Puppy Cub?

"Does it make a difference whether he controls it or not?"

Bai Feng withdrew his gaze. He didn't have many feelings for Lin Shu.

After all, before today, the two had only met once.

The other party was relying on lingering immortal fate to extend his life, and used this to kill three thugs from the opera troupe.

He had some strength, but not much, and it wouldn't last long. Moreover, he was from the South Suburb's mud-slinging background, with a bleak future and no prospects.

Such an insignificant figure, offering no profit, truly made Bai Feng lose interest.

Even though the situation had changed now.

This person, having somehow obtained an inner method, successfully stepped into cultivation, did not cause much of a shift in his attitude.

The reason was not complicated.

Yan Jin might have been displeased that Tian Jingyuan had inquired everywhere about her evaluation of Lin Shu, and thus secretly caused trouble.

Therefore, when she brought Lin Shu into the Fierce Wolf Hall this time, she did not inform the hall about the specific rank of the inner method he had comprehended.

But even so, how could it be hidden from a slick character like Bai Feng?

Any inner method that was at the forefront of the Middle Three Ranks, with the potential to become a pillar of support, required prior reporting to the hall master.

Clearly, the one surnamed Lin did not fall into that category.

"Now that you've managed to extend your life, you should cherish it, don't you think?"

Bai Feng said with a fake smile, "This is the Fierce Wolf Hall. We don't raise puppy cubs. If you casually provoke someone you can't afford to offend, no one will stand up for you."

Although his words seemed to be directed at Lin Shu, they were actually a subtle reminder to Yan Jin to mind her own business.

If it were anyone else, it would be different. At least he was a young wolf. Regardless of his future, making a slight connection could be helpful later on.

But this kid was different.

To put it bluntly, just guarding a small Magpie Nest, for a mere twenty-odd taels of silver a month, the guy dared to take Zhang Zhongping's life.

If he were allowed to control a whole street, wouldn't he dare to storm the Yamen itself?!

"..."

Yan Jin stopped in her tracks and looked over coldly.

The reason she had spoken up to remind him was that Lin Shu, upon receiving the order to guard the Magpie Nest, had indeed ensured that no problems arose from the prostitutes inside.

Even when a Great Martial Master came to cause trouble, far exceeding the duties of a Fox.

This matter shouldn't have escalated so much.

It was precisely because of their prior neglect that Lin Shu couldn't reach his Fierce Wolf brethren, and no one stepped in to mediate.

Why let the same problem happen again?

"What, did I say something wrong?"

Facing Yan Jin's cold stare, the usually slick Bai Feng, for once, did not avert his gaze.

He always believed that investing one's thoughts in someone who was both valueless and prone to causing trouble would only bring them more problems.

Tian Jingyuan was not difficult to deal with. With their status, a single word would be enough to make that fatso behave.

But if this precedent were set, in the eyes of others, Yan Jin would henceforth be Lin Shu's backer.

Who could guarantee that this kid, after tasting the benefits, wouldn't use this tiger skin to stir up even bigger trouble?

By then, it wouldn't be so easy to distance themselves!

As their gazes met, a subtle sense of confrontation arose between them.

"Can't afford to offend... Is he very strong?"

Lin Shu's seemingly casual question, as if out of curiosity, finally broke the stalemate.

"Hmph."

Bai Feng let out a breath.

Lin Shu's voice carried no hint of provocation.

But the other party's nonchalant demeanor still stirred a trace of annoyance in Bai Feng's heart.

Well, they were having a dispute.

And yet, this young wolf, targeted by Fatty Tian, acted as if nothing had happened.

"Strong or not, how should I put it?"

Bai Feng raised an eyebrow, suppressed his displeasure, and said slowly, "It depends on who you compare him to."

"A Sixth Rank inner method, just breaking through to Mid Qi Condensation, at most fifty to sixty strands of Qi Absorption. He's only been a Fierce Wolf for a short while, so he probably hasn't had the chance to collect Immortal Family Treasures to supplement his abilities."

"Compared to other Fierce Wolves, he is naturally inferior."

"But if compared to you..."

Bai Feng did not finish his sentence, merely let out a light chuckle, then flicked his sleeve and walked past the two, leading the way.

"Don't mind him."

Yan Jin's voice was indifferent as she resumed walking. "Blackwater City isn't like the outside world; we're not at a stage to discuss talent. Cultivation level depends more on luck. As long as you're alive, there's always a chance to surpass others."

"..."

Lin Shu had gathered the information he wanted and slightly raised his eyes to look at the Long Street ahead.

His thoughts were clearly not on these two people.

Fifty to sixty strands of Qi Absorption?

Trying to earn this Evil Coin didn't seem as difficult as he had imagined.

Full Fortune Restaurant.

It was almost noon, but this relatively upscale establishment had already instructed its staff to clear out the patrons.

The shopkeeper personally waited at the entrance.

More than ten people entered one after another, each requiring him to greet them with obsequious bows.

"Yo! Master Tian, congratulations on your promotion!"

Before the old shopkeeper could straighten up, he saw a mountain of flesh blocking his view.

"Go in, why are you standing there?"

Yin Ling sauntered over and casually teased Tian Jingyuan, "What's wrong? Not feeling happy?"

The two of them had pooled together most of the Good Fortune Martial Hall's assets, and their relationship had become much closer.

"A little bit."

Tian Jingyuan suppressed the coldness in his eyes and didn't deny it.

He truly hadn't expected that cheap fox to survive under Zhang Zhongping.

He had even stepped on that old man's corpse to successfully join the Fierce Wolf Hall.

This made Tian Jingyuan feel a vague sense of unease... and even regret.

Because he had never taken Lin Shu seriously before, he hadn't deliberately concealed information when he was helping Zhang Zhongping with various arrangements.

This had led to the well-known outcome they were facing now.

"What's the rush? A mere young wolf cub, can it really overturn the heavens? Don't tell me you're scared. Let's see what the situation is."

Yin Ling patted the fatty's shoulder and smiled reassuringly.

The two entered the restaurant, passed through the front hall, and arrived at the spacious private room specially prepared by the shopkeeper for the Fierce Wolf Hall.

The first thing that caught their eye was a thick, solid long table made entirely of Ironwood, three zhang long, polished to a brilliant sheen, emitting a faint gray glow.

At the head of the table sat an old man in a green robe with somewhat cloudy eyes, known as Master Mo.

This old wolf had joined the gang long ago and had deep seniority; he was hosting today's banquet.

The second seat belonged to Yan Jin and Bai Feng.

Further back sat a few scattered wolves, regardless of their height, build, or whether they were chatting and laughing. The commonality was the indelible Sha Qi on their bodies.

As for the young wolves they brought, they sat obediently by their sides.

Tian Jingyuan, as a newly promoted wolf, naturally sat further back.

He walked to his seat, reached out to pull the heavy Ironwood chair, and simultaneously cast his peripheral vision towards the very end of the long table. The handsome young man sitting quietly there happened to turn his gaze over as well.

Lin Shu's eyes were calm. Forget about enmity; he looked as if he didn't even know this fatty.

But it was precisely this direct gaze that made Tian Jingyuan's heart ignite with anger once more.

It was the same back at the Magpie Nest.

Why... did this person dare to look at him like that?

When there is a gap in status and strength between two parties, the subordinate's lack of fear in their eyes is itself an offense!

"Heh."

Tian Jingyuan withdrew his gaze and pressed his corpulent body into the chair.

He closed his eyes, dispelling his previous regret.

Just as Yin Ling had said, there was no need to rush; there would always be opportunities.

At the right time, with just one slap, he could crush this cheap fox into dust!