupt, I'd rather pay no compensation to you! Piss me off, and I'll abandon this lousy company altogether! Dressed up all fancy, and you really think you have any ability?"

"You have no place to speak here! If you want your money back, shut your mouths! I, Shu Hongjing, would never make such disgusting money!"

The moment he said this, everyone fell silent as cicadas in winter.

These were all hard truths. Shu Hongjing was, after all, a martial warrior. He still received money for his past contributions. Even if he went bankrupt, he would still have somewhere to live and connections to make a comeback. His situation was completely different from theirs.

Even if they tried to confront him, they would only end up smashed to pieces themselves. Their statuses were different. They might as well calm down and listen.

They also knew this old man's character. He probably had not deliberately scammed their money.

Seeing that the group had been cowed, Shu Hongjing turned back with a grim face and demanded, "Speak!"

"Since something happened, give everyone an explanation!"

"Everyone here is an old friend. If you really did something foolish, confess it now! Don't wait for me to act!"

Shu Heng's face was full of bitterness as he said quietly, "Dad, how could I do such a thing? It was Niandong. He switched out the goods we produced, and by the time they arrived, they had become a pile of defective products."

The moment those words were spoken, everyone present erupted in an uproar.

Niandong's full name was Shu Niandong. He was Shu Heng's cousin and a member of the Shu Family.

This was exactly what they had suspected before—the Shu Family wanted to swallow the money!

It was only that the old master had not known.

Everyone turned toward him, waiting for an explanation.

Shu Hongjing looked stunned for a moment, then his face fell silent. He waited three seconds before asking hoarsely, "Niandong did it?"

During the Great Cataclysm, viruses spread everywhere. Survival depended entirely on luck, with physical fitness accounting for only a small factor. At the time, only Shu Hongjing and his brother remained of the Shu Family.

Later, during the Great Nirvana, monsters ran rampant and they fled constantly. Shu Hongjing's biological younger brother died while holding off monsters to buy him time, leaving behind only this youngest son.

Shu Hongjing had always treated Shu Niandong like his own son. He could not believe Shu Niandong was capable of doing something like this.

"It really was Niandong," Shu Heng replied bitterly again.

Shu Yi was dumbfounded with shock. She had never imagined that her second uncle would do such a thing!

Shu Hongjing was silent for a long while before saying only two words. "Where is he?"

"I locked him in the basement. I had planned to force him to explain why he did it, but then they arrived." Shu Heng looked helpless.

Shu Hongjing nodded silently, then turned to look around at everyone.

"I, Shu Hongjing, am not an unreasonable man. Since this matter concerns my family affairs, it has nothing to do with any of you. No matter how much money it is, I, Shu Hongjing, can afford it. Even if the company goes bankrupt, I will compensate everyone for their losses."

"I won't keep you any longer. My word still carries some weight, I trust."

The moment they heard they would not suffer financial losses, everyone quickly left with ingratiating smiles.

"Then, Old Master, we'll wait for you."

"If you take action, there definitely won't be a problem. We won't interfere in your family affairs."

"We'll wait for your news. We still trust Old Master Shu's character."

As they left, they piled one flattering remark after another upon him.

Just as they were halfway out, Shu Hongjing spoke again.

"Wenxiang, stay behind!"

Yang Wenxiang immediately stopped. His gaze flickered as he turned around with a smile. "Do you need something, Uncle?"

Shu Hongjing smiled without warmth. "We're family through the same in-laws, so that makes us relatives. You're so concerned about our family affairs, so stay and watch." Then he turned and shouted sternly, "Speak! What does that brat want?"

Shu Heng looked troubled as well, casting a glance at Shu Yi.

That glance chilled Shu Yi's heart.

"He said he wants to marry Shu Yi to Zhai Yanko."

Shu Hongjing asked calmly, "What benefit does he get?"

Shu Heng did not dare look at his father. Lowering his head, he said, "The Zhai Family promised that if he succeeds, they'll let him take charge of the Shu Family's business. If he fails, they'll still pay him for the materials from that batch of goods."

Shu Yi clenched her hands. Everyone could see how much Grandpa loved her second uncle. If Grandpa abandoned her too, then there would be no one in her family left to rely on.