Xu Sanshi was, after all, his family's second young master, so he had learned a little about the better-known merchant associations in society.
And Unlimited Blade Works was one of the emerging merchant associations he had paid particular attention to.
This merchant association had appeared out of thin air on the continent about two years ago. It had not drawn much attention at first, but before long, it had begun developing at an astonishing speed.
Its main business was Soul Tools.
Normally speaking, Soul Tools did not sell very well in the three original nations. After all, Soul Masters there generally rejected them.
But Unlimited Blade Works was an exception.
The reason was simple: its products were simply too cheap.
The Soul Tools its merchant association sold were priced at practically cost price. For some that consumed more rare metals, even the raw materials cost more than their selling price, making people wonder whether it could actually make any money this way.
Yet facts spoke louder than words. In a mere two years, Unlimited Blade Works had multiplied its worth several times over, and it was now one of the most influential Soul Tool merchant associations within the three original nations.
According to the Xu Family's steward, this merchant association called Unlimited Blade Works definitely had a major power backing it. Otherwise, it could not possibly maintain such a heaven-defying production speed while pursuing such an outrageous pricing offensive.
One of Xu Sanshi's tasks upon coming to Shrek this year was to probe whether Unlimited Blade Works was a creation of Shrek.
After all, within the three original nations, only Shrek possessed sufficient Soul Tool Technology to manufacture Soul Tools this way.
But reality had slapped them hard in the face.
Xu Sanshi looked at Lin Xi, then at the black card, over and over again.
So this kid was actually part of that mysterious merchant association?
No, he had just called it his family's business. In other words, he was Unlimited Blade Works' young master?
In other words, not only was this kid a genius Soul Master, but he also had an emerging merchant association with boundless prospects behind him?
Comparing yourself to others really could anger you to death...
Xu Sanshi sighed inwardly once again.
He put away the card and broke into a smile.
"I never expected you to have such a powerful background, junior. Why didn't you say so at the start?"
Lin Xi shrugged.
"First impressions are very important. If I'd revealed my identity right at the start, your first impression of me would have been Unlimited Blade Works' young master, wouldn't it? I don't like that. By comparison, I much prefer an impression like 'a junior with boundless prospects.'"
"Haha, well said!" Xu Sanshi laughed happily and waved a hand. "I know a good restaurant. Want to come try it with me, junior?"
"Sorry, Yutong and I have already eaten, and we don't have an appetite. Let's leave it for today and get together another time."
Lin Xi declined Xu Sanshi's invitation with a soft laugh, then asked:
"By the way, from what I understand, you're close to Bei Bei and Tang Ya?"
"Yeah. Why?"
Xu Sanshi was not particularly surprised.
His apparent conflict with Bei Bei could only fool outer courtyard students without any backing. Any truly major power could uncover the truth with a little investigation.
"I'm very interested in the hidden weapon techniques of their Tang Sect." A trace of playful mockery flashed through Lin Xi's eyes. "How about arranging an introduction when you get back?"
His conflict with Buddha was unavoidable.
Sooner or later, he would become involved with the Tang Sect.
Since that was the case, he would strike first and seize the advantage.
"Really? That would be great!" Unaware of Lin Xi's thoughts, Xu Sanshi immediately grew excited. "Unfortunately, Bei Bei and the others went hunting soul beasts, so they're not at Shrek right now. Don't worry, leave it to me. I'll be sure to have a good talk with them."
Watching the delighted Xu Sanshi, Lin Xi raised an eyebrow.
He knew that, in Xu Sanshi's eyes, Unlimited Blade Works was a supernova with an infinitely bright future. For such a supernova to actually want to join forces with a pathetic, declining sect like the Tang Sect, which had only two members left, was a meat pie falling from the sky for Bei Bei and the others. They had to hurry and catch it.
Unfortunately, he was destined to be disappointed. He still did not understand the Tang Sect.
It was a pyramid-scheme sect made up of Tangs that would unconditionally brainwash new members into becoming Tangs. The beliefs within the hearts of such a sect's members were extremely firm.
To them, the ways of their ancestors could not be changed. An unfamiliar merchant association like Unlimited Blade Works wanted to lay its fingers on the Hidden Weapon Hundred Separations without joining the Tang Sect? Not a chance!
After inwardly shaking his head in pity, Lin Xi patted Xu Sanshi on the shoulder.
"In that case, I'm counting on you, senior."
Hopefully, Bei Bei and Tang Ya's stubbornness wouldn't make this kid question his life later.
Those people were top-class talents who could let a trash Martial Soul like Blue Silver Grass hold the position of sect master for ten thousand years.
Then he turned and waved.
"Well, we'll say goodbye for tonight. We only just finished registering as new students and haven't had time to look at the dorms yet."
"Sure! See you another day, little brother!"
Hearing the voice whose attitude had already taken a complete about-face, a trace of amusement flashed through Lin Xi's eyes, and he took Huo Yutong away.
Xu Sanshi watched their retreating figures and stretched luxuriously.
"Ahh-even though Nannan rejected me again tonight and I got swindled out of two Mystic Water Pills, I got to meet Unlimited Blade Works' young master in exchange, and I can even help Bei Bei make a connection with him. What a bargain, what a bargain."
With that, he left with a grin.
He did not see what happened afterward. Otherwise, his refreshed, cheerful mood might have been ruined in an instant.
The moment they left his line of sight, Huo Yutong suddenly hugged Lin Xi's arm as well.
Lin Xi jumped.
"What's wrong, Yutong?"
Melusine chuckled.
"Oh my, are you jealous, little sister?"
"..."
Huo Yutong did not answer, merely glaring back in silence.
For some reason, Huo Yutong treated Artoria as a master worthy of respect, yet was full of hostility toward Melusine.
Not long after Melusine had been summoned, Huo Yutong had begun competing with her in all sorts of ways.
It had very much the feeling of, "I can lose to anyone, but I absolutely cannot lose to you."
Fortunately, Melusine bore her no hostility and always acted as though she were teasing an adorable little sister.
Otherwise, Lin Xi feared he might end up with a perforated stomach.
Lin Xi looked to the side for help.
"Artoria..."
There was no persuading Yutong. In fact, waiting until Lin Xi had finished his serious business before throwing a tantrum was already very considerate of her.
Melusine could not be persuaded either. To her, teasing Yutong was like sleeping in-an indispensable part of life.
That left him with only Artoria to pin his hopes on.
But things went against his wishes. When Artoria saw Lin Xi look over, she immediately averted her gaze. Judging by her expression... she even seemed a little pleased by his misfortune?
Damn it, was this how the King of Knights should behave?!
Grumbling inwardly in grief and indignation, Lin Xi suggested:
"How about both of you let go? I can't even walk properly with you both clinging to me like this."
"No~ way~" Melusine refused languidly. "I haven't had much close contact with you since we met the Three-Eyed Golden Lion. Now I'm desperately short on vitamin Lin Xi, and I need a serious refill."
The corner of Lin Xi's mouth twitched, and he looked at Huo Yutong.
Huo Yutong also shook her head firmly.
"...If she doesn't let go, neither will I."
Lin Xi sighed helplessly.
It seemed there was nothing he could do.
And so, that night, quite a few people saw two stunningly beautiful girls clinging to a boy as they paraded through the streets.
It even became a campus legend for a time.